Strong security pledge as Jewish families plead with PM
Sydney’s new normal will be increased security, with the NSW premier vowing to beef up security as the Jewish community searches for answers following the Bondi terror attack.
Chris Minns noted that there is a heavy police presence at New Year’s celebrations and that Jewish events may have increased security measures, including arming community guards and deploying the military to combat terrorist threats.
“We have to make sure local communities are safe and that’s my responsibility, we’re not running away from that,” Mr Minns said outside Bondi Pavilion, where 15 innocent people were killed in an anti-Semitic attack.
Nine people remain in hospital, three of whom are in critical but stable condition, after an Islamic State-inspired father-son duo targeted a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on December 14.
“Security protocols and resources will have to change in Sydney… They changed in Rome, they changed in Paris and they will have to change here,” Mr Minns said.
“My point is that anyone who suggests that we can have a regime that replicates the process we had on December 13th is wrong, those days are over.”
Mr Minns refused to heed criticism from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who refused to set up a federal royal commission despite pressure from the Jewish community.
The Prime Minister called for a NSW royal commission to examine anti-Semitism in the lead-up to the attack.
In an open letter published on Monday, 17 families affected by the terror attack called on Mr Albanese to call for a Commonwealth royal commission that would also examine the rise of antisemitism in Australia.
“We need to know why clear warning signs were ignored, how anti-Semitic hatred and Islamic extremism were allowed to grow dangerously unchecked, and what changes need to be made to protect all Australians in the future,” the letter said.
“You owe us answers. You owe us responsibility. And you owe Australians the truth.”
Mr Albanese announced on Monday that there would instead be an urgent inquiry into the intelligence agencies, headed by former spy boss Dennis Richardson, which will report back by April, saying the royal commission would take too long and urgent action was needed.
“My heart breaks for the families of the victims of the Bondi terrorist atrocity and my heart goes out to them at an incredibly traumatic time,” he told reporters in Canberra when asked about his letter.
“As the prime minister of Australia, my duty is to act in the national interest. It is in our national interest to conduct a national security review of Richardson.”
National leader David Littleproud accused the prime minister of being “deaf”.
He noted that former Australian Federal Police commissioner Mick Keelty said a federal inquiry was needed because federal agencies did not have to fully answer questions at the NSW royal commission into the Lindt cafe siege.
Mr Minns said he had been informed that the state-based royal commission would have access to other jurisdictions and heads of departments.
“And I would expect that to happen,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that some Sydneysiders may face increased security as police carry long arms and machine guns during heavy presence and discussions have turned to arming the Community Security Group.
The group is operated by volunteers and support staff to maintain a visible presence at synagogues, Jewish events and institutions.
If the presence of armed guards deters another shooting or makes an elderly Holocaust survivor or Jewish family feel safe enough to attend large celebrations, “then I think that’s a small price to pay,” Mr. Minns said.
The Prime Minister also announced that a community mental health center would be established at the Bondi pavilion to help people affected by the tragedy.
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