Today marks one month since the devastating antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach.
On December 14, hundreds of Jewish Australians had gathered in that iconic spot in our beautiful country, from babies at their first Chanukah to doting grandparents.
They had come together to reaffirm their faith's message of the victory of light over darkness. For everyone mourning loved ones and friends, for our proud and courageous Jewish Australian community and for every Australian affected by this act of evil, the shock, pain and grief is still raw.
Next Thursday, January 22, will be a National Day of Mourning.
Flags will fly at half-mast and Australia will remember the 15 innocent people whose lives and futures were so cruelly stolen from them that terrible evening.
Each the centre of a personal universe, the light of someone's life, someone's pride and joy.
A voice, a laugh, an embrace that someone will never know again.
Over the last month, we have seen photos of their smiling faces, been given a glimpse of who they were, how much they meant and how deeply they were loved.
Australians will never forget the victims of the deadliest terrorist attack on our soil.
Just as our nation will never forget that in those moments of unimaginable horror what emerged was the courage, kindness and love that represent the very best of the Australian character.
The bravery and quick action of police and first responders, the skill and composure of healthcare workers and the remarkable, selfless courage of everyday Australians.
People who would have left home planning an ordinary Sunday at the beach demonstrating extraordinary valour.
As Australia pauses to remember, we will reaffirm our national determination for light to triumph over darkness.
Indeed, that is the powerful theme the Chabad Community in Bondi have chosen for us all: "Light will win, a gathering of unity and remembrance."
Let that message of hope and unity guide us and inspire us, as we move forward.
Let us remember and honour the victims and the heroes of Bondi Beach by making sure that the atrocity they endured can never happen in our country again.
Our government has called a Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion but we are not waiting for its findings to combat hatred or keep Australians safe.
Next Monday, we are recalling parliament to introduce new laws.
The terrorists at Bondi Beach had antisemitic hatred in their minds and high powered guns in their hands - and our laws will deal with both.
We will target hate speech and hate preachers to counter radicalisation and extremism. Because just as antisemitism and racism are an offence against our Australian values, we will make sure they are an offence under Australian law.
The parliament will also continue the work our government is doing to bring our nation's world-leading gun laws into the 21st century.
We will work with the states and territories to establish a National Gun Buyback Scheme and close loopholes in Australia's gun laws that undermine our community safety and our national security.
Because there is no reason for a person living in the suburbs to own six guns.
There is no way an extremist should be able to buy high-powered weapons over the counter.
And if someone has not earned the privilege of Australian citizenship, then they should not have the right to own a gun.
The last month has been a stern test of our national character and, as always, Australians have responded with the best of our national character: by working together and looking after each other.
The spirit of national unity is vital to our national security and our government will continue to strengthen both.
Originally published in the The Daily Telegraph on Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
