Special honours will be awarded to the heroes of the Bondi Beach terror attack, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced today. Speaking to the media in Canberra, Albanese revealed that he had written to Governor General Sam Mostyn to request the establishment of a new, special honours list.
“This would recognise those individuals nominated and recommended for a bravery or a meritorious award in response to the Bondi terrorist attack,” Albanese stated. The awards, set to be announced next year, aim to acknowledge the bravery of police officers, courageous bystanders, and medical workers who responded to the attack.
Similar honours have been previously granted to individuals recognized for their actions during other significant tragedies, such as the MH17 disaster and the Bali bombing. Albanese emphasized that the awards would be managed “at arm’s length” from the government, allowing the public to nominate deserving individuals.
“Recognition of people’s good deeds is a good thing,” Albanese said. “It’s not why people do it, but it’s what our nation should do.”
Jewish Organization Gains Charity Status
In related news, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, standing alongside the prime minister, announced that the government had declared the Jewish Community Foundation, associated with the Jewish Community Appeal, a community charity. This move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to support organizations aiding the victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack and their families.
“This is part of our ongoing work to support community organisations that are helping the victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack and their families, and bringing the community together in such difficult times,” Gallagher explained. The foundation is now closer to achieving DRG (deductible gift recipient) status, pending approval from the Australian Taxation Office.
“We are urgently doing the work to make sure this can happen, so that people can provide those funds and that organisation can go on and continue to support their essential work in supporting those affected by the Bondi terror attacks,” Gallagher added.
Invitation to Israeli Leader
Prime Minister Albanese also disclosed that he had spoken with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who expressed his condolences to the Jewish community and all Australians. Albanese has written to the Governor General to extend an official invitation to Herzog to visit Australia.
“I will certainly be welcoming him here and meeting with him when he is here,” Albanese confirmed. Despite facing personal attacks from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who criticized Albanese’s leadership as weak, Albanese noted that he had not spoken to Netanyahu since the Bondi terror attack.
Engagement on Gun Reform
Shifting focus to domestic policy, Prime Minister Albanese addressed the government’s approach to gun reform laws, emphasizing a distinction between “legitimate” and non-essential firearm uses.
“We don’t want to say that, you know, all gun use is the same. Quite clearly, it’s not,” he stated. “And people who have legitimate use of guns need to be able to do so, particularly people in our farming communities.”
Albanese pledged to engage with “all parts of Australia” to ensure comprehensive discussions on the reform, highlighting the importance of understanding the diverse needs of rural communities.
The announcement of these special honours and the government’s supportive measures reflect a broader commitment to acknowledging bravery and fostering community resilience in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack.
