- Date and Context: The proceedings took place in the Australian Senate on January 19, 2026.
- Tabling of Documents: Senator Sue Lines tabled a letter from Senator Wong, the Leader of the Government in the Senate, requesting the Senate to convene. Relevant documents were also tabled by the Clerk (Page 1).
- Committees Meeting Announcement: The Clerk announced a meeting of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade—Joint Standing Committee to inquire into Australia’s international development program at 3.30 pm, authorized by The President (Page 1).
- Business Declaration: The President indicated that the day’s agenda centered around a condolence motion related to the antisemitic attack on December 14, 2025, at Bondi Beach, where 15 individuals were killed (Page 1).
- Condolences for Bondi Victims: Senator Penny Wong moved a condolence motion acknowledging the collective grief for the victims, notably 10-year-old Matilda. The motion condemned the attack, honoring the victims, first responders, and the valor of immediate observers during the incident (Pages 2-10).
- Testimonies of Bravery and Kindness: Several senators shared accounts of bravery, highlighting individuals like Ahmed al-Ahmed, who disarmed a shooter, and the Gurman couple, who sheltered others during the attack. These stories underscored the courageous responses from ordinary Australians (Pages 10-22).
- Calls for Action Against Antisemitism: Senators stressed the urgent need to actively confront antisemitism, advocating for educational frameworks such as the National Anti-Racism Framework to combat hate and discrimination. Concerns about rising antisemitic sentiment in Australia since October 7, 2023, were frequently mentioned along with calls for accountability from leadership (Pages 22-26).
- Recognition of Community and Shared Values: Emphasis was placed on solidarity and safety for all Australians, rejecting division. Senators urged remembrance of the victims and committed to combating extremism and hate in all forms (Pages 24-39).
- Concluding Thoughts on Unity: Contributions highlighted the necessity of a united response from both government and community to ensure intolerance towards hate acts. Advocacy for an inclusive, compassionate Australia was a recurring theme (Pages 38-44).
- Reflections on the Bondi Attack: Throughout the discussions, senators expressed horror over the Bondi attack, emphasizing the need for systemic change and community support to prevent future violence. The focus remained on remembering individual victims and the ongoing grief of their families (Pages 25-39).
- Senator Glenn Sterle (ALP, WA) addressed the grief of the Jewish community following the attack during Hanukkah, condemning the normalization of antisemitism and calling for unity and leadership against hate speech (Page 45).
- Senator Wendy Askew (LP, Tasmania) spoke on the broad community impact of the tragedy, highlighting heroic actions and urging ongoing dialogue about the roots of such violence (Page 45).
- Senator Barbara Pocock (AG, SA) articulated a sense of loss felt across communities, framing the attack as a violation of core Australian values and advocating for commitment to safety (Page 47).
- Senator Richard Dowling (ALP, Tasmania) regarded the event as a targeted attack, recognizing the courage of those who intervened and expressing sorrow for the victims (Page 48).
- Senator Dave Sharma (LP, NSW) remarked on the national impact of the Bondi attacks, asserting the importance of unification against hate (Page 48).
- Senator Lidia Thorpe (IND, Victoria) discussed the roots of violence and racism, stressing a comprehensive approach to combat antisemitism and solidarity among oppressed groups (Pages 56-57).
- Senator Michelle Ananda-Rajah (ALP, Victoria) acknowledged the painful truths of the tragedy while honoring the heroes who acted during the crisis. She emphasized the need for community safety (Page 58).
- Senator Matthew Canavan (NATS, Queensland) referred to the Bondi incident as a threat to Australia’s diverse fabric, stressing the need to address antisemitism (Page 60).
- Senator Carol Brown (ALP, Tasmania) highlighted the significant contributions of Jewish Australians, clarifying that the attack contradicted national values (Page 62).
- Senator Dean Smith (LP, WA) warned about the wider implications of extremism, urging collective political action against hate (Page 61).
- Senator Dorinda Cox (ALP, WA) called for resilience and national resolve to protect the rights of all citizens (Page 63).
- Senator Penny Wong (ALP, SA) moved to adjourn the Senate in memory of the victims, concluding the discussions on mourning and reflection (Page 64).
- The overarching messages across these discussions included heartfelt condolences for the victims, a strong condemnation of antisemitism, calls for national unity, recognition of heroism, and reaffirmation of the commitment to confront hate and foster a safer, more inclusive society.
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