NSW Labor to seek to ban protests after Bondi attack under proposed powers

Police have warned people not to attend unauthorised gatherings being promoted on social media in the wake of the Bondi terror attack. “Put Australia First” events in Sydney and Melbourne are circulating on social media, declaring “the government should be sacked” and describing the rallies as memorials for the Bondi victims. Police warned the events had not gone through any formal approval process and there would be a significant response to any large scale gathering. “We strongly encourage those planning or attending these events to reconsider,” a spokesman said. “This is not a time for large gatherings that may heighten tension or create further risk to the safety of the community.” Police vowed they would take strong action against anyone who engaged in criminal activity motivated by hate. “Many people in our community continue to feel the impact of the terrorist attack at Bondi on Sunday,” a spokesman said. “The NSW Police Force is urging everyone in the community that now is a time for healing, unity and supporting one another. “While the NSW Police Force recognises people may want to protest due to recent events both here and overseas, we are asking the community to choose other ways to come together peacefully.” Police given extraordinary powers in wake of terror attack The NSW government will have “extraordinary powers” to smash protests in the wake of the Bondi terror attack. Premier Chris Minns said Labor will seek to introduce reforms to restrict the authorisation of public assemblies in a specific area “during high risk time, like when there is a terrorist event in NSW” in the wake of the massacre. The declaration, requiring agreement of police and the Police Minister, could apply to anywhere in the state and would deny even the courts the ability to green light a protest. “We hope this will be a strong signal to the community that assemblies in public spaces in a designated area are unsafe or discouraged during a period of mourning or division or terrorism,” Mr Minns said. The Premier said the declaration would have to be called within 14 days of a terrorism designation being reached under the Police Powers Act. “It will then be in order for 14 days, but can be extended for a further 14 days, up to a period of three months,” he said. “This is obviously extraordinary powers not seen before in any jurisdiction in the country. It is expected Police Minister Yasmin Catley and Police Minister Mal Lanyon will make a protest designation once the legislation is passed as early as Monday. “I think the public’s expectation that we can have a summer of calm, rather than one of division and hatred and protest,” he said. “These are important changes, but they’re necessary, we believe, to live up to the number one priority of any government in office, the number one priority for any political leader, any government, or any parliament, and that is to protect its citizens.” Mr Minns indicated his plan around protests on Wednesday, prompting condemnation from political rights groups and the pro-Palestine movement who worry the clamp down on freedom of expression would exacerbate division, not ease it. He claimed near-weekly pro-Palestine protests had been “unleashing forces in our community that are not being contained”. “When you see people marching and showing violent, bloody images, images of death and destruction, it’s unleashing something in our community that the organisers of the protest can’t contain. “The truth of the matter is, we can’t risk another mass demonstration on that scale in NSW.” Earlier on Friday, the NSW opposition – who agreed to parliament being recalled – said they would seek to reintroduce their own legislation to strengthen community safety. The Bill would require decision-makers consider public amenity and social cohesion, economic impact, disruption to the community and the public cost associated with proposed protests, among other measures. “At a time of heightened social tension and rising anti-Semitism, bipartisan leadership on community safety is not optional, it is essential,” NSW Liberal leader Kellie Sloane said. “The NSW Opposition stands ready to act constructively and responsibly. “That is why we will reintroduce these measures and urge the Government to use the recall of parliament to support their urgent passage.” ‘Gun buyback’: Historic move after Bondi Labor will launch the biggest gun buyback scheme in nearly three decades, Anthony Albanese has said while announcing a national “day of reflection”. Fronting media after a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC), the Prime Minister said the federal and NSW governments had agreed to fly flags at half-mast on 21 December on all government buildings. “We invite people across Australia to light a candle at 6:47pm – exactly one week since the attack unfolded – as a quiet act of remembrance, with family, friends or loved ones,” Mr Albanese told reporters. “We’re asking all Australians to observe a minute of silence and we’re talking with media organisations about that as well.” He also said a national day of mourning would be set in consultation with Australia’s Jewish community. On the NSC meeting, Mr Albanese said the Office of National Intelligence informed ministers “identified a regular online video feed from ISIS that reinforces that this was an ISIS-inspired attack,” he told media after a meeting of the National Security Committee”. “Further work is being done by the security agencies around motivation, and we’ll continue to meet and provide them with whatever support they need at this difficult time,” he said. He also announced his government “will establish a national gun buyback scheme to purchase surplus, newly banned and illegal firearms – the largest buyback since the Howard government initiated one in 1996”. “Australia’s gun laws were substantially reformed last after the Port Arthur tragedy.” He said there were now more firearms in Australia than at the time of Port Arthur massacre, which prompted the then-Howard government to introduce Australia’s strict gun laws. Federal and state and territory governments will split the buyback cost 50-50. “Consistent with the approach that was taken in 1996, the government is proposing that states and territories will be responsible for the collection, processing, and payment to individuals for surrendered firearms,” Mr Albanese said. “The Australian Federal Police will then be responsible for the destruction of these firearms.” Liverpool detainees to be released Seven men detained in a dramatic arrest on a Sydney street after warnings a “violent act” was potentially being planned could be released as soon as Friday night. The men had travelled from Victoria when tactical officers rammed a white Hyundai i30 and deployed rounds of rubber bullets during a traffic stop at the intersection of George and Campbell streets in Liverpool on Thursday. A second vehicle, a Victorian-plated Toyota Yaris, was also intercepted a few minutes away but did not sustain serious damage. On Friday, the men – at least one of whom were reportedly being monitored by ASIO – were assisting police with their inquiries, according to officers. At midday, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the men would be released pending a review of “evidence to determine whether it’s a justification to detain them”. “Justification no longer exists unless you find new evidence, more evidence, they’re being released at 7.30pm or sooner,” he said. “It’s a thorough investigation – we will have to release the men if we don’t have sufficient evidence.” Mr Lanyon said the men were all known to Victorian police and would be monitored while in NSW. He confirmed “Islamic extremist ideology is something we are looking at between them” – the group of men and the alleged Bondi gunmen. Addressing the media, Mr Lanyon defended the decision to detain the men. “The actual motive or the likely potential violent attack is unknown, but we were not prepared to take any risk. “We have an incredibly low tolerance for risk.” ‘Hyper environment’: PM on Liverpool arrests During his press conference, Mr Albanese was asked about the arrests. Asked if he thought the ASIO-led operation had thwarted another terrorist attack, Mr Albanese refused to speculate, saying it was “an active and ongoing matter and people are still in custody”. “What I will say is it as an example of the hyper environment we are operating in and an example that members of the public can be confident police will take swift and decisive action,” he said. “Yesterday afternoon was a clear example.” Australian Federal Police Commission Krissy Barrett also confirmed that “partner agencies” led to the arrests. “I won’t go into further detail other than to confirm there was information passed to NSW Police from partner agencies,” she said. “I want to confirm, this is a NSW Police matter and is ongoing and active.” Mr Albanese later visited AFP headquarters in Canberra. He met with members of the counter-terrorism team and received an update on their work in response to the Bondi massacre. No action before Christmas Mr Albanese ruled out recalling parliament before Christmas, saying it was “not practical”. Pressure has been mounting on him to haul back MPs to pass legislation targeting anti-Semitism, with the Coalition vowing to work with the government to iron out the policy details. Sussan Ley has demanded he recall parliament before Christmas. Asked point blank if he would do so, Mr Albanese said no. “It’s not practical, and I suspect that the Opposition Leader knows that that’s not the case,” Mr Albanese said. “We want to make sure that the laws are got right, and we want to make sure as well that there is broad support for it across the board. “We will engage constructively. We will, when drafts are able to be achieved, for what is complex laws, because there are constitutional issues, there are issues of free speech involved in this as well. “We’re going to make sure that these laws don’t get passed and then get knocked over. “We have seen, in High Court decisions in areas relating to migration and other issues related to that national space. “We’ve seen courts make decisions. We don’t want that to occur – we want to make sure that they are very tight.” Final Bondi victim identified The final victim of the Bondi Beach massacre has been identified. Tania Tretiak was named as the 15th and final victim on Friday morning. Ms Tretiak was reportedly not Jewish, although her husband was, and attended the Chanukah by the Sea event on Sunday. Meanwhile, Boris and Sofia Gurman, who confronted one of the Bondi gunmen, are set to be laid to rest. A funeral will also be held at Rookwood cemetery for victim Boris Tetleroyd. Reason Bondi hero tackled alleged gunman Bondi hero Ahmed al Ahmed says has received a cheque for $2.5m following a charity campaign that gained international attention. Footage of Mr Ahmed grappling with Sajid Akram during the Bondi Beach massacre was spread on social media. A GoFundMe campaign raised more than $2.5m for Mr Ahmed, including $99,999 from hedge fund billionaire William Ackman. In a video posted on Friday, TikTok creator Zachery Dereniowski attended hospital to present Mr Ahmed with a large cheque. “Good to see you my friend,” Mr Ahmed told Mr Dereniowski before the pair embraced in a hug. “I came here with news of people around the world – 43,000 people, they raised you $2.5m,” Mr Dereniowski said. Mr Ahmed replied: “I deserve it?” “Every penny,” Mr Dereniowski replied. Asked his message, Mr Ahmed said: “To stand with each other all human beings. “And forget everything bad … and keep going to save life. Save life. “When I do, save the people, I did it from the heart because it was a nice day, everyone was enjoying, celebrating with their kids, women, man, teenager – everyone was very happy. “And, they deserve to enjoy and it's their right. “This country is best country in the world … but, we’re not going to stand and keep watching. Enough is enough. “God protect Australia, Aussie, Aussie, Aussie.” ‘Our strength’: Emotional Bondi scenes Emotional scenes have unfolded at world-famous Bondi Beach after more than 700 people paddled into the water in memory of the 15 lives lost in a mass shooting. Hundreds of mourners descended on the beach shortly after 6am on Friday. Paddling out into the water, the group hope to “spread light, love, and connection through our shared love of the ocean and beautiful Bondi Beach”. “Come together and honour the lives lost, pray for those on the journey to recovery, and express gratitude to our brave first responders,” organisers said. “Diversity is our strength”. Once out on the water, the paddlers held a minute’s silence. Images from the beach revealed the scale of the event, which comes as Bondi slowly reopens to the public following Sunday’s terror attack. A footbridge and adjacent park where the shooting took place reopened on Thursday afternoon. Surf lifesavers are understood to have also paddled in from other beaches in solidarity. Wentworth MP Allegra Spender attended the paddle out. In a video, she said it was “incredible”. “Some of the messages this morning were so important,” she said. “As one person said, this is about a time for courage … a time not to be complacent. “It's a time to tap back into our beautiful Australian values which we hold so dear. “It's the hate we have to fight.” Bondi attack a ‘source of pride’: IS The Islamic State group called the Bondi Beach attack a “source of pride” but fell short of claiming responsibility, an expert has revealed. The radical jihadist group responded to Sunday’s attack in the latest issue of its Al-Naba newspaper. NSW Police earlier confirmed homemade flags of the Islamic State group were found in a car at Bondi linked to Sajid Akram and son Navid Akram, who was charged with a string of serious offences on Thursday. IS also praised, but again fell short of responsibility for, an attack on US troops in Syria’s Palmyra which rocked the struggling post-authoritarian country. The Al-Naba publication is the Islamic State group’s weekly propaganda platform. Question leader won’t answer over Bondi attack Sussan Ley has refused say whether she will support Anthony Albanese’s plan to tackle anti-Semitism in the wake of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. The Prime Minister announced on Thursday tougher measures to crack down on hate speech, which are expected to be expedited over Christmas. The five-point plan also includes powers to reject more visas and a review of the education system. Asked if she would support the government’s measures as they stand on Friday, the Opposition Leader said only that the opposition would “work with the government”. “But, what they have proposed is too little, too late, and (took) too long,” she told Sunrise. Ms Ley said the changes needed to “go further, and we need to go harder”. “We can help write these laws (and) if the Prime Minister can’t do it in time to get it passed before Christmas, we can assist,” she said. The opposition has been calling for stronger measures in their own plan, including stripping citizenship from “extremists and hate preachers”. Ms Ley is also urging for parliament to be recalled early to pass new measures. Speaking on Sunrise, Ms Ley said pushing for harsher measures was “not taking a backward step”. “I strongly reject the assertion that this is political,” she said. “It is not political to fight for children who can’t go to school with their school uniforms on because they’re afraid of anti-Semitic insults and abuse and fear for their safety.” Health Minister Mark Butler said the government was open to recalling parliament, but that the new laws would not go before politicians next week. He claimed governments of “both political persuasions have been struggling to get laws that capture the hatred that is spewed from so many preachers and leaders of organisations through our country”. “We’re determined to get those laws right, to make sure that we can shut those things down, and frankly, where appropriate, also kick those people out,” he told the Today show on Friday morning. “Because, we’ll also have additional powers, new powers to cancel and to refuse visas on the basis of hate speech as well, because we know hate speech, basically, is the fertile ground from which the violence and the murder we’ve seen over the last seven days sprouts.” Liberal MP Tim Wilson said the opposition would have to see the details of the proposed reforms, “but the spirit of what’s being done, of course, will be supportive of because we want to see hate breaches shut down”. In a statement, the Sydney Jewish Museum welcomed the “education focus” of Mr Albanese’s plan and full adoption of Special Envoy’s Jillian Segal’s Plan to Combat anti-Semitism. “Education, awareness and cohesion-building are key elements in the mission of the Museum,” Museum’s Head of Education Sandy Hollis said. “Education is essential to preventing and tackling all racism and building tolerance, respect and critical thinking.” It comes after reports heavily-armed police detained seven men understood to be on their way to Bondi Beach after dramatically ramming their car. In a statement on Thursday night, NSW Police said the operation had concluded. “Tactical Operations police responded to information received that a violent act was possibly being planned,” a spokesperson said. “Police subsequently intercepted two cars as part of the investigation. “As investigations continue, seven men are assisting police with their inquiries. “At this point in time, police have not identified any connection to the current police investigation of the Bondi terror attack.” The men were reportedly travelling in a car with Victorian number plates. ‘Right thing to do’ Mr Butler said the “extraordinary images” of the arrest “remind us that our authorities just work day and night to keep our country safe”. Speaking on Today, he defended Mr Albanese for having not attended the funerals for those killed in the Bondi attack. “He’ll attend those funerals where he’s invited, but he respects the right of the families to invite people to those funerals,” he said. “They’re not particularly a public event. “But, you know, I think that’s the right thing to do as an individual, whether you’re Prime Minister or anyone else, you attend a funeral where you’re invited to attend.” $43m for Bondi mental health The Albanese government will splash more than $40m on mental health services targeting the Jewish community and first responders in the wake of the Bondi Beach attack. The package, announced on Friday, includes dedicated funding of $14.2m for the Jewish community, as well as the broader Bondi community, first responders, children, and young people. A further $4.5m will be given to primary health networks in Sydney and broader areas with significant Jewish communities for additional therapies. The federal government will also establish a temporary Medicare Mental health Centre in the Bondi area with a specific focus on trauma support, which is expected to be operational by early-2026. More than $13m will also be delivered to the Black Dog Institute’s National Emergency Worker Support Service and a raft of mental health services such as Lifeline, Beyond Blue, and eHeadspace. The Witness to War Multilingual Support Line will also receive $3.6m to support Australians who are affected by war related conflict.