Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has faced mounting criticism over his handling of the aftermath of the Bondi beach attack, with opponents accusing him of failing to take control of events. On Thursday, appearing at Parliament House during the funeral of 10-year-old victim Matilda, Albanese conceded that more could have been done to prevent the tragedy, though he did not specify what actions he would have taken.
Albanese confirmed he would finally take up the report by the envoy for curbing antisemitism, Jillian Segal, and announced plans to strengthen hate speech laws and target extremist groups. The federal government will also beef up powers to cancel visas for those spreading division and establish a new taskforce focused on the education system. Labor will redouble efforts to stop antisemitism on social media.
Opposition leader Sussan Ley accused Albanese of missing the mark, calling the government's plans too little and too late. The Coalition has criticized Albanese's response to the terror attack, with former treasurer Josh Frydenberg demanding the prime minister accept personal responsibility for the 15 deaths.
Albanese's cautious approach has been criticized as insufficient, and he has struggled to assume the role of mourner-in-chief, being outshone by New South Wales Premier Chris Minns. A commission of inquiry into the Bondi tragedy is considered inevitable, and Labor is expected to take the lead in announcing such a probe.
