Federal Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes, has delivered a powerful address in Parliament, honouring the victims of the Bondi tragedy and condemning the acts of hate that claimed 15 innocent lives.
A Community United in Grief and Resolve
Speaking days before the National Day of Mourning on Thursday, Ms Byrnes acknowledged the profound loss felt across her Illawarra electorate and the nation. She reflected on the horrific evening that left the country shaken.
"On that horrific evening, 15 innocent lives were taken, and our country has been left shaken and reeling," the MP stated, offering her sincere condolences to all families and friends whose lives were irrevocably changed.
Condemning Hate, Celebrating Heroism
In her speech, Ms Byrnes firmly condemned the violence and the antisemitism that motivated the attack. She warned against allowing more hatred to fester in response to such a tragedy.
"We cannot allow more hate to be the response to this act of hate," she declared. "Acts of such immense and intense hatred are aimed at dividing us... But it has not. It has united our community."
She argued that the initial shock and grief had solidified into a "steely determination" to prevent similar incidents from targeting any group in the future.
Turning to the bravery displayed during the crisis, Ms Byrnes highlighted specific acts of courage. She singled out Syrian-born Ahmed Al-Ahmed, calling him one of the heroes of Bondi for risking his life to save others.
"His bravery was simply awe-inspiring," she said.
The True Australian Spirit on Display
Ms Byrnes emphasised that the response to the tragedy showcased the core of the national character. She praised the actions of ordinary Australians, first responders, and volunteers who ran towards danger.
"We saw people running towards danger; stepping in front of a gunman because maybe they could stop him; calling out warnings and sheltering total strangers," she recounted.
For the Cunningham MP, these selfless acts of kindness and protection defined what it truly means to be Australian in the face of unimaginable adversity.
The speech serves as a poignant reminder of the national loss ahead of the official day of mourning, while firmly rejecting division and celebrating the communal spirit that emerged from the darkness.
