Pressure is mounting on the Albanese government following Sunday's mass shooting at Bondi Beach that killed 15 people, with Jewish community leaders expressing anger and a sense of abandonment. Former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has blamed the government for failing to prevent the attack and is demanding stronger action against hate preachers and radical Islamic organisations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has indicated openness to strengthening hate speech laws but has ruled out a Royal Commission, arguing it would take too long to deliver solutions. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke echoed this stance, saying the priority is immediate action to keep people safe rather than lengthy inquiries.
Frydenberg has called for a Royal Commission to examine how the attacker obtained guns, was radicalised, and trained overseas. He also urged the government to ban groups like Hizb ut-Tahrir, which are outlawed in the UK, Germany, and moderate Muslim states but remain legal in Australia.
Rabbi Mendel Super, whose brother Yaakov was shot and is hospitalised, said he feels betrayed by the government. Professor Greg Barton of Deakin University argued that authorities must enforce existing hate speech laws more strictly against those spreading bigotry under the guise of religion.
The government has received a report from Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism, Gillian Siegel, recommending stronger protections from hate speech and incitement. However, critics say more urgent action is needed to address the rising anger within the Jewish community.
