Federal Labor MP Patrick Gorman has voiced his strong condemnation of protests held in Perth following the tragic Bondi Junction stabbings, describing the scenes as "disgusting." The Member for Perth has also thrown his full support behind Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's decision to establish a royal commission into domestic violence.
Gorman's Strong Condemnation of Perth Protests
Patrick Gorman, who represents the federal electorate of Perth, did not mince words when addressing the demonstrations that took place in his city. The protests, which occurred in the wake of the devastating Bondi Junction attack that claimed six lives, have been widely criticised for their nature and timing.
"I was disgusted by what I saw," Mr Gorman stated unequivocally. He emphasised that the actions of a small group should not be allowed to overshadow the community's collective grief and the urgent national conversation about violence. The MP's comments reflect a broader concern about the tone and intent of the gatherings, which he believes diverted attention from the victims and their families.
Backing the Prime Minister's Royal Commission Push
Aligning himself firmly with the national leadership, Gorman announced his full endorsement of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's commitment to a royal commission focused on domestic violence. This major policy initiative comes as Australia reels from a series of high-profile violent incidents, with the Bondi tragedy and the recent alleged domestic violence homicide of Molly Ticehurst in NSW amplifying calls for systemic action.
The royal commission, announced by Mr Albanese, aims to investigate the underlying causes of gender-based violence and propose concrete solutions. Gorman highlighted that this formal, national inquiry is a critical step towards addressing what he described as a "national crisis." He argued that a comprehensive, evidence-based approach is necessary to develop effective policies and cultural changes to protect women and children.
A Unified Response to a National Crisis
The MP connected his disgust with the Perth protests to the larger issue, suggesting that respectful and constructive dialogue is essential. He stressed that the focus must remain on supporting victims, understanding the drivers of violence, and implementing preventative measures.
Gorman's public backing of the Prime Minister's decision reinforces a unified front within the Federal Labor Party on this sensitive issue. It signals a prioritisation of long-term structural investigation over short-term political point-scoring, especially in the aftermath of traumatic events that have deeply affected communities across Australia, from Sydney's Bondi Junction to regional NSW and Western Australia.
The call for a royal commission has been met with support from various advocates and experts, though some have also urged for immediate action and funding alongside the longer-term inquiry. Gorman's statements from Perth add a significant voice from Western Australia to the growing national demand for a decisive and thorough response to the epidemic of domestic and gender-based violence.
