Raw emotion filled the chambers of Western Australia's State Parliament as politicians from all sides gathered to honour the victims of the Bondi terrorist attack and pledge to confront the anti-Semitism that fuelled it.
A Sombre Parliament Recalled
In a final, poignant sitting before Christmas, the WA Legislative Assembly was recalled for a special condolence motion. The atmosphere was described as palpably sombre, with MPs on both sides reportedly close to tears as they observed a minute's silence for the fifteen lives lost.
Premier Roger Cook, Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas, and Nationals Leader Shane Love led the tributes, with the motion carried unanimously. Premier Cook stated that all of Western Australia stood united in grief for the horrific murders. "We state without equivocation that we stand beside the Australian Jewish community," he declared, condemning all acts of hatred and affirming the right of Jewish Australians to live without fear.
MPs' Powerful Pledges and Condemnations
Jewish Labor MP Frank Paolino delivered a moving speech, vowing that the community's spirit would not be broken. "Our light will never diminish, it will shine brighter," Mr Paolino said. "Our resilience defines us and our courage will always be our strength. Together we will overcome."
Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas read aloud the names of the identified victims, highlighting their diverse backgrounds—from a Holocaust survivor to a child at the beach. He labelled the atrocity "the worst terrorist attack on Australian soil" and said Australia would never be the same. He urged the federal Albanese Government to "urgently consider" the outstanding recommendations from Special Envoy Jillian Segal's report on anti-Semitism.
Nationals Leader Shane Love offered the community his party's "support and solidarity," stating, "Your place in Australia is valued, respected and non-negotiable."
A Call for National Action Against Hate
The unified message from the chamber was a forceful rejection of extremism and a commitment to protect the Jewish community. Mr Zempilas framed the attack as anti-Semitism taken to its "most vile conclusion," while Premier Cook emphasised that the state was "stronger united."
The recall of Parliament underscored the profound impact of the Bondi attack on the national psyche, transforming shock and anger into a bipartisan resolve for action. The speeches served as both a memorial to the innocent lives lost and a stark promise to challenge the ideologies of hate that led to the tragedy.
