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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was met with a mixed reception at Bondi Beach tonight, as a crowd gathered to commemorate one week since Australia’s most devastating terror attack. Some attendees expressed their dissatisfaction vocally amid the somber atmosphere.
Albanese has been under scrutiny following the tragedy, facing accusations that his administration did not adequately shield the Jewish community. Critics have also pointed out his absence at several victims’ funerals and argued that the government’s response lacked depth.
Wearing a kippah to pay his respects during the solemn event, Albanese faced firsthand reactions from those unhappy with his perceived actions and inactions.
When David Ossip, the president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, introduced the officials present, Albanese was met with audible boos from segments of the thousands-strong assembly.
Ossip intervened to pacify the dissent among the crowd.
For NSW Premier Chris Minns there was a standing ovation as Ossip highlighted that he had not missed a single funeral for the victims.
There was also similar applause for NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane, who Ossip said had gone to Bondi Beach on the night of the attacks to help victims.
“That is bravery, that is courage,” he said.
Ossip said more needed to be done, and there was loud cheering as he said “it cannot be disputed that we need a royal commission, which goes beyond NSW, to get to the bottom of how this catastrophe took place”.
“We feared and suspected that this moment was coming.”
The report will be led by former intelligence chief Dennis Richardson, and will examine multiple aspects of how Australia’s security agencies are equipped to respond to acts of terror.
Nationals leader David Littleproud today said there was “no reason why we shouldn’t have a federal royal commission” and claimed Albanese was afraid of the “truth” being revealed.
“There has been a litany of failures here for two and a half years. The warning signs were there from the 8th of October, 2023.
“We should look ourselves in the eye. We should look at the failings of decisions made at a political level, at intelligence levels.”