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A national day of mourning to honour the victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack will be held on 22 January, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced.
Speaking at Parliament House on Tuesday morning, Albanese said he had consulted with Sydney rabbi Yehoram Ulman, a spiritual leader of the Chabad of Bondi, about the day.
“This will have a theme of light will win, a gathering of unity and remembrance, which has been determined by the rabbi,” Albanese said.
“He has shown extraordinary leadership for someone who has lost family members in that community.”
Eli Schlanger, who was tragically killed in the attack, was the son-in-law of Ulman.
Details around what the day will look like are set to be announced at the end of the week.
At the time of writing, the prime minister has only announced that “flags will be flown at half mast in all Commonwealth buildings around Australia”.
In response to the devastating event, Prime Minister Albanese announced the launch of a royal commission last week. The commission will investigate the terror attack that claimed 15 lives during a Chanukah celebration by the sea, with a particular emphasis on addressing issues of antisemitism and promoting social cohesion.
The government also released new hate speech legislation on Tuesday, ahead of parliament debating the laws next week.
People who join or support prescribed hate groups will face 15 years behind bars, while people will face five years behind bars if they promote or incite hatred against another person or group because of race, colour or national or ethnic origin, according to the legislation.
Disseminating ideas of superiority over or hatred of another person or group because of their race, colour or national and ethnic origin will also be an offence.
— With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press.
