Albanese condemned the attackers as “cowards,” revealing that the National Security Committee had convened to probe the incident, treating it as an act of terrorism.

“This is a deliberate assault on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, a day meant for joy and celebrating faith,” Albanese expressed.

“Such evil acts of antisemitism and terrorism have pierced the core of our nation,” he added.

“An attack on Jewish Australians is an affront to all Australians, and like me, the entire nation mourns this assault on our way of life,” he stated.

“Our country has no room for such hatred, violence, and terrorism,” he affirmed.

“Let me be clear: we will eradicate it.”

Albanese said Jewish Australians “should never have to know the fear that you know tonight”.

“There are nights that tear at our nation’s soul. In this moment of darkness we must be each other’s light, hold onto the true character of the country that we love,” he said.

“Australia is stronger than the cowards who attacked innocent people today, Australia is braver than those who seek to make us afraid. Australia will never submit to division, violence or hatred.

“We will see justice done and we will come through this together.”

Albanese spoke alongside Australian Federal Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Nigel Ryan and ASIO director general Mike Burgess.

Ryan said the declaration of a terrorist incident would allow the AFP to work with ASIO and NSW Police using specialist powers in the investigation.

Burgess said the national terrorism threat level would remain at “probably” and “I don’t see that changing at this stage”.

Probably means a 50 per cent chance of an act of terror, “and unfortunately we have seen that horrific act occur tonight in Australia”, he said.

“We are looking at the identities of the attackers and where that is known, we are looking at the community to see if there is anyone who has similar intent.

“It’s important to stress at this point that we have no indications to that fact, but that is something we have active investigations on.”