Senate

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister expressed condolences to victims and described the attack as an evil, ISIS-inspired act of antisemitic violence. She stated that the Prime Minister had publicly expressed sorrow for the grief experienced by the Jewish community and the nation. The minister emphasised that the government's responsibility was to act to prevent future attacks, noting that the government was prioritising the drafting of legislation to address the issue. She argued that national unity and action were more important than further words.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister condemned the attack as an act of antisemitic violence inspired by ISIS and paid tribute to victims and emergency responders. She outlined the establishment of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion and an independent review by Dennis Richardson into federal law enforcement agencies. The minister noted that the government had introduced new powers for the Home Affairs Minister to reject or cancel visas for those spreading hate. She also mentioned investments in mental health support for those affected by the trauma of the attack.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that she opposed calls for intifada and believed all Australians were entitled to cultural safety. She noted that Dr Abdel-Fattah was taking legal action against the Premier and declined to comment further on the specific case. In supplementary answers, the minister reiterated her consistent opposition to prejudice and antisemitism but focused on the government's legislative agenda regarding gun reform and hate speech. She affirmed her support for the Adelaide Festival and referenced her agreement with the antisemitism envoy's views on how failures had been used to whip up hatred.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister referred the question to the Minister for the Environment and Water for detailed EPBC approval information. She stated that the government was committed to a responsible economic transition, acknowledging the historical reliance on fossil fuels. The minister argued that building export industries and skills for lower carbon goods was necessary for a responsible transition. She noted that the government had approved 130 new renewable energy projects since 2022, including solar farms, wind farms, and batteries, and emphasised that the energy transition would take many years.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that the government was acting on both hatred and guns, noting that Australia had more than four million firearms in circulation. He outlined reforms to strengthen background checks, improve intelligence sharing, and establish a national gun buyback scheme. The minister clarified that the reforms were not a blanket ban and would not affect legitimate gun owners such as farmers, sporting shooters, and pest controllers. He asserted that under the proposed laws, the attackers would not have been eligible to hold firearms, as the father was not a citizen and the son lacked a licence.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister noted that the Prime Minister had announced $102 million in measures to support the Jewish community since the Bondi attack. He stated that Senator Gallagher had been working closely with the organisation and that a grant opportunity for additional security funding was being prioritised. The minister explained that previous funding decisions were made at arm's length and that the organisation was advised to undertake a full site risk assessment to strengthen its application. He confirmed that the Executive Council of Australian Jewry would administer the funding when available.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister condemned the Iranian government's violent crackdown and called for an end to repressive measures. She stated that Australia had imposed sanctions on approximately 200 Iran-linked people and entities, including nearly 100 linked to the IRGC. The minister noted that Australia had co-sponsored a Human Rights Council resolution for an independent investigation into human rights violations. She affirmed that the Department of Home Affairs was engaging with the Iranian diaspora community regarding the telecommunications blackout and distress caused by the situation.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the Prime Minister and others had clearly identified the attack as antisemitic and inspired by ISIS, which she described as a radical perversion of Islam. She criticised the member's party for voting against legislation to crack down on hate groups and cancel visas for those spreading hate. The minister argued that the member's position was inconsistent, as his party opposed laws designed to protect against hatred while calling for stronger action. She dismissed the final question about resignation as not a serious response.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister detailed the activation of disaster recovery allowances and payments for Victorian bushfire victims. She noted that over $77 million in additional assistance was being activated, including $75,000 grants for primary producers, a $12 million council support fund, and over $82 million for road repairs. For Queensland, she mentioned personal hardship assistance, aid for farmers of up to $75,000, and $7 million in emergency fodder assistance. The minister also highlighted record investments in emergency management capabilities, including the national aerial firefighting fleet and the $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister said that had the national reform package existed, the shooter would have been barred from possessing guns. She clarified that the father was excluded because he was not a citizen, while the son had no licence and would have been identified by intelligence records. The minister contended that tougher gun laws were needed as Australia now has more firearms than it did following the Port Arthur changes. She cited David Meagher, a victim's brother, who remarked that an antisemite armed with a gun is a killer. She further observed that certain measures, including limits on gel balls, relied on guidance from national security agencies.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister outlined a $42.6 million mental health package, including $14.2 million for targeted support for the Jewish community through organisations like Jewish House and Jewish Care. She noted that $4.5 million was provided to primary health networks in Sydney and areas with significant Jewish communities. A Medicare mental health centre with a focus on trauma support was being established in Bondi. Additional funding included $5.6 million for the Black Dog Institute's support service for emergency workers, $3 million for young Australians via headspace, and $7.6 million for crisis support services like Lifeline and Beyond Blue.