Australia news live: thousands join paddle-out in memory of Bondi victims; Coalition calls for new powers to revoke citizenship
Thousands join paddle-out in memory of Bondi victimsWe have received some images from the Bondi paddle-out this morning, where surfers entered the water to honor the victims of Sunday’s Hanukah terror attack. The ABC reported that thousands showed up for the event today.Surfers paddle out in remembrance of the Bondi shooting victims. Photograph: Audrey Richardson/Getty ImagesA man wrapped in an Israeli flag as the Bondi surfing community pays homage to the victims of the mass shooting. Photograph: Hollie Adams/ReutersA circle of surfers and swimmers is created as a symbol of tribute during the paddle-out. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAPShareUpdated at 21.26 GMTKey eventsShow key events onlyPlease enable JavaScript to utilize this featureSussan Ley previously mentioned that the terror threat level was raised from “possible” to “probable” in August 2024, and it has remained at that level since.Ley stated that security agencies have not received sufficient funding. They cannot operate effectively without the necessary resources. Our package aims to enhance those resources. The threat shifted from possible to probable, yet the resources were reduced. How can we assist our agencies in performing their duties? And how can we let them collect the intelligence they urgently require? People have been permitted entry into this country without thorough screenings to ensure they align with the values we desire and require for contributing to our society.
ShareFifteen patients currently hospitalized with Bondi shooting injuriesThere are currently 15 patients being treated in various Sydney hospitals for their injuries, according to NSW Health.No new discharges occurred overnight; however, one patient has progressed from critical to critical-but-stable, and another from critical-but-stable to stable.As of 8am, Friday 19 December:
One patient is in stable condition at Prince of Wales Hospital.
One patient is in critical but stable condition, and another patient is in stable condition at St George Hospital.
Two patients are in critical but stable condition and two patients are stable at St Vincent’s Hospital.
One patient is in critical but stable condition, and four patients are stable at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Three patients are in stable condition at Royal North Shore Hospital.
ShareUpdated at 21.40 GMTWe have additional photos capturing the immense turnout of individuals who gathered in Bondi this morning for the paddle-out, organized by local surf clubs and members of the Jewish community.A recitation of Psalm 23 occurred just before the paddle-out.Surfers and swimmers venture out to form a circle in tribute during the paddle-out. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP Photograph: Audrey Richardson/Getty ImagesShareUpdated at 21.27 GMTThousands join paddle-out in memory of Bondi victimsWe have received some images from the Bondi paddle-out this morning, where surfers entered the water to honor the victims of Sunday’s Hanukah terror attack. The ABC reported that thousands showed up for the event today.Surfers paddle out in memory of the Bondi shooting victims. Photograph: Audrey Richardson/Getty ImagesA man wrapped in an Israeli flag as the Bondi surfing community pays homage to the victims of the mass shooting. Photograph: Hollie Adams/ReutersA circle of surfers and swimmers is created as a symbol of tribute during the paddle-out. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAPShareUpdated at 21.26 GMTSussan Ley advocates for parliament to be convenedThe opposition leader, Sussan Ley, is speaking to the ABC. She insists that parliament should be convened without delay. They have not tackled the antisemitism that has been allowed to grow, especially on our university campuses. Regarding hate speech, it is straightforward. Will we examine our current environment and what transpired in south-western Sydney involving counter-terrorism police, car ramming, and deploying personnel in a scenario reminiscent of an overseas conflict? That indicates the threat level is probable. The provisions allocated to our agencies have decreased. My message is unequivocal, and laws can be enacted to accomplish this. If you promote hatred, if you disseminate radical Islam in a manner that harms others, if you incite violence or glorify terrorism, and you are present here without Australian citizenship, you will be deported.
ShareUpdated at 21.21 GMTShadow immigration minister advocates for broader powers to withdraw citizenshipScarr has also called for an expansion of the powers to revoke citizenship: We would broaden the factors that would activate this power to revoke Australian citizenship from dual nationals. If you review the relevant provisions in the Citizenship Act, you will find a list of triggers for this power, which would be expanded to include hate preachers and others distributing antisemitic material, engaging in such behavior within our society. Moreover, it is vital to note that this applies to dual citizenship; thus, the assistant minister noted that individuals won’t be rendered stateless, which is accurate. However, this would only apply if someone holds citizenship in another country alongside Australian citizenship. It would not affect someone who would become stateless.
ShareUpdated at 21.05 GMTPaul Scarr insists parliament should reconvene to introduce antisemitism legislationThe shadow minister for immigration, citizenship, and multicultural affairs, Paul Scarr, is currently addressing RN, where he stated that parliament should urgently reconvene to enact new antisemitism laws: In light of last Sunday’s events, the urgency of this issue, and the demands of the Australian community, particularly from the Jewish community, I believe a strong message needs to be delivered that parliament will be reconvened and these matters will be prioritized. We must do everything we can immediately and continue this work into the coming year.
ShareUpdated at 20.55 GMTMatt Thistlethwaite asserts there will be ‘no excuses’ for hate speechThe assistant minister for immigration and foreign affairs and trade, Matt Thistlethwaite, has also been on RN. He stated that police and security intelligence agencies require adequate funding and called for enhanced antisemitism laws. He stated: Our actions will ensure that we implement the strongest laws this country has ever had to counter antisemitism and the propagation of hate speech within our community. Therefore, there will be no excuses going forward. We are equipping our law enforcement, security, and intelligence agencies with the necessary tools to prosecute those who engage in such activities.
ShareUpdated at 20.53 GMTBurke confirms new laws will target ‘hate preachers specifically’Burke was asked if the new laws would designate “globalise the intifada” as hate speech? Be assured of this: Our primary focus is on hate preachers specifically, who have made statements that are entirely dehumanizing. To other Australians, entirely dehumanizing. People have inquired, how can that be permitted? Since they have not crossed the line into inciting physical violence, they have remained just below the threshold. What we announced yesterday is our intention to lower that threshold. However, I cannot specify which phrases will be included or excluded. We will be reducing the threshold to the extent that we are constitutionally able to do so.
The immigration minister, Tony Burke, spoke earlier this week. Photograph: Steven Markham/AAPShareUpdated at 21.06 GMTTony Burke asserts the battle against antisemitism ‘will never cease’The home affairs minister, Tony Burke, has been addressing Radio National. He remarked that no government will ever claim to have done enough regarding antisemitism: The struggle against antisemitism is an enduring challenge that will never conclude, and no government will possess the authority to claim they have accomplished enough regarding antisemitism. He referred back to 2014 when then Prime Minister Abbott’s government attempted to alter hate speech laws, asserting that Australians had the right to be bigots. Burke remarked: We are no longer that nation where a decade ago, the government claimed that the freedom that mattered was the freedom to be a bigot. What is essential is the right for individuals to celebrate at the beach safely. That is the freedom that truly matters, not the freedom to belittle and demean our fellow Australians under the guise of free speech.
ShareUpdated at 20.31 GMTSurfers honor victims of Bondi assaultApproximately 700 surfers participated this morning at Bondi, creating a large circle to pay tribute to the victims of the Bondi attack. Their cheers resonated from the shore. The community has organized swimming tributes this week to mourn the victims and start reclaiming the beach.Live TV footage capturing the paddle-out at Bondi beach on Friday morning. Photograph: ABC TVShareUpdated at 21.23 GMTGood morning everyone, this is Cait Kelly. I will be with you today, providing all the latest updates.ShareUpdated at 20.14 GMTDaniel Mookhey’s remarks follow the Albanese government’s outlined strategy to combat hate speech. The five primary points are:
A new aggravated hate speech offense targeting preachers and leaders who incite violence.
Increased penalties for hate speech that endorses violence.
Considering “hate” as an aggravating factor in sentencing crimes related to online threats and harassment.
Establishing a system to list organizations whose leaders engage in hate speech advocating violence or racial hatred.
Creating a federal offense for severe vilification based on race and/or promoting racial supremacy.
Read our explainer here:ShareIslamic State refers to Bondi terrorism assault as a ‘source of pride’Islamic State has published an article regarding the Bondi Jewish festival shooting, labeling it a “source of pride,” as reported by Reuters. The article released on the group’s Telegram channel praised the attack without overtly taking responsibility for it, according to the wire service. Jihadist media specialist Mina al-Lami from BBC Monitoring shared on X about the article: The group seemed to take credit for inspiring the attack rather than directly orchestrating it or having contact with the attackers. It termed the attackers as ‘heroes’ and ‘lions.’ It boasted about the reach of its ideology, narratives, and online messaging, asserting that governments cannot rein it in unless they entirely shut down the internet.
ShareUpdated at 19.52 GMTNSW treasurer: Palestinian resistance phrase should be classified as hate speechStephanie ConveryThe NSW treasurer, Daniel Mookhey, has stated that the Palestinian resistance phrase “globalise the intifada” ought to be viewed as hate speech as authorities consider tougher regulations on public expressions. Mookhey responded to inquiries at a press conference yesterday that followed British police’s announcement this week of arrests for anyone chanting that phrase or displaying placards bearing it. The NSW treasurer, Daniel Mookhey, right, and the premier, Chris Minns. Photograph: Dean Lewins/AAPIntifada translates to uprising or resistance, and it is the term used by Palestinians for their uprisings against Israel. The first intifada began in 1987, and the second in 2000. For Palestinians, it signifies resistance against oppression; however, some Israelis link it to violence directed at them. During the press conference yesterday, Mookhey addressed the inquiry: I believe that anyone using the phrase ‘globalise the intifada’ is engaging in hate speech. It is evident, as we witnessed, that the prime minister has recently announced reforms in these areas. I maintain that any reasonable person would recognize the consequences that occurred on Sunday night. I contend that a person shouting “globalise the intifada” is promoting hate speech. They are creating division within the community and undermining community cohesion. I don’t believe such expressions have a place in peaceful demonstrations. It is notable that, on Wednesday, the Victorian police commissioner, Mike Bush, mentioned that since the enactment of anti-vilification laws in the Victorian parliament earlier this year, there have been 40 investigations into hate speech but “globalise the intifada” did not qualify as hate speech under those regulations.Leaders advocating for Palestine in the UK criticized the crackdown on the phrase as “political repression of protest for Palestinian rights,” whereas some Jewish groups endorsed it, labeling the phrase as “unacceptable” and “violent incitement.”You can read more here:ShareUpdated at 20.57 GMTGreetingsMorning and welcome to our live news blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the top overnight headlines prior to the morning blogger taking over.The New South Wales treasurer, Daniel Mookhey, mentioned at a press conference yesterday that the Palestinian resistance phrase “globalise the intifada” should be treated as hate speech as governments deliberate tougher regulations on public expression. More updates are forthcoming.Police in Sydney apprehended seven men yesterday evening following an operation in Liverpool triggered by what authorities described as “information received that a violent act might have been planned.” Further updates will be shared as they become available this morning.And Islamic State has released an article concerning the Bondi attack overnight, calling it a “source of pride” while refraining from explicitly claiming responsibility. More information will follow shortly.
Published: 2025-12-18 21:27:00
source: www.theguardian.com
