Australia news live: Tony Burke defends the decision against calling a royal commission into Bondi attack; Australia sees highest road death toll since 2010
Key eventsShow key events onlyPlease enable JavaScript to use this featureThe Sydney Harbour Bridge will glow with the word ‘Peace’ on New Year’s Eve, as reported by Australian Associated Press.Shortly before 9pm, the pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge will shine white featuring an image of a dove alongside the word “Peace.”On December 21, the Sydney Opera House was illuminated with a candlelight display as part of a national day of remembrance for the victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. Photograph: Izhar Khan/Getty ImagesAt 11pm, the bridge will shine white again while a minute’s silence is observed, once more with the word ‘Peace’ illuminated. Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore stated that this year’s event aims to show the world that the city stands united as a community that “will not allow this act of terror to divide us.”“At 11pm, I encourage everyone to pause and shine a torch light, signaling to the Jewish community that we stand in solidarity with them and that we denounce violence, fear, and antisemitism,” she expressed in a statement. Additionally, at 10pm the bridge will be lit in blue to acknowledge the event’s official charity partner, mental health organization Beyond Blue.ShareUpdate on 12 victims of Bondi terror attack still hospitalizedNSW Health has provided another update regarding the 12 victims from the Bondi mass shooting who remain hospitalized in Sydney.We previously reported a decline in the condition of one patient, with five individuals, increased from four, currently in critical but stable condition, alongside seven in stable condition as of 8pm last night.In an update at 7.30am today, NSW Health reported that four individuals are now in a critical but stable state: one at St George hospital and three at St Vincent’s hospital. Eight individuals are in stable condition distributed across Prince of Wales, St George, St Vincent’s, Royal Prince Alfred, and Royal North Shore hospitals.ShareUpdated at 21.39 GMTPoll reveals Australians seeking reassurance rather than political maneuveringA prominent pollster indicates that Australians are looking for reassurance from political figures following the Bondi Beach attack, rather than partisan politics, according to Australian Associated Press.Concerns over a bipartisan response to the alleged killings of 15 individuals by two gunmen at a Jewish celebration in Sydney have dissipated, as the federal opposition has criticized the government for its failure to eradicate antisemitism.Anthony Albanese has accused Sussan Ley of politicizing the events surrounding the Bondi Beach terror attacks. Composite: AAP, ParlviewHaving faced significant criticism from the Jewish community, Albanese’s net performance rating has decreased by 15 points to negative nine after the incident, as revealed in a Resolve poll featured in Nine newspapers. His net likability also fell by 14 points to negative five.Sussan Ley’s performance rating decreased by seven points to negative four, while her likability dropped from eight to one following her politically charged comments directed at Labor and Albanese.“Australians are not interested in a partisan political clash on this matter; they seek a unified response assuring them of their safety,” pollster Kos Samaras commented.ShareUpdated at 21.26 GMTAustralia records deadliest year on roads in over a decadeAnnual data from the National Road Safety Hub indicates that 1,332 fatalities have occurred on Australian roads in the year up to November, marking a 3% rise compared to last year, according to Australian Associated Press.This figure surpasses the 1,300 fatalities reported for the entirety of 2024, representing the worst road death statistics since 2010, when 1,353 fatalities were documented.The peak for Australia’s road toll remains at 1,970 with 3,798 fatalities, prompting a nationwide reevaluation of road safety and the enforcement of compulsory seatbelts and child restraints.New South Wales recorded the highest death toll by the end of November with 361 fatalities, reflecting a 10.7% increase, while fatalities also rose in Queensland, Western Australia, and Tasmania.Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory managed to reduce their death counts.ShareUpdated at 21.27 GMTLiberal senator honors former colleague’s ‘joy of life’Federal Liberal senator James McGrath has paid tribute to former Liberal MP Katie Allen, who has passed away at the age of 59.He expressed to ABC Radio National that “to know Katie was to love Katie and to appreciate life.” She embodied a spirit of profound contemplation combined with the joy of living.However, to underestimate Katie was a mistake. She possessed a formidable presence, an iron grip masked by a velvet glove, and Australia is diminished by her absence, and parliament was poorer when she lost her seat in 2022 and failed to reclaim it earlier this year. She will be missed profoundly, and she was cherished by many.ShareUpdated at 21.24 GMTBurke addresses travel entitlement controversiesBurke responded to critiques from the Coalition following the announcement that the prime minister has reached out to the remuneration tribunal for a review of modifications aimed at curtailing travel entitlements for parliamentarians’ families.The Coalition contends that the changes do not eliminate the necessity for a thorough investigation regarding claims made by Labor ministers who received substantial sums in taxpayer-funded travel entitlements with potential breaches of the ministerial code.Burke stated:
I do not want to see a scenario where politicians determine their own budgets and corresponding entitlements. Such decisions need to be made independently, and that has been the exact process followed.
Burke was followed by Liberal senator James McGrath. When pressed about Coalition travel expenditures, McGrath reaffirmed calls for an independent inquiry.
I think there’s a distinct difference between, for instance, Anika Wells attending a birthday celebration in Adelaide at taxpayer expense, compared to the issues raised regarding Coalition members. However, we have consistently advocated from the outset: let’s sit down and approach this bipartisanly. We should ensure that taxpayers see their money being utilized respectfully. That hasn’t been evident from the government.
ShareUpdated at 21.23 GMTBurke explains decision against initiating a federal royal commission into Bondi attackBurke discussed governmental efforts to hasten the implementation of the National Firearms Register, which the Albanese government pledged to establish in 2023. He noted that drafting instructions for various gun regulations were sent to states and territories today.Burke also played a video clip featuring former home affairs department secretary Mike Pezzullo, who advocated for a federal royal commission into the Bondi incident, arguing it could proceed promptly.Burke, in defense of the prime minister’s choice to appoint former ASIO chief Dennis Richardson to lead a review of the intelligence agencies, remarked:
I’m not certain if there has ever been a royal commission that has operated at the speed he’s [Pezzullo] described. Our experience with prior royal commissions is that they extend over several years, often seeking time extensions, thus the best way to act with genuine urgency is not by having someone preside who is a retired judge but rather a national security expert. Dennis Richardson has earned the utmost regard across Australia’s national security community.
ShareUpdated at 21.06 GMTTony Burke emphasizes government’s urgent approach to hate crimesThe home affairs minister, Tony Burke, is addressing ABC Radio National concerning the National Hate Crimes and Incidents Database, which has been introduced today following the shooting in Bondi. The national database will compile information on charges associated with offences under hate crime laws across all Australian regions.Asked if this data was previously shared, Burke responded:
Not in this manner. This initiative resulted from national cabinet recommendations. Some jurisdictions had formal mechanisms for sharing information. However, being able to access a single source to track occurrences nationwide is a capability made possible due to this new effort.
When questioned about whether the government should have acted more swiftly in establishing the database, which state and territory leaders committed to back in January, Burke remarked:
I wish everything we are doing in this domain had been established two decades ago. Absolutely everything. Therefore, we are advancing as rapidly as feasible. Nonetheless, any developments involving IT building entail certain complexities that can limit the speed of implementation.
ShareUpdated at 21.26 GMTSabra Lane departs as host of AM after eight yearsThe ABC journalist Sabra Lane has concluded her tenure as the host of the flagship radio current affairs program AM after more than eight years in that position.In her final broadcast as host moments ago on ABC Radio National, Lane remarked it was “time to disconnect the early morning alarm.”“Today’s show is my last hosting AM. I am taking an extended break over summer and I will return next year in a different capacity.”Lane has led AM since January 2017 and steps down just a year short of the program’s 60th anniversary.The ABC’s Sabra Lane. Photograph: Stephen Blake/ABCShareUpdated at 20.45 GMTFormer federal MP Katie Allen passes away at age 59Former federal Liberal MP Katie Allen has passed away at age 59, as announced by her family.Allen represented the former seat of Higgins in Victoria from 2019 to 2022.Katie Allen, former federal Liberal MP for Higgins. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAPBefore her entry into politics, Allen practiced as a pediatric allergist and gastroenterologist at the Royal Melbourne hospital. Earlier this year, she disclosed a diagnosis of a rare cancer called cholangiocarcinoma.In a statement shared on Allen’s Facebook page yesterday, her family expressed their sorrow following the passing of “our beloved Katie (Mum)“
She devoted her life to caring for others as a mother, physician, professor, MP, and friend. She was profoundly loved.
She departed peacefully surrounded by her family, having lived a fulfilling and beautiful life right to the very end.
We love you dearly.
ShareUpdated at 20.32 GMTIsrael’s president to make state visit to Australia in the upcoming yearThe Israeli president, Isaac Herzog, is scheduled to visit Australia in the new year for a formal state visit.In a post on X last night, the office of the Australian prime minister indicated that Anthony Albanese had contacted Herzog earlier that day, expressing his deep shock and sorrow regarding the terror attack targeting the Australian Jewish community in Sydney last week, and extending heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families.
Prime Minister Albanese informed President Herzog that, following a recommendation from the Australian government, the Governor-General of Australia would extend a formal invitation for Herzog to visit Australia at the earliest opportunity. President Herzog replied that he would accept this invitation, mentioning that the President of the Zionist Federation of Australia had also sent an official invitation expressing their desire for him to visit, which he intends to honor.
Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog. Photograph: Abir Sultan/APThe Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) welcomed the announcement, with its president, Jeremy Leibler, characterizing it as a significant moment of solidarity and healing:
Following the events in Bondi, our community reached out directly to President Herzog because this was not merely an attack on individuals – it struck deeply at the sense of safety that Jewish Australians have held for generations.
We appreciate that the Australian government has taken up that request and will, following established protocol, extend a formal invitation for a state visit. This is significant – it demonstrates, at the highest levels of our nation, that Australia supports its Jewish community and stands with Israel against terrorism and hatred.
President Herzog’s arrival will offer comfort to those grieving and reassurance to a community currently living in fear. It will also provide a tribute to the victims and acknowledge the courage displayed on that day – including Gefen Bitton, who remains in critical condition – reaffirming the shared commitment of two democracies to tackle antisemitism, hate, and violence with clarity and resolve.
ShareUpdated at 20.28 GMTKrishani DhanjiSussan Ley remarks that this Christmas carries a sense of ‘deep sorrow and reflection’Christmas arrives amid a period of “deep sorrow and reflection,” states the opposition leader, Sussan Ley, as the Jewish and Australian community mourns those lost in the Bondi terror attack.In her Christmas address to the nation, Ley remarked that situations like these “test our character.”“They prompt us to consider who we are as a society and what principles we choose to uphold. Hatred and extremism have no place in Australia. Antisemitism has no place in Australia. The resilience of our nation lies in our decency, bravery, and readiness to stand together, particularly in challenging times.”Ley highlighted that many families have faced difficulties due to rising living costs during this challenging period.She also expressed gratitude to all those working throughout the holiday season – including nurses, doctors, paramedics, police, firefighters, defense personnel, aged care, and disability workers.
The cost of living has placed substantial pressure on families, and for some, this festive season may feel heavier than it should. If you are finding it tough, remember that you are not alone. Your community is significant, and you deserve leadership that listens and responds.
This Christmas, we honor those we have lost. We stand with those in grief. And we adhere firmly to the ideals that unite us as Australians.
ShareUpdated at 20.25 GMTPenry BuckleyGood morningGood morning, everyone. I’m Penry Buckley, here to provide live coverage this morning.ShareAlbanese emphasizes Australia mourns Bondi terror attack victims in Christmas addressAnthony Albanese stated that this Christmas “will feel different this year” following the Bondi terror shooting, honoring the victims and heroes of the antisemitic attack in his holiday message to Australians.The prime minister remarked:
Following the terror inflicted on Jewish Australians celebrating Chanukah at Bondi Beach, we feel a profound sorrow in our hearts. As Christmas carries its message of love and compassion, we mourn those whose lives were taken and those profoundly affected.
Together, we express gratitude for the remarkable bravery that shone through the darkness. A stirring reminder that, amid the worst times, we witness the best of the Australian spirit. It is in this spirit that Christmas unites Australians to celebrate all we have and everything we share.
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese. Photograph: Dominic Giannini/AAPAlbanese also honored “everyone who sacrifices their Christmas for the benefit of others.”
We extend our thanks to emergency personnel, medical staff, hospitality and charity workers – and countless others. Likewise, we acknowledge the volunteers dedicating their time and energy during this season of giving to assist those in need, embodying the Australian spirit of kindness, generosity, and compassion.
We also express our gratitude to our Defence Force personnel, who forego the comforts of home and family to protect our nation. To each and every Australian, I wish you a Christmas filled with peace, safety, and love. A Christmas where we stand united. A Christmas of healing and hope.
ShareUpdated at 20.29 GMTTwelve victims of Bondi terror attack continue to receive treatment in hospitalsAs of 8pm last night, twelve victims of the Bondi mass shooting remained hospitalized in Sydney.Seven individuals are in stable condition across the Prince of Wales, St George, Royal Prince Alfred, and Royal North Shore hospitals. Five individuals are in a critical but stable condition in St George and St Vincent’s hospitals.That represents a decline in the condition of one patient compared to the 8am update yesterday, when only four were reported as being in critical but stable condition alongside eight in stable condition.ShareUpdated at 20.11 GMTDatabase initiated to record those charged with hate crimesSarah Basford CanalesA national registry of individuals charged with offenses under hate crime legislation throughout all Australian jurisdictions has been established today following the Bondi shooting.The National Hate Crimes and Incidents Database will document hate crime offenses across the nation that target race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status, disability, nationality, ethnic origin, or political opinions.This initiative was first decided upon during a national cabinet meeting in January 2025 and will be accessible via the Australian Institute of Criminology’s website. The federal government stated that this is a crucial move towards enhancing its ability to monitor, analyze, and respond to hate crimes.Marking its commencement on Christmas Eve, home affairs minister Tony Burke declared:
The dreadful attack on the Jewish community at Bondi Beach must never repeat itself.
All Australians have the right to safety and the feeling of safety, irrespective of their background, beliefs, or whom they love.
I urge all Australians: if you witness or experience a hate crime, report it. Accurate documentation is vital to ensure these offenses are investigated and entered into the database, allowing for evidence-based actions to be implemented.
ShareUpdated at 19.59 GMTNSW parliament approves new gun and protest regulationsThe New South Wales Minns Labor government has enacted contentious amendments to gun laws and granted police new powers to prohibit street protests for periods of up to three months, following an extensive discussion in the upper house.The legislation, conceived in response to the December 14 massacre at Bondi Beach, where two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah event, killing 15 individuals, was passed at 2.51am on Wednesday.The omnibus bill received approval with 18 votes in favor and eight against. The Liberals supported the Labor government members in passing the bill, while the Nationals and Shooters opposed it. Members of the Greens abstained.Read our full story here:ShareWelcomeGood morning and welcome to our live news blog. I’m Martin Farrer delivering the top overnight stories, and then Penry Buckley will take over for the main coverage.After an extended discussion, the upper house of the New South Wales parliament voted at 2.51am to pass the controversial omnibus bill introducing stricter regulations on gun ownership and limiting the right to protest following the terror attacks. The reforms, designed in response to the Bondi terror attacks, passed with a tally of 18 votes to eight. More details to come.A national registry of individuals charged with offenses under hate crime legislation across all Australian jurisdictions has been launched today following the Bondi shooting.
Published: 2025-12-23 21:53:00
source: www.theguardian.com
