Bondi shooting: Anthony Albanese defends claims State premiers had to push him to tackle anti-Semitism
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been forced to defend himself against allegations that state premiers had to push him to go harder against anti-Semitism.
National Cabinet on Monday discussed new rules requiring gun owners to be Australian citizens, but little reportedly in the way of tackling anti-Jewish hate until the premiers intervened.
“That is not accurate, that is not right,” the Prime Minister told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“The meeting yesterday had front and centre a commitment; the Prime Minister today convened a meeting of National Cabinet following the evil, anti-Semitic terrorist attack directed at members of the Jewish community celebrating Hanukkah at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.”
Premier Chris Minns also gave a spirited defence of police after Bondi massacre survivor Shmulik Skuri, an Israeli national, told the Seven Network four police officers failed to fire their guns at the gunmen, father and son Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24.
“I feel it’s incredibly important that me as the Premier of New South Wales to respond to some of these questions,” he said.
“The New South Wales Police acted with bravery and integrity. They didn’t take a backward step, engaged the gunman on the foot bridge with handguns.
“The offenders had long-range rifles and New South Wales Police officers were responsible for killing one of them and shooting the other one and as a result, saving many, many people’s lives.”
Two officers remain in critical care.
The police on duty had only been in the job for months and “put their lives on the line to save people in this state”.
“They weren’t shot in the back running away, they were shot in the front,” Mr Minns said.
“I’m sorry to be graphic about it but if there’s any suggestion that New South Wales Police didn’t live up to their responsibilities to the people of this state, it should be rejected because it’s not consistent with the facts.
“I think this rush to conclusions before all the facts are known, in my view, is disrespectful to their actions on Sunday.”
