EDITORIAL: Albanese’s ‘regrets’ two years and 15 deaths too late

Four days after 15 innocent people were gunned down at Bondi Beach, some tangible action from the Government.

Among the changes: A new hate speech offences targeting radical preachers and leaders who incite violence plus beefed up penalties for existing offences. The development of a regime to organisations which promote hate. A new, narrow Federal offence outlawing serious racial vilification and advocating racial supremacy.

Greater powers to deport those who spread hate, and to prevent them entering the country in the first place. Penalties for universities which fail to tackle anti-Semitism. And increased anti-Semitism education in schools.

These are all commonsense initiatives which would have been wholeheartedly welcomed by Australia’s Jewish community, had they been announced prior to Sunday’s Bondi bloodbath.

Instead of relief, the overwhelming reaction to Anthony Albanese’s announcement on Thursday was one of profound disappointment.

Jewish leaders have shouted themselves hoarse calling for these changes. Why has it taken the deaths of 15 innocent people in Australia’s worst ever terror attack for them to be heard?

Many of the initiatives are based on recommendations made to the Government in Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism Jillian Segal’s report. That report was handed to the Government in July.

And even that came after months of warnings that something terrible was brewing.

These changes aren’t four days late. They’re 801 days late. That is how long has passed since October 9, 2023, when “pro-Palestinian” activists desecrated one of our national monuments by holding a vile protest on the steps of the Sydney Opera House celebrating the murder of 1200 Israelis by Hamas terrorists. “Where’s the Jews?” that crowd chanted.

Two years on, they found them. Lives lost, and those left behind in the deepest of grief. Another of our national icons despoiled.

Thursday also drew a belated admission from the Prime Minister that his Government could have done more to combat anti-Semitism.

“Of course more could have always been done. Governments aren’t perfect. I’m not perfect. We have engaged in a constructive way,” he said.

“I have done my best to respond. Do I regret? Anyone in this position would regret not doing more on any inadequacies which are there. But what we need to do is to move forward.”

Mr Albanese made that comment from Canberra. As he did, several hundred kilometres away in Sydney, the youngest Bondi victim was being laid to rest.

Present at 10-year-old Matilda’s funeral were leaders including NSW Premier Chris Minns, Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley.

Mr Albanese’s absence among the mourners was conspicuous. He did not directly answer questions about whether he had been asked not to attend, but said he would respect families’ wishes.

We will never know if acting sooner would have prevented Matilda’s death. But we wouldn’t be here today asking “what if?”

Responsibility for the editorial comment is taken by Editor-in-Chief Christopher Dore.