SYDNEY: Australia’s prime minister has vowed to stamp out extremism and antisemitism after the country mourned the youngest victim of the Bondi Beach shooting, a 10-year-old girl remembered as a “little ray of sunshine.” The attack has shaken the nation and reignited debate over hate crimes and security laws.
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Father-and-son attackers are accused of opening fire on crowds at a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, killing 15 people. Authorities have linked the assault to extremist ideology inspired by Daesh, describing it as an antisemitic act of terrorism.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australians were shocked and angry, promising decisive action to counter hate and violence. He announced plans for stronger powers to target extremist preachers, refuse or cancel visas for individuals spreading hate, and list organisations whose leaders promote vilification.
He also said “serious vilification” based on race would be made a federal offence, stressing the need to eradicate antisemitism from Australian society. The government has agreed to tighten gun laws that allowed one of the accused to legally own multiple firearms.
As the prime minister spoke, mourners gathered in Sydney for the funeral of 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest victim of the attack. Her family, who had migrated from Ukraine, described her as kind, compassionate and full of joy, with her nickname “Matilda Bee” symbolised by bumblebee balloons at the service.
Authorities said the father, Sajid Akram, was killed in a police shootout, while his son Naveed has been charged with multiple counts of murder and terrorism. Investigators are examining whether the suspects were radicalised overseas and whether warning signs were missed.
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The Bondi Beach shooting is the deadliest mass attack in Australia since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, renewing national focus on extremism, gun control, and community safety.