Australian premier apologizes over Bondi Beach shooting, vows 'broad' reforms

By Anadolu staff

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday publicly apologized for the recent Bondi Beach shooting and announced broad reforms.

During a news conference at Parliament House, Canberra, Premier Albanese said his government would work daily to protect Australian citizens.

"I feel the weight of responsibility for an atrocity that happened whilst I'm prime minister. And I'm sorry," he told reporters, according to a transcript published on the prime minister's website.

Albanese announced a series of legislative proposals aimed at strengthening protections against hate crimes and extremist activity, emphasizing broad consultation with both communities and Parliament.

The proposed measures include creating an aggravated offense for hate preaching advocating violence against protected groups and increasing penalties for hate speech or advocacy of violence and property destruction.

The government is also considering granting powers to cancel visas for individuals engaging in hate speech, displaying hate symbols, or associating with terrorist or prohibited groups.

According to the prime minister, they are also looking to amend the Customs Act to ban extremist materials or hate symbols.

Albanese added that state and territory officials are also working together to coordinate changes to gun law reforms.

On Sunday, Albanese also said that the country’s federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies will be reviewed in the wake of the Dec. 14 mass shooting on Sydney's Bondi Beach.

The review will be completed in April and published.

Last week, a man and his son opened fire on the beach in Sydney, killing 15 people and injuring 42 others. Police described the incident as a "terrorist attack."