National day of mourning to honour victims of the Bondi terrorist attack

On Thursday, 22 January, Australians will come together for a National Day of Mourning to honour the victims and all those impacted by the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

The theme the Chabad Community in Bondi has chosen for us all is ‘Light will win, a gathering of unity and remembrance’.

A message of hope and unity to guide and inspire Australians, as we move forward.

In recognition of the National Day of Mourning, flags will be flown at half-mast at all Commonwealth buildings around Australia and New South Wales Government buildings.

Press conference - Parliament House, Canberra

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good afternoon. Firstly, I want to give further details about the National Day of Mourning that will take place this coming Thursday 22nd of January. The theme that has been chosen by the Chabad community in Bondi is: 'light will win, a gathering of unity and remembrance'. I've said that flags in Commonwealth buildings as well as state buildings, we will ask flags be flown at half-mast and we would ask the private sector to join with that. National institutions in Canberra and in New South Wales will be illuminated on the day.

Radio interview - ABC Sydney

EMMA CROWE, HOST: As you've been hearing this week, many different voices in the community with questions and concerns around the proposed hate crime and gun control reforms. The Combating Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026 is seeking to tackle the how and the why behind last month's terror attack at Bondi Beach. The how being, in part about access to weapons, the why being hatred, antisemitism and violent extremism. Of course, both the how and the why are both now at the heart of a national royal commission into the events of December 14th.

4.7 million accounts deactivated, removed or restricted

The Albanese Government’s world leading social media minimum age law is working, with more than 4.7 million under-16 accounts already deactivated, removed or restricted within days of the law coming into effect on 10 December.

Preliminary analysis from eSafety shows age-restricted social media platforms are making meaningful attempts to prevent under-16s from holding accounts, as required by the new law that began on 10 December.

The preliminary figures were obtained as part of a first tranche of information provided to the eSafety Commissioner.

Press conference - Murarrie

KARA COOK, MEMBER FOR BONNER: Welcome everyone to the Murarrie Recreation Reservation this morning and particularly a warm welcome to Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, Minister Wells and of course our eSafety Commissioner. I am so happy and delighted to have the Prime Minister here this morning to be talking about our social media ban.

Radio interview - ABC Brisbane

CATHIE SCHNITZERLING, HOST: Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese visited Clermont in flood ravaged Central Queensland yesterday to announce another $26.6 million in joint Federal-State funding to help the region recover from the impact of ex tropical Cyclone Koji. At least 50,000 cattle have been killed in this flooding event that has gripped the state from the central area up to the North West. And countless grazing and small businesses are in real trouble.

Press conference - Clermont, Queensland

KELLY VEA VEA, MAYOR OF ISAAC REGIONAL COUNCIL: Thank you everyone for being here, but the biggest thank you obviously goes to our guests today. I’d like to thank you all for making the time for coming out here. What's happened out in our region is significant. And from the event that's happened here in Clermont this week, not only will we recover, but we will grow stronger for that. And we'll grow stronger because that's just who we are out here in the regions.

A further $26.6 million in flood disaster support for Queensland

The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have today committed a further $26.6 million towards long-term recovery in flood devastated parts of north, north-west and central Queensland.

This funding will target recovery for primary producers, small businesses, flood clean-up, and mental health.

The assistance is in response to extensive flooding caused by the North Queensland Monsoon Trough and ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji that together have brought record rainfall from Christmas through the new year.

New measures include:

Radio interview - ABC Sydney

DOM KNIGHT, HOST: The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has recalled Parliament for two days next week to debate the federal government's legislative response to the Bondi terror attack. It now seems though that the Coalition will vote against the bill, which includes changes to both gun and hate speech laws. Despite spending weeks criticising the PM for not immediately recalling Parliament in the wake of the Bondi terror attack, the Coalition is now citing concerns that the legislation has been rushed.

Light will triumph over darkness in Australia

Today marks one month since the devastating antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach.

On December 14, hundreds of Jewish Australians had gathered in that iconic spot in our beautiful country, from babies at their first Chanukah to doting grandparents.

They had come together to reaffirm their faith’s message of the victory of light over darkness. For everyone mourning loved ones and friends, for our proud and courageous Jewish Australian community and for every Australian affected by this act of evil, the shock, pain and grief is still raw.