Honours for Bondi Terror Attack Heroes

Key Takeaways:

• The Australian government will establish a new special honours list to recognize individuals who demonstrated bravery or meritorious actions in response to the Bondi terrorist attack.
• The awards will be announced next year and may be given to police officers, courageous bystanders, and medical workers.
• A nominee system will be established for members of the public to put forward names, and the awards will be run independently of the government.
• The Jewish Community Foundation has been declared a community charity, bringing it closer to deductible gift recipient (DGR) status.
• Israeli President Isaac Herzog has been invited to visit Australia, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to engage with rural Australians on gun reform.

Introduction to the Honours List
Speaking to the media in Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that he had written to Governor General Sam Mostyn to request the establishment of a new special honours list. This list will recognize individuals who demonstrated bravery or meritorious actions in response to the Bondi terrorist attack. Similar special honours have been given to individuals recognized for their actions in specific tragedies, such as the MH17 tragedy and the Bali bombing. The awards will be announced next year and may be given to police officers, courageous bystanders, and medical workers who played a crucial role in responding to the attack.

The Nomination Process
The government will establish a nominee system, allowing members of the public to put forward names of individuals who they believe deserve recognition. The awards will be run "at arm’s length" from the government, ensuring that the selection process is independent and unbiased. Prime Minister Albanese emphasized the importance of recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional courage and selflessness, stating that "recognition of people’s good deeds is a good thing" and that it is the nation’s responsibility to acknowledge and honor their actions.

Support for the Jewish Community
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher announced that the government had declared the Jewish Community Foundation, associated with the Jewish Community Appeal, a community charity. This declaration brings the foundation closer to deductible gift recipient (DGR) status, which needs to be approved by the Australian Taxation Office. The government is working to expedite the approval process, allowing the foundation to continue its essential work in supporting those affected by the Bondi terror attacks. Minister Gallagher emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting community organizations that are helping victims and their families, as well as bringing the community together during difficult times.

International Diplomacy
Prime Minister Albanese also announced that he had spoken with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who expressed his condolences for the Jewish community and all Australians affected by the Bondi terrorist attack. Albanese has written to the Governor General to request an official invitation to be issued to President Herzog to visit Australia, which will be a head of state to head of state visit. This invitation is a significant gesture of solidarity and friendship between the two nations. Despite facing personal attacks from his Israeli equivalent, Benjamin Netanyahu, Albanese remains committed to engaging with international leaders and promoting diplomatic relations.

Gun Reform and Rural Engagement
Prime Minister Albanese also addressed the government’s gun reform laws, emphasizing the need to differentiate between "legitimate" firearm uses and less essential ones. He acknowledged that people in farming communities have a legitimate need to use guns and pledged to engage with "all parts of Australia" about the reform. Albanese recognizes that gun use is not a one-size-fits-all issue and is committed to finding a balance between public safety and the needs of rural communities. By engaging with rural Australians and listening to their concerns, the government aims to develop gun reform laws that are effective and fair.