What we learned, Thursday 18 December
And that’s where we’ll leave you this evening. Here’s a snapshot of what happened today:
Anthony Albanese expressed regret and says he accepts some responsibility in the wake of the Bondi attack, saying more could have been done to prevent what happened on Sunday.
The prime minister has outlined the additional measures that will be taken, including new powers for the minister for home affairs to reject visas “for those who spread hate and division”.
The NSW treasurer, Daniel Mookhey, announced a support package for the survivors and families of the Bondi attack victims.
The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, said he doesn’t want federal agencies investigating the Bondi attack “delayed or deterred” by a royal commission into antisemitism.
Adam Smyth, 50, was identified as the 14th victim of the attack.
There are now 16 people receiving care in Sydney hospitals for injuries sustained during the terror attack on Sunday.
Archer Park, the site of the attack on Sunday, and the footbridge the gunmen occupied were reopened to the public this afternoon.
Funerals for some of the people killed in the attack on Sunday were held today, including Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman and 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest victim of the shooting.
The opposition leader, Sussan Ley, says the prime minister should recall parliament before Christmas to “to pass legislation to eradicate antisemitism and to strengthen Australia’s counter-terrorism laws”.
The Coalition has laid out an extensive program that it wants to enact including increasing electronic surveillance.
Former Liberal treasurer Josh Frydenberg denied his fierce criticism of Anthony Albanese over the Bondi attack was politically motivated.
Thanks for your company today. We’ll be back with you first thing tomorrow morning with more. Until then, look after yourselves and your communities.
Updated
Family of Bondi victim Peter Meagher issue statement
The family of Peter Meagher, who was killed on Sunday, have spoken about their loved one today too:
Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Peter. He was a cherished brother, husband and uncle whose kindness, generosity and love touched everyone who knew him. Our lives have been changed forever.
We are grateful for the outpouring of support from friends and the community. As we begin to come to terms with what has happened, we ask for privacy and the space to mourn together as a family. We also ask that the media respect our wishes and remember Peter for the life he lived, not for the way it ended.
Peter was a member of the NSW Police Force for 35 years, rising to the position of Detective Sergeant, until he retired in 2020. In retirement he became a freelance photographer and was on assignment in Bondi on Sunday to photograph the Chanukah celebration. Peter also spent countless hours doing volunteer work in retirement including in various roles for his beloved Randwick Rugby Union Football Club.
The tragic irony that Peter spent so long in the dangerous front line as a police officer and was struck down in retirement while pursuing his passion for taking photos is hard for us to comprehend.
Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this tragedy.
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