Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg has attacked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the Bondi Beach terror attack, accusing his government of abandoning the Jewish community and calling for a royal commission into antisemitism.
In an emotional address at Bondi Beach on Wednesday, Frydenberg, who is Jewish, called for a ban on “hate preachers” and an end to what he described as “daily” pro-Palestinian rallies, saying they had become “incubators of hate”.
His anger was palpable during the 23-minute address, which was met with applause.
“Our governments have failed every Australian when it comes to fighting hate and antisemitism. Our prime minister, our government, has allowed Australia to be radicalised on his watch.
“It’s time for him to accept personal responsibility for the death of 15 innocent people, including a 10-year-old child,” he said.
Sixteen people were killed on Sunday evening in an attack on a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, including one of the two alleged gunmen.
Hours after Sunday’s attack, Albanese defended his government’s record on combating antisemitism, citing the implementation of some recommendations made by antisemitism special envoy Jillian Segal in a report published in July.
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