Calls for greater Bondi police presence went unheeded

In a recalled parliament, Premier Chris Minns pushed through his legislative package developed in response to December 14’s tragedy.

The omnibus bill makes it an offence to display a terrorist symbol, such as the IS flag; places significant restrictions on firearm possession; and allows the police commissioner to prevent protests occurring for up to three months after a terrorism incident, a power that NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon exercised less than 24 hours after the bill was passed.

The restrictions on protest have been controversial and will be the subject of a constitutional challenge. They come after Australia’s antisemitism envoy called a pro-Palestine protest on the Harbour Bridge in August a “warning” that a tragedy like December 14 could occur.

But, regardless of their ability to address antisemitism, a protest crackdown would not have addressed the Jewish community’s concerns about police complacency at the Hanukkah by the Sea event.

As the Herald’s chief reporter, Jordan Baker, wrote in the days after the attack, it was general duties police – the kind who usually deal with motor vehicle accidents, shoplifting and pub brawls – who found themselves responsible for stopping the deadliest attack Australia has witnessed in 30 years.

It is essential that the planned investigations into the circumstances that led to the tragedy at Bondi determine whether police should have been better prepared to deal with the incident, especially given what is now known about concerns previously raised by the Jewish community.

It is unacceptable that these concerns were not heeded. In their grief, the Jewish community deserve to know why.

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