Sydney: Australia paused on Sunday to remember the victims of the deadly Bondi Beach attack, as thousands gathered across the country for a national day of reflection marked by grief, silence and strong emotions.
At Bondi Beach in Sydney, people laid flowers, lit candles and observed a minute of silence at 6.47 pm, the exact time the attack began one week ago. Flags were flown at half mast nationwide as the country honoured those who lost their lives in the violence that shocked the nation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the main memorial at Bondi Beach but was booed by sections of the crowd. The reaction reflected growing public frustration over security failures and concerns about rising hate crimes. While many mourners stood quietly in respect, others voiced anger, saying political leaders had not done enough to prevent the attack or address warning signs.
The attack, which authorities have described as an act of terrorism, left several people dead and injured during a public gathering near Bondi Beach. It triggered an outpouring of grief and renewed debate about public safety, intelligence sharing and extremism in Australia.
In a brief statement, Albanese expressed sympathy for the victims’ families and said the country must stand united against hatred. He announced a review of intelligence and law enforcement coordination, promising to identify gaps and prevent similar attacks in the future.
However, pressure is mounting on the federal government to go further. Community leaders and opposition figures have called for an independent inquiry, saying a full investigation is needed to restore public trust. Some state leaders have also signalled support for a wider review into security preparedness and the handling of extremist threats.
Across Sydney and other cities, memorial services were held under tight security. Police presence was increased as authorities remained alert to possible threats, even as communities came together in solidarity.
For many Australians, the day was about remembering the victims and supporting their families. But the strong reactions at Bondi also showed that the tragedy has opened deeper questions about safety, leadership and how the country confronts violence driven by hate.