Yesterday’s evil terrorist attack in Sydney has left me angry and saddened.
My heart breaks for those who lost their lives, those who were injured and their families, after these gunmen opened fire.
My heart is also with the Jewish community of Bondi and Australia—deliberately targeted on the first night of Hanukkah. These are events that the Australian people should never have to endure in their own country.
Now is a time for grieving and prayer, but it is also time for maximum accountability from both the New South Wales and Federal Governments.
Australians are entitled to know everything that authorities knew about these terrorists, and what circumstances led to them ultimately being able to open fire on innocent people in Bondi Beach.
I want to wholeheartedly thank the police officers, the brave men and women who were getting people to safety, and especially the brave man who took down one of the gunmen, saving many more countless lives.
Every reasonable step must now be taken to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, that any broader network is exposed, and that crucial lessons are learned to prevent anything like this from ever happening again.
Hon. Maryka Groenewald MLC
Leader of the Australian Christians Party, WA