Overview
- The prime minister said the Bondi response showed national courage and compassion and urged Australians to work together in the year ahead.
- Authorities say the 14 December attack on a Hanukkah event killed 15 people, with police treating it as inspired by Islamic State.
- The surviving suspect, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, remains in custody facing murder and terrorism charges, and his father was shot dead by police at the scene.
- Albanese reiterated an independent review led by former ASIO chief Dennis Richards into federal intelligence and law-enforcement agencies, resisting calls for a royal commission.
- Sydney prepared for New Year’s Eve with heightened security, large police deployments, and a planned fireworks tribute to the victims.