‘A home left quieter’: sombre MPs grieve Bondi victims

Grace Crivellaro and Jacob Shteyman | January 19, 2026

Jewish MPs have called for unity while commemorating the lives of the 15 people killed in the Bondi terror attack.

In emotional scenes as parliament returned for a two-day sitting, politicians honoured the Bondi victims in a minute of silence on Monday.

Jewish Labor backbencher Mark Dreyfus recited the Mourners’ Kaddish, a prayer calling for peace in a time of loss.

He became emotional as he remembered the “parents, children, neighbours and friends” left behind in the December 14 attack.

“A home left quieter, clothes still hanging in wardrobes, photos on walls that will never be updated, children asking when someone is coming home,” he said.

Jewish Labor MP Josh Burns was interrupted by his newborn daughter crying in the public gallery, before he said dehumanisation led to the massacre.

“That’s my beautiful new daughter, forgive me. She’ll calm down, hopefully,” Mr Burns said, looking over to her.

“We must not dehumanise each other, because dehumanisation is what leads to exactly what happened in Bondi.”

Deputy opposition leader Ted O’Brien said Mr Burns didn’t need to apologise “for the beautiful sound from your child”.

“I think it’s a sombre reminder to all of us, that we are here for a condolence motion, but indeed, an obligation to the next generation.”

Jewish Liberal MP Julian Leeser said anti-Semitic hatred was festering in three main groups: neo-Nazis, radical Islamists, and the “cultural left”.

“What we have seen will get worse,” he said.

“It’s naive to think parliament can sit for two days and then move on as if that’s enough to deal with this issue.

“If we have to, we need to deal with anti-Semitism every day this parliament sits to get the job done until we restore an Australia that is good to the Jewish people.”

First to speak was Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who read out the names of the 15 slain Hanukkah revellers whose lives were “cruelly stolen” in the nation’s worst terror attack.

The “cruel and senseless” massacre wasn’t random, Mr Albanese said, stating Jewish Australians were the target of the two Islamic State-inspired father-and-son shooters, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

The prime minister called on Australians to channel their anger into meaningful action to ensure a similar attack never happens again.

“That responsibility starts with me, as Australia’s 31st prime minister,” he said.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers welcomed the Bondi survivors listening to the condolence motion and thanked them for sharing their stories of survival.

“At least 55 were wounded and survived. These are miracles,” he said.

“Jewish law tells us that when God performs a miracle, you’re obligated to return to that place and give thanks.”

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said Jewish Australians had warned of the “menacing storm” of anti-Semitism following the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel but their warnings went unheard.

To confront and defeat the evil of anti-Semitism, parliament must face an uncomfortable truth, she said.

“Radical Islamist extremism caused this. Leaders need to be able to express this clearly, because if you can’t name the problem, you can’t possibly defeat it,” Ms Ley said.

“For too long, many in our society, especially in positions of authority, have failed to act decisively.”

Independent MP Allegra Spender, whose electorate was the site of the attack, said she left Bondi Beach with her family just an hour before the horror began.

“One part of our community, Jewish Australians were murderously targeted. It was an attack on them and an attack on our Australian values. Our country will never be the same, nor should it be,” she said.