Good afternoon.
The federal government will launch a new gun buyback scheme in the wake of the Bondi beach terror attack, with Anthony Albanese saying it will be the biggest buyback of weapons since the Port Arthur massacre nearly three decades ago.
New South Wales also announced a suite of gun control measures, including capping the number of firearms most recreational shooters can hold at four. The state’s premier, Chris Minns, also wants parliament to grant his government “extraordinary powers” to effectively ban protests in certain areas for three months in a move decried as “far too broad” by critics.
Boris and Sofia Gurman, who were killed trying to stop one of the Bondi gunmen, have been remembered as hardworking, loving and brave at their funeral service. Fifteen patients are still receiving hospital care for injuries, with four of those in a critical but stable condition.
Seven men detained in Sydney’s south-west on Thursday in connection with what police alleged was possible planned violence have been released without charge.
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In pictures
Hundreds of surfers and beachgoers returned to Bondi’s waters on Friday morning for a paddle-out to pay tribute to victims of the terror attack.
What they said …
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“Our most important thing is to never give up our Yiddish culture, to never give up our Judaism and to ensure that we stay proud for ever and ever and ever. Otherwise this will all be [in] vain.”
Sydney rabbi Alon Meltzer says he has been encouraged to see Jewish people expressing their faith publicly at vigils for the Bondi shooting victims. The city’s Jewish community is contending with how to protect its safety after being the targets of Australia’s deadliest terrorist attack, while also remaining proudly, visibly Jewish.
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The free birth influencers radicalising women around the world
A year-long Guardian investigation has revealed the multimillion-dollar Free Birth Society business has been linked to baby deaths around the world. Investigations correspondent Sirin Kale speaks to Reged Ahmad about why so many women find the claims made by the Free Birth Society so appealing but why medical experts say they are dangerous.
Before bed read
After the Bondi terror attack “some politicians gravitated straight for the darkness”, writes Paul Daley, “using tragedy as a cynical opportunity to question Australia’s immigration policies”. He argues that what Australia probably needs most right now is the “reassurance of community – the human glue of the unity in the very word”.
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: GOLD. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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