NSW Premier Chris Minns has pledged to launch an independent investigation into the Bondi terror attack, admitting the government would have acted differently in hindsight.
Minns has faced questions over whether insufficient security was in place on the opening night of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
Appearing on ABC’s 7.30 on Tuesday morning, the NSW Premier said the attack underscored the need for lessons to be learned.
“I’m sure if we had our time again, we would have responded differently, as would police, as would our entire public order and safety organisations,” he said.
“We don’t get a second chance, unfortunately and we need to make sure that we make changes from today.
“What I can promise is a comprehensive investigation, a full independent inquiry into exactly what has happened, and we’ll act on the terms of that investigation.
“We’ll act on the recommendations, this is a devastating event for the people of New South Wales. It’s particularly devastating for the Jewish community.”
In an opinion piece shared to the media, Minns described it as “one of the darkest days in the history of our state”.
“We are still at the beginning of a complex investigation. We don’t have all the answers yet,” he wrote.
“I can assure you that this outrage will be met with the massive police and public order response it deserves. This is not a time for sympathetic words. It’s a time for strong laws and overwhelming police enforcement. Both are on the way.”
He concluded: “This cowardly terrorist attack was a direct assault on that principle. And as a result, it was a direct assault on the Australian way of life. I can promise you we will be doing everything in our power, with every resource at our disposal, to destroy the cancer of antisemitism and ensure the safety of Jewish people in this country.”
Thousands gathered to lay floral tributes for the 15 people killed and dozens injured when two gunmen opened fire on Sunday evening. More than 320 police officers were deployed to places of worship and areas with large Jewish communities.
The attack has also prompted plans for stricter gun laws, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese holding an emergency national cabinet meeting, resulting in a pledge from federal, state and territory leaders to strengthen the country’s gun laws.
Minns has echoed Albanese’s sentiment, telling the media: “I’m determined to introduce the toughest gun legislation in the country and I believe it needs to be passed and put into legislation as soon as possible.”
Minns visited “real-life hero” Ahmed al Ahmed at St George Hospital on Monday night and shared the following statement to Instagram alongside a photo with the heroic bystander: “His incredible bravery no doubt saved countless lives when he disarmed a terrorist at enormous personal risk. It was an honour to spend time with him just now and to pass on the thanks of people across NSW.”
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