Morning everyone. They named her Matilda because it was the “most Australian name we could think of”. But last night the Ukrainian-born parents of the 10-year-old mourned her as the youngest victim of the Bondi terror attack. We have a powerful report from the scene in Bondi, footage of doomed couple Boris and Sofia Gurman fighting one of the attackers, plus analysis of the alleged gunmen’s Philippines and India links and how bystander hero Ahmed al-Ahmed’s home town in Syria is saluting his fame.
In other news, Ukraine prepares to submit peace plans to Russia, and the Ashes series is about to resume in Adelaide.
Australia
‘Brave and selfless’ | Tributes have flowed for Boris and Sofia Gurman who died in the Bondi attack, but not before they were captured on dashcam trying to stop Sajid Akram as he got out his car before the attack began. Read more here about the victims identified so far.
‘Remember her name’| A huge crowd of up to 2,000 people crammed around Bondi Pavilion last night to mourn the victims of Sunday’s attack and hear the grief-stricken plea of Matilda’s devastated parents for people to “remember her name”. Around the nation Jewish and Muslim leaders have come together in a show of unity.
Home town hero | Ahmed al-Ahmed, the man who risked his life to wrestle a gun from a shooter in the Bondi beach terror attack, has become a hero all over the world – and in his Syrian home town, al-Nayrab. His 60-year-old uncle, Mohammed, says: “He is from Syria and he is a Muslim, and he had no motivation for doing this other than heroism and bravery.”
Philippines probe | Police in India said one of the alleged gunmen, Sajid Akram, was from the southern city of Hyderabad but had “limited contact” with his family. The two alleged gunmen visited the Philippines last month. Our world terrorism expert, Jason Burke, says Islamic State is active there.
Segal fast-track | Labor is fast-tracking its response to the report into antisemitism delivered earlier this year by Jillian Segal. Find out more here about her recommendations, which include setting up a national database on antisemitic incidents and monitoring media for false narratives.
In other news
Power point | The cost of generating electricity in an Australian grid powered by 82% renewable energy would be a third cheaper than current wholesale electricity costs, according to new CSIRO analysis.
Cloudy outlook | Jim Chalmers will spruik a better-than-expected bottom line when he reveals the midyear economic and fiscal outlook today – but he will be struggling to disguise more ominous signs for the federal budget.
World
Trump ‘creepy’ | US congresswoman Ilhan Omar has warned that Donald Trump’s repeated personal attacks and dehumanising rhetoric are fuelling a climate of political violence that could have dangerous consequences. She tells our US bureau chief why she thinks Trump has a “creepy and unhealthy” obsession with her.
Ukraine proposals | Volodymyr Zelenskyy says proposals negotiated with US officials on a peace deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine could be finalised within days, after which American envoys will present them to the Kremlin.
Reiner case | Police will lay out the case against murder suspect Nick Reiner, while Michelle Obama said she and her husband, Barack, were due to meet Rob and Michele Reiner – known for their progressive politics – the same day the couple were found dead.
Security footing | Donald Trump’s administration has argued the president’s White House ballroom construction project must continue for reasons of national security as it responded to a lawsuit challenging the plan brought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Full Story
A moment of reckoning for Australia’s gun laws
Investigations reporter Ariel Bogle and political editor Tom McIlroy speak to Reged Ahmad about why the pressure is on Anthony Albanese to do more to make the Jewish community feel safe.
In-depth
With their Christmas parties in full swing on Sunday evening, lifeguards were the first responders on the scene when the Bondi attacks began and “pandemonium” broke out. They grabbed bandages and used rescue boards as makeshift stretchers to help the victims as teams trained to save lives in the water sprung into action on land. “We haven’t got a Band-Aid left in the club,” one says.
Not the news
It’s the turn of supermarket peaches to be taste tested by Nicholas Jordan and friends with some interesting results. Such as: “If Goulburn Valley considers these to be the finest peaches they could get, imagine the peaches they said no to.”
Sport
The Ashes | With the Ashes battle set to resume this morning, Australia captain Pat Cummins has said the tragic events at Bondi beach “hit home pretty hard” as they unfolded just down the road from his home in Bronte.
Cricket | Cameron Green has broken the record for the highest-priced overseas player in Indian Premier League history after the all-rounder was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders for $4.17m.
Darts | It’s sport, but not as we know it. Check out Jonathan Liew’s video report from the World Darts Championships and how it went from the working men’s clubs to the world stage.
Media roundup
John Howard’s criticism of Anthony Albanese over gun control shows that political unity is already cracking under the strain of the Bondi attack, writes James Massola in the Sydney Morning Herald. Trains on a busy Brisbane route have been cancelled after a car crashed on to tracks, the Courier Mail reports. NT News has good news for Territorians – they can fly direct to “Malaysia’s Christmas markets” in just five hours.
What’s happening today
Economy | Treasurer Jim Chalmers to release budget update.
Sydney | Lithium-ion battery fire inquest at Lidcombe.
Tasmania | Man to appear in court over the alleged shooting murder of a police officer at Devonport magistrates court.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
