Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has decried a mass shooting attack targeting Sydney's Jewish community as a "vile act of violence and hate".
At least 12 people were killed when two gunmen opened fire on an event commemorating the first night of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening.
Following a snap meeting of the National Security Committee, Mr Albanese said what should have been a day of joy and celebration of faith was the setting of an act of evil, anti-Semitic terrorism that "struck at the heart of our nation".
"An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian, and every Australian tonight will be like me, devastated by this attack on our way of life," he told reporters.
"There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation, and let me be clear, we will eradicate it.
"Amidst this vile act of violence and hate will emerge a moment of national unity, where Australians across the board will embrace their fellow Australians of Jewish faith.
"The evil that was unleashed at Bondi Beach today is beyond comprehension, and the trauma and loss that families are dealing with tonight is beyond anyone's worst nightmare."
Mr Albanese defended his government's response to previous anti-Semitic attacks on Australia's Jewish community since the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas in Israel.
"We have taken it seriously, and we've continued to act," he said.
"We've continued to work with Jewish community leaders. We've continued to take all the advice from the security agencies to put in place special measures, and will continue to do so."
Mr Albanese hinted additional funding for security for the Jewish community - a recommendation of the Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism, Jillian Segal - would be considered.
Australian Federal Police acting deputy commissioner of national security Nigel Ryan said the attack had been declared a terrorist incident, which would allow law enforcement to use specialist powers in the investigation.
ASIO director-general Mike Burgess said the national terror threat level would remain at probable, meaning there was a 50 per cent chance of an act of terror.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn said Australians across the country were in shock and heartbreak.
"Australians have also witnessed extraordinary acts of heroism by so many today - brave members of the public, devoted first responders including police officers, emergency services personnel, ambulance officers and the dedicated hospital teams who are now providing care to those injured," she said in a statement.
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