Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Sussan Ley have invoked the Bondi Beach terror attack in their New Year's addresses, urging Australians to move forward with courage and optimism in 2026.
"Of course, right now, the joy that we usually feel at the start of a new year is tempered by the sadness of the old," Albanese said.
"Following the terror inflicted on Jewish Australians at Bondi Beach, our hearts ache for every life lost, and every life changed forever.
"Yet what Bondi also showed us was the best of the Australian spirit, in all its courage and compassion."
Fifteen people were killed when father and son Sajid, 50, and Naveed Akram 24, allegedly opened fire into a crowd of people celebrating at a Jewish Hanukkah festival on the iconic Sydney beach on 14 December.
'In 2026, we'll write the next chapter'
Albanese announced an independent review, led by former Australian Security Intelligence Organisation chief Dennis Richardson, into federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies following the attack.
But he has resisted calls for a royal commission despite mounting criticism, including from the victims' families.
In his address, Albanese said the response to the attack had given him optimism for the year ahead as Australians rise to meet challenges by working together and looking after each other.
"And no matter what the world throws at us, we will keep doing things our way, stay true to who we are, hold on to everything that makes us the best country on Earth," he said.
"Whether we're here by birth or by choice, we are all proudly Australian, united by our generosity, our resilience and our abiding sense of fairness," Albanese said.
He said Australia could take pride in being enriched by the world's oldest continuous culture, as well as people of all backgrounds and traditions contributing through hard work and aspiration.
"In so many ways, our Australian story is such a remarkable one, and a beautifully distinctive one," he said.
"In 2026, we will write the next chapter. We'll do it in a positive way and we'll do it together."
Unity and opportunity
In her message, Ley encouraged people to reflect on a difficult 2025.
"It asked much of our families and communities, and it ended with a tragedy that reminded us how precious life is and how despicable acts of hatred can wound a nation," she said.
"Australia is at its best when we look out for one another, when we reject division and when we meet challenge with courage and common purpose," she said.
"The values that bind us together — respect, fairness and care for others — will guide us as we rebuild confidence and move forward together."
Ley said there will still be challenges in 2026, but there will also be hopes.
"The year ahead brings new challenges, but it also brings opportunity, opportunity to strengthen our communities, to restore trust and to build a future that is safer, fairer and more hopeful for the next generation."
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