Thousands gather at Bondi vigil; PM orders security agency review as calls for royal commission grow — as it happened

Pressure is mounting for a federal royal commission into the Bondi attack. Several more Opposition MPs have joined the chorus criticising Anthony Albanese over the intelligence review he announced this morning, which critics say falls far short of what's required.

Opposition foreign affairs spokesperson Michaelia Cash slammed the prime minister as "weak and pathetic" in a post on X.

She said the governmental review "is not accountability. It is avoidance".

Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg told the ABC that "anything less than a royal commission is offensive to the victims and the community".

Jonno Duniam, the Opposition home affairs spokesperson, is calling for a "full commonwealth royal commission into every element of not only intelligence and security agencies and their roles in protecting Australia and finding ways to prevent this from happening ever again, but all elements of government decision making in all states and territories".

Earlier, former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg blasted the prime minster's announcement as "wholly inadequate".

Independent MP Allegra Spender, whose electoral division includes Bondi, said the review of federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies wouldn't cut it.

"The PM's own department leading a federal review is the government investigating itself," she said, calling for a joint commonwealth-state inquiry.

Albanese has backed NSW Premier Chris Minns' call for a state-based royal commission, but stopped short of ordering a national inquiry.

— Josie Harvey

NSW Police have announced road closures in the Bondi Beach area ahead of a vigil on Sunday evening.

The following roads will be closed from 4pm to 10pm.

• Campbell Pde between Ramsgate Ave and Queen Elizabeth Dr roundabout.
• Sections of Curlewis St, Hall St, Wairoa Ave, Warners Ave, Hastings Pde, Beach Rd and Military Rd.
• Special event clearways will be in effect along Bondi Rd, Campbell Pde, Park Drive and Queen Elizabeth Dr.

Police said traffic would be heavier than usual, and motorists should allow extra travel time.

— Miles Proust

Mourners continued to pay tribute on Sunday, a national day of reflection marking one week since 15 people were killed in a terror attack at Bondi Beach.

Here are some photos from today:

Flowers and other tributes were placed on the footbridge used by the gunmen. Source: AP / Mark Baker

Police on patrol at Bondi Beach. Source: AAP / Dean Lewins

Mourners paid tribute by laying flowers outside Bondi Pavilion. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

Crowds returned to Bondi Beach, with many taking to the water to cool off. Source: AAP / Dean Lewins

One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce addressed a small crowd at an anti-immigration rally in Sydney. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

— Miles Proust

NSW Health has provided an update on the 13 people who remain in hospitals across Sydney after last Sunday's terror attack.

Four patients are in critical but stable condition.

As of 2pm Sunday, NSW Health said:

• One patient is in a stable condition at Prince of Wales Hospital. 
• One patient is in a critical but stable condition and one patient is in a stable condition at St George Hospital. 
• Three patients are in a critical but stable condition and one patient is stable at St Vincent’s Hospital. 
• Four patients are stable at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. 
• Two patients are in a stable condition at Royal North Shore Hospital. 

— Miles Proust

As crowds of beachgoers start to return to Bondi, flowers and other tributes have been placed on the footbridge used by the gunmen.

Many pedestrians crossing the bridge stopped to pay their respects.

A council sign posted on the bridge reads: "This is the site of a terrible tragedy for the local community. Please be respectful and consider others when moving through."

Flowers have been laid along the entrance to the beach and on the pedestrian bridge where the attack was carried out. Source: AAP / Dean Lewins

Bondi stores and restaurants have started to reopen in recent days. Source: AAP / Dean Lewins

— Josie Harvey

Former Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce, who recently joined One Nation, addressed a small but vocal crowd that gathered for an anti-immigration rally in Sydney.

He started by thanking state and federal police for their work in the wake of the Bondi attack, and said he was glad police were present.

NSW Police said in an earlier statement that the planned event was not authorised, and urged people not to attend.

"The NSW Police Force recognises that this is not a time for public gatherings that may heighten tension or create additional risks to community safety," the statement said.

Premier Chris Minns had also encouraged people not to attend, suggesting it could inflame a "combustible situation".

— Josie Harvey

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) director-general Mike Burgess has welcomed a review of the intelligence agency but said some recent criticisms were "unfounded".

Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced he had ordered a review into federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies, to be led by former ASIO chief Dennis Richardson.

In a statement on Sunday, Burgess said ASIO would "fully cooperate" and that he welcomed scrutiny and accountability.

"If ASIO is found to have made mistakes, we will own them and we will learn from them," he said.

Burgess also said some of the criticisms levelled at ASIO following Sunday's terror attack were "unfounded".

ASIO chief Mike Burgess said he welcomed and supported the review ordered by Anthony Albanese. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch

"As I have said many times, ASIO is not all-seeing and all-knowing," he said.

"Tragically, in this case, we did not know about the attack before it happened. That is a matter of grave regret for me and my officers. It weighs on us heavily.

"But that does not necessarily mean there was an intelligence failure or that my officers made mistakes."

He said the review would provide an opportunity to refute claims ASIO failed to pass on relevant intelligence, defunded and deprioritised counter-terrorism, and "purged" experienced counter-terrorism officers.

"None of these claims are true," he said.

"ASIO's officers are highly trained, highly capable and highly motivated. I back them 100%."

— Miles Proust

Independent MP Allegra Spender, who represents an electorate that includes Bondi, says Anthony Albanese's newly announced review of federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies "won't cut it".

"The Bondi Beach terrorist attack requires a thorough, independent inquiry to ensure these devastating events are never repeated. A NSW-based Royal Commission is an important start, but wouldn't have the power to review federal agencies like ASIO," she said in a post on X.

"The PM's own department leading a federal review is the government investigating itself — it won't cut it.

"We need a joint Commonwealth-State inquiry that is genuinely independent and with real powers if we are to ensure lessons are learned and meaningful change is delivered."

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PM orders review into federal police and intelligence agencies after Bondi terror attack

On Saturday, NSW Premier Chris Minns called for a state-based royal commission, which Albanese said he would support. But the prime minister has faced a growing chorus calling for a federal inquiry.

— Josie Harvey

The Bondi memorial site has been closed to the public ahead of a community memorial event later in the afternoon, and the observance of a minute's silence at 6.47pm.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon says there will be a heightened police presence in Bondi and the surrounding areas, but that this "does not reflect a heightened security alert".

"We know how deeply this tragedy has impacted Jewish families, friends, and the wider community who stand with them. Our priority is ensuring that everyone can come together to honour the victims and support one another without fear," Lanyon said in a statement.

"You will see more officers than usual, including some carrying long-arm firearms. While our priority is keeping the community safe, it is equally about helping people feel safe as they come together to grieve. Tonight is about standing with the community, safeguarding the space for a respectful vigil, and ensuring everyone feels supported during this incredibly difficult time."

— Alex Gallagher

Former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has rebuked Anthony Albanese's earlier announcement that there would be a review into Australia's federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies following the Bondi terror attack.

The prime minister said the review will be completed in April and will examine "whether federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies have the right powers, structures, processes and sharing arrangements in place to keep Australians safe".

"Prime Minister, your announcement today of an internal departmental review of law enforcement and intelligence agencies is wholly inadequate. To use an Australian colloquialism its bulls—t," the former Liberal frontbencher said in a statement posted on X.

"It's weak, it's wrong, it's an abrogation of your first and fundamental duty to protect all Australian citizens after the deadliest terrorist attack on Australian soil at Bondi Beach."

Frydenberg called instead for a federal royal commission, which would provide investigators with the broadest powers to examine the circumstances that led to the attack. On Saturday, Albanese said he'd support NSW Premier Chris Minns in ordering a state-based royal commission, but he's drawn backlash from the Opposition for declining to launch a federal inquiry.

Frydenberg, who is Jewish, has been an outspoken critic of Albanese's response in the wake of the attack, and has accused the prime minister of failing Australians in the fight against antisemitism.

— Josie Harvey

Australia is marking a national day of reflection today, one week after 15 people were killed in a terrorist attack on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach.

Funerals have been taking place this week for the victims, and thousands of tributes and flowers have been laid at a makeshift memorial outside Bondi Pavilion.

Here are their names:

• Adam Smyth, a Bondi resident and father of four, whose relatives said he loved "family, friends, travel and sport".
• Matilda, the youngest victim, a 10-year-old girl remembered for bringing light to everyone around her.
• Peter Meagher, a retired police officer and beloved member of Randwick Rugby Club.
• Dan Elkayam, who loved football and "inspired countless people through the way that he lived", his family said.
• Rabbi Eli Schlanger, an organiser of the Hanukkah celebrations last Sunday whose brother-in-law, rabbi Mandel Kastel, said he was "warm, engaging and curious".
• Marika Pogany, a local Jewish volunteer whose loved ones described her as a "beautiful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and steadfast friend".
• Alexander Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor of "unwavering spirit" whose wife said he died trying to protect her.
• Reuven Morrison, who was born in the former Soviet Union and migrated to Australia as a teenager in the 1970s, and whose daughter said he died trying to protect his community.
• Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, a father of four, was general manager of the Chabad of Bondi, which said "you'd have a hard time finding a Jewish institution in [Sydney] that wasn't directly impacted by his work".
• Boris and Sofia Gurman were preparing to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary when they were killed, with dashcam footage showing them attempting to stop one of the gunmen. "Together, they lived honest, hardworking lives and treated everyone they met with kindness, warmth and respect," the Gurman family said.
• Edith Brutman, whose family described her as a "woman of integrity who chose humanity every day".
• Tibor Weitzen, a grandfather who reportedly died shielding his loved ones during Sunday's attack.
• Boris Tetleroyd, a husband and father whose family said he was "well known to his neighbours, deeply connected to our wider community, and cherished by his family".
• Tania Tretiak, a grandmother who was the 15th and final victim on Sunday's attack to be named.

Some of the Bondi Beach terror attack victims. Top row L to R: Peter Meagher, Alex Kleytman, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan. Middle row L to R: Reuven Morrison, Matilda, Tibor Weitzen. Bottow row L to R: Marika Pogany, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, and Dan Elkavam. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

Not all victims of the attack have been pictured in this post.

— Josie Harvey

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has criticised anti-immigration rallies planned for this afternoon in Sydney and Melbourne, urging Australians to "stand united" on the national day of reflection.

Albanese said rally organisers were seeking to "sow division" after last Sunday's terror attack at Bondi Beach, which targeted a Jewish Hanukkah festival and was widely condemned as antisemitic.

The rallies have "no place in Australia" and should not go ahead, the prime minister said, as he called on people not to attend them.

The rallies have also been condemned by NSW Premier Chris Minns and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, and there will be a strong police presence at both.

— Alex Gallagher

Anti-immigration rallies are planned in Sydney and Melbourne today despite warnings from authorities that they will increase tensions during a deeply sensitive time.

NSW Police has urged people not to attend the "unauthorised gathering" planned in Sydney.

In a statement, police said a Form 1 was submitted by the protest organiser on Wednesday, but it was not supported by police, and subsequent negotiations were unsuccessful.

In NSW, protest organisers can submit a Form 1 notifying police of their intent to hold an assembly. If not challenged by police, protests are considered "authorised", and participants are granted certain legal protections.

"Without this authorisation, the event is not legally protected as an authorised assembly, and individuals who choose to attend may be liable for obstruction and unlawful assembly offences," NSW Police said.

"The NSW Police Force recognises that this is not a time for public gatherings that may heighten tension or create additional risks to community safety."

NSW Premier Chris Minns told 9's Today show this morning that the Jewish community is still in mourning and the event could escalate an "undeniably combustible situation".

In Victoria, Premier Jacinta Allan has said the protest planned in Melbourne is "deeply inappropriate".

Victoria Police says it will have a presence at the rally, and "our top priority will be ensuring the safety of those attending and the broader community".

— Josie Harvey

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he has asked for a review into federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies following the terror attack at Bondi.

He has tasked former ASIO chief Dennis Richardson with leading the review.

"The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet will examine whether federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies have the right powers, structures, processes and sharing arrangements in place to keep Australians safe in the wake of the horrific antisemitic Bondi Beach terrorist attack," the statement says.

He said the violence, inspired by the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) group, "reinforces the rapidly changing security environment in our nation" and that our security agencies "must be in the best position to respond".

The review will be provided to the government by the end of April next year, and findings will be made public.

The prime minister has been in Canberra this morning for national security meetings.

— Josie Harvey

Despite heatwave conditions in Sydney, large crowds have gathered for a vigil at Bondi Pavilion.

Attendees at the event, hosted by the National Council of Jewish Women Australia, were invited to wear white to represent light in darkness, and to bring a single flower.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn, wearing white like many others, spoke at the vigil, describing a "national project" to encourage kindness, care, respect and belonging for Jewish Australians and all Australians.

"The entire Jewish community, whether it's here in Bondi or across our nation, you are part of the belonging story and the success of this country," she said.

Mourners attended a vigil outside Bondi Pavilion held by the National Council for Jewish Women Australia on Sunday morning. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

She called on the nation "step up", come together and support one another in the months ahead. "Use your kindness, use your skills, use your values."

"Mitzvahs, good deeds, kindness, compassion to each other, Jewish or otherwise. Everyone in this country belongs," she said.

"It shouldn't end at the end of the first week or the first month."

— Josie Harvey

Opposition leader Sussan Ley and Liberal MP Julian Leeser have visited Ahmed Al-Ahmed as he continues his recovery in hospital.

The Syrian-born man has been hailed as a hero after he put himself in harm's way to disarm one of the alleged gunmen. He's undergone surgeries this week to treat the gunshot wounds he suffered during the terror attack.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also visited Al-Ahmed in the aftermath of the violence, saying he represented "the best of our country".

After Al-Ahmed was presented with a cheque for more than $2.5 million in crowdsourced donations for his bravery, he called on people to "stand with each other" in the aftermath of Sunday's attack.

زعيمة الائتلاف المعارض سوزان لي تزور رفقة النائب عن حزب الاحرار جوليان ليزر بطل بونداي أحمد الأحمد في المستشفى Source: Supplied

— Josie Harvey

The enormous sea of flowers and other tributes people have placed outside the Bondi Pavilion will be cleared on Monday.

Signs from Waverley Council posted around the area said items at the memorial will be removed on 22 December.

The Sydney Jewish Museum and the Australian Jewish Historical Society will collect some of the materials and preserve them.

"We will ensure photographs are captured and will collect a representation of materials from the floral tribute site to preserve and use in future memorial materials for the families as appropriate," the council said in a statement.

"The Jewish Museum will collect cards and other non-perishable items."

The mass of flowers, cards, toys and other tributes has grown each day since the attack. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

There are also signs with QR codes directing people to a NSW government site containing information on the Bondi Beach attack, including an online condolence book where people can leave messages of support.

The council is considering a permanent memorial.

— Josie Harvey

Flags are flying at half mast in Australia today as a mark of mourning and respect for the victims and survivors of last Sunday's violence.

The Australian and Aboriginal flags were lowered over the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday, one week since the attack, and on the final day of the Jewish Hanukkah holiday.

The federal government said the Australian flag would be flown at half mast from all buildings and establishments occupied by national and NSW state government departments and agencies.

The Australian and Aboriginal flags flew at half staff on the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday. Source: AAP / Mark Baker/AP

Many other tributes are planned today, including a minute of silence at 6.47pm AEDT, when the attack unfolded last week. The government has also invited people across the country to light a candle at that time.

— Josie Harvey

Sydney's Newtown Synagogue Rabbi Eli Feldman says Australia's Jewish community is still in shock and is calling on people around the country to continue showing acts of support.

"We're in shock, we're devastated. It's not just numbers, it's people. People have died, people are suffering, people are in hospital," Feldman told ABC this morning.

Feldman said support from the non-Jewish community has been very "touching and very much appreciated", and that various faith communities had stood in solidarity in the past week.

"On a grassroots level, we've got neighbours coming through putting flowers at the Synagogue, posting notes and writing poems. It's so touching and we appreciate it so much."

— Olivia Di Iorio

In the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack, many Australians are wondering what led to the massacre, factors that could have made the country vulnerable, and whether red flags were missed that could have prevented the tragedy.

Earlier this weekend, SBS News published this story on some of the global factors that may have played a part in the attack taking place.

You can read that story below:

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'Australia is not exempt': The global events that left Australia vulnerable to terrorism