Australia Sets A$604 Million Bondi Attack Response Package

Australia’s federal government on Tuesday outlined a A$604 million package in its budget aimed at boosting security and supporting affected communities after the December 2023 attack at Bondi Junction. The measures are set to run over five years from the 2025-26 fiscal year. About half of the total, A$300 million, is allocated to Australia’s Jewish community.

The budget funding includes A$124 million for the Executive Council of Australian Jewry for security upgrades, including A$22 million to be drawn from confiscated criminal assets. A further A$131 million is earmarked for projects run by Jewish community organizations, including A$4.4 million for the Chabad of Bondi.

The package also includes A$43 million for mental health support for people affected by the attack and A$200,000 for Bondi’s surf lifesaving clubs.

Royal commission and anti-hate programs

Beyond the direct community allocations, the budget provides A$131 million for the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. The commission funding sits alongside a broader A$207 million tranche for anti-antisemitism and anti-hate initiatives.

Officials said the initiatives will include public awareness campaigns and education programs. The package also sets aside A$80 million for a counter-terrorism online center focused on tackling youth radicalization.

Security agencies funded for enforcement and controls

Security agencies are also set to receive funding linked to firearms and visa controls. The Australian Federal Police is allocated A$68 million to support investigations related to the attack.

The budget measures will be rolled out over the five-year period beginning in 2025-26, with implementation of the commission and program funding expected to remain a focus in the months ahead.