McCarthy ‘shocked’ by Bondi shootings

Senator Malarndirri McCarthy was sat in a lounge at Sydney airport waiting for a flight to Canberra as news of the Bondi shootings broke.

When Australia’s Minister for Indigenous Affairs arrived in the nation’s capital an hour or so later she realised the magnitude of the awful events unfolding in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs – an incident that had deep personal meaning.

“My husband’s family live in Bondi and so we’ve had some personal connection with the event. Thankfully, they’re safe and his sister is safe but they’re deeply traumatised,” she told ABC Darwin’s breakfast show on Monday.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese talks to police chiefs during his visit to Bondi on Monday. (AAP)

“I was on the Darwin to Sydney flight and was transferring across to the Canberra flight when I saw on my phone just a quick headline saying there was a gunman at Bondi.

“But it wasn’t until I actually landed in Canberra last night that I realised the extent of it.”

Senator McCarthy said her family were safe but ‘deeply traumatised’.

“I spoke to my sister-in-law just to see how she was but she just couldn’t talk about Bondi and couldn’t watch anything,” Senator McCarthy said.

Standing strong

“I think it’s really important, I just want to reach out to our Jewish community, our brothers and sisters of the Jewish faith, that we stand strong with you. This is absolutely horrific.

“We are a people, Australians, who look out for one another, who care for one another. And I think what was heartening in seeing the vision was those people who tried to assist and those who did assist.

“And there was something beautiful in a really horrible moment to see the bravery of some of those residents and individuals.”

Presenter Adam Steer ask the Senator what the next step was.

A mourner lays flowers at Bondi Beach on Monday. (AAP)

“What’s the best way to ensure that Australia does that and does not divide over such an horrific assault on Australia that we saw last night in Bondi?,” he asked.

“This is not the Australia we want. It’s not the Australia that we know,” Senator McCarthy said.

“I think at this particular time, when you look at the celebration that was taking place at Bondi with Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, don’t let that light go out.

“I think we need to reach out with that light across Australia and the love to show that this will conquer that kind of evil darkness that we’ve seen.”

Devastated

Labour Senator for WA, Dorinda Cox, posted on her social media how heartbroken she was.

The Noongar Senator sad the attack was shocking and devastating.

“My thoughts are with those who lost their lives, their families and all those who have been affected,” she wrote.

“I thank all emergency services and members of the public who showed incredible bravery.

“An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian.”