The horrific attack at Bondi Beach, Australia’s deadliest terrorist incident, wasn’t simply a matter of a weapon, according to former Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. He asserts a dangerous confluence of factors – the rise of Islamic extremism, governmental complacency, and insufficient vetting of migrants from volatile regions – created the conditions for tragedy.
Frydenberg, speaking from Sydney, directly linked the violence to radical Islamic ideology. While acknowledging the weapon used, he emphasized it was merely the instrument of a deeper, more troubling force. He believes the focus on gun control distracts from addressing the root cause of the attack and the growing threat within Australia.
Australia’s intake of individuals from areas known for terrorist activity, particularly Gaza, without rigorous security checks, has contributed to the problem, Frydenberg contends. He argues that welcoming people who don’t share fundamental democratic values carries a significant risk, a price Australia is now paying.
The current government’s response, centered on further tightening gun laws, feels like an avoidance tactic, he stated. Frydenberg believes this approach sidesteps a crucial reckoning with years of ignored extremism, escalating antisemitism, and systemic security failures that have left the Jewish community vulnerable.
He calls for a more aggressive approach to combating hate speech and extremist organizations. Specifically, Frydenberg points to the continued legality of groups like Hezbat al-Tahrir, banned in numerous other Western nations and even moderate Islamic states, as a glaring oversight.
The situation for Jewish Australians has reached a breaking point, Frydenberg warned. He described an unprecedented surge in harassment, intimidation, and violence since October 7th, 2023, creating a climate of fear within the community.
The attacks aren’t limited to physical violence; Jewish artists have been publicly exposed, businesses boycotted, and synagogues and childcare centers targeted with arson. Universities, once bastions of learning, have become breeding grounds for hatred, with Jewish students and staff facing relentless harassment and threats.
A recent, widely circulated television interview saw Frydenberg fiercely defend his position against accusations of political motivation. He vehemently rejected the suggestion that his concerns were driven by partisan interests, stating it was a deeply offensive insinuation.
Frydenberg painted a stark picture of daily life for Jewish Australians, detailing the presence of armed guards at schools, aged care centers, and even sporting events. He questioned how this level of security could be normalized and why Jewish citizens should have to live in constant fear.
He insists this is not a political issue, but a matter of national leadership and the very soul of Australia. The safety and security of all citizens, he argues, must be paramount, transcending partisan divides.
Ultimately, Frydenberg believes the Albanese government will be judged not by its pronouncements, but by its actions. He stresses that more substantial measures are needed to address the escalating crisis and restore a sense of security to all Australians.
