What PM, Premier, Police say about Bondi antisemitic attack

CHRIS MINNS, PREMIER OF NEW SOUTH WALES: I'm joined with the Prime Minister, the Minister for Police, the Commissioner for New South Wales Ambulance, and of course, Mal Lanyon, the New South Wales Police Commissioner. It's a very sad duty this morning to report that 16 people have been confirmed as being killed. 15 innocent people and one perpetrator. There are 42 people in New South Wales hospitals overnight, and the victims' age ranges are from as young as 10 to 87. A devastating fact. New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon will speak in a moment about Operation Shelter, the circumstances of this investigation, the counterterrorism plan from New South Wales Police, and the latest in relation to community safety, as well as the New South Wales Government's and the New South Wales Police's inquiry into this devastating crime. Obviously, the Jewish community in New South Wales are absolutely devastated this morning. And it's our responsibility to wrap our arms around that wounded community and let them know that ordinary Australians, regular Australians, are in their corner and thinking of them this morning after this terrible, terrible, targeted attack on what should have been a joyful event that they have every right to share with their community on Bondi Beach last night. We need to send a strong and clear repudiation of antisemitism in all of its forms. In all of its forms. There is no tolerance for racism or Jewish hatred in New South Wales or Australia. And we need to be clear and unambiguous that we will fight it everywhere we see it, whether it's destructive, horrible acts of violence or chance mottos and internet posts on the internet. Wherever it is, we need to fight antisemitism. It is toxic. It is cancerous within a community. And as you can see from last night, it leads to devastating, devastating implications for the people of our country. There's been overwhelming public outrage and support from the people of New South Wales, and I think from the people of Australia. There needs to be a time for mourning. We need to be in a position to bind up the wounds of the state's Jewish community. And many people are asking how they can help. The first thing, of course, is to listen to New South Wales Police and emergency services. But if you are looking for something practical to do, you could give blood. We saw extraordinary scenes from New South Wales public hospitals last night. Emergency departments, at the drop of a hat, were in the process of saving scores of lives. They did an incredible job, but they need your help. They need blood. And if you're thinking about doing an act of public service in the coming 24 hours, I'd urge you to contact the Red Cross and do that piece of public mindedness, that piece of public spiritedness. I want to say thank you to our amazing police force, who acted bravely and diligently in incredibly difficult circumstances. Thank you to the paramedics who, in some cases, under fire, transported the injured to New South Wales hospitals, to the doctors and nurses in our public hospitals, and lastly, thank you to innocent bystanders and civilians who stood up, risked their own lives to save other people's lives. This is a terrible, wanton act of destructive violence. But there are still amazing people that we have in Australia, and they showed their true colours last night. I'm going to pass over to the Prime Minister and then New South Wales Police Commissioner.