In the days and weeks following the Bondi terror attack, I’ve reflected on what the role of politicians should be in moments like this and on what leadership looks like.

An obvious example to my mind is the response of Jacinda Ardern following the Christchurch massacre — considered by many to be the defining moment of her prime ministership.

It was Ardern’s empathy and compassion, her rejection of violent rhetoric and her calm inclusivity in a time of national crisis that characterised her response. It set the tone for a whole nation to express kindness, acceptance and connectedness and to work towards making all people feel safe, no matter their religion, nationality or other background.

Contrast that with the political response here after Bondi. It took less than a day to descend into an ugly mudslinging match and for blame, hatred and ignorance to be given free reign. Far from seeking to unify the community, these responses only serve to further divide. 

In NSW, the lack of real leadership shown by Premier Chris Minns has been predictable.

Over the past two years, we have been calling on the premier and his government to show real leadership on the war in Gaza and its impact here in Australia. We’ve been asking for an end to simplistic populist right-wing responses that seek to silence, that serve to bolster misinformation and ignorance. Instead, we have called on governments to open up........

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