What Albanese could do to prove he isn’t dithering on terror |
Anthony Albanese likes to be in control and comfortable, but this national crisis transcends the normal way of doing things and demands a proper shock-and-awe response. Normal political tactics only go so far when something more profound is required.
He has not been able to be the mourner in chief since the Bondi Beach attack unfolded on his watch; instead he has been the target of grieving families’ anger, despairing that they had been warning this would happen for over two years.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday morning.
He did not go to the funerals on Wednesday; he wasn’t invited. He has not returned to the Bondi Beach memorial since Monday; he may not be welcome. Those in his cabinet who have turned up, such as Tony Burke, have been booed.
Can this Labor government shift into a higher gear? Tightening gun laws and condemning antisemitism might have been an acceptable agenda on day one of mourning, but not after day four.
Albanese says he “stands ready” to do more. It’s on him and his cabinet to lay out a plan to restore confidence in multicultural Australia and give Jews peace of mind.
He’s also repeatedly said the nation can’t let the terrorists win by dividing the public. Sadly, the deadliest attack on Jews anywhere since October 7, 2023, is the only win the Islamist extremists were seeking.
Many Australians would not blame the government for Bondi, as some in the Jewish community are. That narrative can’t be allowed to take hold for Labor, however. It makes some sense to give the grieving........