Former Minister Points to Multiple Factors in Terror Attack
A former Australian government official has identified several key elements that contributed to the country's most severe terrorist incident. According to Josh Frydenberg, who previously served as Treasurer and MP, Islamic extremism, insufficient government response, and inadequate security vetting for migrants from Middle Eastern regions all played roles in the tragedy.
Speaking from Sydney, Frydenberg told Fox News Digital, "While guns may have stolen the lives of the 15 innocent souls killed at Bondi Beach, it was actually radical Islam which pulled the trigger." He expressed concern that authorities have concentrated on firearms rather than addressing the ideological motivations behind the violence.
Security Screening Concerns Raised
"We've taken thousands of people from the terrorist hotspot in the Middle East, namely Gaza," Frydenberg stated during a Zoom interview. "We have also taken people from many other countries without sufficient security checks, and we are paying a price in Australia for having people in our country who do not share the same commitment that I do and others do to democratic ideals."
These comments come as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has proposed strengthening Australia's already rigorous firearm regulations following the massacre, including a new national gun buyback program and additional restrictions. However, Frydenberg cautioned that these measures might divert attention from what he described as longstanding issues of ignored extremism, increasing antisemitism, and security shortcomings that have left Jewish Australians more exposed.
Extremist Groups and Rising Antisemitism
"The government needs to do a lot more to tackle the hate preachers, to tackle the organizations that are spreading that hate and to ensure that they prosecute those people who are inciting violence," Frydenberg emphasized.
He noted that Australia has not implemented measures adopted by other Western nations, such as banning extremist organizations that remain lawful within the country. "Hezbat al-Tahrir, which is banned in the United Kingdom, banned in Germany, banned in moderate Islamic states, is not banned in Australia, and it should be."
When questioned about the safety of Jewish Australians, Frydenberg indicated the situation has become critical. "Australia is unsafe for Jewish people right now," he said, pointing to what he called an unprecedented surge in harassment, intimidation, and violence since October 2023.
"We've seen Jewish artists that have been doxxed, Jewish businesses that have been boycotted, houses of worship, synagogues that have been firebombed, as well as childcare centers," he detailed. "Our universities are no longer homes of education. They've become hotbeds of hate as people have harassed and intimidated and acted violently towards Jewish students and staff."
Recent Media Attention and Political Response
Frydenberg's warnings received additional focus this week after a separate television interview with Australia's ABC network gained widespread attention. During a charged discussion with anchor Sarah Ferguson, who questioned whether his critique of the government had political undertones, Frydenberg responded strongly.
"I'm deeply offended by what you just said," Frydenberg replied. "That is an insult. That is an insult to say that there's any political motivation in this."
He further illustrated the daily realities faced by the Jewish community: "My children go to a school where there are armed guards outside. When I visit a Jewish Aged Care Center, there are armed guards outside. When I send my kids to Jewish sporting clubs, there are police cars out there and police tape. How should we live with this? Why should we live with this?"
Frydenberg dismissed the idea that his concerns were politically motivated, asserting the matter transcends partisan lines. "This is not a partisan issue. This is a leadership issue. This is about the safety and the security and the soul of Australia," he declared.
He concluded by stating that the Albanese administration's reaction will be evaluated based on future actions rather than public declarations. "They won't be judged by their words," Frydenberg said. "They'll only be judged by their actions, and they'll need to do a lot more than they've announced today in order to turn the situation around."
