What happened on Sunday was a horrific attack that affects us all.
Our love and prayers are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives and suffered injuries, and those who witnessed this terrifying event.
These events were driven by hateful ideology and antisemitism. Since October 7, 2023, the damaging spread of hate has led to violent attacks on innocent people and left Jewish Australians living in fear.
Our state and federal governments have failed to heed the warnings of ASIO and the Special Envoy’s Plan to Combat Antisemitism, and pleas for help from the Jewish community.
An attack on the Jewish community is an attack on our Australian values and our way of life. We must never forget the generations before us that sacrificed their lives to protect our democratic freedoms.
The strength of our democracy lies in the moral standards and values that helped shape our nation; that every individual has worth and dignity, a personal moral responsibility, and equality before the law – regardless of gender, religion, race or any other attribute.
The Premier and Prime Minister need to consider all the facts that contributed to this event, instead of targeting responsible firearm owners. Strong leadership is needed to keep our community safe.
To honour the 15 innocent victims who lost their lives, we need to stop the spread of hateful ideology and hold fast to Australian values that ensure freedom for all.
Gaelle Broad MP
The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria
