PM Albanese reflects on the Bondi stabbing horror on 60 Minutes

Anthony Albanese has shared an update from the families of the six people killed during a horrific stabbing rampage at Bondi Junction Westfield.

Mother Ashlee Good, 38, Dawn Singleton, 25, the daughter of millionaire businessman John Singleton, mother-of-two Jade Young, 47, Pikria Darchia, 55, Chinese national Yixuan Cheng, 27 and security guard Faraz Tahir, 30 were all killed during the attack on Saturday.

Queensland man Joel Cauchi, 40, was identified as their killer and was shot dead at the scene.

Addressing cabinet on Monday morning, Mr Albanese said he had spoken with the families of the six victims and they were “doing it tough”.

“This is an act of senseless violence that has shocked the nation and we all grieve with them today,” he said.

“At the same time, there are extraordinary acts of heroism that we applaud.”

He commended the bravery of Inspector Amy Scott who confronted the murderer on her own before shooting him dead.

“Rushing towards danger, not knowing what she was running into but no doubt her swift action in taking out the perpetrator saved lives,” Mr Albanese said.

Westfield victims

He also wanted to pay tribute to the “ordinary Australians who did extraordinary things”, including the men who confronted the attacker and likely prevented more victims from being stabbed.

“The people who took swift action in the shops as well to get people to safety was extraordinary,” he said.

“Once again, we’re reminded that in the toughest of times Australians showed the best of the nation’s character.”

Speaking on the 60 Minutes program on Sunday night, Mr Albanese said it was important that people be allowed to “express their grief”.

“If people need support … reach out, it’s not a sign of weakness, it is a necessary part of healthcare,” he said.

Mr Albanese said he had spoken with some of the victims caught up in the horrific violence to express his support and sympathy.

“Their lives will have changed forever,” he said.

Mr Albanese, speaking in sombre tones, expressed pride in the emergency services personnel who rushed into danger to help gain control over the chaos of the day.

“And that of course signals the bravery that they were showing,” he said.

“The men and women who wear our uniform … deserve our thanks, each and every day.

“They put the lives of their fellow Australians before themselves.”

Mr Albanese said it was unlikely the brutal attack could have been predicted.

“It is very difficult for anyone to have foreseen that this man would engage in activity like this,” he said.

NED-11879-Westfield-stabbing-timeline-mapped

In closing the interview, Mr Albanese delivered a message to the families assaulted by Cauchi’s blast of violence.

“My heart goes out to you as a human being, but as Prime Minister, every Australian is thinking of you at what is a very difficult time.”

The attack has thrown the country into mourning.

Mr Albanese laid a wreath for the victims alongside NSW Premier Chris Minns, who rushed back from a family holiday overseas on hearing the devastating news.

Westfield victims

Ms Good’s nine-month-old daughter was also stabbed during the rampage.

Mr Tahir arrived in Australia about a year ago from Sri Lanka via the UNHCR refugee agency from Pakistan, where his parents still live.

A statement from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia said Mr Tahir was known for his “unwavering dedication and kindness”.

Ms Good’s family said they had been left “reeling” from their terrible loss.

“Today we are reeling from the terrible loss of Ashlee, a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all round outstanding human and so much more,’’ the family said.

“We appreciate the well wishes and thoughts of members of the Australian public who have expressed an outpouring of love for Ashlee and our baby girl.

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