Raw emotion in State Parliament as MPs vow to stare down anti-Semitism that fuelled Bondi attack

Labor MP Frank Paolino has vowed the Jewish community’s spirit will not be broken, as State MPs bowed their heads for a minute’s silence and paid their respects to the victims of the Bondi terrorist attack.

The tone was sombre and palpable as State Parliament was recalled for a final sitting before Christmas.

MPs on both sides were close to tears, including Mount Lawley MP Frank Paolino, who represents the seat with Perth’s largest Jewish community.

“Our light will never diminish, it will shine brighter,” Mr Paolino said.

“Our spirit will never be broken, nor will our zeal for peace be ripped apart. Our resilience defines us and our courage will always be our strength.

“Together we will overcome and together we will restitch the fabric that made us, for our peace and the peace of Western Australia.”

A condolence motion was carried unanimously, with Premier Roger Cook, Opposition leader Basil Zempilas and Nationals leader Shane Love leading the tribute.

The Premier said all of WA united to grieve the horrific murders of 15 innocent people.

“We state without equivocation that we stand beside the Australian Jewish community,” he said.

“We wholeheartedly condemn any act of anti-Semitism, hatred or discrimination, that we reject extremism in all its forms, that Jewish people of Australia have a right, an absolute right, to live without fear, and that as members of the Australian community, we stand united.

“We are stronger united and we in this chamber are united.”

Mr Zempilas read out the names of the victims who have been identified.

“They were unique, individual human beings,” he said.

“Among them, a Holocaust survivor, a leader of the Jewish community, a policeman, a refugee, a volunteer and a child simply having fun at the beach. There are 29 people injured, some fighting for their lives, who ran towards danger to help others.

“This act of terror targeting Australians simply because they are Jews at an iconic Australian place was both abhorrent and premeditated. It represents anti-Semitism taken to its ultimate and most vile conclusion.”

He urged the Albanese Government to look anti-Semitism “squarely in the eye” and “urgently consider” the outstanding recommendations of Special Envoy Jillian Segal’s report.

“This is the worst terrorist attack on Australian soil, and Australia will never be the same,” the Liberal Leader said.

“There is shock and there is anger. Let us use this shock and anger to do better to protect Australia’s Jewish community.”

Mr Love offered “support and solidarity” to Australia’s Jewish community.

“Your place in Australia is valued, respected and non negotiable,” he said.

“To the families who are grieving., we extend our deepest sympathy and to all those affected. We wish strength, healing and peace.”