It is with a broken heart that I rise to speak on behalf of the people of Wakehurst to express our collective shock and grief over the events at Bondi Beach on Sunday 14 December. I express our sincere and deep condolences to the families and loved ones of the 15 innocent people who were murdered in this senseless and abhorrent act of terrorism—men, women and, indeed, a young child who were simply enjoying a sunny Sunday afternoon at the beach, something the good people of Wakehurst can absolutely relate to. Those 15 people were gathering with friends and family to celebrate one of the most holy days in the Jewish calendar. The targeted attack on the first night of Hanukkah was a blatant act of antisemitism, and I stand with the Jewish community, and indeed with the broader Australian community, to state categorically that this evil will not be tolerated in any form.

I also send the best wishes of the Wakehurst community to those who lie in hospital still, some of them injured as they entered harm's way trying to stop the slaughter or to assist others around them. In particular, I express my respect and endless admiration for the two incredibly brave young police officers, Constable Scott Dyson and Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert, who faced the unimaginable that day. To Jack and his family, northern beaches locals want to express the community's unwavering support. We will be there for him every step of the way as he recovers from his injuries both seen and unseen.

I actually met Jack when he was part of the amazing Links to Learning program, a local educational pathway for students who do not quite fit with the traditional school system—something I can relate to. For Jack to not only complete his studies but to go on to sign up for the Police Force speaks volumes of not only the program but also Jack's values, his drive and his commitment to civic duty. Sam King, the CEO of the program, said to me the other day:

"Michael, you've met him and known him as a result of him becoming a great young person through links to learning—and by his own admission he was an absolute ratbag, and I know he has told many people that the program helped him get his life on track."

Sam went on to say: "Fast forward to now and he has made lots of really amazing choices, all of which have been compassionate and giving and selfless. It's actually a shame that this Bondi incident had to occur for him to be recognised for the great young person he has become."

Jack and I both know Sam all too well and know how hard she is to impress, so that is high praise indeed. To Jack and, indeed, every officer who attended the scene that day—in fact, to every police officer who serves our community every day—I say thank you. I literally say, thank God for you. I also acknowledge the extraordinary paramedics, nurses, doctors, hospital staff and everyone who ran toward danger and worked tirelessly in the aftermath to save lives and care for the injured.

Let me be absolutely clear: We condemn antisemitism without hesitation, and we also reject any attempt to respond to this evil with racism or the blaming of entire communities. Let us not become the monster in order to defeat the monster. When I reflect on that Sunday evening, as the messages started coming through alerting us to what was happening, I recall feeling how the sense of horror was so strange and unfamiliar to us here in Australia. Indeed, as I hugged my wife in the kitchen that night, all she could say was, "This is not Australia". Indeed, that is not Australia. Hatred, violence and division is not Australia. The intention of the terrorists on that summer evening was blatantly clear: to target our Jewish community and divide the rest of us. I say to my fellow MPs that it is up to us, as leaders in this place, to unite and hold the line so that, while our hearts may be shattered, our sense of community cohesion will not break. Each of us represents a community made up of diverse races, cultures and religions, and that attack on one community was an attack on all of our communities.

I am not an overly religious person, and I will not pretend to be, but one thing I have learnt over the years is that the major faiths of Judaism, Islam and Christianity can trace their origins to the same source—Father Abraham. At this time of division and confusion, we should focus on what unites us and the values that bring us together, not the hate that seeks to drive us apart. In the past week I have learnt a lot about the Jewish faith, particularly the traditions of Hanukkah, a festival of light to symbolise freedom, faith and hope. Again, I am struck by the similar symbolism of light found in other religions. Right now, in Christian households across Australia and the world, advent wreaths are lit each week in reference to the birth of Christ as the light of the world. During the Islamic celebration of Ramadan, we see the symbolic use of the Fanous lantern, a hanging lamp symbolising spiritual enlightenment, hope and guidance. The Festival of Diwali, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains around the world, symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

All of those traditions focus on spiritual renewal, prosperity, good deeds and new beginnings. Surely all of those traits are much needed now. They say that the darkest hour is right before the dawn, and there is no doubt that this is our nation's darkest hour, certainly in my lifetime. Let us not wait for the light; let us be the light. Let each of us bring light into the darkness and be the goodness, kindness and compassion. Let each of us be a moral beacon against darkness and bring light and warmth to all around us. Although our hearts are broken, they are broken open. With those open hearts, let us go forward and renew our commitment to a better, more caring and safer world for all.

Read all MPs speeches in the Hansard here.