Speaking to the media in Canberra this morning, Albanese said he had written to Governor General Sam Mostyn to request the establishment of a new, special honours list.
“This would recognise those individuals nominated and recommended for a bravery or a meritorious award in response to the Bondi terrorist attack,” Albanese said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. (9News)
Similar special honours have been given to individuals recognised for their actions in specific tragedies, such as the MH17 tragedy and the Bali bombing.
The awards will be announced next year.
Albanese suggested the awards could go to police officers, courageous bystanders, and medical workers.
Police and medical workers could be among the recipients. (Sitthixay Ditthavong)
There will be a nominee system for members of the public to put forward names, and Albanese said the awards would be run “at arm’s length” from the government.
“Recognition of people’s good deeds is a good thing,” he said.
“It’s not why people do it, but it’s what our nation should do.”
Jewish organisation given charity status
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, standing next to the prime minister, said the government had today declared the Jewish Community Foundation, associated with the Jewish Community Appeal, a community charity.
“This is part of our ongoing work to support community organisations that are helping the victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack and their families, and bringing the community together in such difficult times,” Gallagher said.
The foundation is now closer to DRG (deductible gift recipient) status, which needs to be approved by the Australian Taxation Office.
“We are urgently doing the work to make sure this can happen, so that people can provide those funds and that organisation can go on and continue to support their essential work in supporting those affected by the Bondi terror attacks,” Gallagher said.
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher. (9News)
Invitation to Israeli leader
Albanese said he had spoken on the phone with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who he said passed on his condolences for the Jewish community and all Australians.
Albanese wrote to the Governor General to ask her to issue an official invitation to Herzog to visit Australia, as head of state to head of state.
“I will certainly be welcoming him here and meeting with him when he is here,” Albanese said.
The prime minister has faced personal attacks from his Israeli equivalent Benjamin Netanyahu, who has called Albanese’s leadership weak.
Albanese said he had not spoken to Netanyahu since the Bondi terror attack.
Israel President Isaac Herzog will be invited to Australia. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)
Albanese pledges engagement with rural Aussies on gun reform
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government’s gun reform laws would differentiate between “legitimate” firearm uses and less essential ones.
“We don’t want say that, you know, all gun use is the same. Quite clearly, it’s not,” he said.
“And people who have legitimate use of guns need to be able to do so, particularly people in our farming communities.”
He said he would engage with “all parts of Australia” about the reform.