‘Extraordinary’: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hails bravery of first responders following Bondi attacks

The Prime Minister has praised the “extraordinary” bravery of authorities and shoppers who sought to intercept an attacker who conducted a spate of stabbings at a shopping centre in Sydney’s east that left seven dead, including the assailant.

NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott, the first officer at the scene who shot the attacker, is among those recognised for their bravery in responding to the devastating incident at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday evening.

A dozen remain in hospital with injuries including a nine-month old baby who is in a serious but stable condition.

Her mother, Ash Good, lost her life in the attack.

Speaking on Sunday morning, Mr Albanese described those individuals as “the best of Australians amidst this extraordinary tragedy,” before attending a service at St Christopher’s Catholic Church in Manuka, Canberra.

“The wonderful inspector who ran into danger by herself and removed the threat that was to others without thinking about the risks to herself.

“We also saw footage of ordinary Australians putting themselves in harm’s way in order to help their fellow citizens.”

Labelling the violent actions as “just beyond comprehension”, the Prime Minister also shared his condolences with those affected by the incident.

“Australians are waking up to try to deal with the shock and trauma that will come with what has occurred with violent actions that are unspeakable,” he added.

“People going about their Saturday afternoon shopping should be safe, shouldn’t be at risk. But tragically, we saw a loss of life and people will be grieving for loved ones today.”

The man, who has been identified as 40-year-old Queenslander Joel Cauchi, was known to police in his home state.

Mr Albanese urged members of the public not to speculate regarding the attacker’s motivation.

“Investigators are still going through that detail,” he said.

“I have been informed by the authorities that there is a mental health dimension to what has occurred.

“But the investigations are ongoing, and it’s not helpful to speculate beyond what the police have found.”

Mr Albanese encouraged those present in the Westfield shopping centre at the time of the horrific attack to seek mental health support if needed.

“We want to make sure that people who need support including support for mental health in dealing with these trauma – these events were witnessed by thousands of people who were there shopping,” he said.

“For people who were forced to be locked in shops, people who ran from danger, people who confronted that danger many of them should ensure that if they need that assistance to talk these issues through to deal with this dreadful experience.

The Prime Minister said he had received messages of support from US president Joe Biden, and the prime ministers of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, and the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak.