The Australian government has allocated $300 million for security and support for Jewish citizens in response to the Bondi terror attacks. This funding is part of a $604 million package announced in the federal budget to address the December attack at Bondi Beach.
Budget Breakdown
The budget earmarks more than $600 million for the Bondi attack response, with half going to Australia's Jewish community. Funds will flow to charities and other organisations, with the Executive Council of Australian Jewry receiving $124 million for extra security, including $22 million from confiscated criminal assets.
Community Support
Projects run by Jewish community organisations will receive $131 million, including $4.4 million to the Chabad of Bondi, which lost longstanding members in the attack. Charities Jewish House and Jewishcare will get a combined $4 million to support victims and their families. Two other relief organisations will be permitted to apply for charity status.
The government has also committed $43 million toward mental health support for those affected by the shooting and $200,000 to Bondi's surf lifesaving clubs, whose members aided victims. Lewis' Continental Kitchen, a kosher catering business that burned down in 2024, will receive $500,000 to help its recovery.
National Security Measures
The government has also set aside federal cash for its proposed national gun buyback but would not disclose the amount, citing that disclosure would prejudice negotiations with state governments. The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, highlighted gun reform hopes in his budget speech, stating the government is adopting all recommendations of the antisemitism royal commission.
The royal commission, which has released its interim report and is holding public hearings, has been costed at $131 million. The remaining $207 million will be spent on measures to counter antisemitism and hate, including public awareness campaigns, education programs for social cohesion, and an $80 million counter-terrorism online centre to combat youth radicalisation.
Additional Funding
The office of the e-safety commissioner will receive $1 million to provide online safety advice addressing antisemitism. Security agencies have been funded to implement controls on firearms and visas, while Australian federal police receive $68 million to investigate the shooting.
