The Federal Government has unveiled a sweeping multi-million-dollar package aimed at supporting Australia’s Jewish community and combating antisemitism in the wake of the devastating terror attack at Bondi Beach.
The measures form part of a broader $604.2 million response following the December 14 Bondi Beach terror attack at a Hanukkah event, which killed 14 people and injured dozens more in what became the deadliest antisemitic attack in Australian history.
The funding package is aimed at supporting victims, families, and the broader community, while also boosting counter-terrorism capabilities and tackling antisemitism, violent extremism, and hate speech.
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Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the government was responding directly to recommendations flowing from the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.
“We’re taking action to strengthen our national security and national unity since the devastating antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach,” Chalmers said during his budget speech.
“We’re adopting every recommendation from the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion’s Interim Report and fast-tracking tougher gun laws through the National Cabinet.
“There is $600 million for a new Counter-Terrorism Online Centre, grants to support affected communities and money for our law enforcement agencies to crack down on the hate speech, violent extremism and terrorism which has no place in Australia.”
Supporting the Jewish community
As part of the package, $102 million over four years will be invested into the Executive Council of Australian Jewry to strengthen security measures protecting the Jewish community.
A further $68.8 million over four years will go towards supporting Australian Federal Police National Security Investigation teams.
Mental health support has also been prioritised, with $42.9 million over two years allocated to services supporting the Jewish and broader Bondi community, including first responders and young people impacted by the attack.
Another $5.2 million will be directed towards charities and community organisations assisting those affected.
That includes support for Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, whose off-duty members were widely praised for their actions during the attack, with many credited with helping save lives amid the chaos.
Combating antisemitism and extremism
The budget also includes $207.4 million aimed at combating antisemitism, violent extremism, and hate, as the government moves to implement recommendations from the Special Envoy’s Plan to Combat Antisemitism.
Among the measures is $80 million over two years from 2026-27 to strengthen online counter-terrorism capabilities and prevent violent extremism and youth radicalisation.
Another $32.6 million in 2026-27 will go towards public awareness campaigns designed to strengthen social cohesion and national security.
The government will also spend $25.1 million over five years from 2025-26, with ongoing annual funding afterwards, to strengthen firearm import controls, improve public safety, and establish a new National Firearms Safety Council.
The Budget papers also reveal the government has set aside funding in the Contingency Reserve for a future National Gun Buyback Scheme, pending negotiations with states and territories.
Supporting charities
The government will also amend tax laws to allow updated organisations to qualify as deductible gift recipients (DGRs) for donations received between July 2026 and July 2031.
The changes include several organisations supporting Australia’s Jewish community, including the Jewish Education Foundation and Jewish Community Foundation.
