Sydney resident calls for sweeping immigration changes after Bondi Beach attack

A Sydney resident has urged sweeping changes to Australia’s immigration system, calling for a mandatory “code of conduct” that would require new arrivals to embrace and adhere to the Australian way of life. The push follows the Bondi Beach attack last Sunday, in which 15 people were killed and more than 40 were injured during a shooting at a Hanukkah gathering. The speaker, identified in local coverage as Chanel, argued that newcomers should sign a pledge to obey Australian rules and norms, and she suggested penalties for those who fail to comply.

Chanel’s message arrived as anti-immigration protests planned to converge on Sydney and Melbourne this weekend. In a message that has circulated online, she urged strict consequences for those who do not “live like an Aussie,” insisting that individuals who do not assimilate should not be eligible for sponsorship or residency and should be returned to their country of origin if they break the rules. She referenced past Australian incidents, including the Lindt Café siege in 2014, and urged authorities to consider immediate and harsh responses to rule violations. Her remarks quickly drew attention online, with comments that expressed support for the broader call for stronger immigration controls.

The Bondi Beach attack was carried out on the evening of December 14, when gunmen opened fire at a public Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach. The investigation has identified Sajid Akram, 50, as the man who initiated the attack. He was born in Hyderabad, India, before moving to Australia in 1998. His son, Naveed Akram, 24, who was born in Australia and was the subject of an ASIO probe in 2019, participated in the incident and was charged with a wide range of offenses. Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police during the nine-minute assault. The image below shows a scene connected to the aftermath of the attack and the individuals involved.

Authorities have said the investigation remains active and that additional charges could follow as more details come to light. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated that no further individuals appeared to be charged at this stage, but investigators cautioned that the situation could evolve as new facts emerge. In official statements, NSW Police described the attack as an act that endangered life to advance a religious cause and to sow fear in the community, underscoring the seriousness of the incident.

A spokesperson for the attack investigation noted that early indicators point to possible ISIS inspiration, though investigators stressed that attribution was still being assessed and that a definitive determination would come through thorough review of the collected evidence. The tragic event has prompted reflections on national security, countering extremism, and the integration debate that has long colored Australian political discourse. While many residents mourn the victims and call for unity, others have reiterated concerns about immigration policy and the pace at which newcomers access rights and privileges in Australia.

In the wake of the attack, public commentary has been polarized. Supporters of stronger immigration controls argue that the country must reassess how newcomers are admitted, how they are integrated, and what expectations are placed on new citizens as a condition of residency. Critics caution against conflating individual acts of violence with broader immigrant communities and warn that policy responses should be grounded in evidence and human rights obligations rather than reactionary calls for punishment or exclusion. The government has reiterated its commitment to security while emphasizing the importance of due process and protections for civil rights.

The Bondi Beach incident also raised questions about social cohesion and the balance between openness and security in a diverse society. Community leaders emphasized the need for robust counter-extremism efforts, effective reporting channels, and targeted support for vulnerable populations to prevent radicalization. As investigators continue to assemble a timeline of events and identify all individuals involved, officials urged the public to avoid speculation and to await formal statements from law enforcement.

Officials and security experts have noted that Australia’s immigration framework includes pathways for citizenship that involve pledges or ceremonies, but the proposed “code of conduct” would represent a shift from voluntary commitments to enforceable obligations tied to residency and naturalization. The debate has reignited questions about how best to maintain national values while preserving Australia’s tradition of welcoming newcomers and supporting pluralism. As this discourse unfolds, authorities have stressed the need to protect public safety, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that any policy changes are carefully calibrated to prevent discrimination and safeguard human rights.