The NSW Government has formally responded to the Coronial Inquest into the stabbing deaths at Westfield Bondi Junction on 13 April 2024, accepting all recommendations six months after findings were handed down.
Joel Cauchi, 40, murdered six people and injured 10 more in the horrific Sydney shopping centre attack.
The Government acknowledged the comprehensive work of the NSW State Coroner and the care taken throughout the inquest to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and identify opportunities to strengthen the state’s systems and response.
The Coroner’s Final Report made 13 recommendations directed to the NSW Government, including one jointly directed to the Commissioner of the NSW Police Force and the Commissioner of the Queensland Police Service.
“The bravery shown by NSW Police officers during the Bondi Junction attack will never be forgotten, and the NSW Government remains focused on ensuring our police have the powers, resources and support they need to help keep communities safe,” said Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley.
“The Coronial Inquest was about learning every lesson we can from this terrible tragedy.
“The Government’s response includes important work already underway to improve public safety, strengthen preparedness and enhance the coordination of emergency responses to major incidents.
“NSW Police will always respond where police are required, and both Government and Police. We are also working alongside NSW Health to ensure people experiencing mental health crises can access the most appropriate support.”
The NSW Government supports 11 recommendations in full and supports two recommendations in principle, including:
- Rolling out a new health-led response model for mental health emergencies backed by more than $270 million over 10 years;
- Strengthening community mental health services and support pathways for people with severe and complex mental illness;
- Progressing reforms to knife scanning laws following the statutory review of NSW’s wanding powers;
- Promoting the ‘Escape. Hide. Tell.’ public safety campaign and preparedness measures for crowded places;
- Improving emergency service interoperability, communications, training and major incident response arrangements across agencies.
“The events at Bondi Junction were deeply traumatic for many people, including patients, families, paramedics, doctors, nurses and other frontline health workers who responded on that day,” said Health Minister, Ryan Park.
“The Government’s response continues our work to strengthen mental health services, improve access to care and ensure people with severe and complex mental illness receive the support they need earlier and closer to home.
“We are investing in reforms that improve coordination across the health system and help people access the right care at the right time.”
Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said the Government has already taken steps to strengthen the state’s mental health services.
“…and today’s response reinforces our commitment to do more to improve mental health support in NSW,” she said.
“The Coroner’s findings highlighted the importance of a mental health system that is accessible, connected and capable of supporting people with complex needs.
“The new health-led response model to mental health emergencies is one example of how we are responding to the lessons identified through the inquest and working to ensure people experiencing mental health crises receive appropriate care.”
Attorney General Michael Daley thanked State Coroner, Teresa O’Sullivan, for her comprehensive examination of the tragedy and for the recommendations contained in the final report.
“I also wish to thank her and her staff for the sensitive way they attend to their duties at a devastating time for many families,” he said.
“Coronial recommendations play a critical role in helping governments identify improvements that can save lives and strengthen public systems.
“Today’s response demonstrates the Government’s commitment to carefully considering and acting on those recommendations.”
The NSW Government’s response to the Coroner’s recommendations can be viewed at https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/legal-and-justice/laws-and-legislation/legal-assistance-and-applications/responses-to-coronial-recommendations.html.
