Former Christian Lobby Chief Calls for Immigration Changes Rather Than Bondi Symbolism

Former ACL chief Martyn Illes says News Years Eve commemorations for the Bondi terror victims were mere symbolism.

An image of a menorah is projected onto the pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge during New Year’s Eve celebrations on December 31, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. The projection was in tribute to the 15 victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack on December 14, 2025. Photo by Izhar Khan/Getty Images

The Bondi Beach terror attack that killed 15 people and injured many others has triggered growing demands for action that goes beyond public gestures.

Martyn Iles, former head of the Australian Christian Lobby, voiced that frustration on social media, arguing that gestures without enforcement risk becoming hollow.