Prime Minister Laments Online ‘Misinformation’ About Bondi Stabbing Spree

Social media apps are displayed on an iPad in Miami, Florida, on Feb. 26, 2024. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has labelled social media a “scourge” and raised concerns about misinformation circulating on social media following the Bondi stabbing rampage.

In at least five media conferences on April 15, Mr. Albanese lamented on the “misinformation” circulating in the community.

Mr. Albanese complained about social media companies allowing some of the content to circulate in the aftermath of the attack.

This follows six people, five women and one man, dying in a stabbing attack at Sydney’s Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre on April 13.

Police inspector Amy Scott shot the knife-wielding attacker Joel Cauchi inside the shopping centre, stopping the rampage and potentially saving hundreds of lives.

Prior to police naming Mr. Cauchi, speculation on social media about the alleged nature of the attack was rife online.

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Videos showing footage of the victims and Mr. Cauchi strolling through the shopping centre with a knife emerged following the incident.

In response to questions on the role of the government regulating social media following the attack, Mr. Albanese said it was hard to control.

“I wish it was that easy. The thing about social media, of course, is that everyone is a publisher and it is very difficult to control these things,” Mr. Albanese told ABC radio Sydney.

“It is a scourge in many ways, social media. The lack of responsibility, it must be said, as well of some of the social media operators that we know about allowing content to be circulated which is clearly misinformation.”

The prime minister also appeared to reflect on the government’s proposed misinformation and disinformation legislation, which patrol and enforce “misinformation” online.

“The government, of course, has been criticised for having some legislation that would provide some form of increased power to regulate. But this was an example of, I mean, no child should be subjected to that,” Mr. Albanese said.

“The police were very clear if people had videos and photos, they should be forwarded to the police, not posted on X or Facebook.”

‘Range of Misinformation Out There’

Mr. Albanese said there was a “range of misinformation out there” following the attacks and praised New South Wales (NSW) Police for shutting it down.

“There was a range of misinformation out there, but I think under the circumstances, the NSW Police did an extraordinary job, really, in very early on shutting down some of those rumours and misinformation because they were frightening for people,” he said.

Speaking on KIIS 1065, the prime minister said the police response to the Bondi incident was “extraordinary and swift” at a time where there was “misinformation out there on social media.”

In a separate interview on 2DayFM, he said there was a lot of “misinformation floating around” after the Bondi incident.

“I feel a responsibility to have a considered response, to be reassuring for the public on Saturday night,” Mr. Albanese said.

“To ensure as well that at a time where there was a lot of misinformation flowing around, including on social media, but some in some mainstream media as well, to just find out as much information as possible and to then be transparent and inform the public of that information.”

The prime minister also mentioned misinformation on ABC Radio National, Triple M Sydney, and during opening remarks ahead of Federal Cabinet on April 15.

What’s Happening With the Government’s Misinformation Laws?

The government’s misinformation bill was delayed in November to consider possible religious protections.

This followed the government receiving 23,000 submissions in response to a consultation of the legislation, with most opposed to the bill.

The Communications and Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill (pdf) would enable the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to enforce policy against misinformation online.

This could include issuing fines to social media companies. A consultation on the legislation ran from June 2023 to August 2023.

However, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland indicated “doing nothing” about misinformation was not an option.

“In the face of seriously harmful content that sows division, undermines support for pillars of our democracy, or disrupts public health responses, doing nothing is not an option,” Ms. Rowland said on Nov. 12.

Nation in Mourning

Meanwhile, flags are flying at half-mast at Parliament House and other landmarks across the country following the tragic event on Saturday.

“This is a difficult time for our nation and for Australians. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those who’ve lost their lives. I’ve spoken to family members yesterday, and they’re doing it tough because this act of senseless violence has shocked the nation, and we all grieve with them today,” Mr. Albanese said.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton shared in the grief of the nation and shared his thoughts and prayers for those in hospital with injuries and families of loved ones.

“We grieve for the five people who have been killed. We pray for those who have been rushed to hospital with injuries,” Mr. Dutton said on social media on April 13.

“We are thinking of all those families whose loved ones have been caught up in this attack.

“In the horror of this afternoon, there was also heroism. We thank the police officers and first responders who acted so quickly, put themselves in harm’s way, and saved others. In particular, the bravery of one female officer who neutralised the assailant.”

Mr. Dutton also thanked the brave shopkeepers and staff, along with everyday Australians who helped guide people to safety and provided comfort to those in distress.