The State Emergency Service Association of NSW has formally lodged a submission with the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion regarding the emergency response to the Bondi terror attack.
The submission focuses on Chapter 3 of the Commission’s report and seeks to ensure the contribution of NSW SES members is appropriately recognised as part of the broader multi-agency response.
More than 50 NSW SES volunteers and staff were deployed on the evening of the attack, providing crime scene support, emergency lighting, traffic and crowd management, marquee establishment, and general operational support to NSW Police Force personnel. The submission also recognises the actions of a NSW SES Jewish Chaplain who was present at the scene and directly assisted members of the public in the immediate aftermath of the attack.
In addition to documenting the operational involvement of NSW SES members, the submission explores broader emergency management themes including:
- Interoperable communications between emergency service organisations,
- Mass casualty preparedness and surge capability,
- The role of volunteer emergency service organisations in major incidents,
- Multi-agency exercising and preparedness, and
- Opportunities to strengthen coordination during future complex emergencies
The submission includes a number of recommendations aimed at strengthening interoperability, preparedness and operational coordination across the emergency services sector.
Association President Nick Aisake said the submission was intended to provide a constructive contribution to the Royal Commission’s work while ensuring the contribution of NSW SES members was appropriately represented.
“The Bondi terror attack was a tragic event that required a coordinated response from multiple agencies. NSW SES members answered the call to assist and supported the response in a range of operational roles throughout the evening.”
The Association will continue to advocate for the recognition and effective utilisation of NSW SES capabilities in support of communities across New South Wales.
Read the Submission
Support Available
The Bondi terror attack remains a distressing event for many people, including emergency service personnel, volunteers, staff, families and members of the community.
If this article or the subject matter raises concerns for you, support services are available:
• NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 | Online chat available
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 | Online chat available
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 | Online chat available
• 13YARN: 13 92 76
• MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78
NSW SES members can also access internal support services including the Membership Assistance Program and Peer Support Program.
