Premier Roger Cook has described the Bondi Junction stabbing massacre as one of the “most confronting events in Australia’s history” as he paid tribute to victims and the “selfless” first responders who attempted to contain the deranged killer.
Joel Cauchi was shot dead inside the Sydney shopping mall after attacking at least 18 people with a hunting knife on Saturday, leaving six dead and a dozen — including a nine-month-old baby — in hospital.
Mr Cook said the “horrific events” were painful to digest and provided an opportunity “to really just reflect on what’s important”.
The Premier said he texted NSW counterpart Chris Minns on Sunday morning to offer sympathy and heartfelt condolences on behalf of all West Australians.
“Today is a solemn day,” Mr Cook said.
“What unfolded at Bondi Junction was some of the most confronting events in Australia’s history.
“You saw unfolding, almost before your eyes, horrific events involving very violent behaviour and the loss of a significant number of lives.”
Reports emerged on Sunday that a pair of security guards – one male and one female – were among Cauchi’s victims.
NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott entered Bondi Junction alone and was directed to Cauchi’s position by terrified shoppers before shooting him dead.
Mr Cook said the “incredible stories of bravery” from within the mall were the only positives from the tragedy.
“Selfless emergency and security workers who put themselves in the line of harm,” he said.
“Some, I understand, are now victims of this event.”
While terrorism is not believed to have motivated 40-year-old Cauchi, NSW Police have admitted there are questions about his mental state.
Just last month Balga woman Mauwa “Melanie” Kizenga was stabbed to death on the footpath near her home, allegedly by a man – Clarence Jalloh – who also has a long history of mental illness.
“I guess the message is that none of us are immune to these alarming and confronting acts,” Mr Cook said.
He added that WA Police had a dedicated unit tasked with monitoring individuals “exhibiting behaviours which would give rise to concern”.
“We continue to do great work in relation to that and I thank the police for that,” he said.
“But mental health will continue to be an issue which impacts all communities and it really underpins the importance of our record investment in mental health services and also the other wraparound services that we provide to people who are suffering from mental health issues.”
Mr Cook said his message to West Australians was that the State remained a “very safe place to live” and that community safety was among his government’s highest priorities.
“We’ve got a record number of police on the beat. We have the social and support services which should ensure that by and large, we stay safe,” the Premier said.
“But we must always be on the lookout, always make sure that we’re looking after each other and make sure that as a community, we are inclusive and tolerant and that we can continue to make this place a great place to live.”
The Premier has previously flagged his interest in potent new stop and search laws — already in effect in Queensland — to clamp down on rising knife violence in WA.
Attorney General John Quigley is currently examining handing police the power to search individual without obtaining a warrant.
Mr Cook said the Bondi Junction massacre “gives us pause to reflect on the laws that we have at the moment and to look to see what other laws we need to put in place”.
“I am awaiting advice from the Attorney General and police in relation to (stop and search laws) and we continue that conversation,” he said.
“(The Sydney stabbings) really does, I think, underscore the importance of making sure that we have the appropriate laws in place to ensure that we can get on top of these issues.”
In a statement released on Sunday, WA’s top cop Col Blanch said what occurred in Bondi was “senseless violence.”
“The Western Australian Police Force extends its deepest sympathies to everyone impacted by the senseless violence in Bondi,” Mr Blanch said.
“We stand with our extended blue family in NSW, and commend those members of the public and the Police officers who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.”