Statements also came from Australian and Victorian bars, Queensland and SA law societies
Following the recent mass shooting on Bondi Beach, Jennifer Ball, president of the Law Society of New South Wales, says the organisation is prepared to offer expert feedback and advice on proposed law reforms once details are available.
“The ethic of service is fundamental to the legal profession, whose members are an important part of their communities,” Ball tells Australasian Lawyer.
She adds: “As active participants in the justice system, the legal profession will continue to contribute to the maintenance and defence of the rule of law, which will be central to the legal and potential reform processes that result from this horrific incident.”
The Australian Bar Association and other legal organisations also acknowledged the attack that occurred during a Hanukkah celebration on Sunday, 14 December 2025.
“We stand with the members of Australia’s Jewish community who were the direct targets of this terrible attack,” the association stated. “Jewish Australians are entitled to live in a society free from fear, intimidation and violence.”
The association expressed its support for the national bar’s and NSW bar’s Jewish members directly affected by the events.
“The Australian Bar Association is committed to upholding the rule of law and to fostering a tolerant, diverse and respectful Australian society,” the association added. “Antisemitism and racism are completely unacceptable and have no place in our society.
The Victorian Bar issued a joint statement alongside the Victorian Legal Services Board and commissioner, the Law Institute of Victoria, and the Legal Practitioners’ Liability Committee.
The statement’s authors noted that they stood in solidarity with the Jewish community and all those impacted by the tragic events. They emphasised that everyone is entitled to safety, security, and freedom from fear.
“We condemn these acts of antisemitism, extremism and violence in the strongest possible terms,” the joint statement said. “We reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law, which underpins the safety and security of all in Australia.”
“I wish to acknowledge that the violent acts of terrorism that occurred on Bondi Beach are deeply distressing for many of our members and their families,” added Fiona Ryan, the Victorian Bar’s president, in a separate statement. “That this heart-breaking and despicable attack took place during a celebration at the start of Chanukah is nothing short of abhorrent.”
The law society denounced the antisemitism, extremism, and senseless violence that occurred, as well as expressed its sympathies to the victims, their families, and the Jewish community.
“Queensland’s solicitors reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, and our profession is strengthened by the many cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives within it,” the law society stated. “As officers of the court, we are united in our commitment to upholding the rule of law as the foundation for safety and stability in our society.”
The law society expressed its condolences and stressed that it was standing by its NSW colleagues and other members of the legal profession and the Jewish community impacted by the recent shooting.
“This senseless display of violence goes against everything that Australia stands for,” the law society stated. “The true Australian spirit was personified in those who heroically risked their lives to save others.”
