Economist Podcasts After Bondi: how to tackle extremism
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Dec 16, 2025 
Sue-Lin Wong, the Asia correspondent, sheds light on the shocking Bondi Beach attack and its ties to Islamic State. She discusses the father-son duo behind the attack, their training in the Philippines, and the challenges law enforcement faces against ISIS-inspired lone actors. Wong also dives into Australia’s response, including public grief and calls for stricter gun control. This insightful conversation captures the complexities of modern extremism and the growing concerns surrounding societal safety.
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Lone-Wolf Threats Are Ideologically Sparked
- Lone-wolf attackers are often inspired or indirectly incited by groups like Islamic State rather than being formal cell members.
- That makes such attacks harder to detect and foil because few organisational ties exist.
Overseas Training Translates To Local Threats
- The attackers trained in Mindanao and brought back military-style skills to Australia.
- Investigators found homemade IS flags and explosive devices linking the assault to overseas militant networks.
Strengthen Gun Controls And Registry
- Review and tighten gun laws, including creating a national firearms registry and reassessing non-citizen access to guns.
- Use criminal intelligence, not just convictions, when evaluating firearm eligibility.
