Mental health review to follow Sydney stabbing attack: Australian PM
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has flagged a national review of mental health policy in the wake of a stabbing spree at a Sydney shopping center.
Albanese on Monday told state media Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio that the attack at the Bondi Junction shopping center in Sydney's eastern suburbs on Saturday will prompt a considered review of mental health management and public safety.
Perpetrator Joel Cauchi, a 40-year-old from the northeastern state of Queensland, killed six people and injured several more before being shot dead by police on Saturday afternoon.
In a statement released through Queensland Police on Sunday, Cauchi's family described his actions as horrific and said he had suffered from mental health issues since he was a teenager.
Of the people who were killed by Cauchi on Saturday, five were women.
Albanese said on Monday that the gender breakdown of the victims was concerning.
"New South Wales Police have said they're looking at that as part of the investigation.
"All of that investigation will take place, it will be comprehensive, and nothing will not be looked at in this matter."
Flags at all government buildings, establishments and associated agencies were ordered to be lowered to half mast on Monday at the request of Albanese to honor the victims of the attack.
Asked about misinformation spreading on social media in the aftermath of the attack, Albanese urged Australians to avoid feeding division and instead let the authorities carry out their investigations.