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Following the tragic stabbing attack at Bondi Westfield shopping centre, a leading international counter-terrorism expert has raised serious concerns about the preparedness of the control room operator who responded to the initial incident. The expert, speaking anonymously, stated the operator was “not match fit” and appeared to be “the wrong person at the wrong place at the wrong time,” sparking debate about the adequacy of training and protocols for such critical situations.

The incident, which unfolded on June 13, 2024, saw six people tragically lose their lives and several others injured. While the attacker was swiftly neutralised by a police officer, questions have been raised regarding the initial response and communication within the Westfield's security infrastructure.

According to the expert's assessment, the control room operator exhibited a lack of familiarity with established emergency procedures and struggled to effectively relay vital information to authorities in a timely manner. This delay, the expert suggests, could have potentially hampered the initial response and prolonged the danger for shoppers.

“It’s not about blaming the individual,” the expert clarified. “It’s about examining the system. Were they properly trained? Were they equipped with the right tools and information? Was the protocol clear and concise? These are the questions that need to be answered.”

The comments have prompted calls for a thorough review of security protocols at major shopping centres across Australia. Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Irving has demanded a full investigation into the Westfield’s security arrangements, stating that the incident highlighted “significant vulnerabilities” in the current system.

“We need to ensure that shopping centres, which are often targets for potential attacks, have robust security measures in place and that personnel are adequately trained to respond effectively to emergencies,” Irving said. “This includes ensuring control room operators are fully prepared and capable of handling high-pressure situations.”

Westfield management has released a statement expressing their deepest condolences to the victims and their families and pledging their full cooperation with any investigations. They have also announced a comprehensive review of their security protocols, with a focus on improving training and communication procedures.

The incident has reignited the national conversation about counter-terrorism preparedness and the importance of having well-trained and equipped personnel in critical roles. Experts are urging for a shift towards a more proactive and preventative approach, focusing on early detection and rapid response capabilities. The Bondi Westfield attack serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of terrorism and the need for constant vigilance and improvement in security measures.

The focus now shifts to ensuring lessons are learned from this tragedy and that steps are taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This includes investing in better training for security personnel, improving communication protocols, and bolstering the overall security infrastructure of major public spaces across Australia.