Security Guard’s Emergency Phone Call in Bondi Junction May Have Misled Police During Stabbings Investigation, Inquest Reveals

The security control room operator at Westfield Bondi Junction failed to make a timely and clear triple-zero call during Joel Cauchi’s stabbing attack in April 2024, potentially causing confusion among police by suggesting there was another armed attacker in the shopping centre. Counter-terrorism expert Scott Wilson said the officer, who left the control room for a toilet break during the attack, may have been uncertain about needing approval from a supervisor before activating emergency protocols, including the police call. Wilson also criticized the content of the call, made 10 minutes after the attack started and after Cauchi had already been shot dead, as “inadequate” and potentially mistaken for a gun attack rather than a stabbing. He questioned why the officer, who had previously shown knowledge deficiencies, remained in the control room and was not replaced by someone more competent. The inquest into the deaths also explored changes in procedures implemented by Scentre Group to improve emergency response, including ensuring two people are always in the control room and allowing security personnel to call for help directly during emergencies without needing permission. Cauchi, who had schizophrenia, had been off his medication for some time prior to his attack.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/19/bondi-junction-stabbing-inquest-security-guard-phone-call-ntwnfb