Police believe 40-year-old Queensland man suffered from mental health problems and had only moved to Sydney a month ago

The family of Bondi Junction attacker Joel Cauchi have described his actions as “truly horrific”, offered condolences to the loved ones of the victims and expressed support for the police officer who ended the stabbing spree by shooting him dead.

Police say Cauchi had mental health problems and that he had moved from Queensland to New South Wales only a month before he took a knife into the crowded Sydney mall on Saturday afternoon and killed six people in an unprovoked stabbing spree.

In a statement issued late on Sunday and distributed by police, Cauchi’s family said they were “absolutely devastated”. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims and those still undergoing treatment at this time,” they said.

“Joel’s actions were truly horrific, and we are still trying to comprehend what has happened. He has battled with mental health issues since he was a teenager.

  • @x4740N
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    205 months ago

    Which is why mental health support needs more funding and more avalibility for those who struggle to afford it

    • Flying SquidM
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      155 months ago

      I agree overall, but in this case, at least according to this website, Australia is number 10 when it comes to the best countries in the world for mental healthcare- https://www.william-russell.com/blog/countries-best-mental-healthcare/

      Even if that isn’t true, the Australian healthcare system overall is pretty good.

      Unfortunately, even in a good, robust system, some people slip through the cracks and end up committing atrocities. See also Anders Breivik.

      Thankfully, Australia also has sensible firearms laws after the Port Arthur Massacre, so this could have been far, far worse.

      • @x4740N
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        24 months ago

        Australia has good laws when we have a good government implementing good laws

        Robo-debt scotty and the rest of the lnp cronies are a problem and so are those other parties like one nation and those new ones that the racist bigots of Australia have formed