Anthony Albanese welcomed a French national to Australia after he was able to stop a stubbing attack at Sydney’s Bondi Westfield by using a bollard.
In a video showing the incident, construction workers Silas Despreaux and Damien Guerot can be seen stopping the attacker, who was identified as Joel Cauchi.
According to a report, Guerot was at the top of an escalator when he saw the attack and used a metal cafe chair to stop Cauchi.
He and his companions then ran toward Inspector Amy Scott after she confronted the suspect.
Despite his visa application still being processed, Albanese told reporters that he was welcomed in Australia.
In welcoming the French national, Albanese noted that he was free to stay in Australia as long as he wanted.
Although it would be a loss for France if the individual decided to become an Australian citizen, he said that they were still welcome to stay in the country.
The minister praised the actions of Guerot and said that it showed the kind of humanity that people can show in times of difficulty.
He said that the man prevented the suspect from getting on another floor and causing more harm to the people.
The incident, which also injured a dozen people, resulted in the deaths of a man and five women.
Some of those who died were Pikria Darchia, Yixuan Cheng, Faraz Tahir, Dawn Singleton, and Ashlee Good.
Cauchi was then shot and killed by police officer Amy Scott.