“It has been a very intense period,” he admitted, reflecting on the months following the Bondi attack last December—an event that shook the country and raised serious questions about domestic security.
Speaking on Viva L’Italia, Ciccone rejected the idea of an intelligence failure. “Our agencies work every day to prevent attacks,” he said, “Many are disrupted, even if we can’t disclose the details.”
He also referred to the Royal Commission about to begin its work and the independent review led by Dennis Richardson. The aim, he explained, is to identify any gaps and act swiftly where necessary.
The issue of radicalisation—often fuelled by the digital ecosystem—remains central. “We don’t always know who is behind a keyboard: real individuals or foreign actors using the internet to spread hate and disinformation,” he explained.
The government, he noted, has already introduced restrictions on certain platforms used for criminal activity, such as Telegram, while acknowledging that shutting down one channel can push extremist groups to seek out others.
Equally sensitive is the current social climate, marked by tensions and accusations of antisemitism. Ciccone spoke of his ongoing dialogue with the Jewish community, particularly after October 7.
“Many people cannot understand how someone can be hated simply for their religion,” he said.
Pro-Palestinian protests, he observed, have decreased, but there remain fringe elements who “use anti-Zionism as a mask for hatred”.
On the economic front, the senator defended the work of the treasury under Jim Chalmers. Rising interest rates, he argued, are partly linked to the rebound in private demand.
“Now the government must review public spending to avoid further pressure,” he added, also pointing to a reduction in the debt accumulated in previous years, while acknowledging the strain on families and mortgage holders.
Corruption, a topic sparking debate in Victoria, was addressed firmly. “There is no room for corruption in any sector,” he said, recalling the appointment of a federal administrator to oversee the CFMEU.
However, Ciccone clarified that investigations into state-run projects fall under the jurisdiction of the Victorian government.
Finally, turning to national politics, Ciccone emphasised the importance of a strong opposition, while noting internal tensions within the Coalition. “When the extremes take over, it’s a risk for everyone,” he said.
Australia, he concluded, must remain true to its tradition of centrist and pragmatic governments: “In the end, it’s the citizens who decide the direction [of the country]. And they are almost always right.”
