Insurance and broking organisations are setting out support measures and assessing potential terrorism insurance implications after Sunday's mass shooting at Bondi Beach, which is now the subject of a counterterrorism investigation.
The Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation (ARPC) has asked insurer clients to report potential exposure to claims arising from the Bondi incident, while noting that the federal terrorism insurance mechanism has not yet been activated. In a public notice, ARPC said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025. Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, the survivors, and everyone affected by this event.”
ARPC reiterated that the Terrorism and Cyclone Insurance Act 2003 (TCI Act) only applies once the federal government takes a specific step. “The incident is currently under investigation by the relevant authorities. Please note that the provisions of the Terrorism and Cyclone Insurance Act 2003 (TCI Act) relating to eligible terrorism losses do not take effect until the minister declares the incident as a terrorist incident under the TCI Act for the purposes of insurance,” ARPC said. To support its assessment of possible liabilities, ARPC has requested that insurer clients notify it of any potential claims and losses connected to the Bondi event. The corporation said it will update its information “as more information comes to hand.”
The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) has issued a statement on behalf of its board, acknowledging the impact of the Bondi Beach shooting on insureds, communities, and the broking profession. NIBA said it “extends its deepest sympathies to the victims of the tragic shooting incident at Bondi Beach on Sunday, 14 December 2025,” and stated that “this unspeakable tragedy has deeply impacted the entire NIBA community.” The association noted the specific effect on the Australian Jewish community. “We stand in solidarity with the Australian Jewish community, who the authorities confirmed were targeted in this incident, at a time when they had come together to celebrate an otherwise joyous occasion,” NIBA said.
NIBA also referred to the response at the scene. It “acknowledges the actions of the police, emergency services workers, paramedics, first responders, and civilians. Their bravery and courage in the face of this adversity was instrumental in preventing further loss of life.” The statement continued: “NIBA unequivocally condemns this and all other acts of violence and hatred that makes Australians feel less safe and encourages the entire community to come together, support, and take care of one another during this challenging time.”
NIBA encouraged anyone experiencing distress, or assisting others in distress, to access support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), the Mental Health Line (1800 011 511), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or broker network employee assistance programs.
Health insurer HCF has set out the mental health services available to eligible members following the Bondi attack, including online psychology consultations and assistance via local branches. HCF chief executive officer and managing director Lorraine Thomas said: “Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone affected. We share your grief and your sadness.”
HCF said eligible members can access a free and confidential HealthyMinds Check-in with a registered psychologist through My Mirror or PSYCH2U, including sessions for teenagers aged 12 to 17 with specially trained psychologists. Appointments can be made online or by calling 1300 472 866. “In times like this, the strength of community, compassion, and looking out for one another matters more than ever. Our Bondi and Pagewood branches remain open and ready to assist members who need help,” Thomas said. The fund said it plans to work with health partners and community organisations over the coming weeks “to support wellbeing and recovery in the days and weeks ahead.”
NSW Police have confirmed that the Bondi Beach shooting has been deemed terror related by NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon APM, with the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) leading the terrorism investigation under Operation Arques. Police said emergency services were called to Bondi Beach about 6:40pm on Dec. 14, following reports of a public place shooting. Officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command and specialist units responded and found two men using long arms to fire into crowds. Police said multiple officers exchanged fire with the men. One shooter, a 50-year-old man, was shot by police and died at the scene. The second, a 24-year-old man, sustained critical injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard. According to police, the two men are known to each other.
NSW Police said 14 people died at the scene, including the 50-year-old shooter, and 42 people – including four children and the 24-year-old shooter – were transported to hospitals across Sydney. Police were later advised that a 10-year-old girl and a 40-year-old man died in hospital, bringing the death toll to 16. Formal identification is pending; police believe those who died range in age from 10 to 87. Six people remain in critical condition and 27 are in serious but stable condition, including two injured officers.
The NSW JCTT – which includes NSW Police, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, and the NSW Crime Commission – is conducting the terrorism investigation. A separate critical incident probe, Strike Force Belen from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, is examining police involvement and is subject to oversight by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
