Bondi Junction Westfield Stabbing: PM responds to injured Bondi hero’s desperate plea for visa

Anthony Albanese has responded to the desperate plea of an “unsung hero” who is still recovering in hospital after his brave efforts during the Bondi Junction massacre.

An ‘unsung hero’ still recovering in hospital from the Bondi Junction Westfield stabbings asked the Prime Minister if he too can be considered for residency — a request Anthony Albanese said he is now considering.

Muhammad Taha’s and Faraz Tahir’s acts of heroism have emerged as poignant reminders of bravery in the face of danger in the wake of the massacre.

Six people – including five women and a male security guard – were killed by Joel Cauchi, 40, as he attacked innocent bystanders at Bondi Junction Westfield in Sydney’s east on Saturday.

The victims include Tahir, 30, mother Ashlee Good, 38, Dawn Singleton, 25, the daughter of millionaire businessman John Singleton, mother-of-two Jade Young, 47, Pikria Darchia, 55, and Chinese national Yixuan Cheng, 27.

Others – including a baby – were injured by Cauchi before he was shot dead by police officer Amy Scott.

Two security guards risked their lives to protect innocent bystanders when they confronted the knife-wielding Cauchi on Saturday afternoon.

Muhammad Taha, another security guard, risked his life and sustained severe injuries in his attempt to save people from the attacker. Picture: Supplied

He is now seeking recognition and consideration for citizenship. Picture: Supplied

Tragically, Tahir lost his life in the process, while Taha sustained severe injuries.

Recalling the events of that fateful day, Taha, originally from Pakistan, spoke from his hospital bed, recounting the moment when they witnessed people fleeing in panic. “Faraz moved to assess the situation and to save the people; all of a sudden the guy came out,” he told The Australian. 

“Faraz confronted him and was stabbed. After that, (Cauchi) jumped on me. I tried to defend but got stabbed.”

Despite his courageous actions, Taha’s visa status looms as a concern, with his graduate visa expiring within a month.

It’s a cause that has already drawn support with Sunrise’s Nat Barr who took the inquiry straight to Defence Minister Richard Marles on Thursday morning.

“Mr Taha wants to know where his visa is at after the Prime Minister told the bollard hero that he can be in Australia as long as he likes ... Will Mr Taha also be allowed to stay?” she asked live on air.

Mr Marles said the immigration minister will work on a visa application.

“I’m not aware of the application being made by Mr Taha but no doubt that will be worked through by the minister,” he said.

“I want to say really clearly the actions of Mr Taha are enormously brave.

“Coming out of that tragedy are these incredible stories of bravery for which the nation is really greatly indebted and the circumstances of Mr Taha I’m sure will be worked through.”

Expressing his disappointment over the lack of recognition compared to the “bollard man,” Damien Guerot, Taha told The Australian that he and his fellow guards needed to be considered.

Damien Guerot, who has been dubbed the “bollard man” for his bravery in stopping a different attacker in Melbourne, has been offered permanent residency by the government. Picture: 7NEWS

However, Taha’s plea for similar recognition has not been responded to yet. Picture: X

“As a direct victim of the incident, I believe I deserve recognition and consideration for citizenship,” he said.

Acknowledging Guerot’s bravery on Tuesday, Anthony Albanese extended an offer of residency, stating: “you are welcome to stay for as long as you like.”

Guerot’s lawyer, Belinda Robinson, confirmed to The Australian that an offer of permanent residency was genuine.

Albanese has told Adelaide radio 5AA Mr Taha’s case will be considered as well.

“(Mr Taha) confronted this guy... It just shows extraordinary courage, these are people who ... not thinking of themselves, were putting themselves in danger protecting Australians they didn’t know, just people going about their shopping,” Mr Albanese said.

“And that’s the sort of courage that we want to say thank you to, frankly. Those extraordinary stories of bravery in amongst the carnage and tragedy that we saw on Saturday.

“It’s a bit of light in amongst the darkness that you saw these extraordinary acts.”

Shajar Ahmad, another colleague of Taha and Tahir, described them as “unsung heroes” of the bloody Saturday massacre.

“Muhammad made the call while he was on the ground, and that’s where, you know, all these agencies and paramedics, they were alerted,” he said.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, Westfield Bondi Junction prepares to reopen its doors for a “community reflection day.”

Scentre group chief executive Elliott Rusanow announced that there would be no retail trade on Thursday, allowing members of the community to pay their respects to the victims.