Injured Bondi Westfield security guard Muhammad Taha: where’s my ‘bollard man’ permanent residency?

Muhammad Taha and his deceased colleague Faraz Tahir were the first to confront Joel Cauchi – but there has been no recognition of their bravery – or visa offers to help the survivor.

Muhammad Taha, injured in Saturday’s Bondi stabbing attacks. Taha was knifed in the stomach by Cauchi on the Westfield’s fourth floor. Picture: Supplied

They are the unsung heroes of the Bondi Junction Westfield stabbings, and one of them paid for his bravery with his life – but there has been no “bollard man” offer of permanent residency to the wounded survivor, Pakistani security guard Muhammad Taha.

When Mr Taha and colleague Faraz Tahir confronted knife-wielding Joel Cauchi as he began a murderous rampage at the shopping centre on Saturday, Mr Tahir was stabbed to death and Mr Taha was badly wounded.

Bondi Junction Westfield security guard, Muhammad Taha, lies in hospital following stabbing injury. Picture: Supplied

Yet unlike the recognition for Frenchman Damien Guerot, there has been no prime ministerial offer to Mr Taha - whose graduate visa is due to expire in less than a month – to stay in Australia “for as long he likes”.

In his first interview since being stabbed on Saturday, Mr Taha told The Australian from his hospital bed that the two men had been together when they saw people running “Faraz moved to assess the situation and to save the people; all of a sudden the guy came out.

“Faraz confronted him and was stabbed. After that, he jumped on me. I tried to defend but got stabbed,” Mr Taha said. “I informed (other security staff) on radio regarding the situation.”

Mr Taha said he was on a subclass 476 visa – a “skilled … recognised graduate visa” – and it was expiring within a month.

“Another individual, using a bollard, bravely attempted to stop the attacker and was subsequently offered residency by the Australian Prime Minister due to his courageous actions,” Mr Taha said.

“Similarly, as a direct victim of the incident, I believe I deserve recognition and consideration for citizenship.

“As well, the guards working alongside came running towards the point of incident and risking their lives … (they) should be ­offered citizenship as well.”

On Tuesday, Anthony Albanese said the “bollard man”, construction worker Mr Guerot, would be welcome to “stay for as long as you like” after hearing his visa was due to expire. Lawyer Belinda Robinson confirmed to The Australian that Mr Guerot was ­offered a permanent residency.

Mr Albanese did not go as far to offer citizenship but said Mr Guerot “is someone who we would welcome becoming an Australian citizen, although that would of course be a loss for France”.

Late on Wednesday, a spokesman for the Prime Minister told The Australian he had not been made aware of the request by Mr Taha “but the government will look into visa options”.

“The Prime Minister has been very clear that many people acted courageously during the terrible events of Saturday. We’ve not been made aware of this specific request. But the government will look into visa options.”

Mr Taha and Mr Tahir’s colleague Shajar Ahmad said Mr Taha was one of the first to raise the alarm and that the pair had been “unsung heroes” on the day.

Mr Ahmad was also designated by Mr Tahir’s family – who reside overseas and are on their way to Australia – to identify his body.

“This French guy is getting a permanent residency if he wants it, and I think that’s fantastic, but Muhammad also deserves it,” Mr Ahmad said.

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

The pair did not know that Cauchi had a knife when they went to confront him, Mr Ahmad said.

Retail trading at the centre will resume on Friday after a “community reflection day” on Thursday, and the NSW government has announced a memorial will be held on Sunday.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said a vigil on Bondi Beach would allow the community “to come ­together and honour the victims” of the tragedy. “This has been a devastating attack that’s touched everybody in the state, whether you knew one of the victims or not,” the Premier said.

“This vigil will be an opportunity for the community to stand together to support and honour the victims and the survivors of this horrific tragedy.”

Scentre Group chief executive Elliott Rusanow said Bondi Junction Westfield would open on Thursday as a “community reflection day” without retail trade.

It would resume business the following day.

“The centre will be open for members of the community to visit the centre, to walk through the centre, and to pay their respects,” he told reporters on Wednesday.

“There will be counselling services available on site in order to provide resources to all who need.”

Mr Ahmad said that Mr Taha was making a good recovery from his injuries and he was hoping that he would be discharged from hospital soon.