Source : Perth Now news
A police officer whose act of bravery ended the Bondi Beach massacre will not receive a commendation until the end of court proceedings, a hearing has been told.
Detective Senior Constable Cesar Barraza fired the shots that took down alleged Bondi shooters Sajid and Naveed Akram on December 14.
He fired from some 40m away, behind a thin tree, towards the bridge with his service-issued handgun.
However, while widely applauded for his bravery, Constable Barraza will not receive a medal or other commendation until the completion of Naveed Akram’s court proceedings despite Detective Inspector Amy Scott, who shot Bondi Westfield attack Joel Cauchi, receiving one within just months, a budget estimates hearing has been told.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley told the hearing that when those proceedings and any other inquiries had concluded, “we should absolutely do that”.
“In Amy’s case, that was different because the perpetrator obviously was killed immediately,” she said.
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers NSW MLC Mark Banasiak questioned the need to wait, stating “How does the court case affect whether we recognise a police officer?”
“I understand where you are coming from, but I think we need to just let that run its course,” Ms Catley said, referring to the court case.
She went on to acknowledge Constable Barraza’s “brilliant shooting” and said “we are indebted to him”.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, who has met with Constable Barraza, said he and other officers had been earmarked for commendation.
Constable Barraza was in attendance when Governor-General Sam Mostyn recognised two police injured in the attack.
Bondi hero Ahmed al-Ahmed was recognised on a special honours list within weeks of the terrorist attack.
He has gone on to receive a wave of commendations, including the key to the City of Canterbury-Bankstown in Sydney and a lifetime Waverley Beach pass.
Inspector Scott, who shot dead the Bondi Westfield attacker in April 2024, received a bravery aware about two months later.
Naveed Akram is in custody on remand facing 15 charges of murder, among other offences.
His case, which is guaranteed to go to a superior court owing to its seriousness, could take years to be finalised.
