Bondi Westfield response not ‘match fit', says counter-terrorism expert
A control room operator during the Bondi Westfield stabbing attack has been described as not 'match fit' by an international counter-terrorism expert, who said she was 'the wrong person at the wrong time' in the high-pressure job.
A coronial inquest also listened to a harrowing triple zero call made 10 minutes after Joel Cauchi began his knife rampage, in which the operator passed on 'mixed-up' and confusing information to police.
Monday marked the opening of the fourth week of evidence in the Lidcombe Coroner's Court. Psychological and security are experts expected to reflect on the horrific mass stabbing and response over coming days.
The first was international British counter-terrorism expert Scott Wilson, who was tasked with reviewing the security response.
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Much evidence has been heard about the competence of a control room operator, known only as CR1 by court order, who was watching the Westfield's cameras on the day of the attack.
Cauchi had turned his military knife first on Dawn Singleton at 3:33pm and then Jade Young seconds later on 13 April 2024.
But against protocol, CR1 had stepped out of the room 40 seconds before Cauchi began his attack.
In three minutes, Cauchi had fatally wounded six people and 10 injured others.
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