The Australian government will grant permanent residency to Damien Guerot, the French citizen who confronted the Bondi Junction attacker.
Mr Guerot, now known as “bollard man” due to CCTV footage capturing him confronting the attacker, Joel Cauchi, on an escalator, has been commended for his actions.
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Mr Cauchi allegedly stabbed six people fatally before being shot dead by police.
However, the government clarified that they cannot waive residency requirements to offer citizenship.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed gratitude towards Guerot for his bravery.
“I say this to Damien Guerot – who is dealing with his visa applications – that you are welcome here, you are welcome to stay for as long as you like,” Albanese told reporters in Canberra.
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles also praised Guero’s bravery and affirmed that the government would explore visa options to secure his residency in Australia.
“Mr Guerot’s extraordinary bravery is an example of the character we all want to see in our society,” Mr Giles said in a statement.
Belinda Robertson, Guerot’s lawyer, said he was “stoked” after hearing the news of being granted permanent residency.
“He said in his words, ‘That’s already amazing news’,” she said.
“We’re just waiting to hear back when that’s going to become official.”
While Albanese addressed the need for enhanced measures to safeguard women following the incident, he refrained from engaging in a debate about the definition of terrorism in this incident.
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