Prominent barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC has strongly defended an inquest into the Bondi Junction Westfield stabbings as necessary and meaningful, amid a growing family rift on the eve of its one-year anniversary.
Appearing at the NSW Coroner’s Court, Chrysanthou represented the families of victims Dawn Singleton, Ashlee Good and Jade Young.
Chrysanthou made clear that while she was acting for members of the Singleton family, she was not representing Dawn’s father, businessman John Singleton — whose controversial comments have exposed internal family tensions.
Mr Singleton publicly criticised the inquest during a 60 Minutes interview on Sunday night, saying: “He kills these people, he gets killed. End of story.” He questioned the need for a month-long inquiry, claiming lawyers would “have a ball” and likening it to “the first five minutes of Taxi Driver.”
In court, Chrysanthou called the broadcast “insensitive and highly inaccurate,” though she did not specify which claims were disputed.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Chrysanthou emphasised that the families she represented “wholly support the inquest” and want answers that might help prevent future tragedies.
“From their perspective, their lives have been changed in a way that none of us can really comprehend not being in their situation,” she said.
“Children’s lives have been altered by what occurred. It’s important for them to understand if anything else could have been done, or any recommendations could be made by you to ensure if this happens again it won’t be as impactful on the family as it has been.”
State Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan acknowledged the grief of the families and noted the upcoming anniversary would be a particularly difficult time. She confirmed that sensitive CCTV and body-cam footage would not be shown during proceedings.
The inquest, beginning 28 April, will explore several issues including systemic failings in mental health care.
The attacker, Joel Cauchi, had a long history of schizophrenia and was known to Queensland’s mental health services before becoming homeless and ultimately launching his fatal knife attack in April 2024. He was shot dead by NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott, who confronted him alone in the shopping centre.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
