'Tougher penalties' wanted for social media platforms after stabbing attacks

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has put social media platforms on notice following two separate stabbing attacks in Sydney in past week.

Minns told reporters he wanted “tougher penalties” for platforms that continue to spread misinformation and graphic content.

“Even the most passionate defenders of social media firms that may argue it is difficult to take down content in the immediate aftermath of a violent incident, it is pretty hard to defend it considering we are 48 hours after the offence and it is still out there,” he said.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns spoke with media this morning.

Minns said he spoke directly with the Federal Government in the immediate aftermath of both crimes about removing specific pages.

However, he said he was still concerned with the amount of graphic content circulating within the community.

“We are happy that some of those pages have been taken down, which is good news because in many instances malicious information about damage to mosques and churches was being spread like wildfire,” Minns said.

“They are still available and this is dangerous. It adds to the community disharmony and is incredibly inappropriate for children.

“Social media firms have a social and moral licence to take down divisive information and graphic content as soon as it becomes available.”

The premier spent the morning walking inside the Bondi Junction Westfield shopping centre, which has reopened without trade for a day of reflection.

The centre has been closed since a deadly stabbing attack by Joel Cauchi, 40, on Saturday.

He said today was “the first step in healing” for the community.

“It is not back to normal for Sydney, but this is an opportunity to (grieve) and to turn the page on what has been a very difficult period,” Minns said.

“I know many people want to express solidarity and sincere condolences to those that have lost loved ones.”

Six people were killed and a dozen more hospitalised, including six that still remain under care.