ABC journalist Laura Tingle claims the mess left behind at Coogee Beach yesterday ‘had nothing to do with backpackers’
December 26, 2025
BLAME GAME: As a big clean up continues at Coogee Beach today, veteran ABC journalist Laura Tingle has made the controversial assertion that the mess left behind ‘had nothing to do with backpackers.’
It comes only days after Tingle claimed the terror attack at Bondi ‘had nothing to do with religion.’
Speaking on ABC Radio today, Tingle acknowledged the thousands of rowdy and alcohol fuelled backpackers descending on Coogee Beach yesterday to celebrate Christmas.
But also said: “The mess would have happened regardless.”
Meantime police and council workers have reportedly been instructed to refrain from using the word “backpackers” in media comments to avoid inflaming the situation.
