NSW's top cop has said it was "obvious" to her and to detectives that women were targeted in the Bondi stabbing which killed six people, including five women, on April 13.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said videos appearing to show attacker Joel Cauchi avoiding men and focusing on women at Bondi Junction's Westfield shopping centre, "speak for themselves".
"That's certainly a line of inquiry for us," she told ABC News Breakfast on April 15.
"Five of the deceased are women and the majority of victims in hospital are also women.
"We don't know what was operating in the mind of the offender and that's why it's important now that detectives spend so much time interviewing those who know him... so we can get some insight into what he might have been thinking."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was also asked about the possible targeting of women on ABC Radio National on April 15.
"The gender breakdown is of course concerning," he said.
"The NSW Police have said they're looking at that as part of the investigation."
It comes as Chinese national Yixuan Cheng was identified as the sixth victim of the attack, alongside Pikria Darchia, Jade Young, Dawn Singleton, Ashlee Good and security guard Faraz Tahir.
Twelve others sustained stab wounds, including a nine-month-old baby, before Cauchi was shot dead by NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott.
Five people remain in intensive care with one in a critical condition, and four have been released from hospital, Mr Albanese said.
Commissioner Webb said Insp. Scott was spending time with family in private to "work through what has been a very traumatic matter".
Cauchi's family in Queensland said in a statement they had "no issues" with the officer who shot their son.
"Joel's actions were truly horrific, and we are still trying to comprehend what has happened," they said.
"He has battled with mental health issues since he was a teenager."
Meanwhile the crime scene has been handed back to Westfield after police seized "many exhibits" for examination.
"It will take some time to prepare the stores for reopening, no doubt there's some work to be done with stakeholders inside the Westfield in terms of their own reaction and trauma to what has happened," Commissioner Webb said.
Police are still calling for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
- Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732; Men's Referral Service 1300 776 491; National Elder Abuse 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374); 13 Yarn (13 92 76).
