Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has firmly rejected calls for a federal royal commission into the Bondi beach terror attack, opting instead for a faster, narrower review of intelligence agencies. The decision has sparked criticism from families of the victims and Jewish community leaders who demand a full national inquiry.
Government Defends Swift Review Over Lengthy Inquiry
Speaking at a press conference in Canberra, Mr Albanese defended the government's plan for a review led by former ASIO chief Dennis Richardson. He argued that a royal commission would be too slow and could inadvertently provide a platform for harmful views. "Royal commissions can be good at deciding facts. What the Richardson review will do is decide facts," the Prime Minister stated. "Where royal commissions are not as good, is to consider things that are not agreed, where people have differences of views, and to enable... a repetition of some of the worst developments."
Echoing this sentiment, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke claimed a public royal commission would "provide a public platform for some of the worst statements and worst voices", effectively reliving instances of antisemitism.
Victims' Families and Community Leaders Demand Full Inquiry
The government's stance directly contradicts the wishes of the families of eleven victims, who have issued an open letter calling for a comprehensive royal commission. Their plea has been strongly supported by leaders within the Australian Jewish community.
Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, criticised the government's approach as an "ineffective half measure". Speaking to the ABC, he asserted that a federal royal commission was "the least that can be done" and accused the government of dragging its feet and not listening to the community.
The Richardson review, announced by Mr Albanese, is tasked with examining the powers, efficiency, and information-sharing of federal law enforcement agencies, with a particular focus on the Australian Federal Police and ASIO. It is due to report its findings by April.
Political Divide and Broader Implications
The opposition has seized on the issue, with Liberal leader Sussan Ley accusing the Prime Minister of insulting grieving families. "Instead of listening to those most affected, the prime minister has decided to speak over them," she said. The Coalition has proposed its own wide-ranging terms of reference for a royal commission, which would investigate areas including migration, education, and social media.
While the Albanese government has pointed to an existing New South Wales state royal commission, promising federal cooperation, critics argue a national inquiry is essential to fully address the rise of antisemitism across Australia and systemic failures that may have preceded the attack on the Hanukkah festival, which killed 15 people.
The debate underscores a significant tension between the government's desire for a swift, security-focused investigation and the community's demand for a transparent, far-reaching national examination of the tragedy and its roots.
