Albanese orders federal royal commission into Bondi attack and antisemitism

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a federal royal commission into the Bondi terror attack and the prevalence of antisemitism in Australia, reversing his earlier opposition to a wide-ranging commonwealth inquiry. Albanese said the commission will examine four areas: the prevalence of antisemitism, how law enforcement will respond to antisemitism, the circumstances surrounding the alleged Bondi attack, and ways to strengthen social cohesion.

He named former high court justice Virginia Bell to lead the commission and said a review by former ASIO chief Dennis Richardson into intelligence and law enforcement will feed into the inquiry. The shooting at a Hanukah event in Bondi, allegedly carried out by a father and son inspired by Islamic State, claimed the lives of 15 people; one alleged shooter, Naveed Akram, has been charged with dozens of offences including 15 counts of murder, and had been investigated by ASIO in October 2019, while his father was later approved for a gun licence.

The federal Coalition criticised Albanese's move. Liberal leader Sussan Ley said he should have appointed more commissioners and described his actions as "fumble and flounder", while declining to endorse the proposed terms of reference.

Key Topics

Politics, Anthony Albanese, Bondi Attack, Antisemitism, Virginia Bell, Dennis Richardson