Labor senator urges royal commission into alleged Bondi attack

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing growing pressure from within his party to call a royal commission after the alleged Bondi terror attack, with Labor senator Michelle Ananda-Rajah the latest government MP to publicly back such an inquiry. Ananda-Rajah, a senator from Victoria who formerly served as the member for Higgins, said a royal commission was needed to 'flush out the failings' that have allowed antisemitism to fester in Australia and 'wholeheartedly' supported calling one.

She is the third Labor MP to publicly back a royal commission, after Ed Husic and Mike Freelander. Guardian Australia reported growing expectations the government may relent on its previous position and convene a royal commission, potentially a joint inquiry with the New South Wales government, as early as Thursday or Friday.

The prime minister's office declined to comment, and Guardian Australia said Albanese has been in lengthy consultation with Jewish community groups while the terms of reference are still being debated. No decisions have been finalised, but sources told Guardian Australia that parts of the government's response to the Bondi attack could be confirmed alongside any royal commission announcement, including hate speech law changes and parliament's early return; the Executive Council of Australian Jewry and other Jewish groups have been consulted on the hate speech changes.

The government has floated former high court justice Virginia Bell as a potential commissioner.

Key Topics

Politics, Royal Commission, Bondi Attack, Michelle Ananda-rajah, Anthony Albanese, Virginia Bell