Pressure continues to build on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to establish a federal royal commission into the Bondi terror attack and rising antisemitism, but the government remains firm in its opposition, advocating instead for a state-based probe and an independent review.
Victims' families, security experts, religious leaders, and some Labor MPs have joined calls for a royal commission, arguing it would provide a more thorough investigation. Shadow Attorney-General Andrew Wallace criticised the Prime Minister's stance, saying it "beggars belief" that he continues to resist.
The government has proposed an independent review led by former ASIO head Dennis Richardson, which is expected to be completed by April. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke expressed concerns that a royal commission could provide a platform for antisemitic voices, a view disputed by public policy researcher Scott Prasser, who noted that royal commissions can be structured to avoid such outcomes.
Ahmed Al Ahmed, hailed as a hero for disarming one of the gunmen during the attack, has shared his account of the incident. The attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, killed 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl.
The New South Wales government has announced its own state-based royal commission, but its powers are limited compared to a national inquiry. Scott Prasser warned that if the federal government does not call a royal commission, it may face political criticism and appear to be hiding information.
