The upcoming royal commission into the Bondi massacre of last December must not descend into a partisan blame game, particularly regarding whether the Albanese government's reduced activity against anti-Semitism after the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israelis contributed to the tragedy. This is an argument that no one can truly win, but it risks distracting from the commission's core purpose of uncovering the truth and preventing future atrocities.
Background of the Tragedy
The Bondi massacre, which occurred in December, shocked the nation and left many questioning how such an event could happen. The royal commission aims to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, including any potential failures in intelligence, policing, or community relations. However, early political commentary has already begun to frame the tragedy as a consequence of the government's perceived inaction on anti-Semitism.
The Danger of Political Point-Scoring
While it is legitimate to examine the government's response to rising anti-Semitism, using the royal commission as a platform for partisan attacks undermines its integrity. The commission should focus on evidence and systemic issues, not on assigning political blame. The argument that the government 'caused' the massacre by reducing anti-Semitism efforts is not only unprovable but also detracts from the need for a thorough, unbiased investigation.
Those with genuine insights to offer—such as security experts, community leaders, and victims' families—must be heard without their testimony being co-opted for political ends. The royal commission's success depends on its ability to remain above the political fray and deliver recommendations that can help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Conclusion
As the royal commission proceeds, all parties must resist the temptation to score political points. The victims and the public deserve a clear-eyed examination of what happened and how to improve safety and social cohesion. Let the commission do its work without the shadow of partisan bickering.
