Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has given his strongest indication yet that he is open to establishing a federal royal commission into the devastating Bondi massacre, following immense public pressure.
A Shift in Tone from the Prime Minister
Speaking from Cloncurry on Tuesday, January 7, 2026, Mr Albanese notably failed to refute reports that he was reconsidering his government's position. For the first time, he did not categorically state that a federal inquiry was unnecessary.
This subtle but significant change in language suggests a dawning realisation within the government that its current stance is becoming untenable. The horrific attack on December 14, which claimed the lives of 15 innocent people, including a 10-year-old girl, has created a national demand for the highest level of independent scrutiny.
What a Royal Commission Must Investigate
Advocates argue that a transparent government with nothing to hide would welcome a wide-ranging royal commission led by an eminent, independent jurist. Key areas for investigation must include the advice provided to the government by police and security agencies prior to the attack.
Critical questions remain unanswered: Was the government warned about the potential for an Islamist extremist-inspired mass casualty event? Did relevant ministers act effectively on the intelligence they received?
Furthermore, the commission must examine the role of hate preachers and anti-Semitic imams who have allegedly spread toxic rhetoric with little consequence for over two years. A comprehensive federal inquiry is seen by many as the only path to true justice for the victims, survivors, their families, and the broader Australian community.
Maintaining the Pressure for Action
The Prime Minister's apparent softening follows comments a day earlier from Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers, who acknowledged that those pushing for a commission were coming from a "good place." This marks a stark contrast to earlier Labor suggestions that advocates were politically motivated.
This shift is attributed to relentless advocacy from the Jewish community, prominent Australians across the political spectrum, and even senior figures within the ALP. The message to all federal MPs and senators, particularly those in the Labor Party, is clear: they must urge the Prime Minister to act to restore public faith and national unity.
When pressed on the issue, Mr Albanese stated his government was "continuing to examine everything else that is required" and was in talks with the NSW government about its planned state-level inquiry. He emphasised engagement with the community to "build social cohesion back."
However, with a significant portion of the Australian public convinced a federal royal commission is essential, the Prime Minister's room to manoeuvre is shrinking rapidly. The consensus is that now is the time to increase pressure, making it clear that failure to establish a full federal inquiry will have consequences.
