Jewish leaders in Western Australia have issued a powerful and emotional plea to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, calling for a national royal commission into rising anti-Semitism and radicalisation in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack.
A Heartfelt Letter of Fear and Plea for Action
In a fresh letter dated Saturday, 3 January 2026, the vice-president and president of the Jewish Community Council of WA, Steve Lieblich and Michael Levitt, directly told the Prime Minister "we're afraid." They drew a stark parallel to the experiences of their families in 1930s Europe, questioning whether they and their loved ones will continue to be targeted and if Australia will now protect them.
The leaders challenged Mr Albanese on how he can "continue to ignore this deluge of calls to action" for a comprehensive federal inquiry into last month's massacre. They argue that the current response is insufficient for addressing the deep-seated causes of the violence.
Political Divide Over the Path Forward
While the Prime Minister has backed a New South Wales state-level royal commission, he has resisted calls for a Commonwealth inquiry. Instead, he has initiated a review led by former spy chief Dennis Richardson to examine the actions of security agencies and federal police.
However, the WA Jewish leaders labelled the Richardson review a "misguided attempt to address the symptoms of the problem" rather than its root causes. They insist that only a federal royal commission with powers to compel evidence can critically examine the underlying issues of anti-Semitism in Australia.
This view has found support among other prominent figures. WA Liberal Senator Dean Smith, who is also a member of the Holocaust Institute of WA, stated that such a commission is "not only the decent thing to do, it is in the national interest." He believes it is essential to honour the victims and prevent future violence.
State and Federal Responses Under Scrutiny
WA Premier Roger Cook stopped short of endorsing a national royal commission, instead aligning with the Prime Minister's stance. He praised Mr Albanese's "responsible and measured" leadership following the traumatic events.
Premier Cook indicated his government is considering adopting tougher laws similar to those in NSW, which include expanded police powers to stop protests and crack down on terrorist symbols. Measures may also include granting police the authority to demand the removal of face coverings in certain contexts.
In contrast, WA Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas strongly reiterated his support for a federal inquiry. He called on the Prime Minister to show real leadership by listening to the community and calling a royal commission, "no matter the potential political fallout." Zempilas emphasised that this is the right thing to do for the victims, their families, and all Australians.
The impassioned letter from Perth's Jewish community underscores a growing national demand for a thorough examination of the forces that led to the Bondi attack, placing significant pressure on the federal government's current approach.
