Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not dismissed the possibility of initiating a federal royal commission into the recent Bondi terror attack, amidst increasing calls for a comprehensive Commonwealth-level inquiry. The attack, which claimed 15 lives during a Hanukkah event last month, has been attributed to ISIS-inspired perpetrators.
While visiting flood-affected areas in north Queensland on Tuesday, Albanese addressed the potential for a federal inquiry, stating that discussions with New South Wales (NSW) were ongoing to ensure the state had “everything that is required” for its own royal commission. “The NSW government have said that they will have a royal commission, but we’re talking to NSW about how that would operate, and we’re talking to the community,” he noted.
Current Government Priorities
Albanese has prioritized an immediate review of intelligence and security agencies, led by former spy chief Dennis Richardson, to assess their response to the Bondi attack. Additionally, the government is focused on drafting new legislation aimed at curbing hate speech and tightening gun laws. Albanese emphasized the importance of consulting on these legislative changes before recalling parliament.
Despite opposition claims that parliament could have been reconvened swiftly to pass these laws, Albanese countered, “That is not right.” He further explained his constructive dialogue with opposition leader Sussan Ley regarding the legislative process.
Pressure for a Federal Inquiry
Calls for a national royal commission have grown, with various public figures and organizations advocating for a more powerful investigation than what a state-level inquiry might achieve. A group of former Labor MPs and officials recently issued an open letter urging for a federal probe, citing concerns over the NSW inquiry’s capacity to compel evidence and protect witnesses legally.
Mike Kelly, a former federal minister and president of the Labor Israel Action Committee, proposed a “rolling” royal commission that could release interim findings and recommendations. “We need to take all the time,” Kelly told the ABC. “We need to sort our security out, given that this was the worst terrorism action on Australian soil in our history.”
“We need to take all the time. We need to sort our security out, given that this was the worst terrorism action on Australian soil in our history.” – Mike Kelly
Broader Implications and Community Healing
Kelly emphasized the need for a royal commission to address broader issues such as the impact of hate and division propagated through social media, and to assess Australia’s counterterrorism strategies. He also highlighted the importance of healing within the Jewish community and the nation at large.
“This is an important intangible factor that we need, as politicians, to take into account here,” Kelly stated. “And in that respect, we’re hearing the voice of Australia, and the government’s got to show that it doesn’t have a tin ear.”
Despite the government’s resistance to a federal inquiry, attributed by Kelly to a “defensive” mindset, there is optimism that increased dialogue with communities could shift this stance.
Looking Ahead
As the debate continues, MPs are expected to return to Canberra sooner than scheduled to address the legislative measures and participate in a condolence motion for the Bondi victims. The government’s cooperation with NSW’s royal commission remains a priority, but the possibility of a federal inquiry looms as discussions progress.
The unfolding situation underscores the complexities of national security and the balance between immediate legislative action and thorough, long-term investigations. As Australia grapples with the aftermath of its deadliest terror attack, the path forward remains under close scrutiny.
