Crossbench MPs are intensifying pressure on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to initiate a Commonwealth royal commission into antisemitism and urgently revise hate speech laws. This comes amid strong opposition from Labor, which argues that a federal inquiry would be too time-consuming.
The calls for action emerged as Australian swimming legend Dawn Fraser criticized leaders for their inaction during a media address on Sunday. She was joined by sporting figures and the families of victims at Bondi Beach, the site of the recent attack.
Mounting Pressure from Influential Australians
Independent MPs David Pocock, Tammy Tyrrell, and Andrew Gee, alongside a coalition of inner-city independents, are demanding the inquiry. Their calls follow weeks of growing pressure from influential Australians.
“The feeling I get from people is that the federal government is yet to fully meet community expectations in how they have responded to the Bondi terror attack,” Pocock stated.
“I fully support calls for a federally led royal commission jointly established with the states and territories, so there is a longer and deeper look at what needs to be done to put a stop to antisemitism in this country.” – David Pocock
Community and Expert Support
Since the December 14 attack, open letters demanding a royal commission have been signed by the families of 17 victims, over 200 barristers and judges, 60 Australian sporting legends, Catholic bishops, and the business community.
Despite these calls, Albanese has consistently rejected the idea, advocating instead for an independent review of law enforcement and security agencies. He supports legislative reforms targeting hate speech and gun ownership, as well as implementing Jillian Segal’s report on antisemitism. The government has pledged full cooperation with a NSW royal commission initiated by Premier Chris Minns.
Voices of Concern and Calls for Action
Addressing the media after signing the letter from sporting figures, eight-time Olympic medallist Fraser expressed her sorrow for the victims and their families. She emphasized the growing problem of antisemitism, stating, “This is not a gun problem. This is not a one-off problem. This is an antisemitism problem that has been building and building.”
Fraser was accompanied by former hockey player and Israel supporter Nova Peris, who questioned the effectiveness of agency powers in protecting the public.
Andrew Gee, representing the regional NSW seat of Calare, emphasized the need for the attack to be a “turning point” in addressing antisemitism. He warned that if the government’s proposed reforms to hate speech legislation were insufficient, he would draft his own legislation.
“How Australia responds to this atrocity and what has been a rising tide of antisemitism and its associated violence and intimidation will be a defining moment for our nation.” – Andrew Gee
Broader Implications and Future Steps
Independent Senator Tammy Tyrrell from Tasmania expressed her support for a federal commission investigating antisemitism and hate-related speech. However, she echoed concerns about the time required to implement such measures, a key argument against a federal commission.
The three MPs are joined by teal independents Monique Ryan, Kate Chaney, Sophie Scamps, and Zali Stegall, who have also urged Albanese to conduct a Commonwealth inquiry. Bradfield independent Nicolette Boele has voiced her support as well.
Independent MP Allegra Spender, whose constituency includes Bondi Beach, highlighted the community’s demand for government action on antisemitism. She advocated for a royal commission and the establishment of a cabinet-level ministerial portfolio focused on social cohesion.
“Where the reform went previously was not far enough, and we do need hate speech laws that deal with the incitement of hatred between groups, similar to legislation we’ve had in WA for the last 20 odd years.” – Allegra Spender
Victorian Senator Lidia Thorpe supports a royal commission into antisemitism but believes its scope should be broader to address the rise of right-wing extremism in Australia.
As the debate continues, the government’s response to these calls for a royal commission and legislative reform will likely shape the national discourse on antisemitism and hate speech in the coming months.
