Key Takeaways:
- The families of Jewish Australians killed in the Bondi shooting are demanding a Commonwealth royal commission to investigate antisemitism and law enforcement issues surrounding the terror attack.
- The families feel that the federal government’s current response to the attack is insufficient and that a royal commission is necessary to provide answers and solutions.
- The alleged shooter, Naveed Akram, had been investigated by ASIO in 2019 for alleged associations with individuals involved in a reported Islamic State cell.
- The federal government has resisted calls for a royal commission, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arguing that it would take too long and that a narrower inquiry is sufficient.
- The opposition and Jewish community groups are backing calls for a royal commission to investigate the broader issue of antisemitism in Australia.
Introduction to the Bondi Shooting
The Bondi shooting, which occurred on December 14, was a devastating terror attack that claimed the lives of 15 people and left many more injured. The attack has sparked widespread outrage and calls for action to address the growing issue of antisemitism in Australia. The families of the victims are now demanding that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese call a Commonwealth royal commission to investigate the attack and the broader issue of antisemitism in Australia.
The Families’ Demands
In an open letter to the Prime Minister, the families of 11 of the victims expressed their feelings of insecurity and fear, stating that Jewish Australians "have endured more than two and a half years of relentless attacks." They argued that the federal government’s current response to the attack is insufficient and that a royal commission is necessary to provide answers and solutions. The families are demanding to know why clear warning signs were ignored, how antisemitic hatred and Islamic extremism were allowed to grow unchecked, and what changes must be made to protect all Australians going forward.
The Alleged Shooter’s Background
One of the alleged shooters, Naveed Akram, had been investigated by ASIO in 2019 for alleged associations with individuals involved in a reported Islamic State cell. Despite this, his father was later approved for a gun licence, raising questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement and intelligence agencies in preventing the attack. The families are seeking answers about how this was allowed to happen and what measures can be taken to prevent similar attacks in the future.
The Government’s Response
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has so far resisted calls for a royal commission, arguing that it would take too long and that a narrower inquiry, led by the former ASIO chief Dennis Richardson, is sufficient. However, the opposition and Jewish community groups are backing calls for a royal commission to investigate the broader issue of antisemitism in Australia. The former Labor MP Mike Kelly, a convener of the Labor Friends of Israel group, argued that a royal commission is necessary to compel Commonwealth officers to cooperate and to access classified materials that may not be available to a state-based inquiry.
The Need for a Royal Commission
The families and supporters of the victims argue that a royal commission is necessary to provide a comprehensive and independent investigation into the attack and the broader issue of antisemitism in Australia. They point out that royal commissions have been established for other significant issues, such as the banking sector and aged care, and that the Bondi shooting deserves a similar level of attention and scrutiny. The Nationals leader, David Littleproud, urged the Prime Minister to change his mind, stating that a Commonwealth royal commission is necessary to compel federal agencies to cooperate and to provide answers to the grieving families.
Conclusion
The Bondi shooting has highlighted the growing issue of antisemitism in Australia and the need for a comprehensive and independent investigation into the attack. The families of the victims are demanding a Commonwealth royal commission to provide answers and solutions, and to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. The government’s response to the attack will be closely watched, and it remains to be seen whether the Prime Minister will heed the calls for a royal commission and take decisive action to address the issue of antisemitism in Australia.