Key Takeaways
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing pressure to establish a federal royal commission into the Bondi shooting, a terrorist attack that occurred on Australian soil.
- Albanese has resisted calls for a royal commission, citing the example of previous governments that did not establish such commissions after similar attacks.
- The prime minister’s popularity has dropped to its lowest level since the May election, and he has been criticized by prominent Jewish Australians, the media, and the Coalition.
- A review of federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies is due to be completed by April, but many are calling for a more powerful and comprehensive inquiry.
- The Bondi tragedy has damaged Albanese’s prime ministership, and his response to the attack has been criticized as too slow and inadequate.
Introduction to the Crisis
The Bondi shooting, which occurred nine days prior to the prime minister’s statement, has put Albanese under immense pressure to respond to the crisis. The attack, which was the worst terrorist attack on Australian soil, has sparked a chorus of calls for a federal royal commission to investigate the incident. However, Albanese has dug in and refused to establish such a commission, citing the example of previous governments that did not establish royal commissions after similar attacks.
The Prime Minister’s Response
Albanese has pointed out that there was no royal commission called by the Howard government after the Port Arthur massacre, and no royal commission was called by the Abbott government after the Lindt siege. He has also noted that the New South Wales government will establish its own state-based royal commission, which his government will cooperate with. Additionally, a review of federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies is due to be completed by April. However, many have criticized Albanese’s response as inadequate and too slow, and have called for a more powerful and comprehensive inquiry.
Criticism and Backlash
The prime minister’s decision not to establish a royal commission has been widely criticized by prominent Jewish Australians, the media, and the Coalition. Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, has said that only a royal commission can provide the full explanation of the Bondi deaths that is urgently required. Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg has also criticized Albanese’s decision, and leading lawyers have signed an open letter calling for a royal commission. The prime minister’s popularity has dropped to its lowest level since the May election, and he was booed at a commemoration vigil on Sunday.
Political Implications
The Bondi tragedy has damaged Albanese’s prime ministership, and his response to the attack has been criticized as too slow and inadequate. Political historian Chris Wallace has said that the attack has "profoundly damaged" Albanese’s prime ministership, and that the prime minister’s style is being challenged by other leaders. The opposition leader, Sussan Ley, has doubled down on her criticisms of Albanese, accusing him of being weak and ineffective. However, some Labor MPs have expressed frustration with the government’s response, and have called for a royal commission.
Rebuilding Trust
The Jewish community has felt increasingly isolated as antisemitism has increased, and wants to see leaders firmly in their corner. Dean Sherr, a former Albanese adviser and consultant, has said that the Bondi attack has made feelings of isolation and insecurity worse, and that the community is looking for action, responsibility, and accountability. Sherr has warned that there is no quick fix for rebuilding trust, and that the government needs to take urgent and meaningful action to address the concerns of the Jewish community.
Conclusion
The Bondi shooting has presented a major challenge to Albanese’s prime ministership, and his response to the attack has been widely criticized. The prime minister’s decision not to establish a royal commission has been seen as inadequate and too slow, and has sparked a chorus of calls for a more powerful and comprehensive inquiry. As the government heads into the summer break, Albanese faces a complex political landscape, and his response to the crisis will be closely watched. The path he chooses could make or break his second term in The Lodge, and it remains to be seen whether he can rebuild trust with the Jewish community and restore his popularity.
