Key Takeaways
- Former Labor politicians and prominent party figures are urging Anthony Albanese to call a national royal commission into the Bondi terror attack
- A state-level inquiry may not have enough power to compel institutions and individuals to give evidence or provide necessary legal protection
- The royal commission would aim to unpack the dynamics of Jew hatred, including social media threats and how hate and incitement are weaponized in Australia
- The push for a federal royal commission has gained support from sporting, business, and legal experts, as well as over 60 Australian sports stars
- The Albanese government has so far resisted calls for a national royal commission, instead tasking a former spy boss with investigating Australia’s security agencies and response to the attack
Introduction to the Bondi Terror Attack
The recent Bondi terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people and injured dozens, has sparked widespread calls for a national royal commission into the incident. Former Labor politicians and prominent party figures have released an open letter urging Anthony Albanese to initiate a royal commission into the "causes of the Bondi Beach massacre, the broader ecosystem of terror and hate, and the capacity of the agencies to monitor terrorist threats". This letter has been signed by several notable figures, including former federal ministers, senators, and senior members of the Labor Israel Action Committee (LIAC).
The Need for a National Royal Commission
The group argued that the current planned NSW royal commission would not be able to compel institutions and individuals "beyond its jurisdiction" to give evidence, or "provide Commonwealth officers with the necessary legal protection to speak frankly". They believe that only a Commonwealth royal commission can adequately address the issues at hand, including the dynamics of Jew hatred, social media threats, and how hate and incitement are weaponized in Australia. The letter states that the stake is the health of our democracy and our national security, and that a national royal commission is necessary to ensure that these issues are properly investigated and addressed.
Growing Support for a Federal Royal Commission
The push for a federal royal commission has gained significant support from various sectors, including sporting, business, and legal experts. Over 60 Australian sports stars, including Ian Thorpe, Jess Fox, and Lleyton Hewitt, have joined public calls for a Commonwealth royal commission into the Bondi terror attack. State Labor figures, such as former NSW deputy opposition leader Walt Secord and former NSW treasurers Eric Roozendaal and Michael Costa, have also backed the letter. This growing list of supporters underscores the widespread concern about the need for a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the Bondi terror attack.
Government Response to the Calls for a Royal Commission
The Albanese government has so far resisted calls for a national royal commission, with the Prime Minister arguing that it would take too long, double up with existing work, and sow division in the community. Instead, the government has tasked former spy boss Dennis Richardson with investigating Australia’s security agencies and response to the attack. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has acknowledged the push for a federal royal commission, stating that it comes "overwhelmingly from a good place". However, he emphasized that the government’s focus is on the urgent and immediate, including strengthening hate laws, tougher gun controls, and implementing the recommendations in a review by the government’s antisemitism special envoy Jillian Segal.
Opposition Criticism of the Government’s Response
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has accused Mr. Albanese of making up unfounded "excuses" for not holding a royal commission. She argued that the Prime Minister’s claims that unnamed "actual experts" had advised him against holding a Commonwealth royal commission were unsubstantiated and lacked evidence. Ms. Ley emphasized that Australians "deserve" honesty and answers from their leaders, and that the government’s response to the Bondi terror attack has been inadequate. The opposition’s criticism highlights the ongoing debate and tension surrounding the government’s handling of the crisis.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The calls for a national royal commission into the Bondi terror attack continue to grow, with a diverse range of supporters advocating for a thorough and comprehensive investigation. While the Albanese government has resisted these calls, the opposition and various sectors of society remain unconvinced by the government’s arguments. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the government will reassess its position and consider a national royal commission. Ultimately, the goal of such an investigation should be to uncover the truth, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that measures are put in place to prevent similar attacks from occurring in the future.