Key Takeaways
- Labor luminaries are urging the Prime Minister to establish a national royal commission to investigate the Bondi attack and rising antisemitism in Australia.
- A NSW royal commission has been announced, but its authors argue that it is limited in its scope and cannot compel federal agencies and social media companies to provide evidence.
- The letter calls for a Commonwealth inquiry with broad terms of reference to examine systemic, legal, institutional, inter-jurisdictional, and educational issues related to the attack.
- The Jewish community in Australia is experiencing deep anger and fear, with many feeling forced to take extreme measures to remain safe.
- The attack is seen as part of a broader narrative of rising antisemitism, and a national inquiry is needed to address the underlying issues.
Introduction to the Issue
The recent attack in Bondi has sparked a wave of concern and outrage across Australia, with many calling for a national royal commission to investigate the incident and the rising tide of antisemitism in the country. Labor luminaries, including former Victorian Labor deputy premier James Merlino and former cabinet colleague Phillip Daladakis, have written to the Prime Minister urging him to establish a national inquiry. The letter argues that a NSW royal commission, while welcome, is inherently limited in its scope and cannot compel federal agencies and social media companies to provide evidence.
The Limitations of the NSW Royal Commission
The NSW royal commission announced by Premier Chris Minns is seen as a step in the right direction, but its authors argue that it is limited in its ability to investigate the attack and the underlying issues. The commission cannot compel institutions and individuals beyond its jurisdiction to give evidence, which means that federal agencies and social media companies may not be required to provide evidence or cooperate with the inquiry. This limitation is seen as a major flaw, as it is essential to examine the role of online radicalisation, hate speech, and incitement in the attack, as well as the effectiveness of intelligence-sharing between state and federal agencies.
The Need for a National Inquiry
The letter calls for a Commonwealth inquiry with broad terms of reference to examine the systemic, legal, institutional, inter-jurisdictional, and educational issues related to the attack. This would include investigating the role of online radicalisation, hate speech, and incitement, as well as the effectiveness of intelligence-sharing between state and federal agencies. A national inquiry would also provide legal protections for whistleblowers and allow for a more comprehensive examination of the underlying issues. The authors argue that only a national inquiry can provide the necessary scope and authority to investigate the attack and the rising tide of antisemitism in Australia.
The Impact on the Jewish Community
The attack in Bondi has had a profound impact on the Jewish community in Australia, with many feeling deep anger and fear. The letter describes Jewish Australians being forced to send their children to schools guarded by armed security, to pray behind blast-resistant walls, and to conceal their identity in public to remain safe. This is a stark reminder of the reality of antisemitism in Australia and the need for a comprehensive and coordinated response. The Jewish community is not alone in its concerns, with many Australians recognizing the importance of addressing the underlying issues and promoting a safe and harmonious multicultural society.
The Broader Narrative of Antisemitism
The attack in Bondi is seen as part of a broader narrative of rising antisemitism in Australia. Mike Kelly, a former defence materiel minister and Eden-Monaro MP, argues that violence does not emerge in isolation but from an environment in which hatred has been allowed to grow unchecked. There is an entire ecosystem associated with the terror attack, and a national inquiry is needed to examine the underlying issues and address the deficiencies in the current system. Kelly emphasizes that this is not a partisan political issue, but a matter of national security and the health of democracy.
The Call for Action
The letter and the calls for a national inquiry are a testament to the depth of concern and outrage across Australia. The Prime Minister is being urged to take action and establish a national royal commission to investigate the attack and the rising tide of antisemitism. This would be a critical step in addressing the underlying issues and promoting a safe and harmonious multicultural society. The authors of the letter and the many Australians who are calling for a national inquiry recognize that this is a critical moment in the country’s history, and that action is needed to address the growing threat of antisemitism and promote a more inclusive and tolerant society.