Key Takeaways:
- The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has found no evidence that the two men alleged to have carried out the Bondi terror attack were part of a broader terrorist cell.
- The pair, Naveed Akram and his father Sajid, are believed to have operated alone, with no evidence of direction from others.
- The AFP is investigating "hate preachers" and their sermons, with potential prosecutions under new hate speech reforms.
- A national review of intelligence agencies will be led by former defence department secretary Dennis Richardson, rather than a federal royal commission.
- The government has announced tougher hate speech laws in response to the attack, with a focus on cracking down on antisemitism.
Introduction to the Investigation
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has provided an update on its counter-terrorism operation following the December 14 terror attack at Bondi Beach, which left 15 people dead. Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated that there is no evidence to suggest that the two men alleged to have carried out the attack, Naveed Akram and his father Sajid, were part of a broader terrorist cell. The pair are believed to have operated alone, with no evidence of direction from others. Commissioner Barrett emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that she cannot provide all the details due to impending court processes and security matters.
The Attackers’ Background
Commissioner Barrett confirmed that the pair had spent almost a month in the Philippines in November, but the AFP’s initial assessment is that they did not undertake any training or logistical preparation for the attack while there. However, she noted that she is not suggesting that they were in the Philippines for tourism purposes. The AFP is still investigating the purpose of their trip and whether they had any support or connections in the country. The attack has raised concerns about the potential for terrorist activity in the region and the need for increased cooperation between countries to prevent such attacks.
Investigation into Hate Preachers
The AFP has also been investigating "hate preachers" and their sermons, with potential prosecutions under new hate speech reforms announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Commissioner Barrett stated that the AFP has been going through the sermons of such figures "line-by-line" and has sought legal and expert advice. While there are no active prosecutions underway, the AFP has ongoing investigations and is preparing to use the new legislation to bring cases before the court. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke added that there are "automatically issues of concern" with what some of these individuals have been saying, and that some of them would not be in Australia if they were on visas.
Response to the Attack
The government has faced criticism for not holding a national royal commission into the attack, despite calls to do so from families of the victims. Prime Minister Albanese has defended the decision, stating that the focus should be on bringing the country together and addressing the root causes of the attack. Instead, a national review of intelligence agencies will be led by former defence department secretary Dennis Richardson, which will investigate how potential terror activity could be flagged between countries. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has repeated her call for a federal royal commission, accusing the government of "shouting over the top of" victims’ voices.
New Hate Speech Laws
In response to the attack, the government has announced tougher hate speech laws, with a focus on cracking down on antisemitism. Prime Minister Albanese has stated that the new laws will help to prevent similar attacks in the future and will provide a stronger framework for addressing hate speech. The laws are part of a broader effort to address the root causes of extremism and to promote community cohesion. The government has also announced increased funding for community programs and initiatives aimed at preventing extremism and promoting social inclusion.
Conclusion
The investigation into the Bondi terror attack is ongoing, and the AFP is working to piece together the events leading up to the attack. While there is no evidence to suggest that the attackers were part of a broader terrorist cell, the attack has raised concerns about the potential for terrorist activity in the region and the need for increased cooperation between countries to prevent such attacks. The government’s response to the attack, including the introduction of new hate speech laws and a national review of intelligence agencies, aims to address the root causes of extremism and to promote community cohesion. However, the debate over the need for a federal royal commission continues, with some arguing that it is necessary to fully investigate the attack and to provide closure for the victims’ families.