Key Takeaways:
- The families of the victims of the Bondi massacre are calling for a royal commission into antisemitism in Australia
- A royal commission has been opposed by Prime Minister Albanese, who instead favors a shorter inquiry into federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies
- There is growing support for a royal commission, with 48% of voters surveyed in a recent poll backing the idea
- The opposition and several security experts, former heads of intelligence services, and legal figures are also supporting the call for a royal commission
- The NSW government has announced plans to step up security ahead of New Year events and take action to shut down venues used for hate speech
Introduction to the Royal Commission Debate
The debate over whether to establish a royal commission into antisemitism in Australia has been ongoing, with the families of the victims of the Bondi massacre adding their voices to the call for a full inquiry. The families, who represent most of those killed in the attack, have expressed their frustration and disappointment with Prime Minister Albanese’s decision to oppose a royal commission. Instead, Albanese has proposed a shorter inquiry into federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies, to be headed by former Defence Department secretary Dennis Richardson. However, the families and many others argue that a royal commission is necessary to fully investigate the rise of antisemitism in Australia and to provide accountability and answers.
The Call for a Royal Commission
The call for a royal commission has been supported by a wide range of individuals and groups, including security experts, former heads of intelligence services, and legal figures. A former royal commissioner has also backed the idea, and 139 eminent legal figures, including a former chief justice and multiple judges, signed an open letter in support of a royal commission last week. The opposition has also been vocal in its support for a royal commission, with Opposition Leader Sussan Ley reiterating her call for the immediate creation of a royal commission. Ley argued that a royal commission would shine a light on how antisemitism has grown across the country and would provide a powerful national response to the crisis.
Government Response to the Call for a Royal Commission
The government has argued that a royal commission would take years to complete and would be too broad in its scope. Prime Minister Albanese has said that the Coalition’s proposed inquiry would have over 100 separate areas of investigation, and that a royal commission would be too unwieldy and time-consuming. However, the opposition and others have argued that a royal commission is necessary to fully investigate the rise of antisemitism in Australia and to provide accountability and answers. Federal Local Government Minister Kristy McBain has said that the government wants a speedy response to the Bondi tragedy, and that Dennis Richardson has been given a short timeline to report on the nation’s security laws.
Public Support for a Royal Commission
A recent poll has shown that there is significant public support for a royal commission, with 48% of voters surveyed backing the idea. Only 17% of voters were opposed to the idea, while 34% were unsure or neutral. The families of the victims of the Bondi massacre have argued that the public’s support for a royal commission is a clear indication that the government should reconsider its opposition to the idea. The families have also pointed out that the rise of antisemitism in Australia is a national crisis that demands a powerful national response, and that a royal commission is necessary to provide that response.
Security and Intelligence Shortcomings
Questions about security and intelligence shortcomings have dominated debate in the past fortnight, with many arguing that the police presence at the Hanukkah event at Bondi on December 14 was clearly not enough to deal with the level of threat. NSW Premier Chris Minns has acknowledged that the police presence was inadequate, and has urged Sydneysiders to "thumb your nose at the terrorists" and celebrate as normal over New Year. Minns has also announced that the NSW government would take action to shut down any venue being used for hate speech, including by turning off water and electricity supply.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The debate over whether to establish a royal commission into antisemitism in Australia is ongoing, with the families of the victims of the Bondi massacre and many others continuing to call for a full inquiry. The government’s opposition to a royal commission has been criticized by many, who argue that a royal commission is necessary to fully investigate the rise of antisemitism in Australia and to provide accountability and answers. As the NSW government steps up security ahead of New Year events and takes action to shut down venues used for hate speech, it remains to be seen whether the federal government will reconsider its opposition to a royal commission. One thing is clear, however: the rise of antisemitism in Australia is a national crisis that demands a powerful national response, and a royal commission may be the best way to provide that response.