Prominent Australian business figures and senior Catholic clergy have united in a powerful demand for a Commonwealth royal commission. This call for a national inquiry focuses on antisemitism, radicalism, and the circumstances leading to the deadly Bondi beach terrorist attack on December 14.
A Coalition of Influence Demands Answers
The push gained significant momentum with the publication of an open letter, signed by at least 120 leaders and published across multiple media outlets on Friday. The signatories represent a formidable cross-section of Australian society, including former Reserve Bank of Australia governors Philip Lowe and Glenn Stevens, billionaire James Packer, and former Telstra chief executive David Thodey. They are joined by sporting figures, politicians, and university chancellors.
The letter describes the current climate as a "national crisis" requiring a response that transcends politics. "As business leaders and proud Australians committed to upholding our values of tolerance and mutual respect, we recognise the need for clear answers as to how the Bondi massacre could occur," it states. The group seeks practical solutions to restore social cohesion and safeguard all Australians.
Pressure Mounts on Albanese Government
This powerful coalition adds to the existing pressure on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has so far resisted calls from victims' families, Jewish groups, and legal experts for a national royal commission. Instead, the Labor government has established a review led by former ASIO boss Dennis Richardson, examining the responses of intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
On Thursday, Mr Albanese remained unswayed, even after Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay declared a national probe "essential." The Prime Minister cited Mr Richardson and security agency heads as the "actual experts" advising the government's current approach.
Church Leaders Echo Calls for a Deeper Inquiry
In a separate but aligned move, Australia's most senior Catholic bishops have also advocated for a broader investigation. Archbishop of Perth and Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president, Timothy Costelloe, acknowledged the importance of the Richardson review but argued for a deeper examination.
"It is only by shining a light into the dark corners of our society ... that we can hope to unmask the anti-Semitism which might otherwise go unseen, unacknowledged and unaddressed," Archbishop Costelloe said. He emphasised the need for a wider, well-resourced national inquiry to confront the roots of antisemitism in Australia.
The signatories of the business leaders' letter specifically called for an end to the "unprecedented harassment, intimidation and violence" targeting the Australian Jewish community since the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. The federal government has confirmed that a New South Wales state-based royal commission will proceed with federal agency cooperation.
In a poignant tribute during Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations, a menorah was projected onto the pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, honouring the victims of the Bondi attack and symbolising the community's grief and solidarity.
