Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has provoked a fierce public backlash after calling on Australians to perform 'acts of kindness' in response to the Bondi Beach terror attack, while simultaneously continuing to reject demands for a federal inquiry into the massacre.
Mounting Pressure for a National Investigation
Albanese has so far resisted growing calls for a national investigation into the December 14 atrocity. Brothers Sajid and Naveed Akram allegedly opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more. In the wake of the attack, grieving families of the victims have sent an open letter to the Prime Minister, demanding a royal commission.
"You owe us answers. You owe us accountability. And you owe Australians the truth," the letter states. It was signed by relatives of 11 victims, including 10-year-old Matilda and 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman, alongside family members of Sofia and Boris Gurman, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Reuven Morrison, Edith Brutman, Tibor Weitzen, Yaakov Levitan, Tania Tretiak, and Boris Tetleroyd.
'Hollow Gesture' Sparks Public Fury
On Sunday, Albanese took to social media platform X to promote the 'One Mitzvah for Bondi' campaign. "In the face of the Bondi antisemitic terror attack, our Jewish community have responded with kindness and compassion," he wrote. "We urge every Australian to bring light into the world through an act of kindness."
The post linked to a New South Wales government site inviting people to describe a good deed in honour of the victims. The reaction was immediate and scathing, with many users accusing the Prime Minister of offering a hollow gesture while failing to act on calls for a formal inquiry.
One critic responded: "What a shame that you didn't show the same kindness toward our Jewish community when they were pleading for your help, Prime Minister." Another stated: "No one cares about what you have to say unless it's an announcement of a Royal Commission."
Families Speak of Living in Fear
In their powerful letter, the victims' families warned that Jewish Australians are now living in profound fear. "Our children feel unsafe at school and university. Our homes, workplaces, sporting fields, and public spaces no longer feel secure," they wrote. They described the rising threat of antisemitism as a national emergency requiring decisive leadership.
Sheina Gutnick, daughter of victim Reuven Morrison, emphasised the collective trauma in a television interview. "My father was murdered, leaving behind his wife, daughter and grandchildren. Matilda was murdered. Eli Schlanger was murdered leaving behind five children, including a six-week-old baby," she said. "This is something that impacts all of us here in Australia."
Despite mounting pressure from prominent figures and members of his own party, Albanese has defended his position. He pointed out that previous governments did not call royal commissions after the Port Arthur massacre or the Lindt Cafe siege, arguing his government provided support for national unity.
However, NSW Premier Chris Minns has broken ranks to back calls for a federal royal commission and pledged a state-based inquiry. Former Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty has also supported an inquiry, warning that "anything less risks telling Australians that some truths are too difficult to face."
