More than 60 Australian sports stars have called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to establish a federal royal commission into antisemitism, radicalisation and the Bondi terror attack. The open letter, published on Sunday, was signed by prominent athletes including Lleyton Hewitt, Jessica Fox, Ian Thorpe and Michael Clarke.
“As sporting leaders, we understand that leadership matters, especially when values are tested,” the letter said. “We call on the prime minister and the Australian government to show decisive national leadership by confronting extremism and terrorism in all its forms, without fear or hesitation.”
The appeal follows similar calls from business leaders, senior Catholic bishops and victims’ families, but Mr Albanese has resisted a federal royal commission, arguing it would take too long. He has instead ordered a review of intelligence agencies by former ASIO chief Dennis Richardson.
Signatories include former Olympians Dawn Fraser, Nova Peris and Raelene Boyle, as well as cricketer Michael Clarke and Sydney Swans player Isaac Heeney. They warned that with the Brisbane 2032 Olympics approaching, “the safety of our citizens, the integrity of our public spaces, and the values we project as a nation have never mattered more.”
