Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has signalled a potential shift in his opposition to a royal commission into the Bondi terror shooting, as pressure mounts from victims' families, the Law Council of Australia, and some former Labor MPs. The attack on 14 December left 15 people dead.
While Albanese previously warned that a royal commission could be divisive and delay urgent reforms, he now says he is speaking with Jewish community leaders to “examine everything else required” to respond to the incident. When asked directly if he was reconsidering his decision, he did not rule it out.
The Law Council of Australia added its support for a royal commission on Tuesday, but cautioned that its timing and terms should not interfere with ongoing criminal proceedings. The federal government has faced growing calls from across parliament, the media, and wider society for a national inquiry into antisemitism and the attack.
Senior ministers have softened their hostility to the idea, with Mark Butler describing calls for a royal commission as “sincere and heartfelt,” and Jim Chalmers saying they come “from a good place.” While only two federal Labor MPs have publicly backed a royal commission, several others privately support one, according to sources.
Opposition leader Sussan Ley welcomed the prospect of a backflip, insisting that victims' families must agree to the terms of reference. Parliament is expected to be recalled soon, possibly next week, to debate hate speech reforms.
