Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed the establishment of a federal royal commission into the Bondi terror attack, reversing his earlier opposition to a broad national inquiry. The commission will examine antisemitism, law enforcement responses, the circumstances of the attack, and social cohesion.
Albanese announced the decision on Thursday, stating that the commission would be led by former High Court justice Virginia Bell. The inquiry must report by 14 December 2026, with an interim report due in April. The prime minister defended his earlier reluctance, saying he had listened to calls from victims' families and Jewish community leaders.
The federal Coalition criticised the move, with Liberal leader Sussan Ley arguing that more commissioners should have been appointed. The New South Wales government confirmed it would drop its own planned royal commission and cooperate with the federal inquiry instead.
The attack at a Hanukkah event in Bondi, allegedly carried out by Naveed Akram and his father, killed 15 people. Akram had been investigated by ASIO in 2019 for suspected links to an Islamic State cell. The royal commission will also incorporate a review by former ASIO chief Dennis Richardson.
Albanese emphasised the need for national unity, stating, 'Our government’s priority is to promote unity and social cohesion, and this is what Australia needs to heal.' The commission aims to address rising antisemitism and strengthen community bonds.
