Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has indicated a shift in his position on a potential royal commission into the antisemitism and the Bondi attack, which killed 15 people on 14 December. Speaking on Tuesday, Albanese did not rule out a national inquiry, saying he was consulting with Jewish community leaders to determine what further steps were needed.
The softening comes after sustained pressure from victims' families, the business community, sporting figures, and some former Labor MPs. The Law Council of Australia also joined the calls, urging a commission but cautioning that its timing and terms should not interfere with ongoing criminal proceedings.
Previously, Albanese had warned that a royal commission could be divisive and delay urgent reforms. The government had favoured a four-part response, including a review by former ASIO chief Dennis Richardson and reforms to hate speech laws. However, senior ministers Mark Butler and Jim Chalmers have expressed respect for the calls, with Chalmers noting they came from a good place.
While only two federal Labor MPs have publicly backed a royal commission, several others privately support one, according to Guardian Australia. A Labor source suggested the internal pressure was building, with expectations that Albanese would need to act to save face.
Opposition leader Sussan Ley welcomed the shift, but insisted that the terms of reference must be agreed with the victims' families. Albanese said the government was discussing with New South Wales how that state's royal commission would work, adding that the goal was to restore social cohesion.
