The interim report of the royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion has been released, examining the circumstances surrounding the December terror attack at a Jewish Hanukah festival in Bondi that left 15 people dead, alongside broader issues of community safety. The public version of the report does not call for sweeping changes but provides insights into how the inquiry, led by Commissioner Virginia Bell, will proceed.
Key Takeaways from the Interim Report
1. 14 Recommendations, But Not All Public
Commissioner Bell makes 14 recommendations, of which only nine are publicly known. The remaining five are contained in a confidential interim report due to classified intelligence and operational sensitivity. The public recommendations include expanding police security at Jewish events, counter-terrorism training for the Prime Minister and cabinet, reviewing joint counter-terrorism teams, and prioritising the national firearms agreement and gun buyback scheme.
2. No Urgent Changes Needed, Says PM
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the interim report found no urgent changes required to keep Australians safe. He noted that existing legal and regulatory frameworks did not hinder agencies in preventing or responding to the Bondi attack. The government has accepted all recommendations that pertain to the Commonwealth, including reviewing processes and considering counter-terrorism exercises for the Prime Minister and cabinet.
3. Some States Too Leisurely on Gun Reforms
Recommendations 13 and 14 call for prioritising the national firearms agreement and gun buyback scheme. The report notes that some states have set far-off deadlines, with the firearms register not expected until mid-2028, which Commissioner Bell described as unduly leisurely. The federal government is pushing for progress on this issue.
4. Focus on Probable Terror Level
A major area of investigation will be whether agencies responded adequately to ASIO warnings about Australia's terror threat level. Commissioner Bell highlighted that ASIO's Director-General repeatedly warned of heightened terror risk and escalating antisemitic incidents. The inquiry will examine how agencies understood and acted on these assessments, with some matters to be heard in closed sessions.
5. No Shooter Interviews or Motives
Due to ongoing criminal proceedings against alleged gunman Naveed Akram, who faces 59 charges including 15 counts of murder, the royal commission will not interview him or call him as a witness. It will also avoid making public findings about the shooters' intentions or motivations to prevent prejudice among potential jurors.
