Pressure is mounting on the Australian government for a royal commission following the tragic terror attack at Bondi Beach on December 14, which resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals. This incident has prompted widespread calls for accountability from various sectors, including victims’ families, community leaders, and leading figures in business and law.
Over Thursday and Friday, three significant statements were released advocating for a royal commission. The first statement was endorsed by 130 leaders from diverse fields, including business, law, and politics. Notable signatories include former Reserve Bank of Australia governors Philip Lowe and Glenn Stevens, billionaire James Packer, and former Telstra CEO David Thodey. The signatories expressed their commitment to upholding Australian values of tolerance and mutual respect, stating, “We recognise the need for clear answers as to how the Bondi massacre could occur.”
The call for a royal commission also received support from prominent members of the Catholic community. Catholic Archbishop of Perth Timothy Costelloe highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of anti-Semitism in Australia, stating that while the Richardson review is a crucial step, deeper issues must be confronted to prevent future tragedies.
In addition, the Business Council of Australia issued a statement in solidarity with eight other major business associations, including the Mineral Council and the Australian Banking Association. They emphasized that a federal royal commission would demonstrate Australia’s commitment to fostering safe and inclusive communities and lead in combating anti-Semitism.
While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not directly addressed the calls from business and religious leaders, he maintains that a review into intelligence and law enforcement agencies, led by former Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) head Dennis Richardson, is the quickest way to obtain answers. The state government of New South Wales has already announced its own royal commission, which can be initiated on issues within its jurisdiction. Mr. Albanese has pledged that the federal government will cooperate with this state-level inquiry.
This growing momentum for a royal commission reflects a significant societal response to the Bondi Beach attack and underscores the need for comprehensive investigations into the circumstances surrounding such acts of violence. The outcome of these inquiries may not only affect policy changes but also address wider societal issues related to discrimination and community safety in Australia.
