In the wake of the tragic Bondi terror attack on October 7, 2023, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is grappling with a leadership crisis as public criticism mounts. The attack, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people, has spurred calls for a federal royal commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Albanese has faced backlash from various quarters, including prominent Jewish community leaders and political opponents, for his refusal to initiate a national inquiry.
During a media briefing at Parliament House on a recent Tuesday, Albanese defended his government’s decision, highlighting that previous administrations, such as those led by John Howard and Tony Abbott, did not call for royal commissions following past crises, including the Port Arthur massacre and the Lindt Cafe siege. “There was no royal commission called by the Howard government after Port Arthur,” he stated. He pointed out that New South Wales will conduct its own state-based royal commission, with the federal government pledging cooperation. Additionally, a review by Dennis Richardson into federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies is expected to be completed by April 2024.
The political landscape for Albanese has shifted dramatically since his party’s decisive victory in May 2022. Recent polling indicates that his popularity has dropped significantly, marking the lowest levels since his election. At a commemoration vigil for the victims, the Prime Minister was met with boos from attendees, underscoring the growing discontent among the public.
Criticism has been particularly vocal from within the Jewish community. Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg and others have expressed disappointment over the lack of a national royal commission. Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, emphasized that only a royal commission could adequately address the concerns surrounding the Bondi deaths. “The fact that we need to grapple with the government over this… it’s just deeply insulting,” he stated.
The response to the Bondi attack has also drawn scrutiny from political analysts. Historian Chris Wallace remarked that the incident has “profoundly damaged” Albanese’s leadership. He noted that the government’s slow response to recommendations from Jillian Segal, the special envoy on antisemitism, has contributed to the perception of Albanese as ineffective. “It is a performance failure that can’t be rationalised away,” Wallace said.
The political ramifications are significant, as responses to crises often define leaders’ legacies. For instance, John Howard‘s stringent gun laws following the Port Arthur massacre remain a pivotal aspect of his political narrative. In contrast, Scott Morrison‘s vacation in Hawaii during the 2020 bushfires is remembered negatively. Pollster Tony Barry from Redbridge stated that perceptions of Albanese as “weak” may hinder his leadership effectiveness moving forward. Nearly half of voters surveyed expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s response to the attack, despite a decline in approval ratings for opposition leader Sussan Ley as well.
Ley has intensified her criticisms, accusing Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong of failing to demonstrate empathy in the aftermath of the tragedy. She remarked, “I make no apology for my passion on that occasion,” following a heated press conference. Albanese, who has largely refrained from personal attacks, expressed regret over the politicization of the incident and called for unity.
Frustration has not only emerged from opposition ranks but also from within Albanese’s own party. Some Labor MPs, including Mike Freelander and Ed Husic, have joined calls for a royal commission, citing a perceived lack of engagement with the Jewish community. One MP lamented, “It is our failure. It happened on our watch.”
Despite the internal dissent, there are constituents who continue to support Albanese. Some have reached out to their local representatives, expressing discontent with the politicization of the tragedy. “It’s not his fault,” said one supporter, while another remarked on the disparity in public blame faced by Albanese compared to his predecessors during past crises.
The rising antisemitism has left the Jewish community feeling increasingly isolated, with calls for leaders to demonstrate solidarity and understanding. Dean Sherr, a former adviser to Albanese, emphasized the urgency for action and accountability, noting that the Bondi attack has exacerbated feelings of insecurity. He acknowledged pre-existing strains in the relationship between the Labor Party and the Jewish community, particularly following the reversal of the recognition of West Jerusalem in October 2022.
In the coming weeks, Albanese has underscored the need for “urgency and unity, not division and delay.” As he navigates this challenging political landscape, the choices he makes will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of his leadership and the future of the Labor Party.
