UPDATE: Calls for a federal royal commission into the Bondi Beach terror attack are escalating rapidly, as opposition leader Sussan Ley urges Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to meet with her and Jewish community leaders to establish bipartisan terms of reference. This follows a commitment from NSW Premier Chris Minns for a state-based inquiry, which Albanese has indicated he supports, but he has yet to confirm a federal investigation.
In a statement made earlier today, Albanese revealed, “I had a discussion with Chris Minns this morning about the Royal Commission. I will support whatever actions the New South Wales government takes. We are working in lockstep.” Ley, however, emphasized that millions of Australians, particularly from the Jewish faith, deserve a Commonwealth inquiry. “The Prime Minister must clarify his position now,” Ley stated.
The tragic attack on October 7, 2023, during a Chanukah celebration, resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger and 10-year-old Matilda. Ley insists that the inquiry must address the troubling rise of antisemitism and government inaction that has allowed it to persist since the attack.
Shadow home affairs minister Jonathon Duniam echoed Ley’s sentiments, asserting the necessity of examining various issues, including the role of intelligence and security agencies in preventing future incidents. “A range of things must be sorted out, inquired into, and recommendations made,” Duniam stated, urging that only a Commonwealth royal commission can yield the necessary scrutiny.
Former Liberal MP Dave Sharma reinforced the call for a royal commission, stressing, “Anything less is short-changing our country. Only a Royal Commission can identify failings and ensure measures are in place to prevent such a tragedy again.”
On ABC Radio, Premier Minns expressed the importance of uncovering the full extent of the incident, stating, “We need to do everything we can to protect our citizens. The sad reality is that last Sunday, that didn’t happen.” He acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “This is going to take all of us to do it.”
Minns stressed the need for comprehensive terms of reference, collaborating with victims, affected communities, and law enforcement to ensure accountability and prevention measures. “We don’t know exactly what happened, and until we have the full picture, we can’t promise action to prevent it from happening again,” he said.
Highlighting the alarming progression of antisemitism, Minns remarked, “It begins with slogans and escalates to violent acts in our community.” Ley called for Albanese to reconvene parliament on Monday to legislate immediate actions and support a federal inquiry. “Prime Minister, the time for words is finished. The time for action is now,” Ley declared.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this horrific event, the push for accountability and preventive measures intensifies. The Bondi Beach terror attack has not only impacted the immediate community but resonates deeply across Australia, igniting urgent discussions on safety, security, and the growing threat of antisemitism.
With public sentiment mounting, all eyes are now on Prime Minister Albanese to take decisive action and address the call for a federal royal commission.
