Antisemitism, extremism and security lapses at centre of Australia’s new inquiry

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the establishment of a far-reaching royal commission into antisemitism, a decision made several weeks after two gunmen opened fire at a Jewish holiday gathering at Bondi Beach, killing 15 people.

Speaking in Canberra on January 8, Albanese said the commission would examine the scope, underlying causes and spread of antisemitism across the country, as well as scrutinise all circumstances surrounding the Bondi mass shooting.

The inquiry will also be tasked with delivering recommendations aimed at improving law-enforcement responses, reinforcing social cohesion and countering the rise of extremist ideology.

A royal commission represents the most authoritative form of inquiry available to the Australian government, with the ability to compel witness testimony and request documents. Albanese said the investigation would be led by former High Court judge Virginia Bell.

Its final report is expected by December 14, marking exactly one year since the attack, which took place during a Hanukkah celebration at the Bondi Beach landmark.

Albanese described the incident as “an antisemitic terrorist attack, aimed at Jewish Australians, inspired by ISIS,” calling it the deadliest act of antisemitic violence to occur on Australian territory. The sole surviving suspect, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, has been charged with multiple offences, including murder and terrorism. He has not yet entered a plea. His father, Sajid Akram, was killed by police during the attack.

The announcement comes after weeks of mounting calls from across the political spectrum, senior Jewish community figures and prominent public personalities — including well-known athletes — urging the government to convene a national royal commission rather than limiting inquiries to New South Wales, where the shooting occurred. Albanese initially cautioned that a nationwide inquiry could take considerable time, but on Thursday rejected assertions that he had been pressured into shifting his stance.

“I have listened,” he said. “In a democracy, that’s a good thing.”

Albanese had already ordered a review of Australia’s security and law-enforcement agencies in the immediate aftermath of the attack, noting that this work would now be folded into the royal commission.

He also confirmed plans to advance a legislative response, which will include tightening Australia’s already strict firearms laws and introducing new offences targeting the rhetoric of so-called hate preachers, whose conduct often falls short of thresholds for prosecution under current legislation.

By Tamilla Hasanova