The scars from Bondi Beach’s deadly assault linger, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has responded with a Royal Commission announcement, bowing to public fury over antisemitism and security gaps. The Hanukkah horror, killing 15 and wounding others in an ISIS-inspired attack, stands as Australia’s bloodiest terror episode.
From Parliament House, Albanese vowed to confront the menace head-on. The inquiry, led by Virginia Bell with a 2026 deadline, targets antisemitism’s scope, extremism’s roots, agency reforms in security and immigration, the incident’s timeline, and unity-building steps.
Weeks of agitation from Jewish groups, business elites, sports stars, and bereaved families culminated in this decision. Media notes Albanese’s post-meeting pivot with stakeholders, following cabinet nod and deliberate scoping.
‘Unity is our priority,’ Albanese affirmed, stressing long-term planning over haste. As the nation reflects on vulnerabilities, this commission could redefine counter-extremism, ensuring diverse communities thrive securely.