Australia launches royal commission into Bondi shooting that targeted a Jewish festival

BBC
BBC
3h ago
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a royal commission into the Bondi Beach shooting that targeted a Jewish festival and killed 15 people.
Australia launches royal commission into Bondi shooting that targeted a Jewish festival
A What happened
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a royal commission into last month’s Bondi Beach shooting that targeted a Jewish festival and killed 15 people. He said he decided on a royal commission after reflecting and meeting with the Jewish community, and he said it was essential for unity and social cohesion. Families of victims and public figures had run an almost daily campaign calling for a royal commission since the 14 December attack. The commission will investigate antisemitism in Australia, examine the circumstances of the Bondi attack, and make recommendations to agencies and on social cohesion and countering extremism.

Key insights

  • 1

    Royal commission scope includes antisemitism and social cohesion: The commission’s stated terms include investigating antisemitism and its drivers, examining the Bondi attack circumstances, and recommending measures to strengthen social cohesion and counter ideological and religiously motivated extremism.

  • 2

    Inquiry structure incorporates an existing intelligence and law enforcement review: Dennis Richardson’s review into intelligence and law enforcement agencies will be incorporated into the royal commission, with an interim report expected in April.

  • 3

    Government signalled parallel policy changes on guns and hate speech: Leaders agreed to tighten gun controls and Albanese promised hate speech reforms, including penalties for leaders who promote violence and a new federal offence of aggravated hate speech.

Takeaways

A royal commission led by former High Court justice Virginia Bell will investigate the Bondi shooting and antisemitism in Australia, with a report requested by December 2026.

Topics

World & Politics Policy & Regulation Governance Human Rights Investigations Law & Public Safety Crime & Justice Public Safety

Read the full article on BBC

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