Albanese rejects royal commission on Bondi massacre

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declined to launch a royal commission into the Bondi Beach terror attack, opting instead for a limited Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet-led review of law enforcement agencies.

Mr Albanese announced the decision on Sunday, overlooking the highest form of independent public inquiry despite calls from federal politicians and community leaders for a more far-reaching investigation.

“I have asked the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to lead a review into Australia’s federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies,” Mr Albanese said.

“The ISIS-inspired atrocity last Sunday reinforces the rapidly changing security environment in our nation. Our security agencies must be in the best position to respond.”

The review will be headed by Dennis Richardson, former secretary of the Departments of Defence and Foreign Affairs and Trade, and former intelligence chief. It will build on the earlier Independent Intelligence Review conducted by Richard Maude and Heather Smith.

The findings will not be handed down until the end of April 2026, and will be made publicly available.

The announcement drew sharp criticism from former Liberal Party treasurer Josh Frydenberg, who said the departmental review was “wholly inadequate”.

“To use an Australian colloquialism, it’s bullshit,” Mr Frydenberg said.

“It’s weak, it’s wrong, it’s an abrogation of your first and fundamental duty to protect all Australian citizens after the deadliest terrorist attack on Australian soil at Bondi Beach.”

Mr Frydenberg questioned why Mr Albanese supported royal commissions into banks, veterans, aged care and the welfare system, but would not commit to one following the terror attack.

“Now 15 innocent souls, including 10 year old 10-year-old Matilda, have been murdered by radical Islamists, and all you are prepared to commit to is an internal departmental review? It beggars belief and is the latest failure in federal leadership,” he said.

“Prime Minister, what are you afraid a Commonwealth Royal Commission will uncover?”

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief Alex Ryvchin had called for “accountability” and a royal commission on Sunday.

“The failings were immense, and the responsibility has to begin at the very top, which is the government,” Mr Ryvchin told Sky News.

“When I speak to the community and hear their feelings in terms of culpability and blame, foremost at that list is the Prime Minister and the government.”

Independent MP for Wentworth, Allegra Spender, had written to Mr Albanese calling for an independent inquiry with investigatory powers akin to a royal commission.

“Whatever we call this inquiry, we must act quickly, and it must be broad ranging and independent, with investigative powers akin to a Royal Commission,” Ms Spender said.

She added that the inquiry should be developed in consultation with Australian Jewish community organisations and accept public submissions.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said Mr Albanese needed to urgently call a commonwealth royal commission to investigate antisemitism, government inaction and the effectiveness and powers of the counter-terrorism system.

“Millions of Australians, particularly those of Jewish faith, want, need and deserve a Commonwealth Royal Commission into the Bondi Massacre terrorist attack,” she said.

NSW Premier Chris Minns has called for a state-based royal commission, describing the Bondi attack as “one of the most terrible events that has hit NSW in decades”.

Mr Albanese has limited his support to the NSW inquiry, saying: “I will support whatever actions the New South Wales government take. We are working in lockstep.”

Mr Frydenberg said it was “not good enough to pass the buck to NSW” and argued the threat was national.

“Anti-Jew intimidation, harassment and violence has metastasised in our country and must not be allowed to go one day longer. The tsunami of hate is not just an attack on Jewish Australians, it’s a threat to every Australian. Prime Minister enough is enough!” he said.