Defence, security leaders join royal commission call
Defense and national security leaders have called for a royal commission into anti-Semitism and Islamist extremism, while speculation continues that the prime minister is ready to accept a federal inquiry into the Bondi Beach terror attack.
Anthony Albanese has softened his stance on setting up a royal commission into the December 14 terror attack after previously rejecting calls from Jewish groups, victims’ families and the coalition.
After Naveed Akram, who was before the court, and his father Sajid Akram, who died at the scene, allegedly targeted the Jewish Hanukkah celebration on the beach, 15 people died and more than 40 people were injured.
In the letter, more than 30 leaders, including former governor-general David Hurley, called on Albanese to “take immediate action”.
“Antisemitism and Islamist extremism pose serious national security challenges for Australia,” they said.
“They disrupt social cohesion, incite violence and weaken our national resilience.
“At a time when the risk of international conflict is increasing, antisemitism has exposed Australia to external intervention by hostile states and extremist groups.”
The letter said a “properly constituted and strengthened investigation” would have the opportunity to examine the actions of Labor and its ministers following Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Former Interior Department secretary Mike Pezzullo and former Department of Veterans Affairs secretary Maj. Gen. Liz Cosson (retired) are among the signatories.
Mr Albanese, who has resisted a national royal commission, said a federal investigation would take too long and focused on the review of security services under former spy chief Dennis Richardson.
In the days following the attack, opposition leader Sussan Ley led calls for an investigation.
“First of all, I want to make it very clear that the terms of the royal commission must be accepted by the families of the victims,” he told reporters in Sydney.
Ms Ley said there should be “full accountability for management and ministerial decisions”, especially since the Hamas attack.
The government will bring parliament back early in the coming weeks, possibly before Australia Day on January 26, to implement legislative measures including strengthening hate speech laws.
Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain, like Mr Albanese on Tuesday, left the door open to a royal commission when pressed about the government’s stance.
“It’s really important that we move as quickly as possible to deal with some of these issues,” he told ABC RN on Wednesday.
“It’s really important that we understand where these calls are coming from and for what reason.”
Independent MP Allegra Harcama, from the electorate where the attack took place, said the prime minister’s more conciliatory stance on the investigation was a “positive move”.
“It’s what the community really wants and I think I really believe the community deserves, especially the Jewish community,” he told ABC radio on Wednesday.
“This is the largest terrorist attack on any part of our community that we have ever experienced in Australia and it is our responsibility to ensure we leave no stone unturned to learn from it.”
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