Police, intelligence in spotlight at Bondi attack probe
What police and intelligence agencies knew about the Bondi terror attack will be the focus of a second round of public hearings in a wide-ranging investigation.
After hearing first-hand accounts of rising anti-Semitism in society, a royal commission will begin examining on Monday the possible failure of security agencies to stop a mass shooting that left 15 innocent people dead on December 14.
The first witness to testify is ASIO chief executive Mike Burgess, followed by senior officers from the Australian Federal Police and NSW Police.
Two representatives from Jewish security organization CSG NSW are also expected to attend the ceremony.
Issues examined will include security arrangements for the Hanukkah by the Sea event, which was targeted by two gunmen, and what counter-terrorism agencies and police knew about the attackers.
While some of the hearings will be open to the public, most will be held behind closed doors to avoid affecting national security and the ongoing criminal investigation of surviving hitman Naveed Akram.
As a result, it may take years for some of the commission’s findings to come to light.
“The royal commission’s work was furthered by hearing from Australian Jews and others about their experiences of antisemitism during the block one hearing,” Commissioner Virginia Bell said.
According to an interim report released by the commission in April, NSW Police had been warned by the CSG ahead of the attack that an atmosphere of increasing anti-Semitism was increasing the likelihood of a terrorist attack on the community.
Police planned to maintain a highly visible presence at the event, but internally stated there was “no need to remain there for the entire duration” and ultimately only four police officers and a precinct commander attended the event at various times.
Among the 14 recommendations in the interim report was the need for tighter security regulations at Jewish community gatherings in the future.
Other recommendations included implementing nationally consistent firearm laws and a gun buyback plan.
It also recommended considering making the role of the Commonwealth counter-terrorism coordinator full-time, including providing regular briefings to national cabinet, and making the role of the Australia-New Zealand counter-terrorism committee clearer.
The report also included five recommendations that were removed from the public version for national security reasons.
The second block of hearings will examine the provision of resources to combat terrorism and the effectiveness of existing forces, systems and processes of security, intelligence and law enforcement.
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