A diverse coalition of groups, including families of victims, business leaders, legal professionals, political figures, and prominent sports personalities, have called for a royal commission to investigate antisemitism, radicalization, and the circumstances surrounding the April 13 Bondi incident. While advocates emphasize the need for a national response to escalating extremism, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has publicly rejected a federal inquiry, opting instead for an intelligence review and indicating support for a state-based approach.
Broad Support for an Inquiry
Calls for a royal commission have gained support from various sectors across Australia. Seventeen families of victims impacted by the recent events have advocated for such an inquiry. This call has been echoed by the Business Council of Australia, over 100 industry leaders, more than 200 legal professionals, and the federal Coalition opposition party. Two backbench members of the current government have also expressed support.
Religious leaders, including the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, have articulated the need for a national inquiry. Australian Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay has publicly backed a royal commission.
Sports Figures Join the Appeal
An open letter signed by over 200 Australian sports figures has added to the calls for a royal commission. Notable signatories include:
- Tennis: Lleyton Hewitt
- NRL: Brad Fittler
- Swimming: Michael Klim, Dawn Fraser, Ian Thorpe
- Surfing: Mick Fanning
- Canoeing: Jessica Fox
- Skating: Steven Bradbury
- AFL: Scott Pendlebury, Luke Beveridge, Ross Lyon, Chris Fagan, Isaac Heeney, Dean Cox, John Longmire, Phil Davis
- Other Notable Signatories: Former Olympians Nova Peris and Kyle Vander-Kuyp Thorpe, former Liberal MP John Alexander, former Olympic sprinter Raelene Boyle, former cricketer Michael Clarke, and former Wallabies captain John Eales.
Former Olympian Nova Peris, a signatory, has publicly supported Israel and was previously involved in controversy for sharing anti-Islam posts on social media, which she later disavowed. Another signatory, former AFL player Sam Newman, has previously made comments about Muslim Australians and faced criticism for inviting individuals associated with neo-Nazism onto his podcast earlier this year.
Rationale for the Proposed Inquiry
Signatories of the sports open letter describe the April 13 Bondi incident as an "act of terrorism driven by violent extremist ideology." They assert that this event followed "more than two years of escalating extremism, intimidation and unchecked radicalisation within Australia." The letter characterizes the situation as a "national crisis" that necessitates a "national response."
The letter urges the Prime Minister and the Australian Government to demonstrate national leadership in addressing extremism and terrorism. It also calls for an end to what it describes as "unprecedented harassment, intimidation and violence" directed at the Australian Jewish community since October 7, 2023. Proponents suggest that a royal commission represents the "most credible and unifying pathway" to achieving accountability, understanding, and social harmony.
Former Olympian Kyle Vander-Kuyp Thorpe, a signatory, stated that "hate should have no place in Australia" and noted that Jewish people are not the sole targets of hate, citing First Nations people, various faith groups, ethnic communities, and LGBTIQ+ individuals as also facing increasing levels of vilification and targeted violence. The letter also highlighted the upcoming Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, referencing the international focus on Australia and the importance of citizen safety and national values.
Government Response
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has maintained his position against establishing a federal royal commission. He has cited concerns that a federal inquiry could be prolonged and overly broad.
Instead, Prime Minister Albanese has opted for a review of intelligence and law enforcement agencies, to be conducted by former Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) chief Dennis Richardson. The New South Wales government has indicated plans to conduct a state-based inquiry into the April 13 Bondi attack, which resulted in six fatalities and the death of the attacker.