Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the formation of a royal commission to investigate the terror attack that killed 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney’s Bondi Beach, following intense public and political pressure.
The antisemitic attack, which took place earlier this month, shocked the nation and sparked calls for an independent inquiry into security failures and intelligence warnings that may have been missed.
Speaking to reporters, Albanese said the commission is necessary to restore trust and promote national healing. “Our government’s priority is to promote unity and social cohesion,” he said. “That is what Australia needs to heal.”
Demands for a royal commission emerged within days of the attack, with victims’ families, Jewish community leaders, and opposition figures arguing that only a high-powered federal inquiry could deliver transparency and accountability.
The announcement comes after Albanese and his wife attended a National Day of Reflection ceremony at Bondi Beach, honoring victims and survivors. Images from the event underscored the emotional toll the attack has taken on the country.
Royal commissions are Australia’s most powerful investigative bodies, with authority to compel testimony and documents. The inquiry is expected to examine law enforcement preparedness, intelligence sharing, radicalization warning signs, and government responses before and after the attack.
Officials have not yet announced a timeline for findings, but the commission’s formation signals a major political shift amid mounting criticism. For many Australians, particularly within the Jewish community, the inquiry represents a crucial step toward justice, accountability, and preventing future acts of terror.
