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Australian Jews welcome Royal Commission into Bondi Beach attack
Announcement follows outcry over initial decision by the Prime Minister to open a smaller-scale inquiry
January 8, 2026 14:38
Announcement follows outcry over initial decision by the Prime Minister to open a smaller-scale inquiry
January 8, 2026 14:38Australian Jews have welcomed an announcement today by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that a public inquiry into December's Bondi Beach massacre will now take place.
The Chanukah terrorist attack led to calls among the Jewish community for a public inquiry – a royal commission – to look at violence directed at Jews in Australia.
Albanese initially opted for a smaller inquiry into potential policing failures.
However, after and outcry – including from victim's families who said they "demand answers and solutions" – the prime minister changed his mind, saying: "I have listened".
"This was an antisemitic terrorist attack, aimed at Jewish Australians, inspired by Isis," Albanese told reporters in Canberra.
"I've repeatedly said that our government's priority is to promote unity and social cohesion, and this is what Australia needs to heal, to learn, to come together in a spirit of national unity.
"It's clear to me that a Royal Commission is essential to achieving this."
Daniel Aghion KC, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), which was one of the organisations calling for the inquiry, said of the decision: “On behalf of the Australian Jewish community, we welcome the prime minister’s announcement."
He added that he wanted "an honest examination of government policies and the conduct and policies of key institutions and figures in major sectors of our society”.
The government’s special envoy to combat antisemitism, Jillian Segal, said: “I think it’s important the government has listened to all who have advocated for such a commission.
“It does reflect the seriousness of the growth in antisemitism and its impact on our country and on our democracy.”
The decision to implement the inquiry has also been welcomed by former treasurer Josh Frydenberg, who originally condemned the plan for the smaller inquiry, calling it "bulls**t". He has called the Royal Commission "an opportunity to reset, rebuild and repair our nation”.
The inquiry will investigate the "nature and prevalence of antisemitism" and its "key drivers", recommend enforcement measures and closely examine the Bondi Beach attack. It will conclude by December 14, exactly one year after the attack.
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