Overview
- Families of victims published an open letter urging a Commonwealth royal commission into rising antisemitism and alleged failures that preceded the 14 December massacre that killed 15 people.
- Anthony Albanese announced terms for an independent review led by Dennis Richardson to report by April, with authority to examine ASIO and AFP performance, information sharing, legislative powers and agency decisions before the attack.
- The government says a royal commission would take too long, as NSW runs its own state inquiry, while opposition figures, legal experts and prominent Australians continue to endorse a federal royal commission.
- Authorities have described the attack as ISIS‑inspired; one accused, Naveed Akram, had prior ASIO scrutiny in 2019, and PerthNow reports the other suspect legally owned six firearms allegedly used in the shooting.
- Families cite a Melbourne car firebombing and a WA arrest over alleged pro‑attack posts and weapons as evidence of escalating threats, and health officials say nine people remain hospitalised, including three in critical but stable condition.