Overview
- More than 100 prominent business figures and public leaders signed an open letter urging a Commonwealth royal commission, calling the fallout from the Bondi massacre a national crisis.
- Lorraine Finlay, Australia’s Human Rights Commissioner, publicly backed a federal royal commission, while former defence and security chiefs also lent support for a broader national inquiry.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rejected a national royal commission, citing expert advice and backing a Dennis Richardson–led review into intelligence and law‑enforcement that is due to report by the end of April.
- The government argues a royal commission could amplify hateful rhetoric, as victims’ families, Jewish organisations and hundreds of judges and barristers continue to press for a wider probe.
- NSW will proceed with a state royal commission, and the Islamic State‑inspired attack at a Bondi Hanukkah event left 15 dead and dozens injured.