Overview
- Lorraine Finlay, Australia’s Human Rights Commissioner, called a federal royal commission essential to confront antisemitism and prevent a repeat of the Bondi attack.
- The government has held its line against a royal commission, citing a Richardson review of security and intelligence agencies due by the end of April and three other ongoing processes.
- Jack Rush KC joined more than 200 judges and barristers in an open letter urging a royal commission, arguing only a judicial inquiry can fully examine causes and prevention.
- Families of 17 victims and multiple Jewish organisations renewed pleas for a national probe, criticising the current review’s scope and lack of explicit focus on antisemitism.
- Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke warned a royal commission could amplify hateful voices, while prominent barrister Robert Richter KC argued it would become bogged down in definitional disputes.