Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has ordered a sweeping review of Australia's federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies in the wake of the deadly Bondi beach terror attack.
Richardson to Lead Four-Month Security Probe
The inquiry, to be led by former Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (Asio) director-general Dennis Richardson, will scrutinise whether agencies possess the necessary powers, structures, and information-sharing protocols to protect the public. Announced on Sunday, the review is slated for completion by the end of April 2026, with its findings to be made public.
Albanese stated the Bondi assault, which claimed 15 lives at a Jewish Hanukah event, underscores the nation's rapidly changing security environment. "Our security agencies must be in the best position to respond," he emphasised.
Pressure Mounts for Broader Royal Commission
The federal review comes amidst growing calls for a Commonwealth royal commission into the tragedy. The opposition has urged Albanese to recall parliament to legislate an immediate response, a move supported by former treasurer Josh Frydenberg.
Albanese has backed a separate, state-based royal commission proposed by New South Wales Premier Chris Minns. Concurrently, the NSW government plans to introduce legislation banning hate slogans and symbols, with new laws expected as early as Monday.
Scrutiny on Agency Actions Pre-Attack
Asio and the Australian Federal Police face intense scrutiny following revelations about the alleged attackers. The younger suspect, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, was investigated by Asio for six months from October 2019 over alleged links to an Islamic State cell but was later deemed not an ongoing threat.
NSW police confirmed both Naveed and his 50-year-old father, Sajid, had travelled to the Philippines weeks before the attack on the 'Chanukah by the Sea' gathering at Bondi.
The Richardson review, supported by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, will build upon the recent Independent Intelligence Review led by Richard Maude and Heather Smith. That earlier report advocated for increased funding to bolster capabilities in areas like economic security and crisis preparedness.
As a mark of respect, flags are flying at half-mast nationwide. Albanese has asked Australians to observe a minute's silence at 6.47pm, the time the shooting began, and to light a candle in their window.
