Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing mounting internal pressure to announce a royal commission into the recent Bondi terror attack and the rise of antisemitism in Australia. The call for a powerful national inquiry is now coming from within his own party ranks.
Labor Senator Adds Voice to Growing Demand
Labor Senator Michelle Ananda-Rajah has become the third government MP to publicly urge the Prime Minister to establish a royal commission. The Victorian senator stated she "wholeheartedly" supports the move, following similar public appeals from backbenchers Ed Husic and Mike Freelander.
Ananda-Rajah argued that a royal commission is essential to expose the systemic failures that have allowed antisemitism to flourish. She emphasised that such an inquiry, conducted transparently, is needed to rebuild public trust and provide "testimonial justice" for the Jewish community, who otherwise risk feeling permanently marginalised.
Government Expected to Relent on Previous Stance
There is a growing expectation that the Albanese government will reverse its previous position and confirm a royal commission, potentially as early as Thursday or Friday. The inquiry could be a joint federal and New South Wales state investigation.
Guardian Australia understands the Prime Minister has been engaged in lengthy consultations with Jewish community groups regarding the details of a federal inquiry. Sources within major Jewish organisations, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed ongoing talks and anticipated an announcement in the coming days, with the terms of reference still under debate.
It is believed the government's response may be multi-faceted, with an announcement on the royal commission potentially accompanied by details on proposed hate speech law reforms and the early recall of parliament. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry is among the groups consulted on the legislative changes.
Potential Commissioner Draws Scrutiny
While no final decisions have been made, the government has reportedly considered former High Court justice Virginia Bell as a potential commissioner. Bell, a highly respected jurist with extensive experience in criminal law, was appointed by the Albanese government in 2022 to investigate former PM Scott Morrison's secret ministerial appointments.
However, some media reports suggest certain Jewish community figures have expressed concerns about Bell's perceived political leanings stemming from that investigation. Government sources have strongly defended her suitability, highlighting her impeccable legal credentials at both state and federal levels.
Former Liberal treasurer Josh Frydenberg, who is Jewish, claimed on social media that community leaders "have serious concerns about her appointment," though he provided no specifics. He argued it would be "unthinkable" for the Prime Minister to appoint a commissioner without the Jewish community's full confidence.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, while not endorsing Frydenberg's comments, proposed that any inquiry should be led by three commissioners: a senior judicial figure, a national security expert, and an authority on antisemitism.
The push for a royal commission unfolds as alleged Bondi attacker Naveed Akram faces dozens of serious charges, including murder and terrorism, with any inquiry expected to operate alongside the criminal proceedings.
