The Prime Minister is considering calling a royal commission into the Bondi shooting, according to senior sources. This comes as Labor MPs and influential figures are pushing for a change in the Prime Minister's stance, which has been opposed to a royal commission. Despite no firm decision yet, sources indicate that Anthony Albanese is privately shifting his position, understanding the need to back down from his initial stance. The government is exploring the possibility of a new inquiry, with ministerial advisers working on its scope, though no final decisions have been made.
A group of Labor MPs has been advocating for a royal commission behind the scenes for weeks. Albanese's comments at a press conference in Cloncurry, Queensland, suggest he might be laying the groundwork for a more comprehensive inquiry. While he prioritizes a rapid review led by Dennis Richardson, he acknowledges the need to examine other aspects as well. He emphasizes his ongoing engagement with Jewish community leaders to promote unity.
The pressure for a royal commission is mounting, with influential figures and organizations joining the call. Mike Kelly, a former Labor frontbencher and army colonel, warns that only a federal royal commission can provide the necessary legal protections for security officers to disclose information about the Bondi Beach massacre. He argues that the government's stance on the case's known details being sufficient is a misunderstanding of modern terrorism's nature.
The Law Council of Australia supports the calls for a federal royal commission, citing the need to investigate the rise of antisemitism in Australia and the events leading up to the Bondi terror attack. This comes as cabinet ministers Jim Chalmers and Mark Butler have also shifted their language, expressing respect for the calls for a royal commission.
The debate revolves around the potential benefits of a royal commission in uncovering the truth and providing legal protections for those involved. Critics argue that it could be lengthy and divisive, potentially duplicating ongoing work. However, supporters emphasize the importance of thorough investigation and accountability, especially in light of the tragic events at Bondi Beach.
