The families of those killed in the Bondi Beach terror attack are urging the prime minister to launch a federal royal commission into the rise of antisemitism and the failure of authorities to prevent Australia's worst mass shooting in decades.
In a joint statement released on Monday, 17 family members of the 15 victims killed in the attack on a Hanukkah festival on 14 December, said the federal government's response so far was "not nearly enough".
They called on Anthony Albanese to establish a Commonwealth royal commission "into the rapid rise of antisemitism in Australia following Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023, and the law enforcement, intelligence, and policy failures that led to the Bondi Beach massacre".
"We demand answers and solutions," their letter reads.
"We need to know why clear warning signs were ignored, how antisemitic hatred and Islamic extremism were allowed to dangerously grow unchecked, and what changes must be made to protect all Australians going forward."
Fifteen people were killed in the Bondi terror attack.
"We need strong action now. We need leadership now," the joint letter reads.
"You cannot bring back our loved ones. But with a well-led Commonwealth Royal Commission and strong action, you may be able to save many more."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said a royal commission is unlikely to be completed in this term of parliament. Source: AAP / Dean Lewins
Albanese has not committed to a federal inquiry but said he supports whatever actions the NSW government takes.
He said he wanted inquiries to be urgent and fast, and a royal commission would not be completed in the current term of parliament.
Albanese has instead asked the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to lead a review into whether federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies have the right powers, structures, processes and sharing arrangements in place to keep Australians safe in the wake of the attack.
But the families questioned the prime minister's response.
"Prime Minister, how can you not support a Royal Commission into the deadliest terrorist attack on Australian soil? Royal Commissions have been established for banks and for aged care," the letter reads.
"You owe us answers. You owe us accountability. And you owe Australians the truth."
Minns says 'nothing is off the table'
Meanwhile, NSW Premier Chris Minns has said "nothing is off the table" when it comes to safeguarding the Jewish community's security, including potentially deploying the army to protect Jewish institutions.
Minns said he is open to arming the Community Security Group, which is run by volunteers to guard synagogues and Jewish events.
The NSW government has introduced new measures, including a crackdown on hate speech and tighter firearm restrictions.
A ban on certain forms of protests after declared terrorist incidents has been introduced, restricting public assemblies in parts of Sydney for 14 days.
NSW Health said on Monday nine people injured in the shooting remained in hospital, including three in critical but stable condition.
— With additional reporting by Australian Associated Press
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