The preliminary findings from the royal commission regarding antisemitism, established post the Bondi tragedy, present more unresolved inquiries than definitive answers.
This outcome should not be particularly surprising. The initiative to create this report seemed to be a case of acting out of order.
Initially, following the December killings of 15 innocent individuals during a Jewish celebration, the government intended to conduct a brief investigation to determine whether federal bodies had sufficient authority, procedures, and communication systems in place.
Former high-ranking public officer Dennis Richardson was appointed to lead that investigation.
Subsequently, under some pressure, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese opted for a broader royal commission focused on “antisemitism and community cohesion,” helmed by Virginia Bell. The Richardson investigation was incorporated into this commission.
This transition did not proceed smoothly, leading to Richardson's resignation in March, where he expressed feeling like a “fifth wheel” and “unnecessary. ”
The incorporation of the review, which had a deadline at the end of April, into the commission has resulted in this interim report being compiled before key individuals have appeared, with hearings set to begin next week.
Given this seemingly counterintuitive timeline, extending the interim report's deadline to allow the commission to gather a comprehensive understanding of critical topics would have seemed more logical.
Undoubtedly, the government would have provided additional time upon the commission's request.
As it stands, the interim report is less substantial than one might hope, a prediction made by Richardson prior to his departure.
At a press event on Thursday, Albanese highlighted the commission’s finding that there was no legal or regulatory void that obstructed “the ability for law enforcement, border control, immigration, and security entities to avert or react to” an incident like the one that occurred at Bondi.
While the legal structure may be adequate, the operational effectiveness of these agencies within that framework remains unaddressed. Crucial responses regarding this matter are deferred to a later time.
Significant matters arising from the Bondi incident, such as any shortcomings in recognizing and responding to intelligence prior to the event, or the distribution of police resources during the Chanukah gathering, will be explored in hearings, the report states.
No determinations on these matters can be made solely from a review of agency documents without ensuring procedural fairness to any individual or organization that might face negative findings.
Indeed. However, the commission notes that some of these hearings will need to be conducted privately.
Much of the material pertaining to ASIO is classified within this report, including their prioritization process. The report provides annual public statements from ASIO, which evaluate various threats.
It is evident from the public statements made by the Director-General of Security from August 5, 2024, through late 2025, that ASIO consistently highlighted the increased risk of a terrorist threat and the concerning rise in antisemitic incidents, the report states.
An investigation must be conducted to determine how ASIO and other intelligence and law enforcement bodies at both the Commonwealth and state levels interpreted and responded to assessments indicating a possible attack. Additionally, it is necessary to evaluate the sufficiency of what has been termed ASIO’s “full use of our capabilities and powers” amidst the ongoing antisemitic incidents.
These issues will be examined during the hearings.
The report suggests there is much to infer beyond the stated details.
After reviewing classified documents, the commission observes that even though funding for the national intelligence community has generally increased, the share of funding designated for counter-terrorism has notably decreased throughout the NIC during the period from 2020 to 2025.
Albanese emphasized the government’s promptness in addressing the report’s recommendations that pertain to Commonwealth duties.
The national security committee of the Cabinet approved these recommendations early Thursday. Out of 14 suggestions, five have been classified.
A significant limitation mentioned in the report concerns legal actions against the remaining alleged perpetrator from Bondi. This implies that while some currently classified information might eventually be disclosed, such revelations may take considerable time due to the slow nature of legal processes.
A pertinent inquiry is the degree to which legal proceedings could impede the commission’s final report.
The segment of the report that discusses the activities of Commonwealth and state intelligence and law enforcement regarding Bondi is classified.
It should stay under wraps until any criminal cases linked to the Bondi attack are resolved. Following that, a public version of this segment should be published.
Two recommendations address the government’s firearm buyback initiative, essentially urging that it should be completed as quickly as possible. Currently, some regions exhibit a reluctance to comply or are delaying action.
On Thursday, Queensland reiterated its steadfast refusal to participate in the gun buyback initiative.
However, despite the government placing considerable importance on the gun issue, it does not rank as the most pressing of the numerous obstacles posed by the threats of terrorism and antisemitism.
Certain recommendations involve taking clear and obvious actions. For instance, “The Counter-Terrorism handbook ought to be updated without delay and subsequently every three years,” and the role of the Commonwealth Counter-Terrorism Coordinator should be full-time.
Furthermore, the report indicates the federal government should reflect on whether ministers from the National Security Committee, including the prime minister, ought to engage in a counter-terrorism exercise along with all members of the national cabinet within nine months following each federal election.
At the forefront of matters, the commission suggests that NSW police adopt a broader strategy for major Jewish gatherings that are considered high-risk.
The commission notes, "the escalation of conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran in February 2026 probably heightened the threat of assaults aimed at the Jewish community in Australia. "
There has been significant public scrutiny regarding how the conflict has revealed Australia's reliance on fuel and other supplies, along with its impacts on inflation and economic development.
The commission’s dire caution serves as a reminder of the heightened terrorism risks that the Iran conflict brings as an additional burden.
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