Bondi Beach Terror Attack: PM Albanese Under Fire for ‘Watered-Down’ Review as Victims’ Families Demand Answers
- Families of 15 killed and 17 injured in the devastating attack slam Albanese’s independent review as ‘ineffective’ and ‘insulting’
- PM resists calls for royal commission, citing concerns over length of time and ‘platforming’ of antisemitism
- Victims’ families and Jewish community leaders demand ‘powerful national response’ to rising antisemitism
In a move that has sparked outrage, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced an independent review into the Bondi Beach terror attack, falling short of the royal commission demanded by victims’ families and the Jewish community.
The review, led by former top bureaucrat Dennis Richardson, will examine the actions of Australia’s federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies leading up to the attack that claimed the lives of 15 people, including a 10-year-old child. However, the move has been slammed as a ‘watered-down’ response to the tragedy.
“Just over two weeks ago, antisemitic terrorists tried to tear our country apart, but our country is stronger than these cowards,” Albanese said, his voice trembling with emotion. “My heart breaks for the families of those affected.”
However, the families of those killed and injured in the attack have expressed their disappointment and anger at the decision, saying it is “the least that could be done” for justice. “We deserve answers,” said Alex Ryvchin, executive officer of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. “Only a royal commission has the coercive powers to get to the bottom of how this was allowed to happen and what needs to change in this country to prevent the next massacre.”
Opposition leader Sussan Ley has also slammed the review, saying Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke are “the last two people who do not support a royal commission”. “The Prime Minister was elected in May 2022 and each and every day he has had the power to throw the full weight of his government at the challenge of eradicating anti-Semitism,” she said.
Albanese has defended the review, saying it will provide an “urgent” response to the attack and allow for a more timely investigation. However, critics argue that the review lacks the coercive powers of a royal commission and will not provide the necessary answers and solutions demanded by the families and the community.
The review is expected to report in April next year, but for the families of the victims, it is too little, too late. As one family member said, “We’re not interested in a review that will take months to complete. We want answers now, and we want justice.”