Families of those killed in the Bondi Beach terror attack are intensifying pressure on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to immediately establish a Commonwealth royal commission, arguing that only a federal inquiry can fully expose the failures that led to Australia’s deadliest terrorist attack in nearly three decades.
In an open letter sent to the Prime Minister, relatives of the victims called for a comprehensive investigation into what they describe as serious breakdowns in law enforcement, intelligence sharing and public policy before the December 14 massacre. Fifteen people were killed when two gunmen opened fire at a Chanukah celebration on Bondi Beach, an attack that shocked the nation and devastated Australia’s Jewish community.
“We demand answers and solutions,” the families wrote. “We need to know why clear warning signs were ignored, how anti-Semitic hatred and Islamic extremism were allowed to dangerously grow unchecked, and what changes must be made to protect all Australians going forward.”
Among the victims was 10-year-old Matilda, who was killed in front of her sister. December was marked by a series of funerals, underscoring the scale of the tragedy and the enduring trauma faced by families and survivors.
Anthony Albanese has so far resisted calls for a federal royal commission, maintaining that a NSW-based inquiry would be sufficient to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack. The families have rejected that position as inadequate, arguing that a state inquiry would lack the authority to compel cooperation from federal agencies.
“Prime Minister, how can you not support a royal commission into the deadliest terrorist attack on Australian soil?” the letter asks. “Royal commissions have been established for banks and aged care. Why not for an atrocity of this magnitude?”
The federal opposition has echoed the families’ demands. Nationals leader David Littleproud said only a Commonwealth royal commission could force full transparency and coordination between state and federal authorities.
“Unless you have a Commonwealth royal commission, you’re not compelling the federal agencies to work with state agencies and to give all the evidence,” he said. “Fifteen Australians were slaughtered on Bondi Beach, and the nation deserves the truth.”
Opposition leader Sussan Ley has also expressed her willingness to work with the government to establish a royal commission, saying the issue goes beyond politics.
“This is about truth, accountability and keeping Australians safe,” Ms Ley said, adding that the government’s response so far had been “too little, too late”.
Security arrangements at the Chanukah event have emerged as a key concern. Despite repeated warnings from Jewish leaders amid rising anti-Semitism, only two police officers were stationed at the gathering. The families described this as “an intolerable situation that no Australian should have to endure”.
Concerns have been further heightened by a series of anti-Semitic incidents following the attack. In Melbourne’s east, a rabbi’s car was firebombed on Christmas morning. In Western Australia, a man was charged after allegedly posting messages supporting the gunmen, with police later seizing firearms, ammunition and extremist flags during a raid on his home.
“These incidents show the threat toward Jewish Australians is real and escalating,” the families wrote. “The dangerous rise of anti-Semitism and radicalism in Australia is not going away. We need strong action now. We need leadership now.”
As pressure mounts, the Prime Minister faces growing calls to reconsider his stance and authorise a federal royal commission that victims’ families say is essential for accountability, justice and national security.
