Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has ordered a comprehensive review of Australia’s federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies, one week after the deadly terrorist attack at Bondi Beach that claimed 15 lives.
Following a meeting of the National Security Committee in Canberra on Sunday, Mr Albanese confirmed that the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) will lead the review, examining whether existing powers, structures and information-sharing arrangements are sufficient to protect the public in a rapidly evolving security environment.
The Prime Minister said the review would assess how effectively intelligence and policing agencies coordinate and whether any gaps exist that may have hindered the early detection of threats.
“The horrific antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach has reinforced how quickly the security landscape is changing,” Mr Albanese said in a statement.
“Our agencies must have the right tools, processes and cooperation frameworks in place to keep Australians safe.”
The review will be led by Dennis Richardson, a former secretary of the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as a former head of Australia’s intelligence community and ambassador to the United States.
According to the Prime Minister, the inquiry will build on previous intelligence assessments and is expected to be delivered to government by the end of April 2026. The findings will be made public.
The announcement comes amid intense scrutiny of Australia’s counter-terrorism and policing systems following the attack, which targeted people attending a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach. Dozens more were injured in the shooting.
Questions have been raised about how the attackers avoided detection despite alleged links to extremist environments, and why police presence at the event was not stronger given heightened security concerns.
One of the attackers, Sajid Akram, who was killed during the police response, is reported to have legally acquired multiple firearms after obtaining a gun licence in 2023. His son, Naveed Akram, has since been charged with 59 offences, including committing a terrorist act.
The federal review has drawn criticism from opposition figures. Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg described the move as insufficient, arguing that a departmental review would not adequately address radicalisation or systemic failures.
He renewed calls for a Commonwealth royal commission, saying only a broader and more powerful inquiry could fully examine what went wrong.
Mr Albanese has indicated he is open to supporting a royal commission, particularly after NSW Premier Chris Minns announced plans for a state-based inquiry.
A National Day of Reflection was held on Sunday to mark one week since the attack, with memorials and increased police presence at Bondi as the community continued to mourn the victims.
