Sydney [Australia], January 9: Australia is launching an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the Bondi Beach mass shooting, in which 15 people were killed at a Jewish festival in Sydney last month.
The so-called royal commission will investigate the prevalence of anti-Semitism in Australia, the actions of the police and security authorities, and the circumstances of the attack, and will make recommendations to strengthen social cohesion and counter extremism, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement on Thursday.
On December 14, a father and son attacked a celebration on the first day of the Jewish festival of lights, Hanukkah, killing 15 people.
The father was killed by security forces and the son was detained with serious injuries.
Royal commissions are used in Australia to investigate events of national significance.
The investigation will be led by former Constitutional Court judge Virginia Bell. An interim report is planned for April, with the final report due by December 14, 2026.
Albanese had previously resisted a commission, warning against a lengthy nationwide inquiry and additional attention for extremists.
But on Thursday, he emphasized that his government's priority is "to promote unity and social cohesion." The inquiry "is not the beginning or the end of what Australia must do to eradicate anti-Semitism, protect ourselves from terrorism or strengthen our social cohesion," Albanese said.
"That is an ongoing national effort, for all of us."
Source: Qatar Tribune
