Australia Launches Royal Commission into Bondi Shooting Tragedy

Fri Jan 09 2026 07:59:32 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces a royal commission following the tragic shooting at Bondi Beach, which left 15 people dead, as the country grapples with issues of antisemitism and national security.

In response to the harrowing Bondi Beach shooting that claimed 15 lives, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared a royal commission to investigate the factors surrounding the attack. This powerful independent inquiry aims to address antisemitism and reform policies, amidst growing public pressure for accountability and healing within the community. Former High Court Justice Virginia Bell will spearhead the commission, which is scheduled to provide an interim report by April 2026.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a royal commission, the country's most powerful form of independent inquiry, into last month's shooting at Bondi Beach.

The attack targeting a Jewish festival left 15 people dead, making it one of the deadliest in the country's history.

Albanese had previously argued that reforms on gun ownership and hate speech, steps to tackle antisemitism and a review into intelligence and law enforcement agencies offered the quickest response.

However, following weeks of public pressure, he said on Thursday that a royal commission was the best way forward after he had taken the time to reflect and meet with the Jewish community.

I've repeatedly said that our government's priority is to promote unity and social cohesion, and this is what Australia needs to heal, to learn, to come together in a spirit of national unity, he told reporters in Canberra. It's clear to me that a royal commission is essential to achieving this.

Since the December 14 attack, the families of the victims, along with public figures including lawyers, business people, and athletes, have campaigned almost daily for the establishment of a royal commission.

A royal commission has broad powers to investigate, the ability to summon witnesses and compel agencies to produce documents. It can also offer legal protections to whistleblowers.

The commission will examine four key areas, according to Albanese:

investigating the nature and prevalence of antisemitism and its key drivers in Australia
making recommendations to enforcement, border immigration, and security agencies to tackle antisemitism
examining the circumstances surrounding the Bondi attack
making further recommendations for strengthening social cohesion and countering the spread of ideological and religiously motivated extremism

Albanese stated that the work of Dennis Richardson, the former spy chief leading a review into intelligence and law enforcement, would be included in the royal commission, with an interim report expected by April.

Virginia Bell, a former High Court justice, will lead the commission, and Albanese has requested a report by December 2026, emphasizing that it would not be a lengthy process. Previous royal commissions have taken years.

Addressing concerns that the royal commission could interfere with legal proceedings against the alleged gunman, Albanese noted that they ensured an appointee with a criminal law background to lead the inquiry.

In the days following the attack, state and federal leaders agreed to tighten gun controls, including limits on firearms allowed per individual and a buyback scheme. Albanese also pledged hate speech reforms, including penalties for those promoting violence.

Jewish community leader Jillian Segal supported the government's decision, asserting that it reflects the seriousness of the growth in antisemitism and its impact on Australian society.