Albanese softens resistance to royal commission into Bondi attack amid pressure

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has softened his opposition to a federal royal commission into the 14 December Bondi attack and said he is consulting Jewish community leaders and the New South Wales government; the Law Council of Australia and families of victims have publicly called for a national inquiry.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has signalled a softer stance on a federal royal commission into the 14 December Bondi attack. He said he is speaking with Jewish community leaders and engaging with the New South Wales government to "examine everything else required" in response to the attack that killed 15 people. The government continues to prioritise immediate reviews of intelligence and law enforcement agencies. Public pressure, including from families of victims and the Law Council of Australia, has pushed the issue into view. Key developments: - Albanese did not rule out a federal royal commission and described ongoing consultations with community and state leaders. - The government has been pursuing a four-part response that includes a Dennis Richardson review, reforms to hate speech, immigration and extremist groups, support for a NSW royal commission, and implementation of Jillian Segal's antisemitism review. - The Law Council of Australia joined calls for a national inquiry but cautioned that timing and terms should not interfere with ongoing criminal proceedings. - Several senior ministers softened their previous opposition and acknowledged the sincerity of calls for a royal commission. - Parliament is due to resume in early February but may be recalled early to debate hate speech changes. Summary: The shift in language from the prime minister and some senior ministers follows sustained calls from families, community groups and professional bodies for a national inquiry. Whether a federal royal commission will be convened remains undetermined at this time, and parliament may be recalled early to consider related legislation.