Albanese's handling of the Bondi attack raises questions as an inquiry begins.

Within 25 days of the Bondi beach shooting, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a 12‑month royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion; commentators and some MPs say his delayed decision has harmed his political standing.

Anthony Albanese announced a 12-month royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion after the Bondi beach shooting, and his handling of the incident has prompted debate about his leadership. The response package also includes proposed changes to hate speech laws and tougher gun controls. Critics have highlighted a delay in agreeing to a full inquiry, and the prime minister has defended his choice to focus first on immediate measures and community listening. The political consequences of that delay are being discussed within and beyond his party. What is known: - The government committed to a 12-month royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion, to be led by Virginia Bell. - The announcement came within 25 days of the Bondi beach shooting. - The government has also outlined plans to rewrite hate speech laws and pursue tougher gun controls as part of its response. - Albanese said he focused first on immediate measures and on listening to affected communities before agreeing to a commission. - Some Labor MPs and commentators say the delay has damaged the prime minister politically, though his leadership is not reported as being formally challenged. - The mechanics of the commission, including which parts will be conducted in secret to avoid prejudicing criminal proceedings, are yet to be decided. Summary: The inquiry is likely to produce sustained scrutiny of the government's handling of antisemitism and the broader response to the attack, and it introduces a new area of public and political oversight. Mechanics and procedural details of the royal commission are still being worked out, and the next formal steps are undetermined at this time.