How Each Party Responded to Labor’s Royal Commission into the Bondi Terror Attacks

Some parties argue the focus should be purely on Islamic extremism, others says it should be broader.

Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism in Australia Jillian Siegel listens to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speak to the media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Jan. 8, 2026. AAP Image/Lukas Coch

A day after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese finally announced a federal royal commission into anti-Semitism and social cohesion, political leaders and community groups broadly welcomed the move but questioned why it took weeks of pressure for the government to act.

On Jan. 9, Albanese formally recommended Australia’s highest level of public inquiry be signed off by the governor-general to examine the causes behind the Bondi Beach terror attack that killed 15 people and injured 40 others.

Former High Court justice Virginia Bell will serve as the sole royal commissioner, joined by former director-general of Australia’s domestic intelligence agency ASIO, Dennis Richardson.

A royal commission has the power to compel testimony, gather evidence, and examine why an incident occurred, who bears responsibility, and what reforms may be required.

Focus Of Inquiry

The royal commission has been tasked with examining four key areas.

These include investigating the nature, prevalence, and drivers of anti-Semitism in Australia, particularly religiously and ideologically motivated extremism and radicalisation.

It will also consider recommendations for law enforcement, border protection, immigration, and security agencies; examine the circumstances surrounding the Bondi terror attack; and propose measures to strengthen social cohesion and counter ideological and religious extremism.

Liberal Party Says Focus Too Narrow

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the prime minister’s decision came too late and was driven by political pressure rather than leadership.

“It is no surprise that he now seeks to narrow and limit it through its design,” she said in a statement.

“A single commissioner is inadequate for an inquiry of this scale, complexity and importance.

“From the outset, the Coalition has been clear that a proper Commonwealth royal commission required three commissioners. One with deep judicial experience, one with national security expertise, and one drawn from the Jewish community with lived experience and understanding of anti-Semitism.”

One Nation Says Islamic Extremism Should be Front and Centre

Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce, who recently joined One Nation, said the prime minister had little choice but to act.

Joyce said the effectiveness of the inquiry would hinge on the terms of reference, raising a series of questions about their scope.

He questioned whether tighter gun laws affecting law-abiding rural Australians would address the threat posed by Islamic fundamentalism, and whether governments had the resolve to monitor and respond to those who come to Australia but reject its values.

“It is Islamic fundamentalism that is behind the Bondi mass murder. If it was a Christian fundamentalist shooting at mosques then that should be the exact inquiry into why, how and what it is,” he added.

Greens Says ‘Other Forms of Racism’ Must be Covered

Greens acting leader Sarah Hanson-Young said her party welcomed the decision but stressed the inquiry must be clearly defined.

She said the commission must distinguish between the strengths of Australia’s multicultural society and the destructive forces of extremism.

“The royal commission must tackle anti-Semitism and all forms of racism, including confronting Islamophobia and other extremist elements as part of the commission’s social cohesion mandate,” she said in a statement.

Teal MP Says Society Bears Responsibility Too

Independent MP Allegra Spender, who has been vocal on Jewish community issues, also welcomed the announcement in a social media post.

She said urgent action was needed on policing, security, intelligence, and hate, but stressed the responsibility did not rest with government alone.

“But the government can only do so much. Its up to all of us to disagree well, to listen to each other, and to refuse to tolerate intolerance,” Spender said.

Jewish Group Other Forms of Extremism Must Not Distract Focus

Jewish community leaders also welcomed the royal commission but cautioned that its success would depend on how tightly it was framed.

Australian Jewish Association CEO Robert Gregory said the inquiry must remain focused on anti-Semitism rather than being broadened into a general examination of extremism.

“It must remain tightly focused on anti-Semitism. I would be deeply concerned by any attempt to dilute the terms by examining extremism or intolerance more generally,” Gregory said in a statement.

Gregory said the inquiry must examine the surge in anti-Semitism since Oct. 7, 2023 and assess whether government responses had been adequate.

Business Groups Support Inquiry

Business groups that had previously urged the government to establish a royal commission also welcomed the announcement.

In a joint statement dated Jan. 9, the Australian Banking Association, Australian Institute of Company Directors, Australian Industry Group, Australian Retailers Association, Business Council of Australia, Council of Small Business Organisations Australia, Insurance Council of Australia, Master Builders Australia, and the Minerals Council of Australia said social cohesion was critical to national prosperity.

“As business representatives, we recognise the central role that safe, inclusive and cohesive communities and workplaces play in Australia’s social and economic success,” the statement said.

“Our workplaces bring together people from diverse backgrounds every day and are deeply representative of the communities found across our nation.”