BREAKING NEWS:

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to backflip on a Royal Commission into the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

The weight of Australia has finally broken him.

He could have avoided all of this by doing the right thing weeks ago. His personality of digging his heels in has truly let him down. Even with this backflip, he will still have reputation damage.

PM considering calling a Bondi shooting royal commission: senior sources

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/witnesses-want-the-protection-of-a-royal-commission-former-labor-minister-20260106-p5nrza.html


Quote:

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has opened the door to the possibility of a federal royal commission, pledging to do “everything that is possible” for national unity as Labor MPs say the government is expected to back down on previous objections. Although no firm decision has been made, three sources familiar with thinking at the top of the government, including some who had spoken directly with him, said Albanese had indicated privately he was shifting on the issue and understood the need to back down on his firm stance that a rapid inquiry helmed by former ASIO boss Dennis Richardson would be the better option. They all spoke on condition of anonymity to detail what they had learned privately. Sources said ministerial advisers were actively working on what a potential new inquiry would probe, although government sources said no final decisions had been made. A group of Labor MPs has been pushing behind the scenes for a royal commission for weeks. “This is heading in one direction,” one government source said, stressing that nothing had been locked in yet. Albanese appeared to be laying the ground for a more ambitious inquiry when asked about the growing calls for a royal commission at a press conference on Tuesday in Cloncurry, Queensland to announce flood relief. While he insisted the rapid review into intelligence failures helmed by ex-ASIO boss Dennis Richardson was his number one priority, he added “we’re continuing to examine everything else that is required”. “I continue to be engaged with leaders in the Jewish community. I’m talking and meeting on a daily basis with people to make sure that we do everything that is possible to, as I have said, what we need to do is to promote unity at this time, and that is my focus.” Albanese said he was “talking to New South Wales” about how the state-based inquiry would run. “We are engaged with the community as well as with the New South Wales government, to make sure that we get done everything that is required to make sure we build social cohesion back in this country.” The prime minister did not rule out launching the inquiry, or repeat his previous objections that it would take too long and hurt national unity. Albanese may change his position by expanding the Richardson review or creating a joint probe with NSW, but sources believe it is more likely he will enact a royal commission, the highest form of official inquiry. Reports of the prime minister’s shift in thinking follow a change in language from cabinet ministers Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Health Minister Mark Butler, who emphasised they respect the many calls for a royal commission. On Tuesday, former Labor frontbencher and army colonel Mike Kelly held a press conference in Canberra to warn that only a federal royal commission would give security officers the legal protections they need to tell the truth about what went wrong leading up to the Bondi Beach massacre. The co-convener of the Labor Friends of Israel group urged Albanese to reverse course and launch a national inquiry that would cover both the attack and antisemitism, joining the families of Bondi victims, national and state Jewish community groups, more than 200 senior members of the Australian bar, over 100 captains of industry, the Business Council of Australia, the Law Council of Australia, Catholic bishops and prominent sports stars. The former defence materiel minister, who had earlier signed his name to an open letter by Labor identities, said on Tuesday Albanese should seize the opportunity to listen to what MPs are hearing from their constituents as parliament returns in coming weeks. “The government can then come out and say, look, we’ve heard what the community has to say. We’ve seen this new information, and we have decided now to act,” he told reporters. “And we will give them all the credit in the world for recognising that. We don’t want to attack anybody here. We just want our country to be safe.” Kelly confirmed Labor figures, who because of their current or former positions within the party did not want to comment publicly, were privately lobbying the prime minister to reverse course. Albanese has at several press conferences rejected calls for a federal royal commission, arguing it would be lengthy, divisive and risk duplicating work already under way. Kelly questioned the government’s argument that because many details of the case were known, further investigation was not necessary.

Sounds to me like spending a fortune so a bunch of desk jockeys can tell us what we already know. An expensive way to keep the event on the front page a bit longer. But will the RC reveal any links to Islam, or does that cost extra?

It will just be a picnic for lawyers to get rich.   ::)

About bloody time! The pig-headed old goat!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6dxBOq3i_8

https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/anthony-albanese-prime-minister-hits-lowest-approval-rating-since-election-retains-lead-over-sussan-ley-after-alleged-bondi-terror-attack/news-story/6b722506cfd14d4bdf21db2b5c44c2ce?amp

“ Anthony Albanese’s popularity has dipped in the wake of the alleged Bondi terror attack, as nearly half of Australians surveyed slammed his response.”

Daves2017 wrote on Jan 6^th, 2026 at 2:30pm:

https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/anthony-albanese-prime-minister-hits-lowest-approval-rating-since-election-retains-lead-over-sussan-ley-after-alleged-bondi-terror-attack/news-story/6b722506cfd14d4bdf21db2b5c44c2ce?amp “ Anthony Albanese’s popularity has dipped in the wake of the alleged Bondi terror attack, as nearly half of Australians surveyed slammed his response.”

He's a ****ing Trot idiot from the Usyd Labor Club. I have zero respect for him. Spineless, squishy little nobody.

It was always prudent to wait and use the time needed for a balanced decision. Now to see if it is a waste of time and money or not. I still cannot see what they can legitimately investigate without it being a misues of the commission just doing political work for no reason.

Dnarever wrote on Jan 6^th, 2026 at 4:12pm:

It was always prudent to wait and use the time needed for a balanced decision. Now to see if it is a waste of time and money or not. I still cannot see what they can legitimately investigate without it being a misues of the commission just doing political work for no reason.

Why didnt the snivelling Trot do that with, say, the Voice referendum - wait and use the time for a balanced decision.



A royal commission is an independent public inquiry. In Australia, royal commissions are the highest form of inquiry on matters of public importance. They are only established in rare and exceptional circumstances.

A royal commission can:

find out why specific events happened
work out who is accountable
make findings and recommend changes to policies and laws.

A royal commission has broad powers to gather information to help with its inquiry. This includes the power to summon witnesses to appear before it and the power to request individuals or organisations to produce documents as evidence.

Commonwealth royal commissions can only inquire into matters that relate to the Commonwealth’s responsibilities.



It would examine government responsibilities in what happened at Bondi, not just agency processes.

Dnarever wrote on Jan 6^th, 2026 at 4:12pm:

I still cannot see what they can legitimately investigate without it being a misues of the commission just doing political work for no reason.

freediver wrote on Jan 6^th, 2026 at 2:18pm:

On Tuesday, former Labor frontbencher and army colonel Mike Kelly held a press conference in Canberra to warn that only a federal royal commission would give security officers the legal protections they need to tell the truth about what went wrong leading up to the Bondi Beach massacre.

You're welcome. ::)

Caving in to pressure is very  low status.

He would have been better off standing his ground.

Captain Nemo wrote on Jan 6^th, 2026 at 2:24pm:

About bloody time! The pig-headed old goat!

Hey, go easy, I used to breed goats and though I had a few silly ones, none were as stupid as our revered Prime Minister.

aquascoot wrote on Jan 6^th, 2026 at 5:20pm:

Caving in to pressure is very  low status. He would have been better off standing his ground.

All they are going to do is blow $60-70 mil, make a few recommendations over the next two years and we will be back to square one.

What do people think will come from this?

https://cairnsnews.org/2026/01/05/royal-commissions-the-illusion-of-judicial-independence/


When public outcry demands a Royal Commission, many people believe they are calling for an independent inquiry that will identify culprits and lead to punishment. That belief is mistaken.

Governments encourage the idea that a Royal Commission is an investigation independent of political influence, armed with broad powers to hold public hearings, compel witnesses under oath, and uncover the truth. In reality, this public presentation is largely designed to appease the majority. It bears little resemblance to how Royal Commissions actually function.

I have served on three Royal Commissions as a forensic computer and evidence investigator. From that experience, I can say plainly: there is nothing independent about a Royal Commission. Government control is embedded before the commission even begins.

Bobby. wrote on Jan 6^th, 2026 at 5:41pm:

https://cairnsnews.org/2026/01/05/royal-commissions-the-illusion-of-judicial-independence/ When public outcry demands a Royal Commission, many people believe they are calling for an independent inquiry that will identify culprits and lead to punishment. That belief is mistaken. Governments encourage the idea that a Royal Commission is an investigation independent of political influence, armed with broad powers to hold public hearings, compel witnesses under oath, and uncover the truth. In reality, this public presentation is largely designed to appease the majority. It bears little resemblance to how Royal Commissions actually function. I have served on three Royal Commissions as a forensic computer and evidence investigator. From that experience, I can say plainly: there is nothing independent about a Royal Commission. Government control is embedded before the commission even begins.

Must be a city thing, no one in the regional areas think that a RC will make any difference.

Leroy wrote on Jan 6^th, 2026 at 5:53pm:

Bobby. wrote on Jan 6th, 2026 at 5:41pm: https://cairnsnews.org/2026/01/05/royal-commissions-the-illusion-of-judicial-independence/ When public outcry demands a Royal Commission, many people believe they are calling for an independent inquiry that will identify culprits and lead to punishment. That belief is mistaken. Governments encourage the idea that a Royal Commission is an investigation independent of political influence, armed with broad powers to hold public hearings, compel witnesses under oath, and uncover the truth. In reality, this public presentation is largely designed to appease the majority. It bears little resemblance to how Royal Commissions actually function. I have served on three Royal Commissions as a forensic computer and evidence investigator. From that experience, I can say plainly: there is nothing independent about a Royal Commission. Government control is embedded before the commission even begins. Must be a city thing, no one in the regional areas think that a RC will make any difference.

My bet is that it won't finish by the next election.


The next Australian federal election will be held
on or before 20 May 2028 or on before 23 September 2028

Bobby. wrote on Jan 6^th, 2026 at 5:59pm:

Leroy wrote on Jan 6th, 2026 at 5:53pm: Bobby. wrote on Jan 6th, 2026 at 5:41pm: https://cairnsnews.org/2026/01/05/royal-commissions-the-illusion-of-judicial-independence/ When public outcry demands a Royal Commission, many people believe they are calling for an independent inquiry that will identify culprits and lead to punishment. That belief is mistaken. Governments encourage the idea that a Royal Commission is an investigation independent of political influence, armed with broad powers to hold public hearings, compel witnesses under oath, and uncover the truth. In reality, this public presentation is largely designed to appease the majority. It bears little resemblance to how Royal Commissions actually function. I have served on three Royal Commissions as a forensic computer and evidence investigator. From that experience, I can say plainly: there is nothing independent about a Royal Commission. Government control is embedded before the commission even begins. Must be a city thing, no one in the regional areas think that a RC will make any difference. My bet is that it won't finish by the next election. The next Australian federal election will be held on or before 20 May 2028 or on before 23 September 2028

My prediction is several lawyers and judges are soon to be millionaires and nothing fruitful will come from this RC.

Leroy wrote on Jan 6^th, 2026 at 6:01pm:

My prediction is several lawyers and judges are soon to be millionaires and nothing fruitful will come from this RC.

It's why lawyers live in mansions and drive the latest Mercedes car.

Albo suffered a major blow in the polls in December following his “ chosen one “ Anika Wells expense scandals.

The poll today was even worse.

Albo has simply been given the tap on the shoulder and told one more terrible poll and his going to resign to spend more time with his family.

It’s Albos last grasp and then either  Jim is up or Tony Burqa

freediver wrote on Jan 6^th, 2026 at 2:18pm:

But will the RC reveal any links to Islam, or does that cost extra?

It depends on the terms of reference.

Comedian on Bondi shooting nails it.

Quote:

Here's me doing standup about the Bondi beach attack, Islamophobia and politicians straining to ignore the obvious problem. https://x.com/LeoKearse/status/2002029871678021666

Frank wrote on Jan 6^th, 2026 at 4:22pm:

Dnarever wrote on Jan 6th, 2026 at 4:12pm: It was always prudent to wait and use the time needed for a balanced decision. Now to see if it is a waste of time and money or not. I still cannot see what they can legitimately investigate without it being a misues of the commission just doing political work for no reason. Why didnt the snivelling Trot do that with, say, the Voice referendum - wait and use the time for a balanced decision. A royal commission is an independent public inquiry. In Australia, royal commissions are the highest form of inquiry on matters of public importance. They are only established in rare and exceptional circumstances. A royal commission can: find out why specific events happened work out who is accountable make findings and recommend changes to policies and laws. A royal commission has broad powers to gather information to help with its inquiry. This includes the power to summon witnesses to appear before it and the power to request individuals or organisations to produce documents as evidence. Commonwealth royal commissions can only inquire into matters that relate to the Commonwealth’s responsibilities. It would examine government responsibilities in what happened at Bondi, not just agency processes.

Quote:

A royal commission has broad powers to gather information to help with its inquiry.

Within the scope of its terms. The problem here is that there are no obvious terms for the inquiry.

aquascoot wrote on Jan 6^th, 2026 at 5:20pm:

Caving in to pressure is very  low status. He would have been better off standing his ground.

**He hasn't actually called it yet - but he will.  He is trying to get an old pet mate to whitewash it first and hide heaps under 'national security'.  You don't actually imagine these appointed Gauleiter 'heads of departments/agencies etc' are anything but old mates on a good earner, and often placed on 'quota' or to 'suit the narrative', do you?  You expect competence, reliability and simple truth and work for the people and country?  It's so like Nazi Germany it has ceased to be funny.**

He should not have placed himself in a position in which the pressure would develop - that's true leadership.

The UDS (Usual Dopey Sheilas) who are his handlers are not doing much of a job.... he listens to their ridiculous ideas on how to 'spin' everything while they gate-keep any solid opinion that is sent to him, and just File Thirteen any that don't fit with their ideology.

Labor and all the other parties are ruined by women holding too much sway in too many ways, but especially labor these days.

Why would any sensible, sane person think that a sheila with a leftie background hoisted out of a 'university' these days would allow through anything but the purest feminist ideological stance - in every way including 'never heed the views of men - they are inferior beings and don't understand the real world these days, out of touch with history etc' ....   look at the increasingly vapid mothra, for example... predictable as, same old nonsense over and over...

Former SAS commander and Queensland Veterans Council chairman Quentin Masson has also thrown his weight behind a royal commission, writing in The Australian that “veterans did not fight extremism overseas so ­Australia could manage failure at home”



Jenny Roytur, the niece of victim Boris Tetleroyd, said: “Leadership means acting early, not waiting for pressure. It should never take legal professionals, major corporations and sporting legends to force action. When government drags its feet, it signals indifference. Jewish Australians warned where this was heading. Those warnings were ignored. Accountability delayed looks like accountability avoided. A royal commission should exist because it is right, not because public figures made silence uncomfortable.”




While backbenchers Mike Freelander and Ed Husic have gone public in calling for a royal commission, The Australian has spoken to several other MPs who support the public inquiry but are not yet willing to be named.



After alarm over the omission of anti-Semitism from the Richardson inquiry’s terms of reference, legal experts demanded a royal commission focus not only on the Bondi attack and use a “starting point” no later than the 2023 Opera House protest.

Sir Eoin O Fada wrote on Jan 6^th, 2026 at 5:39pm:

Captain Nemo wrote on Jan 6th, 2026 at 2:24pm: About bloody time! The pig-headed old goat! Hey, go easy, I used to breed goats and though I had a few silly ones, none were as stupid as our revered Prime Minister.

Fair point. Sorry.

freediver wrote on Jan 6^th, 2026 at 2:18pm:

PM considering calling a Bondi shooting royal commission: senior sources https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/witnesses-want-the-protection-of-a-royal-commission-former-labor-minister-20260106-p5nrza.html Quote: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has opened the door to the possibility of a federal royal commission, pledging to do “everything that is possible” for national unity as Labor MPs say the government is expected to back down on previous objections. Although no firm decision has been made, three sources familiar with thinking at the top of the government, including some who had spoken directly with him, said Albanese had indicated privately he was shifting on the issue and understood the need to back down on his firm stance that a rapid inquiry helmed by former ASIO boss Dennis Richardson would be the better option. They all spoke on condition of anonymity to detail what they had learned privately. Sources said ministerial advisers were actively working on what a potential new inquiry would probe, although government sources said no final decisions had been made. A group of Labor MPs has been pushing behind the scenes for a royal commission for weeks. “This is heading in one direction,” one government source said, stressing that nothing had been locked in yet. Albanese appeared to be laying the ground for a more ambitious inquiry when asked about the growing calls for a royal commission at a press conference on Tuesday in Cloncurry, Queensland to announce flood relief. While he insisted the rapid review into intelligence failures helmed by ex-ASIO boss Dennis Richardson was his number one priority, he added “we’re continuing to examine everything else that is required”. “I continue to be engaged with leaders in the Jewish community. I’m talking and meeting on a daily basis with people to make sure that we do everything that is possible to, as I have said, what we need to do is to promote unity at this time, and that is my focus.” Albanese said he was “talking to New South Wales” about how the state-based inquiry would run. “We are engaged with the community as well as with the New South Wales government, to make sure that we get done everything that is required to make sure we build social cohesion back in this country.” The prime minister did not rule out launching the inquiry, or repeat his previous objections that it would take too long and hurt national unity. Albanese may change his position by expanding the Richardson review or creating a joint probe with NSW, but sources believe it is more likely he will enact a royal commission, the highest form of official inquiry. Reports of the prime minister’s shift in thinking follow a change in language from cabinet ministers Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Health Minister Mark Butler, who emphasised they respect the many calls for a royal commission. On Tuesday, former Labor frontbencher and army colonel Mike Kelly held a press conference in Canberra to warn that only a federal royal commission would give security officers the legal protections they need to tell the truth about what went wrong leading up to the Bondi Beach massacre. The co-convener of the Labor Friends of Israel group urged Albanese to reverse course and launch a national inquiry that would cover both the attack and antisemitism, joining the families of Bondi victims, national and state Jewish community groups, more than 200 senior members of the Australian bar, over 100 captains of industry, the Business Council of Australia, the Law Council of Australia, Catholic bishops and prominent sports stars. The former defence materiel minister, who had earlier signed his name to an open letter by Labor identities, said on Tuesday Albanese should seize the opportunity to listen to what MPs are hearing from their constituents as parliament returns in coming weeks. “The government can then come out and say, look, we’ve heard what the community has to say. We’ve seen this new information, and we have decided now to act,” he told reporters. “And we will give them all the credit in the world for recognising that. We don’t want to attack anybody here. We just want our country to be safe.” Kelly confirmed Labor figures, who because of their current or former positions within the party did not want to comment publicly, were privately lobbying the prime minister to reverse course. Albanese has at several press conferences rejected calls for a federal royal commission, arguing it would be lengthy, divisive and risk duplicating work already under way. Kelly questioned the government’s argument that because many details of the case were known, further investigation was not necessary. Sounds to me like spending a fortune so a bunch of desk jockeys can tell us what we already know. An expensive way to keep the event on the front page a bit longer. But will the RC reveal any links to Islam, or does that cost extra?

I don't know about links to Islam, but I strongly believe it will show the Albanese government failed to act on real concerns by the Jewish community, and this is why he doesn't want a Royal Commission. It will be very bad news for his government. It also won't paint the NSW Labor government in a good light either because there are reports the local Jewish community asked the government for Police support at that event but were rebuffed. Bad news all around for Labor.

UPDATE:

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns (or at least their departments) are in talks about the terms of reference of a Royal Commission.

It had better be a very broad inquiry otherwise it'll be a wasted opportunity.

In my opinion, broad means delving into things like universities and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

MattE wrote on Jan 7^th, 2026 at 4:27pm:

UPDATE: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns (or at least their departments) are in talks about the terms of reference of a Royal Commission. It had better be a very broad inquiry otherwise it'll be a wasted opportunity. In my opinion, broad means delving into things like universities and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Do you have a university degree?

greggerypeccary wrote on Jan 7^th, 2026 at 7:46pm:

MattE wrote on Jan 7th, 2026 at 4:27pm: UPDATE: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns (or at least their departments) are in talks about the terms of reference of a Royal Commission. It had better be a very broad inquiry otherwise it'll be a wasted opportunity. In my opinion, broad means delving into things like universities and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Do you have a university degree?

:D :D :D

Spoken like a ****ing Doctor of Divinity, creepy skunk pig.

Peccary = skunk pig.

Frank wrote on Jan 7^th, 2026 at 7:52pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Jan 7th, 2026 at 7:46pm: MattE wrote on Jan 7th, 2026 at 4:27pm: UPDATE: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns (or at least their departments) are in talks about the terms of reference of a Royal Commission. It had better be a very broad inquiry otherwise it'll be a wasted opportunity. In my opinion, broad means delving into things like universities and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Do you have a university degree? :D :D :D Spoken like a ****ing Doctor of Divinity, creepy skunk pig. Peccary = skunk pig.

That reply tells us everything we need to know.

Thank you.

greggerypeccary wrote on Jan 7^th, 2026 at 8:19pm:

Frank wrote on Jan 7th, 2026 at 7:52pm: greggerypeccary wrote on Jan 7th, 2026 at 7:46pm: MattE wrote on Jan 7th, 2026 at 4:27pm: UPDATE: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns (or at least their departments) are in talks about the terms of reference of a Royal Commission. It had better be a very broad inquiry otherwise it'll be a wasted opportunity. In my opinion, broad means delving into things like universities and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Do you have a university degree? :D :D :D Spoken like a ****ing Doctor of Divinity, creepy skunk pig. Peccary = skunk pig. That reply tells us everything we need to know. Thank you.

About you.

You are welcome.

Peccary:
https://sdzwildlifeexplorers.org/sites/default/files/2022-11/peccary_not-pig.jpg
So you.

https://i.imgur.com/1B8lpUu.jpeg

MattE wrote on Jan 7^th, 2026 at 4:27pm:

UPDATE: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns (or at least their departments) are in talks about the terms of reference of a Royal Commission. It had better be a very broad inquiry otherwise it'll be a wasted opportunity. In my opinion, broad means delving into things like universities and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Quote:

broad means delving into things like universities and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Yes and people who eat toast for breakfast. Having terms this broad is a part of the problem with misuse of royal commissions. If you look at terms like this why not go to the part played by Net N Yahoo  and the IDF?   

Dnarever wrote on Jan 7^th, 2026 at 9:56pm:

MattE wrote on Jan 7th, 2026 at 4:27pm: UPDATE: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns (or at least their departments) are in talks about the terms of reference of a Royal Commission. It had better be a very broad inquiry otherwise it'll be a wasted opportunity. In my opinion, broad means delving into things like universities and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Quote: broad means delving into things like universities and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Yes and people who eat toast for breakfast. Having terms this broad is a part of the problem with misuse of royal commissions. If you look at terms like this why not go to the part played by Net N Yahoo  and the IDF?

How many mass murders have been carried out in Australia by the IDF ?

Albanese has put Cathy Wilcox to run the RC. Interesting choice.

aquascoot wrote on Jan 8^th, 2026 at 6:05am:

Dnarever wrote on Jan 7th, 2026 at 9:56pm: MattE wrote on Jan 7th, 2026 at 4:27pm: UPDATE: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns (or at least their departments) are in talks about the terms of reference of a Royal Commission. It had better be a very broad inquiry otherwise it'll be a wasted opportunity. In my opinion, broad means delving into things like universities and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Quote: broad means delving into things like universities and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Yes and people who eat toast for breakfast. Having terms this broad is a part of the problem with misuse of royal commissions. If you look at terms like this why not go to the part played by Net N Yahoo  and the IDF?    How many mass murders have been carried out in Australia by the IDF ?

More of a threat than the ABC or Australian universities.

Gordon wrote on Jan 8^th, 2026 at 7:07am:

Albanese has put Cathy Wilcox to run the RC. Interesting choice.

I’m  reading his sticking with old faithful who  labor can rely on to turn a blind eye to anything that looks bad for labor ?

“ However, they said concerns remained in some parts of the community she was associated with the political left.

The Rudd government appointed Ms Bell to the bench of the High Court in 2009 and she served until 2021.

The following year, she was appointed by Mr Albanese to lead a probe into former prime minister Scott Morrison's secret ministries. The report, published later that year, found Mr Morrison's actions were "corrosive" to trust in government.”

“ ABC

Albo on ABC 24 now -

the RC is on.

This is a joke listening to Albo and the other people who spoke after him. Their main focus, going by how many times they've mentioned this term, is "social cohesion". It's even in the terms of reference. I'd prefer the focus was on why our agencies and Ministers weren't able to stop this before it happened and what needs to be done to help them stop the next attack before it happens. That's the most important thing in my opinion.

1. Tackling antisemitism by investigating the nature and prevalence of antisemitism and examine key drivers in Australia, including religious and motivated extremism
2. Making recommendations to enforcement, border, immigration and security agencies to tackle antisemitism
3. Examine the circumstances surrounding the Bondi Beach terrorist attack in December
4. Make any recommendations arising out of the need to strengthen social cohesion in Australia

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-hold-public-inquiry-into-bondi-beach-attacks-2026-01-08/

Australia to hold wide-ranging inquiry into antisemitism after Bondi attack


By Alasdair Pal
January 8, 20265:12 PM GMT+11Updated 1 hour ago


SYDNEY, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Australia will hold a Royal Commission inquiry into the Bondi Beach mass shooting in which 15 were killed, the country's most powerful public inquiry, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Thursday.

The mass shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's famed Bondi Beach on December 14 shocked a country with strict gun laws and fuelled calls for tougher controls and stronger action against antisemitism.


Police say the alleged father and son perpetrators were inspired by the Islamic State militant group.
Albanese said the Royal Commission, a government inquiry which can compel people to give evidence, will be led by retired judge Virginia Bell.


It will consider the events of the shooting as well as antisemitism and social cohesion in Australia, and is expected to report its findings by December this year.

"This Royal Commission is the right format, the right duration and the right terms of reference to deliver the right outcome for our national unity and our national security," Albanese told a news conference on Thursday.

Albanese had initially resisted calls to set up a Royal Commission, saying the process would take years, which attracted criticism from Jewish groups and victims' families who urged him to reconsider.
"I've taken the time to reflect, to meet with leaders in the Jewish community, and most importantly, I've met with many of the families of victims and survivors of that horrific attack," Albanese said.


The government last month announced an independent review into law enforcement agencies that will assess whether authorities could have taken additional steps to prevent the attack.
That review, which will examine whether existing laws or information gaps stopped police and security agencies from acting against the alleged attackers, will now be folded into the Royal Commission, Albanese said. It is expected to report its findings in April.


Reporting by Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Editing by Michael Perry

Anthony Albanese calls royal commission into anti-Semitism

“One. Tackling anti-Semitism by investigating the nature and prevalence of anti-Semitism, examining its key drivers in Australia, including religious and ideologically motivated extremism and radicalisation,” Mr Albanese detailed.

“Two. Making any recommendations to assist law enforcement, border control, immigration and security agencies to tackle anti-Semitism, including through improvements to guidance and training within law enforcement, border control, immigration and security agencies to respond to anti-Semitic conduct.”

“Three. Examine the circumstances surrounding the Bondi terrorist attack on the 14th of December, 2025 and the work of Dennis Richardson will be central to this.

“Four. Make any other recommendations arising out of the inquiry for strengthening social cohesion in Australia and countering the spread of ideological and religiously motivated extremism in Australia.”


Also
Albanese rules out cancelling Israeli President's invitation

Frank wrote on Jan 8^th, 2026 at 5:39pm:

Anthony Albanese calls royal commission into anti-Semitism “One. Tackling anti-Semitism by investigating the nature and prevalence of anti-Semitism, examining its key drivers in Australia, including religious and ideologically motivated extremism and radicalisation,” Mr Albanese detailed. “Two. Making any recommendations to assist law enforcement, border control, immigration and security agencies to tackle anti-Semitism, including through improvements to guidance and training within law enforcement, border control, immigration and security agencies to respond to anti-Semitic conduct.” “Three. Examine the circumstances surrounding the Bondi terrorist attack on the 14th of December, 2025 and the work of Dennis Richardson will be central to this. “Four. Make any other recommendations arising out of the inquiry for strengthening social cohesion in Australia and countering the spread of ideological and religiously motivated extremism in Australia.” Also Albanese rules out cancelling Israeli President's invitation

Why can’t Albo just call it by its proper name? Islamic extremism.

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 8^th, 2026 at 6:00pm:

Frank wrote on Jan 8th, 2026 at 5:39pm: Anthony Albanese calls royal commission into anti-Semitism “One. Tackling anti-Semitism by investigating the nature and prevalence of anti-Semitism, examining its key drivers in Australia, including religious and ideologically motivated extremism and radicalisation,” Mr Albanese detailed. “Two. Making any recommendations to assist law enforcement, border control, immigration and security agencies to tackle anti-Semitism, including through improvements to guidance and training within law enforcement, border control, immigration and security agencies to respond to anti-Semitic conduct.” “Three. Examine the circumstances surrounding the Bondi terrorist attack on the 14th of December, 2025 and the work of Dennis Richardson will be central to this. “Four. Make any other recommendations arising out of the inquiry for strengthening social cohesion in Australia and countering the spread of ideological and religiously motivated extremism in Australia.” Also Albanese rules out cancelling Israeli President's invitation Why can’t Albo just call it by its proper name? Islamic extremism.

Other members of the Labor Politburo like Tony Burqa and Ha'penny  Wrong won't let him.

There is nothing stopping the RC from calling people from:
ASIO, AFP and NSW Police.

However – that evidence might not be made public on the grounds of national security -
that's what they normally say -

so will we ever find out what happened?    :-/

Getting Albo to have a RC was
like putting him in a headlock and pulling a tooth with pliers.

https://i.imgur.com/bE5wAHv.jpeg

Bobby. wrote on Jan 8^th, 2026 at 7:33pm:

There is nothing stopping the RC from calling people from: ASIO, AFP and NSW Police. However – that evidence might not be made public on the grounds of national security - that's what they normally say - so will we ever find out what happened?    :-/

We know what happened:-

Slackness about controlling rabid lunatics screeching HATRED lead some loose-hinged persons in THAT community to think they were doing Allah's work by attacking and killing innocent people. 

The security forces and the government agencies set up to oversee licencing of firearms failed to take note of a significant threat and allowed subjects under scrutiny to simply go ahead. 

The actual number of police on the ground when this happened were few, and they were hopelessly under-armed to confront lunatics armed with powerful weapons. 

Any co-ordinated response to a terror attack was hopelessly out of synch with the possibility (or probability) of an attack, and was never capable of any rapid response, this despite the past where Commando groups (4 RAR/Commando, now 2 Commando Regt, a part-time/full-time group, were trained in CT) were stationed at Randwick and previously 1 Commando at Georges Heights and later at Randwick.

Political 'requirements' over-rode any realistic organisation of response to or prevention of any such attack and created an atmosphere in which ordinary people could not speak out, let alone be listened to, thus enabling unhinged individuals to assume that there was no community rejection of or opposition to their potential actions, and it was easy pickings.

Concerns over 'social cohesion' lead directly to an utter lack of social cohesion.

Gun 'laws' intended to suppress any possibility of popular revolt created a situation in which honest citizens could not carry weapons for possible self-defence, even when the specific group to which they belonged was actually under attack over a considerable time of two years or so.

The attackers came from one group - a very clearly delineated by its beliefs group, unlike certain other mass attackers mentioned who acted as absolute individuals - and nothing was done to contain the often violent and outrageous rhetoric of those who claim to speak for that group, leading to those kinds actually inciting their followers to violent action.

Governments today continue to refuse to confront the issues of violent rhetoric and preaching, and what it leads to, and the accompanying serious and deep community concerns over the continued importaton of such lunacy on a grand scale, and how the current situation of lunacy can be rectified.


Did I miss anything?  You can add as you feel applicable....

Bobby. wrote on Jan 8^th, 2026 at 10:07pm:

Getting Albo to have a RC was like putting him in a headlock and pulling a tooth with pliers.

He said in an interview on the Today show something along the lines of that he was always considering it. Utter BS. He was vehemently against a Royal Commission from the outset because it would show the failings of his government and Ministers.

Gordon wrote on Jan 8^th, 2026 at 7:07am:

Albanese has put Cathy Wilcox to run the RC. Interesting choice.

It's actually Justice Virginia Bell.  And not surprising really considering her left-leaning views.  There are doubts that she will be able to put aside her natural leftist bias which of course would suit sleazyalbanese whose pro Palestinian past may come into question considering he has done nothing to curb antisemitism from the mussos. 

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/07/31/05/100793969-14957433-image-a-1_1753936447657.jpg

Here he is meeting Yasser Arafat as a delegate from the Parliamentary Friends of Palestine group on their all expenses paid trip sponsored by the PLO in 1998.  Albanese has been described as fawning and starry-eyed meeting his hero. 

ps ... Joe Hockey is also there.  His father was born in Bethlehem in Palestine. 

I’m wondering, Minns in NSW announced a Royal commission almost 5 weeks ago.

He never mentioned the terms of reference nor who would be leading it?

Did Minns actually ever believe his royal commission was going to happen?

Was the NSW royal commission announcement just a stunt to gain political advantage?

More questions than answers?

We can trust our main stream media not to ask any questions!

Albanese is up for selection in either the Aust Olympic Gymnastics or Diving teams .....

with how big a back flip he can do.

But as sure it has has been mentioned here - the person he has appointed to do the RC Virginia Wells will be a hand picked lefty leaning QC who will find the Govt not guilty of any responsibility.

Nothing to see here again ..... but at what costs?

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 9^th, 2026 at 9:16am:

Bobby. wrote on Jan 8th, 2026 at 10:07pm: Getting Albo to have a RC was like putting him in a headlock and pulling a tooth with pliers. He said in an interview on the Today show something along the lines of that he was always considering it. Utter BS. He was vehemently against a Royal Commission from the outset because it would show the failings of his government and Ministers.

Albo is scared that the RC would find he was incompetent -

he offset that by hiring a very woke - Labor friendly commissioner.   ::)

Daves2017 wrote on Jan 9^th, 2026 at 11:25am:

I’m wondering, Minns in NSW announced a Royal commission almost 5 weeks ago. He never mentioned the terms of reference nor who would be leading it? Did Minns actually ever believe his royal commission was going to happen? Was the NSW royal commission announcement just a stunt to gain political advantage? More questions than answers? We can trust our main stream media not to ask any questions!

That's how you know you live in a (wrongly) controlled state and that there is a real need to overturn that and change our way of life...

People criticise 'the old days' in which people went to work in boring, tedious and often dangerous jobs etc - but at least there was a 'social contract' writtten in the blood of the men who died and suffered in two major world wars (etc) and a family unit could prosper to the point of owning a home etc (kind of gives the lie to all the 'feminist clap-trap, eh?) - now that does not exist at all.


'...that whenever any form of Government becomes destructive of these ends (life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness), it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it., and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organising its Powere in such Form, as to them seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that government long established should not be changed for light or transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shewn, that Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.

But, when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object (abolition of the Forms to which the populace are accustomed), evinces a Design to reduce them under Despotism, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security'.

Quote:

Australia to hold wide-ranging inquiry into antisemitism

And I thought that people wanted a RC into the Bondi shootings.

This likely turns into a dishonest pointless attack on Islam.

Dnarever wrote on Jan 9^th, 2026 at 6:45pm:

Quote: Australia to hold wide-ranging inquiry into antisemitism And I thought that people wanted a RC into the Bondi shootings. This likely turns into a dishonest pointless attack on Islam.

Islam IS the problem.

It is a problem everywhere it is present. Tell us all the positives Islamic mass migration has brought to the West. Go on.


Islam is a conquering creed. That's all it does, conquer.

Now it is conquering the West demographically. They tried it militarily for 1400 years with some success.
Now, demographically, they are going for final victory. And all the lazy welfare dependant pinks of the West are eagerly opening the gates for them.

https://www.news.com.au/national/richardson-review-to-become-a-part-of-the-royal-commission-into-bondi-beach-attack/video/ff76d307c2c6b522908c024b03465e64

“Richardson review to become a part of the Royal Commission into Bondi Beach attack”


“ Tony Burqa, Labor.


Now please correct me if I am wrong ( as I often am) .

Should not the Commissioner be deciding on what is to be examined in the Royal Commission and not a senior Labor Minister ?

Something seems off here.

Ya gotta love him - he's called it now he's saying it might not produce the results - has there ever been a more vague and feckless prime minister?

You didn't need a RC into Abo deaths in custody - we allknew the answers - and they die at a lower rate than other groups and than in their own community andthere is rarely - if ever - any nasty business involved.

I'm sure your utterance of the word ABO and 'death in custody' will change the emotional dynamic of the RC though - you cunning deflecting rat - the idiot's gallery at Sydney Uni etc will follow slavishly:-

---

Albo has gotta go but -

who should replace him?     :-/

Dnarever wrote on Jan 9^th, 2026 at 6:45pm:

Quote: Australia to hold wide-ranging inquiry into antisemitism And I thought that people wanted a RC into the Bondi shootings. This likely turns into a dishonest pointless attack on Islam.

We don’t need an inquiry into antisemitism after Bondi, we need an inquiry into Islam in Australia. Here’s what the politicians are up to 👇

https://x.com/ChavuraStephen/status/2009393357378965584

Anti zionism not anti semitism

LNP never again wrote on Jan 10^th, 2026 at 3:43pm:

Anti zionism not anti semitism

Mate,

Not content to divide Australia on colour all Airbuss Albo is now playing the religious card to incite violence and give him a reason to again increase police brutality/ presence.

Read between the lines dude’s

LNP never again wrote on Jan 10^th, 2026 at 3:43pm:

Anti zionism is not anti semitism

Of course it is.

You have Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and assorted other Muslim Shiteholeistans - but you can't have  a Jewistan???

Why not?

Frank wrote on Jan 10^th, 2026 at 8:44pm:

LNP never again wrote on Jan 10th, 2026 at 3:43pm: Anti zionism is not anti semitism Of course it is. You have Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and assorted other Muslim Shiteholeistans - but you can't have  a Jewistan??? Why not?

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/c8UeOwv2C_4

Check it out ;)

https://jacobin.com/2026/01/australia-bondi-antisemitism-protest-palestine


Quote:

The Right Is Exploiting the Bondi Massacre to Silence Dissent Interview with     Max Kaiser     Sarah Schwartz In the aftermath of the Bondi Massacre, Australian politicians are pushing to restrict freedom of speech and the right to protest. Their target is the Palestine solidarity movement. [quote]The Bondi massacre in Australia was perpetrated by Islamic State supporters. But immediately following the killings, a chorus of right-wing voices began placing the blame on pro-Palestinian slogans, protests, and policies.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed the murders on Australia’s recognition of the state of Palestine. Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, claimed there was an obvious link between Bondi and the three hundred thousand people who marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge against the genocide in Gaza. The premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, said the implications of pro-Palestine protests could be seen in the massacre and banned protests in the state for at least three months. Other states promised to follow suit. Some government-connected trade union leaders echoed calls to end all protests for the foreseeable future.

The federal government announced a Royal Commission into the Bondi attack to appease some of its critics. Its choice of commissioner, however, was condemned by right-wing politicians for having previously ruled that freedom of political communication was an implied constitutional right. The Adelaide Writers Festival has now dropped a Palestinian writer from its lineup, implying some sort of link between Palestinian solidarity and danger. The South Australian premier slanderously supported the move, declaring “I do not support the inclusion of people who actively undermine the cultural safety of others, or celebrate the death of innocent civilians.”

The Jewish Council of Australia has been an active voice of opposition to those linking anti-genocide protests with violence. A growing group of progressive Jewish people who reject the equation of anti-semitism with criticism of Israel, the Jewish Council regularly faces the wrath of the Zionist political establishment and the Murdoch media. Jacobin spoke with Jewish Council representatives Sarah Schwartz and Max Kaiser about the dangers of the current moment.[/quote]

Gnads wrote on Jan 11^th, 2026 at 9:17am:

Frank wrote on Jan 10th, 2026 at 8:44pm: LNP never again wrote on Jan 10th, 2026 at 3:43pm: Anti zionism is not anti semitism Of course it is. You have Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and assorted other Muslim Shiteholeistans - but you can't have  a Jewistan??? Why not? https://www.youtube.com/shorts/c8UeOwv2C_4

Very interesting.
Url link:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/c8UeOwv2C_4

Frank wrote on Jan 11^th, 2026 at 3:46pm:

Gnads wrote on Jan 11th, 2026 at 9:17am: Frank wrote on Jan 10th, 2026 at 8:44pm: LNP never again wrote on Jan 10th, 2026 at 3:43pm: Anti zionism is not anti semitism Of course it is. You have Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and assorted other Muslim Shiteholeistans - but you can't have  a Jewistan??? Why not? https://www.youtube.com/shorts/c8UeOwv2C_4 Very interesting. Url link: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/c8UeOwv2C_4

Not just Tajikistan.

All these Muslim countries have banned or restricted Burkas/Niqabs/Hijabs & head scarves.


Quote:

Muslim-Majority Countries with Bans/Restrictions: *Tajikistan: Implemented a near-total ban on the hijab in 2024. *Tunisia: Has long-standing restrictions on the hijab in public institutions, with specific bans on the niqab/burqa in public buildings, particularly after 2019. *Kosovo: Bans religious headscarves in public schools. *Azerbaijan: Prohibits wearing the hijab in educational institutions. *Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan: Have imposed restrictions on veils in schools and public buildings. *Chad, Senegal, & Gabon: Implemented bans on full-face veils following security threats. *Turkey: Restrictions on the hijab in public institutions were gradually lifted, but it historically maintained such bans. These regulations are often justified as measures to curb radicalization, enhance security, or uphold secular principles in public life.

Then there are other secular countries that have Govts with a spine who have also banned them.

*Italy
*France
*Belgium
*Netherlands
*Germany
*Bulgaria
*Switzerland
*China
*Russia