Former Labor MPs are sounding the alarm, warning that democracy itself is at stake in the ongoing call for a royal commission into the Bondi terror attack. This call comes from a coalition of Labor party affiliates, who have joined forces to pressure the prime minister into taking action. The letter, signed by 21 associates of the Labor party, including former MPs and members of the Labor Israel Action Committee (LIAC), highlights the potential consequences of inaction. They argue that the government's failure to establish a commonwealth royal commission could jeopardize both the health of our democracy and national security.
Among the signatories are prominent figures such as former federal MPs Mike Kelly, Bernie Ripoll, Mary Easson, Mike Symon, and Michael Danby. Former NSW upper house members Eric Roozendaal, Walt Secord, and Michael Costa also lent their support. Notably, Nova Peris, a former Labor federal senator and Olympian, signed the letter as well, adding her voice to the call for a royal commission. Her involvement is significant, given her previous support for a similar initiative alongside 60 Australian athletes.
The letter emphasizes the need for a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the Bondi beach massacre, the broader ecosystem of terror and hate, and the capabilities of agencies to monitor terrorist threats. While commending NSW Premier Chris Minns for calling a NSW royal commission, the letter underscores the limitations of such an inquiry. It argues that only a commonwealth royal commission can fully explore the dynamics of Jew hatred, including the role of social media, the weaponization of hate and incitement in Australia, and the collective effort required to combat these issues across the nation.
Mike Kelly, a strong advocate for a royal commission, has been vocal about the necessity of a federal-level inquiry. He believes that a NSW commission cannot compel commonwealth officers to provide the necessary classified information for a thorough investigation. This sentiment is shared by the families of Jewish Australians killed in the Bondi shooting, who have also called for a royal commission into antisemitism and the possibility of preventing the tragic attack.
However, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has resisted these calls, opting for a different approach. He has announced a review of intelligence and policing processes, led by former ASIO chief Dennis Richardson, instead of a royal commission. Albanese's decision has sparked debate, with some arguing that a federal royal commission would take too long and that a quicker review of intelligence and policing agencies is more urgent. The prime minister's stance has been met with criticism, as he faces pressure to address the concerns raised by the Labor MPs and the public.
Despite the government's efforts to address the situation, the calls for a royal commission persist. Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledges the sincerity of these calls but asserts that they will not alter the government's stance. He highlights the steps the government is taking to learn from the attack and respond effectively. As the federal parliament is recalled early to expedite laws targeting hate preachers and funding a national gun buyback scheme, the debate surrounding the royal commission continues, leaving the question of whether democracy is truly at stake hanging in the balance.
