Australia's Prime Minister Unveils Review of Bondi Beach Terror Attack Amid Calls for Royal Commission

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced an independent review into the Bondi Beach terror attack, led by former intelligence chief Dennis Richardson. This review will assess the effectiveness of various agencies involved and explore whether additional measures could have prevented the tragedy. Despite calls for a royal commission from opposition members and victims' families, the government believes an independent review is more suitable for addressing urgent national security issues. The review's findings are expected by April, while new gun laws have been enacted in response to the incident.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 29, 2025, 13:10 IST

Independent Review Announced for Bondi Beach Incident

Canberra: On Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia revealed the framework for an independent investigation into the Bondi Beach terror attack, while continuing to resist demands for a royal commission.

This review, spearheaded by former intelligence chief Dennis Richardson, aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various agencies, including the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the Australian Federal Police, in the lead-up to the tragic event.

Additionally, the review will scrutinize the decisions made by these agencies and explore whether further actions could have averted the attack.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the findings of this review are anticipated to be finalized and made public by April.

Families of the victims and opposition members have pressed the Prime Minister to initiate a royal commission, which is regarded as the most significant form of inquiry into public matters in Australia.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that an independent review, rather than a royal commission, would enable the government to address urgent national security concerns more effectively.

The mass shooting at Bondi Beach on December 14 resulted in the deaths of sixteen individuals, including one suspected gunman. The attackers have been identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Earlier on December 24, Prime Minister Albanese announced that he had requested the governor-general to create a special honors list for first responders and other heroes involved in the Bondi Beach tragedy.

The recipients of these honors, which will be revealed in 2026, will include police officers, medical personnel, and community members who provided assistance during the aftermath of the attack.

In response to the Bondi Beach shooting, the New South Wales (NSW) parliament enacted stringent new laws regarding firearms and protests, as reported by ABC.