Tasmania’s premier has formally joined the growing chorus of leaders across Australia calling for a Royal Commission into the Bondi terror attack.
Jeremy Rockliff has written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressing the Tasmanian government’s support for the inquiry.
Police Minister Felix Ellis confirmed the state government’s stance today, saying Tasmania fully backs a comprehensive investigation into the alleged ISIS-inspired attack that claimed 15 lives at a Hanukkah event last month.
“Tasmania supports a Royal Commission into the Bondi terrorist attack. I think it’s time that we embrace the victims, we embrace the truth, that we do the right thing and that we call a Royal Commission,” Ellis said.
The Police Minister expressed the need for a “broad, far-reaching effort” that examines information sharing between security agencies and addresses the rise of anti-Semitism.
“Anti-Semitism has become a scourge across Australia and it’s been so impactful to the Jewish community and also the rest of the community more broadly who see friends, families and neighbours impacted by this kind of disgraceful behaviour,” he said.
Ellis said Tasmania Police have been working closely with the Jewish community to ensure appropriate protections are in place during what he described as “a deeply unsettling and troubling time.”
“Certainly the feedback that I’ve had is that Jewish community leaders want to see a Royal Commission just as they do in other states,” he added.
State Labor MLC Sarah Lovell said a potential Royal Commission is “a matter for the Prime Minister”.
“I can understand and respect the views of people who are calling for the Royal Commission,” she said.
“What we really want to see is a quick response now but a more detailed and thorough look at things into the future. I’m happy to leave that decision to the federal government.”
The Prime Minister has not ruled out establishing a federal inquiry, saying his government is in discussions with NSW authorities.
“The NSW government have said that they will have a royal commission, but we’re talking to NSW about how that would operate, and we’re talking to the community,” Albanese said.
Albanese indicated his immediate priority remains the ongoing review of intelligence and security agencies being led by former spy boss Dennis Richardson.
