The federal government is coming to the boiling point. Specifically, they need to act and initiate a national inquiry into the mass shooting which occurred in Newtown on December 14. Her death has since sparked calls for a royal commission into South Australia’s child protection system. Opposition leaders and a coalition of powerful business leaders are driving the effort. What they say They argue that this investigation is long-overdue. It will shed light on what led to this attack and the increase in antisemitism here in Australia.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been under huge pressure to convene an independent royal commission. Instead, he decided to launch a review of intelligence and law enforcement agencies. Led by former spy chief Dennis Richardson, this fast-tracked review is supposed to provide those answers faster. Advocates remain concerned that it doesn’t do enough to address the larger systemic issues highlighted by the shooting.
Calls for Action
A future-focused set of Australian business titans have just penned a climate declaration. They are calling on the government to establish a royal commission to examine antisemitism and the circumstances surrounding the October 7 terrorist attack. They underscore the necessity for action-oriented solutions to re-establish community harmony and protect the rights and well-being of all Australians.
The brief emphasizes the unprecedented rise in harassment, intimidation and violence against the Jewish community. The last note of encouragement comes from business leaders who stress the urgency of the situation, calling it “a national crisis, which requires a national response.”
“As business leaders and proud Australians committed to upholding our values of tolerance and mutual respect, we recognise the need for clear answers as to how the Bondi massacre could occur.” – Statement by business leaders
The appetite for reform in the business sector is genuine and they are supportive of the call for a royal commission. Victims’ families and Jewish community leaders aren’t opposition either. They believe that an independent inquiry would thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, including the societal factors contributing to rising antisemitism in Australia.
Government Response
Prime Minister Albanese has continued to hold the line, refusing to call for a royal commission. He feels that Richardson’s review is the quickest route to getting the responses we all deserve concerning the intelligence lapses. Each of these lapses likely contributed to the tragedy.
Albanese’s government has refused to rule out, or continue to fend off, cooperation with a New South Wales – led royal commission if one is set up. Many consider this a bare minimum considering the seriousness of the crisis before us.
The Broader Context
The conversations around a possible royal commission have heated up since the outbreak of war in Gaza in 2023. Despite what some might say, many of us think that this ongoing conflict has made the situation worse in Australia, with more antisemitism and violence.
As Australia struggles with the repercussions of these multifaceted problems, so too does the call for accountability and meaningful solutions only increase. People across the nation are calling for a royal commission. To do this they need enforceable protections for these vulnerable communities and hold our national values of tolerance and respect.
