Prominent Australian business leaders and public figures have united to advocate for a federal royal commission into antisemitism in the wake of the December 14, 2023, terrorist attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach. This initiative increases pressure on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has consistently opposed a national inquiry.
More than 100 signatories, including former Reserve Bank governors Philip Lowe and Glenn Stevens, have endorsed an open letter calling for the inquiry. The letter, published on Friday, features a diverse group of business figures and university chancellors, highlighting the wide-ranging support for the initiative. Among the notable signatories are former Coca-Cola Amatil chief Alison Watkins, ex-AustralianSuper head Ian Silk, and Jayne Hrdlicka, former chair of Tennis Australia.
“This is a national crisis, which requires a national response,” the letter asserts. It emphasizes that the issue transcends politics and is crucial to the future of the nation. The attack in Bondi Beach claimed the lives of 15 individuals, marking it as Australia’s deadliest terrorist incident.
Prime Minister Albanese has ruled out a federal royal commission, citing expert advice that such an inquiry could be lengthy and divisive. Instead, he expressed willingness to cooperate with a New South Wales-led inquiry announced by Premier Chris Minns. Supporters of the royal commission describe it as a non-partisan initiative aimed at fostering national clarity and solutions to the rise in antisemitism since the onset of recent conflicts in the Middle East.
The open letter also includes the names of respected public servants, such as former head of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet Ian Watt, and former Labor Victorian deputy premier James Merlino. It articulates a clear call for answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the Bondi massacre and urges practical solutions to promote social cohesion and safety for all Australians.
Alex Vynokur, founder and CEO of BetaShares Financial Group, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “As a Jewish family that survived pogroms and persecution, we arrived in Australia seeking safety and opportunity.” He emphasized the need for the government to demonstrate leadership in addressing the conditions that led to the attack.
Former Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions Michael Rozenes criticized the Prime Minister for not acknowledging the gravity of rising antisemitism, urging for a comprehensive inquiry into the issues raised by the Bondi attack. He noted that the inquiry should not only address antisemitism but also broader societal challenges.
On New Year’s Eve, Australia’s Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay became the first current government official to publicly support a royal commission. Finlay stated that existing reviews were inadequate to tackle the underlying causes of the violence, emphasizing that confronting antisemitism directly must be a national priority.
In response to inquiries regarding the advisory basis for rejecting a royal commission, Albanese pointed to former ASIO chief Dennis Richardson, who will lead a rapid government inquiry into intelligence failures prior to the attack. He indicated that the government seeks input from various agencies and experts.
Opposition leaders have criticized Albanese’s stance, claiming his rejection of a royal commission lacks substantiation. Liberal leader Sussan Ley called for transparency, questioning what the Prime Minister might be concealing in his refusal to support a national inquiry.
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has also voiced support for a broader inquiry into antisemitism, with Timothy Costelloe, the Archbishop of Perth, stressing the need to confront antisemitism in various sectors of society, including politics, academia, and media.
As the discourse continues, the push for a royal commission reflects a broader societal concern about the implications of rising antisemitism and the need for effective responses to ensure the safety and unity of all Australians.
