Anthony Albanese defends decision to not launch a Royal Commission into the Bondi Beach terrorist attack

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has refused calls to launch a Royal Commission into the Bondi Beach terror attack, arguing it is the ‘national interest’ to hold a review into the security agencies instead.

During a press conference on Monday afternoon, Albanese staunchly defended his decision despite demands from the victims’ families he launch a national inquiry.

‘My heart goes out to them at what is an incredibly traumatic time. My job, as the Australian Prime Minister, is to act in the national interest,’ Albanese said. 

‘It is in the national interest for us to do the Richardson review on national security, on any gaps which are there in the conduct of our agencies, including the AFP, ASIO and the interactions between the Commonwealth and state jurisdictions, and to then make sure we act on the recommendations which are there.’

He said that while royal commissions ‘can be good at deciding facts’, they are ‘not as good at considering things that are not agreed, where people have differences of views.’

The review, which will be led by Dennis Richardson – former head of ASIO and of the departments of defence and foreign affairs – will assess Australia’s federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies. 

It is expected to be finalised by April.

‘The government is committed to making sure that we can’t wait years for answers. We need to get on with any changes that are required,’ Albanese said.

‘This ISIS-inspired atrocity in Bondi is a stark reminder of the rapidly changing security environment that we face and the need to make sure our agencies have what they need and we’re determined to make sure they have exactly that.’

More to come.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has refused widespread calls to launch a Royal Commission into the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, despite pleas from the victims’ families