CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA December 29, 2025 – In a press conference today, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation regarding the deadly antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach earlier this month, announcing the release of terms of reference for an independent review led by former diplomat Dennis Richardson. The review aims to evaluate the performance of Commonwealth agencies in preventing and responding to the incident, which Albanese described as an “ISIS-inspired atrocity” targeting the Jewish community.
“Just over two weeks ago, antisemitic terrorists tried to tear our country apart,” Albanese stated in his remarks. “But our country is stronger than these cowards. They went to Bondi Beach to unleash mass murder against our Jewish community.” He emphasized the need for a swift response, saying, “We need to respond with unity and urgency rather than division and delay.” The Prime Minister highlighted the rapidly changing security environment and committed to ensuring agencies have the necessary resources, adding, “We can’t wait years for answers. We need to get on with any changes that are required.”
The attack occurred on December 14, 2025, during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, where assailants opened fire on a crowd, killing at least 12 people and injuring others in what authorities have classified as an Islamic State-inspired terrorist act. The incident has been widely condemned as a targeted antisemitic assault, with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief calling it “an attack on all Australians.” Reports indicate the perpetrators threw unexploded bombs at the crowd, escalating the chaos during the holiday event. The shooting has drawn comparisons to hallmarks of Islamic State operations, amid a noted rise in antisemitic threats from Salafi-jihadist groups.
The Richardson Review, conducted by Dennis Richardson—a former head of ASIO and ambassador—will assess whether federal agencies operated at “maximum effectiveness” in the lead-up to and during the attack. Albanese’s announcement comes amid mounting pressure for a more comprehensive inquiry, including from victims’ families who have publicly demanded a federal Royal Commission to investigate the surge in antisemitism and potential law enforcement shortcomings. An open letter from the families highlighted the need for answers on how the attack, which claimed 15 lives according to some reports, could have been prevented.
Public reaction to the Prime Minister’s response has been mixed, with significant criticism on social media platforms. Many users accused Albanese of delaying action and fostering division through prior policies, such as recognizing a Palestinian state and allowing weekly protests perceived as antisemitic. One post labeled the government’s approach as “division and delay,” directly inverting Albanese’s words.
In contrast, the Jewish community has focused on resilience and unity. Thousands gathered at Bondi Beach last week to mourn the victims, rejecting hatred in all forms. nitiatives like the “One Mitzvah for Bondi” campaign, promoted by Albanese in a separate statement yesterday, encourage acts of kindness to counter the darkness of the attack. Stories of recovery, such as that of survivor Leibel who recently ate his first meal after multiple surgeries, have inspired ongoing prayers and support efforts.
International responses have been swift, with condemnations from bodies like the Welsh Government and global Jewish organizations. The attack has also sparked broader discussions on immigration, border security, and the need to dismantle radical enclaves, with some commentators linking it to unchecked intolerance.
As the Richardson Review proceeds, questions remain about whether it will satisfy demands for transparency. The Governor-General’s participation in a “Night of Unity” event last week underscored a national call to stand against hate, but critics argue that without a full Royal Commission, true accountability may be elusive. The government has not yet responded to specific calls for such an inquiry.
About The Author
