Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a Royal Commission to investigate the Bondi Beach terrorist attack that claimed 15 lives last month in a major U-turn.
The atrocity occurred on December 14 at a Chanukah by the Sea celebration, when gunmen opened fire on Jewish worshippers at Sydney's iconic beachfront.
The mass shooting sent shockwaves through a nation known for its stringent firearms legislation.
Mr Albanese confirmed the inquiry on Thursday, establishing what represents Australia's most authoritative form of public investigation, despite repeatedly refusing to call one.
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He said: "Our government’s priority is to promote unity and social cohesion, and this is what Australia needs to heal, to learn, to come together in a spirit of national unity and to go forward knowing that, just like people who gathered that night on Bondi beach were committing to, that light will prevail over darkness."
Mr Albanese previously claimed it would take years for an inquiry to turf up answers, while his Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke was widely panned for claiming a probe would "provide a public platform for some of the worst statements and worst voices".
The attack on the Hanukkah gathering has also prompted widespread demands for strengthened measures against antisemitism across the country.
It marks one of the deadliest acts of violence in recent Australian history, targeting members of the Jewish community during their religious festivities.
Police presence in Bondi remained high following the attack
| GETTYRetired judge Virginia Bell has been appointed to lead the inquiry, Mr Albanese confirmed.
A Royal Commission represents the most powerful investigative mechanism available to the Australian government.
Unlike standard inquiries, it carries the authority to compel individuals to provide testimony.
Ms Bell, who previously served on the nation's highest court, will oversee proceedings that are expected to scrutinise security arrangements and intelligence failures.
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Anthony Albanese has launched a Royal Commission
| GETTYPolice have identified the alleged perpetrators as Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24.
Naveed – who has been charged with dozens of offences, including 15 counts of murder – had been investigated in 2019 for alleged associations with individuals involved in a reported Islamic State cell.
Meanwhile, Sajid was approved for a gun licence before being shot dead by armed police on Bondi Beach last month.
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