EDITORIAL: Albanese finally comes to right decision on anti-Semitism royal commission
So finally we got there.
After weeks of obfuscation and dodging and weaving in a bid to not call a royal commission in response to the worst terror attack on home soil, Anthony Albanese has been dragged to do what’s right.
In his inability to see from the moment the gunshots stopped at Bondi that the fullest and most comprehensive inquiry that Australia could muster was necessary, Mr Albanese let down himself, the Jewish community, families of the victims and every other Australian.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.His immediate response had smacked of an attempt at political management.
He turned first to the idea of gun control — worthy in itself but not enough — and then to tasking former top national security boss Dennis Richardson with holding a snap examination of police and intelligence agencies.
But finally we have the inquiry that we need. A Royal Commission into anti-Semitism and social cohesion in response to the Bondi terrorist attack.
The commission will cover four key areas.
It has been tasked with tackling anti-Semitism by investigating the nature and prevalence of anti-Semitism in institutions and society, and its key drivers in Australia, including ideologically and religiously motivated extremism and radicalisation.
It will make recommendations to help law enforcement, border control, immigration and security agencies to tackle anti-Semitism, including through improvements to guidance and training to respond to anti-Semitic conduct.
It will examine the circumstances surrounding the anti-Semitic Bondi attack on December 14.
It will make any other recommendations arising out of the inquiry for strengthening social cohesion and countering the spread of ideologically and religiously motivated extremism.
The Government will appoint former High Court justice Virginia Bell to serve as Commissioner, and ask her to report before the end of the year.
Mr Richardson’s review will become part of the commission, support its work and deliver an interim report by the commission in April.
Early indications that Mr Albanese would appoint Ms Bell had been met with backlash from former treasurer Josh Frydenberg, who said leaders of the Jewish community had concerns about the appointment.
It is believed those concerns did not relate to her professional conduct as a judge, but that some had linked Ms Bell with the political Left.
Mr Albanese batted away the concerns, saying the Royal Commission was independent, that Ms Bell had deep experience and expertise and would do an excellent job.
He defended the time it had taken to call the Royal Commission, saying he had listened to the community and had now put together the means to eradicate anti-Semitism, protect the nation from terrorism and strengthen social cohesion.
Mr Albanese should have called the inquiry a long time ago. But he has come to the right position in the end.
The success or failure of what he has announced will emerge as it goes about its work.
