The potential selection of the prime minister's choice to lead the royal commission into the Bondi terror attack has sparked significant backlash from various advocates. Supporters pushing for a national inquiry into the tragic events and the broader issue of antisemitism in Australia have quietly expressed their reservations regarding one of the frontrunners for this important role.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been discussing the possibility of initiating a Commonwealth royal commission following last month's devastating attack, indicating to his colleagues that he may reconsider his previous stance against this idea. Among the names under consideration is Virginia Bell, a former justice of the High Court; however, her candidacy has drawn criticism, leading to speculation that the prime minister is now also looking into James Allsop, a former chief justice of the Federal Court, as an alternative.
Other suggested candidates include Robert French, a former chief justice of the High Court, alongside Federal Court judge Michael Lee, and former security leaders such as Dennis Richardson or Duncan Lewis. This apparent shift in the prime minister's position follows mounting pressure from influential members of the Jewish community, legal experts, and public figures who have collectively called for a federal royal commission to investigate not only the attack but also the roles of security agencies, issues of antisemitism, social cohesion, and Islamic extremism.
In December, two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, resulting in the tragic deaths of fifteen individuals in an incident believed to have been inspired by ISIS ideology. Previously, Mr. Albanese had committed to supporting a state-led inquiry, assigning Mr. Richardson the task of conducting a swift review of security measures to pinpoint any shortcomings related to the Bondi incident.
Currently, the government is exploring different options, including the possibility of a joint federal and state royal commission.
On social media, former treasurer Josh Frydenberg, a prominent advocate for a royal commission, voiced that the Jewish community has raised concerns about Ms. Bell’s suitability for the role. "It is unimaginable that the prime minister would select a commissioner who doesn’t command the complete confidence of the Jewish community," Mr. Frydenberg asserted.
Conversations with various sources within key Jewish Australian organizations indicated a consensus that while Ms. Bell possesses strong legal qualifications and there are no personal objections to her potential appointment, there remains unease due to her perceived connections to the political left.
Ms. Bell was appointed to the High Court by the Rudd government in 2009, serving until 2021. In the subsequent year, she was tasked by Mr. Albanese to oversee an investigation into former Prime Minister Scott Morrison's undisclosed ministries, which culminated in a report labeling Mr. Morrison's conduct as "corrosive" to public trust in government.
Starting her career as a solicitor at the Redfern Legal Centre, Ms. Bell notably defended numerous individuals arrested during the inaugural Mardi Gras parade. Additionally, she briefly hosted the ABC program Late Night Live in the early 1990s.
Sources from prominent Jewish groups did not express worries regarding her professional integrity as a judge. Instead, they pointed to a prevailing distrust between the community and the Albanese administration, fearing that the eventual selection of a royal commissioner might overlook crucial aspects of antisemitism that matter to them, such as the government's role and the effects of radical Islamic extremism.
These sentiments contributed to a preference for leaders like Mr. Lee, Mr. Allsop, or Mr. French, all of whom have previously shown support for the Jewish community and the call for a royal commission. Mr. Allsop, for instance, signed an open letter advocating for a national inquiry, while Mr. French publicly endorsed the initiative, asserting that establishing a comprehensive royal commission would be a vital step in addressing the moral obligation stemming from the Bondi Beach massacre.
Furthermore, Mr. Lee addressed an antisemitism summit organized by Sky News in February of the previous year, highlighting the alarming trends within liberal arts institutions that have increasingly become havens for ideologies that tolerate and even promote antisemitism.
In terms of political response, the Coalition has made it clear that they believe the appointed commissioner should be someone who holds the trust of the victims' families. Shadow home affairs minister Jonothan Duniam stated that the government has a responsibility to work closely with the Jewish community to ensure they have confidence in the royal commission process, including the choice of commissioner.
Mr. Albanese has kept the possibility of a Commonwealth-level inquiry on the table, informing reporters that he is collaborating with the New South Wales government to ensure all necessary actions are taken. Meanwhile, the government is also considering new legislation aimed at combating hate speech and implementing a gun buyback scheme, which was announced in late December. While Parliament is not scheduled to convene until February, it is anticipated that lawmakers will be called back to Canberra in the coming weeks to pass these important laws and participate in a condolence motion for the victims of the Bondi tragedy.
