Bondi shooting urges prioritizing gun reform measures
Bondi shooting urges: A royal commission established in response to the Bondi shooting has urged that gun reform measures be prioritized. The interim report from the commission, led by former High Court judge Virginia Bell, includes recommendations aimed at enhancing public safety and addressing antisemitism.
Key recommendations from the interim report
The commission’s interim report made 14 recommendations, five of which remain confidential due to national security concerns. Among the public recommendations, the report calls for state and federal governments to prioritize finalizing and implementing an updated, nationally consistent National Firearms Agreement. It also supports the introduction of a proposed gun buyback scheme.
In addition, the report recommends extending New South Wales police procedures currently used during Jewish high holy days to other high-risk Jewish festivals and events, especially those with a public-facing element. This aims to improve security at community gatherings.
Other recommendations include:
- A review of joint counter-terrorism teams across Australia.
- Inclusion of the prime minister and national cabinet ministers in counter-terrorism exercises within nine months following each federal election.
Background and government response
The royal commission was announced in January following the mass shooting at a Jewish event at Bondi Beach, where two gunmen killed 15 people. The attack involved a father and son armed with rifles and shotguns. Sajid Akram, one of the attackers, was killed by police at the scene, while his son Naveed Akram was critically injured, later charged with multiple offences including murder and committing a terrorist attack.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that a National Security Committee meeting agreed to implement all of the commission’s recommendations. He also noted that the report indicated no urgent changes were necessary but acknowledged that governments could improve their efforts.
Initially, Albanese resisted calls for a royal commission, favoring a review by former spy chief Dennis Richardson into intelligence and law enforcement agencies’ actions before the attack. However, following pressure from victims’ families, politicians, and public figures, the royal commission was established, incorporating the earlier review.
Next steps for the inquiry
The inquiry will hold a first series of public hearings focusing on defining antisemitism, its manifestations in society, and the experiences of Jewish Australians. The hearings are scheduled to begin soon, with a final report due on the anniversary of the shooting.
Judge Bell has cautioned that the scope of evidence may be limited due to ongoing court proceedings involving Naveed Akram.