7am Why Albanese changed his mind about Bondi
Jan 11, 2026
Karen Middleton, a press gallery journalist with deep insights into federal politics, dives into Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's surprising shift to announce a royal commission following the Bondi terror attack. She discusses the scope and timeline of the inquiry, led by former High Court justice Virginia Bell, and the mixed reactions from the Jewish community. Middleton also highlights the potential political fallout and warns of the risks of deepening societal divisions, stressing the importance of navigating strong emotions while ensuring accountability.
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Royal Commission's Broad Dual Mandate
- The Royal Commission will examine antisemitism broadly across institutions and society.
- It combines the previously announced agency review with a wider inquiry into causes and responses.
Timelines And Roles Are Time-Boxed
- Dennis Richardson's agency review will be folded into Virginia Bell's commission and they must divide tasks.
- An interim report is due by April 30 and a final report by December 14, 2025.
Commissioner Chosen For Credibility And Past Work
- Virginia Bell was chosen partly because of prior work reviewing government processes for this administration.
- Some in the Jewish community initially criticised her selection, but the commission still proceeded.