Canberra, Australia – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has ordered a comprehensive review of Australia’s police and intelligence agencies following the deadly attack at Bondi Beach. The announcement comes a week after the tragic event, during which a memorial service was held for the victims.
Albanese stated that the review, to be led by a former intelligence agency chief, will examine whether police and intelligence services possess the necessary powers, structures, and information-sharing mechanisms to ensure the safety of Australians. The review aims to identify potential weaknesses and improve coordination between various security bodies.
“The atrocities inspired by the so-called Islamic State last Sunday underscore the rapidly changing security landscape in our country,” Albanese said. “Our security apparatus must be optimally positioned to respond effectively.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged “real issues” within the Australian intelligence apparatus in light of the attack. Speaking to the national broadcaster, ABC, he emphasized the need to scrutinize existing systems. “We need to thoroughly examine how the systems work. We must review what happened in 2019 when this individual was investigated and the assessment that was conducted,” he stated.
In a separate interview, Albanese addressed reports of the attackers residing in a hotel in Mindanao, southern Philippines. He confirmed that their radicalization is under investigation but noted that they were not previously considered persons of interest. This aspect, he said, contributes to the shocking nature of the event.
The Bondi Beach attack has exposed gaps in firearm license assessments and information exchange between agencies, areas policymakers are determined to address. The Prime Minister had previously announced a national firearms buyback program, even as some experts argue that existing gun laws, already among the strictest globally, contain loopholes.
Authorities are investigating the shooting as a terror act targeting the Jewish community. Police and security agencies have intensified patrols nationwide to prevent further antisemitic violence. The suspects, a father and son, are accused of randomly firing on a crowd of families celebrating Hanukkah on Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach on December 14th. They were allegedly influenced by extremist ideology linked to ISIS.
The assailant, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was fatally shot at the scene.
