The Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, established at a cost of $131 million, held public hearings this week focusing on the conduct of intelligence and policing agencies before the Bondi terrorist attack. However, observers saw only a small portion of the proceedings, with just over 12 hours of questioning across 10 witnesses from Monday to Wednesday.
Witnesses included ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess, six senior NSW Police officers, an Australian Federal Police former counterterrorism chief, and two senior officers from the Jewish Community Security Group. Notably absent were NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon and AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett, whose appearances have not been confirmed for later hearings.
The commission moved quickly, but individual witness testimony was brief, ranging from less than half an hour to just over three hours. Most evidence in this phase is being heard behind closed doors to avoid releasing classified information or prejudicing the trial of surviving gunman Naveed Akram, who faces terrorism and murder charges.
Senior counsel assisting Richard Lancaster noted that public evidence would only reveal part of the story. Former officials observed that questioning was less robust than in past inquiries, such as the Lindt Café siege inquest. Despite this, a disturbing picture emerged of warning signs of an antisemitic terror attack before the Bondi massacre.
