The Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has released its interim report following its examination of the Bondi terror attack in which 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration on December 14, 2025.
Royal commissioner Virginia Bell said the report contains 14 recommendations, including five that have not been made public. Classified intelligence material and information that could prejudice ongoing criminal proceedings has been removed from the public version.
The attack saw gunman Naveed Akram charged with murder and terrorism offences, while his father and fellow shooter Sajid Akram were shot dead at the scene.
Among the published recommendations, the commission called for a review of Joint Counter Terrorism teams across Australia with an urgent report to police commissioners, and urged all levels of government to prioritise a nationally consistent firearms agreement alongside a national gun buyback scheme. It also recommended NSW Police increase security at high-risk Jewish events.
The report states: “In these respects, no issue requiring urgent or immediate action has been identified,” with Bell saying she found no gaps in legal or regulatory frameworks that would have prevented authorities from responding to or stopping the attack.
However, she said there was still scope for all levels of government to improve counter-terrorism capability.
The commission’s first public hearings will begin next week, with people with lived experience of antisemitism expected to give evidence. Further hearings will be scheduled, and Bell is due to deliver her final report before the first anniversary of the attack.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has responded to the interim report by thanking Commissioner Bell for her ongoing work and confirming the government will act on its findings.
Albanese also confirmed the National Security Committee has agreed to adopt and implement all Commonwealth-relevant recommendations from the interim report.
Source: ABC.
