Australian Inquiry Recommends Increased Security and Gun Law Changes After Bondi Shooting

David Ossip, President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, described the report as an important first step but emphasized that antisemitism is a broader societal issue deteriorating before the attack. Alex Ryvchin of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry noted remaining questions about how the attackers acquired firearms and why the event lacked better police resourcing.

The report addressed potential intelligence failures, to be examined in hearings, some possibly closed.

The recommendations include making the counter-terrorism commissioner's role full-time and requiring the prime minister and cabinet ministers to participate in counter-terrorism exercises within nine months of each federal election. Gun reforms proposed post-shooting have faced mixed responses, with some states like Queensland refusing the buyback scheme and ownership caps.

The inquiry aims to strengthen counter-terrorism capabilities at federal and state levels. The attack prompted tighter laws on gun ownership, regulation, and hate speech. Victims included a 10-year-old girl, Matilda, whose grandparents grieved at a floral memorial.

The report noted aspects where counter-terrorism could improve but identified no immediate actions required. The scope is limited due to ongoing court proceedings for Naveed Akram. The commission, led by former High Court judge Virginia Bell, delivered the 154-page interim report without proposing urgent changes.

After mounting pressure, he reversed the decision. The report confirmed that any pre-attack intelligence or policing allocation issues would be addressed in future sessions. The Bondi shooting united calls for reform but highlighted divisions in implementing gun controls across states and territories.

Advocacy groups stressed that while the report focuses on security, broader societal efforts are needed to combat antisemitism. The final report is expected on the attack's anniversary.