Australia probes security services after Bondi Beach attack
Australia has launched a major review of its police and intelligence services in the wake of the deadly Bondi Beach terrorist attack that killed 15 people and injured dozens during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney. The attack, carried out by a father-and-son pair, was declared a terrorist act by authorities and has prompted intense scrutiny of how security agencies handled information prior to the massacre. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government will examine whether federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies have the right powers, structures, processes and information-sharing arrangements to keep Australians safe, particularly given the rapidly evolving threat environment. The review will be led by a former head of one of Australia’s intelligence agencies and is expected to report findings by April 2026. Critics, including political figures and community leaders, have called for a broader public inquiry or royal commission, arguing that an internal review may not fully address possible failures in past threat assessments or coordination between agencies. Law enforcement officials have said the probe will look closely at how warnings and intelligence about the attackers were handled and whether any gaps in monitoring or communication contributed to the tragedy. The decision to focus on security agency performance follows widespread national reflection, memorials for victims, and intensified debate about radicalisation, gun licensing policies, and antisemitic violence in Australia.
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