UPDATE: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is under fire after a surprising reversal on the establishment of a Royal Commission into antisemitism, which he had previously rejected just ten days ago. In a tense live interview on Sunrise this morning, Albanese defended the government’s decision to launch the inquiry after increasing pressure from victims’ families and national security officials.
This dramatic shift comes in the wake of mounting public outcry following recent events in Bondi, where families of victims have called for urgent action. Albanese’s announcement marks a significant turnaround, as he had warned that such an inquiry could lead to divisiveness. “We want urgency and unity, not division and delay,” he stated in his earlier remarks.
During the interview, the Prime Minister insisted that the Royal Commission was necessary and had been initiated in record time, claiming it was “already effectively underway.” He pointed out that the New South Wales Government had initially announced a commission, which he argued justified the federal inquiry. “We needed to ensure there weren’t two Royal Commissions,” he explained.
Critics quickly labeled the Prime Minister’s defense as “fraudulent nonsense.” Political editor Peter Van Onselen accused Albanese of “gaslighting” the public by suggesting he never opposed the Royal Commission’s establishment. “He’s been dragged kicking and screaming into calling a Commonwealth Royal Commission,” Van Onselen asserted.
The Royal Commission will officially commence today, January 8, 2026, with an Executive Council meeting at the Governor-General’s residence at Admiralty House. Albanese emphasized the importance of conducting the inquiry properly, stating, “We can’t afford to not get this right.” He expressed sympathy for the grieving families, noting he had personally listened to their concerns.
When pressed by host Edwina Bartholomew on why the inquiry took so long to initiate, Albanese defended his government’s approach. “The immediate priority was to assess any national security issues arising from the events,” he said, highlighting the need to coordinate with security and intelligence agencies. However, Bartholomew pointed out that many believe both inquiries could have proceeded simultaneously.
As the situation develops, all eyes are on how the Royal Commission will address the issues surrounding antisemitism and the impact on the affected communities. The government’s handling of this inquiry will likely shape public sentiment and political dynamics in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds, and share your thoughts on the Prime Minister’s controversial decision.
