On 22 December 2025, four teal independent MPs—Monique Ryan (Kooyong), Kate Chaney (Curtin), Sophie Scamps (Mackellar), and Zali Steggall (Warringah)—formally called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to announce a federal royal commission into the anti-Semitic terror attack at Bondi, which claimed the lives of 15 people, including 10-year-old Matilda. The letter, signed after consultations with the Executive Council of Australian Jewry and Equality Australia, recognised the Albanese government’s ongoing efforts but expressed concern that current measures may fall short in addressing systemic anti-Semitism.
The teal MPs argued that only a federal royal commission could “comprehensively and independently investigate” the incident, assess the authorities’ response, and examine the coordination across federal, state, and local levels. “Only a federal royal commission will have the power to comprehensively and independently investigate the circumstances leading to, and authorities’ response to, the attacks, and examine actions and co-ordination across all levels of government,” the letter stated.
Kate Chaney, who represents the electorate of Curtin in Western Australia, joined her teal colleagues in advocating for this robust national response. Their recommendations included revising hate speech legislation to broaden the definition to include incitement of hatred—not just violence—and significantly increasing funding for the security of Jewish organisations. “We urge you to significantly increase funding for the immediate and ongoing security needs of Jewish organisations,” the letter implored, underscoring the urgency of proactive government protection while awaiting investigative outcomes.
Although Allegra Spender, whose electorate of Wentworth encompasses Bondi, did not sign the joint letter, she has previously expressed public support for a federal royal commission. The teals’ proposals also included updating Australia’s national Criminal Code, building upon earlier suggestions from Spender.
In response, Labor ministers defended the government’s current course. Speaking on the Today show, Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, reiterated that the government believes the ongoing Richardson inquiry represents the most urgent and nationally beneficial approach. “There will be different responses across the community...But it’s our job to make judgments about what is in the national interest here,” he stated, emphasising the government’s commitment to unity and swift action.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers also acknowledged the sincerity behind calls for a royal commission, stating they “overwhelmingly come from a good place,” but reaffirmed the government’s focus on other existing inquiries and reviews. He pointed to efforts such as strengthening hate crime laws, tightening gun control, and implementing the recommendations of the Segal review, led by Australia’s special envoy to combat anti-Semitism.
Public pressure continued to mount as over 60 prominent Australian athletes joined the call for a federal royal commission. Sporting legends such as Dawn Fraser, Grant Hackett, Ian Thorpe, Lleyton Hewitt, Jessica Fox, and Steven Bradbury signed a letter addressed to the Prime Minister. Dawn Fraser, during a visit to Bondi Pavilion, expressed sorrow for the nation’s failure to protect its Jewish citizens. “In the 88 years of my life...I have never seen so much hate and division, and this breaks my heart,” she said.