Australia's Bondi Shooting Inquiry Urges Security Boost for Jewish Events, Gun Reforms

The Straits Times reports on the interim findings of Australia's Royal Commission into the Bondi Beach mass shooting. The inquiry, prompted by the deadliest gun attack in the country in three decades, has issued initial recommendations aimed at bolstering national security and addressing antisemitism.

While the report did not identify flaws in existing legal frameworks that hindered security agencies, it proposes 14 recommendations, including increased security measures for Jewish public events, particularly during High Holy Days like Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has pledged to implement all these initial suggestions, emphasizing the need to strengthen Australia's counter-terrorism capabilities.

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This is as the government envisaged - that the first task of the Royal Commission, the priority, was to look at the security elements of these issues.

The attack, which killed 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration, shocked Australia, a nation known for its stringent gun laws. The alleged perpetrators were reportedly inspired by the Islamic State militant group. The Royal Commission's establishment followed pressure from Jewish advocacy groups and victims' families. Public hearings are set to begin soon, with a final report expected by year's end, promising a comprehensive review of counter-terrorism teams and protocols.

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The review has revealed aspects in which counter-terrorism capability at federal and state levels could be improved.