Former Spy Chief Resigns from Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Bondi Attack
Dennis Richardson, the former spy chief, has resigned without explanation from the royal commission into antisemitism and the Bondi terror attack, just a fortnight after its opening hearing. The commissioner, Virginia Bell, released a statement on Wednesday night announcing Richardson's surprise departure from his role as special adviser to the inquiry.
Commissioner Expresses Gratitude for Richardson's Work
In her statement, Bell expressed "gratitude" for Richardson's contributions, noting his unique expertise. She said, "As I noted at the Commission's initial hearing, Mr Richardson was uniquely well placed to advise on the material to be sought from our intelligence and security agencies in order to assess the effectiveness of their preparedness for, and response to, a terrorist attack."
Background of Richardson's Involvement
The former senior public servant was initially commissioned by the Albanese government to complete a snap review of intelligence agencies after the 14 December terror attack, which killed 15 people and injured dozens more. That work was then folded into the royal commission's remit after Albanese bowed to weeks of public pressure and agreed to call a wider national inquiry into antisemitism and social cohesion.
Richardson's examination of the intelligence agencies was designed to inform the commission's interim report, which was due on 30 April. Bell stated that work on the interim report is "well advanced" despite his resignation.
Continuity of the Commission's Work
Bell confirmed that other senior members of Richardson's team, including former ASIO deputy director-general Tony Sheehan and former defence department deputy secretary Peter Baxter, will remain with the commission to complete the interim report. The royal commission's final report is due by 14 December 2026.
Guardian Australian has contacted Richardson for comment regarding his unexpected resignation. The move raises questions about the internal dynamics of the high-profile inquiry, which aims to address critical issues of national security and social cohesion in the wake of the Bondi attack.
