Senior Coalition politicians have launched a fierce and controversial attack on the Labor government, directly linking its decision to recognise Palestine to the antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Junction. In an extraordinary press conference, Opposition figures demanded a federal royal commission and criticised Foreign Minister Penny Wong's public response.
"Brought this upon us": Claims made without evidence
Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley and Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie led the political assault, making a series of claims for which they provided no evidence. Senator McKenzie explicitly stated that government decisions, including the recognition of Palestine and Wong's itinerary during a visit to Israel, had contributed to the tragedy.
"Penny Wong, the answers you’ve been giving on why you didn’t go to Kibbutz Be’eri, why you didn’t turn up to the Nova music site when you went to Israel, all of this, recognition of Palestine, all of these decisions of your government have brought this upon us," McKenzie claimed.
She further argued that the core issue was "not the gun, it’s Islamic extremism, and it’s in our suburbs," criticising a perceived failure of multicultural policy.
Demands for inquiry and personal criticism of Wong
The Coalition is intensifying pressure on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to call a broad royal commission into antisemitism. This proposed inquiry would examine attitudes towards Israel, conduct at universities, counter-terror responses, and visa policies.
In a deeply personal critique, Sussan Ley raised her voice to question Penny Wong's visible engagement with the grieving community. "I haven’t seen Penny Wong shed a single tear," Ley said, listing vigils and funerals the Foreign Minister had not attended.
Shadow education minister Julian Leeser, who is Jewish, added to the criticism, accusing the government of being "late to act" on issues like banning doxxing and Nazi symbols. Government sources countered that the Coalition had voted against anti-doxxing legislation in November 2024.
Government response and internal Labor dissent
The Albanese government has rejected calls for a federal royal commission, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers stating last week that agencies should be "100% focused" on the investigation rather than a lengthy inquiry. Instead, the government has ordered a review of federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
However, this stance has faced criticism from within Labor's own ranks. Federal MPs Mike Freelander and Ed Husic have publicly backed calls for a federal royal commission. Freelander, who is Jewish, cited "national issues" that need addressing, while Husic expressed concern that federal agencies might not participate fully in a state-based inquiry.
Meanwhile, NSW Premier Chris Minns has announced a state-based royal commission, promising it will be "as comprehensive as possible" and expecting federal cooperation.
Fact-checking the political claims
The government's announcement in August to recognise Palestine followed similar pledges by France, Canada, and the United Kingdom. There is no evidence that this diplomatic move had any bearing on the actions of the attackers, Sajid and Naveen Akram, who were inspired by Islamic State ideology.
The decision was made amidst global reaction to the conflict in Gaza, following the Hamas terror attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. Penny Wong's trip to Israel included meetings with government officials and families of hostages.
Responding to the Coalition's attacks, Wong strongly condemned antisemitism and the Bondi attack, reiterating her call "to turn the temperature down" in Australia's national debate.
