More than sixty of Australia's most celebrated sports figures have united to issue a powerful demand to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, calling for a federal royal commission into antisemitism, radicalisation, and the Bondi Junction terror attack.
A Unified Call from Sporting Icons
In an open letter published on Sunday, a coalition of elite athletes urged the government to show decisive leadership in the wake of the national tragedy. The signatories include tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt, Olympic gold medallists Jessica Fox and Ian Thorpe, swimming icon Dawn Fraser, and former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke.
The letter describes the attack, which claimed the lives of 15 people, as a profound national crisis requiring a comprehensive national response. "As sporting leaders, we understand that leadership matters, especially when values are tested," the letter states. It calls on the government to confront extremism "without fear or hesitation."
Mounting Pressure on the Federal Government
This appeal represents the latest in a series of public demands for a federal inquiry, which the Prime Minister has so far resisted. Just days earlier, over 120 business leaders and public figures made a similar request in a separate open letter, an appeal later echoed by senior Catholic bishops.
Albanese has consistently argued that a federal royal commission would be too lengthy and broad in scope. Instead, he has commissioned a review of intelligence and law enforcement agencies to be led by former Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) chief Dennis Richardson.
When questioned on the calls for a national commission, the Prime Minister expressed his profound sympathy, stating, "My heart breaks for the families of the victims of the Bondi terrorist atrocity." He defended his position, saying, "My job as the Australian prime minister is to act in the national interest. It is in the national interest for us to do the Richardson review on national security."
The Case for a National Inquiry
The sporting stars' letter contends that the issue transcends politics. It emphasises the urgent need to address the "unprecedented harassment, intimidation and violence" directed at the Australian Jewish community since the events of October 7, 2023.
The signatories advocate that a royal commission is the most credible and unifying way to understand systemic failures, ensure accountability, and restore social harmony. They argue it is essential for developing a practical, actionable plan for the nation's future.
The letter also highlights the impending Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, noting that "the eyes of the world will soon be upon Australia." It stresses that the safety of citizens, the security of public spaces, and the values Australia projects have never been more critical.
Other notable signatories include:
- Nova Peris, former Labor senator and Olympian.
- John Alexander, former tennis professional and Liberal MP.
- Raelene Boyle, former Olympic sprinter.
- Isaac Heeney and former coach John Longmire from the Sydney Swans.
- John Eales, former Wallabies rugby captain.
This collective action from the sporting community significantly amplifies the pressure on the federal government, as it coincides with plans by the New South Wales government to conduct its own state-based royal commission into the attack.
