What's happened
On December 31, 2025, Australia commemorates the new year with fireworks at Sydney Opera House, honoring victims of the December 14 Bondi Beach terror attack. Prime Minister Albanese highlighted resilience and unity, despite heightened security and ongoing investigations into the attack that killed 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration.
What's behind the headline?
The Bondi Beach attack exposes deep vulnerabilities in Australia's security and societal cohesion. Despite the Prime Minister's emphasis on resilience, the reluctance to establish a royal commission signals a tension between urgent accountability and political caution. The opposition's push for a comprehensive inquiry into antisemitism and extremism underscores a broader concern about societal divisions and the effectiveness of law enforcement. The heightened security measures, including unprecedented police firepower, reflect a recognition of ongoing threats but also risk fueling fear and division. The government's focus on unity and resilience, while commendable, must be matched with tangible reforms to prevent future tragedies. The upcoming investigations and community responses will shape Australia's approach to extremism and societal safety in the coming year, with the potential to either bridge divides or deepen mistrust depending on their outcomes.
What the papers say
Sky News reports on the national response and security measures, highlighting the Prime Minister's remarks and the fireworks tribute. SBS provides detailed coverage of the political debate surrounding the royal commission, including opposition calls and Albanese's stance, as well as community voices urging accountability. The articles contrast the government's cautious approach with the mounting pressure from victims' families and political opponents for a more decisive inquiry, illustrating the ongoing debate over how best to address societal extremism and law enforcement accountability in Australia.
How we got here
The attack occurred on December 14 when father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram opened fire during a Hanukkah festival at Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 deaths. The incident has prompted calls for a federal royal commission into antisemitism and law enforcement failures, though Albanese has resisted such inquiries, favoring an independent review led by Dennis Richards. The attack has intensified debates over Australia's counter-terrorism measures and societal safety, with political and community figures urging more accountability and action.
Go deeper
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Anthony Norman Albanese (born 2 March 1963) is an Australian politician who has served as the 31st prime minister of Australia since 2022. He has been the leader of the Labor Party since 2019 and the member of parliament (MP) for the New South Wales divis
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