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On January 8, 2026, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a Commonwealth royal commission into the December 14 Bondi Beach mass shooting, which killed 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration. Led by former High Court judge Virginia Bell, the inquiry will investigate antisemitism, intelligence failures, and social cohesion, with a report due by December 14, 2026. The attack, inspired by ISIS, involved father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram. Naveed faces terrorism and murder charges, while Sajid was killed by police. The commission follows mounting public pressure from victims' families, Jewish groups, and public figures.
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Following the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack on December 14, where 15 people were killed, Australian authorities have increased security measures. A man was arrested in Melbourne, and police deployed over 2,500 officers in Sydney for New Year celebrations. The government resists calls for a royal commission, while Israel offers police training assistance.
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On New Year's Eve 2025, Sydney held a minute of silence and a menorah projection on the Harbour Bridge to honor 15 victims of a December 14 mass shooting at a Hanukkah event. Despite heightened security with thousands of armed police, celebrations continued citywide, reflecting resilience amid fears of rising antisemitism and terrorism in Australia.
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A Federal Court judge has declared a six-month police search declaration in Melbourne invalid, citing failure to consider human rights protections. The declaration allowed warrantless searches and face-covering directives, but was lifted early amid legal challenges. The ruling emphasizes the importance of human rights considerations in law enforcement powers.