The Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has sparked a heated debate, with former Prime Minister Tony Abbott accusing the government of using it as a smokescreen to cover up serious failures in counter-terrorism efforts. Abbott's criticism comes as a whistleblower's 25-page submission to the commission exposes severe staffing shortages and capability issues within the Australian Federal Police (AFP) that were known for years.
The whistleblower, a former senior AFP commander, detailed how the agency's counter-terrorism and special investigations vacancy rates had exceeded 25% as early as May 2024, according to an Executive Brief. This alarming information was submitted to the Royal Commission, yet the commission's hearings failed to call key political and law enforcement figures to address these allegations.
Abbott finds it 'bizarre' that the Royal Commission did not invite political leaders responsible for the AFP's performance to testify. He argues that the absence of these figures raises questions about the commission's effectiveness in uncovering the truth. The former PM also highlights the lack of testimony from Islamist preachers who have been stirring up Jew hatred, suggesting a potential bias in the commission's witness selection.
The AFP, in response to the submission, stated that the commission heard from numerous parties but declined to comment further, citing the ongoing nature of the inquiry. The Royal Commission, in turn, defended its decision, explaining that witness selection is based on relevance and the potential impact of their evidence. However, the absence of key political figures and the inclusion of Netball Australia as a witness have drawn criticism from the Opposition Leader, Angus Taylor.
Taylor calls for the Royal Commission to be extended, emphasizing the need for answers regarding the pressure on counter-terrorism resources before the Bondi terror attack. He suggests that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, ministers responsible for critical portfolios, and law enforcement specialists should all testify. Taylor's concerns echo the whistleblower's submission, which highlights the urgent need for a thorough investigation into the AFP's capabilities and resource allocation.
As the Royal Commission prepares its final report, the debate over its effectiveness and scope continues. Abbott's criticism and Taylor's calls for extension underscore the public's demand for transparency and accountability in the wake of the Bondi attack. The government's response to these calls will be crucial in shaping public perception and trust in the commission's findings.
