Following the devastating terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed the establishment of a Royal Commission to investigate the massacre and the broader issue of antisemitism in Australia.
The announcement follows intense public scrutiny of Australia’s counter-terrorism framework, firearms licensing regime, and intelligence agency oversight. Below, we outline the key facts surrounding the attack, the criminal proceedings underway, and what the Royal Commission will examine.
The Bondi Beach Shooting: Key Facts
According to the prosecution case, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram, residents of Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s south-west, travelled to Bondi Beach after renting an Airbnb property in Campsie. Family members were allegedly told the pair were travelling for a holiday or fishing trip in regional New South Wales.
On Sunday, 14 December 2025, the two men allegedly drove from Campsie to North Bondi, carrying three firearms to which Sajid Akram lawfully had access under a valid firearms licence.
That evening, a large community event known as “Chanukah by the Sea” was taking place at Archer Park, North Bondi, attracting approximately 1,000 attendees. The event, celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, was publicly advertised and scheduled between 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm.
From approximately 6:50 pm, the accused allegedly opened fire into the crowd and surrounding areas. As people attempted to flee, further shots were discharged. Police allege the attackers also threw homemade pipe bombs, which failed to detonate.
Casualties and Injuries
The attack resulted in the deaths of 15 people, including a 10-year-old child.
A further 40 people were seriously injured, among them two police officers.
NSW Police fatally shot Sajid Akram at the scene. Naveed Akram survived with critical injuries and now faces multiple serious criminal charges.
Charges Against Naveed Akram
Naveed Akram has been charged with an extensive range of offences, including:
- 15 counts of murder under section 18 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) (maximum penalty: life imprisonment);
- 1 count of committing a terrorist act under section 101.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth) (maximum penalty: life imprisonment);
- 40 counts of attempted murder under section 27 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) (maximum penalty: 25 years’ imprisonment per count);
- 1 count of discharging a firearm with intent under section 33A of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) (maximum penalty: 25 years’ imprisonment).
The prosecution case is ongoing, with further court updates available through the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
Alleged Planning and Extremist Motivation
Investigators allege the attack was premeditated and ideologically motivated.
CCTV footage reportedly shows the pair conducting reconnaissance at Bondi Beach in the days prior to the attack. Police also allege they have video evidence of the men transporting firearms wrapped in blankets from the Campsie Airbnb to their vehicle.
The prosecution brief includes material allegedly showing militant-style training undertaken overseas, as well as recordings in which the offenders express allegiance to Islamic State (ISIS). ISIS flags were allegedly located inside the vehicle used during the attack.
Authorities allege the attack deliberately targeted the Jewish community on the first night of Hanukkah, making antisemitism a central motive.
Prior ASIO Involvement
In 2019, Naveed Akram reportedly came to the attention of ASIO due to associations with an ISIS-linked youth recruiter. That recruiter was later imprisoned for encouraging minors to commit terrorist acts in Australia.
ASIO monitored Naveed Akram for approximately six months, ultimately assessing that he did not pose an immediate or ongoing threat at that time. No further action was taken.
These circumstances are expected to be closely examined by the Royal Commission.
Why a Royal Commission Was Established
Initially, the Federal Government proposed an independent review of intelligence and security agency conduct, to be led by former ASIO Director-General Dennis Richardson.
However, amid growing public pressure and community concern, Prime Minister Albanese announced that a Royal Commission would instead be established, acknowledging that only a Royal Commission had the breadth of powers required to examine all aspects of the attack.
The previously announced Richardson Review will now form part of the Royal Commission’s interim findings.
Terms of Reference and Reporting Dates
The Letters Patent, issued on 9 January 2026, appoint former High Court Justice Virginia Bell AC as Commissioner.
The Royal Commission will inquire into:
- The nature and prevalence of antisemitism in Australian society and institutions;
- The role of ideological and religious extremism in driving antisemitic conduct;
- The circumstances leading up to and surrounding the Bondi Beach terrorist attack;
- Measures required to strengthen law enforcement, intelligence, border control and immigration responses;
- Broader strategies to enhance social cohesion and counter radicalisation.
The Commission is required to deliver:
- an interim report by 30 April 2026, and
- a final report by 14 December 2026, marking one year since the attack.
What Is a Royal Commission?
A Royal Commission is the most powerful form of public inquiry available under Australian law. It is independent of government and has extensive coercive powers, including the ability to:
- compel witnesses to give evidence under oath;
- require the production of documents and information;
- conduct public and private hearings;
- receive submissions from the public;
- hold confidential private sessions with affected individuals.
Royal Commission findings are published in a final report tabled in Parliament. While they do not determine criminal guilt, their findings may lead to legislative reform, policy change, or further civil or criminal proceedings.
Understanding Antisemitism
Antisemitism refers to hostility, prejudice or discrimination against Jewish people. It can be directed at individuals, institutions, or the Jewish community as a whole and may be based on religious, ethnic or racial grounds.
The Royal Commission’s focus on antisemitism reflects increasing concern about ideologically motivated violence and hate-based extremism in Australia.
Need Legal Advice?
If you or someone you know is facing serious criminal charges, early legal advice is critical. Criminal Lawyers Group provides strategic defence representation across NSW in complex criminal and national security matters.