UPDATE: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is under fire after a dramatic reversal on the establishment of a Royal Commission into antisemitism. This announcement comes just days after he vehemently opposed the inquiry, sparking accusations of an “extraordinary lie” during a live interview.
In a shocking turn of events on January 8, 2026, Albanese confirmed the launch of a Commonwealth Royal Commission following immense pressure from victims’ families of the Bondi tragedy, as well as support from sports figures and politicians within his own party. The backlash is intensifying as critics label his previous stance as “fraudulent nonsense.”
During an interview on Sunrise, Albanese defended the swift decision, asserting that a Royal Commission was already “effectively underway” with the New South Wales Government taking initial steps. “We needed to ensure there weren’t two Royal Commissions,” he stated, referencing the prior announcement which has since been retracted.
The Prime Minister emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “This is actually a record time for the calling of a Royal Commission. The last funeral was just two days ago.” He confirmed that the Royal Commission would commence immediately following a meeting of the Executive Council at the Governor-General’s residence.
However, Albanese’s critics are not letting him off the hook easily. Political editor Peter Van Onselen accused him of “gaslighting” the public, arguing that the Prime Minister’s recent claims contradict his earlier warnings that a Royal Commission would create division. “He’s been dragged kicking and screaming into calling a Commonwealth Royal Commission,” Van Onselen asserted.
As the Prime Minister faces increasing scrutiny, he insists that the government’s actions were measured and timely. “My heart breaks for these families,” he said, pleading for understanding as he navigates national security concerns linked to the tragedy. Albanese emphasized that the priority was to assess potential national security threats before initiating a broader inquiry.
Host Edwina Bartholomew challenged Albanese on the timing of the Royal Commission, suggesting that both security assessments and the inquiry could have proceeded concurrently. Albanese dismissed this notion, maintaining that a structured approach was essential to achieve the best outcomes.
With the Royal Commission officially underway, the Prime Minister is now under pressure to ensure that it addresses the families’ concerns effectively and transparently. The next few weeks will be critical as the inquiry unfolds, and public sentiment continues to evolve in response to his government’s handling of the situation.
As developments continue to emerge, this story remains at the forefront of national discourse, with many watching closely for further updates on the Royal Commission’s findings and implications for Australia’s approach to antisemitism and community safety.
