Australia’s PM announces intelligence, law enforcement review after Bondi massacre
Anthony Albanese has announced an intelligence and law enforcement probe one week after the Bondi massacre.
Following a meeting of the National Security Committee in Canberra, the Australian Prime Minister said today that he ordered the “Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to lead a review into Australia’s federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies” to ensure information was flowing as needed.
“The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet will examine whether federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies have the right powers, structures, processes and sharing arrangements in place to keep Australians safe in the wake of the horrific anti-Semitic Bondi Beach terrorist attack,” he said in a statement.
“The Isis-inspired atrocity last Sunday reinforces the rapidly changing security environment in our nation.
“Our security agencies must be in the best position to respond.”
Albanese said the review, would be led by Dennis Richardson, a respected former public servant who has served as secretary of the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
He is also a former intelligence chief and ambassador to the US.
“The review will build on the work of the Independent Intelligence Review, conducted by Richard Maude and Heather Smith,” Albanese said.
The Prime Minister had signalled a review was on the cards.
Australia’s intelligence and policing services have come under intense scrutiny since the deadly shootings, with many questioning why there were not more police on the scene.
The attackers targeted people attending a Hanukkah festival, killing 15 and seriously wounding dozens more.
Albanese has also suggested he would support a royal commission into the shooting after New South Wales Premier Chris Minns joined growing calls for one.
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