Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a sweeping review of the nation's police and intelligence agencies in the wake of a deadly terrorist attack on Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach. The December 14 shooting, allegedly inspired by Islamic State (ISIS) ideology, resulted in the deaths of 15 people at a family-oriented Hanukkah celebration.
Prime Minister Announces Probe Into 'Real Issues'
Speaking on Sunday, Prime Minister Albanese stated there are 'real issues' with the country's intelligence apparatus that must be addressed. He has ordered an examination into whether police and spy services possess the necessary powers, structures, and information-sharing protocols to protect Australian citizens effectively.
'The ISIS-inspired atrocity last Sunday reinforces the rapidly changing security environment in our nation,' Albanese said. 'Our security agencies must be in the best position to respond.' The review will specifically scrutinize events from 2019, when one of the alleged attackers was previously investigated.
Details of the Attack and the Accused
The attack was carried out by a father and son, according to authorities. Sajid Akram, 50, an Indian national who entered Australia on a visa in 1998, was shot and killed by police during the incident. His son, 24-year-old Australian-born Naveed Akram, remains hospitalized under police guard and faces a multitude of charges, including terrorism and 15 counts of murder.
In a concerning revelation, Australian authorities confirmed that Naveed Akram was investigated by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) in 2019 for potential radicalization. At that time, he was assessed as not posing a threat. His father was also questioned as part of that probe but subsequently managed to obtain a gun license, allowing him to legally own six rifles.
International Travel Under Scrutiny
The investigation has taken an international turn, with detectives in both Australia and the Philippines examining a four-week trip the pair took to the southern Philippines island of Mindanao just weeks before the Bondi attack. Staff at a hotel in Davao City reported the men spent most of their 28-day stay holed up in their room.
When questioned about the trip and the radicalization of the accused, Prime Minister Albanese noted it was under investigation but emphasized the shocking nature of the event, given that the individuals were 'not seen to be persons of interest' prior to the massacre.
The tragedy at Bondi Beach has sent shockwaves through Australia, prompting a national reckoning on security, intelligence gathering, and the evolving threats of homegrown radicalization.
