By Samantha Carter, Chief Editor
The director-general of security for the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO), Mike Burgess, testified Monday before a Royal Commission regarding the events leading up to the December 2025 Bondi Beach terror attack. The inquiry is examining the surge in antisemitism that preceded the shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration.
During his testimony, Burgess stated that antisemitism in Australia was left unchecked following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led onslaught, which he argued normalized violent behavior and provided “more permission for violence.” According to Burgess, the agency observed strong emotions in the country immediately following the 2023 attacks, including instances where people celebrated the Hamas assault. This rise in antisemitic incidents was a contributing factor in ASIO’s decision to raise the national terrorism threat level to “probable” in August 2024.
Burgess detailed an escalation in severity from late 2024, shifting from intimidating behavior to the direct targeting of individuals, businesses, and places of worship. The agency concluded that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was responsible for attacks on a kosher restaurant in Sydney and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne. These findings led to the expulsion of Iran’s ambassador in August 2025. Burgess added that while the agency suspects Iranian involvement in other incidents, it remains difficult to pinpoint responsibility due to the use of proxy networks.
Inquiry into Bondi Security
The Royal Commission, the highest form of inquiry in Australia, is tasked with reporting to the government before the first anniversary of the shooting, which stands as the nation’s worst mass shooting since 1996. Richard Lancaster, Senior Counsel Assisting the Royal Commission, provided a timeline of the attack, noting that only four police officers were present when the shooting began. Within 29 seconds, 10 people had been killed and an 11th wounded.
Lancaster revealed that the Community Security Group had requested a police presence for the duration of the event. however, the Hanukkah celebration was given the lowest security priority on a three-tier scale. In contrast, Jewish High Holy Days in September and October were designated as top-tier events with specialized oversight. Lancaster stated there was no evidence that law enforcement had specific information suggesting an armed attack would occur, describing the event as a “surprise attack.”
Context and Implications
The testimony highlights a potential shift in how Australian authorities may manage security for religious and community gatherings moving forward. With the commission mandated to report back to the government, the findings could lead to a re-evaluation of threat assessment protocols and resource allocation for public events.
As the commission continues its work, legal proceedings remain ongoing. The surviving gunman, who allegedly brought handmade Islamic State flags to the site, faces charges including 15 counts of murder and 40 counts of attempted murder. Analysts expect the commission’s final report to play a significant role in shaping future national security policies regarding domestic extremism and the protection of vulnerable communities.
