Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a royal commission into the Bondi Beach shooting that occurred last month, which resulted in 15 deaths. The announcement, made on Thursday, comes after weeks of public pressure and marks a shift from Albanese's initial stance that reforms on gun ownership, hate speech, antisemitism, and reviews of intelligence and law enforcement agencies would provide a more immediate response.

Albanese stated that he had taken "the time to reflect" and meet with the Jewish community before deciding that a royal commission, the country's highest form of public inquiry, was the most appropriate path forward. "I've repeatedly said that our government's priority is to promote unity and social cohesion, and this is what Australia needs to heal, to learn, to come together in a spirit of national unity," he told reporters in Canberra. "It's clear to me that a royal commission is essential to achieving this."

The December 14 attack, which targeted a Jewish festival, is considered one of the deadliest mass shootings in Australian history. Australia has relatively strict gun control laws compared to countries like the United States, implemented after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania, which claimed 35 lives. These laws include restrictions on semi-automatic weapons and a national firearms registry. However, the Bondi shooting has reignited debate about the effectiveness of existing measures and the potential for further reforms.

Royal commissions in Australia are powerful investigative bodies with the authority to compel witnesses and examine evidence. They are often established to investigate matters of significant public concern and make recommendations for policy changes. This royal commission is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including potential failures in intelligence gathering, law enforcement response, and the role of online hate speech in radicalizing individuals.

The families of the victims and members of the Jewish community have been vocal in their calls for a thorough and independent investigation. The commission's findings could have far-reaching implications for national security policies, community relations, and the ongoing fight against extremism in Australia. The specific terms of reference for the royal commission are expected to be released in the coming days, outlining the scope of the inquiry and the timeline for its completion.