4 hours agoThu 1 Jan 2026 at 1:00pm

A menorah stands amount candles, flowers and an Australian flag at a memorial to the victims of the Bondi terror attack. (ABC News: Mary Lloyd)

In short:

More than 100 business leaders have signed a statement calling for a federal royal commission in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack.

Signatories include former RBA governors Philip Lowe and Glenn Stevens, billionaire James Packer and former GrainCorp chief executive Alison Watkins.

What's next?

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a review of intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

Former Reserve Bank governors and CEOs are among 125 business leaders now calling for a Commonwealth royal commission in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack.

The federal government has faced growing calls, including from victims' families and Jewish community leaders, for a broader national inquiry into the mass shooting last month, which saw 15 people killed.

Now, an eminent group of Australians has penned a statement urging the government to establish a royal commission into antisemitism and the events leading up to the terrorist attack.

Signatories include former RBA governors Philip Lowe and Glenn Stevens, billionaire James Packer, former GrainCorp chief executive Alison Watkins, former Telstra CEO David Thodey and former Tennis Australia chair Jayne Hrdlicka. 

BHP chair Ross McEwan and Origin chair Scott Perkins are part of the joint statement, as well as former politicians Jeff Kennett, James Merlino and Josh Frydenberg. 

"As business leaders and proud Australians committed to upholding our values of tolerance and mutual respect, we recognise the need for clear answers as to how the Bondi massacre could occur," the statement said. 

"And for practical solutions to restore social cohesion and protect the safety of all Australians.

"This is a national crisis, which requires a national response."

The business leaders said there must be an end to the "unprecedented harassment intimidation and violence" directed at the Australian Jewish community since the war in Gaza began in 2023. 

Pressure building

Pressure has steadily been building on the federal government to establish a royal commission since the tragedy unfolded on December 14 — particularly from the opposition. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has resisted calls, reiterating that led by former spy boss Dennis Richardson would be the quickest way to get answers.