Top spy boss first witness as antisemitism royal commission resumes
The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion resumes with top spy boss Mike Burgess as the first witness. The inquiry will focus on the Bondi terror attack, which resulted in fifteen deaths during a Hanukkah celebration. Hearings will examine the security environment leading up to the attack and the effectiveness of current counter-terrorism measures.
- ▪Mike Burgess, director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, will testify at the royal commission.
- ▪The inquiry will investigate the circumstances surrounding the Bondi terror attack that killed fifteen people.
- ▪Witnesses have reported an increase in antisemitic incidents prior to the shooting.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Top spy boss Mike Burgess to give evidence as antisemitism royal commission resumesBy Phoebe PinTopic:Royal CommissionsMon 25 May 2026 at 5:30amMon 25 May 2026 at 5:30amMon 25 May 2026 at 5:30amMike Burgess is among five witnesses due to give evidence during the second block of hearings at the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. (AAP: Lukas Coch)In short:The head of Australia's spy agency is due to give evidence at the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion as it enters its second hearing block, which will focus on the Bondi terror attack.People with lived experience of antisemitism have previously told the inquiry they observed an increase in antisemitic incidents in the years before the shooting.Some hearings are expected to be closed to the public due to…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).