Dennis Richardson resigns as Special Adviser to Royal Commission into Antisemitism

Former ASIO director-general Dennis Richardson has abruptly resigned from his role as Special Adviser to the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.

Richardson, widely regarded as one of Australia’s most experienced national security figures, stepped down after concluding his contributions had become unnecessary under the commission’s framework.

In interviews on Thursday, he described feeling “surplus to requirements” and “grossly overpaid”, earning $5,500 a day for what he saw as limited, research-oriented work that did not align with his original expectations.

The Royal Commission, chaired by former High Court Justice Virginia Bell, was established by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following the 14 December 2025 attack at a Chanukah event on Bondi Beach.

The incident killed 15 people and remains Australia’s deadliest antisemitic terrorist attack. The inquiry is examining the attack’s circumstances, security and intelligence agency preparedness and response, and the broader surge in antisemitism in Australia.

Commissioner Bell confirmed the resignation in a statement, praising Richardson’s early input: “Dennis Richardson has resigned from his position as Special Adviser to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.”

She highlighted his expertise in securing information from intelligence agencies to assess their effectiveness against terrorism threats. Bell added that progress on the interim report, due by the end of April 2026 and a final report before the attack’s first anniversary in December 2026.

Bell stated that progress was well advanced thanks to Richardson and his team, including Tony Sheehan (former Commonwealth Counter-Terrorism Coordinator and ASIO deputy director-general) and Peter Baxter (former deputy secretary at Defence and AusAID director-general). Sheehan and Baxter will continue assisting.

Richardson told media he had contemplated resigning for weeks, citing insufficient early clarity on his role’s scope and integration into the commission’s legal structure. He described himself as feeling like a “fifth wheel” at times, with his work reduced to that of a “highly paid researcher”.

The resignation prompted sharp political criticism. Opposition MP Andrew Wallace called it a serious red flag for the inquiry’s direction and organisation. “Dennis Richardson is one of the most respected intelligence and national security figures this country has ever produced,” Wallace said.

“When someone of his calibre feels surplus to requirements, Australians are right to ask serious questions. This inquiry is too important for confusion, delay, or structural shortcomings. The families of the victims and the Australian Jewish community deserve real answers and real accountability.” Wallace urged the Prime Minister and Attorney-General to explain the circumstances and confirm no impact on timelines.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Jewish community leaders were blindsided by the news, with reports describing the departure as leaving the community “in the lurch” after their sustained push for a robust inquiry into the Bondi attack and rising antisemitic incidents.

Coverage noted the resignation shocked representatives who had high expectations for Richardson’s involvement due to his credibility and expertise in national security matters. Some sources expressed alarm that the loss could undermine the commission’s effectiveness and credibility, particularly given the Jewish community’s recent fears over personal safety declines, among the steepest globally, amid escalating threats.

Richardson served as ASIO director-general from 1996 to 2005, followed by secretary roles at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Defence. His decades-long influence in Australia’s security establishment made his appointment, and now his exit, a focal point for the inquiry.