Sports stars join call for royal commission in wake of Bondi terror attack

More than 60 prominent Australian sports figures have joined growing calls for a Commonwealth royal commission into antisemitism, radicalisation and the Bondi terror attack.

The group, which includes Olympians, former elite athletes and senior sporting figures, said Australia’s safety and social cohesion had been deeply shaken by the massacre and warned the attack did not occur in isolation.

“This attack did not occur in isolation. It followed more than two years of escalating extremism, intimidation and unchecked radicalisation within Australia,” the joint statement said.

“Across generations, we have stood for fairness, respect, equality and the principle that every Australian, no matter who they are, deserves safety, dignity and the freedom to live without fear.”

Among those backing the call are Olympic swimming greats Ian Thorpe and Grant Hackett, Olympic gold medallist and former hockey player Nova Peris, former NRL player Brad Fittler, former Olympic swimmer Michael Klim, tennis champion Lleyton Hewitt and Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury.

The signatories said the need for action was heightened by Australia’s role as host of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, warning that the country’s values and public safety would soon be under global scrutiny.

“The safety of our citizens, the integrity of our public spaces, and the values we project as a nation have never mattered more,” the statement said.

“We call on the Australian Government to immediately establish a Commonwealth Royal Commission into antisemitism, radicalisation and the events leading up to the Bondi massacre, as well as take other immediate action to protect the public.

“The safety of Australians, and the future cohesion of our nation, depends on it.”

Thorpe said the hatred directed at the Jewish community in Bondi and beyond was abhorrent and fundamentally un-Australian.

“Hate should have no place in Australia,” he said. “The hate experienced by the Jewish community and our whole community in Bondi and beyond was abhorrent, unjustified and not the Australia I know and love.

“Unfortunately Jewish people are not the only group targeted by hate. First Nations people, people of different faiths, ethnicity and even LGBTIQ+ people remain among those facing rising levels of vilification and targeted violence. Governments at both the federal and state level must do everything in their power to protect all communities who are subjected to hate and violence, now.”

Hackett said a Commonwealth royal commission was essential to protect Australian society.

“When our values are tested, Australians expect strength and leadership, and the tragedy at Bondi was a defining moment for who we are as a nation,” he said.

“A Commonwealth Royal Commission is vital to protect our social fabric, support the Jewish community, and uphold the Australian way of life we are proud to call our own. Australia must act.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has so far resisted calls for a royal commission, arguing it would take too long, would not deliver the urgent response required and could increase vilification.

Instead, he has announced a federal review into intelligence and law enforcement responses to the attack, to be led by former ASIO director-general Dennis Richardson.

The Prime Minister has also said a royal commission is not an effective mechanism for dealing with sensitive intelligence matters.

Despite that position, public pressure has continued to build, with the sports leaders joining victims’ families, community groups, the opposition, business leaders and other prominent Australians in urging a broader national inquiry.

The Bondi attack occurred on 14 December 2025 during a Chanukah gathering, when participants of all ages were targeted in a mass shooting that killed 15 people and injured dozens more.

The sports figures said a royal commission remained the most credible way to examine what went wrong, ensure accountability and restore confidence in Australia’s ability to keep its citizens safe, particularly as the country prepares to host the world in 2032.

Additional reporting by AAP