No intelligence agency had forewarning of the terror attack that unfolded at Bondi Beach, as revealed during a high-level investigation into the tragic event.
During the inquiry held on Monday, which involved first-hand testimonies about increasing anti-Semitic sentiments in the area, a royal commission began scrutinizing whether security agencies missed opportunities to prevent the mass shooting on December 14 that claimed 15 lives.
The proceedings commenced with testimony from ASIO director-general Mike Burgess, with additional insights expected from top officials of the Australian Federal Police and NSW Police.
Additionally, two members from the Jewish security organization, CSG NSW, are scheduled to provide their perspectives.
Prior to the witness statements, Richard Lancaster, the counsel assisting the royal commission, highlighted the anticipated revelations, noting the attack was considered a “surprise assault.”
“The examination of circumstances surrounding such a harrowing and deeply distressing event must be done sympathetically but unflinchingly,” he told the commission.
“There is no evidence any intelligence agency or law enforcement agency had any actual knowledge or specific information to suggest there might be an armed attack on the Hanukkah celebration.”
Among the issues under scrutiny will be security arrangements for the Chanukah by the Sea event targeted by two gunmen and what counter-terrorism agencies and police knew about the shooters.
Mr Lancaster said the Hanukkah community events were viewed by NSW Police as tier one security risks, compared with other Jewish celebrations held in September and October 2025 which were tier three, the highest threat.
Tier three events prompt counter-terrorism officers to manage policing of events, while tier one events are run by local officers.
In the lead-up to the attack, CSG warned NSW Police that a heightened atmosphere of anti-Semitism made a terror attack on the community likely, an interim report by the commission revealed in April.
Police planned to provide a high-visibility presence at the event, but they noted internally there was “no need to stay the entire duration” and ultimately only four officers and one area commander attended the event at various times.
Among 14 recommendations in the interim report was the need for tighter security arrangements at Jewish community gatherings.
Other endorsements included implementing nationally consistent firearm laws and a gun buyback scheme.
The report also recommended considering making the role of commonwealth counter-terrorism co-ordinator full-time and clarifying the role of the Australia-New Zealand counter-terrorism committee – including regular briefings to national cabinet.
The report also made five recommendations that were redacted from the publicly released version for national security reasons.
The second hearing block will look at the resourcing of counter-terrorism and the effectiveness of current powers, systems and processes of security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
Commissioner Virginia Bell earlier suggested much of the second block of public hearings would be behind closed doors to avoid impacting national security and the ongoing criminal prosecution of surviving shooter Naveed Akram.