HomeAUMinns Acknowledges Major Oversight in Intelligence Leading to Bondi Incident

Minns Acknowledges Major Oversight in Intelligence Leading to Bondi Incident

Share and Follow
Minns defended the work of the Joint Counter Terrorism Team, a mix of senior police and intelligence agencies, in thwarting “32 terrorism events” in the state since its formation, as their actions in the lead-up to the attack are analysed at a Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Cohesion.

Today, The Daily Telegraph revealed that two calls made to the National Security Hotline in 2007 and 2024 regarding Sajid Akram were not forwarded to ASIO.

Chris Minns conceded there had been failures to share crucial intelligence in the lead-up to the Bondi shooting.
Chris Minns conceded there had been failures to share crucial intelligence in the lead-up to the Bondi shooting. (Getty)

Akram was fatally shot by police, while his son and alleged accomplice, Naveed, is currently facing legal proceedings in court.

In an interview with 2GB, Minns emphasized his intention not to undermine public confidence in the state’s anti-terrorism efforts by questioning their effectiveness.

“There was clearly a significant lapse in law enforcement and intelligence last December that we must address and improve,” he stated.

“However, I want to assure the public that communication among agencies is ongoing.”

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 21: General view of the memorial at Bondi Pavilion on December 21, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Life slowly returned to normal at Bondi Beach, with people from all walks of life still paying respects and tributes as raw grief and funerals gave way to quiet commemorations. Police say at least 16 people, including one suspected gunman, were killed and more than 40 others injured when two attackers opened fire near a Hanukkah celebration at the world-famous Bondi Beach, i
Minns said he hoped key learnings would come from the ongoing Royal Commission. (Getty)

“These are law enforcement agencies that work with sophisticated technology and have had success in the past. 

“You often don’t read about it because they’ve acted before someone’s committed a horrible terrorism event.”

He said the failure to share the alleged pieces of intelligence with ASIO was more likely because it “slipped through the cracks” rather than a malicious effort to withhold key information.

Speaking to media this morning, he doubled down on his defence of the state’s counter-terrorism agencies, though acknowledged he looked forward to the findings of the ongoing Royal Commission to learn from the mistakes that led to the Bondi shooting.
Chris Minns speaks to media on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Minns insisted the current system was not “broken”. (Nine)
Yesterday, ASIO’s chief Mike Burgess revealed there had been warnings that Jewish holy events were targets for terrorism attacks months before the shooting, which occurred at a Chanukkah celebration.

“I think there’s parts of the intelligence and counter-terrorism architecture that need to be examined, and they need to be examined by the Royal Commission, and we need to make sure that we’re learning from the mistakes that have been made,” Minns said.

“But I’m not going to say it’s broken, I don’t want to send the message out today that if people have suspicions or concerns about something in their community, then they should contact authorities.

“I don’t want the good work of those senior police officers and hard-working intelligence agencies just washed away.”

Share and Follow