The scope for a new investigation has been broadened to include examinations of Islamic extremism and neo-Nazi ideologies. Additionally, it will provide recommendations to enhance Australia’s counter-terrorism strategies.

In response to whether Prime Minister Anthony Albanese should testify at a New South Wales or federal royal commission, Ley emphasized that as the nation’s leader, Albanese “should and must take ultimate responsibility for where we are and for where we need to go.”

“The most fatal terrorist attack in Australia’s history has taken place under your leadership,” Ley asserted. “There are no excuses, and a royal commission must be convened immediately.”

While Albanese has not pledged to initiate a federal inquiry, he has expressed support for any actions the New South Wales government decides to undertake.

In a proactive measure, the prime minister has announced a review of Australia’s federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies. This review will be led by Dennis Richardson, the former chief of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).

The prime minister has announced a review into Australia’s federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies led by former chief of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Dennis Richardson.

What can a royal commission do?

It is an offence to not comply with notices issued by a royal commission without a reasonable excuse and those who fail to attend after receiving a summons can face up to two years’ imprisonment.

While the terms of reference at the establishment of a royal commission are critical, O’Neill said it is equally important to consider who will conduct it.

The Coalition’s proposed terms of reference include three commissioners at minimum, including a representative from the Jewish community, an expert in counter terrorism and a current or former superior court judge.

What is the Coalition proposing?

“Normally, when there’s a crisis like this, like a bushfire or a bridge collapse or something, we appoint royal commissions to do two things. One is to clarify the facts: what happened, who’s responsible and secondly, what can we do to stop this thing from happening in the future? And that’s when you get into the wider issues.”

“The Commonwealth can’t investigate a state matter that’s outside the Commonwealth’s constitutional responsibility, so they’ve got to get the state government on board,” he said.

How do you measure the success of a royal commission?

He said that while some royal commissions’ findings may be initially ignored, there have also been inquiries that have had long-term impacts and “gradually get their views adopted, which means that they’re having a real impact”.