Politics Now Dennis Richardson: Intelligence findings into Bondi terror attack 'cannot wait'
Mar 13, 2026
Dennis Richardson, former senior intelligence, defence and foreign affairs official who led a targeted inquiry into the Bondi attack, argues findings on intelligence cannot wait until year-end. He discusses why he resigned, trade-offs between a standalone review and a Royal Commission, and options for a second interim report. He stresses urgency, timing and the need for timely recommendations.
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Royal Commission Versus Standalone Inquiry
- A Royal Commission and a standalone inquiry reach the same truth by different routes.
- Dennis Richardson says standalone reviews move faster and get immediate cooperation, while Royal Commissions have compulsory powers that strengthen findings.
Speed Tradeoff For Legal Robustness
- Different investigative formats create different levers: speed versus legal robustness.
- Richardson contrasts immediate access and cooperation in standalone probes with sworn testimony and compulsion powers in Royal Commissions.
Prioritise Early Findings When Public Safety Is At Risk
- Do prioritise releasing intelligence and law enforcement findings quickly when public safety is at stake.
- Richardson urges a second interim report or earlier substantive recommendations because the national threat level and community fear cannot wait until December.