The Briefing Making the Bondi royal commission count + US mother shot dead by ICE
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Jan 8, 2026 Deirdre O'Neill, an Associate Professor in public policy at Monash University, shares her expertise on royal commissions, particularly in light of the upcoming inquiry into the Bondi Beach terror attack. She discusses the unique powers royal commissions have to compel evidence and why they are a more effective option than other inquiries. O'Neill also highlights the importance of clear terms of reference and strong leadership to ensure successful outcomes, making the case for why this inquiry is crucial for accountability and prevention.
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Royal Commissions' Unique Power
- Royal Commissions are the highest-level inquiries with semi-judicial powers to compel evidence and testimony.
- They advise governments with recommendations but cannot force implementation.
Compulsion Is The Key Difference
- Royal Commissions can subpoena people and evidence, unlike other inquiries.
- That compulsion capability underpins calls for one into the Bondi attack to get interstate and federal agencies to testify.
Why A National Commission Matters
- A federal Royal Commission is preferred to avoid constitutional and practical barriers when probing federal agencies.
- States can join, but national leadership ensures access to federal personnel and agencies.