The Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has sparked a heated debate, with former Prime Minister Tony Abbott accusing the government of using it as a smokescreen to cover up serious governmental and institutional failures. Abbott's criticism centers on the exclusion of key figures, including a whistleblower and senior AFP officials, from the commission's hearings. This exclusion, he argues, suggests a deliberate attempt to divert attention from the real issues at hand.
The whistleblower's 25-page submission to the commission revealed severe staffing shortages and capability issues within the counter-terrorism agency, which were known for years. The former commander's testimony highlighted the dire consequences of these issues, including a 25% vacancy rate in critical positions and a direct risk to national security. Despite this, the commission's focus remained on agency resourcing, with little attention given to the specific allegations.
Abbott's concerns are further fueled by the absence of senior political and law enforcement figures from the hearings. He questions why the political leaders responsible for the AFP's performance were not called to address the growing antisemitism and the potential impact on counter-terrorism efforts. The fact that the commission allotted time for Netball Australia to testify, while key witnesses remained silent, only adds to the controversy.
The opposition, led by Angus Taylor, has called for the commission to be extended, demanding answers about the pressure on counter-terrorism resources before the Bondi attack. Taylor argues that the government's reluctance to confront Islamic extremism will lead to more attacks, echoing Abbott's sentiment that the commission has become a 'Claytons inquiry' - a superficial investigation that fails to address the underlying issues.
As the commission prepares its final report, the debate rages on. Abbott's critique highlights the potential for institutional cover-ups and the need for a thorough investigation into the government's response to the whistleblower's warnings. The outcome of this debate will significantly impact the public's perception of the government's handling of counter-terrorism and antisemitism issues in Australia.
