Burke backs ASIO amid Bondi attack questions

Tony Burke says he has full confidence in Australia’s domestic intelligence agency as questions are raised about how the father and son duo accused in the Bondi attack were able to travel to the Philippines last month without raising flags. Burke told ABC’s 7.30 that he has reviewed the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation’s decisions regarding 24-year-old Naveed Akram, charged with 59 offences including 15 counts of murder, and he remains confident in the agency’s actions. He stressed that decisions were not all made under the current government and that he is not playing political games, asserting that his confidence stands regardless of who was in office.

The Bondi attack has reverberated through Sydney’s Jewish community, which is preparing for a second round of funerals for the 15 people killed, including 10-year-old Matilda. The first two funerals, for Rabbis Eli Schlanger and Yaakov Levitan, were held earlier this week. Seventeen of the 38 people injured remain in hospital, with one in a critical condition.

Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he spoke with community leaders about the tragedy and condemned the violence, calling it a stark example of rising antisemitism that requires a firm response from authorities. The discussions come as investigators probe how Akram, who first drew scrutiny in October 2019 for alleged links to individuals involved in an Islamic State cell, could travel to the Philippines last month, prompting renewed debates over travel controls and border safeguards.

Officials say the case underscores the ongoing need for vigilant intelligence work and a thorough review of decisions to balance security with civil liberties. As the community mourns, authorities continue to examine potential gaps to prevent future harm while reaffirming their commitment to public safety.

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