Richardson Quits Security Inquiry, Royal Commission Continues

0:00Stay informed in two minutes or less with Sydney news today from the Daily News Now. Veteran public servant Dennis Richardson, a 78-year-old former head of ASIO and top defense official, has quit his role leading in inquiry. Into security failures around the Bondi massacre. His work was folded into the broader anti-symmetism, Royal Commission, where he felt sidelined in no longer adding value, despite earning $5,500 a day. The inquiry started as a standalone effort announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albany's last December, praising Richardson s decades of service across multiple governments. But after public pressure led to a full royal commission under former high court judge Virginia Bell, his role got absorbed without him becoming a commissioner clashing with his independent style against the commission s formal process. Richardson told media he became surplus to requirements, like a research officer on tough assignments he prefers. E-roading his job satisfaction. His exit is seen as an embarrassment for Albany's, raising questions about the setup and whether keeping it separate or appointing him commissioner.

1:08Might have avoided the friction. The security report is still on track for April, though now more general and less detailed than planned. Key team members, including ex-counterterrorism coordinator Tony Sheahan and former defense deputy Peter Baxter, remain to finish the interim findings. Bell noted the work is well advanced and Richardson has publicly backed her as an outstanding jurist with a strong team. While opposition voices call it a setback, the commission pushes forward amid growing pressures. This story is made possible by our sponsor. If sleep podcasts are your thing, this is your pillow, built for comfort and calm, S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com.