Richardson's Exit Rattles Antisemitism Inquiry

0:00This is Sydney News Today, powered by AI and presented by the Daily News Now. Dennis Richardson has resigned from the Royal Commission investigating anti-symmetism and the worst terror attack in Australian history. Last year, 15 innocent people were killed in a shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese first tapped the former intelligence chief to lead a separate probe into possible policing and intelligence failures. These later folded Richardson's work into the formal Royal Commission headed by Virginia Bell after bowing to public pressure for a full inquiry. Richardson says he felt surplus to requirements and, like an overpaid research assistant, leading to a shock exit. The Jewish community and many Australians are rattled by the move, questioning the commission's ability to deliver answers. Critics point out that Richardson could have stayed on despite frustrations while the Prime Minister set up the structure that merged the efforts. The commission's first public hearings revealed a rocky start with the merger causing

1:01delays in getting documents. Bell noted it slowed things down, so the interim report due April 30th won't include a full verdict on failures that waits for the final one in December. Now the focus is on rebuilding public trust. Survivors, families of victims and the broader community need the inquiry to prove effective and credible to prevent future attacks. The Daily News Now is powered by our sponsor. You know what is better than earbuds and bed? No earbuds at all. Also L.I. SoleyPillow.com