Thank you very much, Chair. Good to see you, Minister. Secretary, may I begin by thanking your staff for the substantial work involved in bringing together the Combating Antisemitism legislation — first the initial omnibus bill, and then the significant task of splitting it out and dealing with amendments, including those requested by various parties. It was a huge effort and a large volume of material, particularly at that time of year. I want to place on the public record my appreciation for their efforts.
Respondent
Thank you also for your comments while the bill was being debated. It meant a lot to the folks working on it to see that kind of recognition across Parliament.
Senator Scarr
It was quality material that was produced. I have just one area of questioning in the cross‑portfolio space. On 30 December 2025, the Prime Minister cited “actual experts” and “current experts” who had advised against establishing a Royal Commission following the deadly terrorist attack in Bondi. Secretary, I want to ask whether you — or anyone in your department — provided any advice to the Prime Minister, prior to those comments, regarding whether a Royal Commission should be convened.
Respondent
Senator, the straightforward answer is: no, I did not personally provide formal advice to the Prime Minister on that topic. We did have a number of discussions — both between my Minister and me — and obviously there were discussions within broader groups of ministers and officials, but the nature of that advice is not something I would normally comment on publicly.
Senator Scarr
No, I appreciate that. But when the Prime Minister referred to “actual experts” and “current experts,” from your perspective, he wasn’t referring to you?
Respondent
Senator, I wouldn’t presume to say what was in the Prime Minister’s mind or who he was thinking of when he said that, and the question of the provision of advice to the Prime Minister is really one for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Senator Scarr
Can I ask then: was the Department of Home Affairs — or were you — asked to give advice about whether a Royal Commission should or should not be established prior to the Prime Minister making those comments on 30 December 2025?
Respondent
Senator, I don’t think I have anything to add to my first answer, which was that there were a number of discussions around the topic.
Senator Scarr
And who was involved in those discussions?
Respondent
As I’ve said, Senator, I had discussions with my Minister, and there were discussions between ministers and officials.
Senator Scarr
Okay. Anyone else in your department — or were you primarily the one involved in those discussions?
Respondent
It would primarily have been me, Senator. If any of my officials have anything to add, I’ll invite them to come to the table, but I don’t believe so.
Senator Scarr
Thank you.
