The prime minister has announced a review of intelligence and law enforcement agencies in the wake of the Bondi terror attack.
The review, which follows calls for a wider royal commission, will be led by former top bureaucrat Dennis Richardson.
It will examine the powers and processes of the agencies and report back in April, with the findings to be published.
Dennis Richardson, the former head of ASIO and of the departments of defence and foreign affairs, will lead the review through the prime minister's own department.
Focused on federal agencies including ASIO and the AFP, the review will examine the "powers, structures, processes and sharing arrangements in place to keep Australians safe".
You don't have to be Einstein to see the whole Bondi incident was an abject failure of the Intelligence agencies. I'm pleased he's calling for a formal review. Coalition is calling for a royal commission review which should be considered given that there's evidence that the Minister of Finance, and Home Affairs Minister T. Bourke were repeatedly advised of the resources shortages in counter-terrorism.
The AFP Association, the union for the agency's staff, wrote to Finance Minister Katy Gallagher last month voicing concerns about "chronic and worsening shortages" in key areas including counter-terrorism.
While the enquiry will take at least months to come out with at least preliminary assessments, this may just soften the blow on the proposed firearm regulations. Maybe even find some opposition in the NSW parliament and call for deferment.
