The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) is facing scrutiny following the Bondi terror attack, leading its Director-General, Mike Burgess, to announce an independent review of the agency's past assessments. In 2019, ASIO concluded that the alleged gunmen, Naveed and Sajid Akram, did not intend to carry out acts of violent extremism. However, in light of recent events, Burgess has stated his agency remains firm in that conclusion, though he recognizes the need for transparency and accountability.

In addition to the review of the assessment, Burgess has expressed support for a royal commission into antisemitism, reflecting the broader societal concern regarding hate crimes and extremism. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging any potential mistakes that may emerge during the investigation, highlighting ASIO's commitment to improving its processes and ensuring public safety. This move could indicate an increasing pressure on intelligence agencies to provide more thorough assessments and possibly prevent similar incidents in the future.

The implications of this review and the royal commission extend beyond just ASIO; they resonate throughout Australian society. The Bondi attack has raised significant questions about how effectively intelligence agencies identify and mitigate threats, particularly those related to extremism. As the independent review unfolds, the findings could lead to critical changes within ASIO and may also influence public perception of national security measures, urging a reconsideration of how threats are evaluated and addressed.