Royal Commission finds counter-terrorism funding decline amid Bondi terror attack investigation
Consensus Summary
A royal commission interim report revealed that while overall funding for Australia's National Intelligence Community (NIC) increased by 31% from $10.9 billion in 2020-21 to $14.3 billion in 2024-25, the share allocated to counter-terrorism significantly declined during the same period. The report, following the December 2025 Bondi terror attack that killed 15 people, also highlighted outdated counterterrorism plans, communication gaps between agencies, and a shift in ASIO's focus toward foreign espionage. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his government have pledged to implement all applicable recommendations, though five were redacted for national security reasons. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor criticized the government for allegedly deprioritizing counter-terrorism amid heightened global threats, while government officials defended the overall funding increases and response to the report. The commission will continue hearings, including closed sessions, before issuing a final report by the end of 2026.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Royal Commission on Anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion interim report found NIC funding grew from $10.9bn in 2020-21 to $14.3bn in 2024-25 (31% increase)
- The report noted a 'significant decline' in the proportion of NIC funding allocated to counter-terrorism from 2020 to 2025
- ASIO chief Mike Burgess stated the agency shifted focus from counter-terrorism to foreign espionage and interference since 2021
- Five of the 14 recommendations in the interim report were redacted for national security reasons
- The Bondi terror attack occurred on December 14, 2025, killing 15 people and injuring dozens, allegedly by Naveed Akram and his father Sajid
- Australia's national terrorism threat level was raised to 'probable' in August 2024
- The Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee (ANZCTC) had not substantively updated the national counterterrorism plan since 2019
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino both stated the government would implement all applicable royal commission recommendations
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino refused to confirm specific budget allocations for counter-terrorism but emphasized the government's quick response to recommendations
- The National Security Committee did not push for a stronger counter-terror focus despite the raised threat level
- Naveed Akram has yet to enter pleas to 59 charges, including 40 counts of attempted murder, and his father was shot dead by police
- The first public hearings of the royal commission began in Sydney on Monday, May 6, 2026
- The ABC noted that the head of the ANZCTC (counterterror coordinator) has been required to handle additional roles including citizenship, social cohesion, and counter-foreign interference since 2019
- The Dural caravan bomb hoax in early 2025 was described as a 'fabricated terrorism plot' and 'criminal con job' by AFP in March 2026
- The royal commission identified outdated counterterrorism plans and communication gaps between agencies, including concerns about joint counterterrorism teams' information management
- The Coalition accused the government of 'leadership, judgement, and preparedness' failures in responding to the Bondi attack
Where the reporting differs
Details that conflict, or appear in only some outlets:
- Article 1 states the National Security Committee did not push for a stronger counter-terror focus, while Article 3 implies the committee's inaction contributed to the funding shift
- Article 2 quotes Opposition Leader Angus Taylor calling the funding reallocation an 'egregious error,' while Article 1's Assistant Treasurer Mulino suggests the government's response was appropriate
- Article 3 notes the Coalition said the government deprioritized counterterrorism, but Article 1's Mulino claims agencies typically decide funding priorities and can request additional funds
Source Articles
Hint on budget amid Bondi revelations
Labor has hinted more money could go toward counter-terrorism after key findings from the Bondi Beach terror attack royal commission.
Albo riled by counter-terror question
Intelligence agencies are spending less on counter-terrorism compared with five years ago despite getting more funding.
Counterterrorism intelligence's share of funding in 'significant' decline
Royal commissioner Virginia Bell says classified documents reveal a significant shift in intelligence spending away from counterterrorism since 2020, in the first findings of what failings led to last year's Bondi terror attack.