Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has avoided directly answering questions about whether an Islamic State cell is currently operating in Australia, in the wake of the devastating terror attack at Bondi Beach.
Just over two weeks ago, Australia experienced its deadliest terrorist incident when gunmen targeted a Hanukkah celebration, killing 15 people, wounding dozens, and deeply affecting the nation’s multicultural harmony.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his cabinet have described the attack as an “ISIS-inspired atrocity” and pledged to crack down on hate preachers—Islamic clerics accused of fostering antisemitism and violence.
As the minister overseeing intelligence agencies and the federal police, Burke is leading significant aspects of the government’s response.
When pressed on Tuesday about whether intelligence suggests an active Islamic State cell in Australia, Burke remained evasive.
“The terror threat level in Australia remains ‘probable,’ which we all regret, but that’s the reality,” Burke said in an ABC interview.
“There are measures we can take to address this, including extensive counter-terrorism efforts.
“But also tackling bigotry, hate speech, and hate groups directly, while enhancing our ability to deport individuals who harbour hatred toward Australia and its people.
“All these steps are essential and cannot be delayed.”
Questions persist about how the suspects, father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram, evaded closer scrutiny by counter-terrorism authorities.
Sajid Akram, who was fatally shot by police, had legally acquired six firearms since obtaining his licence in 2013.
In 2019, his son Naveed was investigated for associating with members of a suspected Islamic State cell in Sydney.
Despite this, he was no longer actively monitored, even though he attended a western Sydney Islamic centre known for extremist sermons.
That centre, operated by controversial preacher Wissam Haddad, was recently closed by local authorities for lacking proper permits.
Haddad’s lawyer has stated that he “strongly denies any awareness of or involvement in” the Bondi attack.
During a Tuesday press conference alongside the Prime Minister and Burke, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett provided updates on the suspects’ activities, including their recent travel to the Philippines.
“I can confirm the two individuals alleged to be responsible for the 14 December terror attack at Bondi Beach spent nearly a month in the Philippines,” Barrett said, noting their time in Davao City.
Davao City is located on Mindanao, a region known for Islamist extremism.
“Initial findings from the Philippine National Police indicate the pair seldom left their hotel, with no signs they received training or made preparations for the attack,” she added, refuting suggestions of militant training.
“CCTV from their stay has been shared with the AFP for review.
“At this stage, assessments suggest these individuals acted alone.
“There is no indication they were part of a larger terrorist network or directed by others.
“However, this was clearly not a tourist trip.”
