Anthony Albanese is very good at politics. His judgment is almost always sound, both as a strategist and as a tactician. Nobody would accuse him of being an inspirational leader like Gough Whitlam, or a big thinker like Paul Keating. But he knows all the moves. He seldom makes mistakes. What he may lack in charisma he makes up for in cunning.

So he would understand better than anyone the damage to his personal standing of his muted response to the Bondi Beach massacre. The contrast with NSW Premier Chris Minns could not be greater, as was evident at the very different receptions they received at the memorial service.

The inadequacy of that response is now defined by Albanese’s stubbornness in refusing to hold a royal commission.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.Credit: Getty Images

There is an overwhelming demand for one from all sections of the community. I cannot remember when so many eminent Australians have spoken out with such urgency, in one voice: former governors-general and state governors; hundreds of the country’s senior barristers and judges (including former chief justices of the Supreme Court of NSW and of all three federal jurisdictions: the High Court, the Federal Court and the Family Court); a large cross-section of business and community leaders, including iconic names such as David Gonski; church leaders; sporting champions; nearly every national newspaper (including this one).

Most importantly, of course, the families of the victims have demanded one. If their voices can’t get through to the........

© The Sydney Morning Herald