Sporting Legends’ Statement In Full & Signatories

“As Australians who have had the honour of playing and coaching our sport at the highest level including representing our nation with pride, integrity and dignity, we extend our deepest sympathy to the families who lost fifteen loved ones in this atrocity – including 10-year-old Matilda, whose smile we will never forget.

Since this horrific attack, a wide cross-section of Australian leaders – including those from law, national security, business and public service – have joined with the victims families to publicly call for a commonwealth royal commission into anti-Semitism, radicalisation and the events that led to 14 December.

This attack did not occur in isolation. It followed more than two years of escalating extremism, intimidation and unchecked radicalisation within Australia. What unfolded at Bondi was an act of terrorism driven by violent extremist ideology, and its consequences have shaken the foundations of our national safety and social cohesion.

As sports leaders, past and present, we have witnessed firsthand the power of sport to unite Australians of every background, belief and community. Across generations, we have stood for fairness, respect, equality and the principle that every Australian – no matter who they are – deserves safety, dignity and the freedom to live without fear.

Today, we cannot remain silent. This is not who we are.

This is not the Australia we represented.

As sporting leaders, we understand that leadership matters, especially when values are tested. We call on the Prime Minister and the Australian Government to show decisive national leadership by confronting extremism and terrorism in all its forms, without fear or hesitation.

We must also put an end to the unprecedented harassment, intimidation and violence that has been directed at the Australian Jewish community since October 7, 2023.

Olympic gold medallist Jess Fox at the candlelight vigil in Bondi. Picture: Tom ParrishThis is a national crisis, and it demands a national response.

This is bigger than politics.

It is about the character of our country and the Australia we want future generations to inherit.

With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games approaching, the eyes of the world will soon be upon Australia. The safety of our citizens, the integrity of our public spaces, and the values we project as a nation have never mattered more.

We call on the Australian Government to immediately establish a commonwealth royal commission into anti-Semitism, radicalisation and the events leading up to the Bondi massacre as well as take other immediate action to protect the public.

A royal commission is the most credible and unifying pathway to understanding what went wrong, ensuring accountability, restoring social harmony and taking Australia forward with a meaningful, practical plan of action.

As Australians who have long championed unity and national pride – on the field and beyond it – we implore our leaders to act with urgency and moral clarity.

The safety of Australians, and the future cohesion of our nation, depends on it.”

SIGNATORIES

John Alexander OAM, Tennis

Peter Antonie OAM, Rowing

Luke Beveridge, AFL

Raelene Boyle AM, MBE, Athletics

Steve Bradbury OAM, Speed skating

Wayne Carey, AFL

Emma Carney, Triathalon

Michael Clarke AO, Cricket

Alistair Clarkson, AFL

Denis Cotterell, Swimming

Dean Cox, AFL

David Crawshay OAM, Rowing

Rob de Castella AO, MBE, Marathon

Phil Davis, AFL

Robert Dipierdomenico, AFL

Louise Dobson OAM, Hockey

Mick Doohan, Motorcycle racing

Josh Eagle, Tennis

John Eales AM, Rugby Union

Chris Fagan, AFL

Mick Fanning AO, Surfing

Brad Fittler, NRL

Jess Fox OAM, Canoe, slalom

Dawn Fraser AC MBE, Swimming

Richard Fromberg, Tennis

Drew Ginn OAM, Rowing

Grant Hackett OAM, Swimming

Shane Heal, Basketball

Gerard Healy, AFL

Greg Healy, AFL

Isaac Heeney, AFL

Lleyton Hewitt, Tennis

Andrew Hoy OAM, Equestrian

Chris Judd, AFL

Phil Kearns AM, Rugby Union

John Kennedy Jr, AFL

Michael Klim OAM, Swimming

Anthony Koutoufides, AFL

John Longmire, AFL

Ross Lyon, AFL
John Maclean OAM, Triathlete / Rowing

Russell Mark OAM, Shooting

Susie Maroney OAM, Marathon swimming

Leigh Matthews, AFL

Cam McEvoy OAM, Swimming

Robbie McEwen AM, Cycling

Mike McKay OAM, Rowing

Anthony Minichiello, NRL

Michelle Mitchell OAM (nee Andrews), Hockey

Jemima Montag, Athletics

Jenny Morris OAM, Hockey

Sam Newman, AFL

Sally Pearson OAM, Athletics

Scott Pendlebury, AFL

Nova Peris OAM, Hockey / Athletics

Pat Rafter AM, Tennis

Clint Robinson OAM, Surf Life Saving, Kayaking

Rohan Robinson, Athletics

Danni Roche OAM, Hockey

Ken Roche AO, Athletics

Steve Solomon, Athletics

Renee Stubbs, Tennis

Stacey Taurima, Athletics

Andrew Thompson, AFL

Ian Thorpe AM, Swimming

James Tomkins OAM, Rowing

David Wansbrough OAM, Hockey

Gai Waterhouse AO, Horse racing

Grant Wharrington, Sailing

Greg ‘Diesel’ Williams, AFL