The news that the NSW Police failed to upgrade security at Bondi Beach on December 14, despite requests from the Jewish community ("Jewish community raised alarm over safety in Bondi", December 27), comes after several revelations that cast doubt on the effective co-ordination of services meant to protect Australians. There were the failure in communication that led to the Nazi-style demonstration outside the NSW Parliament, the failure to link gun licences to known security risks and the apparent failure of ASIO to "join the dots" with the alleged gunmen. This pattern suggests that we need to re-examine our security infrastructure far more broadly than a limited investigation could, and a royal commission is the only way to address shortcomings in multiple jurisdictions and agencies. It should address the general issue of community security, including antisemitism and Islamophobia, and most importantly, how to do this without unnecessary restrictions on our freedom to express a variety of political and religious views. Laurie Wilson, Allambie Heights
When a pro-Palestine march on the Harbour Bridge was proposed in August, police went to court to try to stop it on the grounds of public safety. Their application was refused, and the march went ahead without problems. Yet when the Jewish community raised concerns that their event was high-risk, the police did not advise them to cancel it or even allocate extra officers to attend. And, strangely, the Jewish community decided to go ahead, despite being forewarned of the risks involved. It seems known risks were ignored and poor decisions were made regarding this event, so perhaps the fingers pointed at the prime minister should be turned elsewhere. Merona Martin, Meroo Meadow
Teenagers are strip-searched at music festivals, and the NSW Police response is that searches will continue due to safety concerns. Police and sniffer dogs are visibly present at music events, so why not a Bondi Beach festival? Hedda Whitfield, Pottsville
Given the ongoing pain and anger directed at Anthony Albanese, I would urge him to use the break to spend time alone in nature and appreciate the wondrous country he has been elected to lead ("This is no time for partisan rage", December 27). May Bondi also act as a cautionary tale about the price of timidity and inspire not only gun reform but also the use of his authority to bring Australians together. I deeply believe any government ignoring inequality towards its Indigenous people, the foundation of our nation, is doomed. Then comes halting the mounting generational drift towards despair. Racism, declining home ownership, gambling addiction and falling productivity are all shaping our future as strongly as Gallipoli, Bradman and "she'll be right" shaped our past. May the prime minister's bushwalk open his eyes to the health and beauty of nature in harmony with itself. Peter Farmer, Northbridge