In Part Two of my conversation with former New South Wales Police Detective Sergeant Peter Moroney, we shift from the historical lens of Operation Pendennis to the modern-day realities of terrorism and targeted violence in Australia.

This episode explores how the threat landscape has evolved—particularly since around 2014, where we’ve seen a notable rise in lone actor attacks occurring with increasing frequency compared to previous decades. We unpack what’s driving this shift, and how it challenges traditional policing and intelligence models that were largely built around organised networks.

A key focus of the discussion is the recent Bondi Beach attack, and the broader implications it carries for how Australia understands and responds to acts of mass violence. We examine the direction of the Royal Commission, alongside recent legislative changes to hate laws, and the growing emphasis on social cohesion as a preventative strategy. But an important question sits at the centre of this conversation—do these approaches genuinely reduce risk, or do they risk missing the complexity of individual pathways to violence?

We also discuss two recent charges relating to separate alleged plots to carry out attacks on Australia Day, highlighting the persistence of intent and the ongoing challenge of early detection and disruption.

Throughout the episode, Peter reflects on the continued importance of multi-agency collaboration—bringing together law enforcement, intelligence, mental health, and community-based approaches. We explore whether the future of prevention lies in reframing targeted violence not solely as a criminal justice issue, but as a broader public health concern—one that requires earlier intervention, better information sharing, and a more nuanced understanding of risk.

This is a forward-looking conversation about where we are now, where the gaps remain, and what it will take to prevent the next act of targeted violence.