Royal Commission into antisemitism to begin next week
PM Anthony Albanese’s announcement of a Royal Commission in January followed weeks of mounting pressure from victims' families, the Jewish community and prominent Australians
The first hearing of the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion will be held next Tuesday, with Commissioner Virginia Bell set to outline how she will approach the inquiry’s terms of reference.
Bell acknowledged the importance of addressing antisemitism within Australia and said she planned to conduct the inquiry expeditiously.
“I plan to conduct the inquiry as expeditiously as possible so that I can deliver a report containing my findings and recommendations not later than the first anniversary of the antisemitic terrorist attack that took place at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025,” she said.
Senior Counsel Assisting Richard Lancaster will also make a short opening statement.
The Royal Commission was announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on January 8, 25 days after the Bondi Beach terror attack that killed 15 people and wounded dozens more during a Chanukah celebration.
The Royal Commission will cover four key areas: tackling antisemitism by investigating its nature, prevalence and key drivers including religious and ideologically motivated extremism; making recommendations to assist law enforcement, border control, immigration and security agencies; examining the circumstances surrounding the Bondi terrorist attack; and making recommendations for strengthening social cohesion and countering the spread of extremism.
Bell, a former High Court justice, will deliver an interim report by April 30 focusing on the circumstances surrounding the Bondi attack and any issues requiring urgent or immediate action, with a final report due by December 14, 2026.
Albanese’s announcement that there would be a Royal Commission followed weeks of mounting pressure from victims’ families, the Jewish community and prominent Australians across all sectors, including calls from 17 families representing 11 Bondi victims, over 130 business leaders, 69 sporting champions and over 100 legal figures.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion welcomed the decision at the time, saying the government had made the right choice in heeding calls from the Jewish community and families affected by the attack.
The NSW Government announced in January that its own proposed Royal Commission would not proceed, saying it would fully cooperate with the Commonwealth inquiry.