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Australia Launches Royal Commission to Investigate Antisemitism and Strengthen Social Cohesion
Federal inquiry begins in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack to examine antisemitism’s prevalence and recommend reforms for community safety and national unity
Australia has formally commenced its Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, a wide-ranging federal inquiry established in response to a deadly attack targeting the Jewish community at Bondi Beach in December 2025, which claimed fifteen lives and injured dozens more.
The opening hearing, presided over by Royal Commissioner the Honourable Virginia Bell, was held on Tuesday, marking the start of an inquiry empowered to compel testimony and documents under the Royal Commissions Act.
The commission was created by federal letters patent issued on January nine and is required to deliver an interim report by April thirty and a final report by December fourteen, the first anniversary of the Bondi Beach attack.
The inquiry’s terms of reference include investigating the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in Australian institutions and society, evaluating key drivers such as ideologically and religiously motivated extremism and radicalisation, and assessing gaps in legal, immigration, border control and security frameworks to enhance prevention and response to future threats.
Commissioner Bell emphasized the importance of addressing antisemitism while avoiding prejudice to ongoing criminal proceedings against the accused in the Bondi Beach case, and clarified that criticism of foreign governments’ policies does not, in itself, constitute antisemitism.
The opening session featured procedural statements rather than witness testimony, and all states and territories have been invited to participate in the national inquiry.
The commission will also gather public submissions and seek evidence from diverse communities affected by antisemitism and other forms of prejudice, with a view to making recommendations that bolster law enforcement training, protect religious and cultural institutions and foster stronger social cohesion across Australia.
The establishment of the Royal Commission follows sustained advocacy from victims’ families, Jewish community leaders and public figures urging a national response to rising incidents of hate and intolerance.
It represents the highest level of governmental inquiry into systemic societal issues and aims to chart a path toward greater safety, mutual respect and unity in Australia’s multicultural society.
The opening hearing, presided over by Royal Commissioner the Honourable Virginia Bell, was held on Tuesday, marking the start of an inquiry empowered to compel testimony and documents under the Royal Commissions Act.
The commission was created by federal letters patent issued on January nine and is required to deliver an interim report by April thirty and a final report by December fourteen, the first anniversary of the Bondi Beach attack.
The inquiry’s terms of reference include investigating the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in Australian institutions and society, evaluating key drivers such as ideologically and religiously motivated extremism and radicalisation, and assessing gaps in legal, immigration, border control and security frameworks to enhance prevention and response to future threats.
Commissioner Bell emphasized the importance of addressing antisemitism while avoiding prejudice to ongoing criminal proceedings against the accused in the Bondi Beach case, and clarified that criticism of foreign governments’ policies does not, in itself, constitute antisemitism.
The opening session featured procedural statements rather than witness testimony, and all states and territories have been invited to participate in the national inquiry.
The commission will also gather public submissions and seek evidence from diverse communities affected by antisemitism and other forms of prejudice, with a view to making recommendations that bolster law enforcement training, protect religious and cultural institutions and foster stronger social cohesion across Australia.
The establishment of the Royal Commission follows sustained advocacy from victims’ families, Jewish community leaders and public figures urging a national response to rising incidents of hate and intolerance.
It represents the highest level of governmental inquiry into systemic societal issues and aims to chart a path toward greater safety, mutual respect and unity in Australia’s multicultural society.
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