Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a federal royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion following the December 14 Bondi terror attack, which killed 15 people at a Hanukkah event and is regarded as the deadliest attack of its kind in Australia’s history.
The inquiry will be led by former High Court justice Virginia Bell and will examine four key areas: the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in Australia; measures to assist law enforcement, immigration and security agencies in addressing antisemitism; the circumstances surrounding the Bondi attack; and ways to strengthen social cohesion while countering ideologically and religiously motivated extremism.
Mr Albanese said the decision followed extensive consultation with Jewish community leaders, victims’ families and survivors. It comes after sustained calls from victims’ families, Jewish community leaders, legal and business figures, and political voices across parties.
He said the commission would not be a prolonged process, with the government requesting that Ms Bell deliver her final report by December 14 this year, and stressed that the inquiry would not prejudice any future criminal proceedings.
Existing work by former senior public servant Dennis Richardson into the attack will be incorporated into the commission, with Mr Richardson to support the inquiry and provide an interim report by April.
The Prime Minister said Ms Bell’s experience would allow the commission to examine the real impact of antisemitism on the daily lives of Jewish Australians without providing a platform for hate.
He described the royal commission as the appropriate mechanism to address both national security and social cohesion concerns.
The announcement marks a shift from the government’s earlier position, which had prioritised a rapid intelligence review and cooperation with a NSW-led inquiry announced by Premier Chris Minns.
Mr Albanese said one federal royal commission was necessary, while noting that the NSW government would provide further detail on its own processes.
