Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion begins

The promised Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion in Australia has officially commenced, with the Honourable Virginal Bell AC SC outlining the key areas the federal inquiry plans to cover and the expected time frame. 

The Royal Commission was announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese one month after the terrorist attack in Bondi, where 15 innocent people were killed as they celebrated Hanukkah at a Jewish event at the famous Sydney beach. One of the attackers was shot and killed by police, and criminal proceedings against the second shooter are ongoing, and he awaits trial for 15 counts of murder and one count of terrorism.  

At the opening hearing, Bell explained the Royal Commission will apply the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews”. Bell said of the eleven examples of antisemitism cited by the IHRA, two have been criticised by some because they concern political views that do not reflect hatred of Jews. “I should note”, Bell explained, “that it is uncontroversial that criticism of the policies that may be pursued by the government of Israel from time to time is not of itself antisemitic.” 

Bell encouraged members of the Jewish community in Australia to submit examples of antisemitism they have encountered in their daily lives. Submissions can be made on the Royal Commission’s website via an online form or by email. The purpose is to find patterns of antisemitism and discrimination in Australian society and understand the impact this has on the daily lives of Jewish Australians. 

“I’m interested in hearing from Jewish Australians who’ve experienced antisemitism,” Bell continued. “Whether at school, at university, in the workplace or elsewhere.” 

Bell also noted that religious intolerance and ethnic prejudice are extended to other religions and ethnicities. The focus of the Royal Commission is on tackling antisemitism as a starting point in strengthening our bonds of social cohesion. 

Senior Counsel Assisting Richard Lancaster SC reiterated that the inquiry will investigate cases of antisemitism leading up to the Bondi attack, and the role of law enforcement agencies to protect the community. It will not look at or consider matters related to the investigation and criminal proceedings against the surviving shooter. “This Commission, and the steps it takes in its important work of gathering evidence”, Lancaster said, “will not interfere with the administration of justice or otherwise prejudice that prosecution.” 

This includes receiving evidence and testimonies from witnesses involved in the criminal proceedings of the DPP against the alleged shooter.

Counsel Assisting will look into four broad topics. These include examples of antisemitism from the lived experience of Jewish Australians, the drivers of that antisemitism, from ideological and religious extremism, to radicalising content, far-right groups and how to counter the spread of antisemitism in Australia.  

The Royal Commission will also examine the work of law enforcement and security agencies before and during the attack, as well as the circumstances that led to and surrounded it. 

The final report is to be delivered on or before 14 December 2026, the first anniversary of the Bondi attack. 

Top image: Commissioner Virigina Bell arrives for the Royal Commission’s first public hearing in Sydney with Senior Counsel Assisting Richard Lancaster SC. (AAP Image)