Australia starts a new Royal Commission into Antisemitism to help keep Jewish people safe

Australia is starting a major national investigation to stop hate after the Bondi attack. This is a bigger step than previous state-level plans to ensure all citizens feel safe.
By Newsroom | Human Rights, Australia |

The Australian government has established a Royal Commission to investigate rising antisemitism and its impact on social cohesion, a decision prompted by the Bondi terrorist attack and sustained public pressure. The commission, headed by former High Court judge Virginia Bell, aims to examine the nature and prevalence of antisemitism, recommend measures for law enforcement and security agencies, and explore ways to strengthen social cohesion in the wake of increasing extremism.

The announcement follows weeks of intense calls from victims' families, public figures, and political parties for a federal inquiry. While the government initially focused on immediate actions after the Bondi attack, it has now formally committed to a broad examination of antisemitism across the nation. This federal commission will lead to the cessation of a separate state-level inquiry in New South Wales, with all states and territories being invited to participate.

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Government Responds to Public Outcry and Bondi Attack

The Albanese Labor Government announced the establishment of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion on December 14, 2025. This move was a direct response to the Bondi terrorist attack, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stating that "an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on all Australians."

  • The government's initial focus in the attack's aftermath was on "urgent and immediate action," including fast-tracking tougher gun laws through National Cabinet.

  • Following mounting pressure and calls for a broader inquiry, the government ultimately agreed to establish the commission, a decision framed by the Prime Minister as a result of listening to public concerns.

  • The terms of reference for the commission include:

  • Investigating the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in Australia.

  • Making recommendations to assist law enforcement and security agencies, including immigration.

  • Examining the circumstances surrounding the Bondi terrorist attack.

  • Identifying ways to strengthen social cohesion and counter the spread of ideological and religiously motivated extremism.

Royal Commission Faces Scrutiny and Varied Expectations

While the establishment of the Royal Commission has been welcomed by some groups, questions remain about its potential effectiveness and scope.

Debates on Commission's Efficacy

Some commentators suggest that a modern mini-public might be a more effective approach to tackling antisemitism democratically than a traditional royal commission. Doubts have been raised about whether a commission composed of experts would be better equipped to define antisemitism or understand its manifestations than academics or media commentators.

Australia news live: antisemitism royal commission to hold first public hearing next week - 1

Jewish Community and Law Council Approval

The Jewish community has largely welcomed the government's decision, viewing it as a positive step. The Law Council of Australia has also expressed support for the Royal Commission.

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Commission's Structure and Leadership

  • Former High Court judge Virginia Bell has been appointed as the Commissioner.

  • The commission is intended to be a national inquiry, with all states and territories being invited to join and cooperate. This has led to the cancellation of a previously announced royal commission in New South Wales.

Key Questions for the Commission

The Royal Commission is expected to address several critical areas to understand and combat antisemitism in Australia.

  • Scope of Examination: The commission will examine the nature and prevalence of antisemitism and its impact on social cohesion.

  • Role of Media and Online Spaces: A key area of inquiry will be how media and online ecosystems may have "legitimised" antisemitism.

  • Historical Concerns: The commission is expected to consider concerns raised by Jewish leaders regarding the rise of antisemitism.

  • Link to Violence: It is anticipated that the commission will explore how certain language, particularly from the far-left, may have permitted or excused violence.

  • Impact on Daily Life: Commissioner Virginia Bell's experience is expected to allow for a meaningful examination of antisemitism's impact on the daily lives of Jewish Australians, without providing a platform for hate speech.

Expert Analysis and Commentary

The establishment of the Royal Commission has drawn varied perspectives from legal and academic circles.

"Amid the competing public appeals for or against a royal commission into antisemitism, ends-oriented thinking can be the most useful—but has also been the most rare." - ABC Religion & Ethics

This perspective suggests that while a commission has been established, a clear understanding of its ultimate goals and expected outcomes might be lacking or contested.

"Ultimately, however, academics or media commentators may not view such a commission of experts as any better able to define antisemitism or understand its manifestations than themselves." - ABC Religion & Ethics

This quote highlights a potential challenge: the perception that the commission's expertise might be questioned by those already deeply engaged in analyzing the issue.

Conclusion and Implications

The Australian government's decision to convene a Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion marks a significant acknowledgement of the escalating concerns surrounding this issue. Triggered by the tragic Bondi attack and amplified by sustained advocacy, the commission's mandate is broad, encompassing not only the direct examination of antisemitic incidents but also the systemic factors that may contribute to its proliferation.

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  • Implications for Policy: The commission's findings and recommendations are likely to influence future government policies on national security, immigration, and the regulation of online content.

  • National Unity Focus: A central theme will be the strengthening of social cohesion, aiming to foster a more inclusive and resilient society.

  • Future Direction: The effectiveness of the commission will depend on its ability to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, address the complex nuances of antisemitism, and propose actionable solutions that can be implemented by the government and its agencies. The integration of input from various stakeholders, including the Jewish community and law enforcement, will be crucial for its success.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Australian government start a Royal Commission into Antisemitism on December 14, 2025?
The government started this big investigation because many people were worried about hate after the Bondi terrorist attack. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the country needs to understand why this hate is happening to keep everyone safe.
Q: Who is leading the new Australian Royal Commission into Antisemitism?
Former High Court judge Virginia Bell is the leader of this investigation. She will look at how hate spreads online and in the news to find ways to stop it from hurting people in their daily lives.
Q: What will the Royal Commission into Antisemitism do about the Bondi terrorist attack?
The commission will look closely at what happened during the Bondi attack to see if hate speech led to the violence. They want to learn how to stop similar attacks from happening in the future by changing laws or security rules.
Q: How will the new Royal Commission into Antisemitism change laws in Australia?
The investigation will give advice to the government on how to make better rules for the internet and immigration. These changes aim to stop extremist ideas from spreading and to make sure the police have the tools they need to protect the public.
Q: Will the state of New South Wales still have its own inquiry into antisemitism?
No, the state-level inquiry in New South Wales will stop so that everyone can work together on this national investigation. All states in Australia are invited to join the federal commission to make sure the whole country follows the same plan.