Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that the federal government will establish a royal commission to investigate antisemitism and the recent Bondi terror attack, reversing his earlier stance against a broad national inquiry. The commission will examine four key areas: the prevalence of antisemitism, law enforcement responses to antisemitism, the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack, and measures to strengthen social cohesion.
Speaking at a press conference, Albanese defended the timing of the announcement, stating that he had taken time to reflect and consult with Jewish community leaders and victims' families. “Our government’s priority is to promote unity and social cohesion, and this is what Australia needs to heal,” he said. The commission is set to report by 14 December 2026.
The federal Coalition criticised the move, with Liberal leader Sussan Ley arguing that more commissioners should have been appointed. The New South Wales Premier, Chris Minns, confirmed that the state’s previously announced royal commission would be dropped in favour of co-operating with the federal inquiry.
Former High Court justice Virginia Bell will lead the commission. Bell has a distinguished legal career, including service on the High Court and previous roles on royal commissions. A review by former ASIO chief Dennis Richardson will feed into the commission, which is expected to provide an interim report in April. Albanese declined to confirm whether public hearings would be held, leaving that decision to the commissioner.
The announcement follows growing pressure from victims' families, Jewish community groups, and politicians across the spectrum. The Bondi attack, which occurred during a Hanukah event, allegedly carried out by a father and son inspired by Islamic State, resulted in 15 deaths. One of the alleged shooters, Naveed Akram, had been investigated by ASIO in 2019 for suspected links to an Islamic State cell.
