The royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion has concluded its public hearings, with Commissioner Virginia Bell announcing a four-day delay in delivering her final report to avoid clashing with commemorations of the Bondi terror attack.
On Wednesday, the last day of public hearings, Bell resisted calls to extend the commission's work. She noted that the letters patent require her final report to be handed to the government no later than 14 December 2026, the first anniversary of the Bondi attack.
No meaningful extension sought
Bell acknowledged the push from Jewish community leaders and parliamentarians to extend the timeframe by some months to hear more witnesses. However, she said the commission had worked hard to address all terms of reference “in accordance with that timetable, and I do not seek any meaningful extension of it”.
“Among other considerations, I note the evidence that has been given by senior public officials that the implementation of important policy proposals is awaiting the recommendations of this Commission,” she added.
Avoiding distraction from Bondi commemorations
The commissioner explained that 14 December marks the anniversary of the massacre, a solemn occasion with memorials. She said she understood concern within the Jewish community that delivering the report on that date would be a distraction.
“I fully understand that concern and to avoid that distraction I have asked for a short extension of the term with a view to the submission of my final report on Friday the 18th of December,” Bell said.
Pressure to extend the inquiry
Liberal MP Julian Leeser, who is Jewish, had previously moved an unsuccessful motion in parliament on 18 August to extend the reporting date. He argued that “many significant Australian voices will have been left unheard and critical players not put on the stand”.
Senior security leaders, including former governor general David Hurley, former army chiefs Peter Leahy and Rick Burr, and former heads of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service Paul Symon and Rex Stevenson, signed an open letter published on Wednesday calling for an extension. The letter stated that the speed of hearings had not allowed detailed review of the rise of antisemitism and extremism.
Counsel assisting the commission, Richard Lancaster SC, noted that due to ongoing criminal prosecutions and national security sensitivities, significant portions of the inquiry were held in camera. He said the public record was not a complete picture, and commentary was made without full appreciation of the evidence available.
On 14 December 2025, two gunmen allegedly inspired by Islamic State opened fire on Jewish Australians celebrating Chanukah at Bondi Beach, killing 15 people. The commission's final report is now due on 18 December 2026.
