PM Albanese Announces Royal Commission to Tackle Antisemitism

Darwin, 8 January: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the formation of a Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion following the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, as the country grapples with rising concerns over antisemitism.

The decision was formally approved by the federal cabinet on Thursday afternoon, clearing the way for a multi-million-dollar inquiry after weeks of mounting political and community pressure.

The Prime Minister confirmed that former High Court Justice Virginia Bell AC will serve as the Commissioner, despite objections raised by sections of the Jewish community regarding her appointment.

Speaking at a press conference, Mr Albanese said the government’s foremost priority is to strengthen national unity and social cohesion.

“I’ve repeatedly said that our government’s priority is to promote unity and social cohesion. Australia now needs healing, learning and coming together in a spirit of unity—just as people did on that night at Bondi Beach, believing that light will prevail over darkness,” he said.

He added that a Royal Commission is essential to achieving these goals and confirmed he has discussed the matter with New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, expressing his expectation that a single, nationwide Royal Commission would be established.

The Prime Minister said he would formally recommend the Commission’s creation to the Governor-General on Friday.

Mr Albanese also announced that the ongoing work of former senior public servant Dennis Richardson would be incorporated into the Commission, with an interim report expected by April.

While some senior government figures had earlier opposed the inquiry—arguing it could inadvertently give further exposure to antisemitism—the Prime Minister defended his change in position.
“I’ve listened, and in a democracy that’s a good thing,” he said. “People want the opportunity to tell their story about what occurred.”

Addressing concerns that the Royal Commission could prejudice the criminal proceedings against the alleged Bondi attacker, Naveed Akram, Mr Albanese dismissed those fears.

He said Justice Bell’s extensive background in criminal law and her experience in both the Supreme Court and the High Court make her uniquely qualified for the role.
Scope of the Royal Commission

The Royal Commission will focus on four key areas:

Investigating the nature, extent and drivers of antisemitism in Australia, including ideologically and religiously motivated extremism and radicalisation
Making recommendations to assist law enforcement, border control,

immigration and security agencies in tackling antisemitism

Examining the circumstances surrounding the antisemitic Bondi terrorist attack on 14 December 2025
Proposing further measures to strengthen social cohesion and counter the spread of extremism

“A Royal Commission is not the beginning or the end of what Australia must do to eradicate antisemitism or protect ourselves from terrorism,” Mr Albanese said. “This is an ongoing national effort. An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on all Australians.”

Reactions and controversy

The decision was welcomed by Daniel Aghion KC, President of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), who said the inquiry would allow for an honest and transparent examination of government policies and institutional responses to rising antisemitism.

However, former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg criticised the appointment of Justice Bell, arguing that the Commissioner should have the full confidence of the Jewish community.

In a post on social media platform X, he suggested that former Federal Court Chief Justice James Allsop or current Federal Court Justice Michael Lee would have been more appropriate choices.
According to reports by Sky News, the government is also considering alternative appointments amid ongoing backlash from parts of the Jewish community.

Justice Bell served as a judge of the High Court of Australia from 2009 to 2021, after nearly a decade on the Supreme Court of New South Wales. She also previously led a high-profile inquiry into former prime minister Scott Morrison’s secret assumption of multiple ministerial portfolios.

In the aftermath of the Bondi attack, the establishment of this Royal Commission is being viewed as a significant—and contentious—step in Australia’s political and social response to antisemitism.