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Albanese Orders Commonwealth Royal Commission Into Antisemitism and the Bondi Attack

Former High Court justice Virginia Bell will lead the inquiry with an interim security review feeding in by April.

Overview

  • The commission will investigate the prevalence and drivers of antisemitism, examine the Bondi attack, advise enforcement, border, immigration and security agencies, and propose ways to strengthen social cohesion.
  • Former ASIO chief Dennis Richardson’s separate review of intelligence and law‑enforcement gaps will be folded into the inquiry, with an interim update due in April.
  • Commissioner Virginia Bell has coercive powers and is due to deliver a final report by 14 December 2026.
  • Albanese said the process will not prejudice the ongoing criminal case over the 14 December massacre at a Hanukkah event that killed 15 people, which police describe as ISIS‑inspired.
  • Some Jewish community figures, including Josh Frydenberg, object to Bell’s appointment, as the government also prepares to recall parliament to advance hate‑speech reforms, a national gun buyback and expanded visa‑cancellation powers.