The Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion will hold its first public hearing next week. Source: News.com.au.
Commissioner Virginia Bell will launch the inquiry on Tuesday, February 24, with an opening statement explaining how she will approach the terms of reference.
Ms Bell acknowledged the importance of addressing antisemitism in Australia.
“I plan to conduct the inquiry as expeditiously as possible so that I can deliver a report containing my findings and recommendations not later than the first anniversary of the antisemitic terrorist attack that took place at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025”, she said.
Senior Counsel Assisting, Richard Lancaster, will also make a short opening statement, but no evidence or any testimonies will be heard at the first hearing.
The royal commission was established on January 9, with an interim report due on April 30 and a final report on December 14.
People will have an opportunity to share their experiences through written submissions or at public hearings.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed to hold the inquiry after facing weeks of intense scrutiny following the Bondi terror attack.
Mr Albanese repeatedly argued a royal commission would be divisive, slow and risked replicating work underway in NSW, and instead backed a “four-point plan.”
But hundreds of prominent Australians from sport, legal, business, politics and national security sectors – as well as many victims’ families – urged Mr Albanese to change course on a royal commission in the wake of the Bondi attack.
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Royal Commission into antisemitism and social cohesion begins next week (By Emma Kirk, News.com.au)
