Australia’s Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion began its opening hearing Tuesday, with Commissioner Virginia Bell outlining the Commission’s three primary objectives.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the Royal Commission on January 8, having previously preferred an internal review. Growing pressure from the Jewish community, political leaders, and public figures in response to the Bondi Beach Massacre convinced him to authorize an independent public inquiry.

The Commission will investigate the main drivers of antisemitism in Australia, provide recommendations for law enforcement and social cohesion, and examine the circumstances of the December 14 Chanukah party terror attack.

Its first objective is to assess the prevalence and nature of antisemitism in Australian institutions and society, focusing on religious and ideological extremism and radicalization. This includes examining how extremist content spreads online and through various organizations.

The Commission will also make recommendations on how governments can respond to antisemitism effectively.

A key starting point for this term is defining antisemitism, which Commissioner Bell acknowledged “is not free of controversy.” The Commission will adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition, which is generally uncontroversial, though at least two of the eleven illustrative examples are disputed.

The second objective involves providing guidance to law enforcement, border control, immigration, and security agencies on addressing antisemitism.

This includes reviewing the training of officers on responding to antisemitic conduct or its risk. The Commission will also assess protective measures for Jewish places of worship, cultural and educational institutions, public events, and community leaders.

The third objective is the most comprehensive, requiring the Commission to examine the Bondi Beach attack on December 14, 2025, including its planning and lead-up, without interfering with the ongoing criminal investigation.

Commissioner Bell emphasized that hearing evidence from potential criminal witnesses could prejudice ongoing proceedings, so such testimony will not be taken.

This term also requires the Commission to study information sharing among Commonwealth, State, and Territory agencies, and with Chanukah event organizers, to evaluate Australian intelligence and law enforcement effectiveness and identify gaps in legal or regulatory frameworks.

Jewish Australians who have experienced antisemitism, whether in schools or universities, are encouraged to make submissions to the Commission.

The Commissioner must submit the final report to the Governor-General and state governors by the first anniversary of the Bondi massacre.

Richard Lancaster, senior counsel assisting the Commission, in remarks made to the Jerusalem Post, highlighted “the immense trauma [the Bondi attack] caused Jewish Australians.” He added, “Many others were seriously wounded, and their lives will never be the same. Many people have been left with serious psychological scars from that day.”