PRIME Minister Anthony Albanese finally yielded to public pressure, announcing a Federal Royal Commission into the Bondi terror attack.
The Prime Minister had come under fire after repeatedly staving off announcing a Royal Commission, despite an avalanche of calls from some of the nation’s leading figures.
NewsCorp ran a number of full page adverts in its recent publications demanding action, while more than 60 of Australia’s most prominent athletes countersigned an open letter to the PM.
The government has asked Former High Court Justice the Hon Virginia Bell AC to serve as Commissioner.
Ms Bell has the deep experience and expertise to conduct her inquiry in such a way that meaningfully examines the impact of antisemitism on the daily life of Jewish Australians – and works to promote social cohesion.
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The government has asked Commissioner Bell to report before the end of the year, and to ensure this inquiry does not prejudice any future criminal proceedings.
The Royal Commission will cover four key areas, as set out in the Letters Patent.
1. Tackling antisemitism by investigating the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in institutions and society, and its key drivers in Australia, including ideologically and religiously motivated extremism and radicalisation;
2. Making recommendations that will assist law enforcement, border control, immigration and security agencies to tackle antisemitism, including through improvements to guidance and training within law enforcement, border control, immigration, and security agencies to respond to antisemitic conduct.
3. Examining the circumstances surrounding the antisemitic Bondi terrorist attack on December 14, 2025, and;
4. Making any other recommendations arising out of the inquiry for strengthening social cohesion in Australia and countering the spread of ideologically and religiously motivated extremism in Australia.
To ensure this is a truly national Royal Commission, all states and territories will be asked to join the Commission looking at what happened.
When Parliament returns, the government will also introduce new laws to criminalise hate speech and hate preachers, as well as deliver tougher gun laws.
The news has been welcomed the Australian Human Rights Commission.
“This devastating event deeply affected the victims, their families, the Jewish community, first responders and the broader Australian public,” the Commission said in a statement.
“The Royal Commission will inquire into the prevalence and nature of antisemitism and how to address it, the circumstances behind the Bondi attack, strengthening social cohesion and countering ideologically and religiously motivated extremism.
“The Commission welcomes the announcement of the Royal Commission. We look forward to engaging with the Royal Commission and supporting its important work to help prevent future tragedies and to promote a safer, more inclusive Australia for all.”
