A Federal Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion

A federal Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion was established following a terror attack at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025, which resulted in 15 deaths and 40 injuries. The commission, led by former High Court Justice Virginia Bell, has published an interim report, conducted public hearings, and heard thousands of submissions.

The investigation has examined the rise of antisemitism in Australia, the security and intelligence response to the attack, and the roles of media and online platforms.

Establishment and Scope

Creation of the Commission

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the establishment of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion following the December 14, 2025 attack at Bondi Beach. The commission was created as a federal inquiry, the nation's highest form of independent investigation, with the power to summon witnesses and compel document production. An existing review of intelligence and law enforcement agencies led by former spy chief Dennis Richardson was integrated into the commission's work.

Terms of Reference

The commission's mandate, outlined in a "letters patent" from the Governor-General, directed it to:

• Examine the nature, prevalence, and key drivers of antisemitism in Australian institutions and society.
• Investigate the circumstances of the December 14 attack at Bondi.
• Formulate recommendations for law enforcement, border control, immigration, and security agencies.
• Propose recommendations to strengthen social cohesion and counter ideologically and religiously motivated extremism.

Leadership and Timeline

Commissioner Virginia Bell was appointed to lead the inquiry. An interim report was released on April 30, 2026, containing 14 recommendations (five of which remain confidential). The final report is due by December 14, 2026.

Definition of Antisemitism

The commission adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition, which describes antisemitism as "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews." Commissioner Bell stated that criticism of Israeli government policies is not inherently antisemitic.

The adoption of this definition has been controversial; groups such as the Jewish Council of Australia and the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network have argued it may conflate racial hatred with political speech.

Commissioner Bell noted receiving submissions expressing concern the definition could be "weaponised in order to suppress criticism of Israel."

The Bondi Beach Terror Attack

Details of the Attack

On December 14, 2025, two gunmen, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram, opened fire from a footbridge above Archer Park at a beachside Hanukkah celebration. Fifteen people were killed and 40 were injured. Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene; Naveed Akram was wounded and faces charges including 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder, and terrorism offenses.

Police and Security Response

According to counsel assisting Richard Lancaster SC, there was no specific intelligence indicating an armed attack was to occur at the Chanukah by the Sea event. The shooting was described as a "surprise attack."

Within 29 seconds of the first shots, 11 people were shot, 10 fatally. Four NSW Police officers were at the scene when the shooting began, increasing to 11 within five minutes. Three police officers were shot and injured; the two gunmen were shot within 7 minutes 41 seconds of the incident starting.

Security Arrangements Prior to the Attack

The Community Security Group (CSG) NSW informed police on November 28, 2025, about the event and requested assistance. A follow-up email on December 8 noted a "HIGH" security level alert for the NSW Jewish community, stating a terrorist attack was likely.

The interim report found that police did not complete a comprehensive written risk assessment for the event. The NSW Police command response was to send a "car crew or two" to provide high-visibility presence but noted "there was no need to stay the entire duration" of the event. Ultimately, four officers and one area commander attended at various times.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon defended the response, stating a risk assessment was conducted and police were present. The CSG reported that police advised they "could not provide static resources," while police stated there was no specific request for dedicated resources.

Interim Report Findings on the Attack

Commissioner Bell concluded that no gaps in legal or regulatory frameworks were found that could have prevented the attack. No Commonwealth or state intelligence or law enforcement agency stated that the current legislative framework prevented them from taking prohibitive actions.

Testimonies on Antisemitism

Experiences of Jewish Australians

The commission heard testimony from numerous Jewish Australians about experiences of antisemitism since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent conflict in Gaza.

Children and Schools:

• A 13-year-old girl described nightmares following the Bondi attack and reported feeling worried "to be a Jewish kid in Australia."
• Siblings (AAG and AAF) reported antisemitic incidents at school, including coins thrown at them, slurs, Nazi salutes, swastikas scratched into trees, and a Snapchat group called the Hitler Support Group. They stated teachers often told them to ignore the incidents.
• Their mother (AAE) said she was unaware of the full extent of the incidents and questioned whether her children would be safer in Israel.
• A witness (AAL) reported a substitute teacher performing Nazi salutes at a school, with no repercussions. His granddaughter left the school due to bullying.
• Natalie Levy stated her daughter sees swastikas and hears "Heil Hitler" at her public school.
• A Geelong mother (AAP) said peers discussed dressing as Hitler for Year 12 celebrations.
• A 13-year-old boy was reportedly bullied with antisemitic slurs, Nazi salutes, and physical abuse. His father (AAT) stated the vice-principal characterized the behavior as "play fighting."

Workplaces:

• A NSW Health midwife and nurse manager (AAV) reported being called "Zionist scum" and "child killer" by colleagues after October 7, 2023. Her manager asked her to remove posters calling for the release of Israeli hostages. Following a video of two NSW nurses allegedly threatening Israeli patients, she considered canceling knee surgery due to safety concerns and requested precautions including removal of her religion from her health record.
• An employee (ABM) stated she was advised by her CEO to use a "less obviously Jewish" name.
• Stephanie Cunio, a trade unionist, stated she felt pressured to resign from a green advocacy group board and felt "cancelled" if she did not denounce ties to Israel.

Public Spaces and Events:

• A woman reported a driver deliberately aimed a car at her pram while shouting antisemitic slurs.
• Benjamin F, a Jewish convert, stated he feared for his life while marching with a Jewish LGBTQIA+ group during Sydney's Mardi Gras parade, where protesters called the group "genocide supporters."
• Sheina Gutnick, daughter of victim Reuven Morrison, reported being called a "fucking terrorist" after a stranger saw her Star of David necklace at Westfield Bondi Junction.
• A mother (Dina) said her eight-year-old child cried upon visiting Bondi, saying "when I come to Bondi, I think about dying."

Arts and Media:

• Michael Gawenda, former editor of The Age, reported that bookstore events for his book were cancelled after October 7 and he lost friendships.
• A musician (ABK) reported stopping performing due to fear of violence and protests.
• The commission heard that an Israeli musician received death threats following the leak of his personal details; police told him no action could be taken.

Institutional Responses:

• Witnesses cited normalized antisemitism in schools, workplaces, healthcare, and arts, with a perceived lack of authority response.
• Jeremy Stowe-Lindner, principal of a Jewish school, reported receiving social media abuse after testifying, including being called a "paedophile," "monster," and "Nazi."
• Stefanie Schwartz, president of Mount Sinai College board, noted antisemitic graffiti at the school including "Jew dogs" and reported difficulty enrolling students and hiring teachers.

Data on Antisemitic Incidents

• A survey by the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (July 2025–February 2026, over 600 respondents) found that 81% of respondents or their relatives had experienced antisemitism since October 7, 2023.
• 20% reported experiencing physical violence or verbal abuse.
• 69% reported being called genocidal due to self-identifying as Jewish, Israeli, or Zionist.
• Over 50% reported hearing claims that the October 7, 2023 attack was justified or did not occur.
• The Executive Council of Australian Jewry reported antisemitic incidents at nearly five times the pre-October 7, 2023 average.

Witness Harassment and Online Abuse

Commissioner Bell reported a "dramatic increase in online hate messages" directed at witnesses after they gave evidence. At least one case was referred to the Australian Federal Police for investigation.

The Dor Foundation analyzed over 1,000 social media posts containing antisemitic or abusive material directed at the commission and witnesses. Posts included:

• Calls for witnesses to be "executed" and suggestions of repurposing oil refineries as concentration camps.
• Dehumanizing language such as "cockroach," "parasite," "rat," "vermin," "evil dog," and "pig."
• Holocaust glorification.
• A victim of the Bondi shooting was labeled "subhuman"; a victim's family member was called a "lying cow."

Interim Report Analysis and Recommendations

Counter-Terrorism and Intelligence Findings

The interim report found that no gaps existed in legal or regulatory frameworks impeding prevention or response to the attack. The report noted that despite overall funding increases for the national intelligence community from 2020 to 2025, the proportion allocated to counter-terrorism "significantly declined."

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess testified that ASIO shifted focus to foreign interference and espionage after those threats surpassed terrorism in 2022. He stated he considered ASIO's resources sufficient for the challenges faced and that no serious inquiries were left uninvestigated.

"We can't be everywhere all at once. We're not all seeing and all-knowing and we don't aspire to be." — ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess

Specific Incident: Firebombing of Kosher Restaurant and Synagogue Attack

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess alleged in a speech that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) directed two attacks:

• An Australian citizen based in Iran, a senior agent within a covert unit of the IRGC Quds Force, allegedly orchestrated the firebombing of Lewis' Continental Kitchen in Bondi in October 2024.
• Exiled Melbourne gangster Kazem Hamad, deported to Iraq in 2023, allegedly directed the firebombing of the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne in December 2024 as a quid pro quo for Iran's protection of his criminal syndicate.

Burgess stated that Iran continues to view Australia as "a legitimate target for covertly directed acts of violence."

Published Recommendations

The 14 recommendations in the interim report included:

1. Procedures under Operation Jewish High Holy Days should apply to other high-risk Jewish festivals.
2. Commonwealth, state, and territory governments should prioritize a nationally consistent National Firearms Agreement and a proposed National Gun Buyback Scheme.
3. National Security Committee ministers, including the Prime Minister, should participate in a counter-terrorism exercise within nine months after each federal election.
4. The Commonwealth Counter-Terrorism Coordinator role should be made full-time.
5. The Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee (ANZCTC) should provide annual briefings to national cabinet.
6. A review of Joint Counter-Terrorism Teams should be conducted, focusing on information sharing.
7. The Counter-Terrorism handbook should be updated promptly and every three years.
8. NSW Police should increase security at high-risk Jewish events.

Government Response

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the Commonwealth would implement all relevant recommendations. The National Security Committee agreed to adopt all Commonwealth recommendations. NSW Police stated it would review the findings but declined further comment due to ongoing investigations.

Public Interest Immunity Claim

The federal government made a public interest immunity claim to prevent the release of cabinet documents related to counterterrorism funding. Commissioner Bell overruled the claim, finding that access to the documents was necessary to fully assess agency performance. The documents relate to whether counterterrorism funding declined between 2020 and 2025. ASIO Director-General Burgess stated in a written submission that ASIO was not directed by any minister to reduce counterterrorism efforts.

Criticism from Former Officials and Politicians

Former ASIO boss Dennis Richardson resigned as special adviser to Commissioner Bell, stating he felt "surplus to requirements" and that the interim report would differ from what he would have produced.

Former Labor MP Michael Danby criticized the government's response, stating it failed to upgrade ASIO's interest in terrorism against the Jewish community. Former Liberal senator Hollie Hughes said the Jewish community should not have to fund their own security.

Media and Online Platform Hearings

Social Media Platforms

Counsel assisting Richard Lancaster SC stated that "the online environment – and social media platforms in particular – are perhaps the most significant vector for the spread of antisemitism and hate in the community."

The commission reported varying levels of cooperation from platforms:

• Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, and TikTok engaged "meaningfully."
• There was no response from X or Telegram; limited response from Reddit and Twitch.
• Gab was described as "openly hostile," with a representative stating the platform will "publish what it likes, when it likes."

Federal Labor MP Josh Burns testified that he has no faith in social media companies to address antisemitic hate. He reported that of 44 posts reported since November 2021, only three were removed and nine acknowledged. He stated social media platforms are "the biggest arena of antisemitism."

Shadow Minister Julian Leeser reported receiving abuse including being called a "traitor" and a "Mossad agent." He stated his office reported hundreds of accounts, resulting in approximately 650 being blocked, but new accounts continue to appear.

Traditional Media

The commission examined coverage of the Middle East conflict by public broadcasters ABC and SBS. Counsel assisting noted that submissions were "highly critical" of the broadcasters' reporting. Former Age editor Michael Gawenda stated some outlets "minimised antisemitism" in their reporting.

Both ABC and SBS have rejected adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism. The ABC stated it will rely on its internal editorial guidance on hate speech, developed independently to maintain public trust. SBS stated it does not endorse any one organization's definition.

Jillian Segal, the government's special envoy to combat antisemitism, was scheduled to testify on these concerns.

Related Developments

Legal Case: Mark Latham

The New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) ruled that former One Nation MP Mark Latham unlawfully vilified and sexually harassed independent MP Alex Greenwich. The tribunal ordered Latham to pay $100,000 in compensation and delete material vilifying Greenwich based on his homosexuality. The case involved a sexually explicit tweet posted on March 30, 2023, which had previously been ruled defamatory.

Legal Case: Man Wearing Swastika T-Shirt

During the commission's public hearings, a 68-year-old man identified as Ian Minus was issued a move-on order and later charged with offensive behavior and displaying a Nazi symbol for wearing a T-shirt bearing a swastika in the colors of the Israeli flag with the text "Anti-Semitism. Proud to be accused. Speak up!" outside the hearing venue.

Medical Regulator Adopts IHRA Definition

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism for its regulatory work. Over 1,400 health workers and 60 medical organizations signed an open letter opposing the decision, arguing it could stifle lawful advocacy and criticism of Israel.

Call for Expanded Scope to Include Islamophobia

Labor MP Ed Husic urged the commission to broaden its inquiry to include Islamophobia. He stated that Muslim Australians should not have to "beg for protection" from the government. The Islamophobia Register of Australia reported a 619% rise in reported incidents since October 7, 2023. Commissioner Bell had indicated that antisemitism would be the initial focus while acknowledging other religious groups experience prejudice.

Next Steps

The commission will continue hearings in Melbourne from July 13–24, focusing on antisemitism at Australian universities. Commissioner Bell will travel to Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane to meet with Jewish communities and multicultural organizations.

Submissions remain open until June 14. The final report and recommendations are due by the first anniversary of the attack, December 14, 2026.