Following weeks of intense pressure from victims’ families, Jewish community groups, and senior legal figures, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Thursday 8 January 2026 that the Federal Government would establish a Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion in response to the Bondi Beach terror attack.

The announcement represents a significant reversal for the Prime Minister, who had previously declared that a royal commission would be a drawn-out process taking years to finalise, and that a faster response was required.

Royal Commission — The Right Decision

The decision to establish a royal commission has been welcomed by many as the appropriate legal response to this national tragedy. A royal commission, Australia’s most powerful form of public inquiry, will bring to light all relevant information known by all parties. This will include the responses, or lack thereof, by any and all agencies in the lead-up to and throughout the attack. It will also examine the full national picture of antisemitism and any other relevant security failures.

Former High Court Justice the Honourable Virginia Bell AC has been appointed as Commissioner. Justice Bell possesses the deep experience and expertise necessary to conduct a thorough inquiry that will meaningfully examine the impact of antisemitism on the daily lives of Jewish Australians while working to promote social cohesion.

The Royal Commission will cover four key areas:

• Tackling antisemitism by investigating its nature and prevalence in institutions and society, including its key drivers such as ideologically and religiously motivated extremism and radicalisation
• Examining the circumstances surrounding the antisemitic Bondi terrorist attack on 14 December 2025
• Reviewing social cohesion measures across Australian society
• Making recommendations for strengthening social cohesion and countering the spread of extremism

Commissioner Bell has been asked to report by the end of 2026, ensuring this inquiry does not prejudice any future criminal proceedings. The Dennis Richardson Independent Commonwealth Review into Australia’s federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies will now become part of the Commission, with an Interim Report due in April.

The Path to This Decision

For weeks following the attack, which claimed fifteen lives at a Hanukkah celebration, there was significant commentary about the Federal Government’s initial reluctance to announce a royal commission.

A significant number of highly respected retired judges and other luminaries of the legal profession had called for a royal commission, with a growing consensus that there would be countless benefits to undertaking such a process, regardless of how long it might take. Their argument prevailed: a comprehensive and thorough examination of all relevant matters surrounding this tragedy by experienced and competent legal professionals within a royal commission is most likely to provide measured and logical conclusions and recommendations beneficial to the public.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the change in position, stating: “I’ve listened, and in a democracy that’s a good thing. To listen to what people are saying and what people are saying is, yes, we’re concerned.”

It cannot be ignored that some of the same intelligence and security agencies that reportedly were aware of the extremist ideologies of the terrorists yet allegedly failed to take adequate preventive action had initially advised the Government against a public royal commission. The fact that such a commission will now proceed demonstrates the importance of public accountability over institutional self-interest.

Ensuring Accountability

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has emphasised that the royal commission must examine decision-making within government, stating that Ministers need to be called to account and that the executive of government needs to answer what warnings were given, what warnings were ignored, and what action was taken or not taken.

This reflects the broader expectation that the royal commission must not only examine external threats but also scrutinise whether government agencies fulfilled their duties to protect Australian citizens. Intelligence agencies are public agencies funded by taxpayers and should be held accountable to the Australian public.

All States and Territories will be invited to join the Commission, making this a truly national inquiry with the scope necessary to address a matter of such significance.

The Broader Context

The political reaction to the Bondi tragedy has already included new powers rushed through NSW Parliament on Christmas Eve, giving additional powers to the Police Commissioner to unilaterally ban public assemblies, demand immediate removal of face coverings on suspicion only, and increase move-on powers.

While urgent security measures were understandably prioritised in the immediate aftermath, the establishment of this royal commission provides an opportunity for a more considered, comprehensive response. University of New South Wales Associate Professor Harry Hobbs has noted that practical, affordable, and simple recommendations from royal commissions are most likely to be implemented.

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has welcomed the decision, with President Daniel Aghion KC stating that the Government has made the right decision in establishing the Commonwealth Royal Commission and heeding the calls made by the Council, the families affected by the Bondi Beach shootings, and many others.

Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal has indicated that the royal commission will bring momentum for change across the community.

Looking Forward

The establishment of this royal commission demonstrates that democratic pressure and reasoned advocacy can succeed. The involvement of an eminent jurist like Justice Virginia Bell provides confidence that the inquiry will be conducted with rigour and independence.

With the Governor-General signing the letters patent on Friday 9 January 2026, the royal commission is now formally underway. The Australian public will be watching to ensure this inquiry delivers the transparency, accountability, and meaningful recommendations that such a tragedy demands.

The Government has also indicated its hope to ratify a revised hate speech bill before Australia Day on 26 January, demonstrating that legislative reform will proceed alongside the commission’s work.

For the families of the fifteen victims and for the broader Australian community, this royal commission represents the beginning of a process to understand how this tragedy occurred and to ensure it can never happen again.