Royal Commission into anti-Semitism and social cohesion begins next week
The Royal Commission into antisemitism and social cohesion will hold its first public hearing next week.
Commissioner Virginia Bell will launch the investigation Tuesday with an opening statement explaining how she will approach the terms of reference.
Ms Bell acknowledged the importance of addressing anti-Semitism in Australia.
“I intend to conduct the investigation as quickly as possible so that I can submit a report containing my findings and recommendations no later than the first anniversary of the anti-Semitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025,” he said.
Deputy Senior Counsel Richard Lancaster will also make a brief opening statement, but no evidence or testimony will be heard at the first hearing.
The Royal Commission was established on 9 January; The interim report will be published on April 30, and the final report will be published on December 14.
People will have the opportunity to share their experiences through written submissions or at public hearings.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed to lead the investigation after facing weeks of intense scrutiny following the Bondi terror attack.
Mr Albanese has repeatedly argued a royal commission would be divisive, slow and risk duplicating ongoing work in NSW, and instead backed a “four-point plan”.
But hundreds of prominent Australians from the sports, legal, business, political and national security sectors, as well as scores of victims’ families, have called on Mr Albanese to change course for the royal commission following the Bondi attack.
Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid Akram, 50, allegedly shot and killed 15 innocent people celebrating the Jewish Chanukah Seaside event near Bondi Beach on December 14.
Dozens of people were also injured during the horrific incident that allegedly targeted the Jewish people.
