CANBERRA, Australia — Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has established a comprehensive royal commission to investigate antisemitism in Australia, responding to growing national concerns following the deadly terrorist attack at Bondi Beach that claimed 15 lives during a Hanukkah celebration. The announcement comes after weeks of mounting pressure from political leaders, Jewish community representatives, and prominent public figures demanding federal-level action.
The commission, Australia’s most powerful form of governmental inquiry, will conduct an extensive examination of antisemitism’s nature, prevalence, and underlying causes. Former High Court Justice Virginia Bell will lead the investigation, which possesses full authority to summon witnesses and compel document production. The probe will specifically analyze the circumstances surrounding the Bondi Beach massacre while also addressing broader societal concerns regarding extremism and social cohesion.
Prime Minister Albanese characterized the attack as “an antisemitic terrorist attack, aimed at Jewish Australians, inspired by ISIS” and acknowledged the deadliest incident of its kind in Australian history. The commission’s mandate extends beyond investigation to providing concrete recommendations for law enforcement enhancement, counter-extremism strategies, and strengthened community relations.
A complete report is expected by December 14, marking the one-year anniversary of the tragedy. The surviving suspect, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, currently faces multiple criminal charges including murder and terrorism offenses, while his father was fatally shot by police during the incident.
The government’s response also includes previously initiated reviews of security agencies and proposed legislative measures to tighten gun control laws and criminalize hate speech that currently falls below prosecution thresholds.