Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion

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Letters Patent Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion [PDF 2.89 MB]

The Government has established a Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, in the wake of the horrific Bondi terror attack on 14 December 2025. The Royal Commission will be led by former Justice of the High Court, the Hon Virginia Bell AC.

The Letters Patent dated 9 January 2026 set out the terms of reference of the Royal Commission.

The Royal Commission will cover four key areas, as set out in the Letters Patent.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Examining the circumstances surrounding the antisemitic Bondi terrorist attack on 14 December 2025.
  • 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.

The Royal Commission will deliver an interim report to Government by 30 April 2026 and a final report by 14 December 2026.

Further information, including guidance on opportunities to engage with the Royal Commission, will be made available in due course.

Traumatic events such as the Bondi terror attack can cause significant psychological distress, which is why it is important to connect with supports when they are needed. The following services are available:

Further information about Royal Commissions can be found on the Royal Commissions website.