Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today announced that the Federal Government will establish a Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion in response to the Bondi terrorist attack.

The PM has been under pressure to announce a Royal Commission since the Bondi terrorist attack on December 14 2025.

The Government has asked Former High Court Justice the Hon Virginia Bell AC to serve as Commissioner.

The government says that Ms Bell has the deep experience and expertise to conduct her inquiry in such a way that meaningfully examines the impact of antisemitism on the daily life of Jewish Australians – and works to promote social cohesion.

Commissioner Bell has been asked to report before the end of the year and to ensure this inquiry does not prejudice any future criminal proceedings. 

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Examining the circumstances surrounding the antisemitic Bondi terrorist attack on 14 December 2025.
4. 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.

"To ensure this is a truly national Royal Commission, all States and Territories will be asked to join the Commission," the government said in a statement this afternoon.

"Dennis Richardson’s Independent Commonwealth Review into Australia’s federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies will become part of the Commission and he will support its work, with delivery of an Interim Report by the Commission in April.

"The Government’s focus in the aftermath of the antisemitic Bondi terrorist attack has been on urgent and immediate action. 

"That’s why we have:

• Adopted recommendations from the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal. 
• Brought together National Cabinet to fast-track tougher gun laws. 
• Delivered new resources to our law enforcement agencies to help prevent further attacks.
• Established the Richardson Review – to quickly identify any gaps in the work of the national security bodies.

"When Parliament returns, the Government will also introduce new laws to criminalise hate speech and hate preachers, as well as deliver tougher gun laws.

"A Royal Commission is not the beginning or the end of what Australia must do to eradicate antisemitism, protect ourselves from terrorism or strengthen our social cohesion. 

"That is an ongoing national effort, for all of us. 

"Because an attack on Jewish Australians, is an attack on all Australians."

The NSW Government has welcomed the decision.

Premier Chris Minns said, "This was the worst terrorist attack our state has faced, and the community deserves clear answers about how it happened and how it can be prevented in the future.

"NSW will fully cooperate with the Royal Commission and provide whatever assistance is required to support its work.

"Given the establishment of a national Royal Commission, the NSW Royal Commission will not proceed.

"We will continue to work closely with the Jewish community on matters arising from the Bondi terrorist attack and remain open to further inquiries that focus on NSW Government responses. 

"Our priority remains unchanged: supporting victims and their families, keeping the community safe, and ensuring everything possible is done to prevent an attack like this from ever happening again."