Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the Australian Government would call a Royal Commission in the wake of the Bondi Beach attack on 14 December 2025.
Albanese said the Government had asked former High Court judge Virginia Bell to serve as Commissioner.
“The Government has asked Commissioner Bell to report before the end of the year and to ensure this inquiry does not prejudice any future criminal proceedings,” he said in a media release.
This represents a change in direction from Albanese, who had earlier been hesitant about the inquiry.
In a recent press conference, Albanese defended his former stance and said he was focused on “immediate actions” including tougher gun laws.
“I've taken the time to reflect, to meet with leaders in the Jewish community, and most importantly, I've met with many of the families of victims and survivors of that horrific attack in homes, in synagogues, at the Governor-General's, in community events,” he said.
Following conversations with the Jewish community, Albanese said it became clear that a Royal Commission was “essential” to promoting unity and social cohesion.
The Royal Commission's four key areas of focus will be investigating the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in Australia; making recommendations that will assist law enforcement, border control, immigration and security agencies to tackle antisemitism; and Examining the circumstances surrounding the antisemitic Bondi terrorist attack on 14 December 2025 and making any other recommendations arising from the inquiry for strengthening social cohesion in Australia.
NSW Premier, Chris Minns, confirmed that his state’s previously announced royal commission will no longer go ahead and that his government would instead cooperate with the federal inquiry.
Albanese relented after a mounting pressure campaign from Australians, including an emotional open letter from families of Bondi victims, calling for a royal commission into the attack and antisemitism in the country.
These calls were also supported by the federal coalition and others in parliament.
The Jewish community has since welcomed Albanese’s backflip on the Bondi Royal Commission.
The Law Council of Australia also welcomed the Royal Commission.
“The Royal Commission represents an important opportunity to confront antisemitism, improve institutional responses and reinforce trust in Australia’s legal framework,” Law Council of Australia president Tania Wolff said.
“We support the breadth and objectives of the four key areas the Commission has been asked to investigate.”
The Council also welcomed the appointment of former High Court Justice Virginia Bell as Commissioner.
“Justice Bell is an eminent Australian jurist,” Wolff said.
“Both judicial decision-making and the conduct of Royal Commissions are governed by clear and well-established legal principles.”
A total of 15 people were shot dead in the Bondi attacks on 14 December 2025 at an event marking the first day of Hanukkah
One of the gunmen was shot and killed by police, while the other has been charged with dozens of offences, including 15 counts of murder.
