Introduction to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion
The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion is now underway. Established by the Australian Government in response to the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025.
The Royal Commission is inviting members of the public and institutions to make submissions about their experiences of antisemitism and its impacts.
Key Aspects of the Royal Commission
Purpose
To examine the nature, prevalence, and drivers of antisemitism in Australian society and institutions.
Timeline
The Commission will be accepting submissions until at least the end of May 2026.
An interim report is due by 30 April 2026, with the final report due by 14 December 2026.
Definition
The inquiry applies the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.
Public Hearing Block 1
The Royal Commission’s first block of public hearings on antisemitism has now concluded. For a full summary of each witness hearing, visit https://www.australianjewishnews.com/
4-15 May 2026, Sydney
Public Hearing Block 2
From 25 May in Sydney, the Commission will host its second block of public hearings. This block will examine the circumstances surrounding the attack at Bondi on 14 December 2025, with a particular focus on terrorism threat level and security environment in the lead up.
Matters identified in the Royal Commission’s Interim Report (released 30 April 2026) will also be examined as needed.
Tune in to the live hearings from 25 May 2026: https://asc.royalcommission.gov.au/
Submissions are open until 14 June 2026. The Commission can only act on what it hears. Your own voice. No formal language. No minimum length. You don't need perfect words. Your experience is enough.
From 25 May 2026, Sydney
Terms of Reference
On 9 January 2026, the Governor-General Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC issued Letters Patent, which established the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.
The Letters Patent set out the Royal Commissioner's terms of reference.
The terms of reference for the Royal Commission include the matters that were previously being considered through the Independent Commonwealth Review into Australia’s federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
Commonwealth Letters Patent
State Letters Patent