Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion
The Federal Government has established a Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, following the Bondi terror attack on 14 December 2025.
Details of how you can have input into this Royal Commission is likely to be available on the Royal Commissions website soon. You can subscribe to the Royal Commission's mailing list to receive more information at this link on the website.
What is a Royal Commission?
A Royal Commission is an investigation, independent of government, into a matter of great importance. Royal Commissions have broad powers to hold public hearings, call witnesses under oath and affirmation and compel evidence.
Royal Commissions make recommendations to government about what should change. Each Royal Commission has terms of reference, which define the issues it will look into.
How is a Royal Commission established?
The Governor-General establishes a Commonwealth Royal Commission by issuing Letters Patent. This is a formal document that sets out the terms of reference and appoints a commissioner to conduct the inquiry. The Letters Patent also sets out the final reporting date and any other reporting dates.
What will this Royal Commission investigate?
The Letters Patent dated 9 January 2026 set out the terms of reference for this Royal Commission. They refer to the following four key areas:
- "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 can also inquire into any matters reasonably incidental to a matter referred to above and that is relevant to the inquiry.
When will the Royal Commission report?
The Royal Commission will deliver:
- an interim report to Government by 30 April 2026, and
- a final report by 14 December 2026.
More information
Reviewed: 12 January 2026