Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a federal royal commission into the Bondi beach massacre, responding to weeks of pressure from community leaders, Jewish groups, victims’ families, and political and industry figures.
The inquiry, to be led by former High Court justice Virginia Bell and concluded by December, will examine antisemitism, social cohesion, immigration and law enforcement, and the circumstances of the Dec. 14, 2025 attack that killed 15 people, 13 of whom were Jewish, during the first night of Hanukkah.
Albanese said he had consulted closely with survivors, victims' families, and Jewish community leaders before making the decision, stressing the need for a careful, measured response.
As prime minister, I respect people’s views and I listen to them. I take the time to choose the right path, the course of action that will make a positive difference to our country. This royal commission is the right format, the right duration and the right terms of reference to deliver the right outcome for our national union and our national security -Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
The commission will also incorporate a review of law enforcement and intelligence agencies ordered by Albanese after the attack, with an interim report expected by April.
NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed the state royal commission previously planned would be scrapped and that NSW would fully cooperate with the federal inquiry.
While Bell brings a distinguished legal career to the role, some community
members have questioned her suitability to address antisemitism specifically; the Executive Council of Australian Jewry has pledged full cooperation.
Albanese emphasised that the royal commission is only one part of Australia's response, alongside gun law reforms, hate crime measures, and victim support packages announced after the tragedy.
Critics have argued the government could have acted sooner to address rising antisemitism, but Albanese said the priority in the immediate aftermath was urgent action to protect lives and social cohesion.