Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a Federal Royal Commission into antisemitism and social cohesion in Australia.
It comes after two gunmen killed 15 innocent people at a Jewish community event in Bondi in December.
Albanese previously rejected calls for a Commonwealth Royal Commission, initially arguing it would delay action.
Bondi
On 14 December, 15 innocent people were killed, and many more were injured, after two gunmen opened fire at a Jewish community event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
Hundreds had gathered to celebrate the start of the Jewish festival of Chanukah.
The mass shooting was declared a terrorist attack, triggering calls for a Royal Commission into antisemitism in Australia.
Royal Commission
A Royal Commission is a major investigation into something of great importance to the country.
They are called for by governments (usually the Federal Government), but are carried out independently to minimise conflict of interest.
Once called, the Royal Commission has strong powers to talk to witnesses, request information and consult with experts.
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Since 14 December, calls have been made for a federal Royal Commission into antisemitism in Australia.
Some families of the victims, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, Jewish leaders, and a collection of business and sport leaders, were among those advocating for a Royal Commission.
Albanese repeatedly dismissed the requests, and said having “multiple royal commissions” (referencing one that had been announced by the NSW Government) would “simply delay action”.
Announcement
Today, Albanese announced the Federal Government will hold a Commonwealth Royal Commission into antisemitism and social cohesion.
The Royal Commission will be chaired by former High Court justice Virginia Bell. Bell was a Federal High Court justice from 2009 to 2021.
He said: “We're confident that Commissioner 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.”
Criticism
A group of Jewish leaders, including former Liberal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, criticised Bell’s appointment.
Before Bell was officially announced as chair, Frydenberg said on social media that she “did not have the total confidence of the Jewish community.”
