Home >> Commonwealth announces Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion and passes legislation for combatting antisemitism

Commonwealth announces Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion and passes legislation for combatting antisemitism

Human Rights and Discrimination
Author Cecelia Irvine-So, Skye Rose, Cassandra Minett & Samantha Guo

On 9 January 2026, the Albanese Government announced the establishment of a Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion following the 14 December 2025 terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. Former High Court Justice the Hon Virginia Bell AC has been appointed to serve as Commissioner.

This Royal Commission will replace the previously announced review of federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies (to be undertaken by Dennis Richardson AO AC)1 and will also supersede the anticipated NSW Royal Commission. Instead, the Commonwealth Commission will operate with full cooperation from the NSW Government and all states and territories, ensuring it is truly national in scope.

To supplement the Royal Commission, on 20 January 2026, Parliament also passed legislation which enacted changes to key areas to target and prevent hate speech, radicalisation and extremism activity.

Proposed Scope of the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion

In summary, based on the Letters Patent dated 9 January 2026,2 the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion (Royal Commission) will examine:

  • The nature, prevalence, and drivers of antisemitism, opportunities to de-radicalise and strengthen social cohesion, and impacts on Jewish Australians.
  • Recommendations for government agencies, including improvements to guidance and training, protective security for Jewish places and leaders, and whether agencies have sufficient powers and resources to respond effectively.
  • The circumstances and emergency response to the Bondi terrorist attack, including security arrangements, agency communication and effectiveness, and any legislative gaps or restrictions that affected the response.

The Royal Commission also has a broad mandate to make any other recommendations that strengthen social cohesion, counter ideologically or religiously motivated extremism, and address related matters.

An interim report on the Bondi attack and urgent actions is expected by 30 April 2026, with the final report due by 14 December 2026.

Broader Government Response to Antisemitism

The Royal Commission is the latest in a series of measures since 2023, including the appointment of Ms Jillian Segal AO as Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism in July 2024. Her plan, delivered in July 2025, contained 13 recommendations and 49 key actions,3 to which the Government responded formally on 18 December 2025.4

Further legislative reforms were flagged in December 2025 and announced on 12 January 20265 — a landmark proposal aimed at strengthening Australia’s response to hate-fuelled conduct and violent extremism by way of:

  • Aggravated hate speech offences for preachers and leaders promoting violence;
  • Increased penalties for hate speech inciting violence;
  • Making hate an aggravating factor in sentencing for online threats and harassment;
  • A regime for listing organisations whose leaders engage in hate speech promoting violence or racial hatred; and
  • A federal offence for serious vilification based on race or advocating racial supremacy.

On 20 January 2026, Commonwealth Parliament convened an emergency sitting and passed two bills6 reflecting the announced changes. These bills collectively amend legislation to address the following key areas to address and prevent hate speech, violence and extremism:

  1. Criminal Law Reforms: Tougher laws on hate speech, racial hatred, radicalisation, and stricter controls on firearms and explosives;
  2. Migration Amendments: Enhanced powers for visa refusals and cancellations linked to extremist activity;
  3. Customs Controls: Stronger restrictions on importing and exporting extremist material, weapons, and firearms;
  4. Firearms Legislation: Introduction of a national gun buy-back scheme and tighter background checks; and
  5. Transitional Provisions: Ensuring smooth implementation of these sweeping changes.

These new laws will commence after the day they receive Royal Assent.

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. You should seek legal advice regarding the application of the law to you or your organisation.

  1. Previously referred to as the ‘Richardson Review’. ↩︎
  2. Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion | Attorney-General’s Department ↩︎
  3. Special Envoy’s Plan to Combat Antisemitism | aseca ↩︎
  4. Australian Government response to the Special Envoy’s Plan to Combat Antisemitism   ↩︎
  5. Special envoy’s plan to combat antisemitism | Prime Minister of Australia ↩︎
  6. Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026 (Cth); Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026 (Cth). ↩︎

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