Australia’s royal commission on antisemitism to conclude hearings after Bondi Beach attack

Australia's Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion will conclude its hearings on Wednesday, following months of testimony in the aftermath of the 2025 Bondi Beach mass shooting. The commission, established after an ISIS-inspired attack at a Hanukkah event that killed 15, has heard from hundreds of Jewish community members, experts, and security officials, and received over 20,000 submissions. Key witnesses included survivors and the head of Australia's national security agency. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns advocated for an extension, stating, "If we need to for a couple of weeks longer, given that most of the expense was spent setting it up, that would seem to be money well spent." The commission, initially rejected by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese but formed after public pressure, is tasked with investigating antisemitism, recommending security improvements, examining the Bondi attack, and strengthening social cohesion. An interim report in April found existing frameworks insufficient and recommended expanded protection for Jewish communities, an updated counterterrorism handbook, and a national gun buyback plan, which the government pledged to adopt. The final report is expected around December.