Anthony Albanese appoints Virginia Bell to lead Royal Commission into antisemitism

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a Commonwealth Royal Commission into antisemitism and named former High Court judge Virginia Bell to lead it, saying the inquiry will examine the nature and prevalence of antisemitism and the December 14 Bondi Beach attack. He set a deadline of 14 December 2026 and said the commission would be tightly managed to avoid prejudicing any criminal proceedings.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a Commonwealth Royal Commission into antisemitism and appointed former High Court judge Virginia Bell as commissioner. He said the inquiry will examine the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in Australia, how enforcement and border agencies respond, and the circumstances of the Bondi Beach attack on 14 December. Mr Albanese set a deadline of 14 December 2026 and stressed the commission would be tightly managed so it would not jeopardise any future criminal proceedings. The announcement follows weeks of public scrutiny and calls for a comprehensive inquiry. Key details: - The commission will investigate the nature and prevalence of antisemitism and review responses by law‑enforcement, border, immigration and federal security agencies. - It will examine the circumstances surrounding the Bondi Beach attack on 14 December, which the article reports left 15 people dead and others injured. - Anthony Albanese appointed former High Court judge Virginia Bell to lead the inquiry and described her as highly qualified, citing her judicial and criminal law experience. - The government set a reporting deadline of 14 December 2026 and said the inquiry would not be a drawn‑out process and would not prejudice criminal matters. - Sections of the Jewish community and some political figures expressed concerns about the appointment, while other legal experts, including Ben Saul, publicly said Bell is highly regarded. - The Royal Commission will run alongside a previously announced Richardson Review into security agencies. Summary: The commission is intended to review agency responses to antisemitism and to deliver recommendations on social cohesion and security, with a final date set for 14 December 2026. Public and political reactions are mixed, with some community leaders and opposition figures raising concerns about the appointment and others supporting the choice; the government says the inquiry will proceed while protecting legal processes.