Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has officially called a royal commission in the wake of the tragic Bondi Beach shootings, following weeks of intense pressure from members of Parliament and the Australian public, and a joint letter from family members of the victims.
On Wednesday, January 8, 2026, Albanese confirmed that a royal commission into the Bondi Beach shootings — which killed 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl — will be established to examine the rise of antisemitism in Australia, as well as social cohesion.
Per ABC News, the royal commission, which will be led by former High Court justice Virginia Bell, will focus on four key areas, including:
- Investigating the nature and prevalence of antisemitism and the motivation behind antisemitism,
- recommendations for how antisemitism is handled by law enforcement, including border, immigration and security agencies,
- the circumstances surrounding the 2025 Bondi Beach terror attack,
- and recommendations in strengthening Australia’s social cohesion.
Albanese said Dennis Richardson, who’s leading an inquiry into intelligence agencies, will also add to the royal commission.
“This was an antisemitic terrorist attack, aimed at Jewish Australians inspires by ISIS. The deadliest that has ever occurred on Australian soil,” Albanese said.
The PM also made sure to say the inquiry will not affect criminal investigations into the matter, stating that “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 and works to promote social cohesion and to do this without providing a platform for others’ hatred”.
It’s unclear when Albanese decided to call an inquiry into the devastating attack, having so far resisted calls.
“One of the reasons our nation is one of the oldest and strongest modern democracies in the world is because every Australian has the right to express their view,” Albanese said.
“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.”
Anthony Albanese on not calling a royal commission into the Bondi Beach attack earlier
When questioned why he hadn’t called an inquiry into the attack earlier — which resulted in members of Parliament, celebrities and members of the victims speaking out — Albanese said he was focused on “drafting legislation” on the royal commission, established Richardson’s review, and increased funding for security agencies.
“I don’t think anyone can reasonably accuse me — I can be accused of many things, raising the temperature [regarding the call of a royal commission] is not one of them,” Albanese said.
He added the government is standing with the Jewish community in this time of “devastating pain”.
Commissioner Bell will have to report back by December 14, 2026.
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