Key insights
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1
Royal commission scope includes antisemitism and social cohesion: The commission’s stated terms include investigating antisemitism and its drivers, examining the Bondi attack circumstances, and recommending measures to strengthen social cohesion and counter ideological and religiously motivated extremism.
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2
Inquiry structure incorporates an existing intelligence and law enforcement review: Dennis Richardson’s review into intelligence and law enforcement agencies will be incorporated into the royal commission, with an interim report expected in April.
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3
Government signalled parallel policy changes on guns and hate speech: Leaders agreed to tighten gun controls and Albanese promised hate speech reforms, including penalties for leaders who promote violence and a new federal offence of aggravated hate speech.
Takeaways
A royal commission led by former High Court justice Virginia Bell will investigate the Bondi shooting and antisemitism in Australia, with a report requested by December 2026.
Topics
World & Politics Policy & Regulation Governance Human Rights Investigations Law & Public Safety Crime & Justice Public Safety