What's happened
On February 24, 2026, Australia’s Royal Commission into the December 14 Bondi Beach massacre began, led by retired judge Virginia Bell. The inquiry will investigate the terror attack, antisemitism, and social cohesion, with a report due by December. The accused, Naveed Akram, faces terrorism and murder charges; his father was killed during the attack. The commission will examine security failures and intelligence effectiveness.
What's behind the headline?
Comprehensive Inquiry Amid Rising Antisemitism
The Royal Commission represents Australia's most authoritative response to a terror attack targeting its Jewish community, reflecting deep societal concerns about antisemitism and social cohesion. The commission’s mandate extends beyond the attack itself to systemic issues, including intelligence sharing, law enforcement preparedness, and the broader social drivers of hate.
Balancing Justice and Inquiry
Commissioner Bell’s cautious approach to avoid prejudicing Naveed Akram’s ongoing criminal trial underscores the legal complexities involved. This separation means the commission will not present direct evidence of the attack but will focus on institutional and societal factors.
Political and Community Tensions
Prime Minister Albanese’s initial resistance to the commission, citing time concerns, contrasted with pressure from Jewish groups and victims’ families, highlighting political sensitivities around addressing antisemitism. The inquiry’s findings will test government accountability and may influence future policies on hate crimes and national security.
Forecasting Outcomes
The commission’s interim report in April will likely spotlight intelligence and security gaps, potentially prompting reforms in agency coordination and resource allocation. Its final report in December should provide recommendations to strengthen protections for minority communities and counter extremist ideologies.
Impact on Australian Society
This inquiry will shape public discourse on religious and ethnic discrimination, potentially fostering greater social cohesion. However, the trauma endured by victims and the Jewish community remains profound, and the commission’s success will depend on its ability to translate findings into effective action.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel highlights the commission’s focus on security arrangements and intelligence effectiveness, quoting Commissioner Bell’s intent to meet victims’ families privately to explain inquiry limitations. It also details the accused’s charges and the community’s criticism of Prime Minister Albanese’s initial reluctance to establish the commission.
AP News provides a detailed overview of the commission’s structure and legal constraints, emphasizing Bell’s caution to avoid prejudicing the criminal trial and the tight timeframe for reporting. It notes the absorption of a prior federal review into the commission and the broader context of rising antisemitism since the 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Independent and SBS offer insights into the commission’s public engagement strategy, including calls for Jewish Australians to share experiences of antisemitism and the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s antisemitism definition. SBS explains the commission’s powers and scope, underscoring its role in addressing extremism and social cohesion.
Reuters and The New Arab focus on the political backdrop, noting Albanese’s initial resistance and subsequent reversal amid pressure. They also recount the spate of antisemitic incidents preceding the Bondi attack, including a synagogue firebombing.
Court reports from The Times of Israel, Arab News, and The Independent detail Naveed Akram’s court appearances, charges, and the ongoing legal process, providing context on the accused’s background and the meticulous planning of the attack.
Together, these sources paint a comprehensive picture of a nation grappling with the aftermath of a terror attack, the challenges of legal and social responses, and the urgent need to confront antisemitism and extremism.
How we got here
The inquiry follows a deadly mass shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025, where father-son attackers, inspired by Islamic State, killed 15 people. The attack intensified concerns over rising antisemitism and security lapses in Australia, prompting calls for tougher gun laws and stronger government action.
Go deeper
- What are the main goals of the Royal Commission?
- How is the commission handling the ongoing criminal trial?
- What changes might come from the commission’s findings?
Common question
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What Happened During the Sydney Attack at the Hanukkah Celebration?
The December attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi, Sydney, shocked the community and raised serious questions about security and antisemitism in Australia. This page explores what occurred during the incident, who was involved, and what steps are being taken to prevent future attacks. If you're wondering about the details of the attack, the response from authorities, and the ongoing investigations, you've come to the right place. Below, we answer common questions to help you understand this complex and concerning event.
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What Do Recent Attacks in Sydney and Moscow Mean for Global Security?
Recent violent incidents in Sydney and Moscow highlight growing security concerns worldwide. From a deadly attack in Australia to a bomb near Moscow's train station, these events raise questions about patterns, government responses, and what citizens should know. Here, we explore what these incidents mean for global safety and how authorities are reacting to these threats.
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What Is a Royal Commission and How Will It Investigate the Sydney Attack?
Following the tragic December attack in Bondi, Sydney, a Royal Commission has been announced to investigate the security failures, antisemitism, and social issues surrounding the incident. Many people are asking what a Royal Commission is, how it works, and what it aims to uncover. This page will answer those questions and provide insight into the ongoing investigation into the Sydney attack.
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How Do Attacks Like These Impact Social Cohesion and Community Safety?
Recent attacks in Sydney and Moscow have raised serious concerns about social cohesion and community safety. These incidents not only cause immediate harm but also influence how communities perceive safety, trust, and unity. Understanding the broader social impacts helps us grasp the importance of security measures, community resilience, and addressing underlying tensions. Below, we explore common questions about how such violence affects society and what can be done to foster safer, more cohesive communities.
More on these topics
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Virginia Margaret Bell AC is a former senior puisne Justice of the High Court of Australia, the highest court in the Australian court hierarchy. She was sworn in on 3 February 2009, and retired on 28 February 2021.
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Anthony Norman Albanese (born 2 March 1963) is an Australian politician who has served as the 31st prime minister of Australia since 2022. He has been the leader of the Labor Party since 2019 and the member of parliament (MP) for the New South Wales divis
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Bondi Beach () is a beach and the surrounding suburb in Sydney, Australia. Bondi Beach is located 7 kilometres (4 miles) east of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Waverley Council, in the Eastern Suburbs. In the 2021...
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Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia and Oceania. Located on Australia's east coast, the metropolis surrounds Port Jackson and extends about 70 km on its periphery towards the Blue Mountains to the west, H
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Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.