Final hearing block - Social cohesion

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion will hold its ninth and final hearing block in Sydney from Monday 17 August 2026 - Friday 28 August 2026.

Hearing Block 9 will focus on strengthening social cohesion in Australia and will examine:

• How social cohesion can be understood and measured.
• Social cohesion and the human rights framework.
• Initiatives and programs undertaken by various communities, religious groups and organisations across Australia that seek to strengthen social cohesion.
• Social cohesion in the education sector.
• Government activities to promote social cohesion.

The Royal Commission's Terms of Reference define social cohesion as the national consensus in support of democracy, freedom and the rule of law and recognise that social cohesion provides the strongest defence against antisemitism and other forms of religious and ideologically motivated extremism.

"Hearing Block 9 will bring together evidence from a broad range of sectors to better understand how social cohesion is built and sustained. We will hear from a range of organisations who have programs and initiatives already operating across Australia and assess how these approaches support safer, more inclusive and connected communities" Commissioner Virginia Bell AC SC said.

The Royal Commission will continue to publish the list of witnesses the day before they are due to give evidence on the Commission's website. Members of the public can attend hearings in person at 83 Clarence Street, Sydney or view the livestream of the public hearings on our website.

Following hearings, the Royal Commission will focus on preparation of the final report.