Royal Commission Hearing Block 2

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion will hold its second public hearing block in Sydney, commencing Monday 25 May 2026.

Hearing Block 2 will examine the circumstances surrounding the attack at Bondi on 14 December 2025. In particular, the hearings will examine the matters identified in the Royal Commission’s Interim Report as warranting further examination.

Hearing Block 2 will focus on:

  • The terrorism threat level and security environment in the lead up to the attack.
  • The conduct of security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies relevant to the attack, including what was known about the shooters and what was done with that information.
  • The security arrangements for the Chanukah by the Sea event.
  • How intelligence about individuals known to authorities is utilised and shared to inform decisions made by security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies, including, for example, decisions about whether and how individuals are monitored and decisions in respect of firearms licence applications.
  • Resourcing for counter-terrorism, and the effectiveness of current powers, systems and processes of security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

“The work of the Royal Commission has been advanced by hearing from Jewish Australians and others about their experiences of antisemitism during hearing block 1, and we’re grateful to members of the community who are continuing to share their stories. Our focus now turns to the matters explored in the Interim Report, including the security arrangements for the Chanukah by the Sea event and resourcing for counter-terrorism,” said Commissioner Virginia Bell AC SC.

Members of the public can view the livestream of the public hearings on the Royal Commission’s website.

Substantial parts of this block of hearings will be closed to the public to avoid prejudice to national security and/or the criminal proceedings arising from the attack. Closed hearings will not be open to the public or livestreamed.

The first day of Block 2 will be open to the public.

The Royal Commission wants to hear from members of the public and institutions on all aspects of its terms of reference. The Commission will continue to accept submissions until Sunday 14 June 2026.