Royal Commission update

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion is pleased to share the following updates on hearing blocks and upcoming engagements in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane:

Hearing Block 2 concluded on Friday 12 June after examining the circumstances surrounding the attack at Bondi on 14 December 2025, including the security environment, the threat level leading up to the attack and the conduct of security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies. The sensitivity of the evidence heard required much of Hearing Block 2 to be closed to the public, to avoid prejudice to the ongoing criminal proceedings and protect national security.

Hearing Block 3 will be held between Monday 29 June and Friday 10 July 2026, in Sydney.

Hearing Block 3 will focus upon the dissemination of antisemitic content and other forms of hateful speech in the online environment, as well as antisemitism in traditional media and broadcasting. In particular, the hearings will focus on:

Online

  • the nature, prevalence and drivers of antisemitism and other forms of hateful speech online, with a focus upon social media platforms and other online forums that facilitate the dissemination of antisemitic and religiously and ideologically motivated extremist content
  • the impact on Jewish Australians
  • whether existing policies, procedures and systems are effective in preventing and responding to online hate, particularly antisemitic and extremist content
  • the effectiveness of cooperation between law enforcement, regulatory agencies, and platforms in combatting hateful speech online, and sharing information relevant to their respective functions and responsibilities
  • the potential for further practical and effective responses and measures to address deficiencies identified.

Media

  • the extent and nature of antisemitism in public media organisations and how those organisations identify and address it
  • the impact of antisemitism in traditional media on the daily lives of Jewish Australians
  • the governance, policies, and processes that public media organisations have in place to manage allegations of antisemitism and the effectiveness of those measures in responding to antisemitism
  • Australian Communications and Media Authority's role in responding to antisemitism, including through its complaints handling functions.

Members of the public can attend the hearing in-person at 83 Clarence Street Sydney, or view the livestream on the Royal Commission's website.

Melbourne hearings will take place from 13 July – 24 July. Further details about these hearings will be released closer to the time.

Royal Commission interstate community engagements

Ahead of Hearing Block 3, the Commissioner and Royal Commission staff will travel to Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane to meet with local Jewish communities and other multicultural organisations. These community engagements will provide the Royal Commission with important insights that will help it in its work as per the Commission's Terms of Reference.