Australia will open a Royal Commission into the Bondi Beach mass shooting that killed 15 people at a Hanukkah event, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced. The inquiry, to be chaired by retired judge Virginia Bell, will probe the attack, possible law enforcement shortcomings and wider issues of antisemitism and social cohesion. An independent review of police and security responses will be folded into the commission; that review is due in April, and the Royal Commission is expected to report by December.
Australia Launches Royal Commission Into Bondi Beach Mass Shooting and Antisemitism
FILE PHOTO: An Australian flag sits amongst floral tributes honouring the victims of a shooting at Jewish holiday celebration on Sunday at Bondi Beach, in Sydney, Australia, December 16, 2025. REUTERS/Hollie Adams/File Photo
SYDNEY, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Thursday that Australia will establish a Royal Commission into the mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach that left 15 people dead. He described the inquiry as the country's most powerful public investigation and said it is necessary to address both the attack and wider questions about antisemitism and social cohesion.
The shooting, which took place on December 14 at a Jewish community event on Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach, shocked a nation known for strict gun laws and renewed debate about violent extremism, community safety and hate crime. Police say the alleged perpetrators — a father and son — were inspired by the Islamic State militant group.
Scope and Leadership
Albanese said the Royal Commission will be chaired by retired High Court judge Virginia Bell and will have powers to compel witnesses and documents. The inquiry will examine the circumstances surrounding the attack, whether existing laws and information-sharing practices hindered prevention, and broader patterns of antisemitism and social cohesion across Australia.
Process and Timelines
The government previously commissioned an independent review into the response of law enforcement agencies to determine whether authorities could have taken additional steps to prevent the attack. Albanese said that review will now be incorporated into the Royal Commission to provide a single, comprehensive public examination. The law enforcement review's findings are expected in April, while the Royal Commission is expected to deliver a final report by December.
"This Royal Commission is the right format, the right duration and the right terms of reference to deliver the right outcome for our national unity and our national security," Albanese said at a news conference.
Albanese acknowledged he had initially resisted calls for a Royal Commission, citing concerns that the process would take years. He said he reconsidered after consulting Jewish community leaders and meeting victims' families and survivors of the attack.
The Commission's findings are likely to shape future policy on countering violent extremism, improving information sharing among agencies, and strengthening protections against antisemitism and other hate crimes.
(Reporting by Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Editing by Michael Perry)
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