Bondi attack: royal commission will not hear full details

The royal commission into antisemitism will not examine key parts of the December Bondi attack to avoid prejudicing an ongoing criminal trial, the commissioner said. The inquiry will focus on antisemitism and social cohesion and aims to deliver its final report by 14 December 2026.

The royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion held its first public hearing in Sydney and set out limits on its work to avoid affecting ongoing criminal proceedings. Commissioner Virginia Bell said the commission will not lead detailed evidence about how the December Bondi attack unfolded because an individual has been charged and a criminal trial is pending. The inquiry will concentrate on identifying antisemitic conduct and drivers, examining law enforcement and security responses, and looking at ways to strengthen social cohesion. Key points: - The commission will restrict parts of its investigation that could prejudice a criminal trial and will manage sensitive evidence accordingly. - An individual has been charged in relation to the December attack, and the commission said the trial will be the occasion to lead evidence about how the attack unfolded. - The inquiry will adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism, include an intelligence and security review, and plans a final report by 14 December 2026 with an earlier interim report scheduled. Summary: The commissioner emphasised that the commission must carry out its work without risking prejudice to the criminal proceeding and will therefore not present detailed public evidence about the attack. She said the inquiry will focus on antisemitism, security responses and social cohesion, will meet privately with victims' families to explain limitations, and intends to deliver an interim report ahead of a final report by the anniversary of the attack. Undetermined at this time