What's New

^{29 January 2026}

Understanding the Government’s response to antisemitism

Last Thursday, Australia paused to reflect on a National Day of Mourning for the victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. It was encouraging to see so many come together, light a candle, observe a minute of silence or perform a Mitzvah (act of kindness) to commemorate the lives lost on 14 December 2025.

The day of mourning also provided an opportunity to reflect on broader issues raised by the attack, including antisemitism, extremism and community safety. In response, the Federal Government has announced a number of significant measures.

Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion

The Federal Government has established a Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. A royal commission is an independent inquiry that is legally empowered to investigate a matter of public concern.

The Royal Commission will investigate:

• the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in Australia
• how antisemitism may best be tackled
• the circumstances surrounding the Bondi Beach terrorist attack
• how social cohesion may be strengthened and extremism countered.

Former High Court Justice the Hon Virginia Bell AC will lead the Royal Commission and will deliver an interim report by 30 April 2026, with the final report due 14 December 2026.

We will provide more information about this Royal Commission as it becomes available. You may also be interested in the Law Handbook section on royal commissions.

New legislation to combat antisemitism, hate and extremism

Last week, Federal Parliament urgently passed legislation to combat antisemitism, hate and extremism. These new laws aim to:

• strengthen background checks for firearm licencing
• facilitate a gun buyback scheme
• increase penalties for a range of hate crimes
• create new criminal offences to target dealing with firearms and explosives manufacture material and certain activities of prohibited hate groups
• expand the grounds on which the Immigration Minister may refuse to grant, or to cancel, a visa to include where the Minister reasonably suspects that the person has been involved in hate-motivated conduct or the spread of hatred and extremism.

These laws are now mostly in effect.

For more information, see these PDF documents:

• Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Act 2026 explanatory memorandum (Cth) (PDF download, 1.15 MB) 
• Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Act 2026 explanatory memorandum (Cth) (PDF download, 929 KB)

Support services

This has been a challenging time for many people in the community but support is available if you need it.

• Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
• Beyond Blue also offers information, resources and a 24/7 telephone and online counselling service. Call 1300 22 46 36. 
• The Kids Helpline provides 24/7 support for children and young people and their parents and carers. Call 1800 55 1800 or visit www.kidshelpline.com.au for resources on a range of topics including how to support young people following tragic events.