The Royal Commission
The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion was established on 9 January 2026 (Royal Commission) in the aftermath of a terrorist attack on the Australian Jewish community in Bondi, Sydney in which 15 innocent people were killed.
The establishment of the Royal Commission marks a significant moment for the Australian Jewish community. Since October 7, 2023, Jewish Australians have been subjected to more visible, more vocal and ever more brazen antisemitic attacks, including firebombing, harassment, doxxing, attacks on synagogues, threats against community institutions and a sharp escalation in antisemitic incidents and hate speech.
A group of organisations that together represent Australia’s mainstream Jewish communal organisations at both national and state level have appointed Arnold Bloch Leibler, working with senior counsel, to represent them before the Royal Commission.
This website will be kept updated with relevant information concerning the participation of the organisations Arnold Bloch Leibler represents and key developments in the Royal Commission’s process.
What ABL Will Do
Arnold Bloch Leibler will assist its clients to engage comprehensively, constructively and responsibly with the Royal Commission. This includes providing such supporting evidence as the Royal Commission requires including accounts of antisemitism in Australia and the lived experience of those directly affected.
Arnold Bloch Leibler will undertake this work on a pro bono basis and will not charge any fees, reflecting its longstanding commitment to combatting antisemitism, racism and to preserve the dignity and human rights of all Australians.
Arnold Bloch Leibler’s clients are:
- Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ)
- NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (JBOD)
- Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV)
- Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA)
- National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (NCJWA)
- The Dor Foundation (Dor)
- Australia Israel Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC)
Contacting the Royal Commission
The Royal Commission is an independent statutory inquiry. It manages its own processes for submissions, hearings and enquiries.
For more information in relation to the Royal Commission, visit its website: https://asc.royalcommission.gov.au/.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will community members be able to contribute to the Royal Commission?
The Royal Commission has published guidance in relation to how submissions may be made, which is accessible at this link.
How will updates be shared?
Arnold Bloch Leibler will post to this page updates and external links to information relevant to the participation of the organisations it represents, as the Royal Commission progresses.
How long will the Royal Commission run?
The Letters Patent require the Commissioner to deliver her final report on 14 December 2026. Timelines and key dates will be published by the Royal Commission.
Will people be required to give evidence publicly?
Not everyone who engages with the Royal Commission will be required to appear at a public hearing. The Royal Commission determines who is called to give evidence and whether that evidence is heard publicly or privately.
Royal Commission Resources
Arnold Bloch Leibler will from time to time update this webpage with resources and information published by the Royal Commission, and by departments of the Australian Government that relates to the work of the Royal Commission.
- The Terms of Reference of the Royal Commission are set out in the Letters Patent. The Letters Patent are accessible at this link.
- The Royal Commission has published practice guidelines in relation to its practice and procedures. These guidelines are accessible at this link.
- The Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department will establish a national legal advice service to support people who want to engage with the Royal Commission. Details about this service are available at this link.
- The Royal Commission's FAQs are available at this link.
- Subscribe to the Royal Commission's mailing list via this link.
Transcripts
- Transcript of Royal Commission opening hearing, Tuesday 24 February 2026
News
Arnold Bloch Leibler will update this webpage with information relevant to its work in relation to the Royal Commission.