• Australia opens a royal commission into antisemitism after the Bondi Beach mass shooting.
• The inquiry is led by former High Court Justice Virginia Bell.
• The commission aims to investigate security arrangements and the conduct of law enforcement agencies.
• Legal proceedings against the alleged shooter will limit the inquiry's scope.
• Victims' families will be consulted privately about the inquiry's limitations.

Australia has initiated a royal commission into antisemitism following the Bondi Beach mass shooting, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 15 people during a Jewish event in December 2025. The inquiry, deemed the most powerful form of public inquiry in Australia, aims to investigate the roots and ramifications of antisemitism in society, as well as assess security measures leading up to the attack, according to BBC and Reuters.

Former High Court Justice Virginia Bell has been appointed to lead the commission. During the opening session, she stated, "The commission needs to investigate the security arrangements for that event, and to report on whether our intelligence and law enforcement agencies performed to maximum effectiveness," as reported by Reuters and Channel News Asia. The inquiry plans to explore social cohesion and the recent rise in antisemitic incidents within the country, fueled by this horrific event.

Bell emphasized that ongoing legal proceedings against the accused, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram, will restrict the inquiry's ability to call witnesses who might be relevant to the trial. Sajid was killed during the attack, while Naveed faces numerous charges, including murder and committing a terrorist act, according to BBC and Channel News Asia.

In light of these proceedings, the commission aims to consult with victims' families privately to explain the constraints they face regarding testimonies. Richard Lancaster, the chief legal advisor for the inquiry, acknowledged that obtaining documents from government bodies has not met expectations thus far, as highlighted by Reuters and Channel News Asia. The inquiry is expected to deliver findings by the end of this year.

Initially, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese showed reluctance in establishing a royal commission, citing concerns about the time required for such a process. However, mounting pressure from Jewish leaders and families affected by the attack prompted a reevaluation of this decision, according to BBC and Reuters.