Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the establishment of a federal Royal Commission into antisemitism and social cohesion on January 8, 2026. This significant inquiry, considered the most powerful form of independent investigation in Australia, was launched in the wake of a devastating antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025. The attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration and was inspired by ISIS, resulted in the deaths of 15 people and wounded dozens more, marking it as one of the deadliest such incidents on Australian soil. Former High Court Justice Virginia Bell has been appointed to lead the wide-ranging commission. Its terms of reference include investigating the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in Australia, examining its key drivers (including religiously motivated extremism), assessing the effectiveness of current responses by law enforcement and security agencies, and making recommendations to strengthen social cohesion and counter the spread of extremism. The commission will also specifically scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the Bondi terror attack. Prime Minister Albanese confirmed that an ongoing review of federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies by Dennis Richardson would be incorporated into the Royal Commission's work, with an interim report expected by April 2026. The final report of the Royal Commission is due by December 14, 2026, marking one year since the tragic shooting. The announcement follows weeks of mounting public and political pressure for a comprehensive national inquiry into the rise of antisemitism.