Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion to hold first public hearing on 24 February

Australia's Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion is set to enter its first public phase next week, with the inquiry scheduled to hold its first public hearing on 24 February. Reporting indicates the opening session will involve statements setting out the inquiry's direction rather than hearing witness testimony.

The Royal Commission's official website states it was established by Letters Patent issued on 9 January 2026 by Governor-General Sam Mostyn, with the Hon Virginia Bell AC SC appointed as Royal Commissioner. The Commission is required to deliver an interim report by 30 April 2026 and a final report by 14 December 2026.

The inquiry's creation and timetable underscore how urgently the Commonwealth wants to address antisemitism and related social cohesion issues-particularly in an environment where domestic tensions have been inflamed by international conflict, misinformation and extremist activity.

Royal commissions have wide-ranging powers and typically aim to establish a clear factual record, examine institutional responses, and recommend reforms. In practice, that can mean looking at community impacts, policing and justice settings, online platforms, education environments and how governments communicate during crises.

For affected communities, the first hearing is a signal that the process is moving from announcement to action. For governments and institutions, it's the beginning of an intensive period of scrutiny-one that can reshape policy, funding priorities and enforcement approaches.