Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a national inquiry into antisemitism. This decision comes just weeks after a shooting incident at a Jewish community event on Bondi Beach, which resulted in 15 fatalities.

The inquiry will take the form of a royal commission, which is the highest level of independent public investigation possible in Australia, led by former High Court judge Virginia Bell.

According to the Prime Minister, the commission will examine the nature, scope, and factors contributing to antisemitism in general, as well as the specifics of the Bondi shooting. It will also prepare recommendations for law enforcement on enhancing community cohesion and countering extremism.

A report is expected by December 14, exactly one year after the attack that occurred during Hanukkah celebrations.

This announcement follows weeks of calls from lawmakers across the political spectrum, Jewish community leaders, and other public figures, including well-known athletes, for a national royal commission rather than a state-level investigation in New South Wales, where the attack took place. Initially, Albanese suggested that such a comprehensive inquiry might take too long, but he rejected claims that he was pressured to change his position.

Albanese has already initiated a review of the activities of Australian security and law enforcement agencies following the shooting, stating that it will form part of the royal commission's work.

He also plans to implement legislative changes in response to the attack, including tightening already strict gun laws and criminalizing hate speech that, according to the government, often falls short of the threshold for prosecution.

The shooting during the Hanukkah celebrations occurred last year in Sydney at Bondi Beach. Two armed men opened fire, killing 15 people. Police stated that the attackers were inspired by the ideology of the Islamic State. One of the attackers was shot dead.