Antisemitism royal commission ends hearings but delays report to avoid ‘distraction’ from Bondi anniversary

<p>Commissioner Virginia Bell resists push to extend antisemitism inquiry noting need for timely recommendations</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/aug/25/australia-news-live-sydney-trains-delays-cancellations-albanese-gst-wa-one-nation-coalition-secret-harbour-election-tax-reform-royal-commission-antisemitism-icac-victorian-rail-loop-alan-jones-trial-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>Commissioner <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/aug/05/bell-rejects-suggestion-palestinian-groups-counsel-hijacked-commission-and-condemns-abusive-emails-ntwnfb">Virginia Bell</a> says she will delay – by four days – handing down her final report into antisemitism and social cohesion, in order not to distract from commemorations of the Bondi terror attack.</p><p>On Wednesday, the last day of public hearings of the royal commission, Bell resisted a public push to extend the commission’s work.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/26/antisemitism-royal-commission-ends-hearings-but-delays-report-to-avoid-distraction-from-bondi-anniversary-ntwnfb">Continue reading...</a>