Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the establishment of a national royal commission focused on antisemitism and social cohesion. Former High Court Justice Virginia Bell has been appointed to lead the inquiry, which follows weeks of government discussion and a recent attack targeting a Hanukkah event.
Commission Establishment and Scope
The decision to establish the national royal commission was made after discussions with Jewish community leaders and families affected by a recent attack. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his ministers are currently developing the specific details for the national probe.
Discussions are ongoing regarding the scope of the federal inquiry, including the potential integration of a rapid review of intelligence failures and a proposed New South Wales (NSW) royal commission into the federal body. The Commonwealth government had previously offered support for a state-led royal commission initiated by NSW Premier Chris Minns.
Commissioner Appointment and Responses
Ms. Bell, who had previously declined to comment on her potential appointment, has been formally appointed as the commissioner. Sources familiar with government discussions had indicated she was a leading option under consideration.
The appointment has drawn comment from various parties. Concerns have been raised by some Jewish leaders in New South Wales and segments within prominent Jewish Australian community groups regarding Ms. Bell's perceived political alignment or association with the political left. While acknowledging her legal qualifications, these groups have voiced their concerns.
Former Coalition Treasurer Josh Frydenberg publicly opposed Ms. Bell's appointment, citing concerns conveyed by Jewish community leaders to the Prime Minister. Mr. Frydenberg stated on social media that a commissioner should have the full confidence of the Jewish community. The Australian government and Ms. Bell's supporters within the legal community have challenged these claims regarding her perceived political alignment.
Background of Commissioner Virginia Bell
Virginia Bell, 74, was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2012. Her career includes:
- Beginning her legal career at the Redfern Legal Centre in the 1970s.
- Serving as a public defender.
- Appointment as a judge on the NSW Supreme Court and Court of Appeal in March 1999.
- Becoming the fourth woman appointed to the High Court of Australia in 2009 by the Rudd government, where she served for 12 years until her retirement in 2021.
- Experience as counsel assisting the Wood Royal Commission into NSW police corruption (1994-1997).
- Leading an inquiry into former Prime Minister Scott Morrison's multiple ministry appointments in August 2022. The report from this inquiry found his actions to be 'corrosive' to trust in government.
- Early career work related to social justice, including representing individuals arrested at the first Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras in 1978.
- Briefly hosting the ABC program Late Night Live in the early 1990s.
Related Inquiries
Separately, the Commonwealth government had tasked former Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Director-General Dennis Richardson to review federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies. This review is currently underway.