Key Takeaways
- A national royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion has been established by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
- Former High Court justice Virginia Bell will lead the inquiry, despite some concerns from the Jewish community about her appointment.
- The decision to establish the inquiry comes after weeks of pressure from the community and opposition parties, following an alleged ISIS-inspired attack that killed 15 people at a Hanukkah event.
- The inquiry will aim to address issues of antisemitism and social cohesion in Australia, and will be supported by the Commonwealth government.
Introduction to the Royal Commission
The Australian government has announced the establishment of a national royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion, following weeks of pressure from the community and opposition parties. The decision to establish the inquiry was made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has confirmed that former High Court justice Virginia Bell will lead the commission. The move comes after a devastating alleged ISIS-inspired attack targeting a Hanukkah event last month, which resulted in the loss of 15 lives. The prime minister has been under significant pressure to establish a federal royal commission, and has finally relented after discussions with leaders in the Jewish community and families of the victims.
The Appointment of Virginia Bell
The appointment of Virginia Bell as the leader of the inquiry has not been without controversy. Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg has spoken out against her appointment, claiming that the Jewish community has concerns about her suitability for the role. However, sources familiar with the thinking of prominent Jewish Australian community groups have told the ABC that Ms Bell is a qualified legal expert, and that there are no personal reasons for opposing her appointment. Instead, some concerns have been raised about her association with the political left, which may be seen as a factor in her appointment. Ms Bell has a long and distinguished career in law, having started her career at the Redfern Legal Centre in the 1970s, and later serving as a judge on the NSW Supreme Court and the High Court.
Virginia Bell’s Background
Ms Bell’s background and experience make her a well-qualified candidate to lead the inquiry. She started her career at the Redfern Legal Centre in the 1970s, where she defended dozens of people arrested during the first Mardi Gras parade. She was later appointed as a judge on the NSW Supreme Court in 1999, and became the fourth woman to serve on the High Court bench when she was appointed by the Rudd government in 2009. She retired from the High Court in 2021, and has since been involved in various other projects, including hosting the ABC program Late Night Live in the early 1990s. Her experience and expertise will be invaluable in leading the inquiry into antisemitism and social cohesion.
The Inquiry’s Aims and Objectives
The royal commission will aim to address issues of antisemitism and social cohesion in Australia, and will be supported by the Commonwealth government. The prime minister has previously offered the Commonwealth’s full support to a state-led royal commission announced by NSW Premier Chris Minns in the wake of the attack. The government has also tasked former Australian Security Intelligence Organisation boss Dennis Richardson to undertake a review of federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies. The inquiry will provide an opportunity for the community to come together and address the issues that have led to the rise of antisemitism in Australia. It will also provide a platform for the government to take action and implement policies to promote social cohesion and address the root causes of antisemitism.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The establishment of the royal commission is a significant step towards addressing the issue of antisemitism in Australia. The appointment of Virginia Bell as the leader of the inquiry is a well-qualified and experienced choice, despite some concerns from the Jewish community. The inquiry will provide an opportunity for the community to come together and address the issues that have led to the rise of antisemitism in Australia. The government has shown its commitment to supporting the inquiry, and it is now up to the commission to provide recommendations and solutions to promote social cohesion and address the root causes of antisemitism. The next steps will be crucial in ensuring that the inquiry is successful and that its recommendations are implemented. The community will be watching closely as the inquiry progresses, and it is hoped that it will lead to positive change and a more cohesive and inclusive society.