Michelle Rowland (Greenway, Australian Labor Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for her question. There is no place for hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. In the wake of the abhorrent events on 14 December, our response as a nation needs to be above politics. It is about the right outcome for our national unity and our national security. Australia needs to heal, to learn, to come together in a spirit of collective strength and to go forward knowing that light will always prevail over darkness. As the Prime Minister said, the government has engaged with members of the community, particularly Jewish Australians, and we have listened.

In addition to the legislation outlined in my previous response, the government has established the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, led by the honourable Virginia Bell AC. Ms Bell is an eminent and highly capable former justice of the High Court of Australia. She also served with distinction on the Supreme Court and the New South Wales Court of Appeal. Ms Bell has the deep experience to conduct her inquiry in a way that meaningfully examines the impact of antisemitism on the daily life of Jewish Australians and works to promote social cohesion. She was an exceptional judge, and I have complete confidence that she will discharge her role as commissioner with the same fairness and impartiality that she brought to the bench.

Her appointment has received wide support, including from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. Its president, Daniel Aghion, said, 'Commissioner Bell is a retired high court judge with excellent credentials,' and, 'we endorse her appointment.' I am pleased to inform the House that the commissioner has now formally commenced her role and is wasting no time in operationalising the royal commission.

The royal commission will be an important opportunity for Australians, particularly Jewish Australians, to have their voices heard and to speak to their experiences. It is also important to note that the royal commission must be conducted in such a way that it does not prejudice any future criminal proceedings. The letters patent were very clear on this, and Ms Bell, as commissioner, is well placed to navigate this task due to her extensive experience in criminal law. The government has asked Commissioner Bell to deliver an interim report to government by 30 April and a final report by 14 December. We all want a safer, more unified Australia, and this royal commission will be one part of that process.

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