Josh Burns (Macnamara, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Attorney-General. Can the Attorney-General please update the House on the work of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, including its recently published interim report?

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

I thank the member for his question. I acknowledge this issue is one that is deeply personal to him and to others in this place. We will never forget that on 14 December last year the deadliest terrorist attack on Australian soil occurred, taking the lives of 15 innocent people and wounding dozens more. This must never happen again. It was an attack not only on Jewish Australians but on all Australians, and people in this country should not feel unsafe simply because of their identity.

In the aftermath of this horrific attack, the government acted to address abhorrent incidents of hatred and ensure that our laws are effective against evolving threats. And, on 8 January, the government also established the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, led by former High Court justice the Hon. Virginia Bell. This royal commission is an important opportunity for Australians, particularly Jewish Australians, to have their voices heard. I've been moved by the evidence given by individuals since the hearings commenced on 4 May, and I'm heartened to hear of the safe and respectful environment the commission has enabled for its witnesses. Appearing before a royal commission and sharing these deeply personal, often confronting experiences is significant, and we should acknowledge that as a parliament. I'm sure I speak for all members in this place when I thank those who've shown such bravery in appearing before the commission, and I note that more than 10,000 submissions have been made so far. I continue to encourage members of the public with experience or knowledge relevant to the royal commission to make a submission and to follow the proceedings.

On 30 April, the royal commission delivered its interim report, which has been widely welcomed by peak Jewish groups, including the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies and the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council. While Commissioner Bell found no gaps in existing legal or regulatory frameworks impeded the ability of law enforcement and security agencies to prevent or respond to the Bondi attack, the commission did make 14 recommendations, including with respect to enhancing our national counterterrorism arrangements and capabilities. The government will adopt and implement all recommendations of the interim report as they relate to the Commonwealth. I thank Commissioner Bell and the royal commission for their work to date and note that a final report will be delivered by 14 December.

As the Prime Minister has said, this royal commission is not the start or the end of what Australia must do to eradicate antisemitism. We'll continue to support the work of our Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, and work with states and territories to implement Australia's Counter-Terrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy 2025. We've taken action against hate crimes and we're delivering tougher gun laws. This royal commission strengthens our collective actions to help keep all Australians safe and ensure this tragedy never happens again.