In brief
- Commissioner Virginia Bell will now analyse evidence and submissions before writing her final report.
- Her recommendations could shape Australia's response to antisemitism and social cohesion.
After more than 340 witnesses were called to give evidence across 62 days, the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion hearings have concluded.
The inquiry was established in response to the Bondi Beach terror attack, in which 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration last December. It was tasked with investigating the circumstances of the attack, the impact of antisemitism on Jewish Australians and how social cohesion can be promoted.
The ninth and final block of hearings concluded on Wednesday, after examining how social cohesion could be understood, measured and promoted.
What happens next?
The inquiry will now turn to preparation of a final report, authored by commissioner Virginia Bell, who will summarise submissions, analyse evidence, establish facts and make recommendations.
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As with the interim report released in April, some material may remain confidential because of national security concerns or to avoid prejudicing criminal proceedings.
The sole surviving alleged gunman, Naveed Akram, has been charged with terror and murder offences, in a case that is separate from the commission. He has yet to enter a plea.
The commission does not determine criminal guilt or impose criminal penalties. It can, however, refer matters to law enforcement or prosecuting authorities.
Its recommendations will be considered by governments, which will decide whether and how to implement them.
Bell was due to submit her final report by 14 December — the one-year anniversary of the shooting — but she has requested a four-day deadline extension.
That request was in response to concern from Australia's Jewish community that the report coming out on the day of the anniversary of the attack would be a distraction from memorials.
How has the Jewish community responded?
Leaders of Australia's Jewish community expressed gratitude for those who gave evidence at the commission, often at a personal cost.
The commission heard directly from roughly 14,000 community members through evidence submitted in person and in writing, Bell said.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief Peter Werheim said the community had put its heart and soul into the commission.
"Hundreds of people have told the truth about their everyday experience of antisemitism, and thousands more have provided detailed accounts through written submissions. We thank everyone who has made a contribution. The commissioner has a great deal of evidence to weigh, and we trust her to do that carefully."
— With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press.
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