Royal Commission on Antisemitism: Time Crunch Concerns

0:00It's March 31st, you're listening to Sydney News today, AI-powered local news. A former Royal Commissioner is sounding the alarm on Australia's inquiry into anti-Semitism, saying it just doesn't have enough time to get the job. Done right after that brutal Bondi beach attack, the Royal Commission on Anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion kicked off in January from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following the December 14th, shooting that killed 15 people at a Hanukkah event. It started hearings on February 24th, but faces a tight deadline in December 2026. Ronald Sackfield, who ran the Disability Royal Commission till 2023, told the forum it's impossible to fully hear from Jewish Australians, and wrap up a solid final report anytime soon. He pushes for Commissioner Virginia Bell to grab an extension and do it properly, noting the interim report due by April's end will just outline, issues not dive deep. Every day Jewish folks, like students and academics, are too scared to speak up without private

1:02sessions, which aren't on the table yet. Former Treasurer Josh Friedenberg called anti-Semitism a nasty mix from far-right progressives in some Muslim groups backing more time to collect. Real evidence. Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finley called the Bondi attack a national wake of call that hits everyone, not just Jewish communities. With Bell staying quiet on any extension, the pressure's building to give this inquiry the runway it needs before things spiral like in Europe.