Newcastle's Jewish community has welcomed the federal government's announcement of a royal commission into anti-Semitism, but leaders are adamant it must translate into concrete safety improvements, not just symbolic gestures.
A Step Forward, But Results Are Crucial
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the national inquiry on Thursday, January 10, 2026, in response to the devastating Bondi terror attack on December 14 the previous year, which resulted in 15 deaths and more than 40 injuries.
For Newcastle Rabbi Yossi Rodal, the year-long investigation represents an "important step" in combating hate. However, he stressed that its ultimate value will be measured by its outcomes. "We hope it's not just pushing paper and that it actually will have meaningful results, because it makes a massive difference to our safety," Rabbi Rodal said.
The royal commission, to be led by former High Court judge Virginia Bell, will examine:
- The prevalence and underlying causes of anti-Semitism in Australia.
- Ways to enhance responses by law enforcement and security agencies to hate-based conduct.
- The details of the Bondi attack to formulate better strategies against extremism.
Rabbi Rodal emphasised that the decision to launch the inquiry has provided a sense of validation for a community that had felt overlooked. "Having a royal commission means this is actually an issue and we do care, which is very validating for the Jewish community," he explained.
Unique Challenges for Regional Jewish Communities
Rabbi Rodal is advocating for the distinct vulnerabilities of regional Jewish communities, like the one in Newcastle, to be a central focus of the inquiry. He argues their situation differs significantly from larger metropolitan centres.
"It's just a whole different ball game," he said, pointing to factors such as less security infrastructure, smaller but more concentrated targets, and isolation from major Jewish institutions. He hopes the commission will specifically address these regional security dynamics.
Beyond government action, Rabbi Rodal believes eradicating anti-Semitism is a responsibility shared by all Australians. He encouraged Novocastrians to educate themselves about Judaism and to actively spread "love, kindness and light." "I think the message that has come out of this whole thing, especially the Jewish response, was light over darkness," he said. "That is always true, light is always going to win over darkness, and we just have to provide that light."
Local Politicians Push for Action at All Levels
The announcement has also prompted action from local councillors. Newcastle Liberal councillor Callum Pull welcomed the inquiry but expressed disappointment at the time taken to establish it and the lack of vocal support from local federal Labor MPs.
"Words of condolence are important, but they alone are not enough," Cr Pull stated. "We need action and we need answers. I hope a royal commission will deliver that. 'Never Again' must be more than a slogan."
In Lake Macquarie, Liberal councillor Matt Schultz is preparing to take a notice of motion to council in February, seeking to bolster local efforts against anti-Semitism. He cited witnessing disturbing rhetoric at protests and aims to have the council's existing Multicultural Plan expanded to explicitly tackle anti-Semitism.
"In the Lake Macquarie context, we have a one-page commentary on racism. It doesn't explicitly mention anti-Semitism," Cr Schultz noted. He plans to advocate for more explicit measures, inspired by initiatives like the Strategy to Combat Anti-Semitism adopted by Waverley Council in Bondi in 2024.
"We need to make sure all the citizens in our community feel safe and are not experiencing racism, but at the moment, let's focus on anti-Semitism while we're calling on the state and federal to do their bit," he said.
The federal inquiry will run concurrently with a separate review of security agencies led by former spy chief Dennis Richardson, which is due to report by April 2026.
