Squiz Today Weekly Wrap Preview: A Royal Commission into anti-semitism
Jan 9, 2026
A major focus is the Prime Minister's surprising call for a Royal Commission into antisemitism, shifting from prior resistance. The hosts dive into the commission's scope, the four key areas it will cover, and the power differences between federal and state inquiries. They discuss community reactions and public pressure that led to this decision, along with concerns over the appointed commissioner’s past rulings. The backdrop of rising antisemitism, exemplified by the Bondi attack, adds urgency to the discussion.
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Federal Commission's Unique Compulsory Powers
- A federal royal commission can compel federal agencies like ASIO and the AFP to provide evidence.
- That power makes it uniquely suited to probe intelligence sharing and decisions around the Bondi attacker.
Unanswered Questions About Prior Investigations
- Questions remain about what ASIO and other agencies knew about the alleged shooter before the Bondi attack.
- The commission should clarify why a gun licence was approved despite past investigations.
Accelerated Deadline For Timely Answers
- The royal commission will report by December 14 this year, a much faster timetable than usual.
- The tight deadline aims to avoid the multi-year timelines that normally accompany royal commissions.