What you need to know:
The Government established the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion in the wake of the Bondi Beach attack to inquire into the causes of the extremism and antisemitism that led to the attack.
A Royal Commission is the highest level of inquiry in Australia. It is an independent and public inquiry for matters of national importance.
Antisemitism has become more visible, organised, and normalised in Australian society, contributing to the most deadly terrorist attack on Australian soil in our nation’s history.
This issue affects not just the Jewish community but all Australians.
Who can make a submission
In her opening statement Commissioner Bell stressed that she is interested in hearing from Jewish Australians who have experienced antisemitism, whether at school, university, the workplace or elsewhere.
She said the Royal Commission will use these accounts to assess the impact of antisemitism on the daily life of Jewish Australians, as required by the Royal Commission’s terms of reference.
Anyone who has experienced or witnessed antisemitic conduct, or has views on antisemitism and social cohesion in Australia, may make a submission — regardless of whether you are Jewish, from another community, an organisation, a friend or an observer.
Submissions can express personal experiences, community-wide concerns, or professional and organisational insights.
Please note that the vast majority of people who make submissions will not be called upon to give evidence.
Commissioner Bell has said that a person making a submission who does not wish to give evidence at a hearing will not be compelled to do so.
In general, the Royal Commission has far-reaching powers and may compel individuals to give evidence and produce documents.
How the Commission is using submissions
Submissions are a vital part of the Commission’s work. They:
- Allow individuals and organisations to directly inform the inquiry’s understanding of antisemitism and social cohesion.
- Recount the experiences, particularly from Jewish Australians, which illustrate the nature and impact of antisemitic conduct.
- Help shape recommendations that may influence policy, law, education and community safety.
The deadlines for submissions
At this stage, the deadline for making submissions is May 2026.
The Commission’s final report is due by 14 December 2026 and will include its findings and recommendations.
Make a submission
Your submissions must be made using the Royal Commission’s official secure online form.
The submission form must be completed and submitted in one sitting, or it will not be saved. The form will automatically shut down after 30 minutes of inactivity
Due to these limitations and to avoid losing your writing if the form closes suddenly, it is recommended you begin drafting your submission on an external platform (e.g. Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Notes etc.) to ensure you can complete your submission in your own words and in your own time.
Submissions are accepted in a variety of formats (written text, file uploads). The online form will ask you to provide information such as:
- Your contact details (you may request anonymity).
- Whether you represent yourself or an organisation.
- Details about your experience with antisemitic conduct.
- The impact this conduct has had on you or others.
- What you think the Commission should know or recommend.
Please follow the prompts in the online form carefully. This is the official process used by the Royal Commission.
Do you need help?
ECAJ Support:
ECAJ is supporting our community and welcomes you to either:
- Contact them about your submission. Where appropriate, we may refer your email to the Jewish Centre for Law & Justice or our lawyers Arnold Bloch Leibler.
- Provide them with a Microsoft Word version of the content of your submission that you submitted through the Royal Commission website.
Where appropriate, emails to the ECAJ may be shared on a confidential basis with Jewish Centre for Law & Justice or our lawyers Arnold Bloch Leibler.
Royal Commission Support:
If you would like to speak with someone at the Royal Commission, you can call us on 1800 920 515 Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm (AEDT).
We are able to provide you with information about:
- the scope of the Royal Commission (its terms of reference)
- how to share your story/make a submission to the Royal Commission
- support services available to you to engage with the Royal Commission, and
- general guidance on the work of the Royal Commission (for example information about hearings and reports).
They are unable to provide legal advice. Please refer to their legal assistance page for information on legal advice services and legal financial assistance to people engaging with the Royal Commission.
What to include in your submission
There is no single “correct” way to make a submission. However, the most useful submissions are clear, personal, specific and include the following:
Describe the conduct or issue clearly
Explain what happened in your own words:
- What did you experience or witness?
- Date(s), place(s) and circumstances. Please be as precise as possible.
- Who was involved (if known)?
- Was the conduct reported to police, a school, workplace, institution or another authority?
- What happened as a result of that reporting (if reported)?
Try to be factual and avoid speculation. Your testimony is most powerful when grounded in your own experiences.
Examples of issues you might raise
You may choose to focus on:
- Specific incidents of antisemitic conduct (verbal, physical, online harassment, discrimination).
- Patterns of conduct you have observed in an institution or community setting.
- Institutional responses (whether helpful or inadequate).
- Barriers to reporting or seeking help.
A short, personal submission can be just as powerful as a longer one.
Explain the impact
Explain how the conduct affected:
- Your own physical, emotional, economic or social wellbeing or that of your family or friends.
- Your (or their) sense of safety or belonging.
- Your (or their) studies, work or community involvement.
Although it is not essential, you may also want to explain briefly how you think antisemitism affects the broader Jewish community and include suggestions for change that you think will make a difference.
Try not to address matters beyond your personal experiences or knowledge unless you have something important to contribute to the work of the Royal Commission.
Remember that Jewish representative bodies will make careful submissions identifying recommendations the Royal Commission should make.
Explain why the Commission should hear your story
You may want to explain very briefly why you think your submission matters to the Royal Commission, and the broader policy questions to which you think your experiences are relevant.
Tips for a strong submission
- Write in your own words. Authenticity matters.
- Be specific; for example, with dates, places, outcomes.
- Focus on what you believe the Commission should understand and consider.
- Support your story with facts where possible.
Example of a submission relating to lived experience
As an example, ECAJ’s Head of Legal, Simone Abel, made this submission in her personal capacity recently to a Parliamentary Inquiry in Queensland into a new piece of legislation to combat antisemitism.
It is an example of how to tell your personal story in a way that helps inform the issue that the inquiry is considering.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to write a long submission?
No. The Commission welcomes all contributions, whether brief or detailed. What matters is that you communicate your experience or insight.
Can I submit anonymously?
Yes, the online form allows for anonymity if you choose.Can an organisation submit on behalf of members?
Yes, organisations can make submissions and may include individual stories with consent. That is why it is also important that you make contact with ECAJ.
What happens after I submit?
The Commission will consider all submissions as part of its inquiry. Some may be referenced in reports or hearings, subject to privacy protections.
I have experienced an antisemitic incident that I think I need help to deal with; what do I do?
If your incident is an emergency, please call 000 immediately. Then call 1300 000 CSG (1300 000 274) when it is safe to do so. When you are safe and have time, please report the incident on our antisemitism reporting hub.
Anonymity and privacy
The online form allows you to request that your identity not be published or shared publicly. You may also upload supporting documents if relevant.
If you have concerns about privacy or safety, consider:
- Using the anonymity features in the submission form.
- Contacting trusted support services that can advise you on the process as ECAJ and Share Your Story.
Emotional support services
Discussing difficult or traumatic experiences can be distressing.
If you need emotional support, please:
Contact Jewish House on 02 9386 0770 to connect with their counselling team.
Contact Jewish Care on 1300 133 660.
Contact NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.
Call 000 immediately if you or someone you know is in a life threatening emergency.
