Bondi royal commission report delayed to avoid massacre anniversary clash

The royal commission sparked by last December’s Bondi Beach atrocity has entered its final day, with commissioner Virginia Bell setting out the timeline for its publication.

Ms Bell gave her closing address on Wednesday morning, during which she revealed just how close to the anniversary Australia can expect to see her findings.

Fears had been expressed that the publication would be made on the first anniversary of the devastating attack – with the commission having a deadline of no later than December 14.

However, after members of the Jewish community raised concern that this may serve as a distraction from the commissioner’s findings, Ms Bell confirmed she had sought a slight delay to ensure this didn’t happen.

“The 14th of December is the anniversary of the massacre. It will be a solemn day, marked with memorials,” she said.

“I am aware of concerns within the Jewish community that delivery of the report on the anniversary would be a distraction.

“I fully understand that concern and to avoid that distraction I have asked for a short extension with a view to delivering my report on Friday, December 18.”

Starting on January 9, the inquiry has seen thousands of pieces of evidence given into the experiences of Jewish Australians of anti-Semitism in the run-up to the devastating attack and beyond.

More than 20,000 written submissions have been made to the royal commission since its launch, with 346 witnesses giving evidence publicly.

“I am satisfied that I am currently in a position to give a full and fair account of the term of reference which asks whether, in relation to the attack, our intelligence and law enforcement agencies performed to maximum effectiveness,” she said.

“The Bondi Hanukkah attack came after more than two years of a marked increase in anti-Semitism throughout Australia.”

The final pieces of spoken evidence will be given today – August 26, before Ms Bell reviews the evidence and makes recommendations that will guide policymaking on the issues.

Originally published as Bondi royal commission report delayed to avoid massacre anniversary clash