Overview
- Commissioner Virginia Bell opened the first hearing and ruled out calling any eyewitnesses who may appear at the criminal trial of accused Naveed Akram to avoid prejudicing the case.
- Bell said the inquiry will apply the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, noted controversy around some examples, and affirmed that criticism of Israeli government policies is not inherently antisemitic.
- The commission must deliver an interim report by April 30 focused on the attack’s circumstances and agency performance, with a final report due by the first anniversary on December 14.
- Dennis Richardson’s folded‑in security review will lead the strand examining potential intelligence and law‑enforcement failures, with some sessions likely to be held in private where necessary.
- The mandate covers the prevalence and drivers of antisemitism, impacts on Jewish Australians, security arrangements for community sites and events, and broader social cohesion, with public submissions invited; counsel noted agencies have been asked for documents and responses are lagging.