Royal Commission to examine online hate and media antisemitism
The Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion will turn its attention to online hate speech, social media platforms and antisemitism in traditional media when it resumes public hearings in Sydney later this month.
The commission has confirmed that Hearing Block 3 will be held from 29 June to 10 July at 83 Clarence Street, Sydney, following the conclusion of Hearing Block 2 on 12 June.
Online hate speech (Photo: Eugene Uhanov via Unsplash)
Hearing Block 2 examined the circumstances surrounding the terrorist attack at Bondi on 14 December 2025, including the security environment before the attack, the prevailing threat level and the actions of security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
Because of the sensitivity of the evidence and the ongoing criminal proceedings, much of the second hearing block was conducted in closed session. The commission said restrictions were necessary to avoid prejudicing legal proceedings and to protect matters relating to national security.
The upcoming hearings will focus on the dissemination of antisemitic content and other forms of hateful speech in the online environment, as well as antisemitism in traditional media and broadcasting.
In relation to online platforms, the commission will examine the nature, prevalence and drivers of antisemitism and other forms of hateful speech, particularly on social media platforms and online forums that facilitate the spread of antisemitic, religiously motivated and ideologically motivated extremist content.
The hearings will also consider the impact of online antisemitism on Jewish Australians, the effectiveness of existing policies and systems for preventing and responding to online hate, and the extent of cooperation between technology platforms, regulators and law enforcement agencies.
Commissioners are also expected to investigate whether further practical measures are needed to address shortcomings in the current response to online hatred and extremism.
The media component of Hearing Block 3 will examine the extent and nature of antisemitism within public media organisations and how those organisations identify, investigate and respond to allegations of antisemitism.
The commission will also consider the impact of antisemitism in traditional media on the daily lives of Jewish Australians and review the governance arrangements, policies and complaint-handling processes used by media organisations.
Particular attention will be given to the role of the Australian Communications and Media Authority in responding to complaints relating to antisemitism.
Members of the public will be able to attend the hearings in person or watch proceedings via livestream on the Royal Commission’s website.
The commission has also confirmed that hearings will move to Melbourne from 13 to 24 July, with further details to be announced closer to the dates.
Ahead of the Sydney hearings, Commissioner and Royal Commission staff will visit Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane for a series of community engagement sessions with Jewish communities and other multicultural organisations.
The commission said the meetings would provide valuable local perspectives and assist its work under the terms of reference as it continues its examination of antisemitism and social cohesion across Australia.
