View from The Hill: Albanese’s backflip on royal commission is a humiliating own goal

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has finally agreed to a national royal commission on antisemitism, appointing former High Court judge Virginia Bell after weeks of public pressure. The decision follows a pre‑Christmas Resolve poll where 48% of Australians supported a commission, 17% opposed, and 34% were unsure. Bell’s terms of reference will cover antisemitism, the December 14 Bondi Beach terrorist attack, and social cohesion. The commission will last just under a year, reporting by the anniversary of the Bondi attack, and will incorporate the ongoing Dennis Richardson inquiry, which is due to report in April. NSW Premier Chris Minns had announced a state commission in December, and former Liberal deputy Josh Frydenberg had initially opposed Bell’s appointment.