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THE QUESTIONS OUR COMMUNITY WANTED ANSWERED
More than 20,000 submissions, the final report, recommendations and why there is still important work ahead.
Dear friends,
What will you find in this newsletter?
What we heard from the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion
Royal Commissions are formal processes that can be a challenge for those of us who are not legally trained to understand.
That is why the JCCV invited Rebecca Carpenter, Head of Engagement for the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, to our JCCV Plenum on Monday night.
JCCV board member Rachel Flitman led a conversation with Rebecca, putting to her questions submitted by community members.
It was important to me that our community had the opportunity to learn more about the Royal Commission directly from a Commission representative. And Rebecca, who is also a Jewish Australian, was open and clear with her explanations of the Commission’s work, the enormous volume of evidence it is considering and what lies ahead.
The JCCV is here to guide our community through this unfamiliar and, at times, challenging process.
I would like to formally thank Rebecca and her team. With Commissioner Virginia Bell and the legal team consumed by public hearings, Rebecca has been tirelessly working to ensure as many voices are heard during this Royal Commission and to answer our questions.
Here are some of the key issues Rebecca addressed:
How is the Commission processing more than 20,000 submissions?
The Commission has received more than 20,000 submissions, the largest submission process of any Royal Commission in Australian history. Commissioner Virginia Bell continues to read some of the submissions herself, while the Commission’s policy and research team analyses the material, identifies themes and refers relevant information for further consideration. Rebecca confirmed that submissions are being read by people, with technology supporting the process.
Why aren't some high-profile people and organisations appearing at hearings?
Public hearings are only one way the Commission gathers evidence. Decisions about witnesses are based on the Commission’s inquiry strategy, the time available and the need to hear a broad range of perspectives. In some cases, written evidence is considered sufficient.
Will the final report be delivered on time?
The Commission remains committed to reporting within the timeframe set by its Letters Patent. An extension is legally possible, but no decision has been made.
What recommendations might we see?
What happens after the report is delivered?
It is too early to speculate, but Rebecca said the Commissioner is focused on practical and implementable outcomes. The hearings have explored areas including education, cultural safety, understanding antisemitism, institutional accountability and the use of the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
The report will be an important milestone, but it will not be the end of the process. The Commission’s recommendations will go to the Federal Government as well as state and territory governments, which will then need to consider and respond to them. Community organisations and advocacy groups will also have an important role in ensuring meaningful change follows.
As a Jewish member of the Royal Commission team, what has the experience been like for Rebecca personally?
Rebecca spoke candidly about the emotional challenges of the work, particularly hearing evidence from young people and children. She also described the role as a privilege and expressed optimism about the strength and resilience of Jewish communities across Australia.
What we heard from our member organisations
Following Rebecca’s presentation, JCCV CEO Naomi Levin shared some of the key themes emerging from JCCV member organisations’ submissions.
While these submissions do not represent every member organisation, they provide a valuable snapshot of the experiences and priorities across our community.
A central theme was the impact of rising antisemitism on Jewish participation in Australian life, including its psychological impact, declining social cohesion, online hostility and the growing burden of security costs.
Three areas for action came through particularly strongly:
- Institutional capability and accountability
Namely stronger governance, accreditation and monitoring.
- Education and cultural literacy
This was the most common recommendation across the submissions.
- Social cohesion and participation
The need to build relationships and partnerships across communities.
JCCV will use these insights to inform our ongoing advocacy with state and local government, police, human rights organisations and other institutions.
JCCV welcomes a new member organisation
Finally, we welcomed our 62nd JCCV member organisation at Monday’s Plenum, Shtiebel.
I am pleased that more and more organisations are seeing value in joining the JCCV. Each of our members provides us with valuable input, guidance and understanding of the diversity of our community.
Visit our website to see a full list of JCCV member organisations. If you work with an organisation that is not on that list, please contact the office to inquire about joining the JCCV.
