Royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion begins as commissioner sets deadline

The antisemitism royal commission has begun its first public hearing, with Commissioner Virginia Bell AC SC saying it will take no longer than a year to complete.

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion began with Bell making an opening statement explaining how she will approach the inquiry.

"I acknowledge the importance of addressing antisemitism within the Australian community," Bell said.

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Bell said she will "conduct the inquiry as expeditiously as possible" so that a full report is complete no later than one year after the Bondi terror attack that launched the investigation.

Other members of the senior counsel will also make short statements to open the hearing at Sydney's Law Courts building, however, no testimony or evidence will be presented today.

The inquiry was officially declared on January 9 by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and an interim report will be submitted by April 30.

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The full report is set to be released by December 14.

Bell was appointed by the prime minster to lead the royal commission, stating that she would do an "outstanding job".

"There is no one, though, of Virginia Bell's standing. The only former High Court justice who has been raised, the only person who has that background in criminal law, someone who is widely respected across the board," he told Today earlier this year.

Throughout the inquiry, people will be allowed to share their life experiences over the duration of the commission through submissions and public hearings.

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