Our Dawn slams antisemitism failing

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Olympic champion Dawn Fraser has criticized Australia's royal commission into antisemitism for not fully investigating the rise of hatred against Jewish communities, particularly the role of Islamist extremism and political figures. Her concerns, echoed by security experts and politicians, highlight calls for the inquiry to be extended and expanded to address key evidentiary gaps before final recommendations are made.

Four-time Olympic gold medalist Dawn Fraser has criticized the royal commission investigating antisemitism in Australia, describing its work as falling short of public expectations and failing to thoroughly examine the rise of hatred against Jewish communities. Fraser, 88, was an early and vocal advocate for the establishment of the inquiry following the deadly attack at Bondi Beach, which sparked widespread calls for official action.

Fraser played a key role in pressing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to launch the royal commission, despite his initial reluctance. After public hearings concluded on August 26, she expressed disappointment with the scope of evidence presented and urged the commission to call on politicians and representatives of Islamist organizations associated with anti-Israel protests to testify.

“The royal commission has allowed cross-examination of Jewish witnesses sharing their stories but it hasn’t called ministers to give evidence, it hasn’t called members of Islamist organisations active in the anti-Israel protests, and it hasn’t investigated those cursors, origins and growth of Islamist extremism, which pose serious national security challenges for Australia,” Fraser told reporters. She added that the inquiry had failed both “the pub test” and the scrutiny of qualified experts. However, she left open the possibility for the commission to broaden its investigation.

Fraser’s advocacy dates back to January, when she joined 60 prominent figures in signing a letter demanding the royal commission following the Bondi massacre. An independent member of the New South Wales Parliament for three years, Fraser also participated in a national press conference condemning Albanese for rejecting initial calls for an inquiry into rising antisemitic attacks.

“It was my hope and expectation that the royal commission would fearlessly investigate the unprecedented harassment, intimidation and violence directed at the Australian Jewish community since October 7, 2023,” Fraser said. She traveled to Sydney to honor victims at the Bondi site and meet families of those killed in the attack.

Fraser’s concerns are shared by several former national security officials, Coalition politicians, and legal experts who have urged the commission’s extension and expansion to address key gaps. Although Fraser herself does not claim expertise in security matters, she cited warnings from about 30 senior former military, intelligence, and security personnel who say critical witnesses have been excluded and significant issues remain unexamined.

Despite mounting calls to prolong the hearings, the royal commission’s chair, Virginia Bell, last month affirmed that the inquiry had followed its prescribed schedule and declined to seek a significant extension. Bell noted that important policy decisions depend on the commission’s forthcoming recommendations but maintained the current timeline.

The royal commission continues to weigh its next steps amid ongoing debate over the adequacy of its approach to confronting antisemitism and related security threats in Australia.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.