Published: 4 May 2026
Last updated: 7 May 2026
The month of May will be a busy time for the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. The interim report was released last week and now hearings are beginning.
The Royal Commission Legal Service (RCLAS) has been established to give legal support to people who wish to engage with the Royal Commission. Independent of the Royal Commission, RCLAS can provide free advice, information and referrals for individuals, including members of the Jewish community, who are considering making a submission.
It can be useful to think of writing a submission as beginning a conversation. It is the first statement that assists the Commission with collecting information relevant to the inquiry. For people who are hesitant about engaging with the Royal Commission process, it is important to remember that choice and control over how far to take the conversation remain with the person writing the submission.
The online submission form has options to indicate whether the person is prepared to make a more formal witness statement or give evidence in hearings. There are also options around publication of the submission. A person can indicate if they want the submission to be made public (with or without their name) or whether they want the submission to remain confidential.
Tips to consider when writing a submission
- Be authentic - use your own words and your own voice. The Commissioner has stated that it is vital for the work of the Royal Commission to “hear directly from Australians who have experienced antisemitism first hand.”
- The submission should be relevant to the Terms of Reference of the Royal Commission. The online form on the website of the Royal Commission provides a list of categories that can be selected. They include:
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