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Royal CommissionExplainerAustralia

How to write an effective submission to the Royal Commission

You have until June 14 to ensure your experience of antisemitism is heard by the Royal Commission. Here are some tips to make it compelling.
Judith Levitan
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Royal Commission Guide

It is vital for the Royal Commission to hear directly from Australians who have experienced antisemitism. (Image: Canva)

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 

  1. 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.” 
  2. 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: 
  • The nature and prevalence of antisemitism in institutions and society 
  • Key drivers of antisemitism in Australia 
  • Religious and ideologically motivated extremism and radicalisation 
  • Opportunities to enhance the responses of governments to antisemitism  
  • Best practice approaches to de-radicalisation and strengthening social cohesion 
  • Recommendations to counteract and prevent antisemitism 
  • The impact of antisemitism on the daily life of Jewish Australians, including but not limited to security arrangements, physical health, mental health and wellbeing 
  1. Start with an introduction setting out the context of who you are.   
  2. Think about the structure of the submission. If there are specific events that you want to highlight, one option is to write about events in a chronological order.  Note key dates or time periods and set out details of what happened during that time. After describing the events, address the impact of the experience. 
  3. Rather than focussing on specific events, another option is to order the submission based on topics, such as those covered by the Terms of Reference. For example, you can detail personal experiences of antisemitism in your daily life. Describe the effect on your wellbeing, sense of belonging to the Jewish community or broader Australian community, and perceptions of safety. You can also detail how you have changed your behaviour or activities because of antisemitism.   
  4. Include recommendations for change.  Some considerations include what could be done differently, what needs to change to prevent this from happening again and suggested changes to laws or policy.
      
  5. Consider reaching out for legal advice if you are concerned about confidentiality, privacy, naming a person or organisation, workplace related disclosures or disclosing information related to a current dispute, complaint or legal case. 

It is important to be aware of the emotional and psychological impact that writing a submission may have on a person. For some people, the process of writing the submission has brought relief.  For others, it has been painful to reflect on their experiences.  If you experience distress, there are services that can support you. The Royal Commission website and the NSW Government Bondi Beach attack website list counselling and support services available. RCLAS can also make referrals to mental health and social support services. 

RCLAS has further guidance on making a submission to the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. There are also other resources available including through ECAJ and ShareYourStory. 

If you have questions or concerns about making a submission, need help getting started, or have a specific question about what you have included in your submission, contact the Royal Commission Legal Assistance Service on 1800 976 198 or email rcasclegalhelp@nationallegalaid.org.au.

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About the author

Judith Levitan

Rabbanit Judith Levitan is the Director of Royal Commission Legal Assistance Service. She is also a rabbi, lawyer and community educator and the religious programming coordinator at Maroubra Synagogue in Sydney.

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