Interim Report of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion

Commissioner the Hon Virginia Bell AC has today delivered the Interim Report of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.

The Government welcomes the Interim Report, accepts all recommendations that relate to the Commonwealth, and is committed to working with the states and territories to adopt a national approach to implementation of all 14 recommendations.

While Commissioner Bell found Australia’s existing legal and regulatory frameworks did not hinder agencies’ ability to prevent or respond to the Bondi attack, and that no urgent or immediate action is required, the recommendations go to enhancing our national counter-terrorism arrangements and capabilities.

The Interim Report contains a small number of classified recommendations which cannot be publicly released because they could compromise sensitive national security information. The Government will respond swiftly to these recommendations and Australians will see practical outcomes through a range of policy, program and funding measures.

The Government established the Royal Commission in the wake of the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi to examine antisemitism in Australia and strengthen social cohesion.

The Government thanks Commissioner Bell and her team for their professionalism and dedication in delivering the Interim Report. The Government also thanks Mr Dennis Richardson AC for his contribution in leading the independent review of Australia’s federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies, which became part of the Royal Commission.

Additional jet fuel and additional diesel secured

The Albanese Labor Government has secured two shipments carrying 100 million litres of jet fuel, and another shipment of 50 million litres of diesel to keep Australia moving.

These three new fuel shipments, going to Brisbane, Perth and Darwin, are in addition to the eight shipments already announced in partnership with BP Australia, Ampol, and Viva Energy, which will reach Australia in May and June.

Combined, the Government has secured over 450 million litres of additional diesel and 100 million litres of additional jet fuel to make sure Australians have the fuel they need.

Under the Strategic Reserve powers, EFA is continuing to progress discussions with a number of other businesses who can secure, ship and distribute fertiliser into Australia where it is needed most.

More shipments are expected under these agreements in the coming days and weeks.

the Prime Minister

“My Government is working day and night, here and abroad, to shield Australians from the worst of the impacts of a war on the other side of the world.

“We have now secured more than 450 million litres of additional diesel and 100 million litres of additional jet fuel to keep Australia moving.   

“In the face of global instability, we are leaving no stone unturned as we work to keep Australia moving, working and flying.”

Minister Farrell

“This additional 100 million litres of jet fuel to Perth and Brisbane and 50 million litres of diesel to Darwin will keep our FIFO workers flying, our truckers driving, and our nation moving.

“It gives Australians the peace of mind they need to travel and see their loved ones and to keep exploring our vast and beautiful country.”

Minister Bowen

“The Government is continuing to strengthen our fuel supply chain in partnership with industry, and these additional cargoes from our third partner to secure shipments to date is proof of that.

“This support for approximately 100 million litres of jet fuels shows the Government is acting now to ensure continued essential fuel supplies.”

Minister C King

“The Government has now secured jet fuel through the Strategic Reserve for the first time since the conflict began, ensuring our aviation sector has the certainty it needs to keep passengers and freight moving. 

“This is a practical step towards strengthening Australia’s jet fuel supply. This will help support Australian airlines and keeping our nation connected.”

Appeal to locate missing teen – Fletcher

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage boy missing from the state’s north.

Ryan Forrest, aged 15, was last seen on Prestwick Street, Fletcher, about 12pm on Monday 20 April 2026.

Unable to be located or contacted since, officers attached to Newcastle Police District were notified on Friday 24 April 2026 and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Ryan’s welfare due to his age.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall, with light brown hair and brown eyes.

Ryan is known to frequent the Greenhills Shopping Centre, Thornton Shopping Centre, Maitland, Woodberry, Rutherford and Tenambit areas.

Hunter region man charged with online child abuse material offences

A Hunter region man is expected to face the NSW Bail Division Court today (30 April, 2026) charged with soliciting, accessing and possessing child abuse material.  

Australian Border Force (ABF) officers intercepted the man, 27, and conducted a routine examination of his luggage at Sydney International Airport on 8 November, 2025, following his return to Australia on a flight from Japan.  

During an examination of the man’s mobile phone, ABF officers allegedly located suspected child abuse material. The matter was reported to the AFP for further investigation. 

The device was seized by the AFP for further digital forensic analysis.  

Following analysis of the seized device, the AFP yesterday (29 April, 2026) executed search warrant at a house in Raymond Terrace where police located and seized further electronic devices, as well as a gel-blaster.  

The 27-year-old was arrested and charged with: 

  • Use carriage service to solicit child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (Cth); 
  • Use carriage service to access child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (Cth); and 
  • Possess or control child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code (Cth). 

The maximum penalty for these offences is 15 years’ imprisonment.    

AFP Detective Superintendent Luke Needham said the AFP remained unwavering in its pursuit of anyone involved in child exploitation. 

“This investigation sends a very clear message. If you engage in the possession or distribution of child abuse material, you will be caught,” Det-Supt Needham said  

“Law enforcement will relentlessly pursue and take action against those who offend against society’s most vulnerable.”  

ABF Superintendent Shaun Baker said ABF officers worked closely with law enforcement and other border agency partners to detect and intercept material that posed serious harm, to ensure it did not enter our community. 

“This outcome highlights the value of collaboration and intelligence sharing across border and law enforcement agencies,” Supt Baker said. 

“There is no place for abhorrent child abuse material in our community, and ABF officers remain committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.”