Australian Catholic Leader Calls for Broader Anti-Semitism Inquiry

The head of Australia’s Catholic bishops has backed the Richardson Review but warns a deeper national examination of anti-Semitism is needed.

Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong (L) listens to Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as he speaks during a press conference in Canberra, Australia on Aug. 11, 2025. Hilary Wardhaugh/AFP via Getty Images

The President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and Archbishop of Perth, Timothy Costelloe, has added his voice to growing calls for a wider national inquiry into anti-Semitism in Australia, arguing existing reviews do not go far enough.

Archbishop Costelloe said that while the Richardson Review was a necessary step, it should be complemented by a broader process with the power to examine the underlying causes of anti-Semitism.

“If there have been failures, they need to be identified and rectified quickly,” said Costelloe in a statement on Jan. 2.

“It is important, however, to also name and confront the deeper roots and the extent of antisemitism in Australia and to propose ways to eradicate it.”

Rev Timothy Costelloe, Archbishop of Perth, conducts a memorial service for victims of the MH17 disaster at St Mary's Cathedral in Perth, Australia, on July 25, 2014. Paul Kane/Getty Images

Push for Royal Commission

The Archbishop’s remarks come as pressure mounts on the federal government to establish a Commonwealth royal commission following the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

An open letter signed by 120 prominent business leaders and public figures has called for a national inquiry, warning that existing processes are insufficient to address what it describes as a growing crisis.

Signatories include former Reserve Bank governors Philip Lowe and Glenn Stevens, billionaire James Packer, and former Telstra chief executive David Thodey, alongside sporting figures, politicians, and university chancellors.

Published by multiple media outlets on Jan. 2, the letter argues that restoring social cohesion and ensuring public safety requires a stronger response.

“This is a national crisis, which requires a national response. This goes beyond politics; it’s about the future of our country,” the letter said.

Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay also publicly supported the push for a broader inquiry, saying that while the Richardson Review would assess the national security framework, it would not fully address the underlying causes of violence.

“A Federal Royal Commission is essential to fully understand what has happened and ensure it never happens again,” she said on X.

Government Defends Review

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has so far resisted calls for a federal royal commission from victims’ families, Jewish organisations, and legal experts, instead commissioning a review into intelligence and law-enforcement responses led by former ASIO director-general Dennis Richardson.

At the state level, NSW Premier Chris Minns has committed to a NSW royal commission into the attack. Speaking to media on Jan. 1, Albanese said the Commonwealth would participate fully in the state inquiry, while reiterating his confidence in Richardson.

He defended the appointment by pointing to Richardson’s background, saying he was the “most qualified” person to lead the review, citing his experience as a former head of Defence and Foreign Affairs, a former ambassador to the United States, and a former leader of Australia’s intelligence agencies.