Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the appointment of former High Court justice Virginia Bell to head the federal Royal Commission investigating the Bondi terror attack. This inquiry aims to examine the impact of antisemitism on the daily lives of Jewish Australians, following the tragic incident that shocked the nation.
Virginia Bell has had a distinguished legal career, beginning in the 1970s as a volunteer and solicitor at the Redfern Legal Centre. Notably, she participated in the inaugural Mardi Gras in 1978, where she, alongside John Terry, provided legal assistance to the 53 individuals arrested during the event. Bell’s commitment to advocating for the rights of the marginalized continued as she developed resources for future marches, advising participants on how to avoid arrest.
In 1984, Bell was admitted to the New South Wales Bar and served as a public defender from 1986 to 1989. Her prominent role in the legal community expanded when she became counsel assisting the Wood Royal Commission into corruption in the New South Wales Police in 1995, later being appointed Senior Counsel in 1997. Bell’s judicial career includes her tenure on the New South Wales Supreme Court starting in 1999 and her subsequent service on the Court of Appeal from 2008.
In 2009, she was nominated by then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd as the fourth woman to serve on the High Court of Australia, a position she held until her retirement in 2021. As an openly gay woman, Bell has been a significant figure in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, living with her partner, a barrister, in inner-city Sydney.
Albanese expressed confidence in Bell’s capabilities, stating, “If you look at what is required by this Royal Commission, there is no one of the stature of Virginia Bell, a former High Court judge, a former head or senior person in the New South Wales Supreme Court.” He highlighted her extensive legal background and respected reputation, asserting that she possesses the experience necessary to conduct a meaningful inquiry.
In recognition of her contributions to the judiciary and law, Bell was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2012. Her influence extends beyond the courtroom; journalist and author David Marr noted her “ferocious sense of humour,” which she showcased in her appearances on the nostalgic television program, *The Golden Years of Television*, where she portrayed her alter-ego Ginger de Winter.
In 2022, Albanese appointed Bell to lead an inquiry regarding former Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his self-appointments to multiple ministerial positions. Her leadership in both the Bondi inquiry and the previous investigation underscores her pivotal role in shaping Australian legal and political landscapes.
Virginia Bell’s appointment as the head of the Royal Commission marks a significant step in addressing the complexities of antisemitism in Australia, as the commission seeks to provide a thorough examination of its effects on the Jewish community.
