Frydenberg says he will not be called as royal commission witness

Former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg has stated he will not be called as a witness to the royal commission on antisemitism, a body he actively advocated for. Frydenberg, a prominent figure in the Australian Jewish community, expressed his surprise in an opinion piece for The Australian, revealing he was informed by the commission's legal team that he would not be testifying. This comes despite his willingness to appear and his submission to the inquiry, especially concerning social cohesion, a topic he has focused on for years amidst significant personal threats.

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I heard nothing until last Friday afternoon when I was informed via the royal commission's legal team that I would not be called.

The royal commission, established after the Bondi Beach terror attack in December 2025, is examining antisemitism and social cohesion in Australia. Frydenberg was a key proponent for its creation. The commission has already heard evidence from several Jewish politicians, including federal members Joshua Burns, Mark Dreyfus, and Julian Leeser. The Dor Foundation, an organization founded by Frydenberg to combat antisemitism, has also presented to the inquiry.

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The last public hearing is scheduled for later this month on the topic of social cohesion, a topic I have been more than active on over the past three years.

A spokesperson for the royal commission stated that they do not comment on specific witness lists, with upcoming witnesses published on their website. The commission has also faced scrutiny over questioning by lawyers representing pro-Palestinian groups, who sought to question Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip about comments made regarding a pro-Palestinian protest. Ossip reportedly took issue with questions about the timeline of events in relation to the Hamas attack on Israel, emphasizing the commission's focus on antisemitism.

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I have taken this stand, notwithstanding the significant threats I have received.