{
  "id": 1632917,
  "title": "MP fails in bid to extend antisemitism inquiry and have PM front it",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/mp-fails-in-bid-to-extend-antisemitism-inquiry-and-have-pm-front-it",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-18T04:18:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-18/nsw-royal-commission-julian-lesser-extension-bid/107050398"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Liberal MP Julian Leeser attempted to extend the antisemitism royal commission and force Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to testify, but his bid was unsuccessful. The inquiry, which is set to conclude public hearings next week, has already received over 20,000 submissions and had more than 220 witnesses testify since May. Commissioner Virginia Bell AC SC is expected to deliver her final report and recommendations by December. Leeser argued that the current timeline imposed severe constraints on the commission's ability to investigate antisemitism in Australia and that critical players had been left unheard. He called for the government to extend the reporting date, suggesting that December 14 could be better spent remembering victims and comforting the bereaved. Instead of debating the extension, the House of Representatives motion was adjourned by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, who urged all members to respect each other's arguments and focus on addressing antisemitism.",
  "summary": "A bid to extend the timeline of the royal commission on antisemitism and have the prime minister front the inquiry has failed to gain traction.",
  "key_points": [
    "Liberal MP Julian Leeser failed to extend antisemitism inquiry.",
    "Prime Minister Anthony Albanese not compelled to testify.",
    "Inquiry to conclude public hearings next week with final report by December."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}