Royal Commissions
A Royal Commission is a major, formal public inquiry into matters of public importance. A Royal Commission has considerable powers, generally greater than even those of a court or judge, but are restricted to the terms of reference of the Commission.
Royal commissions are typically called when impropriety, illegal activity or gross administrative incompetence has been identified in any area of Australian life. They are sometimes also called in the wake of major natural disasters and accidents.
The Commissioner in a Royal Commission has the power to hear witnesses under oath, collect evidence, and offer protections to people who cooperate with the inquiry. Witnesses can be compelled to give evidence and privileges usually afforded in a legal setting (such as the privilege against self-incrimination) can be abrogated.
The appointed Commissioners are usually retired judges, including former High Court and Court of Appeal judges.
Our firm has been involved in a number of Federal and State Royal Commissions in which we have acted on behalf of individuals and organisations. Recent Royal Commissions in which we have been involved include:
Federal
Inquiry into certain Australian companies in relation to the UN Oil-for-Food Program (2005-2006)
Royal Commission into Home Insulation Program (2013-2014)
Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (2013-2017)
Victoria
Metropolitan Ambulance Service Royal Commission (1999-2001)
Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission (2009-2010)
Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants (2018-present)
Relevant Legislation includes: