Royal Commissions & Inquiries
3. Registering Your Interest
Authors: Staff Legal Eagle
Firm / Chambers:
Last updated: 22 Sep 2015
- The proceedings for each royal commission and commission of inquiry will vary depending on the location and subject matter of the inquiry. This guide is mainly based on the current Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (2013- present). The principles will likely apply to most inquiries.
- Royal commissions are public and there will be significant public outreach to make sure people know it is occurring. There will usually be an official website providing important information.
- The commission will provide contact details for registering your interest. You may be able to register:
- over the phone;
- via email; or
- by posting a letter.
- After registering you will be given options about how you would like to participate in the inquiry.
- You may want to ‘tell your story’. This can usually be in done by writing to the commission.
- The commission will use your story to help decide exactly what needs to be investigated in the inquiry.
- Your story will not be used as evidence. It will not be considered in the commission’s findings unless it has been tested in a formal hearing.
- Some inquiries may hold private sessions where you can meet a commissioner and tell them your story in person in a more private setting.
- The commissioner may ask you questions but you do not have to answer them.
- You are not under oath but you must still tell the truth.
- This is your chance to tell the commissioner what your experience has been. The commissioner is not interested in cross-examining you or testing your story.
- You can show documents to the commissioner.
- You can bring a support person.
- Information you give in a private session can generally not be used against you in criminal or civil proceedings.
- If you have concerns about self-incrimination or any other legal issues you should speak to a lawyer before giving your evidence.
- You can use our free Find a Lawyer directory to contact a lawyer near you.
- The information you give will be recorded and transcribed. You may be able to read the transcript but you cannot take it home with you for privacy reasons.
- The information you give the commissioner will not be used as evidence. It will not be considered in the commission’s findings unless you apply to participate in the formal hearings where your evidence will be tested.
- You may be asked by the commission to provide this evidence in a public or private hearing. It is entirely your choice whether to accept.
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