Public Inquiries

Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) NSW

 

ICAC focuses on combating corruption to improve the integrity of the NSW public sector, specifically, with respect to political arm of government.

ICAC uses a range of investigative techniques to expose corrupt conduct and it has been afforded significant statutory powers to do so. ICAC investigations focus on matters that are serious and systemic.

ICAC helps NSW public sector agencies and individuals prevent corruption by providing advice and building an agency’s resistance to corruption through training and resources.

Upon the completion of an investigation ICAC holds private and public hearings testing oral evidence from witness regarded as affected persons of interest or witnesses of truth.

All witnesses are compelled to give evidence truthfully or can be held criminally liable.

Is it critical to get a criminal defence lawyer to advise upon this area when ICAC has issues a person with a notice to produce material or appear for examination as the subject individual could be held criminally liable.

 

Royal Commission

 

As above a Royal Commission is a public inquiry. In Australia, Royal Commissions are the highest form of inquiry on matters of public importance. A Royal Commission has broad powers to gather information to assist with its inquiry, including the power to summons witnesses to appear before it and the power to request individuals or organisations to produce documents as evidence.

Royal Commissions are a form of non-judicial and non-administrative governmental investigation that are only established in rare and exceptional circumstances. Commonwealth Royal Commissions are established through the issuing of Letters Patent by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia under the Royal Commissions Act 1902 (Cth). Commonwealth Royal Commissions can only inquire into matters that relate to the Commonwealth’s responsibilities.

Royal Commissions have terms of reference which set out the key areas of investigation as well as the timeline by which the inquiry must be completed.

Again an individual should be consult a criminal defence lawyers when being subjected to or involved in a Royal Commission Inquiry.