Question and Answers – Expressions of Interest

Why does the Royal Commission need to call for Expressions of Interest?

The expression of interest process is intended to provide an opportunity for people and organisations to indicate their wish to participate in the Inquiry.

Section 4A of the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1908 sets out which persons  (including organisations) are entitled to be heard by the Commission:

(1)    Any person shall, if he is a party to the inquiry or satisfies the Commission that he has an interest in the inquiry apart from any interest in common with the public, be entitled to appear and be heard at the inquiry.

(2)    Any person who satisfies the Commission that any evidence given before it may adversely affect his interests shall be given an opportunity during the inquiry to be heard in respect of the matter to which the evidence relates.

(3)    Every person entitled, or given an opportunity, to be heard under this section may appear in person or by his counsel or agent.

In addition, there will be people and organisations who do not fall within the above categories but who wish to participate in the Inquiry, for example because they have been or may be affected by the tragedy or may have a statement, document, information or other thing of relevance to the Inquiry.

The expression of interest process helps the Royal Commission to identify the people and organisations who would like to participate in the Inquiry and what part of the Inquiry they will contribute to and in what manner.

 

What happens to all the Expressions of Interests received by the Royal Commission?

The Royal Commission will consider all expressions of interest received and will be in contact with all people who submit an expression of interest form.

We hope to provide more information about the Inquiry process soon.