Unless the RC uses the full suite of powers available to it, it becomes a "placating" exercise where they are seen to be doing something and it will produce a pre determined outcome. The terms of reference will be telling indeed. The real test of this Commission will be who does not get summonsed to testify. That will make an interesting list and tells exactly where we stand.
The power to summon witnesses to give evidence and produce documents or other things (s2(1)) under pain of penalties (s3);
The power to take evidence on oath or affirmation (s2(2)), under pain of penalties (s6);
The power to authorise a member of the Commission or of the AFP or another police force to apply for a search warrant (s4(1A), including by telephone in circumstances of emergency (s5);
The power to require documentation the subject of legal professional privilege save in designated circumstances (s6AA), under pain of penalties (s6AB);
Limitations on the privilege against self-incrimination (s6A);
The power to issue a warrant for arrest of a person’s apprehension if they have been served with a summons to attend a Royal Commission as a witness and they have failed to comply (s6B);
The power to inspect retain and take copies of documents produced before or delivered to the Commission (s6F);
The power to examine witnesses (s6FA), subject to penalties, if evidence given is knowingly false or misleading (s6H).5
Well, I must be missing something! I also got the submission from GoCitizen, but when you click on the link to sign it, all you do is either get the 107 page submission, or be sent the government covid-19 Royal Commission site to upload a submission.
So is the idea to upload the 107 page submission as your own submission in support?
Unless the RC uses the full suite of powers available to it, it becomes a "placating" exercise where they are seen to be doing something and it will produce a pre determined outcome. The terms of reference will be telling indeed. The real test of this Commission will be who does not get summonsed to testify. That will make an interesting list and tells exactly where we stand.
The power to summon witnesses to give evidence and produce documents or other things (s2(1)) under pain of penalties (s3);
The power to take evidence on oath or affirmation (s2(2)), under pain of penalties (s6);
The power to authorise a member of the Commission or of the AFP or another police force to apply for a search warrant (s4(1A), including by telephone in circumstances of emergency (s5);
The power to require documentation the subject of legal professional privilege save in designated circumstances (s6AA), under pain of penalties (s6AB);
Limitations on the privilege against self-incrimination (s6A);
The power to issue a warrant for arrest of a person’s apprehension if they have been served with a summons to attend a Royal Commission as a witness and they have failed to comply (s6B);
The power to inspect retain and take copies of documents produced before or delivered to the Commission (s6F);
The power to examine witnesses (s6FA), subject to penalties, if evidence given is knowingly false or misleading (s6H).5
I will read this document George. I’m sure it will not be lite reading but I believe it to be essential reading.
Of course I have signed and May yet make another , short submission.
Thank you for all that you do.
Well, I must be missing something! I also got the submission from GoCitizen, but when you click on the link to sign it, all you do is either get the 107 page submission, or be sent the government covid-19 Royal Commission site to upload a submission.
So is the idea to upload the 107 page submission as your own submission in support?
Just scroll past the "download a copy" to the orange box at the end ... "become a signatory" ... here you can just sign the document. 👍
Thanks. Every time I did it still downloaded, however I hadn't scrolled down further on the webpage. Duh.