AUSTRALIA
Herald Sun
In short, it’s a formal independent public inquiry instigated by a state government or the federal government. Royal commissions are typically called whenever there is ongoing impropriety, illegal activity or gross administrative incompetence in any area of Australian life. There are also sometimes royal commissions in the wake of natural disasters and accidents.
Why are we having it again?
Because, as Detective Chief Inspector Peter Fox has revealed in shocking detail, there is overwhelming evidence of ongoing sexual abuse and alleged systemic cover-ups by members of institutions like the Catholic Church. A royal commission will test these allegations and seek to put the wheels of justice in motion.
How long will this Royal Commission last?
We don’t know. They usually last at least a year, and sometimes several years. For example, the Royal Commission into the Building and Construction Industry ran from August 2001 to February 2004. There have been calls today for a deadline on the child abuse royal commission amid fears it could drag out for a decade.
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