With the recent investigations into the Catholic Church, it is important to understand what a Royal Commission is.
A Royal Commission is a formal independent public inquiry initiated by the state or federal government. Royal Commissions will investigate ongoing impropriety, illegal activity or administrative incompetence. These legal proceedings will usually last a year, but they can last longer if a resolution is not reached.
Since federation, there have been 130 Royal Commissions with the Commission into the Catholic Church being the latest. Other Royal Commissions have investigated:
- Bonuses for manufacturers
- The butter, sugar and fruit industries
- Old-age pensions
- The tobacco monopoly
- Ocean shipping service
- Secret drugs, cures and foods
- Postal service
- Insurance
- Wages
- Health
- Film industry
- Coal industry
- Trade unions
- Equine influenza
Written by Shine Lawyers. Last modified: March 7, 2016.
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