Appointment of Commissioner for the commission to conduct an inquiry into Terrence John Clark in respect of the deaths of Douglas Robert Wilson and Isabel Martha Wilson by engaging in activities in contravention to laws of the Commonwealth, in particular relating to the importation, exportation or possession of drugs

Administered by Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

Legislation au C2004Q01012 In force Prerogative Instrument

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QUEENSLAND

ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God, Queen of Australia and Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.

To: The Honourable Mr Justice DONALD GERARD STEWART, Judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

GREETING:

We Do by these Presents issued in Our name by Our Governor in and over Our State of Queensland acting by and with the advice of Our Executive Council of Our State of Queensland and in pursuance of 'The Commissions of Inquiry Acts, 1950 to 1954' and all other powers him thereunto enabling, appoint you to be a Commissioner to inquire into, and report upon, the following matters so far as they are matters connected with the peace, order and good government of Our State of Queensland and are relevant to the exercise and performance of the powers of the Parliament of Our State of Queensland and the performance of the functions of the Government of Our State of Queensland, namely­

(a) whether Terrence John Clark, a person mentioned in the Finding made on 29th August, 1980, in the Coroner's Court at Melbourne in respect of the deaths of Douglas Robert Wilson and Isabel Martha Wilson, engaged in activities involving contravention of laws of Our State of Queensland, in particular laws relating to the illegal possession of drugs or trafficking in drugs, and, if so­

(i) the extent and nature of such activities of Terrence John Clark and persons associated with him;

(ii) the identity and involvement of persons associated with Terrence John Clark;

(iii) the methods of operation of Terrence John Clark and persons associated with him; and

(iv) the use made by Terrence John Clark and persons associated with him of banking, financial and other institutions in connection with those activities;

(b) whether, in the course of, or in connection with, activities of a kind referred to in paragraph (a), Terrence John Clark or any person associated with him directly or indirectly made or offered any payment or inducement for, or in connection with, or endeavoured by means of a threat to procure, the disclosure by any Commonwealth or State officer, or any person who was formerly a Commonwealth or State officer, of information relating to the activities of Douglas Robert Wilson, lsabel Martha Wilson or any other person;

(c) whether, in connection with activities of a kind referred to in paragraph (a), Terrence John Clark or any person associated with him procured or received, directly or indirectly, from a Commonwealth or State officer, or any person who was formerly a Commonwealth or State officer, any information (including information relating to any statement made by Douglas Robert Wilson or Isabel Martha Wilson concerning the activities of Terrence John Clark or any person associated with him);

(d) whether, Terrence John Clark or any person associated with him or acting on his behalf in any way unlawfully interfered with or unlawfully attempted to interfere with the course of justice in relation to offences against laws of Our State of Queensland;

AND for the purposes of these Presents­

(e) the expression 'drug' means a narcotic or psychotropic substance or any plant or material from which such a substance is derived or may be produced; and

(f) a reference to a person associated with Terrence John Clark is a reference to a person who, in or in connection with activities of a kind referred to in paragraph (a)­

(i) was associated, either directly or indirectly, with Terrence John Clark; or

(ii) acted, either directly or indirectly, on behalf of Terrence John Clark:

AND WE REQUIRE YOU to make such recommendations arising out of your inquiry as you think appropriate, including recommendations as to the method of enforcement of the criminal law and the legislative or administrative changes (if any) that are necessary or desirable in the light of the results of your inquiry:·

AND WE DECLARE that you are authorised to conduct your inquiry under these Presents in combination with any inquiry into the same or related matters that you are directed or authorised to make any Commission issued, or in pursuance of any order or appointment made by Our Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia or by any of Our Governors of Our States:

AND WE REQUIRE YOU as expeditiously as possible to make your inquiry and, not later than 30th June, 1982, or such later date as Our Governor may be pleased to fix, to furnish a report of the results of your inquiry and your recommendations to Our Governor in Council of Our State of Queensland.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused the Public Seal of Our said State to be hereunto affixed.

WITNESS Our Trusty and Well-beloved His Excellency Commodore Sir JAMES MAXWELL RAMSAY, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, upon whom has been conferred the Decoration of the Distinguished Service Cross, and Commodore in the Royal Australian Navy (Retired), Governor in and over the State of Queensland and its Dependencies in the Commonwealth of Australia, at Government House, Brisbane, this twenty-fifth day of June, in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and eighty-one, and in the thirtieth year of Our Reign.

JAMES RAMSAY

By Command,

JOH BJELKE-PETERSEN

Overview

The Queensland Commissions of Inquiry Act 1980 was enacted by the Parliament of Queensland to address the need for thorough investigations into matters of public importance, particularly those involving alleged breaches of Queensland law and interference with the administration of justice. This Act authorises the Governor of Queensland, on the advice of the Executive Council, to appoint a Commissioner to conduct inquiries into specific matters, such as the activities of individuals like Terrence John Clark, who may have been involved in illegal drug activities, bribery, or obstruction of justice. The policy objective behind this Act is to ensure that such inquiries are conducted impartially and comprehensively, with the Commissioner empowered to make recommendations for legislative or administrative changes based on the findings. The Act provides a clear framework for the appointment of Commissioners, the scope of their inquiries, and the reporting requirements, ensuring that such inquiries are conducted with due regard to the peace, order, and good government of the State of Queensland.

Scope and Application

This Queensland legislation appoints a Commissioner to conduct an inquiry into the activities of Terrence John Clark, particularly whether he engaged in illegal drug-related activities, attempted to influence officials for information, and interfered with the course of justice. The inquiry is limited to matters connected with the peace, order, and good government of Queensland, and is relevant to the powers and functions of Queensland's Parliament and Government. The Commissioner has the authority to make recommendations for criminal law enforcement and legislative or administrative changes based on the findings of the inquiry. The inquiry extends to activities involving drug possession and trafficking under Queensland laws and includes examining the involvement of associates of Terrence John Clark, their methods of operation, and any use of financial institutions in relation to these activities. The inquiry also encompasses any attempts to influence officials or interfere with justice. The inquiry must be completed and a report submitted by 30 June 1982, or a later date specified by the Governor. The legislation does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, but the scope is confined to Queensland's jurisdiction and the matters specified in the appointment.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the document are outlined in the sections (a) through (f), which detail the specific matters that the appointed Commissioner is to inquire into. These matters include whether Terrence John Clark engaged in activities such as illegal drug possession or trafficking, the extent and nature of such activities, the identity and involvement of persons associated with him, and whether there was any interference with the course of justice. Section (e) defines the term "drug" and section (f) specifies what it means to be "associated" with Terrence John Clark for the purposes of the inquiry. The Commissioner is required to report on these matters and make recommendations for any necessary legislative or administrative changes (section g). The obligations imposed on the parties or entities governed by this Act are primarily centred around the conduct of the inquiry. The Commissioner, upon appointment, must conduct the inquiry in a thorough and expeditious manner. The Commissioner must also adhere to the timeframe set for the completion of the inquiry and submission of the report, which is no later than 30 June 1982, as per the requirements set out in section (h). Additionally, the Commissioner is authorised to combine this inquiry with any other related inquiries and must furnish a comprehensive report to the Governor in Council of Queensland by the stipulated date. The document does not explicitly state any offences, penalties, or consequences for breach within its text. However, the nature of the inquiry and the potential for legislative or administrative changes resulting from the Commissioner's report suggest that any breaches of the law by Terrence John Clark or associated persons could lead to legal consequences, including criminal charges, fines, or imprisonment. The exact penalties for such offences would depend on the findings of the inquiry and subsequent legislative or administrative actions taken by the Queensland government.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.