Overview
The Letters Patent issued under the Royal Commissions Act 1902, dated 2014, extend the deadline for a Commission of Inquiry led by Mr Richard Ian Hanger AM QC to submit its report and recommendations. Originally set to conclude by 30 June 2014, the amended Letters Patent now require the submission by 31 August 2014. This extension was issued by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II through Her Governor‑General of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council and under the authority of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia. The purpose of this amendment is to allow additional time for the Commission to complete its investigation and provide comprehensive findings and recommendations.
Scope and Application
The Letters Patent issued by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, through the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, pertains specifically to Mr Richard Ian Hanger AM QC, who was appointed to be a Commissioner of inquiry. This instrument amends the original Letters Patent by altering the deadline for the submission of a report of the results of the inquiry and recommendations, extending the deadline from 30 June 2014 to 31 August 2014. This alteration underscores the Commonwealth's commitment to ensuring a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the specified matters, allowing additional time for the collection and analysis of necessary information. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this instrument is confined to the Commonwealth of Australia, as it pertains to an inquiry appointed under the authority of the Australian government. No exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds are explicitly stated in the Letters Patent, and there are no provisions for the Act to extend or restrict application through subordinate instruments in this context.
Key Provisions
The primary operative section of the legislation (paragraph (u) of the Letters Patent) is amended to extend the deadline for the submission of the report of the inquiry's results and recommendations from 30 June 2014 to 31 August 2014. This amendment is made to provide additional time for the Commission of inquiry to complete its work and deliver its findings. The Letters Patent, originally issued to Mr Richard Ian Hanger AM QC, outline the scope and authority of the inquiry, as well as the requirements for the submission of a report to the Governor-General.
The amended Letters Patent impose an obligation on Mr Hanger to conduct the inquiry in accordance with the terms set out and to ensure that the report is submitted to the Governor-General by the new deadline of 31 August 2014. This includes gathering all necessary evidence, consulting with relevant parties, and preparing a comprehensive report that includes findings and recommendations based on the inquiry's outcomes.
There are no explicit offences, penalties, or consequences outlined in the legislation for failure to meet the deadline or for any other breach of the amended Letters Patent. However, the seriousness of the inquiry and the expectations of the government and public may imply significant consequences if the Commission fails to meet the extended deadline. The legislation relies on the integrity and diligence of Mr Hanger and his team to adhere to the amended timeframe and deliver a thorough and timely report. The lack of specified penalties in the text may reflect the understanding that the weight of public and governmental expectations, along with professional accountability, will motivate compliance with the legislative requirements.