The Governor-General of Australia is empowered under the
Royal Commissions Act of 1902 (Cth) to establish commissions of
inquiry on behalf of the Crown, when there is a particularly
important issue of public concern.
Typically, Royal Commissions fit two categories: the first is
primarily investigative, with the aim of uncovering the truth about
something. The second's purpose is more along the lines of
research, to provide information that will inform government
policy. Usually, there is a degree of overlap between the two.
In recent times, we've had Royal Commission inquiries into
aged care,
youth detention,
finance and banking practices, and institutional child sexual
abuse to name a few. Generally, once a Royal Commission has
commenced, it must run to its conclusion – it cannot be
stopped. These are the highest forms of public inquiry available to
governments on matters of public concern.
