✦ Plain-English Summary

Royal Commissions Amendment (Private Sessions) 2019

What it does

This law changes how royal commissions can operate by allowing them to hold private sessions in certain circumstances. It updates the rules around who counts as "staff" for a royal commission and creates a new role called "Assistant Commissioner" to oversee these private sessions.

Why it matters

Royal commissions investigate serious issues (like the recent aged care and banking inquiries). Letting them hold private sessions means witnesses might feel safer coming forward with sensitive information without it being public. However, it also means less transparency about what's being discussed compared to open hearings.

Key details

• The law came into effect the day after it received royal assent (so essentially immediately)
• It broadens the definition of "staff" to include contractors, legal advisers, and counsel helping the commission — not just government employees
• It creates the role of Assistant Commissioner specifically to manage and oversee private sessions, giving royal commissions more flexibility in how they gather evidence

Official Description

Amends the: Royal Commission Act 1902 to: enable a Royal Commission to hold private sessions where a regulation is made authorising it to do so; enable the Chair of a multi-member Royal Commission, or a sole Commissioner, to authorise Assistant Commissioners to hold private sessions; and impose limits on the use and disclosure of private session information and certain information given to the Child Sexual Abuse Royal Commission; and Freedom of Information Act 1982 to make consequential amendments.

No formal division recorded

This bill passed by voice vote — parliament agreed without calling a formal count. A division is only recorded when a member explicitly requests one.

No votes yet.

No votes were recorded for this bill.