Have your say on proposed changes to South Australia’s Royal Commissions laws

What’s being decided?

Following a review of Royal Commissions Act undertaken by the Honourable Ann Vanstone QC, we are proposing to repeal and replace the current Royal Commissions Act 1917 (the Act) with a new Inquiries Act.

To do so, we have created the draft Inquiries Bill. The proposed bill would establish 3 tiers of inquiry:

• Royal Commissions
• Commissions of Inquiry
• Government Inquiries

These tiers would allow for inquiries that won't need the full force of a Royal Commission, offering greater flexibility and simplifying the establishment of such inquiries.

You can read more about Royal Commissions, the review and why the changes are needed in the Background information.

Get involved

We are seeking feedback to help develop the new Inquiries Act, which would replace the current model set out in the Act.

We have prepared a number of resources to inform your feedback.

• Royal Commissions Act 1917
• The Report
• What are the changes tab
• Draft Inquiries Bill

To have your say:

• join the online discussion
• email your feedback to LLPSubmissions@sa.gov.au
• post your written feedback to:

Legal and Legislative Services
GPO Box 464
Adelaide S.A. 5001

How can your input influence the decision?

Your views will help ensure the new inquiry system framework is robust and flexible when dealing with a range of important and highly complex issues.

Issues raised through this consultation will inform the final drafting of the Inquiries Bill that will soon be put to Cabinet for endorsement.

What are the next steps?

At the end of the consultation period, feedback will be incorporated into the final Inquiries Bill, which will be presented to State Parliament for consideration.

Contact details

For general inquiries, please email LLPSubmissions@sa.gov.au

Closing date: 5.00pm, Friday 9 April 2021