​Inquiries & Commissions
If you have been summoned as a witness to give evidence at a coercive examination by a state or commonwealth statutory authority such as the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC), the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), Office of the Chief Examiner (OCE) or any other regulatory or law enforcement agency we have the expertise to guide you through this stressful process.
Commissions & Statutory Inquiries
Commissions of inquiry have the power to summon a person of interest or witness in an investigation they are conducting, to appear before them to give evidence.
IBAC investigate public sector agencies, public officers or officials and also have the power to investigate private contractors or consultants if they are considered to be performing a contract and are considered in a role of a public officer providing a public function. Such examples would include the procurement of cleaning services or building and construction on behalf of the state.
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ACIC has the power to investigate organised crime and exercise coercive powers and summon persons to examinations.
Both these agencies and others can compel you to answer questions they ask.
These type of investigations and examinations are different from usual court proceedings. They are inquisitorial in nature, not adversarial as most people are used to in open court.
Our lawyers have a deep understanding and expertise in this area of the law. We understand how stressful this can be, and, that that these types of matters may result in criminal proceedings.
Being involved in matters of this nature, particularly in the public realm can have political and reputational consequences. We understand the impact on your family, employment and future prospects. We take particular care in the management of your matter, work closely with you to identify and overcome some of these challenges and their wider impact.