Royal Commissions - from William the Conqueror to Sir Humphrey Appleby

Speaker: Kathryn McMillan KC 

Commentators: The Hon Margaret White AO (Supreme Court of Queensland), Professor Graeme Orr (University of Queensland)

Register via the Queensland Bar Association 

A Royal Commission (or Commission of Inquiry as it is termed in some jurisdictions) is the “most exalted” form of Executive inquiry. It has its origins in an ancient royal prerogative and was traditionally used by the English monarch to obtain advice or to inquire into issues of concern to the Crown. Royal Commissions in the United Kingdom can be traced back to William the Conqueror and became a favourite of the Tudor and Stuart monarchs throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. However, the United Kingdom has not seen a Royal Commission appointed since 1999.

The position in Australia, and indeed in other former British colonies, could not be more different. In the 21st century alone, the Commonwealth has established 14 Royal Commissions, with many more having been established by State and Territory governments throughout the federation.

Despite the collective national commitment to this form of inquiry, there is comparatively little of the historical, legal, and policy features that bear on a decision to call a Royal Commission. What powers does a Royal Commission have? Does the Royal Commission of today look the same as it did during the reign of the Tudor and Stuart monarchs? Does it matter whether it is called by a State or Commonwealth Government? Do all Royal Commissions seek to achieve the same thing? Is there any rhyme or reason to when a Royal Commission is called?

These questions, and more, will be answered in Kathryn McMillan KC’s lecture