Royal Commissions Amendment (Private Sessions) Act 2019 (64 of 2019)

Schedule 1   Main amendments

Royal Commissions Act 1902

7   Section 6OB

Repeal the section, substitute:

6OB Power to hold private sessions

Who may hold a private session

(1) If a Royal Commission is constituted by 2 or more members, the following members may hold a private session for the Commission to obtain information in relation to matters into which the Commission is inquiring:

(a) the Chair of the Commission;

(b) a member who is authorised in writing by the Chair of the Commission.

(2) If a Royal Commission is constituted by a sole Commissioner, the sole Commissioner may hold a private session for the Commission to obtain information in relation to matters into which the Commission is inquiring.

Number of members who may hold a private session

(3) A private session held under subsection (1) may be held only by one or 2 members.

Conduct of a private session

(4) If a private session is held for a Royal Commission under subsection (1), any member of the Commission holding the private session may (subject to the Letters Patent establishing the Commission and Division 3) determine any matters relating to the conduct of the private session, having regard to any directions given by the Chair of the Commission.

(5) If a private session is held for a Royal Commission under subsection (2), the sole Commissioner holding the private session may (subject to the Letters Patent establishing the Commission and Division 3) determine any matters relating to the conduct of the private session.