Subjects:

Australia, Other Jurisdictions

Contents:

The Australian Public Inquiry Phenomenon: the Need for Study

Defining and Classifying Public Inquiries

History and Trends in Public Inquiries

Why Governments Appoint Public Inquiries

The Roles and Functions of Inquiries

How Public Inquiries Work

Public Inquiries in Action 1: Administrative Reform Inquiries: Challenging Entrenched Interests

Public Inquiries in Action 2: Royal Commissions

Public Inquiries in Action 3: Successful Inquiry Implementation

Conclusions

Royal Commissions and Public Inquiries in Australia provides the first comprehensive overview of the extent, use and impact of Commonwealth public inquiries appointed since 1901. Specifically, this new book:-

• defines ‘public inquiries,’ and delineates them from other advisory bodies;
• details trends in public inquiry numbers since Federation and compares these to overseas jurisdictions;
• classifies the different types and forms of public inquiries;
• explains public inquiry procedures, powers and associated legislation;
• analyses why public inquiries are appointed and their roles in the political system;
• assesses their impact on public policy; and,
• explores the continuing and future roles of public inquiries.

Covering public inquiries appointed by the Commonwealth government since Federation, particular attention is given to those public inquiries appointed during the last thirty years, when inquiry numbers increased markedly. References to numerous inquiries throughout the book are supplemented by detailed case studies of key public inquiries, including royal commissions and appointed by different governments.

Royal Commissions and Public Inquiries in Australia will be a valuable reference for those interested in a widely used, but often neglected, advisory instrument of modern government that continues to influence many areas of public policy.