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Royal Commissions

Information about ongoing and recent Royal Commissions.

  • This topic covers

    This topic covers

    • Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
    • Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
    • Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
    • Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme

Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide 

Time frameAction 
8 July 2021 The Royal Commission was established by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.
11 August 2022Interim Report handed to the Governor General.
22 September 2022The Government's response to the interim report was published. 
28 April 2023Private session applications closed.
13 October 2023You can share your story with the Royal Commission by making a submission. Submissions closed on 13 October 2023. 
17 June 2024The Royal Commission will deliver its final report and recommendations.

Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

Time frame Action  
 4 April 2019 The Royal Commission was established by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.
31 December 2022The Royal Commission held public hearings around the country to gather evidence about violence, neglect, abuse and exploitation of people with a disability. Submissions closed 31 December 2022.
29 September 2023The Royal Commission released an interim report on 30 October 2020 and the final report on 29 September 2023.

Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

Time frameAction 
11 January 2013The Royal Commission was established by the Governor-General of The Commonwealth of Australia.  
15 December 2017The Royal Commission provided their Final Report Recommendations.  

The National Redress Scheme

Time frameAction 
 1 July 2018

The National Redress Scheme (scheme) was established. 

People who experienced institutional child sexual abuse before 1 July 2018 are eligble to apply.

 30 June 2027Applications to the scheme will close.

Legislation

Authority Covers

Royal Commissions Act 1902 (Cth)

Royal Commissions Regulations 2001 (Cth)

  • Commonwealth royal commissions are established under the Commonwealth Act through the issuing of letters patent by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth. 
  • The Act provides for the appointment independent commissioners to investigate the matters in its terms of reference.
  • Royal commissions have the power to summon witnesses to appear before it and the power to request individuals or organisations produce documents as evidence.
  • Commonwealth royal commissions can only inquire into matters that relate to the Commonwealth’s responsibilities.
Royal Commissions Act 1923 (NSW) 
  • State royal commissions can established under the Act through the issuing of letters patent by the Governor of New South Wales. 
  • The Act gives New South Wales royal commissions a wide range of powers to compel evidence. 
  • There are no current State Royal Commissions in NSW.  

National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Act 2018 (Cth)

National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Rules 2018 (Cth)

 

The Act and the Rules contain details about when a person is eligible and/or entitled for redress under the National Redress Scheme (scheme).

A person eligible for redress if they: 

  • experienced institutional child sexual abuse before 1 July 2018, and
  • are aged over 18 or will turn 18 before 30 June 2028, and
  • are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and
  • are applying about an institution that has joined the National Redress Scheme, and
  • apply between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2027.

Royal Commissions

Common termDefinition
CommissionerRoyal Commissioners are independent of any government agency. Their role is to listen, investigate, and make recommendations about any policy, legislative, administrative or structural reforms as set out in the Commission's terms of reference.
Community forumA community forum is like a public meeting, where members of the community come together at a central location to share their ideas, opinions and concerns.
Hearing Royal Commissions conduct hearings in different locations across the State or across Australia. These hearings are open to the public. At public hearings, Commissioners hear evidence for the purposes of their enquiries. You can find information about past hearings (including videos and transcripts) or locations and dates for upcoming hearings on the Royal Commission's website. 
Private sessionA private session is a confidential meeting with a Commissioner or an Assistant Commissioner where you tell them about your personal experience. You decide what information you do and don't share with them during your session. Private sessions can happen by telephone, video link or in person. 
RoundtablesRoundtables are informal discussions with a number of experts, to inform the Commissioners about relevant issues, hear a wide range of opinions and consider suggestions.
Royal CommissionA royal commission is a public inquiry. In Australia, royal commissions are the highest form of inquiry on matters of public importance. A royal commission has broad powers to gather information to assist with its inquiry.
SubmissionA submission is a statement to the Royal Commission which assists the Commission in its collection of information that is relevant to the inquiry as set out in the Commission's terms of reference.
Terms of referenceTerms of reference which set out the key areas of investigation of Royal commissions, as well as the timeline by which the inquiry must be completed.

National Redress Scheme 

Common termDefinition
ApplicationThe application is available online or by paper. You can make an application at any time between now and 30 June 2027
CounsellingPeople can apply for this as part of the National Redress Scheme. Depending on where people live they will receive a lump sum to pay for services in their local area or a referral to services.
Direct Personal ResponsePeople who receive an offer of redress can request a direct personal response from the responsible institution. People may request a face-to-face meeting, either individually or in a group, a written letter, a public apology, or other arrangements depending on their circumstances.
Independent Decision Maker

The person that decides if a person can access redress under the National Redress Scheme, and if so, what redress the institution(s) needs to make. The Independent Decision Maker considers all the information provided in the application for redress and by the institution(s). If they determine that the events are likely to have happened, then an offer of redress will be made.

InstitutionAn institution means an organisation, such as a school, a church, parish, mission, a club, an orphanage or Children’s Home; or government department.
Institutional Child Sexual AbuseWhen the child sexual abuse occurred, for example, on the premises of an institution, or where activities of an institution took place (such as a camp), or by an official of an institution.
Legal NomineeA person who can apply for and accept an offer of redress on your behalf. For example, a power of attorney. 
NomineeA person nominated to act on behalf of a person applying for redress. 
Redress paymentPayments received from the National Redress Scheme, to people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse. The redress payment acknowledges and recognises the impact of the abuse. Offers consist of an amount of monetary payment up to $150,000.

Woman working on computer

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Commissions.

Defence and Veteran Suicide
People with disability
Child sexual abuse
Robodebt scheme

Our services

Veterans' Advocacy Service

The Veterans' Advocacy Service free independent advice to past and serving Australian Defence Force members and their dependants about their rights and entitlements.

Social Security Service

A Legal Aid NSW service providing free legal help if you have a Centrelink problem.

More services

Defence & Veterans Legal Service

The Defence and Veterans Legal Service provides free, independent legal support to share your experiences with the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

Knowmore

Free, independent legal advice and support for survivors of child abuse.

National Redress Scheme

The National Redress Scheme is in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Applications can be made any time before 30 June 2027.

Victims Services

Victims of a violent crime in NSW. can apply for counselling, financial support and a recognition payments under the Victims Support scheme.

Your Story

Your Story Disability Legal Support provides free, independent legal support to share your story with the Disability Royal Commission

Welfare Rights Centre

Welfare Rights Centre is a community legal centre specialising in social security and family assistance law.

Last updated: January 2024