PRIME MINISTER
FOR MEDIA 2 FEBRUARY 1988
The Government has decided in principle to appoint three
additional Commissioners to assist the Royal Commission into
Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, following a request by
Commissioner Muirhead.
The additional Commissioners will operate as separate
fact-finding Royal Commissions charged with responsibility
for investigating the circumstances of particular Aboriginal
deaths. Their work will be co-ordinated by Commissioner
Muirhead who will retain responsibility for the final
overall recommendations.
I am writing to each of the Premiers and the Chief Minister
of the Northern Territory to consult with them concerning
these revised arrangements and the names of possible new
Commissioners. These measures follow a significant increase in the number
of deaths identified since the Royal Commission was set up.
The increase raised the prospect of a much more protracted
inquiry than would be acceptable when such important issues
of justice and human rights are under scrutiny.
The appointment of additional Commissioners should allow the
Commission to complete its work in a timely manner and with
a proper degree of care and thoroughness. 004254 I
Hawke, Robert
Period of Service: 11/03/1983 - 20/12/1991
Find more information on Hawke, Robert on the:
Release Date:
02/02/1988
Release Type:
Media Release
Transcript ID:
7282
Document:
00007282.pdf
1 Page(s)
Released by:
- Hawke, Robert James Lee
UNKNOWN
7282