PM Transcripts

JAUSTRALIA
PRIME MINISTER
FOR MEDIA THURSDAY, 24 FEBRUARY 1983
ROYAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO DRUG TRAFFICKING
The Prime Minister announced today that, with the agreement
of the Premiers of NSW and Queensland, the life of the
Royal Commission into Drug Trafficking has been extended to
28 March 11983.
The Governor-General and the Governors of-New South Wales and
Queensland have formally approved the extension.
The Royal Commission, which is being conducted by Mr Justice
Stewart, was previously required to finalise its inquiry and4
report by 28 February 1983.
The Commonwealth has:. been diecussing with the States concerned
possible terms of reference for an extension of the.
Royal Commission to undertake an inquiry into Nugan Hand. It
has recently been suggested by Sir Edward Williams, Chairmandesignate
of the National Crimes Commission, that the Crimes
Commission might undertake the Nugan Hand inquiry.
The handling of the Nugan Hand inquiry is a matter for the
incoming Commonwealth Government to settle with the States
concerned. Meanwhile, it has been agreed to extend the terms
of Mr Justice Stewart's Commission.
Although Mr Justice Stewart also holds. a Commission from
Victoria, the Victorian Government does not propose to extend
it beyond 28 February 1983. Queensland does not intend to
parztipate in any Nugan Hand reference to the Royal Commission.
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