Alternatives to a Royal Commission

There are alternatives to a "Royal Commission". I've used the term because it probably denotes to many people the existence of some fairly serious problems concerning the intended subject of the Royal Commission. The big advantage is that the government funds it and can compel people to appear before it. The big disadvantage is that the government sets the terms of reference and given the matters at issue the government appears reluctant to confront these.

Jock O'Neill has suggested a "Commission of enquiry ".

Another alternative is to proceed by way of "Private Criminal Prosecution". There are two big disadvantages - Cost and the fact that the CDPP takes over the prosecution and could "run it dead". Still every prosecution becomes an enquiry in itself.

Public Servants are at high risk of being found guilty of criminal offences. They risk not only going to jail but losing their jobs and their superannuation. In many of the areas of concern they act as "Delegates" and so any criminal breaches are theirs not the Department's.