{"id":"a-1991-2","name":"Inquiries Act 1991","slug":"inquiries-act-1991","collection":"act","jurisdiction":"act","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":"2 of 1991","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":23748,"registerId":"act-a-1991-2-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-01","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Inquiries Act 1991","content":"Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAustralian Capital Territory\nInquiries Act 1991\nA1991-2\nRepublication No 10\nEffective: 1 September 2016\nRepublication date: 1 September 2016\nLast amendment made by A2016-52\n\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAbout this republication\nThe republished law\nThis is a republication of the Inquiries Act 1991 (including any amendment made under the\nLegislation Act 2001, part 11.3 (Editorial changes)) as in force on 1 September 2016. It also\nincludes any commencement, amendment, repeal or expiry affecting this republished law to\n1 September 2016.\nThe legislation history and amendment history of the republished law are set out in endnotes 3\nand 4.\nKinds of republications\nThe Parliamentary Counsel’s Office prepares 2 kinds of republications of ACT laws (see the ACT\nlegislation register at www.legislation.act.gov.au):\n• authorised republications to which the Legislation Act 2001 applies\n• unauthorised republications.\nThe status of this republication appears on the bottom of each page.\nEditorial changes\nThe Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 authorises the Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial\namendments and other changes of a formal nature when preparing a law for republication.\nEditorial changes do not change the effect of the law, but have effect as if they had been made by\nan Act commencing on the republication date (see Legislation Act 2001, s 115 and s 117). The\nchanges are made if the Parliamentary Counsel considers they are desirable to bring the law into\nline, or more closely into line, with current legislative drafting practice.\nThis republication includes amendments made under part 11.3 (see endnote 1).\nUncommenced provisions and amendments\nIf a provision of the republished law has not commenced, the symbol U appears immediately\nbefore the provision heading. Any uncommenced amendments that affect this republished law\nare accessible on the ACT legislation register (www.legislation.act.gov.au). For more\ninformation, see the home page for this law on the register.\nModifications\nIf a provision of the republished law is affected by a current modification, the\nsymbol M appears immediately before the provision heading. The text of the modifying\nprovision appears in the endnotes. For the legal status of modifications, see the Legislation Act\n2001, section 95.\nPenalties\nAt the republication date, the value of a penalty unit for an offence against this law is $150 for an\nindividual and $750 for a corporation (see Legislation Act 2001, s 133).\n\nR10\n01/09/16\nInquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\ncontents 1\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAustralian Capital Territory\nInquiries Act 1991\nContents\nPage\nPart 1 Preliminary\n1 Name of Act 2\n2 Dictionary 2\n3 Notes 2\n4 Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc 2\nPart 2 Boards of inquiry\n5 Appointment of board of inquiry 3\n6 Members 3\n7 Terms and conditions of appointment 3\n9 Cessation of office 4\n11 Termination of appointment 4\n12 Arrangements for staff 4\n\nContents\nPage\ncontents 2 Inquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\nR10\n01/09/16\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 3 Inquiries\nDivision 3.1 General\n13 Conduct 5\n14 Reports of boards 5\n14A Presenting reports 5\n14B Chief Minister to explain non-presentation of report 6\n15 Lawyer assisting boards 6\n16 Protection of members etc 7\n17 Nondisclosure of information by members etc 7\n18 Procedure 7\n19 Privileges against self-incrimination and exposure to civil penalty 8\n20 Search warrants 8\nDivision 3.2 Hearings\n21 Power to hold 10\n22 Person presiding 11\n23 Conduct of hearing 11\n24 Presence of people at private hearings 11\n25 Examination of witnesses 12\n26 Powers in relation to witnesses etc 12\n26A Proposed adverse comments in reports 13\nPart 4 Miscellaneous\n35 Application of Criminal Code, ch 7 15\n36 Contempt of board 15\n37 Delegation by board 15\n38 Publication of published proceedings, reports and comments protected 15\n39 Reimbursement of expenses of witnesses 16\n40 Regulation-making power 16\nDictionary 17\nEndnotes\n1 About the endnotes 19\n\nContents\nPage\nR10\n01/09/16\nInquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\ncontents 3\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n2 Abbreviation key 19\n3 Legislation history 20\n4 Amendment history 23\n5 Earlier republications 27\n\n\n\nR10\n01/09/16\nInquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\npage 1\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAustralian Capital Territory\nInquiries Act 1991\nAn Act relating to inquiries\n\nPart 1 Preliminary\nSection 1\npage 2 Inquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\nR10\n01/09/16\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 1 Preliminary\n1 Name of Act\nThis Act is the Inquiries Act 1991.\n2 Dictionary\nThe dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act.\nNote 1 The dictionary at the end of this Act defines certain terms used in this\nAct.\nNote 2 A definition in the dictionary applies to the entire Act unless the\ndefinition, or another provision of the Act, provides otherwise or the\ncontrary intention otherwise appears (see Legislation Act, s 155 and\ns 156 (1)).\n3 Notes\nA note included in this Act is explanatory and is not part of this Act.\nNote See the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.\n4 Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc\nOther legislation applies in relation to offences against this Act.\nNote 1 Criminal Code\nThe Criminal Code, ch 2 applies to an offence against this Act, s 36 (see\nCode, pt 2.1).\nThe chapter sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility\n(including burdens of proof and general defences), and defines terms used\nfor offences to which the Code applies (eg conduct, intention,\nrecklessness and strict liability).\nNote 2 Penalty units\nThe Legislation Act, s 133 deals with the meaning of offence penalties\nthat are expressed in penalty units.\n\nBoards of inquiry Part 2\nSection 5\nR10\n01/09/16\nInquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\npage 3\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 2 Boards of inquiry\n5 Appointment of board of inquiry\nThe Executive may appoint 1 or more people as a board of inquiry to\ninquire into a matter stated in the instrument of appointment.\nNote For the making of appointments, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.3.\n6 Members\n(1) If a board is constituted by 2 or more people, the Executive must\nappoint 1 of those people to be the chairperson.\n(2) If—\n(a) a board is constituted by 2 or more people; and\n(b) a member dies, resigns or is removed from office under\nsection 11;\nthe remaining members constitute the board.\n(3) If—\n(a) a board is constituted by more than 2 people; and\n(b) the chairperson dies, resigns or is removed from office under\nsection 11;\nthe Executive must appoint 1 of the remaining members to be the\nchairperson.\n7 Terms and conditions of appointment\n(1) A person may be appointed as a full-time or part-time member.\n(2) A member holds office on the terms and conditions in relation to\nmatters not provided for by this Act as are determined in writing by\nthe Executive.\n\nPart 2 Boards of inquiry\nSection 9\npage 4 Inquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\nR10\n01/09/16\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n9 Cessation of office\nA member ceases to hold office as a member when the board’s report\nof its inquiry has been submitted to the Chief Minister in accordance\nwith section 14.\nNote A member’s appointment also ends if the person resigns (see Legislation\nAct, s 210).\n11 Termination of appointment\nThe Executive may terminate the appointment of a member for\nmisbehaviour or physical or mental incapacity.\n12 Arrangements for staff\n(1) A board may arrange with the head of service to use the services of a\npublic servant.\nNote The head of service may delegate powers in relation to the management\nof public servants to a public servant or another person (see Public Sector\nManagement Act 1994, s 18).\n(2) A public servant subject to an arrangement under subsection (1) must\nact in accordance with the direction of a member, and not otherwise.\n\nInquiries Part 3\nGeneral Division 3.1\nSection 13\nR10\n01/09/16\nInquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\npage 5\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 3 Inquiries\nDivision 3.1 General\n13 Conduct\nExcept as otherwise provided by this Act, an inquiry must be\nconducted in such manner as the board determines.\n14 Reports of boards\n(1) After completing an inquiry, a board must—\n(a) prepare a report of the inquiry; and\n(b) submit the report to the Chief Minister.\n(2) A report must be submitted to the Chief Minister—\n(a) if the Executive has fixed a date for submission of the report—\non or before that date; or\n(b) if paragraph (a) does not apply—as soon as practicable after\ncompletion of the inquiry.\n(3) When submitting a report to the Chief Minister, a board must commit\nany documents and things then in its possession to the custody of the\nChief Minister for safekeeping.\n14A Presenting reports\n(1) The Chief Minister may present a copy of a report or part of a report\nsubmitted by a board to the Legislative Assembly.\n(2) The Chief Minister may make a report or part of a report public\nwhether or not the Legislative Assembly is sitting and whether or not\nthe report or part has been presented to the Assembly.\n(3) The Chief Minister is not civilly or criminally liable in relation to the\npublication of a report or part of a report.\n\nPart 3 Inquiries\nDivision 3.1 General\nSection 14B\npage 6 Inquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\nR10\n01/09/16\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n14B Chief Minister to explain non-presentation of report\n(1) This section applies if—\n(a) a board submits a report to the Chief Minister under\nsection 14A; and\n(b) the Chief Minister does not present a copy of the report to the\nLegislative Assembly or otherwise publish the report within the\nreporting period.\n(2) On the next sitting day after the end of the reporting period, the Chief\nMinister must present to the Legislative Assembly a written statement\nexplaining why a copy of the report was not presented or otherwise\npublished within the reporting period.\n(3) In this section:\nreporting period, for a report, means the shorter of the following\nperiods:\n(a) either—\n(i) if there is a sitting day within 1 month after the day the\nreport is submitted by the board to the Chief Minister—\n1 month after the day the report is submitted; or\n(ii) if there is no sitting day within 1 month after the day the\nreport is submitted by the board to the Chief Minister—the\nperiod ending on the 1st sitting day after the report is\nsubmitted;\n(b) the period ending on the 2nd last sitting day before the polling\nday for the next general election of members of the Legislative\nAssembly.\n15 Lawyer assisting boards\nA board may appoint a lawyer to assist the board, either generally or\nin relation to a particular matter.\n\nInquiries Part 3\nGeneral Division 3.1\nSection 16\nR10\n01/09/16\nInquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\npage 7\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n16 Protection of members etc\n(1) A member has, in the exercise of any function as a member in relation\nto an inquiry, the same protection and immunity as a judge of the\nSupreme Court in proceedings in that court.\n(2) A lawyer assisting a board or appearing on a person’s behalf at a\nhearing before a board has the same protection and immunity as a\nbarrister has in appearing for a party in proceedings in the Supreme\nCourt.\n(3) Subject to this Act, a person subpoened to attend or appearing before\na board as a witness has the same protection and is subject to the same\nliabilities as a witness in proceedings in the Supreme Court.\n17 Nondisclosure of information by members etc\nA person who is or has been a member, a member of the staff of a\nboard or a lawyer assisting a board must not, either directly or\nindirectly, except in the exercise of a function under this Act—\n(a) make a record of, or divulge or communicate to any person, any\ninformation acquired by the firstmentioned person by virtue of\nthat person’s office or employment under or for this Act; or\n(b) make use of any such information; or\n(c) produce to any person, or permit any person to have access to, a\ndocument provided for this Act.\nMaximum penalty: 50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or\nboth.\n18 Procedure\nIn conducting an inquiry, a board—\n(a) must comply with the rules of natural justice; and\n(b) is not bound by the rules of evidence but may inform itself of\nanything in the way it considers appropriate; and\n\nPart 3 Inquiries\nDivision 3.1 General\nSection 19\npage 8 Inquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\nR10\n01/09/16\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(c) may do whatever it considers necessary or convenient for the\nfair and prompt conduct of the inquiry.\n19 Privileges against self-incrimination and exposure to civil\npenalty\n(1) This section applies if a person is required under section 26 (1) or (3)\nto—\n(a) produce a document or other thing; or\n(b) answer a question.\n(2) The person cannot rely on the common law privileges against self-\nincrimination and exposure to the imposition of a civil penalty to\nrefuse to produce the document or other thing or answer the question.\nNote The Legislation Act, s 171 deals with client legal privilege.\n(3) However, any information, document or other thing obtained, directly\nor indirectly, because of the producing of the document or other thing,\nor the answering of the question, is not admissible in evidence against\nthe person in a civil or criminal proceeding, other than a proceeding\nfor—\n(a) an offence in relation to the falsity or the misleading nature of\nthe document, other thing or answer; or\n(b) an offence against the Criminal Code, chapter 7 (Administration\nof justice offences).\n20 Search warrants\n(1) The chairperson may issue a search warrant if—\n(a) the chairperson has reasonable grounds for suspecting that there\nmay be, at that time or within the next following 24 hours, in or\non any premises, a thing of a particular kind connected with a\nmatter into which the board is inquiring (a thing of the relevant\nkind); and\n\nInquiries Part 3\nGeneral Division 3.1\nSection 20\nR10\n01/09/16\nInquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\npage 9\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(b) the chairperson believes on reasonable grounds that, if a search\nwarrant were not issued for the production of the thing, that\nthing might be concealed, lost, mutilated, destroyed or disposed\nof.\n(2) A search warrant must authorise a police officer or an authorised\nperson named in the warrant with such assistance, and by such force,\nas is necessary and reasonable—\n(a) to enter the premises; and\n(b) to search the premises for things of the relevant kind; and\n(c) to seize any things of the relevant kind found in or on the\npremises; and\n(d) to deliver any thing so seized to the board.\n(3) A search warrant must—\n(a) state the purpose for which it is issued; and\n(b) specify particular hours during which the entry is authorised or\nstate that the entry is authorised at any time of the day or night;\nand\n(c) include a description of the kind of things in relation to which\nthe powers under the warrant may be exercised; and\n(d) specify the date, being a date not later than 1 month after the\ndate of issue of the warrant, on which the warrant ceases to have\neffect.\n(4) A search warrant may be executed, in accordance with its terms, at\nany time during the period commencing on the date of issue of the\nwarrant and ending at the end of the date specified for\nsubsection (3) (d).\n\nPart 3 Inquiries\nDivision 3.2 Hearings\nSection 21\npage 10 Inquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\nR10\n01/09/16\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(5) If, in the course of searching under a search warrant for a thing of a\nrelevant kind—\n(a) the person executing the warrant finds a thing that the person\nbelieves on reasonable grounds to be connected with the matter\ninto which the board is inquiring, although not of a kind\nspecified in the warrant; and\n(b) the person believes on reasonable grounds that it is necessary to\nseize that thing in order to prevent its being concealed, lost,\nmutilated, destroyed or disposed of;\nthe person may seize that thing and must deliver the thing so seized\nto the board.\n(6) A person executing a search warrant must, on request by an occupant\nof the premises to which the warrant relates, show the warrant to that\noccupant.\n(7) A reference in subsection (1) to the chairperson includes a reference\nto a member authorised by the chairperson to act under that\nsubsection.\nDivision 3.2 Hearings\n21 Power to hold\n(1) For the purposes of conducting an inquiry, a board may hold hearings.\n(2) Subject to subsection (3), a hearing must be in public.\n(3) If a board is satisfied that it is desirable to do so because of the\nconfidential nature of any evidence or matter, or for any other reason,\nthe board may—\n(a) direct that a hearing or part of a hearing must take place in\nprivate and give directions as to the people who may be present;\nand\n\nInquiries Part 3\nHearings Division 3.2\nSection 22\nR10\n01/09/16\nInquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\npage 11\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(b) give directions prohibiting or restricting the publication of\nevidence given at a hearing (whether in public or private) or of\nmatters contained in documents lodged with, or received in\nevidence by, the board; and\n(c) give directions prohibiting or restricting the disclosure to some\nor all of the people present at a hearing of evidence given before,\nor the contents of a document lodged with or received in\nevidence by, the board.\n(4) In considering whether to give a direction under subsection (3), a\nboard must take as the basis of its consideration the principle that it\nis desirable that hearings be in public and that evidence given before,\nor the contents of documents lodged with or received in evidence by,\nthe board should be made available to the public and to all people\npresent at the hearing, but must pay due regard to any reasons given\nto the board why the hearing should be held in private or why\npublication or disclosure of the evidence or the matter contained in\nthe document should be prohibited or restricted.\n22 Person presiding\nThe chairperson must preside at a hearing.\n23 Conduct of hearing\nExcept as otherwise provided by this Act, the procedure at a hearing\nmay be decided by the board.\n24 Presence of people at private hearings\nIf a hearing is being held in private, a person must not be present at\nthe hearing unless the person is—\n(a) a member; or\n(b) a member of the staff of the board directed to be present; or\n(c) a lawyer assisting the board; or\n\nPart 3 Inquiries\nDivision 3.2 Hearings\nSection 25\npage 12 Inquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\nR10\n01/09/16\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(d) giving evidence before the board; or\n(e) entitled under a direction under section 21 (3) (a) to be present.\n25 Examination of witnesses\nAt a hearing—\n(a) a lawyer assisting the board; or\n(b) any other person present who is permitted by the chairperson to\ndo so;\nmay, so far as the board considers appropriate, examine or cross-\nexamine a witness on any matter that the board considers relevant to\nits inquiry.\n26 Powers in relation to witnesses etc\n(1) The chairperson of a board, or a person authorised in writing by the\nchairperson, may, by written notice given to a person (a subpoena),\nrequire the person to appear before the board at a hearing, at a stated\ntime and place, to do either or both of the following:\n(a) to give evidence;\n(b) to produce a stated document or other thing relevant to the\nhearing.\n(2) A person is taken to have complied with a subpoena under subsection\n(1) (b) if the person gives the document or other thing to the board\nbefore the date stated in the subpoena for its production.\n(3) The chairperson may require a witness appearing before the board at\na hearing to give evidence to do 1 or more of the following:\n(a) to take an oath;\n(b) to answer a question relevant to the hearing;\n\nInquiries Part 3\nHearings Division 3.2\nSection 26A\nR10\n01/09/16\nInquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\npage 13\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(c) to produce a stated document or other thing relevant to the\nhearing.\nNote Oath includes affirmation and take an oath includes make an affirmation\n(see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).\n26A Proposed adverse comments in reports\n(1) The board must not include a comment in a report of an inquiry that\nis adverse to an entity who is identifiable from the report unless the\nboard has, before making the report, given the entity a copy of the\nproposed comment and a written notice under subsection (2).\n(2) The written notice to the entity must—\n(a) tell the entity that the entity may—\n(i) make a submission to the board in relation to the proposed\nadverse comment; or\n(ii) give the board a written statement in relation to the\nproposed adverse comment; and\n(b) tell the entity that, if the entity makes a submission or gives a\nwritten statement in relation to the comment, the submission or\nstatement, or a summary of it, will be included in the board’s\nreport of the inquiry; and\n(c) state the period within which a submission in relation to the\ncomment may be made or statement given.\n(3) The period allowed under subsection (2) (c) must end not earlier than\n14 days after the day the notice is given.\n(4) A copy of a submission made, or statement given, in relation to the\ncomment within the time allowed must be included in the board’s\nreport of the inquiry.\n\nPart 3 Inquiries\nDivision 3.2 Hearings\nSection 26A\npage 14 Inquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\nR10\n01/09/16\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(5) However, if the board is satisfied on reasonable grounds that a\nsubmission made, or statement given, in relation to the comment is\nexcessively long or contains defamatory or offensive language, the\nboard may include a fair summary of the submission or statement in\nthe report of the inquiry instead of the submission or statement.\n\nMiscellaneous Part 4\nSection 35\nR10\n01/09/16\nInquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\npage 15\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 4 Miscellaneous\n35 Application of Criminal Code, ch 7\nAn inquiry is a legal proceeding for the Criminal Code, chapter 7\n(Administration of justice offences).\nNote That chapter includes offences (eg perjury, falsifying evidence, failing to\nattend and refusing to be sworn) applying in relation to board\nproceedings.\n36 Contempt of board\nA person commits an offence if the person does something in the face,\nor within the hearing, of a board that would be contempt of court if\nthe board were a court of record.\nMaximum penalty: 100 penalty units, imprisonment for 1 year or\nboth.\n37 Delegation by board\nA board may delegate any of its functions under this Act with the\nwritten consent of the Chief Minister.\nNote For the making of delegations and the exercise of delegated functions,\nsee the Legislation Act, pt 19.4.\n38 Publication of published proceedings, reports and\ncomments protected\n(1) The proceedings of a board of inquiry are taken to be proceedings of\npublic concern for the Civil Law (Wrongs) Act 2002, section 139\n(Defences of fair report of proceedings of public concern).\n(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to the publication of a report\nof proceedings, or a part of proceedings, if a direction given under\nsection 21 (3) restricts publication of the proceedings or part of them\nand the publication of the report contravenes the direction.\n\nPart 4 Miscellaneous\nSection 39\npage 16 Inquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\nR10\n01/09/16\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(3) A board of inquiry report that has been made public by the Chief\nMinister is taken to be a public document for the Civil Law (Wrongs)\nAct 2002, section 138 (Defence for publication of public documents).\n39 Reimbursement of expenses of witnesses\nA witness appearing before a board is entitled to be paid by the\nTerritory in respect of the expenses of the attendance of the witness\nan amount authorised in accordance with the Supreme Court scale of\ncosts.\n40 Regulation-making power\nThe Executive may make regulations for this Act.\nNote A regulation must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly,\nunder the Legislation Act.\n\nDictionary\nR10\n01/09/16\nInquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\npage 17\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nDictionary\n(see s 2)\nNote 1 The Legislation Act contains definitions and other provisions relevant to\nthis Act.\nNote 2 For example, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1, defines the following terms:\n• director-general (see s 163)\n• Executive\n• exercise\n• function\n• head of service\n• month\n• public servant\n• under.\nauthorised person means a person declared in writing by the\nchairperson to be an authorised person for this Act.\nboard means—\n(a) a board of inquiry appointed under section 5; and\n(b) in relation to an inquiry—the board of inquiry appointed to\nconduct that inquiry.\nchairperson means—\n(a) the chairperson of a board appointed under section 6 (1) or (3);\nor\n(b) for a board constituted by 1 person—that person.\nmember means—\n(a) for a board constituted by 1 person—that person; or\n(b) for a board constituted by 2 or more people—each of those\npeople.\n\nDictionary\npage 18 Inquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\nR10\n01/09/16\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\npremises includes—\n(a) a building or other structure; and\n(b) an aircraft, vehicle or vessel; and\n(c) a place, whether or not enclosed or built on.\n\nEndnotes\nAbout the endnotes 1\nR10\n01/09/16\nInquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\npage 19\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nEndnotes\n1 About the endnotes\nAmending and modifying laws are annotated in the legislation history and the\namendment history. Current modifications are not included in the republished law\nbut are set out in the endnotes.\nNot all editorial amendments made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 are\nannotated in the amendment history. Full details of any amendments can be\nobtained from the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.\nUncommenced amending laws are not included in the republished law. The details\nof these laws are underlined in the legislation history. Uncommenced expiries are\nunderlined in the legislation history and amendment history.\nIf all the provisions of the law have been renumbered, a table of renumbered\nprovisions gives details of previous and current numbering.\nThe endnotes also include a table of earlier republications.\n2 Abbreviation key\nA = Act NI = Notifiable instrument\nAF = Approved form o = order\nam = amended om = omitted/repealed\namdt = amendment ord = ordinance\nAR = Assembly resolution orig = original\nch = chapter par = paragraph/subparagraph\nCN = Commencement notice pres = present\ndef = definition prev = previous\nDI = Disallowable instrument (prev...) = previously\ndict = dictionary pt = part\ndisallowed = disallowed by the Legislative r = rule/subrule\nAssembly reloc = relocated\ndiv = division renum = renumbered\nexp = expires/expired R[X] = Republication No\nGaz = gazette RI = reissue\nhdg = heading s = section/subsection\nIA = Interpretation Act 1967 sch = schedule\nins = inserted/added sdiv = subdivision\nLA = Legislation Act 2001 SL = Subordinate law\nLR = legislation register sub = substituted\nLRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996 underlining = whole or part not commenced\nmod = modified/modification or to be expired\n\nEndnotes\n3 Legislation history\npage 20 Inquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\nR10\n01/09/16\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n3 Legislation history\nInquiries Act 1991 A1991-2\nnotified 1 March 1991 (Gaz 1991 No S7)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 1 March 1991 (s 2 (1))\nremainder commenced 1 May 1991 (s 2 (2) and Gaz 1991 No 16)\nas amended by\nActs Revision (Position of Crown) Act 1993 A1993-44 sch 2\nnotified 27 August 1993 (Gaz 1993 No S165)\nsch 2 commenced 27 August 1993 (s 2)\nJudicial Commissions (Consequential Amendments) Act 1994\nA1994-10 s 6\nnotified 14 March 1994 (Gaz 1994 No S44)\ns 6 commenced 14 March 1994 (s 2)\nPublic Sector Management (Consequential and Transitional\nProvisions) Act 1994 A1994-38 sch 1 pt 47\nnotified 30 June 1994 (Gaz 1994 No S121)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 30 June 1994 (s 2 (1))\nsch 1 pt 47 commenced 1 July 1994 (s 2 (2) and Gaz 1994 No S142)\nInquiries (Amendment) Act 1996 A1996-19\nnotified 27 May 1996 (Gaz 1996 No S93)\ncommenced 27 May 1996 (s 2)\nRemuneration Tribunal (Consequential Amendments) Act 1997\nA1997-41 sch 1 (as am by A2002-49 amdt 3.222)\nnotified 19 September 1997 (Gaz 1997 No S264)\ncommenced 24 September 1997 (s 2 as am by A2002-49 amdt 3.222)\nLegal Practitioners (Consequential Amendments) Act 1997 A1997-96\nsch 1\nnotified 1 December 1997 (Gaz 1997 No S380)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 1 December 1997 (s 2 (1))\nsch 1 commenced 1 June 1998 (s 2 (2))\n\nEndnotes\nLegislation history 3\nR10\n01/09/16\nInquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\npage 21\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nStatute Law Revision (Penalties) Act 1998 A1998-54 sch\nnotified 27 November 1998 (Gaz 1998 No S207)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 27 November 1998 (s 2 (1))\nsch commenced 9 December 1998 (s 2 (2) and Gaz 1998 No 49)\nLegislation (Consequential Amendments) Act 2001 A2001-44 pt 190\nnotified 26 July 2001 (Gaz 2001 No 30)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 26 July 2001 (IA s 10B)\npt 190 commenced 12 September 2001 (s 2 and see Gaz 2001\nNo S65)\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2002 (No 2) A2002-49 amdt 3.222\nnotified LR 20 December 2002\ns 1, s 2 taken to have commenced 7 October 1994 (LA s 75 (2))\namdt 3.222 commenced 24 September 1997 (s 2 (3))\nNote This Act only amends the Remuneration Tribunal\n(Consequential Amendments) Act 1997 A1997-41 .\nInquiries Amendment Act 2003 A2003-52\nnotified LR 3 December 2003\ns 1, s 2 commenced (LA s 75 (1))\nremainder commenced 4 December 2003 (s 2)\nCriminal Code (Administration of Justice Offences) Amendment\nAct 2005 A2005-53 sch 1 pt 1.14\nnotified LR 26 October 2005\ns 1, s 2 commenced 26 October 2005 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.14 commenced 23 November 2005 (s 2)\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2006 A2006-42 sch 3 pt 3.12\nnotified LR 26 October 2006\ns 1, s 2 taken to have commenced 12 November 2005 (LA s 75 (2))\nsch 3 pt 3.12 commenced 16 November 2006 (s 2 (1))\n\nEndnotes\n3 Legislation history\npage 22 Inquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\nR10\n01/09/16\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAdministrative (One ACT Public Service Miscellaneous Amendments)\nAct 2011 A2011-22 sch 1 pt 1.83\nnotified LR 30 June 2011\ns 1, s 2 commenced 30 June 2011 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.83 commenced 1 July 2011 (s 2 (1))\nPublic Sector Management Amendment Act 2016 A2016-52 sch 1\npt 1.39\nnotified LR 25 August 2016\ns 1, s 2 commenced 25 August 2016 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.39 commenced 1 September 2016 (s 2)\n\nEndnotes\nAmendment history 4\nR10\n01/09/16\nInquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\npage 23\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n4 Amendment history\nName of Act\ns 1 sub A2006-42 amdt 3.59\nDictionary\ns 2 om A2001-44 amdt 1.2168\nins A2006-42 amdt 3.60\nNotes\ns 3 orig s 3\nom A2006-42 amdt 3.60\ndef authorised person om A2006-42 amdt 3.60\ndef board om A2006-42 amdt 3.60\ndef chairperson om A2006-42 amdt 3.60\ndef legal practitioner om A1997-96 sch 1\ndef member om A2006-42 amdt 3.60\ndef premises om A2006-42 amdt 3.60\npres s 3\n(prev s 4) ins A2005-53 amdt 1.71\nrenum as s 3 A2006-42 amdt 3.61\nOffences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc\ns 4 orig s 4\nom A1993-44 sch 2\nprev s 4\nrenum as s 3\npres s 4\n(prev s 4A) ins A2005-53 amdt 1.71\nrenum as s 4 A2006-42 amdt 3.61\nOffences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc\ns 4A renum as s 4\nAppointment of board of inquiry\ns 5 sub A2006-42 amdt 3.62\nMembers\ns 6 am A2006-42 amdt 3.63, amdt 3.76\nRemuneration and allowances\ns 8 om A1997-41 sch 1\nCessation of office\ns 9 am A2006-42 amdt 3.64\nResignation\ns 10 om A2006-42 amdt 3.65\nArrangements for staff\ns 12 am A1994-38 sch 1 pt 47; A2011-22 amdt 1.256\nsub A2016-52 amdt 1.106\n\nEndnotes\n4 Amendment history\npage 24 Inquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\nR10\n01/09/16\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nGeneral\ndiv 3.1 hdg (prev pt 3 div 1 hdg) renum R4 LA\nPresenting reports\ns 14A ins A1996-19 s 4\nsub A2003-52 s 4\nChief Minister to explain non-presentation of report\ns 14B ins A2003-52 s 4\nam A2006-42 amdt 3.66\nLawyer assisting boards\ns 15 hdg am A2006-42 amdt 3.75\ns 15 am A1997-96 sch 1; A2006-42 amdt 3.75\nProtection of members etc\ns 16 am A2005-53 amdt 1.72; A2006-42 amdt 3.67, amdt 3.75\nNondisclosure of information by members etc\ns 17 am A1997-96 sch 1; A1998-54 sch; A2006-42 amdt 3.68,\namdt 3.69, amdt 3.75\nProcedure\ns 18 sub A2003-52 s 5\nPrivileges against self-incrimination and exposure to civil penalty\ns 19 sub A2005-53 amdt 1.73\nSearch warrants\ns 20 am A1994-10 s 6\nHearings\ndiv 3.2 hdg (prev pt 3 div 2 hdg) renum R4 LA\nPower to hold\ns 21 am A2006-42 amdt 3.76\nConduct of hearing\ns 23 sub A2006-42 amdt 3.70\nPresence of people at private hearings\ns 24 hdg am A2006-42 amdt 3.76\ns 24 am A1997-96 sch 1; A2006-42 amdt 3.75\nExamination of witnesses\ns 25 am A1997-96 sch 1; A2006-42 amdt 3.75\nPowers in relation to witnesses etc\ns 26 am A1994-10 s 6\nsub A2005-53 amdt 1.74\n(4), (5) exp 23 November 2006 (s 26 (5))\nProposed adverse comments in reports\ns 26A ins A2003-52 s 6\n\nEndnotes\nAmendment history 4\nR10\n01/09/16\nInquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\npage 25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nOffences\npt 4 hdg orig pt 4 hdg om A2005-53 amdt 1.75\nFailure of witnesses to attend or produce documents\ns 27 am A1998-54 sch\nom A2005-53 amdt 1.75\nRefusal to be sworn or give evidence\ns 28 am A1998-54 sch\nom A2005-53 amdt 1.75\nFalse evidence\ns 29 am A1998-54 sch\nom A2005-53 amdt 1.75\nImproper dealings with documents\ns 30 am A1998-54 sch\nom A2005-53 amdt 1.75\nIntimidation or dismissal of witnesses\ns 31 am A1994-10 s 6; A1998-54 sch\nom A2005-53 amdt 1.75\nPreventing witnesses from attending\ns 32 am A1998-54 sch\nom A2005-53 amdt 1.75\nBribery of witnesses\ns 33 am A1998-54 sch\nom A2005-53 amdt 1.75\nFraud on witnesses\ns 34 am A1998-54 sch\nom A2005-53 amdt 1.75\nMiscellaneous\npt 4 hdg orig pt 4 hdg om A2005-53 amdt 1.75\n(prev pt 5 hdg) renum A2005-53 amdt 1.77\nApplication of Criminal Code, ch 7\ns 35 am A1998-54 sch\nom A2005-53 amdt 1.75\nins A2005-53 amdt 1.76\nContempt of board\ns 36 am A1998-54 sch\nom A2005-53 amdt 1.75\nins A2005-53 amdt 1.76\nDelegation by board\ns 37 sub A2006-42 amdt 3.71\n\nEndnotes\n4 Amendment history\npage 26 Inquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\nR10\n01/09/16\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPublication of published proceedings, reports and comments protected\ns 38 sub A2003-52 s 7\nam A2006-42 amdt 3.72, amdt 3.73\nRegulation–making power\ns 40 sub A2001-44 amdt 1.2169\nMiscellaneous\npt 5 hdg renum as pt 4 hdg\nDictionary\ndict ins A2006-42 amdt 3.74\nam A2011-22 amdt 1.257; A2016-52 amdt 1.107\ndef authorised person ins A2006-42 amdt 3.74\ndef board ins A2006-42 amdt 3.74\ndef chairperson ins A2006-42 amdt 3.74\ndef member ins A2006-42 amdt 3.74\ndef premises ins A2006-42 amdt 3.74\n\nEndnotes\nEarlier republications 5\nR10\n01/09/16\nInquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\npage 27\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n5 Earlier republications\nSome earlier republications were not numbered. The number in column 1 refers to\nthe publication order.\nSince 12 September 2001 every authorised republication has been published in\nelectronic pdf format on the ACT legislation register. A selection of authorised\nrepublications have also been published in printed format. These republications are\nmarked with an asterisk (*) in column 1. Electronic and printed versions of an\nauthorised republication are identical.\nRepublication\nNo and date\nEffective Last\namendment\nmade by\nRepublication\nfor\nR0A\n2 Feb 2006\n27 Aug 1993–\n13 Mar 1994\nA1993-44 amendments by\nA1993-44\nR0B\n2 Feb 2006\n14 Mar 1994–\n30 June 1994\nA1994-10 amendments by\nA1994-10\nR1\n28 Feb 1995\n1 July 1994–\n26 May 1996\nA1994-38 amendments by\nA1994-38\nR1 (RI)\n2 Feb 2006\n1 July 1994–\n26 May 1996\nA1994-38 reissue of printed\nversion\nR1A\n2 Feb 2006\n27 May 1996–\n23 Sept 1997\nA1996-19 amendments by\nA1996-19\nR1B\n2 Feb 2006\n24 Sept 1997–\n31 May 1998\nA1997-41 amendments by\nA1997-41 and\nincludes\nretrospective\namendments by\nA2002-49\nR2\n1 June 1998\n1 June 1998–\n8 Dec 1998\nA1997-96 amendments by\nA1997-96\nR2 (RI)\n2 Feb 2006\n1 June 1998–\n8 Dec 1998\nA1997-96 reissue of printed\nversion\nR3\n28 Feb 1999\n9 Dec 1998–\n11 Sept 2001\nA1998-54 amendments by\nA1998-54\n\nEndnotes\n5 Earlier republications\npage 28 Inquiries Act 1991\nEffective: 01/09/16\nR10\n01/09/16\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nRepublication\nNo and date\nEffective Last\namendment\nmade by\nRepublication\nfor\nR3 (RI)\n2 Feb 2006\n9 Dec 1998–\n11 Sept 2001\nA1998-54 reissue of printed\nversion and\nincludes\nretrospective\namendments by\nA2002-49\nR4\n28 Feb 2002\n28 Feb 2002–\n3 Dec 2003\nA2001-44 amendments by\nA2001-44\nR4 (RI)\n10 Feb 2003\n28 Feb 2002–\n3 Dec 2003\nA2002-49 reissue for\nretrospective\namendments by\nA2002-49\nR5\n4 Dec 2003\n4 Dec 2003–\n22 Nov 2005\nA2003-52 amendments by\nA2003-52\nR6\n23 Nov 2005\n23 Nov 2005–\n15 Nov 2006\nA2005-53 amendments by\nA2005-53\nR7\n16 Nov 2006\n16 Nov 2006–\n23 Nov 2006\nA2006-42 amendments by\nA2006-42\nR8\n24 Nov 2006\n24 Nov 2006–\n30 June 2011\nA2006-42 commenced expiry\nR9\n1 July 2011\n1 July 2011–\n31 Aug 2016\nA2011-22 amendments by\nA2011-22\n© Australian Capital Territory 2016","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Act as republished shows a body of material added and varied since the original 1991 text. The amendment history records insertions and substitutions that expanded or clarified powers and procedures—examples include the power for the Chief Minister to present and publish reports (s 14A) and the obligation to explain non-presentation (s 14B), statutory treatment of compelled evidence and admissibility limits (s 19), search-warrant powers for chairpersons (s 20), and the requirement to give entities notice before including adverse comments (s 26A). These additions broadened the Act’s operational tools and the governance arrangements for presentation and publication of inquiry reports; the endnotes and amendment history in the republished text identify the sections added or amended over time."},"complexity_factors":["Interplay between compelled evidence powers (s 26), removal of common-law refusal (s 19) and limits on admissibility of compelled material (s 19(3)) creates layered legal rules to navigate.","Broad discretionary powers granted to boards over procedure and publicity (s 13, s 18, s 21(3)) produce variability in process across inquiries.","Search-warrant regime with statutory thresholds, specified time limits and execution rules (s 20) introduces operational complexity for enforcement.","Confidentiality obligations with criminal penalties for members and staff (s 17) impose strict compliance duties with practical enforcement implications.","Multiple actors with decision authority—Executive (appointment, s 5), Chief Minister (report presentation/publication, s 14A, s 14B), and boards (conduct)—creates coordination and accountability questions.","Cross-references and application of external instruments (Criminal Code ch 7, Civil Law (Wrongs) Act protections) require users to consult other statutes (s 35, s 38).","Amendment history and inserted sections increase interpretive complexity when mapping earlier to current scope (see endnotes and amendment history)."],"plain_english_summary":"# What this law does (mechanically)\n\n- Authorises the Executive to appoint one or more boards of inquiry to investigate a stated matter (s 5). The Executive decides members, appoints a chair where there are multiple members (s 6), and sets terms and conditions of appointment (s 7). The Executive may terminate an appointment for misbehaviour or incapacity (s 11).\n\n- Sets how a board runs an inquiry. Unless the Act provides otherwise, a board may conduct the inquiry in the way it determines (s 13). Boards must comply with natural justice, are not bound by the rules of evidence, and may take whatever steps they consider necessary for a fair and prompt inquiry (s 18).\n\n- Requires boards to prepare a report at the end of an inquiry and submit it to the Chief Minister (s 14). The Chief Minister may present or publish a report (s 14A) and must explain to the Legislative Assembly if a report is not presented or published within a defined reporting period (s 14B).\n\n- Gives boards powers to obtain evidence and to enforce attendance. The chairperson (or a person authorised by the chairperson) may issue subpoenas to require people to give evidence or produce documents (s 26). The chairperson may require witnesses to take an oath and answer questions (s 26(3)).\n\n- Permits the chairperson to issue search warrants where there are reasonable grounds to suspect material relevant to the inquiry may be on premises and at risk of being concealed, lost or destroyed (s 20). Warrants specify purpose, hours, kinds of things and an expiry date not later than one month after issue (s 20(3)).\n\n- Alters common-law privilege in compelled settings: a person required under s 26 to produce a document or answer a question cannot rely on the common-law privileges against self-incrimination or exposure to civil penalty to refuse (s 19(2)). However, information obtained by compulsion generally cannot be used against the person in other civil or criminal proceedings, with limited exceptions (s 19(3)).\n\n- Controls publicity and privacy of hearings. Hearings are public by default (s 21(2)), but a board may direct that hearings or parts be private for confidentiality or other reasons, and it may restrict publication or disclosure (s 21(3)). The chairperson presides at hearings (s 22) and the board controls hearing procedure (s 23).\n\n- Protects board members, assisting lawyers and witnesses by conferring on members the same protection and immunity as a judge of the Supreme Court (s 16) and giving lawyers the same protection as barristers in Supreme Court appearances (s 16(2)).\n\n- Imposes nondisclosure obligations on current and former members, staff and assisting lawyers in relation to information acquired through their role; breaches attract criminal penalties (s 17).\n\n- Requires boards to give entities an opportunity to respond before including an adverse comment about an identifiable entity in a report (s 26A). That notice must allow at least 14 days to respond, and submissions or statements must be included in the board’s report (s 26A(2)–(4)).\n\n- Treats an inquiry as a legal proceeding for the purpose of administration-of-justice offences under the Criminal Code (s 35), exposes certain conduct to contempt of the board (s 36), and allows the board to delegate functions with the Chief Minister’s written consent (s 37). Witness expenses are payable by the Territory (s 39). The Executive may make regulations under the Act (s 40).\n\n# Who it affects\n\n- The Executive and Chief Minister (who appoints boards, receives reports and controls presentation/publication) (s 5, s 14, s 14A, s 14B).\n- Appointed members, the chairperson and any lawyers assisting (s 6, s 15, s 16).\n- Witnesses and entities subject to inquiry powers (subpoenas, search warrants, compelled answers/documents) (s 20, s 26, s 19).\n- Public servants who may be assigned to assist a board and must follow members’ directions while so assigned (s 12).\n- Any person or organisation identifiable in a draft adverse comment in a report (s 26A).\n\n# Why the mechanics matter (tested against incentives, costs and risks)\n\n- Who pays: the Territory pays witness attendance expenses under the Supreme Court scale of costs (s 39). Penalties for Act offences are expressed in penalty units; at republication date those units were stated in the front matter ($150 individual, $750 corporation).\n\n- Who decides and where discretion sits: the Executive decides whether to appoint a board and its composition (s 5), the Chief Minister controls presentation and publication of reports (s 14A, s 14B), and the appointed board has broad discretion over how to conduct its inquiry and whether hearings are public or private (s 13, s 18, s 21(3)). That structure concentrates operational discretion in appointed boards and strategic control with the Executive/Chief Minister.\n\n- Compliance burdens and private costs: compelled production of documents and compelled testimony (s 26, s 26(3)) can impose direct compliance costs (time, legal advice, production of confidential material). The Act removes the right to refuse on common-law privilege grounds when compulsion is lawful (s 19(2)), though it limits downstream use of compelled material in other proceedings (s 19(3)); exceptions for falsity or administration-of-justice offences remain.\n\n- Confidentiality and information control: members, staff and assisting lawyers are legally forbidden from recording, disclosing or using information acquired under the Act, with penalties for breaches (s 17). At the same time, the Chief Minister may publish reports (s 14A), and boards may restrict publication of hearing evidence (s 21(3)). These provisions together create both formal secrecy obligations (for participants) and formal publication pathways (for the Chief Minister and public reports).\n\n- Legal risk and protections: board members and assisting lawyers receive immunity comparable to judges and barristers (s 16), which reduces exposure to civil suit in connection with inquiry functions. Conversely, witnesses may face criminal liability for false answers or for contempt-type conduct in board proceedings (s 35, s 36).\n\n- Implementation and procedural risk: broad discretion to boards (s 13, s 18) and to the Chief Minister over report publication (s 14A) creates potential for variation in practice between inquiries. The Act builds in procedural safeguards—natural justice (s 18), notice and opportunity to respond to proposed adverse comments (s 26A)—but application of those safeguards depends on board practice.\n\n# Concrete trade-offs and likely behavioural effects\n\n- Entities and witnesses are more likely to invest in legal advice when facing an inquiry because of subpoena/search powers (s 20, s 26), the removal of a common-law refusal right in compelled settings (s 19(2)), and the possible inclusion of adverse comments in public reports (s 26A, s 14A).\n\n- Appointees to boards can run inquiries flexibly (s 13), which may improve speed or adaptability but also produces variability in process and potential uncertainty for parties about how evidence will be treated.\n\n- The Chief Minister’s control over publication (s 14A, obligation to explain delays s 14B) creates a central point of political/administrative control over when findings become public.\n\n# Key statutory references (selected)\n\n- Appointment and membership: s 5–7, s 11\n- Conduct and powers of boards: s 13, s 18, s 21, s 23\n- Evidence compulsion and privileges: s 19, s 26, s 20\n- Reporting and publication: s 14, s 14A, s 14B, s 26A\n- Immunities and confidentiality: s 16, s 17\n- Contempt and Criminal Code application: s 35, s 36\n- Witness costs and regulations: s 39, s 40\n\n(References are to sections of the Inquiries Act 1991 as republished effective 1 September 2016.)"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The Act remains focused on its original purpose of establishing and regulating boards of inquiry. While amendments have modernised language (e.g., replacing 'legal practitioner' with 'lawyer', updating references to the Criminal Code) and refined procedural details (e.g., adding section 26A for adverse comments, section 14B for reporting deadlines), the core scope has not expanded beyond inquiry establishment and conduct. The 2005 amendments actually narrowed the scope by removing specific offence provisions and referring them to the general Criminal Code."},"complexity_factors":["Moderate length (40 sections plus dictionary) but many sections are very short and procedural","Only 5 defined terms in the dictionary (authorised person, board, chairperson, member, premises)","Significant cross-referencing to other ACT legislation (Criminal Code, Legislation Act 2001, Civil Law (Wrongs) Act 2002, Public Sector Management Act 1994)","Some conditional logic in search warrant provisions (section 20) and reporting timelines (section 14B)","Removal of redundant offence provisions in 2005 (sections 27-35 were repealed and replaced with reference to Criminal Code chapter 7), which actually simplified the Act","Clear structure with only 4 Parts: Preliminary, Boards of inquiry, Inquiries, and Miscellaneous"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this law does:**\n\nThe *Inquiries Act 1991* (ACT) sets up the rules for how the ACT Government can establish formal investigations—called \"boards of inquiry\"—into matters of public concern. Think of it as the rulebook for setting up a Royal Commission or similar inquiry at the territory level.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n\n*   **The Executive** (the Chief Minister and Ministers): They can appoint inquiry boards, set their terms, and decide whether to publish their reports.\n*   **Board members**: People appointed to run inquiries (usually experts, retired judges, or senior officials). They get legal protections similar to Supreme Court judges while doing their job.\n*   **Witnesses**: Anyone compelled to give evidence or produce documents. They must attend and answer questions, though they can't be forced to incriminate themselves in later court cases (with some exceptions).\n*   **The public**: Inquiries are generally public, though boards can hold private hearings if sensitive information is involved.\n\n**Key features:**\n\n*   **Setting up inquiries**: The Executive appoints one or more people to form a board, sets what they must investigate, and can give them staff from the public service.\n*   **Powers**: Boards can hold public or private hearings, subpoena (legally compel) witnesses, require documents, and even get search warrants to seize evidence.\n*   **Fair process**: Boards must follow \"natural justice\" (basic fairness), and if they want to criticise someone in their final report, they must first give that person a chance to respond.\n*   **Reporting**: Boards submit reports to the Chief Minister, who can table them in the Legislative Assembly or make them public. If the Chief Minister sits on a report too long, they must explain why to the Assembly.\n*   **Offences**: It's a crime to disrespect the board (contempt), refuse to attend as a witness, or disclose confidential information from the inquiry.\n\n**Why it matters:**\n\nThis Act ensures that when serious issues arise—like government failures, systemic problems, or public scandals—the Territory can conduct thorough, independent investigations with real legal teeth. It balances the board's power to dig deep with protections for witnesses and requirements for transparency."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/inquiries-act-1991","history":"/api/acts/inquiries-act-1991/history","analysis":"/api/acts/inquiries-act-1991/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/inquiries-act-1991/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/inquiries-act-1991/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/inquiries-act-1991/documents"}}