Serious questions about the integrity, accountability and independence of death in custody investigations are still being raised by NSW coroners, despite sweeping changes following a Royal Commission, writes Inga Ting.
Royal Commission
Queensland bar protests over sitting judge just sour grapes?
Appointing a sitting judge to chair Queensland’s Royal Commission on the Queensland floods could blur the separation of powers between the executive and judiciary, says an expert in public inquiry. While another legal world watcher says complaints from the Bar could be just a case of barristers “beating their own drum”.
Some questions for Emergency Services Commissioner Bruce Esplin
Tomorrow, Emergency Services Commissioner Bruce Esplin will face the Black Saturday Royal Commission — but is the Commission ready to ask him the tough questions? asks Tess Lawrence.
Forest fire management: objective analysis needed
Emotive public opinion is no replacement for careful evaluation — especially given the risks and costs involved, writes Lionel Elmore.
Brumby’s ring of fire
Victorian Premier John Brumby has been scorched by the royal comission he set up into the Black Saturday bushfires.
Prescribed burns are prejudging the bushfire inquiry
Victoria’s bushfire Royal Commission has begun, as the state is wreathed in the smoke of 27 official fires. What gives, asks Lionel Elmore.
Costigan: patron saint of investigative journalists
If investigative journalists in Australia ever needed a patron Saint, Francis Xavier Costigan would probably be their man, writes Mike Smith.
The Costigan Commission was a farce
The Costigan Commission was a farce, run by a briefless barrister, determined to keep it going for as long as possible so he could enjoy the spoils and perpetuate his image as a crusader, writes a Sydney lawyer.
Let’s just say this again: It’s time for the Opes Prime Royal Commission
There’s only one way to reveal the underbelly of the Opes Prime collapse, writes Stephen Mayne.
If Mick Gatto is the answer, bring on the Royal Commission
As if Australia’s financial regulators weren’t damaged enough, now we’ve Mick Gatto brazenly parading for the media as an alternative debt collector for Opes Prime victims, writes Stephen Mayne.
Lex Lasry gets nod from the ALP
What will the media do? One of their favourite legal commentators, Melbourne barrister Lex Lasry was appointed to the Victorian Supreme Court yesterday, writes Greg Barns.
