Inquiries Act 2007 · 2020 Revised Edition · Part 3 · Committees of Inquiry
9. Appointment of committee
Feedback & supportAny Minister may, whenever the Minister considers it expedient to do so, in writing appoint a committee of inquiry and direct the committee to inquire into —
Minister
“Minister”, in relation to a committee of inquiry, means the Minister who appointed the committee of inquiry under section 9 and includes the Minister’s successor in office;
any accident or occurrence resulting in or involving death, serious personal injury or serious property damage;
any occurrence that may endanger public safety or public health;
the conduct or management of a ministry, department or statutory body falling under the responsibility of that Minister; or
the conduct of any officer employed by or seconded to any such ministry, department or statutory body.
The Minister must issue to the committee terms of reference which must specify the subject of the inquiry and may —
committee
“committee” or “committee of inquiry” means any committee of inquiry appointed by the Minister under section 9, and includes the members of the committee, or a quorum of the members, or the sole member, sitting for the purposes of the inquiry;
specify any particular matters as to which the committee is to determine the facts;
direct whether the committee is to make recommendations;
direct where and when the inquiry is to be held and the report of the inquiry submitted;
prescribe how the inquiry is to be conducted, including whether the Attorney‑General is appointed to lead evidence in the inquiry; and
direct whether the inquiry or any part of the inquiry is or is not to be held in public.
The Minister may modify the terms of reference issued under subsection (2) on the recommendation of the committee.
terms of reference
“terms of reference”, in relation to an inquiry body, means the terms of reference issued to the inquiry body under section 3(2) or 9(2) (as the case may be) and includes any modification made to the terms of reference under section 3(3) or 9(3).
The Minister may extend the time for the inquiry to be completed and for the submission of the report of the inquiry by the committee.