This paper attempts to assess the relevance of the experience generated by British tribunals of inquiry for Australian federal royal commissions, especially when analysed against the background of judicial developments in some other jurisdictions such as New Zealand and Ireland. The experience of those countries may also provide insights into the law that governs the operation of Australian federal royal commissions and changes that might be considered to that law in the future.

Part of the Centre for International and Public Law's Law and Policy Papers series.