Royal Commission into tabling of Easton petition in State Parliament announced

9/5/95

Western Australian Premier Richard Court today announced a Royal Commission had been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tabling of the Easton petition in State Parliament.

"There is currently a great deal of community concern about the conduct of certain Members of Parliament and former Ministers of the Crown surrounding the tabling of the petition," Mr Court said.

"In recent weeks information has been made publicly available which requires further and more detailed inquiry in the public interest.

"The failure of the Leader of the Opposition and other former Ministers of the Crown to clarify the events surrounding the presentation of the petition left the Government with no alternative but to request the establishment of this Royal Commission.

"The Royal Commission will seek to establish the facts surrounding the tabling of the petition.

"It will also report as to whether there has been any improper or inappropriate use of executive power or public office or whether the relevant conduct was motivated by improper or inappropriate considerations.

"It is not intended the Royal Commission be an inquiry into Parliamentary conduct.

"The Terms of Reference (see attached) recognise the possible application of the protection of privilege for proceedings in Parliament and provision is made for an interim report if that happens."

The Royal Commissioner is the former Supreme Court judge, the Honourable Kenneth Henry Marks QC.

Judge Marks is recently retired from the Supreme Court of Victoria.

The Royal Commissioner has been given five months to complete his final report.