Key Takeaways:
- The appointment of a royal commissioner is being discussed to lead an inquiry into intelligence failures and other pressing issues in Australia.
- Former High Court judge Virginia Bell is being considered for the role, with her experience and reputation making her a strong candidate.
- Other potential candidates include former ASIO boss Dennis Richardson and Federal Court judge Michael Lee.
- Critics of Bell’s potential appointment raise concerns about her perceived closeness to the Labor party and her stance on complex topics.
- The royal commission may be merged with other reviews and inquiries, including the NSW royal commission and the Richardson review into intelligence failings.
Introduction to the Royal Commission
The Australian government is considering the appointment of a royal commissioner to lead an inquiry into various issues, including intelligence failures and other pressing concerns. The prime minister is being urged to take action and appoint a commissioner who can provide the necessary leadership and expertise to address these issues. One of the names being discussed as a potential royal commissioner is former High Court judge Virginia Bell, who has had a long and respected career in the law.
Virginia Bell’s Background and Experience
Bell, who was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2012, started her career at the Redfern Legal Centre in the 1970s and went on to become a public defender and a judge on the NSW Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. In 2009, she became the fourth woman to serve on the bench of the High Court, where she served for 12 years. Bell has also had experience working in a royal commission, acting as one of the counsel assisting the Wood Royal Commission into NSW police corruption between 1994 and 1997. Her experience and reputation make her a strong candidate for the role of royal commissioner.
Concerns and Criticisms
Despite her impressive background and experience, Bell’s potential appointment has not been without controversy. Critics in the Jewish community view her as too close to the Labor party, and question her stance on the complex topics that the commission must explore. Bell declined to comment on these concerns when asked. However, her supporters argue that her interest in social justice and her experience as a criminal lawyer make her an ideal candidate for the role. Professor George Williams has described her as "one of the most experienced and well-regarded criminal lawyers" and noted that her interest in social justice is appropriate given her background and experience.
Other Potential Candidates
Other names being discussed as potential royal commissioners include former ASIO boss Dennis Richardson, who has already been selected to run a rapid review of intelligence failures, and Federal Court judge Michael Lee, who is well known for presiding over the defamation case brought against Channel 10 by Bruce Lehrmann. Richardson’s experience in the intelligence community and Lee’s experience as a judge make them both strong candidates for the role. However, the final decision will depend on the prime minister’s choice and the needs of the royal commission.
The Royal Commission’s Scope and Purpose
The royal commission is expected to investigate various issues, including intelligence failures and other pressing concerns. The commission may be merged with other reviews and inquiries, including the NSW royal commission and the Richardson review into intelligence failings. This would allow for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing these issues. The prime minister’s office has been contacted for comment on the matter, but no official announcement has been made yet.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the appointment of a royal commissioner is a critical step in addressing the various issues facing Australia. Virginia Bell’s experience and reputation make her a strong candidate for the role, but concerns about her perceived closeness to the Labor party and her stance on complex topics must be carefully considered. The royal commission’s scope and purpose will depend on the final decision of the prime minister, but it is clear that a comprehensive and coordinated approach is needed to address the pressing issues facing the country. As the situation develops, it will be important to monitor the progress of the royal commission and the impact it has on the country.
