Appointment of Commissioner for the commission of inquiry into matters relating to the Australian Security Intelligence Service (Cth)

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA

ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God Queen of Australia and Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth:

TO:

MICHAEL HENRY CODD AC

GREETING:

WHEREAS it is desired to have an inquiry into matters relating to the Australian Secret Intelligence Service:

NOW THEREFORE We do by these Our Letters Patent issued in Our name by Our Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia on the advice of the Federal Executive Council and in pursuance of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia, the Royal Commissions Act 1902 and other enabling powers, appoint you to be a Commissioner to inquire into:

(a) the effectiveness and suitability of existing arrangements for:

(i) the control and accountability of the Service;

(ii) the organisation and management of the Service;

(iii) the protection of the Service's intelligence sources and methods;

(iv) the resolution of grievances and complaints relating to the Service; and

(b) whether any changes in existing arrangements are required or are desirable:

AND We direct you to produce with the Honourable Gordon Jacob Samuels AC QC a single report of the results of your inquiries and his inquiries under the relevant Commission:

AND We further direct you to consult with the Honourable Gordon Jacob Samuels with regard to the methods and procedures to be followed in relation to his and your inquiries and concerning the content and preparation of that report:

AND We further direct you, in conducting your inquiry and preparing the report, to take account of any views of the Honourable Gordon Jacob Samuels concerning how those inquiries are to be conducted and that report prepared:

AND We authorise you in the conduct of your inquiry to have regard to any information, evidence, document or thing communicated or furnished to you by the Honourable Gordon Jacob Samuels under the relevant Commission: