Appointment of Commissioner for the commission of inquiry into deaths of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders in custody (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:

PATRICK LIONEL DODSON

GREETING:

WE DO by these Our Letters Patent issued in Our name by Our Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia on the advice on the Federal Executive Council and pursuant to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia, the Royal Commissions Act 1902 and every other enabling power, appoint you with effect on and from 1 July 1989 to be a Commissioner to inquire into any underlying issues associated with deaths of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders in the State of Western Australia in all cases where such deaths occurred during the period that commenced on 1 January 1980 and ended at the expiration of 31 May 1989 whilst in police custody, in prison or in any other place of detention other than such deaths occurring in a hospital, mental institution, infirmary or medical treatment centre unless injuries suffered while in police custody, in prison or in any other place of detention caused or contributed to them:

AND We declare that, for the purpose of reporting on any underlying issues associated with those deaths, you are authorised to take account of social, cultural and legal factors which, in your judgement, appear to have a bearing on those deaths:

AND We direct you:

(a) to consult generally with the Honourable Elliott Frank Johnston with regard to the methods and procedures to be followed in relation to his and your inquiries; and;

(b) to conform with any guidelines issued or recommendations made by the Honourable Elliott Frank Johnston under the relevant Commission in relation to those methods and procedures;

for the purposes of establishing a uniform approach in relation to those inquiries: