An investigative tool - public hearings
On September 8, 2025, the Commission of Inquiry held its first public hearings in Far North Queensland. This was a significant milestone as it marked the start of the hearing process for the Commission.
The Honourable Paul Anastassiou KC highlighted previously that public hearings are important because ‘they enable the community to participate in and scrutinise a good deal of the work of the Commission’.
A public hearing is just one of the many tools a Commission uses as part of its investigations; so, let’s unpack this further.
What is a public hearing?
Think of a public hearing as an investigative tool to uncover information that may not be visible about a matter of significant public concern; so, in this instance, the public concern is about the systemic issues confronting the child protection system.
The Commission will forensically analyse all relevant aspects of that public concern, culminating with a list of practical recommendations, it will then provide to the government.
A public hearing is one mechanism used by the Commission as part of its investigative process.
Public hearing behind the scenes
Before a public hearing can even commence, a great deal of work is undertaken behind the scenes.
Public hearings require witnesses to attend and give evidence about a particular matter or issue. This can be achieved through different means. For instance, the Commission can embark on scoping visits to encourage interested parties and individuals to provide evidence in an open forum.
The Commission's investigators and a team of counsel assisting play a vital role in the process. Their responsibilities include, among others, reviewing hundreds of submissions, identifying potential witnesses and contacting them to see if they are interested to give evidence about topics and themes which correlate to the Terms of Reference.
The Commission can also hold workshops to identify witnesses and case studies in relation to certain topics.
Who attends a public hearing and how does a public hearing work?
Public hearings are generally held in a court or tribunal hearing rooms in a range of locations.
At a public hearing you will see the Commissioner seated at the front of the room facing the audience. An Associate sits next to the Commissioner to provide support and assistance throughout the proceedings. There is also a bar table for lawyers and counsel assisting the Commissioner, barristers who appear for the State of Queensland and other represented parties involved in the system.
And just like a courtroom setting, there is a witness box for the witness to give their evidence. At a public hearing, witnesses share their story, under oath or affirmation, elaborate further on their submission and answer specific questions, based on their experience and expertise, from counsel, the Commissioner and other represented parties.
There is also an area for the public to view the proceedings including media. Except when the hearing is closed due to the nature of the evidence being given, for example sensitive matters concerning particular children. The proceedings are live streamed.
At all times media must adhere to strict reporting guidelines, report accurately and protect the Commission’s integrity when reporting on matters at a public hearing.
How long does a public hearing last?
The length of a public hearing depends on many factors like the number of witnesses, questioning, which may shed light on further issues that require deeper analysis.
The Commissioner, at his discretion may add or not require certain witnesses. If the Commissioner is not able to hear from all of the allotted witnesses within the allocated timeframe, due to time pressures or other factors, the hearing may be adjourned to a later time to allow for witnesses who have not been reached to give their evidence. As is the case following the Far North Queensland hearings, the further hearing may continue in a different location, in this instance recommencing in Brisbane on November 17.
Effectively, the Commission can adjust or modify its approach as needed.
If you would like to tell us about any problems within the child safety system please visit to https://www.childsafetyinquiry.qld.gov.au/submissions to find out how you can have your say.