IBAC examinations
As part of an investigation, IBAC may hold private or public examinations (hearings) to gather further information. This includes summoning witnesses to answer questions.
An examination is not a trial and cannot determine guilt or innocence. Most witnesses aren’t suspected of wrongdoing and are summoned because they can help the inquiry.
Examinations are generally presided over by our Commissioner or Deputy Commissioners. At other times, we will appoint an examiner with limited powers.
Private examinations
To ensure an investigation’s integrity, most examinations are private. This means they’re not open to the public or the media. However, a public report is generally released when the investigation is finalised.
Public examinations
The IBAC Commissioner holds public examinations when:
- there are exceptional circumstances
- it's in the public interest
- it won’t cause unreasonable damage to a person’s reputation, safety or wellbeing.
The hearing room is open to the public and examinations can be watched via video stream on this website. Transcripts and other information are also published on our website.
See IBAC's standard directions for public examinations for more about sitting times, scope, attendance and representation. Find information about specific public examinations via the links below.
