Local Government Act 2020

Subject to subsection (2), a Commission of Inquiry may make an order prohibiting or restricting the publication of—

any information that may enable the identity of a person who has given, or is to give, information to the Commission of Inquiry for the purposes of an inquiry to be ascertained; or

any information given to or produced by the Commission of Inquiry for the purposes of an inquiry.

A Commission of Inquiry may make an order prohibiting or restricting the publication of information or evidence if—

prejudice or hardship might be caused to any person, including harm to their safety or reputation; or

the nature and subject matter of the information or evidence is sensitive; or

there is a possibility of any prejudice to legal proceedings; or

the Commission of Inquiry otherwise considers the prohibition or restriction appropriate.

If the order is made during a proceeding, the Commission of Inquiry must cause a copy of the order to be posted—

on a door of the place where the proceeding is being conducted; or

in another conspicuous place where notices are usually posted at the place where the proceeding is being conducted.

If the order is made in relation to information that is given by the Commission of Inquiry to another person, the Commission of Inquiry must cause a copy of the order to be given to that person.

An order made under this section is not a legislative instrument within the meaning of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1994.