Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes

Led by the Honourable Justice John Sackar (the Commissioner), the Inquiry was provided extensive powers to undertake its work, including the authority to compel witnesses to give evidence and to compel the production of documents.

In a series of public and private hearings, the deaths of 32 people were examined in detail, with a team of independent barristers, solicitors and investigators scrutinising more than 150,000 documents drawn from 40 years of police files, coronial files, and other sources in relation to LGBTIQ hate-related deaths.

The Inquiry also looked at social, legal and cultural factors affecting the LGBTIQ community, as well as the nature of the relationship between the LGBTIQ community and the NSW Police Force.

The landmark review concluded with the delivery of the final report to Governor Margaret Beazley and Premier Chris Minns on 18 December 2023.

Update in response to Public Recommendation 12 of the Special Commission’s report

The NSW Police Force (NSWPF) acknowledges the findings and the significant work undertaken by the Special Commission.

NSWPF is deeply committed to learning from the Special Commission’s findings. NSWPF recognises the victims of the historical deaths considered by the Special Commission and the enduring pain and suffering experienced by their families and loved ones. The courage and resilience shown by these families in their pursuit for truth and justice is profoundly acknowledged and respected by NSWPF.

The Cabinet Office is preparing the NSW Government’s response to all the recommendations, in consultation with several NSW Government agencies involved in the Special Commission’s Report.

The NSWPF has commenced Taskforce Atlas under the direction of Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell APM to oversee implementation of the NSWPF related recommendations from the Special Commission. NSWPF is committed to a thorough and considered response to each recommendation directed to NSWPF.

The NSWPF provides the following update in response to Public Recommendation 12 of the Special Commission’s report:

In relation to Public Recommendation 10, the NSWPF has established a working group through Taskforce Atlas to develop a process for conducting the recommended systematic review or audit of all unsolved homicides pertaining to the period 1970 to 2010, including the methodology, criteria and required resourcing for the audit or review. This process requires careful consideration, and will inform the anticipated timeframes for completion.

This process will also inform anticipated timeframes for the completion of Public Recommendation 11 in relation to identifying exhibits to be submitted or resubmitted for forensic testing in the light of possible technological advancements following the audit / review process outlined in Public Recommendation 10.

NSWPF will provide a further update on these anticipated timeframes as part of the NSW Government Response to the Special Commission later this year.

The NSWPF Unsolved Homicide Team otherwise continues to carry out its important work conducting investigations into historical unsolved murders, suspicious deaths and disappearances.