Banking royal commission to get under way

The royal commission into financial services will begin on February 12 with opening remarks by the commissioner and senior counsel.

A file image of former High Court justice Kenneth Hayne

Commissioner Kenneth Hayne will open the royal commission into financial services on Febuary 12. (AAP)

Banking royal commissioner Kenneth Hayne will shed light on how he plans to investigate misconduct in the industry on February 12.

The retired High Court judge was chosen by the Turnbull government in December to examine the banking, superannuation and financial services industry in the wake of a series of scandals.

Justice Hayne and senior counsel assisting will make short opening statements at the Melbourne hearing, but no witnesses will be called.

The commission has also invited public submissions from individuals or organisations wishing to talk about misconduct in the industry.

However, the commissioner said in a statement on Monday the commission could not "resolve individual disputes, fix or award compensation, or make orders requiring a party to a dispute to take or not take any action".

An interim report is due in September with the final report expected in February 2019.

Shadow treasurer Chris Bowen said Malcolm Turnbull had to be "dragged kicking and screaming" to announce the inquiry last year.

"It's good that the royal commission into the financial services sector is beginning," Mr Bowen told AAP.

"It's very important that victims of all banking and financial scandals are afforded an opportunity to have their say - to make submissions and if appropriate, give evidence before the royal commission."

Mr Turnbull described the inquiry as "regrettable", but an important step in ensuring trust in the industry.


Share
2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world