Inquiry Chair Promises Fairness and Natural Justice for Participants

Aldo Salazar

Senator Aldo Salazar has the task of shepherding the inquiry through to its conclusion. He was appointed by the Government and today he was questioned about whether he could remain sufficiently neutral as chairman to not affect the outcome of the inquiry. He responded by promising neutrality and fairness. Already, Minister of Immigration and Senator Godwin Hulse has complained of not being consulted or given a chance to respond to the Auditor General’s report.

Aldo Salazar, Chair, Special Senate Select Committee

“What I can say is that I will discharge my duties fairly to everyone. The fact that I am a Government appointed senator should not detract from that. And I can say that definitely when it comes to the discharge of duties here in the committee, we will do so without prejudice as in relation to the oath that we all took. My understanding is that the report emanating from the inquiry could not be used because of certain breeches of natural justice. That is going to be at the forefront of my consideration to ensure that this committee…that the duty of this committee is conducted in accordance with the principles of natural justice so as not to taint any report we may issue.”

Salazar further cited part ‘L’ of the motion, under terms of reference, which allows witnesses to review their evidence testimony and make any corrections to inaccurate reporting within fourteen days under notice.