A Royal commission is an inquiry initiated by the Governor General at a Commonwealth level or Governor-in-Council at a State level in Victoria. Royal commissions are called when the government has indicated a matter is of particular public importance and therefore an inquiry is required.

At a Commonwealth level, Royal Commissions are administered by the Attorney General's Department.

The terms of reference for a Royal commission are contained in a formal document known as letters patent. Letters Patent are prepared by the Governor General (or Governor-in-Council) and signed by the Attorney General or Premier on behalf of the Crown. The terms of reference dictate the scope of the inquiry and therefore you should obtain them.

• At a Commonwealth level, the Royal Commissions Act 1902.

• In Victoria, the Constitution Act 1975 (Vic) Part IVA.

• The powers of the Commission or Inquiry in Victoria are prescribed by the Evidence Act 1958 (Vic) Part 1, Div 5.

• 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission Terms of Reference

• Media releases on the 2009 Bushfires Royal Commission from the Premier's office.

• Parliament of Australia List of Royal Commissions 1903-present

• The Attorney General's Department information on Royal Commissions.