NSW Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes granted extension

3 May 2023

Following a request from Commissioner, the Honourable Justice John Sackar, a two month extension of the Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes has been granted.

On the recommendation of the Premier, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, has amended the Letters Patent establishing the independent Inquiry, to extend the reporting date to 30 August 2023.

Established by Letters Patent signed on 13 April 2022 and led by Commissioner Sackar, the Inquiry has been tasked with inquiring into the manner and cause of death in all cases that remain unsolved from the 88 deaths or suspected deaths of men potentially motivated by gay hate bias that were considered by Strike Force Parrabell.

The Inquiry is also examining the manner and cause of death in all unsolved suspected hate crime deaths in New South Wales that occurred between 1970 and 2010 where the victim was a member of the LGBTIQ community and the death was the subject of a previous investigation by the NSW Police Force.

Over the last year, a team of barristers, solicitors and investigators have examined more than a hundred thousand documents, and the Inquiry has held public and private hearings, undertaken further investigations, and made a series of public appeals for information.

More information on the work of the independent Inquiry is available online at www.specialcommission.nsw.gov.au

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“The NSW Government is committed to uncovering and addressing past injustices and continuing to work hand in hand with the LGBTIQ community.”

“Granting this extension will ensure the delivery of the comprehensive report that victims, their families and the broader community deserve.”

“I want to thank Commissioner Sackar and the Inquiry team for undertaking this critical work and doing everything in their power to bring some level of closure to families.”

NSW Attorney General, Michael Daley said:

“No one should have to endure the distress of not knowing what happened to someone they love.”

“These unsolved deaths have left loving families without answers for too long.

“This Inquiry is a powerful investigative tool to shine a light on past wrongs with expert scrutiny and help provide families with a measure of closure.”