NSW govt launches special commission of inquiry into Ruby Princess debacle

NSW govt launches special commission of inquiry into Ruby Princess debacle

The NSW government has launched a special commission of inquiry into the COVID-19 outbreak on board Ruby Princess, on top of an ongoing criminal investigation.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced this morning she will appoint leading barrister Bret Walker SC as Commissioner for the inquiry, which will report back to the government in three to four months.

Walker is known for his successful appeal against George Pell’s conviction in the high court.

“It is important that answers are provided quickly for the people of NSW,” Berejiklian said.

“As I have said before, we will leave no stone unturned until we find out exactly what happened.”

The state government said in a statement it will give Walker “extraordinary powers” to examine all matters involving the cruise ship, including its departure and arrival, and the actions of all agencies and parties involved.

“Discussions with the police commissioner and the state coroner have made clear to me their expected investigation timelines, and I have decided that the quickest path to answers is through a powerful and independent inquiry,” Berejiklian said.

Ruby Princess disembarked 2,700 passengers on 19 March despite some showing symptoms of COVID-19. Since then, 18 passengers have died and more than 600 people have been diagnosed with the virus.

Both the police investigation and the government inquiry aim to find out the circumstances around the ship’s disembarkation in Sydney Harbour and find out if Carnival, the company which owns Princess Cruises, followed state and biosecurity laws in relation to COVID-19.

You can read about the police investigation HERE and HERE.

Travel Weekly has contacted Carnival Australia for comment.

Featured image source: Facebook

Latest News

  • Conferences

Empowering underserved communities: Expedia Group’s drive for more inclusive travel

Expedia Group has used the EXPLORE conference at the Aria Resort in Las Vegas to highlight initiatives that empower underserved communities worldwide.   In a groundbreaking move towards fostering diversity and inclusion within the travel industry, Expedia’s Global Social Impact and Sustainability Team is dedicated to shaping a travel landscape that is safe, welcoming, and accessible […]

  • Cruise

P&O rescues Rotary volunteers after collapse of Air Vanuatu

P&O Cruises Australia has answered a plea for help from a group of young Australian Rotary volunteers, stranded in Vanuatu following the collapse of Air Vanuatu. The students, many of them teenagers from Albury, NSW, were volunteering for a youth project run by the Hive Rotary Club Australia when the airline abruptly cancelled all flights, […]

  • Destinations

Intrepid continues expansions with launch of first DMC in Jordan

Intrepid has increased its presence in the Middle East with the opening of its first destination management company in Jordan. Based in Amman, the local team will operate Intrepid’s range of nine experiential small group tours in Jordan from this summer, with a view to expanding the range for 2025 and beyond. Zina Bencheikh, managing […]

  • Appointments

Minor hotels appoints Puneet Dhawan to key Asia role

Global hotel owner and operator Minor Hotels has appointed Puneet Dhawan as head of Asia as the group plots its growth in Asia and India. From July, Dhawan will be responsible for the performance of all Minor Hotels properties in Asia, working in close collaboration with the Minor Hotels senior leadership team and will report […]

  • Appointments

Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal appoint Evon Ler to director of sales, Asia

Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group have announced that Evon Ler will join them in the new role of director of sales, Asia. She will work closely with Tony Archbold (VP, Sales, APAC, Crystal) and Susan Haberle (VP, Sales & Partnerships, APAC, A&K) with trade support across the region. Ler comes to the A&K family with more […]