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

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