Royal Commission Submission Questions with Lawyer Greg Isolani

Senator Jacqui Lambie hosted an informative facebook live with her lawyer Greg Isolani on the 24th August, 2021 – to answer questions on the Royal Commission Submission Process. 

Watch the Facebook Video here – https://fb.watch/8Lcrcrsp5E/

Some key takeaways from the hour conversation were: 

  • You can do it on behalf of someone else
  • If you are questioning the trust in the Royal Commission
    • Accept that this is the best that we can and have achieved 
    • Trust that the commissioners are independent and have an experienced background. 
    • Make the submission knowing it will be viewed at the highest level of the judiciary.
  • How to decide what to include and what to leave out with files & docs on medical claims: 
    • Have a think about what documents you have that are going to best reflect what the Terms Of Reference have asked you to identify. 
    • Use subfolders and attachments 

Retribution 

  • Make a submission even if you are having or know someone who is experiencing suicide tendencies in real time.
  • You can seek and request confidentiality (if in doubt, request it).
  • What protection is there for people who want to give evidence but are still serving: 
    • Request confidentiality
    • Names will be blanked out, identity can be concealed, reductions will also be taken out of all people mentioned in the submission
    • Seek legal support when you put in a submission and that representative can do it on your behalf.

Templates

  • Information sheet from Greg (Download file at the bottom of this page).
  • A good starting point for your submission is pro former info doc – who, what, where.
  • Address the TOR’s that apply to your circumstances – remember to link it to your suicidal ideation and how it impacted those behaviours.
  • Reach out for help

Remember 

  • Not everyone who makes a submission will get asked to come forward for evidence. 
  • If you have a contribution to make, then no matter the scale of it, we have the opportunity now to get it all out there. 
  • Financial assistance -can be found through the Attorney General website
  • Find a lawyer with experience that can navigate the existing system. (link to VSF legal blog) 
  • If we can’t stop suicide, what have we learnt for families post the event. So family members that have lost loved ones to suicide, will help to shape that so even though it is painful it will help.
  • Advocates: Tell the story whether it’s documented or not, if the individual wants the story told and you’re able to do it, it’s still worth doing.

For any questions get in touch with the Lambie team at: senator.lambie@aph.gov.au

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