Royal Commission on the Activities of the Federated Ship Painters and Dockers Union

Appointed by Letters Patent of 10 September 1980, issued by Governor-General Sir Zelman Cowen on the advice of the Fraser government, appointing Francis Xavier Costigan QC as commissioner from 1 October 1980 to inquire whether the union or its officers or members had engaged in illegal activities in relation to interstate and overseas shipping, Commonwealth ships and naval establishments, including demands for payments from employers and malpractice in union elections. He was authorised to sit in combination with an inquiry commissioned by Victoria, which issued its own commission.

Legislation: Royal Commissions Act 1902

1. 1 October 1980Commission took effect; interim report due 31 March 1981 and final report 30 September 1981.
2. 25 June 1981Letters Patent varied, the first of several variations (further ones 1 April 1982, 25 December 1982 and 2 February 1983).
3. December 1983Reporting date extended to 30 June 1984.
4. 27 June 1984Reporting date extended to 30 September 1984.
5. 20 September 1984Reporting date extended to 31 October 1984.

The final report, dated October 1984 (deadline 31 October 1984), was presented in five volumes. It found that the union had systematically recruited hardened criminals and exposed large-scale "bottom of the harbour" tax evasion, social security fraud and drug trafficking. Its revelations led to the establishment of the National Crime Authority in 1984. The Parliamentary Handbook gives 1 November 1984 as the date the final report was presented.

• Inquiry into illegal activities of the Federated Ship Painters and Dockers Union
• Investigation of tax evasion, fraud and organised crime uncovered in the inquiry
• Recommendations on law enforcement and legislative change

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Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.