Special Prosecutor
Office of the Special Prosecutor · Special Prosecutors
1982 – 1984
Statutory special prosecutors with their own staff, appointed to prosecute particular classes of Commonwealth offences: Roger Gyles QC prosecuted the bottom-of-the-harbour tax evasion schemes and Robert Redlich matters arising from the Costigan Royal Commission.
How it came into existence
Created under the Special Prosecutor Act 1982, which provided for the appointment of special prosecutors outside the ordinary Commonwealth prosecution arrangements. Gyles was appointed in 1982 after the Costigan Royal Commission exposed the bottom-of-the-harbour schemes, whose prosecution had until then rested with the Crown Solicitor's office; Redlich was appointed to deal with criminal matters arising from the same royal commission.
- Prosecution of bottom-of-the-harbour tax offences
These prosecutions had previously rested with the Crown Solicitor's office.
Legislation: Special Prosecutor Act 1982
How it ended
Its matters passed to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, which began on 5 March 1984 and took over the special prosecutors' work during 1984. Some of that work may have run into 1985; the date the offices ceased is not confirmed.
- Prosecution of bottom-of-the-harbour tax evasion offences
- Prosecution of matters arising from the Costigan Royal Commission
Main functions
- Prosecution of bottom-of-the-harbour tax evasion offences
- Prosecution of matters arising from the Costigan Royal Commission
Where it sits
Last in the portfolio of Attorney-General's Department.
Lineage
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Sources
Some dates or links for this organisation are uncertain. Corrections are welcome.