Royal Commissions – A Guide. Part 2 – the Hearing

04 Oct Royal Commissions – A Guide. Part 2 – the Hearing

Last time, we talked about preparing in case you are called on by a Royal Commission.

Today, we will discuss the hearing.

This is it – the main event.

Actually, as you will read later in this series of articles, it’s not the main event, even though it certainly feels like it.

You will receive notice that you are required to appear before the Royal Commission in a few short weeks.

This can be compared to a presentation in front of thousands of people. Effectively, it is. It will be live-streamed to anyone who wants to watch it.

Prepare for it like you would a high profile presentation.

Time will fly. Don’t put off your preparation.

Step 1 – Written Preparation

So, from Part one, you have:

• the results of your internal review, including updated policies and procedures (or your business plan and timeline to develop them); and
• your briefing notes.

If these aren’t ready yet, it’s time to get this done.

Read them, fact-check them (is there anything you can improve?), learn them.

Step 2 – Watching Preparation

To know what to expect, the best preparation is to watch Royal Commission hearings.

Boring as it might seem, watching hours of your Royal Commission will help you understand how it all works. If your Royal Commission is still new, watch some of these:

• https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/images-video-library
• https://financialservices.royalcommission.gov.au/public-hearings/Pages/default.aspx

Now that you know what type of questions you will be asked, make sure they appear in your briefing notes.

Step 3 – Speaking Practice

Anyone who has done any public speaking will tell you that you need to practice what you are going to say. Practice it in front of the mirror, in the shower, in the car, everywhere.

This includes the simple stuff, like your name and your role in your company. Stumbling over these due to nerves is likely to be embarrassing and could ‘throw you’, making it harder for you to concentrate and answer the Royal Commission’s questions.

When I worked for the federal government in Sydney, I regularly opened and spoke at high profile events. I practiced saying ‘Gadigal People of the Eora Nation’ until I was saying it in my sleep. I didn’t want to trip over the acknowledgement of country.

Appearing before a Royal Commission is scary enough. Preparation will help you not to trip over your words on simple facts that should roll off your tongue.

Next time, we will talk about what happens after the hearing.

Elaine Abery worked in the Australian Federal Government for over a decade. Her roles included designing legislation and the Secretariat to the Board of Taxation. She spent a decade on the other side of the negotiating table, working with peak industry groups, KPMG and various charities. She has been published in international journals and books. Her work has received prestigious international awards.