This will ensure Acting Commissioner, the Hon Lea Drake, has adequate time and resources to thoroughly consider the substantial and complex information including evidence from additional witnesses, with planned hearing dates running until the end of December.
Mr Harris approved the extension following a request from Ms Drake.
The Minister has also agreed to Ms Drake’s request to expand the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference to allow for a stronger focus on GRNSW’s financial management.
The second Term of Reference now requires the Acting Commissioner to “inquire into, report on and make findings and recommendations in relation to”:
2. GRNSW processes and management, including financial management, procurement and recruitment practices, and concerns regarding any alleged or identified conflicts of interest and the management of conflicts of interest.
The revised Terms of Reference can be found in full at nsw.gov.au/drakeinquiry
Details on Drake Inquiry hearings can be found here.