NSW: Inquiry head to have powers of royal commissioner: Carr

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NSW: Inquiry head to have powers of royal commissioner: Carr

SYDNEY, Feb 2 AAP - The head of the inquiry into a fatal train derailment in Sydney'ssouth will have the powers of a royal commissioner, NSW Premier Bob Carr said today.

Mr Carr said tomorrow he would formally recommend retired judge Peter McInerney headthe inquiry into Friday's disaster, which claimed the lives of eight passengers includingthe driver, and injured dozens of others.

Justice McInerney was also in charge of the investigation into the Glenbrook disasterin December 1999.

On Friday, the 6.24am (AEDT) Tangara was travelling from Sydney's Central Station toPort Kembla on the Illawarra line when the accident occurred at 7.15am (AEDT), 4km southof Waterfall.

Mr Carr said the government and Justice McInerney had worked together since the accidentto draft the terms of reference for the latest inquiry, which are based closely on thoseset out for the Glenbrook investigation.

Justice McInerney will investigate the causes of the accident and the adequacy of thesafety management systems.

The government would also ask him to make any safety recommendations to rail operationshe considers necessary as a result of his findings, Mr Carr said.

"Mr McInerney will have all the powers of a royal commissioner including the powerto compel witnesses to attend and give evidence under oath," Mr Carr told reporters inSydney.

A final report was due by May 31, unless Justice McInerney requested an extension.

He could also provide an interim report if he deemed it necessary.

Mr Carr said public hearings would begin as soon as possible.

"The NSW Government wants to see the findings of this inquiry as soon as possible.

However, it is up to Mr McInerney to decide how quickly this can be done," Mr Carr said.

AAP ld/cdh/de

KEYWORD: DERAIL INQUIRY