What are CDF Commissions of Inquiry and Boards of Inquiry? How are they appointed?
A CDF Commission of Inquiry (COI) is established primarily to inquire into deaths in service where there is a service link or connection. A COI is appointed by the Chief of the Defence Force.
A Board of Inquiry is generally established to inquire into other incidents, for example an accident or injury, or damage to a Defence asset. A Board of Inquiry may be appointed jointly by the Secretary of Defence and the Chief of Defence Force, the Chief of the Defence Force, a Service Chief or other senior commander.
In all cases, the inquiry is established to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding an incident so that an informed decision can be made about why and how an incident occurred, to help avoid a similar recurrence and to assist the Defence Force to maintain its operational capability.