How are these inquiries different from the work done by courts of law, the Coroner, Comcare or the civilian police?
The holding of an inquiry by the ADF does not preclude, and is not in any way intended to inhibit, Federal, State or Territory agencies from holding their own investigations or inquiries.
The purpose of ADF inquiries is quite different from the work done by Federal, State or Territory agencies, such as State or Territory Coroners or police, Comcare and the Commonwealth Ombudsman. They apply their respective processes, and naturally Defence cooperates with these other agencies in any investigations they conduct.
Importantly, CDF Commissions of Inquiry and Boards of Inquiry are not courts of law and their reports are not judicial findings. They are not a part of the Defence disciplinary processes and do not impose administrative sanctions. However, inquiry reports may be used to inform others who have authority to make administrative decisions.
Note: CDF Commissions of Inquiry and Boards of Inquiry are completely separate to, and have an entirely different purpose and process to that of the newly established Australian Military Court (PDF)