The NSWPF acknowledges the findings and the significant work undertaken by the Special Commission. NSWPF is deeply committed to learning from the Special Commission’s findings. NSWPF recognises the victims of the historical deaths considered by the Special Commission and the enduring pain and suffering experienced by their families and loved ones. The courage and resilience shown by these families in their pursuit for truth and justice is profoundly acknowledged and respected by NSWPF.

The Cabinet Office is preparing the NSW Government’s response to all the recommendations, in consultation with several NSW Government agencies involved in the Special Commission’s Report.

The NSWPF has commenced Taskforce Atlas under the direction of Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell APM to oversee implementation of the NSWPF related recommendations from the Special Commission. NSWPF is committed to a thorough and considered response to each recommendation directed to NSWPF.

The NSWPF provides the following update in response to Public Recommendation 12 of the Special Commission’s report:

In relation to Public Recommendation 10, the NSWPF has established a working group through Taskforce Atlas to develop a process for conducting the recommended systematic review or audit of the several hundred unsolved homicides pertaining to the period 1970 to 2010, including the methodology, criteria and required resourcing for the audit or review. This process requires careful consideration, and will inform the anticipated timeframes for completion.

This process will also inform anticipated timeframes for the completion of Public Recommendation 11 in relation to identifying exhibits to be submitted or resubmitted for forensic testing in the light of possible technological advancements following the audit / review process outlined in Public Recommendation 10.

NSWPF will provide a further update on these anticipated timeframes as part of the NSW Government Response to the Special Commission by the middle of this year.

The NSWPF Unsolved Homicide Team otherwise continues to carry out its important work conducting investigations into historical unsolved murders, suspicious deaths and disappearances.

Again, the NSWPF reiterates its commitment to learning from the findings outlined by the Special Commission.