Politics

Fact check: Is it a crime to attack a royal commissioner?

Tony Abbott has defended Dyson Heydon's integrity, warning Labor MPs in Question Time that it is "actually a criminal offence to attack a serving royal commissioner".

  • The claim: Tony Abbott says it is a criminal offence to attack a royal commissioner.
  • The verdict: There is a criminal offence for “insulting” a royal commissioner but experts say the provision is likely to be unconstitutional because it impinges on the right to comment on political matters. Mr Abbott’s claim is oversimplified.