A former Attorney General and Commissioner of the Missing Womens Commission of Inquiry is giving his thoughts on the public inquiry struck on Wednesday to investigate money laundering.

Speaking on NL’s Woodford Show Wally Oppal says the biggest challenge for Commissioner Austin Cullen will be to not let the inquiry get bogged down.

His other concern is..

“The problem that I see is that when you have an inquiry going on it may compromise an ongoing police investigation and I am sure there are police investigations going on.”

He says Justice Cullen doesn’t need any advice from him as Commissioner.

“In the event that he did I would just ask him to keep control of everything and that it moves in timely manner because otherwise you lose credibility if it goes on and on. I wouldn’t be surprised if he needed more time but that is normal but I am sure that Judge Cullen, who is a very experienced judge and lawyer, will get the thing done.’

What about the fact an inquiry cannot lay charges?

“Well absolutely but what an inquiry can do is to recommend that a police investigation take place so that charges can be considered.”

And what about the cost, which the Premier has said is unknown?

“You have to accept the fact that these inquiries cost money but what price do you place on Justice?”

Oppal, whose inquiry asked for two extensions, says inquiries are like onions and it can be tricky peeling back the layers.

The public inquiry into money laundering is mandated to submit an interim report within 18 months and a final report in May of 2021 but Commissioner Cullen can also ask for an extension if needed.