Public Inquiry into the Disappearance of the Phillips Children Report Delivered

21 July 2026

The report on the Public Inquiry into the Disappearance of the Phillips Children has been delivered to the Governor General and Government.

The Inquiry has been conducted in adherence to its Terms of Reference and the report has been delivered on 21 July 2026.

Inquiry Member, the Honourable Simon Moore KC says the Inquiry has focused on whether government agencies took all practicable steps to protect the welfare and safety of the children, including whether agencies engaged appropriately with the Family Court; and took all practicable steps to find and recover the children.

The Inquiry has met the requirement to make recommendations about practicable steps that government agencies should take in future situations of a similar nature. It has also made findings on whether there are appropriate powers and authorities in place that might prevent, or improve the response, to similar situations in future.

The Inquiry report and recommendations respect the privacy and welfare of the children, and relevant court decisions including suppression orders.

Simon Moore says that the Inquiry’s findings and recommendations are wide-ranging and detailed.

“While the circumstances of this particular case are exceptional, and as such unlikely to be repeated, lessons must, nonetheless, be learned,” he says.

Simon Moore says it is notable that no agency, organisation or person the Inquiry dealt with was anything other than fully co-operative and the Inquiry extends its sincere gratitude to all who shared their expertise and experiences.

An update on the public release of the report will be made by the Government in due course.

ENDS

Editor's note: No supporting interviews will be granted to support this release.

The office of the Attorney-General will initially lead the Government's consideration of the Inquiry report.

Further Information: Public Inquiry into the Disappearance of the Phillips Children