The chairman of the upcoming Commission of Inquiry will likely be from overseas, Michael Dunkley has said.

Three well-qualified locals will make up the rest of the group, the Premier said as he gave an update on the plan to probe the findings of the Auditor-General’s report on the Consolidated Fund for 2010 to 2012.

Mr Dunkley had initially said he hoped to appoint the commissioners by mid-January, but in a statement today he said that it was “critical to ensure that all elements were in place” prior to formally naming the commission.

“The Commission of Inquiry continues to be a priority for the Government, and at this stage we are focusing our efforts on equipping and supporting the commission so that it can perform its duties and complete the assignment,” he stated.

“The attention is currently on the composition of what will be a four-person commission with legal, financial and governance skills and experience, as well as providing them with support staff and a location for their work.

“It should also be stressed that we are closely and carefully assessing a budget allocation that supports its operations.

“It’s likely the commission chairman will be from overseas who will be working with three well-qualified local commissioners. Our objective is to ensure an independent, bias-free perspective is brought to bear and maintained throughout the commission’s hearings and deliberations.”

The Premier also said that in addition to finalising the commission’s membership, their terms of reference are being refined, to ensure that the specified guidelines are suitable for the assignment and work can be done in a “comprehensive, timely and efficient manner”.

He said: “As the public can appreciate, this is a very significant undertaking and we want to take the appropriate time to dedicate the right resources to this initiative.

“We are also committed to being transparent and open regarding our progress. That said, an announcement on the commission appointments will be made as soon as final preparations are complete and I look forward to updating the public in due course.”