By Letters Patent dated 24 June 2004, the Hon David Hunt AO QC was appointed Commissioner to conduct an inquiry into and report on the lease on Centenary House in Barton, in the ACT.  The inquiry followed a motion in the Senate on 4 March 2004 calling on the Government to instigate a review of the findings of the Royal Commission into Leasing by the Commonwealth of Accommodation in Centenary House, conducted in 1994. 
 
The Inquiry is being conducted pursuant to the Royal Commissions Act 1902.
 
On 26 November 2004, the Governor-General issued a variation to the Letters Patent requiring the Commissioner to furnish his report no later than 6 December 2004.

Hearing of evidence before the Inquiry was concluded on 29 October 2004.

In line with the Commissioner's Direction of 3 November 2004, Submissions from Counsel assisting the Inquiry were provided by 4 November  2004.  Submissions from parties, witnesses and other persons claiming a legitimate interest in the terms of reference were provided by 11 November 2004.

On 3 December 2004, Commissioner Hunt presented the Report of his Inquiry to the Governor-General  and returned his Letters Patent.  The Inquiry is now concluded.

The Report of the Inquiry was tabled in the Federal Parliament by the Attorney-General, the Hon Philip Ruddock MP on 9 December 2004.