National Party senator John Williams is confident that Kenneth Hayne would be granted more time to conduct the banking royal commission if he asked for an extension. Labor and the Greens are keen for the inquiry to be extended, with Hayne currently due to present his final report in February.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is under pressure for the commission to be extended, although Hayne must request any extension. Moreover, with the next federal election due by May, an extension could assist the government, given Labor might benefit if the commission’s report is released prior to an election. From The AFR:
