“All along, Labor has tried to stonewall, delay and ridicule this important inquiry,” fellow committee member John Ruddick said on social media.

Empty seats which were to be filled by staff from the office of the NSW premier and police minister. Source: AAP / Dean Lewins

Arrest warrants can be issued to force a witness to attend an inquiry while witnesses who refuse to answer questions can face jail time.

Staffers said appearing would be ‘at odds with’ accountability

“The committee is not seeking to sanction ministerial staff for their actions, only to shed light on the events in the lead up to the passage of the hate speech and protest laws through parliament,” Roberts said.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said government staff were compelled to routinely compelled to appear at inquiries as if they were “criminals under investigation”. Source: AAP / Dean Lewins

Minns criticises upper house for ‘routinely’ calling on staffers