It's essentially the same thing as a Senate Committee hearing in the US Gnu.
When the government decides to hold a public enquiry it does have the power to summon those involved and witnesses, and in some cases to detain them to ensure that they attend.
This is not designed to distract attention from military conflicts, which are still being reported on by the Media.
It is the response of a Parliament somewhat shocked by the degree of public fury generated by the phone hacking scandal.
I suspect that the US government will in turn be shocked into action by the anger of the US public, should it turn out that similar hacking was used following 9/11.
A line has been crossed, and a wise government will be taking firm action to avoid the loss of millions of votes at the next election.