Commonwealth Consolidated Acts

CRIMES (HOSTAGES) ACT 1989 - SECT 10

(1)

Proceedings for the commitment of a person for trial on indictment for an offence against this Act shall not be instituted except with the consent in writing of the Attorney-General.

(2)

Notwithstanding that a consent in accordance with subsection (1) has not been given in relation to an offence against this Act:

(a)

a person may be charged with an offence against this Act;

(b)

a person may be arrested for such an offence, and a warrant for such an arrest may be issued and executed; and

(c)

a person so charged may be remanded in custody or on bail;

but no further step in proceedings referred to in subsection (1) shall be taken until such a consent has been given.

(3)

Nothing in subsection (2) prevents the discharge of the accused if proceedings are not continued within a reasonable time.