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CRIMES LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (SERIOUS AND ORGANISED CRIME) ACT 2010 (NO. 3, 2010) - SCHEDULE 2 Other amendments relating to proceeds of crime

CRIMES LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (SERIOUS AND ORGANISED CRIME) ACT 2010 (NO. 3, 2010) - SCHEDULE 2

Other amendments relating to proceeds of crime

Part 1 -- Freezing orders

Division 1--Main amendments

Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

1  Section 7

Omit "5", substitute "a number of".

2  Before paragraph 7(a)

Insert:

                    (aa)  freezing orders limiting withdrawals from accounts with financial institutions before courts decide applications for restraining orders to cover the accounts (see Part 2‑1A); and

3  Before Part 2‑1

Insert:

Part 2‑1A -- Freezing orders

   

15A   Simplified outline of this Part

A freezing order can be made against an account with a financial institution if:

               (a)     there are grounds to suspect the account balance reflects proceeds or an instrument of certain offences; and

               (b)     a magistrate is satisfied that, unless the order is made, there is a risk that the balance of the account will be reduced so that a person will not be deprived of all or some of the proceeds or instrument.

Division 1 -- Making freezing orders

15B   Making freezing orders

             (1)  A magistrate must order that a * financial institution not allow a withdrawal from an * account with the institution, except in the manner and circumstances specified in the order, if:

                     (a)  an * authorised officer described in paragraph (a), (aa), (b) or (c) of the definition of authorised officer in section 338 applies for the order in accordance with Division 2; and

                     (b)  there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the balance of the account:

                              (i)  is * proceeds of an * indictable offence, a * foreign indictable offence or an * indictable offence of Commonwealth concern (whether or not the identity of the person who committed the offence is known); or

                             (ii)  is wholly or partly an * instrument of a * serious offence; and

                     (c)  the magistrate is satisfied that, unless an order is made under this section, there is a risk that the balance of the account will be reduced so that a person will not be deprived of all or some of such proceeds or such an instrument.

Note 1:       Paragraphs (a), (aa), (b) and (c) of the definition of authorised officer in section 338 cover certain AFP members, certain members of the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity, certain members of the Australian Crime Commission and certain officers of Customs.

Note 2:       The balance of the account may be proceeds of an offence even though the balance is only partly derived from the offence: see section 329.

             (2)  An order made under subsection (1) covers the balance of the * account from time to time.

Order need not be based on commission of particular offence

             (3)  The reasonable grounds referred to in paragraph (1)(b), and the satisfaction referred to in paragraph (1)(c), need not be based on a finding as to the commission of a particular offence.

Division 2 -- How freezing orders are obtained

15C   Affidavit supporting application made in person

                   If an * authorised officer applies in person to a magistrate for a * freezing order relating to an * account with a * financial institution, the application must be supported by an affidavit of an authorised officer described in paragraph (a), (aa), (b) or (c) of the definition of authorised officer in section 338:

                     (a)  setting out sufficient information to identify the account (for example, the account number); and

                     (b)  identifying the financial institution; and

                     (c)  setting out the grounds to suspect that the balance of the account:

                              (i)  is * proceeds of an * indictable offence, a * foreign indictable offence or an * indictable offence of Commonwealth concern; or

                             (ii)  is wholly or partly an * instrument of a * serious offence; and

                     (d)  setting out the grounds on which a person could be satisfied that, unless the order is made, there is a risk that the balance of the account will be reduced so that a person will not be deprived of all or some of such proceeds or of such an instrument.

Note:          Paragraphs (a), (aa), (b) and (c) of the definition of authorised officer in section 338 cover certain AFP members, certain members of the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity, certain members of the Australian Crime Commission and certain officers of Customs.

15D   Applying for freezing orders by telephone or other electronic means

             (1)  An * authorised officer described in paragraph (a), (aa), (b) or (c) of the definition of authorised officer in section 338 may apply to a magistrate for a * freezing order by telephone, fax or other electronic means:

                     (a)  in an urgent case; or

                     (b)  if the delay that would occur if an application were made in person would frustrate the effectiveness of the order.

Note:          Paragraphs (a), (aa), (b) and (c) of the definition of authorised officer in section 338 cover certain AFP members, certain members of the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity, certain members of the Australian Crime Commission and certain officers of Customs.

             (2)  An application under subsection (1):

                     (a)  must include all information that would be required in an ordinary application for a * freezing order and supporting affidavit; and

                     (b)  if necessary, may be made before the affidavit is sworn.

             (3)  The magistrate may require:

                     (a)  communication by voice to the extent that it is practicable in the circumstances; and

                     (b)  any further information.

15E   Making order by telephone etc.

             (1)  The magistrate may complete and sign the same form of * freezing order that would be made under section 15B if satisfied that:

                     (a)  a freezing order should be issued urgently; or

                     (b)  the delay that would occur if an application were made in person would frustrate the effectiveness of the order.

             (2)  If the magistrate makes the * freezing order, he or she must inform the applicant, by telephone, fax or other electronic means, of the terms of the order and the day on which and the time at which it was signed.

             (3)  The applicant must then:

                     (a)  complete a form of * freezing order in terms substantially corresponding to those given by the magistrate; and

                     (b)  state on the form:

                              (i)  the name of the magistrate; and

                             (ii)  the day on which the order was signed; and

                            (iii)  the time at which the order was signed.

             (4)  The applicant must give the magistrate the form of * freezing order completed by the applicant by the end of:

                     (a)  the second * working day after the magistrate makes the order; or

                     (b)  the first working day after the magistrate makes the order, if it is served on the * financial institution concerned before the first working day after the magistrate makes the order.

             (5)  If, before the magistrate made the * freezing order, the applicant did not give the magistrate an affidavit supporting the application and meeting the description in section 15C, the applicant must do so by the time by which the applicant must give the magistrate the form of freezing order completed by the applicant.

             (6)  If the applicant does not comply with subsection (5), the * freezing order is taken never to have had effect.

             (7)  The magistrate must attach the form of * freezing order completed by the magistrate to the documents provided under subsection (4) and (if relevant) subsection (5).

15F   Unsigned freezing orders in court proceedings

                   If:

                     (a)  it is material, in any proceedings, for a court to be satisfied that a * freezing order applied for under section 15D was duly made; and

                     (b)  the form of freezing order signed by the magistrate is not produced in evidence;

the court must assume that the order was not duly made unless the contrary is proved.

15G   Offence for making false statements in applications

                   A person commits an offence if:

                     (a)  the person makes a statement (whether orally, in a document or in any other way); and

                     (b)  the statement:

                              (i)  is false or misleading; or

                             (ii)  omits any matter or thing without which the statement is misleading; and

                     (c)  the statement is made in, or in connection with, an application for a * freezing order.

Penalty:  Imprisonment for 2 years or 120 penalty units, or both.

15H   Offences relating to orders made under section 15E

Offence for stating incorrect names in telephone orders

             (1)  A person commits an offence if:

                     (a)  the person states a name of a magistrate in a document; and

                     (b)  the document purports to be a form of * freezing order under section 15E; and

                     (c)  the name is not the name of the magistrate who made the order.

Penalty:  Imprisonment for 2 years or 120 penalty units, or both.

Offence for unauthorised form of order

             (2)  A person commits an offence if:

                     (a)  the person states a matter in a form of * freezing order under section 15E; and

                     (b)  the matter departs in a material particular from the order made by the magistrate.

Penalty:  Imprisonment for 2 years or 120 penalty units, or both.

Offence for service of unauthorised form of order

             (3)  A person commits an offence if:

                     (a)  the person presents a document to a person; and

                     (b)  the document purports to be a form of * freezing order under section 15E; and

                     (c)  the document:

                              (i)  has not been approved by a magistrate under that section; or

                             (ii)  departs in a material particular from the terms given by the magistrate under that section.

Penalty:  Imprisonment for 2 years or 120 penalty units, or both.

Offence for giving form of order different from that served

             (4)  A person commits an offence if:

                     (a)  the person gives a magistrate a form of * freezing order under section 15E relating to a * financial institution; and

                     (b)  the person does so after presenting to the financial institution a document purporting to be a form of the freezing order; and

                     (c)  the form given to the magistrate is not in the same form as the document presented to the financial institution.

Penalty:  Imprisonment for 2 years or 120 penalty units, or both.

Division 3 -- Giving effect to freezing orders

15J   Service of freezing order etc. on financial institution and account‑holder

             (1)  If a magistrate makes a * freezing order relating to an * account with a * financial institution, the applicant for the order must cause the things described in subsection (2) to be given to:

                     (a)  the financial institution; and

                     (b)  each person in whose name the account is held.

             (2)  The things are as follows:

                     (a)  a copy of the order (or of a form of the order under section 15E);

                     (b)  a written statement of the name and contact details of the * enforcement agency mentioned in the paragraph of the definition of authorised officer in section 338 that describes the applicant.

Note:          If the copy of the order is given to the financial institution after the end of the first working day after the order is made, the order does not come into force: see subsection 15N(1).

15K   Freezing order does not prevent withdrawal to enable financial institution to meet its liabilities

                   A * freezing order relating to an * account with a * financial institution does not prevent the institution from allowing a withdrawal from the account to enable the institution to meet a liability imposed on the institution by or under a written law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory.

15L   Offence for contravening freezing orders

                   A * financial institution commits an offence if:

                     (a)  the institution allows a withdrawal from an * account with the institution; and

                     (b)  there is a * freezing order relating to the account; and

                     (c)  allowing the withdrawal contravenes the order.

Penalty:  Imprisonment for 5 years or 300 penalty units or both.

15M   Protection from suits etc. for those complying with orders

                   No action, suit or proceeding lies against:

                     (a)  a * financial institution; or

                     (b)  an * officer or * agent of the institution acting in the course of that person's employment or agency;

in relation to any action taken by the institution or person in complying with a * freezing order or in the mistaken belief that action was required under a freezing order.

Note:          This section does not affect any action that may lie against anyone else for the making or operation of a freezing order.

Division 4 -- Duration of freezing orders

15N   When a freezing order is in force

             (1)  A * freezing order relating to an * account with a * financial institution comes into force when a copy of the order (or of a form of the order under section 15E) is given to the institution. However, the order does not come into force if the copy is given to the institution after the end of the first * working day after the order is made.

             (2)  The * freezing order remains in force until:

                     (a)  the end of the period specified in the order (as affected by section 15P if relevant) from when the copy of the order was given to the institution; or

                     (b)  if, before the end of that period, a court makes a decision on an application for a * restraining order to cover the * account--the time the court makes that decision.

             (3)  The * freezing order, as originally made, must not specify a period of more than 3 * working days.

15P   Order extending a freezing order

             (1)  A magistrate may make an order extending the period specified in a * freezing order made in relation to an * account with a * financial institution if:

                     (a)  an * authorised officer described in paragraph (a), (aa), (b) or (c) of the definition of authorised officer in section 338 applies for the extension; and

                     (b)  the magistrate is satisfied that an application has been made to a court (but not decided by the court) for a * restraining order to cover the account (whether or not the restraining order is also to cover other property).

             (2)  The extension may be for:

                     (a)  a specified number of * working days; or

                     (b)  the period ending when the court decides the application for the * restraining order.

             (3)  The extension does not have effect unless a copy of the order for the extension is given to the * financial institution before the time the * freezing order would cease to be in force apart from the extension.

             (4)  The following provisions apply in relation to an order extending a * freezing order in a way corresponding to the way in which they apply in relation to a freezing order:

                     (a)  Division 2 (except paragraphs 15C(c) and (d));

                     (b)  section 15J (except the note to that section).

             (5)  Division 2 applies because of subsection (4) as if:

                     (a)  section 15C also required that an affidavit supporting an application:

                              (i)  identify the * freezing order; and

                             (ii)  state that an application has been made for a * restraining order to cover the * account; and

                     (b)  the reference in subsection 15E(1) to section 15B were a reference to subsection (1) of this section.

Division 5 -- Varying scope of freezing orders

15Q   Magistrate may vary freezing order to allow withdrawal to meet reasonable expenses

             (1)  A magistrate may vary a * freezing order relating to an * account with a * financial institution so that the institution may allow a withdrawal from the account to meet one or more of the following relating to a person in whose name the account is held:

                     (a)  the reasonable living expenses of the person;

                     (b)  the reasonable living expenses of any of the * dependants of the person;

                     (c)  the reasonable business expenses of the person;

                     (d)  a specified debt incurred in good faith by the person.

             (2)  The magistrate may vary the * freezing order only if:

                     (a)  a person in whose name the * account is held has applied for the variation; and

                     (b)  the person has notified the * DPP in writing of the application and the grounds for the application; and

                     (c)  the magistrate is satisfied that the expense or debt does not, or will not, relate to legal costs that the person has incurred, or will incur, in connection with:

                              (i)  proceedings under this Act; or

                             (ii)  proceedings for an offence against a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; and

                     (d)  the magistrate is satisfied that the person cannot meet the expense or debt out of property that is not covered by:

                              (i)  a freezing order; or

                             (ii)  a * restraining order; or

                            (iii)  an * interstate restraining order; or

                            (iv)  a * foreign restraining order that is registered under the * Mutual Assistance Act.

             (3)  The variation does not take effect until written notice of it is given to the * financial institution.

Division 6 -- Revoking freezing orders

15R   Application to revoke a freezing order

             (1)  A person may apply to a magistrate to revoke a * freezing order.

             (2)  The applicant for the revocation must give written notice of the application and the grounds on which the revocation is sought to the * enforcement agency mentioned in the paragraph of the definition of authorised officer in section 338 that describes the * authorised officer who applied for the * freezing order.

             (3)  One or more of the following may adduce additional material to the magistrate relating to the application to revoke the * freezing order:

                     (a)  the * authorised officer who applied for the freezing order;

                     (b)  the authorised officer whose affidavit supported the application for the freezing order;

                     (c)  another authorised officer described in the paragraph of the definition of authorised officer in section 338 that describes the authorised officer mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection.

             (4)  The magistrate may revoke the * freezing order if satisfied that it is in the interests of justice to do so.

15S   Notice of revocation of a freezing order

             (1)  If a * freezing order relating to an * account with a * financial institution is revoked under section 15R, an * authorised officer (the notifying officer ) described in the paragraph of the definition of authorised officer in section 338 that describes the authorised officer who applied for the freezing order must cause written notice of the revocation to be given to:

                     (a)  the financial institution; and

                     (b)  each person in whose name the account is held.

             (2)  However, the notifying officer need not give notice to the applicant for the revocation.

             (3)  Subsection (1) does not require more than one * authorised officer to cause notice of the revocation to be given.

4  Paragraph 337A(1)(a)

After "for a", insert " * freezing order,".

5  Paragraph 337A(2)(a)

After "for a", insert " * freezing order or".

6  Section 338

Insert:

"freezing order" means an order under section 15B, with any variations under section 15Q.

7  Section 338

Insert:

"working day" means a day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, public holiday or bank holiday in the place concerned.

8  Application

Part 2‑1A of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 applies in relation to an account if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the balance of the account:

                     (a)  is proceeds of an indictable offence, a foreign indictable offence or an indictable offence of Commonwealth concern; or

                     (b)  is wholly or partly an instrument of a serious offence;

whether the conduct constituting the offence occurs before, on or after the commencement of that Part.

Division 2--Related amendments

Crimes Act 1914

9  Subsection 21E(4) (paragraph (a) of the definition of confiscation proceedings )

After "for", insert "freezing orders,".

Family Law Act 1975

10  Subsection 4(1) (before paragraph (a) of the definition of proceeds of crime order )

Insert:

                    (aa)  a freezing order under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 ; or


 

Part 2 -- Removal of 6‑year time limit

Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

11  Paragraph 18(1)(d)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

                     (d)  there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a person has committed a * serious offence; and

12  Paragraph 18(3)(a)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

                     (a)  that the authorised officer suspects that the * suspect committed the offence; and

13  At the end of subparagraph 19(1)(d)(ii)

Add "and".

14  Paragraph 19(1)(d)

Omit "and, if the offence is not a terrorism offence, that the offence was committed within the 6 years preceding the application, or since the application was made; and".

15  Application of amendments of sections 18 and 19

The amendments of sections 18 and 19 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 made by this Part apply in relation to applications made on or after the commencement of the amendments for a restraining order, whether the conduct constituting the offence concerned occurred or occurs before, on or after that commencement.

16  Paragraph 47(1)(c)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

                     (c)  the court is satisfied that a person whose conduct or suspected conduct formed the basis of the restraining order engaged in conduct constituting one or more * serious offences.

17  Paragraph 49(1)(d)

Repeal the paragraph.

18  Application of amendments of sections 47 and 49

The amendments of sections 47 and 49 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 made by this Part apply in relation to applications made on or after the commencement of the amendments for a forfeiture order, whether the conduct constituting the offence concerned occurred or occurs before, on or after that commencement.

19  Subsection 84(1)

Omit "(1)".

20  Subsection 84(2)

Repeal the subsection.

21  Subsection 85(1)

Omit "84(1)(a)", substitute "84(a)".

22  Subsection 85(2)

Omit "84(1)(b)", substitute "84(b)".

23  Subsection 110(1)

Omit "(1)".

24  Subsection 110(2)

Repeal the subsection.

25  Subsection 111(1)

Omit "110(1)(a)", substitute "110(a)".

26  Subsection 111(2)

Omit "110(1)(b)", substitute "110(b)".

27  Subparagraph 116(1)(b)(ii)

Omit "subject to subsection (2),".

28  Subsection 116(2)

Repeal the subsection.

29  Application of amendments of section 116

The amendments of section 116 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 made by this Part apply in relation to applications made on or after the commencement of the amendments for a pecuniary penalty order, whether the conduct constituting the offence concerned occurred or occurs before, on or after that commencement.

30  Section 149

Repeal the section, substitute:

149   Court may confirm pecuniary penalty order

                   The court may confirm the * pecuniary penalty order if the court is satisfied that, when the * DPP applied for the order, the court could have made the order without relying on the person's conviction that was * quashed.

31  Application of new section 149

Section 149 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 as amended by this Part applies in relation to pecuniary penalty orders applied for after the commencement of that section, whether the conduct constituting the offence concerned occurred or occurs before, on or after that commencement.

32  Subparagraphs 202(5)(a)(ii) and (iii)

Repeal the subparagraphs, substitute:

                             (ii)  whom there are reasonable grounds to suspect of having engaged in conduct constituting a * serious offence;

33  Subparagraphs 202(5)(c)(ii) and (iii)

Repeal the subparagraphs, substitute:

                             (ii)  proceeds of a serious offence, or an instrument of a serious offence, that a person is reasonably suspected of having committed;

34  Subsection 202(6)

Omit "or (iii)".

35  Application of amendments of section 202

The amendments of section 202 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 made by this Part apply in relation to production orders applied for on or after the commencement of the amendments, whether the conduct constituting the offence concerned occurred or occurs before, on or after that commencement.

36  Section 338 (paragraph (g) of the definition of serious offence )

After " Criminal Code ", insert "or former section 5, 7, 7A or 86 of the Crimes Act 1914 ".


 

Part 3 -- Confiscation scheme and instruments of serious offences

Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

37  Subparagraph 18(2)(d)(ii)

Omit " * terrorism", substitute " * serious".

38  Subparagraph 18(3)(b)(iii)

Omit "terrorism", substitute " * serious".

39  Subparagraph 19(1)(d)(ii)

Omit "terrorism", substitute " * serious".

40  Subparagraph 19(1)(e)(ii)

Omit "terrorism", substitute "serious".

41  Paragraph 19(2)(b)

Omit " * terrorism", substitute " * serious".

42  Application of amendments of sections 18 and 19

The amendments of sections 18 and 19 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 made by this Part apply in relation to applications made on or after the commencement of the amendments for a restraining order, whether the conduct constituting the offence concerned occurred or occurs before, on or after that commencement.

43  Subparagraph 29(2)(c)(ii)

Omit "a * terrorism", substitute "a serious".

44  Subparagraph 29(2)(c)(ii)

Omit "any terrorism", substitute "any serious".

45  Subparagraph 29(2)(d)(ii)

Omit "a * terrorism", substitute "a serious".

46  Subparagraph 29(2)(d)(ii)

Omit "any terrorism", substitute "any serious".

47  Paragraph 45(6)(ca)

Omit " * terrorism", substitute " * serious".

48  Application of amendments of sections 29 and 45

The amendments of sections 29 and 45 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 made by this Part apply in relation to restraining orders made as a result of an application made on or after the commencement of the amendments, whether the conduct constituting the offence concerned occurred or occurs before, on or after that commencement.

49  At the end of section 47

Add:

Refusal to make a forfeiture order

             (4)  Despite subsection (1), the court may refuse to make an order under that subsection relating to property that the court is satisfied:

                     (a)  is an * instrument of a * serious offence other than a * terrorism offence; and

                     (b)  is not * proceeds of an offence;

if the court is satisfied that it is not in the public interest to make the order.

50  Application of new subsection 47(4)

Subsection 47(4) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 applies in relation to the making of an order on or after the commencement of that subsection, whether the conduct constituting the offence concerned occurred or occurs before, on or after that commencement.

51  Subparagraph 49(1)(c)(iv)

Omit " * terrorism", substitute " * serious".

52  Application of amendment of subparagraph 49(1)(c)(iv)

The amendment of subparagraph 49(1)(c)(iv) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 made by this Part applies in relation to applications made on or after the commencement of the amendment for a forfeiture order, whether the conduct constituting the offence concerned occurred or occurs before, on or after that commencement.

53  At the end of section 49

Add:

Refusal to make a forfeiture order

             (4)  Despite subsection (1), the court may refuse to make an order under that subsection relating to property that the court is satisfied:

                     (a)  is an * instrument of a * serious offence other than a * terrorism offence; and

                     (b)  is not * proceeds of an offence;

if the court is satisfied that it is not in the public interest to make the order.

54  Application of new subsection 49(4)

Subsection 49(4) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 applies in relation to the making of an order on or after the commencement of that subsection, whether the conduct constituting the offence concerned occurred or occurs before, on or after that commencement.

55  Subparagraph 73(1)(c)(ii)

Omit "a * terrorism", substitute "a * serious".

56  Subparagraph 73(1)(c)(ii)

Omit "any terrorism", substitute "any serious".

57  Subparagraph 73(1)(d)(iii)

Omit "terrorism" (wherever occurring), substitute "serious".

58  Subparagraph 85(2)(a)(ii)

Omit " * terrorism", substitute " * serious".

59  Subparagraph 85(2)(b)(ii)

Omit "terrorism", substitute "serious".

60  Application of amendments of sections 73 and 85

The amendments of sections 73 and 85 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 made by this Part apply in relation to forfeiture orders applied for on or after the commencement of the amendments, whether the conduct constituting the offence concerned occurred or occurs before, on or after that commencement.

61  Subparagraph 111(2)(a)(ii)

Omit " * terrorism", substitute " * serious".

62  Subparagraph 111(2)(b)(ii)

Omit "terrorism", substitute "serious".

63  Application of amendments of section 111

The amendments of section 111 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 made by this Part apply in relation to the quashing, on or after the commencement of the amendments, of a conviction of an offence, whether the conviction occurred before, on or after that commencement.


 

Part 4 -- Disclosure of information

Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

64  Section 8

Before "Chapter 3", insert "(1)".

65  At the end of section 8

Add:

             (2)  Chapter 3 also authorises the disclosure, to certain authorities for certain purposes, of information obtained under that Chapter or certain other provisions (see Part 3‑6).

66  At the end of subsection 223(4)

Add:

                   ; (e)  a person who is or forms part of an authority with one or more functions under this Act for the purpose of facilitating the authority's performance of its functions under this Act;

                      (f)  a person who is or forms part of an authority of the Commonwealth, or of a State, Territory or foreign country, that has a function of investigating or prosecuting crimes against a law of the Commonwealth, State, Territory or country for the purpose of assisting in the prevention, investigation or prosecution of a crime against that law;

                     (g)  a person in the Australian Taxation Office for the purpose of protecting public revenue.

67  At the end of Chapter 3

Add:

Part 3‑6 -- Disclosure of information

   

266A   Disclosure

             (1)  This section applies if a person obtains information:

                     (a)  as a direct result of:

                              (i)  the person being given a sworn statement under an order made under paragraph 39(1)(d); or

                             (ii)  the exercise of a power (by the person or someone else), or performance (by the person) of a function, under Part 3‑1, 3‑2, 3‑3, 3‑4 or 3‑5; or

                     (b)  as a result of a disclosure, or a series of disclosures, under this section.

             (2)  The person may disclose the information to an authority described in an item of the following table for a purpose described in that item if the person believes on reasonable grounds that the disclosure will serve that purpose:

 

Recipients and purposes of disclosure

Item

Authority to which disclosure may be made

Purpose for which disclosure may be made

1

Authority with one or more functions under this Act

Facilitating the authority's performance of its functions under this Act

2

Authority of the Commonwealth, or of a State or Territory, that has a function of investigating or prosecuting offences against a law of the Commonwealth, State or Territory

Assisting in the prevention, investigation or prosecution of an offence against that law that is punishable on conviction by imprisonment for at least 3 years or for life

2A

Authority of a foreign country that has a function of investigating or prosecuting offences against a law of the country

Assisting in the prevention, investigation or prosecution of an offence against that law constituted by conduct that, if it occurred in Australia, would constitute an offence against a law of the Commonwealth, or of a State or Territory, punishable on conviction by imprisonment for at least 3 years or for life

3

Australian Taxation Office

Protecting public revenue

Limits on use of information disclosed

             (3)  In civil or * criminal proceedings against a person who gave an answer or produced a document in an * examination, none of the following that is disclosed under this section is admissible in evidence against the person:

                     (a)  the answer or document;

                     (b)  information contained in the answer or document.

             (4)  Subsection (3) does not apply in:

                     (a)  * criminal proceedings for giving false or misleading information; or

                     (b)  proceedings on an application under this Act; or

                     (c)  proceedings ancillary to an application under this Act; or

                     (d)  proceedings for enforcement of a * confiscation order; or

                     (e)  civil proceedings for or in respect of a right or liability the document confers or imposes.

Note:          Subsections (3) and (4) reflect section 198.

             (5)  In a * criminal proceeding against a person who produced or made available a document under a * production order, none of the following that is disclosed under this section is admissible in evidence against the person:

                     (a)  the document;

                     (b)  information contained in the document.

             (6)  Subsection (5) does not apply in a proceeding under, or arising out of, section 137.1 or 137.2 of the Criminal Code (false or misleading information or documents) in relation to producing the document or making it available.

Note:          Subsections (5) and (6) reflect subsection 206(2).

             (7)  To avoid doubt, this section does not affect the admissibility in evidence of any information, document or thing obtained as an indirect consequence of a disclosure under this section.

Relationship with subsection 228(2)

             (8)  To avoid doubt:

                     (a)  this section does not limit subsection 228(2) (about a * search warrant authorising the * executing officer to make things seized under the warrant available to officers of other * enforcement agencies); and

                     (b)  subsection 228(2) does not limit this section.


 

Part 5 -- Legal aid costs

Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

68  Section 292

Repeal the section.

69  Subsections 293(1), (2) and (3)

Repeal the subsections, substitute:

             (1)  This section applies if:

                     (a)  a * legal aid commission incurred (before, on or after the commencement of this subsection) legal costs for:

                              (i)  representing a person whose property was, at the time of the representation, covered by a * restraining order in proceedings under this Act; or

                             (ii)  representing a person, who was a * suspect at the time of the representation and whose property was at that time covered by a restraining order, in proceedings for defending any criminal charge against the person; and

                     (b)  the commission has given (before, on or after the commencement of this subsection) the * Official Trustee a bill for the costs; and

                     (c)  the Official Trustee is satisfied that the bill is true and correct.

             (2)  The * Official Trustee must pay the legal costs (according to the bill) to the * legal aid commission out of the * Confiscated Assets Account, subject to subsection (2A).

          (2A)  If the * Official Trustee is satisfied that:

                     (a)  the balance of the * Confiscated Assets Account is insufficient to pay the legal costs; and

                     (b)  property of the person is covered by the * restraining order;

the Official Trustee must pay the legal costs (according to the bill) to the * legal aid commission out of that property covered by the order, to the extent possible.

             (3)  If the * Official Trustee pays an amount to the * legal aid commission under this section and property of the person is covered by a * restraining order, the person must pay the Commonwealth an amount equal to the lesser of the following (or either of them if they are the same):

                     (a)  the amount paid to the legal aid commission;

                     (b)  the value of the person's property covered by the restraining order.

Note:       The heading to section 293 is replaced by the heading " Payments to legal aid commissions for representing suspects and other persons ".

70  Division 1 of Part 4‑4

Repeal the Division.

71  Application of amendments of Chapter 4

The amendments of Chapter 4 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 made by this Part apply in relation to costs that:

                     (a)  were incurred by legal aid commissions before, on or after the commencement of the amendments; and

                     (b)  if they were incurred before that commencement, had not been paid to the commissions before that commencement.


 

Part 6 -- Technical amendments

Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

72  Subsection 37(1) (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

73  Subsection 37(2) (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

74  Section 40 (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

75  Section 71 (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

76  Section 195 (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

77  Subsection 196(1) (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

78  Section 199 (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

79  Section 200 (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

80  Subsection 201(1) (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

81  Section 209 (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

82  Subsection 210(1) (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

83  Subsection 210(2) (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

84  Subsection 211(1) (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

85  Section 212 (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

86  Section 216 (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

87  Section 217 (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

88  Section 218 (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

89  Section 222 (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

90  Subsection 223(1) (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

91  Subsection 223(2) (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

92  Subsection 223(3) (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

93  Section 224 (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

94  Section 232 (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

95  Section 233 (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

96  Section 234 (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

97  Section 235 (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

98  Subsection 246(3) (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

99  Section 266 (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

100  Subsection 272(1) (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

101  Subsection 272(2) (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

102  Section 273 (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

103  Subsection 274(1)

Omit "(1) A person", substitute "A person".

104  Subsection 274(1) (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".

105  Section 275 (penalty)

Omit "Maximum penalty:", substitute "Penalty:".


 

Part 7 -- Other amendments

Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

106  Subsection 42(5)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

             (5)  The court may revoke the * restraining order if satisfied that:

                     (a)  there are no grounds on which to make the order at the time of considering the application to revoke the order; or

                     (b)  it is otherwise in the interests of justice to do so.

107  Application and transitional

(1)        The amendment of section 42 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 made by this Part applies in relation to the revocation of a restraining order on or after commencement, whether the application for that revocation was made before, on or after commencement.

(2)        If an application under section 42 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 for the revocation of a restraining order has been made but not determined as at commencement:

                     (a)  the applicant may vary the application to take account of paragraph 42(5)(b) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 as in force at commencement; and

                     (b)  if the application is varied under paragraph (a) of this subitem--the applicant must give a copy of the application as varied, and written notice of any additional grounds that he or she proposes to rely on in seeking that revocation, to the DPP and the Official Trustee; and

                     (c)  the DPP may adduce additional material to the court relating to those additional grounds.

(3)        In this item:

commencement means the commencement of this item.