(1) On application to the registrar, a
media representative is entitled to inspect any document relating to
criminal proceedings, at any time from when the proceedings commence until the
expiry of 2 working days after they are finally disposed of, for the purpose
of compiling a fair report of the proceedings for publication.
(2) The
documents that a media representative is entitled to inspect under this
section are copies of the indictment, court attendance notice or other
document commencing the proceedings, witnesses' statements tendered as
evidence, brief of evidence, police fact sheet (in the case of a guilty plea),
transcripts of evidence and any record of a conviction or an order.
(3) The
registrar is not required to make documents available for inspection if the
documents are not in the possession or control of the registrar.
(4) The
registrar must not make documents available for inspection if--
(a) the
proceedings are subject to an order prohibiting their publication or a
suppression order, or
(b) the documents are prohibited from being published
or disclosed by or under any other Act or law.
(4A) This section does not
limit the operation of any other Act or law under which a person may be
permitted to inspect documents relating to criminal proceedings.
