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Cross-Border Law Enforcement Legislation
Amendment Bill 2005
Cross-Border Law Enforcement
Legislation Amendment Bill 2005
Explanatory Notes
General Outline
Objective of the Legislation
The objective of the Bill is to amend existing Queensland legislation
dealing with controlled operations, surveillance devices, assumed identities
and witness anonymity to provide a legislative scheme to enable seamless
cross-border investigation by law enforcement agencies of serious
offences. This is achieved through the Bill substantially adopting the
provisions of the model laws for a national set of powers for cross-border
criminal investigations.
On 5 April 2002, the Leaders' Summit on Terrorism and Multi-
Jurisdictional Crime agreed to develop the model laws covering the
following four areas:
· Controlled operations (which authorise undercover law
enforcement officers to engage in unlawful conduct under
controlled conditions to investigate serious offences);
· Surveillance devices (listening, optical and tracking devices to
monitor suspects);
· Assumed identities (regulates the acquisition and use of false
identities for law enforcement purposes); and
· Witness anonymity (provides for the protection of a law
enforcement operative's and protected witnesses' identity in
court).
Current Queensland legislation dealing with these areas operates within
Queensland only.
Subsequently, the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General and the
Australasian Police Ministers' Council established the Joint Working
Group on National Investigation Powers (the JWG) to examine the issues
and develop detailed proposals.
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In November 2003, the JWG published its report, Cross Border
Investigative Powers for Law Enforcement.
The Cross-Border Law Enforcement Legislation Amendment Bill 2005
(`the Bill') will introduce appropriate legislation in terms of the model laws
including nationally agreed `back-end' accountability requirements (such
as inspection, record keeping and reporting requirements) while retaining
the additional protection of Queensland's existing `front-end'
accountability requirements (such as the Public Interest Monitor and the
Controlled Operations Committee) with respect to covert police powers.
Queensland will also retain a higher `relevant offence' threshold which
must be under investigation to access these powers. The offence threshold
will be offences punishable by seven years imprisonment or more (three
years for certain tracking device warrants) and prescribed offences ( such
as offences relating to child pornography and prostitution), as opposed to
the model law relevant offence threshold of offences punishable by three
years imprisonment.
Queensland agreeing to the minimum standards in the model laws will
enable interstate law enforcement officers to operate in Queensland under a
model law corresponding warrant or authority, even though the interstate
legislation does not contain Queensland's higher offence threshold and
additional levels of accountability. This would involve interstate law
enforcement officers using these powers in Queensland, having satisfied (in
their home state) lower procedural and accountability standards than their
Queensland counterparts. Interstate law enforcement officers will also be
able to use within Queensland (if they consider it an appropriate use of
resources) surveillance and controlled operations powers to investigate
offences less serious than could be investigated by their Queensland
counterparts. This represents the trade-off inherent in the mutual
recognition of national powers for seamless cross-border investigations.
The Bill confers powers on the Queensland Police Service (QPS), Crime
and Misconduct Commission (CMC - for major crime function only) and
the Australian Crime Commission (ACC). They will be able to obtain
warrants and authorities that can operate in Queensland and interstate.
The model laws do not cover corruption commissions. Accordingly, the
CMC's existing powers for its misconduct function will not change (and
will not operate cross-border). The Bill therefore amends the Crime and
Misconduct Act 2001 (CM Act) to retain existing legislative provisions for
surveillance device warrants, and to relocate existing controlled operations
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Amendment Bill 2005
(and associated assumed identities powers) and controlled activities from
the PPRA to the CM Act for the CMC's misconduct function.
Means of Achieving Policy Objectives
The Bill achieves the objectives by amending the:
· Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000
· Crime and Misconduct Act 2001
· Evidence Act 1977
· Witness Protection Act 2000
The Bill also makes minor and consequential amendments to other Acts.
Alternative Means of Achieving Policy Objectives
There are no other viable alternatives that would achieve the policy
objectives other than the amendments proposed in the Bill.
Estimated Cost for Government Implementation
Costs associated with the implementation of the Bill are not expected to
significantly impact upon any of the agencies concerned and will be met
from within existing agencies' budget allocation.
Consistency with Fundamental Legislative Principles
The Bill deals with policing powers that are regarded as being highly
intrusive, particularly powers allowing the use of electronic surveillance
and provisions relieving covert operatives of criminal responsibility for
intentional actions that would otherwise be punishable offences. However,
the infringement of civil liberties through the conferral of such intrusive
powers, with appropriate safeguards, is generally accepted as being
necessary for the investigation of serious offences. The proposed powers
are, in general, not new powers. Instead, these powers are of a type
currently conferred under Queensland legislation in the PPRA and the CM
Act.
Further, the Bill will in general strengthen safeguards currently in place to
ensure these powers are only used in appropriate circumstances. While
retaining existing front-end safeguards currently in relevant Queensland
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Amendment Bill 2005
legislation, new back-end safeguards as required under the model laws
have also been included in the Bill.
Another fundamental legislative principle (FLP) issue is the exercise of
intrusive powers by officers from other jurisdictions. Under the Bill such
officers will be permitted to exercise powers in Queensland but will not be
subject to Queensland's higher offence threshold or its unique existing
front-end safeguards such as the PIM and the Controlled Operations
Committee. They will only be subject of the back-end safeguards adopted
in their relevant jurisdictions. However, this trade off is required if
Queensland is to participate in the legislative scheme. Therefore, it is
considered that any potential breach of FLPs is considered necessary to
give effect to Queensland's commitment to implement the model laws.
The Bill includes a Henry VIII provision (that is, a potentially
inappropriate delegation of parliamentary power). The provision concerned
involves a power to declare by regulation a law to be a `corresponding law'
for a provision of the Bill. However, it is considered that this is an
appropriate delegation of parliamentary power as it is required to ensure
flexibility for the national scheme. The provision is also limited in nature
which may need to be amended at short notice.
Consultation conducted in Development of the Bill
Extensive consultation has occurred in the development of the Bill within
the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Queensland Police Service,
Department of Justice and the Attorney-General, other Government
Departments and non-government entities. The following persons and
departments have been consulted during the development of the Bill:
Queensland
· Queensland Treasury;
· Registrar-General, Births Death and Marriages;
· Crime and Misconduct Commission;
· Public Interest Monitor;
· Independent Member of Controlled Operations Committee;
· Parliamentary Crime and Misconduct Committee;
· Parliamentary Crime and Misconduct Commissioner;
· Chief Justice of Queensland;
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Amendment Bill 2005
· Chief Judge of the District Court and
· Chief Magistrate.
Other Governments
· Commonwealth - Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet,
Attorney-General's Department and the ACC;
· New South Wales - Cabinet Office and Department of the
Attorney-General;
· Victoria - Department of the Premier and Cabinet and
Department of Justice;
· South Australia - Department of the Premier and Cabinet and
Attorney-General's Department;
· Tasmania - Department of the Premier and Cabinet and
Department of Justice;
· Western Australia - Department of the Premier and Cabinet and
Department of Police;
· Northern Territory - Department of the Chief Minister and
Department of Justice; and
· ACT - Department of the Chief Minister and Department of
Justice and Community Safety.
In addition, the following private entities have been consulted during the
preparation of the Submission:
· Queensland Law Society;
· Bar Association of Queensland and
· Queensland Council for Civil Liberties.
A draft consultation of the Bill was forwarded to relevant Government
Departments and non-government entities requesting written comments.
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Amendment Bill 2005
Notes on Provisions
Part 1 Preliminary
Short Title
Clause 1 specifies the short title of the Bill.
Commencement
Clause 2 provides for the commencement of the Bill on a day to be fixed by
proclamation
Subclause (2) provides that the Acts Interpretation Act 1954, section 15DA
does not apply to part 2, division 3 or part 3, division 3. These parts deal
with provisions relating to the ACC.
Part 2 Amendment of Police Powers
and Responsibilities Act 2000
Division 1 Preliminary
Act Amended in pt 2 and sch 1
Clause 3 states that this part and schedule 1 amend the Police Powers and
Responsibilities Act 2000.
Division 2 Amendments
Insertion of new s 4A
Clause 4 inserts a new section 4A (Act binds all persons) into the PPRA to
clarify that the Crown is bound by the Act but is not liable for offences.
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Amendment of s 8 (Act does not affect court's common law
discretion to exclude evidence)
Clause 5 amends section 8 of the PPRA by providing that the Act does not
affect a courts power to stay a proceeding.
Omission of ch 4, pt 2, hdg and divs 1-5
Clause 6 removes the heading of chapter 4, part 2 and divisions 1 to 5 of the
PPRA.
Replacement of ch 4, pt 2, div 7 hdg-
Clause 7 removes the existing chapter 4, part 2, division 7 heading and
inserts new heading:
Part 5 Public interest monitor
Amendment of s 157 (Public interest monitor)
Clause 8 amends section 157 of the PPRA by inserting additional
monitoring requirements for the public interest monitor.
Amendment of s 159 (Monitor's functions)
Clause 9 amends section 159 of the PPRA to reflect the new functions of
the public interest monitor.
Amendment of s 160 (Monitor's annual report)
Clause 10 amends section 160 of the PPRA by removing the requirement
for the public interest monitor to include matters relating to surveillance
device warrants in the monitor's annual report to the Minister as the Bill
now requires the monitor to report twice yearly on matters relating to
surveillance device warrants.
Renumbering and relocation of ch 4, pt 2, div 7-
Clause 11 amends the PPRA by relocating the amended chapter 4, part 2,
division 7 to chapter 11, part 5 and renumbering sections 152 to 157 as
sections 443P to 443U.
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Replacement of ch 5
Clause 12 removes the existing chapter 5 and inserts new chapters 5
(Controlled activities), 5A (Controlled Operations), 5B (Assumed
identities) and 5C (Surveillance device warrants) into the PPRA.
Chapter 5 Controlled activities
Objects of ch 5
Section 132 sets out the objectives of this chapter. The objectives recognise
that in the course of investigating offences it is sometimes necessary for the
police service to conduct controlled activities in which a police officer may
be required to commit offences in an endeavour to gather evidence of an
offence.
The objectives of the chapter clarify that controlled activities should be
approved only when such an activity is appropriate in all the circumstances
of an individual case. In recognition of the need for such activities, the
objects of the chapter also set out the intent of the legislation to provide
protection from civil and criminal liability for persons who act in
accordance with the provisions of the chapter and clarifies the admissibility
of evidence obtained as a result of the controlled activity.
Relationship to other laws and matters
Section 133 clarifies this chapter does not affect other laws providing for
the obtaining of evidence or intelligence through activities which may
involve conduct for which the participants would otherwise be criminally
responsible. For example controlled conduct performed under a controlled
operation or controlled activities conducted by the CMC in relation to its
misconduct function.
Subsection (2) clarifies that it is not intended that this legislation will affect
unplanned police activities of a minor nature which involve the
commission of offences by police officers. For example, it may be
necessary for a police officer to commit traffic offences in order to effect
the arrest of an offender. It is not intended that activities of this nature be
subject to the provisions of this legislation.
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Subsection (3) provides that controlled activities for the police service may
only be approved under this chapter.
Lawfulness of particular actions
Section 134 clarifies that it is lawful for certain persons to undertake
actions set out in the section. This provision explains the intent of the
legislation in respect to the activities mentioned.
Authorised controlled activities
Section 135 defines the term controlled activity and creates a scheme for
the approval and conduct of controlled activities which is an investigation
of a covert nature by a police officer attempting to obtain evidence of an
offence, and which involves a single meeting with a target of the
investigation at which some illegality on the part of the officer is
undertaken.
An example of this is a situation in which a police officer in plain clothes
approaches a suspected drug trafficker and seeks to purchase drugs. Once
the drugs have been purchased, the offender is immediately arrested. The
police officer may meet with the suspect any number of times before this to
make the arrangements for the sale and provided those meetings do not
involve any illegality on the part of the officer, they are not controlled
activities. However, once the officer takes part in the drug sale, he or she
takes part in an offence and the meeting becomes a controlled activity. So
that this legislation applies to that meeting, it must first be approved by an
officer of the rank of Inspector or above, and must be approved and
conducted in accordance with police service policy.
Protection from liability
Section 136 provides for protection from civil and criminal liability for
persons who authorise or who are or were authorised to engage in a
controlled activity. For the purposes of this section, these persons are
termed "relevant persons".
Subsection (2) provides that a relevant person does not incur civil liability
for an act undertaken pursuant to this legislation. This means that person
who engages in a controlled activity does not incur civil liability for any act
or omission done as part of the controlled activity. This protection applies
provided that the act or omission is done in good faith.
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Subsection (3) clarifies that this provision does not operate to remove the
right of a person to seek a civil remedy. When a civil liability would
otherwise be incurred, the liability will attach to the State instead of the
individual.
Subsection (4) provides protection from criminal liability for an officer
who engages in a controlled activity. This means that a police officer who
engages in a controlled activity does not incur criminal liability for any act
or omission done as part of the controlled activity. This protection applies
provided that the act or omission was done in good faith, and that the act or
omission was done or made in accordance with the policies and procedures
of the police service.
Subsection (5) extends this protection from criminal liability for a police
officer for an act or omission which was necessary to protect a person's
safety.
Subsection (6) limits the application of subsection (5) by providing that the
protection from criminal liability does not apply where the conduct results
in injury or death of a person or serious loss or serious damage to property.
Subsection (7) clarifies that this section does not limit section 10.5 of the
Police Service Administration Act 1990 (Liability for tort generally).
Admissibility of evidence obtained through controlled activities
Section 137 clarifies that evidence obtained in the course of a controlled
activity is not inadmissible simply because the collection of the evidence
involved an activity which would be unlawful except for this chapter. This
provision does not interfere with the discretion of a court to exclude
evidence on public policy or other grounds. The provision serves merely to
clarify that the unlawfulness, if occurring within an approved controlled
activity, does not render the evidence inadmissible.
Evidentiary provision
Section 138 is a deeming provision allowing the commissioner to provide a
certificate to a court which certifies the things mentioned in the section.
Having done this, the Court is then able to accept the certificate as evidence
of the things in the certificate. This has the effect of removing the need for
the prosecution to prove that a stated person of the agency had approved the
controlled activity. This provision does not remove the right of an accused
to contest those matters.
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Chapter 5A Controlled operations
Part 1 Preliminary
Purposes of ch 5A
Section 139 sets out the purposes of this chapter. The chapter recognises
that in the course of investigating particular offences, it is sometimes
necessary for law enforcement agencies to conduct controlled operations in
which covert operatives may be required to commit offences, in an
endeavour to gather evidence of offences.
The purpose of the chapter is to clarify that controlled operations should be
approved only when such an operation is appropriate in all the
circumstances of an individual case and wherever possible only trained
persons perform duties as a covert operative. The chapter provides for the
authorisation, conduct and monitoring of such operations including
operations conducted in Queensland and in one or more other jurisdictions
and facilitates the recognition of activities undertaken under a controlled
operation authorised by the corresponding law of another jurisdiction.
In recognition of the need for such operations, the chapter also sets out the
intent of the legislation to provide protection from civil and criminal
liability for persons who act in accordance with the provisions of the
chapter and clarify the admissibility of evidence obtained as a result of the
controlled operation.
Definitions for ch 5A
Section 140 provides definitions for terms used in this chapter. These
definitions are necessary to complement the Bill.
Relationship to other laws and matters
Section 141 clarifies this chapter does not affect other laws providing for
the obtaining of evidence through activities which may involve conduct for
which the participants would otherwise be criminally responsible. For
example conduct performed under an authorised controlled activity.
Subsection (2) provides that this chapter does not effect controlled
operations and controlled activities conducted by the CMC under the
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provisions of the Crime and Misconduct Act 2001 in relation to the
investigation of misconduct.
Subsection (3) identifies that it is not the intention that this legislation will
affect unplanned police activities of a minor nature which involve the
commission of offences by police officers. For example, it may be
necessary for a police officer to commit traffic offences in order to effect
the arrest of an offender. It is not intended that activities of this nature be
subject to the provisions of this legislation.
Subsections (4) clarify that subject to the stated exceptions controlled
operations may only be approved under this chapter.
Subsection (5) clarifies that this chapter only relates to the CMC for
controlled operations relating to the investigation of major crime as defined
by the Crime and Misconduct Act 2001.
Subsection (6) clarifies that evidence obtained in the course of a controlled
operation is not inadmissible simply because the collection of the evidence
involved an activity which would be unlawful except for this chapter. This
provision does not interfere with the discretion of a court to exclude
evidence on public policy or other grounds. The provision serves merely to
clarify that the unlawfulness, if occurring within an approved controlled
operation does not render the evidence inadmissible.
When a controlled operation is conducted in this jurisdiction
Section 142 clarifies when a controlled operation is taken to be conducted
in this jurisdiction for the purposes of this chapter.
Part 2 Controlled operations committee
Division 1 Establishment
Establishment of controlled operations committee
Section 143 clarifies that the controlled operations committee is established
and identifies who may be on the committee and who are the required
members of committee including an independent member, the
commissioner and the CMC chairperson or their nominee.
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Subsection (3) provides for the inclusion of other persons on the committee
whom the commissioner considers meets the criteria.
Independent member
Section 144 empowers the Minister for Police to appoint the independent
member of the committee referred to in the previous section. The person
appointed must be a retired Supreme Court or District Court Judge.
Subsection (2) requires the Minister to consult with the Premier, and the
Attorney-General before making the appointment.
Acting independent member
Section 145 allows the appointment of an acting independent member
when a vacancy occurs or during any time the incumbent is unable to
perform the function.
Subsection (2) requires the Minister to consult with the Premier, and the
Attorney-General before making the appointment.
Division 2 Functions, business and
recommendations
Committee functions
Section 146 sets out the functions of the committee, which are to consider
applications to conduct controlled operations and to make
recommendations about whether such operations should be approved or
varied. The committee's function also includes other functions conferred
on it by legislation.
Committee business
Section 147 provides that the independent member is the chair of the
committee, and that the independent member must be present for the
committee to perform its functions. The committee may also conduct its
business as it sees fit, except that the recommendations of the committee
must be recorded.
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Committee recommendations
Section 148 places conditions on the committee if it intends to recommend
that a particular controlled operation be approved. Before making such a
recommendation, the committee must be satisfied that the nature of the
offences being investigated justifies approving an operation in which a
covert operation will be authorised to commit offences. This provision is
intended to ensure that the committee considers whether the nature of the
offences being investigated justifies the use of a controlled operation.
Division 3 Protection
Protection for committee members
Section 149 protects the members of the committee from civil liability as a
result of any action undertaken under this chapter.
Subsection (2) clarifies that this provision does not operate to remove the
right of a person to seek a civil remedy. When a civil liability would
otherwise be incurred, the liability will attach to the State instead of the
individual.
Subsection (3) provides for protection from criminal liability for members
of the committee for conduct undertaken in a controlled operation
recommended by the committee.
Part 3 Authorisation of controlled
operations
Division 1 Procedure for authorising controlled
operations
Application for authority to conduct controlled operation
Section 150 contains the scheme by which a law enforcement officer of a
law enforcement agency may apply to the agency's chief executive officer
for authority to conduct a controlled operation.
Subsection (2) provides for a formal and urgent application process.
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Subsection (3) requires that an application for an authority to conduct a
controlled operation, which was the subject of a previous application, must
be made by formal application.
Subsections (4) and (5) set out the information that must be provided in the
application.
Subsection (6) provides that the chief executive officer of the agency who
receives the application may request additional information.
Subsection (7) requires where an urgent application has been made, the
applicant must as soon as practicable after making the application provide
the chief executive officer with a record in writing of the application.
Application must be referred to committee
Section 151 requires the chief executive officer to refer an application for
authority to conduct a controlled operation to the controlled operations
committee, and must receive the committee's recommendations before he
or she may consider the application unless there is insufficient merit to
justify referring the application to the committee.
Subsection (3) provides that this section is subject to sections 152
(Particular CMC controlled operations) and 153 (Procedure in urgent
circumstances other than if s 152 applies).
Particular CMC controlled operations
Section 152 applies in the case of a CMC controlled operation where the
target of the operation may be a police officer. This section recognises that
it would be inappropriate to require the CMC in these circumstances to
obtain the recommendation of the committee, given that senior police
officers will be members of the committee. In these cases, rather than refer
the matter to the controlled operations committee for a recommendation,
the chairperson of the CMC must consult with the independent member of
the committee and take into account the independent member's
recommendations before granting the authority for the operation. The
section further provides that in urgent circumstances the chairperson may
grant the authority and consult with the independent member after granting
the authority.
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Procedure in urgent circumstances other than if s 152 applies
Section 153 creates a scheme to deal with the granting of authority to
conduct controlled operations in urgent circumstances, with the exception
of operations proposed to be conducted by the CMC pursuant to section
152. The urgent application can be made under section 451 PPRA.
This section sets out that the chief executive officer may grant the authority
for a controlled operation to be conducted for a maximum period of seven
days, however, the chief executive officer must as soon as practicable after
granting the authority refer the application to the committee. The
committee may then consider the application and make recommendations
as for a normal application. However, the chief executive officer is not
bound by the committee's recommendation.
Deciding application
Section 154 provides that the chief executive officer may grant or refuse the
authority to conduct a controlled operation after considering the
application, any additional information that has been provided, and any
recommendations of the controlled operations committee. The chief
executive officer may grant the authority subject to conditions.
Matters to be taken into account
Section 155 sets out the range of matters that the chief executive officer
must take into account before he or she may grant the authority to conduct
a controlled operation. Unless the chief executive officer is satisfied on
reasonable grounds that the circumstances set out in the section exist, he or
she may not grant the authority for the controlled operation.
The chief executive officer is prohibited from granting authority for a
controlled operation unless the committee has recommended its approval.
This means that the chief executive officer may refuse to grant authority for
a controlled operation, regardless of the committee's recommendation.
However, and subject to the procedures in urgent circumstances, he or she
may not grant authority for the controlled operation unless the committee
so recommends.
Form of authority
Section 156 provides an authority to conduct a controlled operation may be
granted by way of a written formal authority or an urgent authority granted
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orally in person or under section 452 of the PPRA. The section also sets out
the particulars required to be covered in the authority and for an urgent
authority requires the chief executive officer to keep written notes of the
particulars.
The particulars required includes a description of the controlled conduct in
which any covert operative may engage in the course of the operation. For a
covert operative who is not a police officer, that description must be a
precise description of each illegal activity which will be engaged in. In the
case of a covert operative who is a police officer, the description may be a
description of the general classes of activities. The section also permits the
covert operative to be identified in the authority by an assumed name, code
name or code number.
Duration of authorities
Section 157 clarifies that unless an authority it is sooner cancelled, an
authority is valid for the period stated in the authority. Section 156 provides
that a formal authority may be valid for not more than 6 months and an
urgent authority is valid for not more than 7 days.
Division 2 Variation and cancellation of authorities
Variation of authority
Section 158 enables the chief executive officer to vary the authority to
conduct a controlled operation granted for the relevant agency. The
variation can be made on the chief executive officer's own initiative. The
variation may also be varied upon application by the principal law
enforcement officer for the controlled operation or another law
enforcement officer on his or her behalf.
Subsection (2) prohibits the variation of the period of validity for an urgent
authority, which can only be for a period of 7 days.
Application for variation of authority
Section 159 provides a mechanism by which an application may be made
to vary an existing controlled operation. The provision sets out the
permissible purposes for which a variation of authority may be made and
the required content for such an application. The section provides that the
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application may be a written formal variation application or an urgent
variation application made orally in person or under section 451 of the
PPRA. The section permits the chief executive officer to require additional
information for consideration of the application.
Variation must be referred to committee
Section 160 requires the chief executive officer to refer an application for
variation to the controlled operations committee without deciding the
application unless there is insufficient merit to justify referring the
application to the committee or sections 161 or 162 are applicable.
Particular CMC controlled operations
Section 161 provides a scheme by which a variation of authority for a
controlled operation being conducted by the CMC in which a police officer
is or may be the target may be approved. This scheme is similar to that for
new applications of this nature, and removes the need to refer the
application to the Committee. Instead, the Chairperson of the CMC must
consult with the independent member and obtain agreement to the
variation. In relation to urgent variation applications the chairperson may
vary the authority without consulting the independent member but must
consult with the independent member about the variation as soon as
possible after the authority is granted.
Procedure in urgent circumstances other than if s 161 applies
Section 162 creates a scheme to deal with the granting of a variation in
urgent circumstances, with the exception of variation applications which
section 161 applies. The urgent application can be made under section 451
of the PPRA.
This section sets out that the chief executive officer may grant the variation
for a controlled operation to be conducted, however, the chief executive
officer must as soon as practicable after granting the variation refer the
application to the committee. The committee may then consider the
application and make recommendations as for a normal application. The
section requires the chief executive officer to consider the committee's
recommendation but he or she is not bound by the committee's
recommendations.
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Deciding the application to vary the authority
Section 163 provides that the chief executive officer may grant or refuse the
variation to the controlled operation after considering the application, any
additional information that has been provided, and any recommendations
of the controlled operations committee. The chief executive officer may
grant the variation subject to conditions. In determining the application the
chief executive officer must consider the range of matters set out in section
155.
The section prohibits the granting of the variation if the variation will
authorise a significant change of the nature of the controlled operation or if
the committee has not recommended the application be granted. In cases
where the granting of a variation would significantly change the nature of a
controlled operation a new application for the granting of authority to
conduct a controlled operation would need to be made under section 150.
Way to vary authority
Section 164 limits the way in which an existing authority may be varied to
a formal variation of authority or an urgent variation of authority. The
section imposes a duty on the chief executive officer in relation to record
keeping and the giving of documents in relation to the variation of
authority.
Form of variation of authority
Section 165 sets out the information required to be stated in the variation of
authority.
Cancellation of authority
Section 166 creates a scheme for the chief executive officer to cancel an
authority for a controlled operation either on his or her own initiative or at
the request of the principal law enforcement officer for the operation. The
section sets out when an authority cancellation takes effect.
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Division 3 Effect of authority
Effect of authority
Section 167 provides that an authority to conduct a controlled operation
represents the authority for the covert operatives (participants) named in
the authority to engage in unlawful conduct as specified in the authority in
this or any participating jurisdiction.
If the conduct is to be engaged in is to occur in a participating jurisdiction,
such conduct is subject to the laws of the participating jurisdiction.
Subsection 167(1)(c) also has the effect of authorising a participant to
engage in conduct stated in the authority in a participating jurisdiction even
if the participating jurisdiction is not named in the authority in accordance
with section 156(3)(f).
Subsection (2) restricts the authority for a person to engage in unlawful
conduct from being delegated to another person.
Defect in authority
Section 168 provides that only defects of a substantive nature can
invalidate an application, authority or variation for a controlled operation.
Minor matters relating to form or process do not invalidate an application,
authority or variation.
Part 4 Conduct of controlled operations
Division 1 Controlled conduct engaged in for
controlled operations
Protection from criminal responsibility for controlled conduct
during authorised operations
Section 169(1) provides protection from criminal responsibility when law
enforcement and civilian participants in a controlled operation engage in
unlawful conduct provided that such conduct was in accordance with the
terms of the authority and meets the requirements set out in this section.
These requirements include the participant not intentionally inducing a
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person to commit an offence that the person would not otherwise have
intended to commit or the conduct of the participant is not likely to cause
death, serious injury or involve a sexual offence. The section extends the
protection to civilian participants where they act in accordance with the
instructions of a law enforcement officer.
Subsections (2) and (3) are not a part of the model law and only operate to
protect law enforcement officers as defined under the PPRA (see reference
to this section in section 176(c) Recognition of corresponding
authorities).
Subsection (2) extends protection from criminal liability to a law
enforcement officer, including a law enforcement participant, for conduct
undertaken to protect the safety of any person or protect the identity of a
participant. This provision encompasses situations where a law
enforcement participant undertakes unlawful conduct not stated in the
authority but which was reasonably necessary to protect the identity of the
participant including the participant's criminal standing thereby
maintaining the continuity of the controlled.
Subsection (2) (c) further extends the protection to situations where the law
enforcement participant takes advantage of an opportunity to gather
evidence about a relevant offence not mentioned in the authority. This
means, for example, where a law enforcement participant is authorised to
purchase illicit drugs and is offered a concealable firearm to purchase by an
offender, the law enforcement participant would not be criminally
responsible for the weapon offences committed in purchasing and
possessing that firearm.
Subsection (3) restricts the protection form criminal responsibility for a law
enforcement participant provided under subsection (2) where the conduct
undertaken by the participant results in injury or death of a person, serious
damage or serious loss of property. The subsection further limits the
protection where the offender has been encouraged or induced by the law
enforcement participant to commit an offence that the offender would not
reasonably have been expected to engage in had it not been for the
encouragement or inducement of the participant.
Indemnification of participants against civil liability
Section 170 requires a law enforcement agency to indemnify law
enforcement and civilian participants from civil liability and reasonable
costs when a participant engages in unlawful conduct provided that such
conduct was in accordance with the terms of an authority and meets the
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requirements set out in this section or under a regulation. These
requirements include the participant not intentionally inducing a person to
commit an offence that the person would not otherwise have intended to
commit or the conduct of the participant is not likely to cause death, serious
injury or involve a sexual offence. The section extends the indemnification
to civilian participants where they act in accordance with the instructions of
a law enforcement officer.
Effect of ss 169 -170 on other laws relating to criminal
investigation
Section 171 provides that in addition to exceptions contained in sections
169 and 170 participants in controlled operations will not be protected
from criminal and civil liability if activities are undertaken which could be
authorised under other laws of the State relating to matters set out in the
section. This ensures that the controlled operation laws are not used as a
substitute for other laws through not permitting a participant gaining the
benefit of the protection from criminal or civil indemnity if he or she
utilises the powers under this chapter to circumvent requirements relating
to criminal investigations in this State.
Effect of being unaware of variation or cancellation of authority
Section 172 provides that if a participant in a controlled operation is
unaware of the existence of a variation or cancellation of the authority, the
authority continues to have effect as if it was not varied or cancelled for as
long as the participant is unaware. This protection is not provided to a
participant who is reckless as to the existence of the variation or
cancellation of the authority.
Protection from criminal responsibility for particular ancillary
conduct
Section 173 extends protection from criminal responsibility to a person
who has some connection with a controlled operation, irrespective if the
person is a participant or not in the operation, and the person engaged in
ancillary activity including conspiracy to commit offences and aiding or
enabling the commission of an offence. This protection is conditional on
the person having had a belief that the activities were ancillary or related to
an authorised controlled operation.
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Division 2 Compensation and notification of third
parties
Compensation for property loss or serious damage
Section 174 provides that the State is liable to pay compensation to a
person who suffers loss or serious damage to property as a direct result of a
controlled operation authorised by a law enforcement agency of this
jurisdiction (the Police or CMC - not the ACC) and where that person is an
innocent third party in that he or she did not contribute to the commission
of an offence. This provision also does not apply to a person who was a law
enforcement officer at the time.
The section further provides that section 455 of the PPRA (Compensation)
does not apply to compensation sought for loss as a result of an authorised
operation. Compensation sought for loss as a result of other general
powers exercised by police officers is to be decided under section 455 of
the PPRA.
Notification requirements
Section 175 requires the principal law enforcement officer for a controlled
operation to report any loss or serious damage to property or injury to the
chief executive officer. In relation to loss or serious damage to property the
section imposes a duty on the chief executive officer, subject to listed
conditions, to undertake all reasonable steps to notify the owner.
Division 3 Recognition of corresponding authorities
Recognition of corresponding authorities
Section 176 creates a scheme where a controlled operation authorised by a
participating jurisdiction under a `corresponding authority', including any
variation, is recognised in this jurisdiction as if it was a controlled
operation authority granted under section 154.
This is the principal section which operates to ensure recognition, once a
participating jurisdiction's model law legislation has been prescribed under
regulation as a `corresponding law'. However, only the specific provisions
mentioned in the section are to apply to the corresponding authority as if it
were an authority given under section 154.
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Part 5 Compliance and monitoring
Division 1 Information restrictions
Unauthorised disclosure of information
Section 177 is designed to provide protection to persons participating in
controlled operations and to ensure the integrity of investigations by
creating offences for a person who, in particular circumstances, discloses
certain protected information relating to a controlled operation.
Division 2 Reporting and record keeping
Principal law enforcement officer's reports
Section 178 places a requirement upon the principal law enforcement for a
controlled operation to report back to the chief executive officer, in writing,
within two months of the completion of the operation. The report will be a
summary of the operation including the required content set out in the
section.
Chief executive officers' reports
Section 179 established a reporting scheme for chief executive officers of
each law enforcement agency that conduct a controlled operation. The
chief executive officer is required to provide a report at stated intervals to
the report entity for the agency stating the required details for any
authorised controlled operation. The section also permits the report entity
to require additional information on any authorised operation contained in
the report.
Annual report by report entity
Section 180 establishes a reporting scheme for the report entity on the
activities of the law enforcement agency and the comprehensiveness and
adequacy of the documentation the agencies prepared. The report is
required to be given to the chief executive officer of the agency and the
relevant Minister or, for the CMC, the parliamentary committee
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chairperson with the report being required to be tabled in the Legislative
Assembly within 14 sitting days.
The reporting scheme also provides two tiers of protection from the
disclosure of specified types of sensitive information through identifying
the nature of information that must not be contained in the report and what
may be excluded prior to tabling in the Legislative Assembly.
Keeping documents connected with authorised operations
Section 181 sets out the records a chief executive officer must cause to be
retained in relation to authorised operations to enhance the monitoring
process.
General register
Section 182 creates a scheme for the keeping of a general register for
purposes of accountability and monitoring. The register must be or form
part of the register of covert acts kept under chapter 11, part 2 of the PPRA.
Division 3 Inspections
Inspection of records
Section 183 creates a scheme for an inspection entity to inspect the records
of a law enforcement agency to ascertain whether the requirements of this
chapter and chapter 11, part 2 of the PPRA, where applicable, are being
complied with by the agency. The inspection scheme places a requirement
upon the inspection entity for yearly inspections as a minimum and sets out
the processes and powers to enable such inspections. The section also sets
out requirements imposed upon the chief executive officer to enable the
inspection entity to perform the inspections.
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Part 6 General
Division 1 Delegation
Delegation generally
Section 184 clarifies that a chief executive officer is restricted from
delegating his or her powers under this chapter except as provided by this
division. This restriction exists despite any power of the chief executive
officer to delegate which might exist in other legislation.
Delegations - commissioner
Section 185 enables the delegation of the commissioner's powers under
this chapter relating to authorisations, variations, cancellations and
notifications requirements of controlled operations to the deputy
commissioner or an assistant commissioner for crime operations.
Delegations - CMC chairperson
Section 186 enables the delegation of the CMC chairperson's powers under
this chapter relating to authorisations, variations, cancellations and
notifications requirements of controlled operations to a CMC assistant
commissioner. However this power does not apply if the person under
investigation is, was, or believed to be police officer.
Division 2 Evidentiary provisions
Evidence of authorities
Section 187 enables a controlled operation authority granted under section
154, or an authority under a corresponding law, to be admissible as
evidence that the person granting the authority was satisfied of the facts
required for the granting of the authority. The effect of this provision is to
remove the need for the person who granted the authority to give evidence
in court of the facts required for the granting of the authority.
However this provision does not apply in relation to criminal or
disciplinary proceedings against a law enforcement officer.
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Chapter 5B Assumed identities
Part 1 Preliminary
Purpose of ch 5B
Section 188 sets out the purpose of this chapter. The chapter recognises that
for investigations, intelligence gathering and other law enforcement
purposes it is sometimes necessary for law enforcement officers and
authorised civilians to conceal their true identity.
How purpose is achieved
Section 189 sets out that the principal ways the chapter achieves its
purpose. The chapter achieves this through the creation of a scheme for
acquiring and using assumed identities and enabling recognition of things
done relating to assumed identities under a corresponding law.
Definitions for ch 5B
Section 190 provides definitions for terms used in this chapter. These
definitions are necessary to complement the Bill.
Relationship to other laws and matters
Section 191 provides that this chapter is only applicable to the CMC in
relation to suspected major crime as defined under the Crime and
Misconduct Act 2001.
Subsection (2) provides that activities and records under parts 2 to 7 of this
chapter are exempt from the listed Acts.
Part 2 Authorities for assumed identities
Application for authority to acquire or use assumed identity
Section 192 contains the scheme by which a law enforcement officer of a
law enforcement agency may apply in writing to the agency's chief
executive officer for authority to acquire and/or use an assumed identity.
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The provision requires a separate application for each identity and also sets
out the information required in the application. The chief executive officer
of the agency who receives the application may request additional
information.
Nothing in this section prevents a law enforcement agency from acquiring
one or more assumed identities to be kept for future use by an authorised
officer without knowing the context in which they will be used.
Deciding application
Section 193 provides that the chief executive officer may grant or refuse the
authority to acquire and/or use an assumed identity after considering the
application, any additional information that has been provided. The chief
executive officer may grant the authority subject to conditions. The section
sets out the range of matters that the chief executive officer must take into
account before granting the authority. Unless the chief executive officer is
satisfied on reasonable grounds that the circumstances set out in the section
exist, he or she may not grant the authority.
The section also establishes supervision requirements a law enforcement
agency must comply with when the authority for an assumed identity is for
a civilian.
Form of authority
Section 194 provides an authority to acquire and/or use an assumed identity
may be granted by way of a written formal authority. The section also sets
out the particulars required to be covered in the authority
Period of authority
Section 195 clarifies that an authority can be cancelled under section 196
and unless an authority it is sooner cancelled, an authority is valid for the
period stated in the authority.
Variation or cancellation of authority
Section 196 enables the chief executive officer to vary or cancel the
authority for the acquisition and/or use of an assumed identity that has been
granted. The section places a requirement upon the chief executive officer
to cancel the authority if he or she is satisfied, upon a review of the
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authority or for any other reason, that the authority is no longer necessary.
The section also clarifies when the variation or cancellation has effect.
The section places a notification requirement on the chief executive officer
when an authority is varied or cancelled, including who is to be notified
and what the written notice must contain.
Review of authority
Section 197 creates a scheme for the review of an assumed identity
authority. The section sets out how often a review is to be conducted by the
chief executive officer and requires the chief executive officer to decide
whether the authority is still necessary and as a result must either cancel the
authority or record his or her reasons why the authority is still necessary.
Part 3 Evidence of assumed identities
Division 1 Creation of birth certificates for assumed
identities
Approval for creation of birth certificate for assumed identity
Section 197A sets out the scheme for the chief executive officer of a law
enforcement agency to apply to the independent member by written
application for an authority to create a birth certificate for use as an
assumed identity.
Subsection (2) provides that the independent member may only grant the
approval if satisfied that the creation and use of a birth certificate is
justified having regard to the nature of activities to be undertaken.
Order authorising creation of birth certificate for assumed
identity under corresponding authority
Section 197B provides that the chief executive officer of a law enforcement
agency under a corresponding law may apply to the Supreme Court for an
order for the creation of a birth certificate.
Subsection (2) provides that the Supreme Court may only grant the
approval if satisfied that the creation and use of a birth certificate is
justified having regard to the nature of activities to be undertaken.
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Subsection (3) places restrictions on who may present at the application.
Giving effect to birth certificate approval
Section 197C sets out the scheme for the creation of the birth certificate as
evidence of an assumed identity.
Destruction of birth certificate created under s 197C
Section 197D creates a requirement for the chief executive officer of the
agency for which the birth certificate was created to cause the created birth
certificate to be destroyed as soon as practicable after the authority for the
assumed identity is cancelled. The section further requires the chief
executive officer to notify the registrar-general when the certificate has
been destroyed.
Cancelling authority affecting entry in participating
jurisdiction's register of births, deaths or marriages
Section 197E provides that where a chief executive officer cancels an
authority for an assumed identity and a false entry has been made in a
register of births deaths or marriages in a participating jurisdiction, the
chief executive officer is required to apply for an order of the Supreme
Court of the participating jurisdiction for an order under a corresponding
law to cancel the false entry.
Restriction about records and access to application for
authority to create birth certificate
Section 197F prohibits the making of a transcript of the proceeding of an
application to the Supreme Court for an order to creation of a birth
certificate under section 197B and creates an offence for the publication of
a report of the proceeding.
Subsection (4) prohibits the searching of information in the custody of the
Supreme Court relating to the proceeding unless a Supreme Court judge
otherwise orders.
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Division 2 Other provisions about evidence of
assumed identities
Request for evidence of assumed identity
Section 197G enables a chief executive officer who gave an assumed
identity authority to request the chief executive officer of any issuing
agencies named in the authority to produce evidence of an assumed identity
as set out in the authority, and to give evidence to the officer or person
named in the authority.
The evidence of the assumed identity is defined broadly in the section and
may include a variety of items including driver's licences, birth certificates,
credit/EFTPOS cards, and Medicare cards.
Government issuing agency to comply with request
Section 197H compels government issuing agencies in any jurisdiction to
comply with requests under this chapter for assumed identity
documentation. The provision clarifies that the decision to create an
assumed identity rests with the law enforcement agency and obviates the
need for a government issuing agency to have a decision-making apparatus.
Non-government issuing agency may comply with request
Section 197I provides that non-government bodies with a discretion as to
whether to issue evidence of an assumed identity in response to a request
from the chief executive officer of a law enforcement agency.
Nothing under this section prevents a law enforcement agency from using
documentation acquired through government issuing agencies such as a
driver's licence, to acquire identity documents from other institutions such
as financial institutions, without alerting those institutions that the
documentation is being acquired for law enforcement purposes as part of a
legally acquired assumed identity.
Cancelling evidence of assumed identity
Section 197J requires the issuing agency to cancel any evidence of identity
or other record of identity on the written direction of the chief executive
officer of a law enforcement agency who requested the issue of the
assumed identity.
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Division 3 Protection and indemnities
Protection from criminal responsibility officer of issuing
agency
Section 197K provides for protection from criminal responsibility for any
person who, apart from this section, commits an offence in giving effect to
a birth certificate approval.
Subsection (2) provides protection from criminal responsibility to officers
and employees of issuing agencies who provide evidence of an assumed
identity in response to a requirement or request to do so under this chapter.
Indemnity for issuing agency and officers in relation to creation
of birth certificates
Section 197L provides that the law enforcement agency which produces a
birth certificate approval to the registrar-general must indemnify the
registrar-general and their employees for any civil liability and reasonable
costs incurred as a consequence of complying with section 197C subject to
any requirements prescribed by regulation having been met.
Indemnity for issuing agency and officers in relation to other
evidence of assumed identities
Section 197M provides that the law enforcement agency which makes the
request for evidence of an assumed identity must indemnify the issuing
agency or an officer of the agency for any civil liability and reasonable
costs incurred as a consequence of complying with the request or
requirement made under this chapter and subject to any requirements
prescribed by regulation having been met.
Protection from criminal responsibility for particular ancillary
conduct
Section 197N provides protection from criminal responsibility to a person
who engages in ancillary activity including conspiracy to commit offences
and aiding or enabling the commission of an offence in relation to assumed
identities where another person engages in conduct for which the person is
exempt from criminal responsibility under section 197K.
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Subsection (2) provides protection from criminal responsibility despite any
other law of this jurisdiction if at the time the person engaged in the
ancillary conduct they believed that the other related conduct was or would
be engaged in by an authorised person or an issuing officer of an agency.
Part 4 Effect of authorities
Assumed identity may be acquired and used
Section 197O enables an authorised officer or authorised civilian to acquire
and use an assumed identity if the acquisition and/or use was in accordance
with the authority, and for an authorised officer, in course of his or her duty.
In relation to an authorised civilian, a further level of protection and
supervision is provided, which is that the acquisition and use must also be
in accordance with any directions given by the person's supervisor.
Protection from criminal responsibility authorised person
Section 197P provides that an authorised person who acquire and use
evidence of an assumed identity would not be criminally responsible for
the acquisition and use. However, authorised persons would only receive
protection if their conduct met the specified conditions. An authorised
officer would be protected for conduct engaged in in the course of duty and
in accordance with the authorisation conditions. An authorised civilian
would only receive protection for conduct that was in accordance with the
instruction of a supervising officer and any authorisation conditions. This
protection from criminal responsibility would only be available for conduct
which would not constitute an offence if the assumed identity was the
person's real identity.
Indemnity for authorised person
Section 197Q requires a law enforcement agency to indemnify the
authorised person against any civil liability incurred in the acquisition and/
or use of an assumed identity for persons authorised to acquire and/or use
an assumed identity. The indemnity would only be available is the actions
of the authorised person was in accordance with the authority and any
conditions or directions.
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Particular qualifications
Section 197R provides that an authorised person would not receive
protection from liability or indemnity for conduct that requires a
qualification if that person does not in fact have that qualification,
regardless of whether the authorised person has acquired documentation
that establishes that he or she has that qualification. This limitation ensures
that authorised persons cannot use an assumed identity to engage in
activities they are not qualified to engage in.
Effect of being unaware of variation or cancellation of authority
Section 197S provides that a person authorised to acquire and/or use an
assumed identity would continue to be protected from criminal
responsibility and receive the indemnity for civil liability for the
acquisition and use of the identity in certain circumstances even if the
authority has been varied or cancelled. If the authority had been varied or
cancelled, and the person is unaware of this change, the person would still
be protected from civil and criminal liability, unless he or she is reckless
about the existence of the variation or cancellation.
Part 5 Recognition of assumed identities
Request to participating jurisdiction for evidence of assumed
identity
Section 197T enables a chief executive officer of a law enforcement agency
in this jurisdiction to make a request to an issuing agency in a participating
jurisdiction for that agency to issue evidence of an assumed identity.
Request from participating jurisdiction for evidence of
assumed identity
Section 197U provides for the chief executive officer of an issuing agency
in this jurisdiction to produce evidence of an assumed identity if a request
is received from a law enforcement agency in a participating jurisdiction. If
the request is made to a government issuing agency that agency must
comply with the request. If the request is made to a non-government
agency, that agency has a discretion as to whether they choose to comply.
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Directions from participating jurisdiction to cancel evidence of
assumed identity
Section 197V provides that when an authority is cancelled in the
participating jurisdiction, and that authority has been used to request
evidence of an assumed identity in this jurisdiction under section 197U, the
chief executive officer of the issuing agency who issued the documentation
must cancel it if directed in writing to do so by the chief executive officer
of the requesting law enforcement agency.
Indemnity for issuing agency and officer
Section 197W provides that when a law enforcement agency in this
jurisdiction grants an authority to request evidence of an assumed identity
from an issuing agency in a participating jurisdiction, the law enforcement
agency must indemnify the issuing agency and its officers for any liability
incurred, notwithstanding that the issuing agency is in a different
jurisdiction.
Application of ch 5B to corresponding authority
Section 197X, for the purposes of the listed provisions, enables an assumed
identity authority granted by a law enforcement agency in a participating
jurisdiction to be recognised as if it had been granted in this jurisdiction.
Part 6 Compliance and monitoring
Division 1 Misuse of assumed identity and
information
Misuse of assumed identity
Section 197Y creates offences for the misuse of assumed identities by
authorised officers or authorised civilians.
Disclosing information about assumed identity
Section 197Z is designed to provide protection to persons acquiring and
using assumed identities and to ensure the integrity of investigations and
intelligence gathering by creating offences for a person, in particular
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circumstances, to disclose certain information relating to assumed
identities.
Division 2 Reporting and record keeping
Report about authorities for assumed identities etc.
Section 197ZA establishes a reporting scheme for the chief executive
officer of a law enforcement agency on identified criteria relating to
assumed identities. The report is required to be given to the report entity for
the agency with a copy of the report being required to be tabled in the
Legislative Assembly within 14 sitting days by the report entity.
The reporting scheme also provides for protection from the disclosure of
specified types of sensitive information through identifying the nature of
information that must not be contained in the report.
Record keeping
Section 197ZB places a requirement upon the chief executive officer of a
law enforcement agency to keep records about the agency's operations
under this chapter. The section sets out the information required to be
contained in the records.
Audit of records
Section 197ZC creates a scheme for the auditing of records about
authorities for assumed identities kept under section 197ZB. The section
sets out the frequency of the audits and establishes who is to conduct the
audit in relation to the specific agency. The section also imposes a duty on
the auditor to report back to the chief executive officer of the results of the
audit.
Part 7 Delegation
Delegation generally
Section 197ZD clarifies that a chief executive officer is restricted from
delegating his or her powers under this chapter except as provided by this
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part. This restriction exists despite any power of the chief executive officer
to delegate that might exist in other legislation.
Delegation - commissioner
Section 197ZE enables the delegation of the commissioner's powers under
this chapter. The section sets out the class of person stated powers may be
delegated to. The section also limits the number of delegation that may be
in force under this section.
Delegation - CMC chairperson
Section 197ZF enables the delegation of the CMC chairperson's powers
under this chapter. The section sets out the class of person stated powers
may be delegated to. The section also limits the number of delegation that
may be in force under this section.
Chapter 5C Surveillance device
warrants
Part 1 Preliminary
Purposes of ch 5C
Section 197ZG sets out the purposes of this chapter. The chapter recognises
that electronic surveillance is a crucial tool for effective and efficient law
enforcement. The chapter establishes procedures for law enforcement
agencies of this jurisdiction for obtaining warrants and authorisations for
the installation, use and retrieval of surveillance devices in this and
participating jurisdictions. The chapter facilitates the recognition of
warrants and emergency authorisations issued or given by the
corresponding law of another jurisdiction.
The chapter further provides for privacy safeguards and accountability
measures through restricting the use, communication and publishing of
information obtained from surveillance devices, the secure storage and
destruction of records, and the making of reports to the courts and to
parliament.
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Definitions for ch 5C
Section 197ZH provides definitions for terms used in this chapter. These
definitions are necessary to complement the Bill.
Meaning of relevant offence
Section 197ZI defines the meanings of relevant offence for this chapter.
When an investigation is conducted in this jurisdiction
Section 178ZJ identifies, for the purposes of this chapter, when an
investigation into a relevant offence is taken to be conducted in this
jurisdiction.
Relationship to other laws and matters
Section 197ZK clarifies that this chapter has no effect on other laws of this
jurisdiction in relation to the use of surveillance devices. For example this
chapter has no effect on surveillance device legislation contained in the
Crime in Misconduct Act 2001 for the investigation of misconduct
offences.
Subsection (2) declares that warrants and emergency authorisations may be
issued for the instillation, use, maintenance and retrieval of surveillance
devices and any associated enhancement equipment. Any warrant or
emergency authorisation is valid in this jurisdiction and any participating
jurisdiction.
Subsection (3) clarifies that a function provided for by this chapter in
relation to the activities of the CMC applies only in relation to their major
crime function.
Subsection (4) provides that this chapter does not authorise the interception
of telecommunications or the doing of any other thing which would require
a warrant under the Commonwealth's Telecommunications (Interception)
Act 1979.
Subsection (5) sets out when this chapter has no effect on the lawful use of
an optical surveillance device by a law enforcement officer.
Subsections (6) and (7) identify certain Acts which do not apply to
activities and records under this chapter.
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Part 2 Warrants
Division 1 Introduction
Types of warrants
Section 197ZL identifies the two types of warrants that may be issues
under this part. The section further provides that a Supreme Court judge
may issue a warrant in respect of 1 or more kinds of surveillance devices.
This includes composite devices that have more than one function.
Who may issue warrants
Section 197ZM identifies who may issue surveillance and retrieval
warrants. The section provides that a Supreme Court judge may issue any
warrant under this part.
Subsection (2) limits a magistrate to only issuing a surveillance device
warrant for a tracking device and only when the installation of the device
does not require covert entry to a building for installation. This would
permit law enforcement officers to enter and install a tracking device in a
public place including a car park. It will also enable entry into a carport or
an open car parking area underneath a unit complex. This section would
also permit law enforcement officers to enter a private building with the
permission of an occupant.
The section further provides that a magistrate may issue a retrieval warrant
for a tracking device and only if a magistrate issued the original warrant.
The retrieval warrant issued by a magistrate must not authorise covert entry
into a building to retrieve the device.
Division 2 Surveillance device warrants
Application for surveillance device warrant
Section 197ZN creates a scheme for the application for a surveillance
device warrant by a senior officer of a law enforcement agency. The section
sets out the criteria that the applicant must reasonably believe to be able to
apply for the warrant. The application must be made to the appropriate
judicial officer and must be sworn and state the information required by the
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section. The section further imposes a duty upon the applicant to advise the
public interest monitor of the application.
The section provides that the judicial officer may require additional
information and may refuse to consider the application until that
information is provided.
Who may be present at consideration of application
Section 197ZO lists the persons who may be present when the judge or
magistrate hears an application for a surveillance device warrant. The
section requires that the application must be heard in the absence of the
suspect or anyone likely to inform the suspect of the application, and
without the suspect having been informed of the application.
Deciding application
Section 197ZP provides that a Supreme Court judge or magistrate must be
satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for the belief founding the
application and that in the context of a remote application, it would have
been impracticable for the application to made in person.
Subsection (2) sets out the issues that the Supreme Court judge or
magistrate must have regard to in deciding the application.
Subsection (3) restricts the issue of a warrant to authorise the use of a
surveillance device in a lawyer's office to circumstances relating to the
lawyer's involvement in a relevant offence.
Subsection (4) provides that a magistrate can issue a warrant for the
installation of a tracking device however such warrant cannot authorise
covert entry into a building by the person installing the tracking device.
What must a surveillance device warrant contain
Section 197ZQ lists the information that must be stated in the warrant. This
includes a statement that the judge or magistrate is satisfied of the matters
referred to in section 197ZP(1) and has had regard to the matters referred to
in section 197ZP(2).
What a surveillance device warrant authorises
Section 197ZR provides the powers a law enforcement officer may exercise
under a surveillance device warrant. The section identifies the kinds of
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warrants and the powers authorised for each kind of warrant. The section
also provides general powers available to all the kinds of surveillance
device warrants including a retrieval power, the use of enhancement
equipment, power to remove and return objects, use of force, the use of
electricity and the connection of devices and equipment to a telephone
system and subsequent use. The section also authorises doing things to
conceal actions undertaken.
The section provides a number of safeguards relating to use of surveillance
devices and enabling the warrant to be subject to specified conditions.
Extension and variation of surveillance device warrant
Section 197ZS established the process for the extension and variation of a
surveillance device warrant. The section provides that before the expiry of
a surveillance device warrant, a senior officer of a law enforcement agency
to whom a warrant has been issued may apply to a judicial officer to vary
any of the terms of the warrant or extend the warrant for an additional
period of up to 90 days. The section clarifies to whom the application must
be made and requires the application to address the same matters required
in the original application where relevant. The application may be granted
subject to any conditions and the new expiry date or varied terms must be
endorsed by the judge or magistrate on the original warrant. The section
provides that there is no limit to the number of times a warrant may be
extended or varied.
Revocation of surveillance device warrant
Section 197ZT creates a process for the revocation of a surveillance device
warrant by a Supreme Court judge or magistrate either on their own
initiative or after receiving a report provided in accordance with section
197ZZQ. The section also imposes notification requirements on a judge or
magistrate who revokes a surveillance device warrant.
Discontinuance of use of surveillance device under warrant
Section 197ZU provides an obligation on certain law enforcement officers
to inform the chief executive officer that a surveillance device warrant is no
longer necessary. The section also sets out the circumstances when the
chief executive officer is to cause the use of the surveillance device to cease
and requires written notification of the discontinuance to be provided to the
public interest monitor. The section clarifies that the warrant ceases to have
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effect, other than for retrieval purposes, when the notice is given to the
public interest monitor.
Division 3 Retrieval warrants
Application for retrieval warrant
Section 197ZV sets out the process for the application for a retrieval
warrant by a law enforcement officer. The section identifies the criteria that
the applicant must reasonably believe to be able to apply for the warrant.
The section requires the application to be to the appropriate judicial officer
and must be sworn and state the information required by the section. The
section also imposes a duty upon the applicant to advise the public interest
monitor. The judicial officer may require additional information and may
refuse to consider the application until that information is provided.
Who may be present at consideration of application
Section 197ZW lists the only persons who may be present when the judge
or magistrate hears an application for a retrieval warrant. The section
requires that the application must be heard in the absence of the suspect or
anyone likely to inform the suspect of the application, and without the
suspect having been informed of the application.
Deciding application
Section 197ZX provides that a Supreme Court judge or magistrate must be
satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for the suspicion founding the
application and that in the context of a remote application, it would have
been impracticable for the application to made in person.
Subsection (2) sets out the issues that the Supreme Court judge or
magistrate must have regard to in deciding the application.
What must a retrieval warrant contain
Section 197ZY provides the information that must be provided in the
warrant. This includes a statement that the judge or magistrate is satisfied
of the matters referred to in section 197ZX(1) and has had regard to the
matters referred to in section 197ZX(2). The section clarifies other matters
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that must be stated in the warrant and requires the person issuing the
warrant to sign it and include their name.
What a retrieval warrant authorises
Section 197ZZ states the powers a law enforcement officer may exercise
under a retrieval warrant. This includes a power of entry and if necessary
the opening or removal and return of an object which contain the
surveillance device and/or associated enhancement equipment.
The warrant authorises the use of the surveillance device and associated
equipment only for the purpose of retrieving the device and any associated
equipment. The section also authorises doing things to conceal actions
undertaken.
Revocation of retrieval warrant
Section 197ZZA creates a process for the revocation of a retrieval warrant
by a Supreme Court judge or magistrate either on their own initiative or
after receiving a report from a law enforcement officer under section
197ZZQ. The section further imposes notification requirements on a judge
or magistrate who revokes a retrieval warrant.
Discontinuance of retrieval warrant
Section 197ZZB provides an obligation on the law enforcement officer
who is issued with a retrieval warrant to inform the chief executive officer
when a retrieval warrant is no longer necessary. The section further
requires the chief executive officer to notify the public interest monitor
when the grounds for the issue of the retrieval warrant cease to exist. Upon
the issue of the notice to the public interest monitor the retrieval warrant
ceases to have effect.
Part 3 Emergency authorisations
Emergency authorisation risk of serious personal violence or
substantial property damage
Section 197ZZC creates a scheme for a law enforcement officer to apply,
either orally or in writing or under the provisions of section 451 of the
PPRA, to a senior officer of the law enforcement agency to give an
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emergency authorisation for the use of a surveillance device if the law
enforcement officer reasonably believes that the listed criteria exists. The
senior officer may grant the application if satisfied that there are reasonable
grounds for the law enforcement officer's belief founding the application.
The emergency authorisation provides the same powers as a surveillance
device warrant.
The rational for the use of the emergency authorisation is that the risk of
violence or damage is so great and imminent as to justify the use of the
surveillance device without judicial authorisation.
Application for approval after use of surveillance device under
emergency authorisation
Section 197ZZD requires that where a surveillance device has been used
under an emergency authorisation, approval of the use must subsequently
be sought from a Supreme Court judge. A senior officer must apply to a
judge by way of a sworn application within 2 business days of the giving of
the emergency authorisation. The section sets out the required details to be
included in the application. The section enables the judge to require
additional information and may refuse to consider the application until the
additional information is provided. A reporting requirement is also placed
upon the applicant to advise the public interest monitor.
Who may be present at consideration of application
Section 197ZZE lists the only persons who may be present when the judge
hears an application for approval of the emergency authorisation. The
section requires that the application must be heard in the absence of the
suspect or anyone likely to inform the suspect of the application, and
without the suspect having been informed of the application.
Consideration of application
Section 197ZZF requires the judge, before deciding whether to approve an
application for approval of the emergency authorisation, must consider the
listed criteria whilst being mindful of the intrusive nature of using a
surveillance device.
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Judge may approve emergency use of powers
Section 197ZZG provides that a judge, after considering the application for
approval of a specified emergency authorisation, may approve the
application if satisfied there were reasonable grounds to believe the stated
criteria relevant to the specified emergency authorisation. If the judge
approves the application, he or she may issue a surveillance device warrant
for the continued use of the surveillance device as if the application was an
application for a surveillance device warrant.
If the judge does not approve the authorisation he or she may order the use
of the surveillance device cease and may order the retrieval of the device
subject to any conditions the judge considers appropriate.
Whether or not the judge approves the application he or she may make an
order that the information obtained through the use of the surveillance
device be dealt with in a stated way.
Admissibility of evidence
Section 197ZZH provides that evidence obtained through the use of a
listening device under an emergency authorisation which is subsequently
approved under section 197ZZG is not inadmissible only because the
evidence was obtained prior to the approval.
Part 4 Recognition of corresponding
warrants and authorisations
Corresponding warrants
Section 197ZZI enables a corresponding warrant, in accordance with its
terms, to be executed in this jurisdiction as though it was a surveillance
warrant or retrieval warrant issued in this jurisdiction.
Section 197ZZI(2) and (3) clarify that a warrant issued in another
jurisdiction can be executed in Queensland, notwithstanding that the
Queensland legislation may impose higher standards or greater restrictions
than the corresponding law. This is to ensure recognition of corresponding
warrants even though Queensland is to maintain existing standards where
these are higher than the model laws.
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Corresponding emergency authorisation
Section 197ZZJ enables a corresponding emergency authorisation, in
accordance with its terms, to use a surveillance device in this jurisdiction as
though it was an emergency authorisation issued in this jurisdiction. The
section also states that a corresponding emergency authorisation will no
longer be valid in this jurisdiction if or when the judge in the issuing
jurisdiction has ordered that the use of the surveillance device is to cease.
Section 197ZZJ(3) clarifies that a corresponding emergency authorisation
issued in another jurisdiction can be executed in Queensland,
notwithstanding that an authorisation equivalent to the corresponding
emergency authorisation could not have been issued in Queensland. This
subsection is particularly directed at clause 22 of the model laws
(Emergency authorisation continued use of authorised surveillance
device in participating jurisdiction) which, when enacted by a participating
jurisdiction and is recognised by Queensland as a `corresponding law',
would allow for a corresponding emergency authorisation to authorise use
of a device in Queensland without a corresponding warrant being issued.
Queensland legislation does not contain such a clause as it does not
distinguish between local and cross-border warrants.
Part 5 Compliance and monitoring
Division 1 Restrictions on use, communication and
publication of information
Definitions for div 1
Section 197ZZK provides definitions for terms used in this chapter. These
definitions are necessary to complement the Bill.
Prohibition on communication or publication of protected
information
Section 197ZZL creates an offence for the unauthorised use,
communication or publication of protected information. In circumstances
where a person has used, communicated or published protected
information with the intention of endangering the health or safety of any
person or prejudicing the effective conduct of an investigation into a
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relevant offence, or has been reckless to that effect, the maximum penalty
is increased to 10 years imprisonment. It is not an offence if the
information is used, communicated or published for certain stated
purposes.
Permitted use of protected information
Section 197ZZM sets out when protected information may be used,
communicated or published. The section also establishes when the listed
reasons for permitted use, communication or publication of protected
information do not apply.
Dealing with records obtained by use of surveillance devices
Section 197ZZN provides an obligation on the chief executive officer of a
law enforcement agency to ensure that records of information or reports
obtained using surveillance devices are kept is a secure place that is not
accessible to those who are not entitled to deal with them. The section also
requires the chief executive officer to ensure that such material in the
possession of the relevant law enforcement agency is destroyed once it is
no longer likely to be required in connection with any of the relevant
permitted purposes under this chapter. This obligation does not extend to
information that is received into evidence in legal or disciplinary
proceedings.
Protection of surveillance device technologies and methods
Section 197ZZO provides that for a proceeding under this chapter for an
application, order or approval, a transcript or publication of the
proceedings is prohibited. The section creates an offence to publish a report
of such a proceeding.
The section requires a person conducting or presiding over a proceeding in
specified circumstances to make orders prohibiting or restricting
publication of information relating to surveillance device technologies and
methods, except where the person who is conducting or presiding over a
proceeding considers otherwise in the interests of justice.
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Protected information in the custody of a court
Section 197ZZP ensures that a person is not entitled to search any protected
information in the custody of a court unless a Supreme Court judge
otherwise orders in the interest of justice.
Division 2 Reporting and record keeping
Report to judge or magistrate
Section 197ZZQ imposes reporting requirements upon a law enforcement
officer who either applies for a warrant or is primarily responsible for the
execution of a warrant issued under this chapter. The section clarifies when
and to whom the report is to be made and specifies the information to be
included in the report and what may be undertaken as a result of receiving
the report.
Annual reports
Section 197ZZR places a requirement upon a chief executive officer of a
law enforcement agency to report on specified matters to the Minister or
Chairperson of the PCMC for each financial year. The Minister or
Chairperson must then table the report in the Legislative Assembly within
14 sittings days.
Keeping documents connected with warrants and emergency
authorisations
Section 197ZZS requires chief executive officer of a law enforcement
agency to cause specified records to be kept to enable compliance with
reporting requirements under this chapter.
Other records to be kept
Section 197ZZT places an additional record keeping requirement upon the
chief executive officer of a law enforcement agency in relation to specified
records.
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Register of warrants and emergency authorisations
Section 197ZZU requires law enforcement agencies to keep a register of
warrants and emergency authorisations and clarifies how this is to be
achieved.
Division 3 Inspections
Inspection of records
Section 197ZZV creates a scheme for the inspection entity for a law
enforcement agency to inspect the records of a law enforcement agency to
determine the agency's compliance with this chapter.
Report on inspection
Section 197ZZW requires the inspection entity for a law enforcement
agency to report at 6 monthly intervals on the results of inspections to the
relevant Minister or chairperson for tabling in the Legislative Assembly.
The Inspection entity may also include comments and observations
regarding the use and effectiveness of surveillance devices in the report.
Division 4 General
Evidentiary certificates
Section 197ZZX provides for a senior officer of a law enforcement agency
to issue an evidentiary certificate to provide evidence about the actions of
law enforcement officers and any assistants in connection with the
execution of surveillance device warrants or emergency authorisations or
information obtained by the use of surveillance devices under a warrant or
authorisation. The section clarifies the admissibility of the certificate issued
under this section or under a corresponding law.
Amendment of s 373 (Assistance in exercising powers)
Clause 13 amends section 373 of the PPRA changing the term `surveillance
warrant' to `surveillance device warrant' and by inserting a new subsection
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(6) to, in addition to a police officer, also include a person acting as a law
enforcement officer under chapters 5A and 5C.
Amendment of s 375 (Power to use force exercise of certain
powers)
Clause 14 amends section 375 of the PPRA by extending the use of force
powers provided to a police officer or a person assisting to a law
enforcement officer.
Replacement of ch 11, pt 2, div 2 hdg
Clause 15 removes the existing chapter 11, part 2, division 2, heading of
the PPRA and inserts a new heading.
Division 2 Register of covert acts
Subdivision 1 Preliminary
Amendment of s 400 (Application of div 2)
Clause 16 omits the term covert act in section 400(2) of the PPRA.
Insertion of new ch 11, pt 2, div 2, sdiv 2, hdg and s 402A
Clause 17 inserts new subdivision 2 into chapter 11, part 2, division 2 and
inserts new section 402A into the PPRA.
Subdivision 2 Covert acts under chapters 4 and 4A
Application of sdiv 2
Section 402A identifies the particular covert acts that this subdivision
applies to.
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Amendment of s 403 (Information to be recorded in register)
Clause 18 amends section 403 of the PPRA by amending the heading so
that it applies to subdivision 2. The clause further amends section 403 by
requiring information specified on the responsibilities code about covert
acts that must be recorded in the register only to apply to covert acts to
which the subdivision applies.
Insertion of new ch 11, pt 2, div 2 sdiv 3 and sdiv 4, hdg
Clause 19 amends the PPRA by inserting before section 404 a new
subdivision 3.
Subdivision 3 Covert acts under chapters 5A and 5C
Application of sdiv 3
Section 403A identifies the particular covert acts that this subdivision
applies to.
Information to be included in register for surveillance device
warrants and retrieval warrants
Section 403B identifies the information about surveillance device warrants
and retrieval warrants that must be included in the register.
Information to be included in register for emergency
authorisations
Section 403C identifies the information about emergency authorisations
that must be included in the register.
Information to be included in the register for controlled
operations
Section 403D identifies the information about controlled operations that
must be included in the register.
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Subdivision 4 General
Amendment of s 404 (Who must record information in register)
Clause 20 amends section 404 of the PPRA by changing the heading.
Amendment of s 409 (Other authorised inspections)
Clause 21 amends section 409 of the PPRA by replacing the term `entity'
to `law enforcement agency' and `entity's' to `law enforcement agency's'
refecting the changes in terms used.
Subclause (3) further amends the PPRA by replacing section 409(2)(c) to
allow for a person to inspect a register for preparing an application for an
approval, authorisation, order or warrant to which this division applies.
Amendment of s 411 (Application of div 3)
Clause 22 amends section 411 of the PPRA by including that the exercising
of a power under a retrieval warrant and emergency authorisation are not
included as enforcement acts for the purposes of division 3.
Amendment of s 419 (Correcting registers)
Clause 23 extends the application of section 419(1) of the PPRA to include
that information required to be entered into a register under sections 403,
403B, 403C and 403D.
Amendment of s 451 (Obtaining warrants, orders and
authorities, etc., by telephone or similar facility)
Clause 24 amends section 451 of the PPRA by including a law enforcement
officer as a person who can utilise this section for remote applications
under the PPRA. The section is also amended to allow for a prescribed
authority to be applied for under this section by email. Section 451 is
further amended renumbering subsection (5) as subsection (6) by replacing
subsection (4) with new subsections (4) and (5) clarifying how the
prescribed authority may be applied for.
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Amendment of s 452 (Steps after issue of prescribed authority)
Clause 25 amends section 452 of the PPRA by placing a recording
requirement on a person who issues a prescribed authority on a remote
application made under chapter 5C
Subclause (2) amends section 452(2), (3) and (4) of the PPRA by extending
the application of the section to a law enforcement officer.
Subclauses (3), (4) and (5) amends section 452 of the PPRA by setting out
when documents required to be sent under subsection (4) must be sent.
Subclause (6) clarifies that a proscribed authority form completed by a
police officer or law enforcement officer is the same as a prescribed
authority signed by the issuer.
Amendment of s 453 (Presumption about exercise of powers
under prescribed authority)
Clause 26 amends section 453 of the PPRA by extending the application of
the section to a law enforcement officer.
Amendment of s 454 (Protection of methodologies)
Clause 27 amends section 454(4) of the PPRA by inserting a note advising
that provisions relating to the protection of surveillance device
technologies and methods under chapter 5C are contained in section
197ZZO.
Insertion of new ch 13, pt 5
Clause 28 amends chapter 13 of the PPRA by insert a new part 5.
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Part 5 Transitional Provisions for Cross
Border Law Enforcement
Legislation Amendment Act 2005
Division 1 Preliminary
Definitions for pt 5
Section 484 provides definitions for terms used in this part. These
definitions are necessary for the transitional provisions of this Bill.
Division 2 Controlled activities
Transitional provision for controlled activities
Section 485 sets out the transitional requirements for controlled activities,
protections from liability and powers not to be delegated.
Division 3 Controlled operations
Subdivision 1 Definitions
Definitions for div 3
Section 486 provides definitions for terms used in this division. These
definitions are necessary for the transitional provisions of this Bill.
Subdivision 2 Controlled operations committee
Transitional provisions about committee membership
Section 487 sets out the transitional requirements about the controlled
operations committee membership.
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Transitional provisions about committee business
Section 488 sets out the transitional requirements about the controlled
operations committee business.
Subdivision 3 Controlled operation approvals
Transitional provisions for police service controlled operation
approvals
Section 489 sets out the transitional requirements for controlled operation
approval and controlled operation urgent approval of the police service.
Transitional provisions for CMC controlled operation approvals
Section 490 sets out the transitional requirements for controlled operation
approval and controlled operation urgent approval of the CMC.
Transitional provision for pre-commencement day
recommendations
Section 491 sets out the transitions requirements for recommendations
made by the committee.
Subdivision 4 Covert operatives
Transitional provisions for police service covert operatives
Section 492 sets out the transitional requirements for police and civilian
covert operatives named in controlled operation approval or controlled
operation urgent approval of the police service and relevant documents.
Transitional provisions for CMC covert operatives
Section 493 sets out the transitional requirements for civilian covert
operatives named in controlled operation approval or controlled operation
urgent approval of the CMC and relevant documents.
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Division 4 Assumed identities
Authorities for identity documents that are birth certificates
Section 494 sets out the transitional requirements for created birth
certificates.
Identity documents other than birth certificates
Section 495 sets out the transitional requirements for created identity
documents.
Division 5 Surveillance devices
Subdivision 1 Definitions
Definitions for div 5
Section 496 provides definitions for terms used in this division. These
definitions are necessary for the transitional provisions of this Bill.
Subdivision 2 Transitional provisions for police
service surveillance devices
Transitional provisions for existing police service surveillance
devices
Section 497 sets out the transitional requirements for existing police
service surveillance warrants and authorisations.
Transitional provisions for protection of records
Section 498 sets out the transitional requirements for the protection of
records relating to surveillance device warrants and applications including
information in the custody of the court.
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Transitional provisions for use and disclosure of information
obtained from using surveillance devices
Section 499 sets out the transitional requirements for the use and disclosure
of information obtained by the police service from the use of surveillance
devices.
Subdivision 3 Transitional provisions for CMC
surveillance devices
Transitional provisions for existing CMC surveillance devices
Section 500 sets out the transitional requirements for existing CMC
surveillance warrants and authorisations.
Transitional provisions for protection of records
Section 501 sets out the transitional requirements for the protection of
records relating to CMC surveillance device warrants and applications
including information in the custody of the court.
Transitional provisions for use and disclosure of information
obtained from using surveillance devices
Section 502 sets out the transitional requirements for the use and disclosure
of information obtained by the CMC from the use of surveillance devices.
Division 6 General
Transitional regulation-making power
Section 503 sets out the transitional provision allowing for `relevant
offences' for the purposes of chapters 5A and 5C to be prescribed by
regulation for a period of 12 months from commencement. This is to
ensure that all relevant offences for which these powers are to be exercised
are captured. Following this, the only way the definition can be amended is
by another Act of Parliament.
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Insertion of new schs 2-3A
Clause 29 inserts new schedules 2 (Relevant offences for controlled
operations and surveillance device warrants) and schedule 3 (Relevant
offences for chapter 5C disclosure of information provisions). These
schedules set out additional relevant offences for which these powers are to
be exercised but that fall below the relevant offence threshold of either
seven or three years imprisonment.
Amendment of sch 4 (Dictionary)
Clause 30 amends the Schedule 4 Dictionary of the PPRA
Subclause (1) omits definitions authorised person, chapter 4 application,
class A surveillance device, class B surveillance device. committee,
controlled activity, controlled operation, corresponding law, covert act,
covert operative, entity, misconduct offence, monitor, otherwise unlawful
activity, relevant offences, relevant place and responsible chief executive
officer. These definitions have been excluded to give effect to the model
law provisions being inserted by the Bill.
Subclause (2) inserts new definitions for terms used in the Bill. These
definitions are necessary to complement the Bill.
Subclause (3) amends the definition of chief executive officer to include the
Commissioner of Police, the Chairperson of the Crime and Misconduct
Commission and the chief executive officer of an issuing agency under the
assumed identities provisions in chapter 5B.
Subclause (4) amends the definition of police officer.
Division 3 Amendments relating to Australian Crime
Commission activities
Subdivision 1 Controlled operations related
amendments
Amendment of s 141 (Relationship to other laws and matters)
Clause 31 amends section 141 to enable the ACC to utilise chapter 5A for
the purpose of its suspected serious and organised crime power and
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function provided under the Australian Crime Commission (Queensland)
Act 2003.
Amendment of s 143 (Establishment of controlled operations
committee)
Clause 32 amends section 143 to enable the chief executive officer of the
ACC to be a member of the controlled operations committee in
circumstances where an application is made under chapter 5A by the ACC
for a controlled operation.
Amendment of s 180 (Annual report by report entity)
Clause 33 amends section 180 by inserting a note at the end of subsection
(2) indicating that reports by the ACC about activities under a State law are
provided for by Commonwealth legislation.
Amendment of s 182 (General Register)
Clause 34 replaces section 182 to clarify that the section only applies to the
police service and the CMC.
Amendment of s 184 (Delegations generally)
Clause 35 amends section 184 by inserting new subsection (2) to clarify
that a reference in this division to a power includes a reference to a
function.
Insertion of new s 186A
Clause 36 inserts new section 186A (Delegations ACC).
Delegations-ACC
Section 186A sets out the delegation of the ACC's chief executive officer's
powers under chapter 5A and defines the term senior officer.
Amendment of sch 4 (Dictionary)
Clause 37 amends the definitions of law enforcement agency, chief
executive officer and law enforcement officer in schedule 4. These
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amendments are necessary to complement the Bill in enabling the ACC to
utilise powers and functions under chapter 5A.
Subdivision 2 Assumed identities related
amendments
Amendment of s 191 (Relationship to other laws and matters)
Clause 38 amends section 191 to enable the ACC to utilise chapter 5B for
the purpose of its suspected serious and organised crime power and
function provided under the Australian Crime Commission (Queensland)
Act 2003.
Amendment of s 193 (Deciding application)
Clause 39 amends section 193 by inserting new subsection (4)(c) to clarify
for the ACC who can be a supervisor the acquisition and use of an assumed
identity by an authorised civilian.
Amendment of s 197ZA (Report about authorities for assumed
identities)
Clause 40 amends section 197ZA by inserting a note at the end of
subsection (4) indicating that reporting requirements for the ACC about
activities under a State law are provided for by Commonwealth legislation.
Amendment of s 197ZD (Delegations generally)
Clause 41 amends section 197ZD by inserting new subsection (2) to clarify
that a reference in this division to a power includes a reference to a
function.
Insertion of new s 197ZFA
Clause 42 inserts new section 197ZFA (Delegation ACC).
Delegation-ACC
Section 197ZFA sets out the delegation of the ACC's chief executive
officer's powers under chapter 5B and defines the term senior officer.
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Amendment of sch 4 (Dictionary)
Clause 43 amends the definition of law enforcement officer to include
relevant ACC officers.
Subdivision 3 Surveillance device warrant related
amendments
Amendment of s 197ZH (Definitions for ch 5C)
Clause 44 amends section 197ZH by amending the definition of inspection
entity so that it does not apply to the ACC and inserting a note identifying
that inspection requirements for the ACC are provided for by section 55A
of the Surveillance Devices Act 2004 (Cwlth).
Clause 44(3) amends section 197ZH by inserting a new subsection (c) to
the definition of senior officer thereby identifying who is a senior officer
for the ACC.
Amendment of s 197ZK (Relationship to other laws and
matters)
Clause 45 amends section 197ZK to enable the ACC to utilise chapter 5C
for the purpose of its suspected serious and organised crime power and
function as provided for under the Australian Crime Commission
(Queensland) Act 2003.
Amendment of s 197ZN (Application for surveillance device
warrant)
Clause 46 amends section 197ZN by requiring a supporting affidavit to be
provided with an application made by the ACC.
Amendment of s 197ZZL (Prohibition on communication of
protected information)
Clause 47 amends s197ZZL to allow for the communication by the Public
Interest Monitor to the Commonwealth ombudsman of information relating
to surveillance device warrants obtained by the ACC. This is necessary to
enable the Commonwealth ombudsman to perform the inspection and
reporting functions under Commonwealth legislation.
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Amendment of s 197ZZR (Annual reports)
Clause 48 amends section 197ZZR by inserting a note at the end of
subsection (4) indicating the reporting requirements for the ACC are
contained in the Surveillance Devices Act 2004 (Cwlth).
Amendment of sch 4 (Dictionary)
Clause 49 amends the definitions of law enforcement agency, chief
executive officer and law enforcement officer in schedule 4. These
amendments are necessary to complement the Bill in enabling the ACC to
utilise powers and functions under chapter 5C.
Part 3 Amendment of Evidence Act 1977
Division 1 Preliminary
Act amended in pt 3
Clause 50 provides that this part amends the Evidence Act 1977.
Division 2 Amendments relating to police and Crime
and Misconduct Commission activities
Replacement of pt 2, div 5 (Witness anonymity)
Clause 51 amends part 2, division 5 of the Evidence Act 1977 by omitting
the existing division and inserting a new part 2, division 5 (Witness identity
protection) which contains the following sections.
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Division 5 Witness identity protection
Subdivision 1 Preliminary
Purposes of div 5
Section 21B provides the purposes of the division which are twofold. In
relation to investigations of criminal activity including cross-border
investigations the division will assist law enforcement by providing a
scheme to enable the identity of operatives to be protected and to enable
mutual recognition of interstate schemes of the same nature. In relation to
misconduct investigations conducted by the CMC the division will provide
a scheme to enable the identity of operatives to be protected.
Definitions for div 5
Section 21C provides the definitions for the division.
Application of div 5 to lawyer of party to a proceeding
Section 21D makes it clear that for the division a party's lawyer may do
anything which the party to the proceeding is permitted to do. Also, where
a party to a proceeding is required to be given something, or notified, the
section makes it clear the requirement is able to be satisfied by giving the
thing to or notifying the party's lawyer.
Subdivision 2 Witness identity protection
certificates for operatives
Application of sdiv 2
Section 21E(1) provides that the new subdivision 2 applies to a proceeding
in which an operative is or may be required to give evidence that was
obtained when the person was an operative.
Subsection (2) makes it clear that the subdivision is not to affect the
common law relating to the protection of the identities of other persons,
who are not operatives, and who are or intended to be witnesses in a
proceeding.
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Giving witness identity protection certificate
Section 21F(1) allows the chief executive of a law enforcement agency to
give a witness identity protection certificate for the purposes of a
proceeding in circumstances where an operative of the agency is or may be
required to give evidence and where the chief executive is satisfied on
reasonable grounds that disclosure of the operative's identity or the place
where the operative lives is likely to endanger the safety of the operative or
another person or adversely affect an investigation.
Subsection (2) requires the chief executive to make all reasonable enquiries
necessary to enable the inclusion in the witness identity protection
certificate of all the information required under section 21G.
Subsection (3) provides that the decision to give a witness identity
protection certificate is final and conclusive and can not be impeached,
appealed against, reviewed, called into question, quashed or invalidated in
any court.
Subsection (4) makes it clear that subsection (3) does not prevent the
decision being called into question where disciplinary proceedings are
taken against the person who made the decision.
Form of witness identity protection certificate
Section 21G(1) provides that a witness identity protection certificate must
state:
(a) either the name, not being the real name, the operative is known by to
a party in the proceeding or the party's lawyer (the assumed name ) or
if not known to the party or lawyer by a name then a court name for
the proceeding;
(b) the period the operative was involved in the investigation to which the
proceeding relates;
(c) the law enforcement agency's name;
(d) the certificate's date;
(e) a general description of the reasons for issuing the certificate;
(f) if the operative has been convicted of any offences anywhere, and if
so, stating the offences;
(g) if any charges against the operative are outstanding anywhere, and if
so, stating the charges;
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(h) if the operative is or was a law enforcement officer, whether the
operative has been found guilty of professional misconduct and if so,
giving details and also whether any allegations of professional
misconduct are outstanding and if so, giving details;
(i) if to the knowledge of the person giving the certificate, a court
(defined in schedule 3 of the Evidence Act 1977 to mean the court,
tribunal, judge, justice, arbitrator, body or person before whom or
which a proceeding is held or taken) has made any adverse comment
on the credibility of the operative and if so, what was said about the
operative;
(j) if to the knowledge of the person giving the certificate, the operative
has ever made a false representation when the truth was required and
if so, details about the representation;
(k) details of anything else known to the person giving the certificate
which may be relevant to the credibility of the operative.
Subsection (2) provides that a witness identity protection certificate must
not include information that may enable the actual identity of the operative
or where the witness lives to be disclosed.
Subsection (3) clarifies what is meant by a charge or allegation of
professional misconduct being outstanding.
Subsection (4) provides that the Criminal Law (Rehabilitation of
Offenders) Act 1986 does not apply to the disclosure of information under
subsection (1)(f) or (g). Therefore despite the legislation about spent
convictions the certificate must contain details of all offences and charges
including spent offences.
Subsection (5) contains definitions for the purposes of the section.
Filing and notification
Section 21H(1) provides that if the chief executive officer of a law
enforcement agency gives a witness identity protection certificate then the
agency must--
(a) file the certificate with the relevant court before the person for whom
the certificate was given is called to give evidence; and
(b) if the agency is the police service, give a copy of the certificate and
notice of the date it was filed to the chairperson of the Crime and
Misconduct Commission (CMC).
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Subsection (2) provides that the law enforcement agency must also give a
copy of the witness identity protection certificate to each party to the
proceeding at least 14 days or shorter agreed period prior to the day the
operative is to be called to give evidence.
Subsection (3) provides that the relevant court may also by order require a
copy of the certificate to be given to a stated person.
Effect of witness identity protection certificate
Section 21I(1) sets out when the section is to apply. The section applies
once the witness identity protection certificate is filed and either a copy
given as required by 21H(2) and (3) or the relevant court gives leave for the
section to apply despite non-compliance with those subsections.
Subsection (2) provides that once the section applies the operative may
give evidence in the proceeding under the assumed name or court name
stated in the certificate and, subject to section 21K--
(i) a question may not be asked of a witness, including the operative, that
may lead to the disclosure of the actual identity of the operative or
where the operative lives; and
(ii) a witness, including the operative , is not required to, and must not,
answer any question, give any evidence or provide any information
that may lead to the disclosure of the actual identity of the operative or
where the operative lives; and
(iii) a person involved in the proceeding must not make a statement that
discloses or could disclose the actual identity of the operative or
where the operative lives.
Subsection (3) sets out which persons are included in the term "person
involved in a proceeding".
Orders to protect operative's identity etc.
Section 21J(1) provides that the court with which a witness identity
protection certificate is filed may make any order it considers necessary to
protect the identity of the operative or to prevent disclosure of the place
where the operative resides. The subsection contains examples of the types
of order which may be made.
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Subsection (2) provides an offence for contravention of an order under
subsection (1). The maximum penalty upon conviction is 2 years
imprisonment.
Subsection (3) provides that the offence does not limit the court's power to
punish for contempt.
Disclosure of operative's identity etc. despite certificate
Section 21K(1) sets out when the section is to apply. The section applies
once a witness identity protection certificate is filed with a court.
Subsection (2) provides that a party to the proceeding or a lawyer assisting
the court in the proceeding may make an application to the court to ask
questions of a witness, including the operative, or for a person to make a
statement that, if answered or made, may disclose the operative's actual
identity or where the operative lives. The party or lawyer may also apply
for an order requiring a witness, including the operative, to answer a
question, give evidence or provide information that discloses or may
disclose the operative's actual identity or where the operative lives.
Subsection (3) provides for leave to be given or an order to be made.
Subsection (4) provides that leave cannot be given or an order made unless
the court is satisfied--
(a) there is some evidence that, if believed, would call into question the
credibility of the operative ; and
(b) it would be impractical to properly test the credibility of the operative
without allowing the risk of disclosing or disclosing the actual identity
of the operative or where the operative lives; and
(c) it is in the interests of justice for the party to be able to test the
credibility of the operative.
Subsection (5) provides that the application for leave or an order must be
heard in the absence of a jury empanelled for the proceeding.
Subsection (6) provides that the court must be closed when the application
is made or, if leave is given or an order made, when the question is asked
and answered, the evidence is given, the information is provided or the
statement is made. However, the court does not have to be closed if the
court considers it is in the interests of justice for it not to be closed.
Subsection (7) provides that the court must make an order to prevent the
publication of anything said during the relevant part of the proceeding.
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Subsection (8) makes it clear that subsection (7) does not affect the taking
of a transcript of the proceedings. However, the court may make an order
about how the transcript is to be dealt with including preventing its
publication.
Subsection (9) allows the court to make any other necessary orders to
protect the operative's actual identity or prevent disclosure of where the
operative lives.
Subsection (10) provides an offence for contravention of an order made
under subsections (7), (8) or (9). The maximum penalty upon conviction is
2 years imprisonment.
Subsection (11) provides that the offence in the previous subsection does
not limit the court's power to punish for contempt.
Directions to jury
Section 21KA(1) sets out when the section is to apply. The section applies
once a witness identity protection certificate is filed with a court, a jury has
been empanelled and the operative gives evidence.
Subsection (2) sets out the direction the court must give to the jury.
However, the court does not have to give the jury a direction if it considers
it inappropriate to do so. For example the jury may not have become aware
that the operative has given evidence under an assumed name or a court
name and in this case the court may consider that it is inappropriate to give
a direction because to do so would only make the jury aware of that fact.
Witness identity protection certificate - cancellation
Section 21KB(1) sets out when the section is to apply. The section applies
if a chief executive officer of a law enforcement agency gives a witness
identity protection certificate for an operative for a proceeding.
Subsection (2) provides for the cancellation of the certificate by the chief
executive officer once that officer considers it is no longer necessary or
appropriate to prevent disclosure of the identity of the operative or where
the operative lives.
Subsection (3) provides for written notice of cancellation to be given to the
court and each party to the proceeding.
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Permission to give information disclosing operative's identity
etc.
Section 21KC(1) sets out when the section is to apply. The section applies
if the chief executive officer of a law enforcement agency gives a witness
identity protection certificate for an operative for a proceeding.
Subsection (2) allows the chief executive officer, if considered necessary or
appropriate, to authorise a person to give information, other than in a
proceeding, that may disclose or lead to the disclosure of the identity of the
operative or where the operative lives.
Subsection (3) sets out the requirements for the written permission.
Subsection (4) provides that the permission may also specify how the
information, which may be given, is to be given.
Disclosure offences
Section 21KD(1) makes it an offence, in certain circumstances, to do
something which discloses or is likely to lead to the disclosure of the
operative's identity or where the operative lives. The maximum penalty
upon conviction is 2 years imprisonment.
Subsection (2) makes it a crime if a person commits the offence in
subsection (1) in certain aggravating circumstances. The maximum penalty
upon conviction is 10 years imprisonment.
Review of giving of witness identity protection certificate by
police service
Section 21KE(1) sets out when the section is to apply. The section applies
to all witness identity protection certificates filed by the police service.
Subsection (2) provides that as soon as practicable after the end of a
proceeding in which a witness identity protection certificate is filed by the
police service, notice of the date the proceeding to which the certificate
relates ended must be given by the commissioner to the chairperson of the
CMC.
Subsection (3) provides that the chairperson of the CMC must--
(a) review the giving of each witness identity protection certificate as
soon as practicable after the end of the proceeding to which the
certificate relates; and in any event, within 3 months after the end of
the year in which the certificate is filed; and
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(b) consider whether it was appropriate to give the certificate, in the
circumstances; and
(c) if the chairperson considers it was inappropriate to give the certificate,
the chairperson must notify, as soon as practicable, whichever of the
following is relevant of that fact--
(i) each party to the proceeding;
(ii) a lawyer assisting the court.
Subsection (4) provides that the commissioner, if asked, is to give the
chairperson--
(a) all information used by the police service in deciding whether or not
to give the certificate; and
(b) particulars relating to each person to whom a copy of the certificate
was given under section 21H.
Subsection (5) provides that the chairperson must give a copy of any report
on the review to the commissioner as soon as practicable after the report is
completed.
(Note: Under section 314 of the Crime and Misconduct Act 2001, the
parliamentary commissioner has the functions to audit the records kept by
the CMC and the CMC's operational files including for the purpose of
deciding whether the way the CMC has exercised power is an appropriate
way. This provision will enable audits of the giving of certificates by the
CMC.)
Giving information about witness identity protection
certificates
Section 21KF(1) provides for the giving of reports by law enforcement
agencies other than the CMC as soon as practicable after the end of each
financial year, and specifies what information must be contained in the
report.
Subsection (2) ensures that information which might disclose an
operative's identity or place of residence is not included in any report
unless the witness identity protection certificate for the operative has been
cancelled.
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Report about witness identity protection certificates
Section 21KG(1) provides the reporting arrangements for the CMC and
specifies what information is to be contained in the annual report.
Subsection (2) ensures that information which might disclose an
operative's identity or place of residence is not included in the report unless
the witness identity protection certificate for the operative has been
cancelled.
Subsection (3) defines annual report for the purposes of the section which
means the annual report made by the CMC under the Financial
Administration and Audit Act 1977, section 46J.
Recognition of witness identity protection certificates under
corresponding laws
Section 21KH provides for the recognition of corresponding witness
identity protection certificates made under corresponding laws and ensures
sections 21H to 21KA and section 21KD apply to them, with any necessary
changes, as if they were certificates given under section 21F.
Subdivision 3 General
Delegation
Section 21KI(1) provides that except as provided in the section the powers
of a chief executive officer of a law enforcement agency under this division
may not be delegated to any other person. The subsection also makes it
clear that the limitation on delegation in the section applies despite any
other Act or law to the contrary.
Subsection (2) provides that the chief executive officer of a law
enforcement agency may delegate his or her powers under the division to a
senior officer of the agency. However, the power of delegation may not be
delegated.
Subsection (3) defines the term "senior officer" of a law enforcement
agency for the section. For the police service a senior officer is a deputy
commissioner of the police service and for the CMC an assistant
commissioner of the CMC.
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Insertion of new pt 9, div 3
Clause 52 inserts new part 9, division 3 after section 142.
Division 3 Cross-Border Law Enforcement
Legislation Amendment Act 2005
Witness anonymity certificates
Section 143 sets out the transitional requirements and provides terms used
for this section.
Amendment of sch 3 (Dictionary)
Clause 53 amends schedule 3.
Subclause (1) omits definitions controlled operation, covert operative,
protected witness, relevant entity and relevant proceeding.
Subclause (2) inserts new definitions for terms used in the Bill. These
definitions are necessary to complement the Bill.
Subclause (3) amends the definition of law enforcement agency.
Division 3 Amendments for Australian Crime
Commission activities
Amendment of s 21C (Definitions for div 5)
Clause 54 amends section 21C.
Subclause (1) inserts new definition ACC.
Subclause (2) amends the definition chief executive officer.
Subclause (3) amends the definition law enforcement agency.
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Amendment of s 21G (Form of witness identity protection
certificate)
Clause 55 amends section 21G(5) by inserting new part (c) into the
definition of law enforcement officer to include a member of the staff of the
ACC.
Amendment of s 21H (Filing and notification)
Clause 56 amends section 21H(1) by inserting new subsection (c) which
requires that if the agency is the ACC, a copy of the certificate and a notice
the date was filed must be provided to the Commonwealth Ombudsman.
Amendment of s 21KI (Delegation)
Clause 57 amends section 21KI(3) by inserting the definition of senior
officer for the ACC. For the ACC a senior officer is the director national
operations of the ACC or another prescribed office of the ACC.
Amendment of sch 3 (Dictionary)
Clause 58 amends schedule 3 by inserting the definition for ACC.
Part 4 Amendment of Witness Protection
Act 2000
Act amended in pt 4 and sch 2
Clause 59 provides that this part and schedule 2 amend the Witness
Protection Act 2000.
Replacement of pt 3, div 2 (Provisions about proceedings
involving protected witnesses)
Clause 60 replaces part 3, division 2 to insert the model law provisions
about proceedings involving protected witnesses.
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Division 2 Proceedings involving protected
witnesses
Subdivision 1 Preliminary
Definitions for div 2
Section 24 inserts new definitions for part 3 division 2 in accordance with
the model law. The definition of `complementary non-disclosure
certificate' links in with the existing definition of `corresponding witness
protection law', which is in turn defined as a law of the Commonwealth or
a State declared by regulation to be a complimentary witness protection
law.
The definition of `party' to a proceeding also differs from the model law to
ensure that a witness is only a party to the proceeding if granted leave by
the court.
The model law term `previous identity' has not been included as term
`former identity' which is used is already defined in the Act.
Application of div 2 to lawyer of party to a proceeding
Section 24A provides that anything permitted to be done by a party to the
proceeding may be done by the party's lawyer, or any requirement to give
something to a party to the proceeding is satisfied by giving the thing to a
party's lawyer. This allows lawyers to effectively act for parties to a
proceeding.
Subdivision 2 Proceedings involving protected
witnesses
Requirement if protected witness becomes a witness in a
proceeding
Section 25 provides that where a protected witness is required to give
evidence in a proceeding in court (whether under the person's new or
former identity) they must notify the chairperson of this fact. A protected
witness commits an offence if he or she knows, or is reckless as to whether,
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he or she is required to give evidence in a proceeding and either
intentionally, knowingly or recklessly fails to notify the chairperson under
the section.
Once notified, the chairperson must give a non-disclosure certificate to the
person and file a copy of the certificate with the court. A `court' includes a
court, within the meaning of the Act, of another jurisdiction.
What non-disclosure certificate must state
Section 26 stipulates what a non-disclosure certificate must state and
provides that the certificate must not include information that discloses, or
may lead to the disclosure of, the protected witness's identity or where the
person lives.
Effect of non-disclosure certificate
Section 27 sets out what the effect of providing a non-disclosure certificate
which is filed with a court in Queensland. Subject to section 27A, a
question must not be asked of a witness (including the protected witness)
that may lead to the disclosure of the protected witness' protected identity
or where the protected witness lives. Similarly, a witness (including the
protected witness) can not be required to and must not answer such a
question.
The section also stipulates who, for the purposes of the section, is a person
involved in the proceeding.
The Court may disclose to each party to the proceeding that the court has
been given a non-disclosure certificate regarding a protected witness who is
to give evidence and what the certificate states. This disclosure however,
must be made in the absence of the jury and the public. The Court must
also inform the parties of the effect of the certificate.
Subsection (7) states that the section applies despite any other Act.
Disclosure of protected witness's identity despite certificate
Section 27A creates the scheme for the court to give leave for the
questioning of a witness or ordering a witness to make a statement which
may disclose a protected witness's protected identity or where the witness
lives. This is subject to the court being satisfied of the list criteria dealing
with issues of credibility.
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The section requires that any such application for disclosure must be done
in the absence of any jury and unless the court consider otherwise, the
application and any evidence subsequently given, must be made in a closed
court. The section further requires orders be made suppressing publication
of the application and any evidence subsequently given. Further, the section
provides that the court may also make orders on how transcripts are to be
dealt with and any other order the court considers appropriate.
The section creates offences for the contravention of any order.
Recognition of corresponding non-disclosure certificate
Section 27B establishes how corresponding non-disclosure certificates are
to be recognised in Queensland.
Amendment of s 30 (Dealing with rights, obligations and
restrictions of protected witness)
Clause 61 amends section 30 by removing tribunals and commission of
inquires from proceedings that the chairperson will accept process from on
behalf of a protected witness, as these are covered within the new definition
of "court" inserted by this Bill.
Amendment of s 36 (Offence of disclosures about protected
witnesses or officers
Clause 62 amends section 36(3)(d) by allowing for the disclosure of
information about a protected witness when permitted leave or required to
do so under an order granted under section 27A.
Amendment of s 37 (Offences of disclosure by prescribed
persons)
Clause 63 amends section 37(3)(d) by providing it is not an offence to
disclose information about a protected witness when permitted leave
required to do so under an order granted under section 27A.
Amendment of s 48 (Delegation)
Clause 64 amends section 48 by providing that the chairperson can not
delegate a power to grant a certificate under section 25(2)(a).
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Insertion of new pt 5, div 2
Clause 65 inserts a new part 5, division 2 dealing with transitional
provisions.
Division 2 Transitional provisions for Cross-Border
Law Enforcement Legislation
Amendment Act 2005
Definition for div 2
Section 55 provides definitions for terms used in this division. These
definitions are necessary for the transitional provisions of this Bill.
Existing non-disclosure certificates
Section 56 sets out the transitional requirements for existing non-disclosure
certificates.
Provision about notice under pre-amended Act
Section 57 sets out the transitional requirements in relation to notices under
the existing section 24.
Amendment of sch 2 (Dictionary)
Clause 62 amends schedule 2 by deleting the definitions of protected
person, relevant entity and relevant proceeding and inserts new definitions
for terms used in this chapter. These definitions are necessary to
complement the Bill.
Part 5 Amendment Of Crime And
Misconduct Act 2001
Act amended in pt 5
Clause 67 states that part 5 and schedule 2 amends the Crime and
Misconduct Act 2001.
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Amendment of s 40 (Commission may issue notification about
how notifications are to be made)
Clause 68 amends section 40 by amending the section reference in the
PPRA relating to unauthorised disclosure of information necessary to
reflect changes made by the Bill.
Insertion of new ch 3, pt 6A
Clause 69 inserts new chapter 3, part 6A (Controlled operations and
controlled activities for misconduct offences) after chapter 3, part 6. Part
6A replicates the existing legislative provisions of chapter 5 of the PPRA
dealing with controlled operations (and associated identity documents) and
controlled activities relating to the CMC's misconduct function. It also
inserts provisions regarding the Controlled Operations Committee and
includes cross-references where required to the PPRA. These amendments
effectively maintain the status quo regarding the use of these powers for the
CMC's misconduct function and make it clear that these powers do not
have cross-border operation, unlike the powers in the PPRA for the CMC's
major crime function.
Amendment of s 317 (Powers of parliamentary commissioner)
Clause 70 amends section 317 by inserting new subsection (7) to allow
enable the Parliamentary Commissioner to delegate his or her powers as an
inspection entity under Chapters 5A (Controlled operations) or 5C
(Surveillance device warrants) of the PPRA to a legal practitioner referred
to in section 315(2) of the Crime and Misconduct Act 2001.
Insertion of new ch 8, pt 2, hdg
Clause 71 amends the Crime and Misconduct Act 2001 by replacing the
heading of chapter part 2 with the new heading"
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Part 2 Transitional Provisions for Crime
and Misconduct Act 2001
Insertion of new ch 8, pt 3
Clause 72 inserts after section 375B a new chapter 8, part 3 (Transitional
provisionals for Cross-Border Law Enforcement Legislation Amendment
Act 2005). These sections set out the transitional provisions necessary due
to the relocation of the controlled operations and controlled activity
provisions relating to the CMC's misconduct function from the PPRA to
the Crime and Misconduct Act 2001.
Amendment of sch 2 (Dictionary)
Clause 73 amends schedule 2 by deleting the terms of affected by
bankruptcy action, class A surveillance device, class B surveillance device
and surveillance warrant and inserts new definitions for terms used in this
act. These definitions are necessary to complement the Bill.
Part 6 Minor and Consequential
Amendments
Amendment of other Acts
Clause 74 provides that schedule 4 amends the Acts mentioned in the
schedule.
Schedule 1 Minor and Consequential
Amendments of Police Powers
And Responsibilities Act 2000
Consequential amendments
Clauses 1 to 19 provide for minor and consequential amendments to the
PPRA which have been altered as a result of the Bill.
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Schedule 2 Minor Amendments of Witness
Protection Act 2000
Consequential amendments
Clauses 1 to 3 provide for minor amendments to the Witness Protection Act
2000 which has been altered as a result of the Bill.
Schedule 3 Minor and Consequential
Amendments of Crime and
Misconduct Act 2001
Consequential amendments
Clauses 1 to 36 provide for minor and consequential amendments to the
Crime and Misconduct Act 2001 which have been altered as a result of the
Bill. This is particularly in relation to removing the references to `major
crime' in the surveillance device provisions of the Act as these are now
dealt with under chapter 5C of the PPRA.
Schedule 4 Other Acts Amended
Criminal Code
Clauses 1 and 2 provide for amendments to the Criminal Code which has
been altered as a result of the Bill.
Police Service Administration Act 1990
Clauses 1 to 8 provide for amendments to the Police Service
Administration Act 1990 which have been altered as a result of the Bill.
Prostitution Act 1990
Clause 1 provides for amendment to the Prostitution Act 1999 which has
been altered as a result of the Bill.
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Freedom of Information Act 1992
Clause 1 provides for amendment to the Freedom of Information Act 1992
which has been altered as a result of the Bill.
© State of Queensland 2005