Queensland Consolidated Acts Queensland Consolidated Acts(1) An inspector may apply for a warrant (a special warrant) by phone, fax, radio or another form of communication if the inspector considers it necessary because of--
(a) urgent circumstances; or
(b) other special circumstances, including, for example, the inspector's remote location.
(2) Before applying for the special warrant, the inspector must prepare an application stating the grounds on which the warrant is sought.
(3) The inspector may apply for the special warrant before the application is sworn.
(4) After issuing the special warrant, the magistrate must immediately fax a copy (a facsimile warrant) to the inspector if it is reasonably practicable to fax the copy.
(5) If it is not reasonably practicable to fax a copy to the inspector--
(a) the magistrate must tell the inspector--
(i) what the terms of the special warrant are; and
(ii) the date and time the special warrant was issued; and
(b) the inspector must complete a form of warrant (a warrant form) and write on it--
(i) the magistrate's name; and
(ii) the date and time the magistrate issued the special warrant; and
(iii) the terms of the special warrant.
(6) The facsimile warrant, or the warrant form properly completed by the inspector, authorises the entry and the exercise of the other powers stated in the special warrant issued.
(7) The inspector must, at the first reasonable opportunity, send to the magistrate--
(a) the sworn application; and
(b) if the inspector completed a warrant form--the completed warrant form.
(8) On receiving the documents, the magistrate must attach them to the special warrant.
(9) If--
(a) an issue arises in a proceeding about whether an exercise of a power was authorised by a special warrant; and
(b) the warrant is not produced in evidence;
the onus of proof is on the person relying on the lawfulness of the exercise of the power to prove a special warrant authorised the exercise of the power.