Explanatory Memorandum
(Circulated by authority of the Attorney-General, the Honourable Philip Ruddock MP)Schedule 4 - Control Orders and preventative detention orders
Part 1 - Control orders and preventative detention orders
Part 1 of this Schedule amends the Criminal Code to introduce a new Division 104 to permit the Australian Federal Police to seek, from a court, control orders for up to 12 months duration on people who pose a terrorist risk to the community. Part 1 of this Schedule also amends the Criminal Code to introduce a new Division 105 to permit the Australian Federal Police to seek, from a senior Police Officer, preventative detention orders for up to 24 hours, and from a Magistrate or a Judge, continued preventative detention orders for up to an additional 24 hours, in relation to people who pose an imminent terrorist risk to the community or who may destroy evidence.
Criminal Code Act 1995
Definitions - Section 100.1 of the Criminal Code
Items 1 to 23 insert new definitions into subsection 100.1(1) of the Criminal Code .
This item inserts a definition of AFP member which is consistent with the Australian Federal Police Act 1979 . AFP members may apply for preventative detention orders in compliance with new Division 105 as described below.
This item inserts a definition of confirmed control order to mean an order made under new section 104.16 as described below.
This item inserts a definition of continued preventative detention order to mean an order made under new section 105.12 as described below.
This item inserts a definition of control order to mean an interim control order or a confirmed control order, definitions of which are inserted by items 9 and 2 respectively.
This item inserts a definition of corresponding State preventative detention law to mean a law of a State or Territory or particular provisions of a law of a State or Territory that are declared by regulations to correspond with Division 105 of this Act. COAG agreed on 27 September 2005 that States and Territories would enact laws which would enable preventive detention for up to 14 days.
This item inserts a definition of frisk search which is consistent with the definition in section 3C of the Crimes Act .
This item inserts a definition of identification material , in relation to a person. The definition includes means of identifying a person but excludes tape recordings made for the purposes of section 23U or 23V of the Crimes Act . These sections relate to tape recordings of information when questioning a person under arrest.
This item inserts a definition of initial preventative detention order to mean an order made under new section 105.8 as described below.
This item inserts a definition of interim control order to mean an order made under new sections 104.4, 104.7 or 104.9 as described below.
This item inserts a definition of issuing authority . An issuing authority relates to preventative detention orders. For an initial preventative detention order this means a senior AFP member. For continued preventative detention orders an issuing authority must be a judge of a State or Territory Supreme Court, a Federal Magistrate, a Judge (Federal or Family Court), a former judge, or a President or Deputy President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, appointed in accordance with section 105.2 as described below.
This item inserts a definition of issuing court . These courts may issue control orders in accordance with new sections 104.3 to 104.9 and 104.28 or revoke control orders in accordance with new sections 104.18, 104.19 and 104.20 as described below.
This item inserts a definition of Judge . A Judge of a court created by Parliament may be an issuing authority for the purposes of preventative detention orders under new Division 105 as described below. This includes Federal and Family Court Judges and Federal Magistrates.
This item inserts a definition of lawyer . A person who is the subject of a control order is able to contact a lawyer in accordance with new section 104.5 and the lawyer is able to obtain a copy of the control order in accordance with new sections 104.5 and 104.11. A person who is in preventative detention is also entitled to a lawyer in accordance with new section 105.37 and this must be explained to the person as soon as he or she is taken into custody in accordance with new section 105.28. Their lawyer is able to obtain a copy of the preventative detention order in accordance with new section 105.32.
This item inserts a definition of a listed terrorist organisation . A listed terrorist organisation means an organisation that is specified by the regulations where the Attorney-General is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the organisation is directly or indirectly engaged in, preparing, planning, assisting in or fostering the doing of a terrorist act (whether or not the terrorist act has occurred or will occur). This is in accordance with paragraph (a) of the definition of terrorist organisation in section 102.1 of the Criminal Code . In addition, a listed terrorist organisation means an organisation that is specified by the regulations where the Attorney-General is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the organisation advocates the doing of a terrorist act (whether or not a terrorist act has occurred or will occur). An organisation advocates the doing of a terrorist act if the organisation directly or indirectly counsels or urges the doing of a terrorist act, directly or indirectly provides instruction on the doing of a terrorist act, or directly praises the doing of a terrorist act (see new subsection 102.1(1A) of the Criminal Code , explained in item 9 in Schedule 1 above).
This item inserts a definition of ordinary search for the purposes of new section 105.24 which is consistent with the definition in the Crimes Act .
This item inserts a definition of police officer . A police officer means an AFP member or a member (however described) of a police force of a State or Territory. The phrase 'however described' is intended to ensure that all State and Territory police officers fall within this definition, whether they are described as members, officers or employees of the force. This is necessary to ensure that the AFP can obtain the assistance of State or Territory police to enforce orders.
This item inserts a definition of prescribed authority which has the same meaning as in Division 3 of Part III of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 (the ASIO Act ) and is relevant to new section 105.25. A prescribed authority under the ASIO Act is a retired federal, State or Territory judge, or a current State or Territory judge, or a President or Deputy President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal who has consented to be appointed by the Minister for the purposes of the questioning regime under the ASIO Act .
This item inserts a definition of preventative detention order to mean an order under new section 105.8 or 105.12 as described below.
This item inserts a definition of prohibited contact order to mean an order made under new sections 105.15 or 105.16 as described below.
This item inserts a definition of seizable item which relates to frisk searches or ordinary searches in accordance with new sections 105.23 and 105.24. This definition is consistent with the definition under section 3C of the Crimes Act but also includes items that could be used to contact another person or to operate a device remotely.
This item inserts a definition of senior AFP member . A senior AFP Member, who may request control orders in accordance with new Division 104, is defined to mean the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner of the AFP, or a member of the AFP of, or above, the rank of Superintendent.
This item inserts a definition of superior court . A superior court, which is relevant to the definition of issuing authority for the purposes of continued preventative detention orders, means the High Court of Australia, the Federal Court of Australia, the Family Court of Australia or of a State or the Supreme Court or District Court (or equivalent) of a State or Territory. The phrase 'or equivalent' recognises that certain jurisdictions have alternative names for the middle level of court. It is not intended to include the equivalent of Magistrates' Courts.
This item inserts a definition of tracking device which is consistent with the definition under the Surveillance Devices Act 2004 . Under new section 104.5 a control order may contain a requirement that a person wear a tracking device.
This item inserts a new Division 104 - Control Orders and a new Division 105 - Preventative Detention Orders after Division 103 of the Criminal Code .
Division 104 - Control orders
Proposed Division 104 of the Criminal Code provides a regime for placing controls on persons for up to 12 months in the case of adults, and for up to 3 months in the case of young persons aged between 16 and 18 years, to protect the community from a terrorist act. Interim control orders can only be requested by a senior AFP member, and can only be made by a court, and are reviewed and reconsidered before being confirmed. The Division lists the types of controls that can be imposed on a person, and provides for requests for interim control orders and applications for confirming variation and revocation of those orders, as well as setting out the safeguards surrounding this new regime.
New Subdivision A - Object of this Division
New section 104.1 - Object of this Division
New section 104.1 sets out the objects of new Division 104, which are to allow obligations, prohibitions and restrictions to be imposed on a person by a control order for the purpose of protecting the public from a terrorist act.
New Subdivision B - Making an interim control order
New section 104.2 - Attorney-General's consent to request a control order
New section 104.2 sets out the process for seeking the consent of the Attorney-General for an interim control order. Only a senior AFP member can request an interim control order. It is appropriate that requests for control orders which have the potential to impose strict conditions on a person are considered by experienced and senior officers.
New subsection 104.2(1) provides that the request can not be made without the consent of the Attorney-General. However, the note to subsection 104.2(1) refers to new Subdivision C, which provides that in urgent circumstances, a senior AFP member may request an interim control order without first obtaining the Attorney-General's consent.
New subsection 104.2(2) provides that prior to seeking the Attorney-General's consent, the senior AFP member must either consider on reasonable grounds that the making of the order would substantially assist in preventing a terrorist act, or suspect on reasonable grounds that the person has provided training to, or received training from, a listed terrorist organisation.
New subsection 104.2(3) provides that, when seeking the Attorney-General's consent, the senior AFP member making the request must give the Attorney-General a draft request. The draft request must include:
- (a)
- a draft of the interim control order to be requested;
- (b)
- a statement of facts as to why the order should be made, including a statement of any facts known as to why the order should not be made;
- (c)
- an explanation as to why each of the obligations, prohibitions and restrictions should be imposed on the person, including a statement of any facts known as to why those obligations, prohibitions and restrictions should not be imposed;
- (d)
- the outcomes and particulars of all previous requests for interim control orders (including whether those orders were confirmed), applications for variations and revocations of control orders (both interim and confirmed) and applications for preventative detention orders in relation to the person and the details (if any) of any detention under a corresponding State preventative detention law; and
- (e)
- any information known about the person's age.
The first note to subsection 104.2(3) indicates that the requirement to include information known about the person's age is necessary because an interim control order cannot be requested in relation to a person who is under 16 years of age (see new section 104.28).
The second note to subsection 104.2(3) indicates that it is an offence to include information in the draft request that is false or misleading (see sections 137.1 and 137.2 of the Criminal Code , which provide for the offences of false or misleading information (section 137.1) and documents (section 137.2)).
New subsection 104.2(4) provides that the Attorney-General may grant his or her consent to the request subject to changes to the draft interim control order.
New subsection 104.2(5) is an avoidance of doubt provision to ensure that a further request for an interim control order can be made in relation to a person, even if a request has previously been made in relation to that person. This applies whether or not the previous request was successful. For example, if an application is unsuccessful because the issuing court considers there is insufficient information upon which to make the order, the AFP member may obtain further information that is relevant to the making of an order, and may make a further application. In addition, the provision makes it clear that, when an order expires, there is no impediment to an AFP member applying for a further order.
New Section 104.3 - Requesting the court to make an interim control order
New section 104.3 provides that, if the Attorney-General consents to the request under section 104.2, the senior AFP member may then request the interim control order from an issuing court (the Federal Court, the Family Court or a Federal Magistrates Court). The issuing court must be provided with the request, including any changes required by the Attorney-General. The application must be sworn or affirmed by the senior AFP member, and a copy of the Attorney-General's consent must be provided to the issuing court.
The note to section 104.3 indicates that it is an offence to include information in the draft request that is false or misleading (see sections 137.1 and 137.2 of the Criminal Code , which provide for the offences of false or misleading information (section 137.1) and documents (section 137.2)).
New Section 104.4 - Making an interim control order
New subsection 104.4(1) provides that the issuing court may make an interim control order, but only if four conditions are met.
The first condition is that the senior AFP member requested the order in accordance with the requirements under new section 104.3.
The second condition is that the issuing court has received and considered such further information (if any) that the court requires before making its decision.
The third condition is that the issuing court is satisfied on the balance of probabilities either that making the order would substantially assist in preventing a terrorist act, or that the person has provided training to, or received training from, a listed terrorist organisation.
The fourth condition is that the issuing court is satisfied on the balance of probabilities that each of the obligations, prohibitions and restrictions to be imposed on the person by the order is reasonably necessary, and reasonably appropriate and adapted, for the purpose of protecting the public from a terrorist act (the obligations, prohibitions and restrictions that may be imposed on a person by a control order are described in new subsection 104.5(3)).
New subsection 104.4(2) provides that in making a decision under new subsection 104.4(1), the court must take into account the impact of the obligations, prohibitions or restrictions on the person's circumstances (including the person's financial and personal circumstances). This is designed to ensure an obligation that would, for example, have an adverse impact on the ability of person to earn a living and support his or her family must be taken into account before the obligation, prohibition or restriction is imposed.
New subsection 104.4(3) expressly provides that the issuing court may make an interim control order which does not have each of the obligations, prohibitions or restrictions that were requested by the senior AFP member, if the court is not satisfied that those particular obligations, prohibitions or restrictions are reasonably necessary, appropriate or adapted in accordance with new paragraph (1)(d).
This allows the issuing court to ensure that each order will be tailored to the particular risk posed by the individual concerned. The more onerous an obligation or stringent a prohibition or requirement, the greater the burden on the AFP member to satisfy the issuing court that the particular obligation, prohibition or restriction sought to be imposed on the person by the order is reasonably necessary, and reasonably appropriate and adapted, for the purpose of protecting the public from a terrorist act.
New Section 104.5 - Terms of an interim control order
New subsection 104.5(1) sets out the matters that must be included in an interim control order. An interim control order must:
- (a)
- state that the court is satisfied of the matters mentioned in paragraphs 104.4(1)(c) and (d), being that the court is satisfied on the balance of probabilities that making the order would substantially assist in preventing a terrorist act or that the person has provided training to, or received training from, a listed terrorist organisation, and that each of the obligations, prohibitions and restrictions to be imposed on the person by the order is reasonably necessary, and reasonably appropriate and adapted, for the purpose of protecting the public from a terrorist act;
- (b)
- specify the name of the person to whom the order relates;
- (c)
- specify all the obligations, prohibitions and restrictions that may be imposed under new subsection (3) that are to be imposed on the person by the order;
- (d)
- state that the order does not begin to be in force until it is personally served on the person;
- (e)
- specify a day on which the person may attend the court for the court to confirm the interim control order (with or without variation), declare the interim control order to be void or revoke the interim control order;
- (f)
- specify the period during which the order is to be in force which must not end more than 12 months after the day on which the order is made; and
- (g)
- state that the person's lawyer may attend a specified place in order to obtain a copy of the order.
The note to new subsection 104.5(1) indicates that for young persons aged at least 16 years but under the age of 18 years, a control order that is confirmed must not end more than 3 months after the day on which the interim control order was made (see new subsection 104.28(2)).
New subsection 104.5(2) makes it clear that paragraph 104.5(1)(f) does not prevent the making of successive control orders in relation to the same person. This includes for young persons.
New subsection 104.5(3) lists the types of obligations, prohibitions and restrictions that the court may impose on a person by a control order, which are limited to one or more of the following:
- (a)
- a prohibition or restriction on the person being at specified areas or places;
- (b)
- a prohibition or restriction on the person leaving Australia;
- (c)
- a requirement that the person remain at specified premises between specified times each day, or on specified days;
- (d)
- a requirement that the person wear a tracking device;
- (e)
- a prohibition or restriction on the person communicating or associating with specified individuals;
- (f)
- a prohibition or restriction on the person accessing or using specified forms of telecommunications or other technology (including the Internet);
- (g)
- a prohibition or restriction on the person possessing or using specified articles or substances;
- (h)
- prohibition or restriction on the person carrying out specified activities (including in respect of his or her work or occupation);
- (i)
- a requirement that the person report to specified persons at specified times and places;
- (j)
- a requirement that the person allow himself or herself to be photographed;
- (k)
- a requirement that the person allow impressions of his or her fingerprints to be taken; and
- (l)
- a requirement that the person participate in specified counselling or education.
It is not possible under the legislation to impose an obligation, prohibition or restriction that is not of a type listed.
The note to new subsection 104.5(3) indicates that new section 104.22 imposes restrictions on the use of photographs or impressions of fingerprints taken under paragraphs 104.5(3)(j) and (k). This ensures the photographs and fingerprints are only used for the purpose for which they were taken - ensuring identification and enforcement of the order.
New subsection 104.5(4) provides that, for the purposes of any restriction imposed on a person's ability to associate or communicate with a specified person by an order under new paragraph 104.5(3)(e), the matters outlined in the association offence in subsection 102.8(4) of the Criminal Code apply to such communications and associations in the same way. New section 102.8(4) of the Criminal Code provides for exceptions to an offence of associating with a terrorist organisation. The exceptions under subsection 102.8(4) include an association with a close family member relating to a matter of family or domestic concern, an association in a place used for public religious worship and takes place in the course of practising a religion, an association for the purposes of providing aid of a humanitarian nature or an association for the purpose of providing legal advice or legal representation in connection with certain proceedings as set out in subparagraphs 102.8(4)(d)(i) to (vi).
New subsection 104.5(5) provides that a person's right to contact, communicate or associate with the person's lawyer is not affected by this section, unless the person's lawyer is specified as a person with whom the person the subject of the control order is not permitted to associate or communicate with as provided for in new subsection 104.5(3)(e). As is the case with organised crime, it is not inconceivable that some lawyers may be directly involved in the organisation of terrorist activity or are capable of passing on information that could be used to organise a terrorist act. New subsection 104.5(5) further provides that if the person's lawyer is an individual who the person is prohibited or restricted from communicating or associating with under subsection 104.5(3)(e), the person may contact, communicate or associate with any other lawyer who is not so specified (under subsection 104.5(3)(e)). That is, there are no restrictions on a person the subject of a control order contacting, communicating with or associating with a lawyer who is not listed as a prohibited contact as provided for by subsection 104.5(3)(e).
New subsection 104.5(6) ensures that if an order made in relation to a person requires the person to attend counselling or education under a control order, the person need only attend that counselling or education if, at the time of attendance, the person agrees to so attend. This recognises that the benefit of counselling or education can only be achieved through willing participation. This measure recognises that control orders can last for a long period and that the individual may be able to gain some benefit that take them further away from association with terrorists through appropriate counselling or education. For example, lack of literacy skills could be holding the person back from general employment. Opportunities to participate in education programmes could address this.
Subdivision C - Making an urgent interim control order
New section 104.6 - Requesting an urgent interim control order by electronic means
New section 104.6 sets out the process for requesting an urgent interim control order by electronic means. This provision is designed to deal with the situation where an AFP member experiences difficulty attending at the location of an issuing court to seek an interim control order.
New subsection 104.6(1) authorises a senior AFP member to make a request to an issuing court to make an interim control order by telephone, fax or email. Such requests can only be made if the member considers it necessary to use such means because of the urgency of the circumstances and the member must consider on reasonable grounds that the making of the order would substantially assist in preventing a terrorist act, or suspects on reasonable grounds that the person has provided training to, or received training from, a listed terrorist organisation (as provided in new subsection 104.2(2)).
New subsection 104.6(2) provides that the Attorney-General's consent under new section 104.2 is not required before the request is made. However, the note to new subsection (2) indicates that under new section 104.10, if the Attorney-General's consent is not obtained before the request is made, the Attorney-General's consent must be obtained within 4 hours of making the request. Travel within Australia can in some cases make it difficult to contact the Attorney-General on short notice.
New subsection 104.6(3) provides that the court may require communication by voice to the extent that it is practicable in the circumstances.
New subsection 104.6(4) requires the request to the issuing court to include all that is required in an ordinary request for an interim control order under subsection 104.2(3), including, if the Attorney-General's consent has been obtained before making the request, the changes, if any, required by the Attorney-General, an explanation as to why the making of the order is urgent, and a copy of the Attorney-General's consent, if his or her consent has been obtained before making the request.
The note to subsection 104.6(4) indicates that it is an offence to include information in the draft request that is false or misleading (see sections 137.1 and 137.2 of the Criminal Code , which provide for the offences of false or misleading information (section 137.1) and documents (section 137.2)).
New subsection 104.6(5) requires the information and the explanation included in the request, including the information as to why the request is urgent, to be sworn or affirmed by the AFP member. The swearing or affirming of the information and explanation can occur after the request is made, but must occur within 24 hours (see new subsection 104.7(5)).
New section 104.7 - Making an urgent interim control order by electronic means
New section 104.7 sets out the process for an issuing court to make an urgent interim control order by electronic means.
New subsection 104.7(1) provides that before making an interim control order in response to a request under section 104.6, the court must consider the information and the explanation included in the request. In addition, the court can receive and consider any such further information as the court requires.
New subsection 104.7(2) provides that if the court is satisfied that an order should be made, the court may complete the same form of order that would be made under sections 104.4 and 104.5.
New subsections 104.7(3) to (6) set out the procedure that must be followed after an urgent interim control order is made.
New subsection 104.7(3) provides that if the court makes the order, the court must inform the senior AFP member by telephone, fax, email or other electronic means, of the terms of the order and the day on which and the time at which, the order was completed.
New subsection 104.7(4) provides that the AFP member must then complete a form of order in terms substantially corresponding to those given by the issuing court, stating on the form, the name of the court and the day on and time at which, the order was completed.
New subsection 104.7(5) provides that within 24 hours of being informed of the terms of the order and the day on which and the time at which, the order was completed under new subsection (3), the AFP member must give or transmit to the court the completed form of order, sworn or affirmed information and explanation, where that information and explanation included in the request were not sworn or affirmed before the request was made to the court, and a copy of the Attorney-General's consent, if his or her consent was not obtained before making the request.
New subsection 104.7(6) provides that the court must attach to the documents provided under new subsection (5) the form of order completed by the court.
New section 104.8 - Requesting an urgent interim control order in person
New section 104.8 sets out the process for requesting an urgent interim control order in person. This provision is designed to deal with the situation where an AFP member experiences difficulty obtaining the consent of the Attorney-General before requesting that the issuing court make an interim control order.
New subsection 104.8(1) authorises a senior AFP member to make a request to an issuing court to make an interim control order without first obtaining the Attorney-General's consent under section 104.2, if the member considers it necessary to request the order without consent due to the urgency of the circumstances. The member must also consider on reasonable grounds that the making of the order would substantially assist in preventing a terrorist act, or suspects on reasonable grounds that the person has provided training to, or received training from, a listed terrorist organisation (as provided in new subsection 104.2(2)). As with urgent electronic requests under new section 104.6, the Attorney-General's consent must be obtained within 4 hours of making the request (see new section 104.10).
New subsection 104.8(2) requires the request to include all that is required in an ordinary request for an interim control order under new subsection 104.2(3), including information that is sworn or affirmed by the member, and an explanation that is sworn or affirmed as to why the making of the interim control order without first obtaining the Attorney-General's consent is urgent.
The note to new subsection (2) indicates that it is an offence to include information in the draft request that is false or misleading (see sections 137.1 and 137.2 of the Criminal Code , which provide for the offences of false or misleading information (section 137.1) and documents (section 137.2)).
New section 104.9 - Making an urgent interim control order in person
New section 104.9 sets out the process for making an urgent interim control order in person.
As is the case in making an interim control order by electronic means under new section 104.7, new subsection 104.9(1) provides that before making an interim control order in response to a request under new section 104.8, the court must consider the information and the explanation included in the request and receive and consider any such further information as the court requires.
New subsection 104.9(2) sets out similar requirements to those for making an urgent interim control order by electronic means. That is, if the court is satisfied that an order in the terms of the request should be made, the court may complete the same form of order that would be made under new sections 104.4 and 104.5.
New subsection 104.9(3) provides that the member must give or transmit a copy of the order and either the Attorney-General's consent to request the order if given, or written notification that this consent was not obtained, to the issuing court within 24 hours of the order being made under new subsection 104.9(2).
The note to new subsection (3) indicates that obtaining the Attorney-General's consent is dealt with by new section 104.10.
New section 104.10 - Obtaining the Attorney-General's consent within 4 hours
This section is relevant to requesting an interim urgent control order under new sections 104.6 and 104.8.
New subsection 104.10(1) provides that if the Attorney-General's consent to request an interim control order was not first sought before making a request for an urgent interim control order under section 104.6 or 104.8, the senior AFP member must seek that consent within 4 hours of making the request to the issuing court. The consent must be sought in accordance with the provisions of subsection 104.2(3).
New subsection 104.10(2) provides that if the Attorney-General refuses consent or has not given consent to request the order within 4 hours of the request being made, the order made by the issuing court immediately ceases to be in force.
The note to subsection 104.10(2) indicates that if the Attorney-General's consent is refused or not obtained, a senior AFP member can make a new request and seek the Attorney-General's consent to request a new interim control order in relation to the person under subsection 104.2(5).
New subsection 104.10(3) provides that if the order ceases to in force under new subsection (2) due to the Attorney-General's consent not being obtained, the senior AFP member must, as soon as practicable, notify the issuing court that the order has ceased to be in force, and if the order has already been served on the person in relation to whom it was made, annotate the order to indicate that it has ceased to be in force and cause the annotated order to be served personally on the person.
New section 104.11 - Court to assume that exercise of power not authorised by urgent interim control order
New section 104.11 provides that it is material in any proceedings, for a court to be satisfied that the exercise of a power under or in respect of, an interim control order made under section 104.7, was duly authorised, and where the form of order completed by the issuing court is not produced in evidence, the court hearing the proceedings is to assume that the exercise of the power was not duly authorised unless the contrary is proved. This provision places an obligation on the prosecution to produce to the court a form of the order alleged to have been made by the issuing court.
New Subdivision D - Confirming an interim control order
New section 104.12 - Service, explanation and notification and explanation of an interim control order
New section 104.12 requires an AFP member to serve the order on the person subject to the order, and inform the person of the making of a control order.
New subsection 104.12(1) provides that the AFP member must serve the order on the person to whom it relates and inform the person of the effect of the order, the period for which the order (if confirmed) is in force, the effect of new sections 104.13, 104.14, 104.18, and 104.27 (and new section 104.22 if appropriate), and ensure that the person understands this information, taking into account the person's age, language skills, mental capacity and any other relevant factor.
The AFP member is required to serve the order and inform the person of these matters as soon as practicable after an interim control order is made, which must be at least 48 hours before the time specified in the order as the day on which the court is to consider whether to confirm the interim control order. The order must be served personally on the person to whom it relates.
In addition to serving the order, the AFP member must serve on the person a summary of the grounds upon which the order is made. For example, the summary of the grounds could be that the person is alleged to have engaged in training with a specified listed terrorist organisation.
New subsection 104.12(2) provides that the requirements under new paragraphs 104.12(1)(b) and (c) to inform the person of certain matters and ensure the person understands those matter do not apply if the actions of the person to whom the interim control order applies has made it impracticable for the AFP member to comply with those requirements.
New subsection 104.12(3) provides that a failure to ensure that the person understands the information, as required under paragraph 104.12(1)(c), does not make the control order ineffective to any extent.
New subsection 104.12(5) provides for the involvement of the Queensland public interest monitor in the processes for confirming interim control orders. That provision provides that if the person in relation to whom the interim control order is made is a resident of Queensland or if the issuing court made the interim control order in Queensland an AFP member must give to the Queensland public interest monitor written notice of certain facts. Those facts are that an interim control order has been made in relation to the person the subject of the order, the name of the court that made the order, and the day on which the person the subject of the order has been advised that he or she may attend the court for the court to confirm, void or revoke the interim control order.
New section 104.13 - Lawyer may request a copy of an interim control order
New paragraph 104.5(1)(g) provides that an interim control order must specify a place that a person's lawyer may attend to obtain a copy of the order. New subsection 104.13(1) authorises a lawyer of the person to whom an interim control order is made to attend that place in order to obtain a copy of the order and the grounds on which the order is made.
New subsection 104.13(2) makes it clear that this section does not require the lawyer to be given a copy of the interim control order or summary by more than one person, nor does it entitle the lawyer to request or be given a copy of, or see, a document other than the interim control order or summary.
New section 104.14 - Confirming an interim control order
New section 104.14 sets out the process by which an interim control order is confirmed or otherwise ceases. This process occurs on the day specified in the interim control order under new paragraph 104.5(1)(e).
New subsection 104.14(1) provides that the senior AFP member who requested the interim control order, one or more other AFP members, the person in relation to whom the interim control is made and one or more representatives of the person (which include legal representation), may adduce evidence (including by calling witnesses or producing material) or make submissions to the issuing court before the interim control order is confirmed or otherwise dealt with.
In addition, new subsection 104.14(1) provides that the Queensland public interest monitor may adduce evidence (including by calling witnesses or producing material) or make submissions, but only if the interim control order is made in relation to a resident of Queensland or if the issuing court made the interim control order in Queensland.
New subsection 104.14(2) provides that subsection 104.14(1) does not limit the power of the court to control proceedings in relation to the confirmation of an interim control order.
New subsection 104.14(3) provides that before taking action under section 104.14, the court must consider the original request for the interim control order, and any evidence adduced, submissions made, and material produced, under subsection (1) in respect of the order.
New subsection 104.14(4) provides that the court may confirm the order without variation if neither the person to whom the order relates, or any representative of that person, has attended court on the specified day, and it is satisfied that the person to whom the order relates was properly served with the order.
New subsection 104.14(5) provides that if the person or a representative of the person attends court, the court may take one of the actions specified in new subsections 104.14(6) and 104.14(7).
New subsection 104.14(6) provides that the court may declare, in writing, the order to be void if it is satisfied that, at the time the order was made, there were no grounds for making the order.
New subsection 104.14(7) provides that if the court does not act under new subsection 104.14(6), it may either revoke the order if no longer satisfied that the grounds for making it exist, or confirm the order if satisfied that the grounds for making it still exist. In this latter scenario, the court may either vary the obligations, prohibitions or restrictions imposed by the interim control order if it considers that they are no longer necessary, or appropriate or adapted, for the reasons expressed, or confirm the order in the same form as the interim control order.
The note to new subsection 104.14(7) provides that if the court confirms the order, it must make a new order under new section 104.16.
New section 104.15 - When a declaration, or a revocation, variation or confirmation of a control order, is in force
New subsection 104.15(1) provides that if the court declares an interim control order to be void under new subsection 104.14(6), the order is taken to have never been in force.
New subsection 104.15(2) provides that if the court revokes an interim control order under new paragraph 104.14(7)(a), the order ceases to be in force when the court revokes it.
New subsection 104.15(3) provides that if the court confirms the interim control order with or without variation under new subsection 104.14(4) or new paragraph 104.14(7)(b) or (c), the interim control order ceases to be in force, and the confirmed control order begins to be in force, when the court makes a corresponding confirmed control order under new section 104.16.
New section 104.16 - Terms of a confirmed control order
New subsection 104.16(1) provides that if the issuing court confirms an interim control order under new section 104.14, it must make a corresponding confirmed control order which states similar requirements as those that must be stated in an interim control order.
In particular, the confirmed control order must state the court's satisfaction of the appropriateness of the order and the obligations, prohibitions and restrictions that it imposes, specify the person to whom it relates, specify the obligations, prohibitions and restrictions that it imposes, specify the period, not being longer than 12 months since the interim control order was made, for which it is in force, and specify a place at which a lawyer of the person may attend to obtain a copy of the order.
The note to new subsection (1) reminds the reader that a confirmed control order made in relation to a person who is between the ages of 16 and 18 may not be in force for a period longer than 3 months since the interim control order was made (see section 104.28).
New subsection 104.16(2) ensures that the 12-month (or 3-month, as applicable) restriction on the period on which a confirmed control order may be in force does not prevent the making of successive control orders in relation to the same person.
New section 104.17 - Service of a declaration, or a revocation, variation or confirmation of a control order
New section 104.17 provides that as soon as practicable after an interim control order is declared void, revoked or confirmed (with or without variation), an AFP member must serve the declaration, revocation or confirmed control order personally on the person. This is consistent with the service and notification requirements for interim control orders.
New Subdivision E - Rights in respect of a control order
New section 104.18 - Application by the person for a revocation or, variation of a control order
New section 104.18 confers rights on a person who is the subject of a control order to apply to an issuing court to have the order revoked or varied.
New subsection 104.18(2) provides that the person may make the application any time after the order is served. This is designed to ensure the person has the earliest opportunity to seek the removal of the obligations, prohibitions and restrictions imposed on the person by a control order.
New subsection 104.18(3) requires the person to give written notice to the AFP Commissioner of both the application and the grounds on which the revocation or variation is sought. It also requires the person to give notice to the Queensland public interest monitor, but only if the interim control order is made in relation to a resident of Queensland or if the issuing court made the interim control order in Queensland.
New subsection 104.18(4) provides that the Commissioner and one or more other AFP members, the person in relation to whom the order is made, and one or more representatives of the person may adduce additional material to the court in relation to the application.
New subsection 104.18(5) provides that subsection (4) does not limit the power of the court to control proceedings in relation to an application to revoke or vary a confirmed control order.
New section 104.19 - Application by the AFP Commissioner for a revocation or variation
New section 104.19 applies while a control order is in force, and sets out the circumstances in which the AFP Commissioner must apply to an issuing court for revocation or variation of the order .
New subsection 104.19(1) requires the Commissioner to make an application to have the order revoked if the Commissioner is satisfied that the grounds on which the order was confirmed have ceased to exist, or varied if the Commissioner is satisfied that the obligations, prohibitions or restrictions imposed by the order should no longer be imposed on the person.
New subsection 104.19(2) requires the Commissioner to give written notice to the person of both the application and the grounds on which the revocation or variation is sought. In addition, new subsection 104.19(2) requires the Commissioner to give written notice to the Queensland public interest monitor, but only if the interim control order is made in relation to a resident of Queensland or if the issuing court made the interim control order in Queensland.
New subsection 104.19(3) provides that the Commissioner, one or more other AFP members, the person, and one or more of his or her representatives, and, if applicable, the Queensland public interest monitor, may adduce additional matter to the court in relation to an application.
New subsection 104.19(4) provides that subsection 104.19(3), which provides that certain persons can adduce material, does not otherwise limit the power of the court to control proceedings in relation to an application to revoke or vary a confirmed control order
New section 104.20 - Revocation or variation of a control order
New section 104.20 sets out the powers of the court where an application is made under new section 104.18 or 104.19.
New subsection 104.20(1) provides that the court may revoke the control order if the court is satisfied that the grounds for it being made no longer exist, vary the control order by removing identified obligations, prohibitions or restrictions if the court is satisfied that the grounds for the control order still exist but those identified obligations, prohibitions or restrictions are no longer necessary, or appropriate and adapted to the purposes of the control order, or dismiss the application if the court is satisfied that the grounds for the control order still exist and the obligations, prohibitions or restrictions imposed by it are still necessary, appropriate and adapted to its purposes.
New subsection 104.20(2) provides that a revocation or variation begins to have effect when the court revokes or varies the order.
New subsection 104.20(3) provides that an AFP member must serve the revocation or variation personally on the person as soon as practicable after a control order is revoked or varied.
New section 104.21 - Lawyer may request a copy of a control order
New section 104.21 is similar to new section 104.13 in that it allows a lawyer to request a copy of a varied control order in the same manner as obtaining a copy of an interim control order.
New subsection 104.21(1) authorises a lawyer of the person to whom a control order which is varied under new section 104.14, 104.20 or 104.24 relates, to attend the place specified in the order under new paragraph 104.16(1)(e) or 104.25(d) to obtain a copy of the variation order.
New subsection 104.21(2) makes it clear that this section does not require the lawyer to be given a copy of the varied control order by more than one person, nor does it entitle the lawyer to request or be given a copy of, or see, a document other than the varied control order.
New section 104.22 - Treatment of photographs and impressions of fingerprints
New subsection 104.22(1) prohibits the use of a photograph or an impression of fingerprints, taken as part of the terms of a control order under paragraph 104.5(3)(j) or (k) respectively, for any purpose other than ensuring compliance with that control order.
Under subsection 104.22(2), if 12 months have elapsed after the control order ceases to be in force and proceedings in respect of the control order or the treatment of the person have not been brought or have been brought and discontinued or completed, the photograph or impression must be destroyed as soon as practicable after the end of this period.
New subsection 104.22(3) provides that it is an offence to use a photograph or an impression of fingerprints taken under paragraph 104.5(3)(j) or (k) for any purpose other than of ensuring compliance with the control order. The offence carries a maximum penalty of 2 years imprisonment.
New Subdivision F - Adding obligations, prohibitions or restrictions to a control order
New section 104.23 - Application by the AFP Commissioner for addition of obligations, prohibitions or restrictions
New section 104.23 authorises the AFP Commissioner to apply to a court to vary a confirmed control order by imposing additional obligations, prohibitions or restrictions mentioned in subsection 104.5(3). The Commissioner can only make such an application if he or she considers on reasonable grounds that the varied control order would substantially assist in preventing a terrorist act.
New subsection 104.23(2) requires the Commissioner to give to the court a copy of the additional obligations, prohibitions or restrictions to be imposed on the person, an explanation as to why the obligations, prohibitions or restrictions should be imposed on the person, including any known facts as to why the obligations, prohibitions or restrictions should not be imposed, and any information known about the person's age.
The first note to new subsection 104.23(2) indicates that the requirement to include information about the person's age is necessary as new section 104.28 prohibits the making of a control order in relation to a person who is under 16 years of age.
The second note to new subsection 104.23(2) indicates that it is an offence to include information in the variation application that is false or misleading (see sections 137.1 and 137.2 of the Criminal Code , which provide for the offences of false or misleading information (section 137.1) and documents (section 137.2)).
New subsection 104.23(3) requires the Commissioner to give written notice to the person subject to the order of the application and the grounds on which the variation is sought, and if applicable, the Queensland public interest monitor.
New subsection 104.23(4) provides that the Commissioner, one or more other AFP members, the person and one or more of the person's representatives, and if applicable, the Queensland public interest monitor, may adduce additional evidence to the court in relation to the application to vary the order.
New subsection 104.23(5) provides that subsection 104.23(4) does not otherwise limit the power of the court to control proceedings in relation to an application to vary a confirmed control order.
New section 104.24 - Varying a control order
New subsection 104.24(1) provides that an issuing court may vary a control order by adding additional obligations, prohibitions or restrictions only if an application has been made in accordance with the requirements set out in section 104.23, and the court is satisfied on the balance of probabilities that each of the additional obligations, prohibitions or restrictions to be imposed on the person is reasonably necessary and reasonably appropriate and adapted for the purpose of protecting the public from a terrorist act.
New subsection 104.24(2) provides that in making a decision under new subsection 104.24(1), the court must take into account the impact of each of the obligations, prohibitions or restrictions on the person's circumstances (including the person's financial and personal circumstances). This is designed to ensure an obligation that would, for example, have an adverse impact on the ability of person to earn a living and support his or her family must be taken into account before the obligation, prohibition or restriction is imposed.
New section 104.25 - Terms of a varied control order
New section 104.25 sets out the information that must be included in a control order that is varied by a court under section 104.24.
The varied control order must include a statement that the court is satisfied of the matter referred to in new paragraph 104.24(1)(b), which is that the court is satisfied on the balance of probabilities that each of the additional obligations, prohibitions or restrictions to be imposed on the person is reasonably necessary and reasonably appropriate and adapted for the purpose of protecting the public from a terrorist, a statement of the additional obligations, prohibitions or restrictions that are imposed on the person by the varied order, a statement that the variation of the order does not begin to be in force until the varied order is served personally on the person, and a statement that the person's lawyer may attend a specified place in order to obtain a copy of the varied order.
New section 104.26 - Service and explanation of a varied control order
Similar to new sections 104.12 and 104.17 in relation to service of control orders, new section 104.26 requires an AFP member to serve the varied order on the person to whom the order relates, and inform the person of the variation of the order, inform the person of the effect of the additional obligations, prohibitions and restrictions and the effect of new sections 104.18, 104.21 and 104.27 (and new section 104.22 if appropriate), and ensure that the person understands this information taking into account the person's age, language skills, mental capacity and any other relevant factor.
The AFP member is required to serve the varied order and inform the person as soon as practicable after the variation is made. The varied order must be served personally.
New subsection 104.26(2) provides that, to avoid any doubt, subparagraph 104.26(1)(a)(ii) does not require information to be included in the summary if the disclosure of the information is likely to prejudice national security (within the meaning of the National Security Information (Criminal and Civil Proceedings) Act 2004 ).
New subsection 104.26(3) provides that the requirements under new paragraphs 104.26(1)(c) and (d) to inform the person of certain matters and ensure the person understands do not apply if the actions of the person to whom the control order applies has made it impracticable for the AFP member to comply with those requirements.
New subsection 104.26(4) provides that a failure to ensure that the person understands the information, as required under new paragraph (1)(d), does not make the control order ineffective to any extent.
New Subdivision G - Contravening a control order
New section 104.27 - Offence of contravening a control order
New section 104.27 creates an offence for a person to contravene a term of a control order that is in force in relation to the person. Section 5.6 of the Criminal Code operates to require proof that the accused was at least reckless as to the contravention. 'Recklessness' is defined in section 5.4 with respect to a circumstances if he or she is aware of a substantial risk that the circumstance exists or will exist, and having regard to the circumstances known to the person it is unjustifiable to take the risk. The offence carries a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment.
New Subdivision H - Miscellaneous
New section 104.28 - Special rules for young people
New section 104.28 provides for the special rules relating to control orders for young people aged under 16 years and aged between 16 and 18 years.
New subsection 104.28(1) provides that a control order cannot be requested, made or confirmed in relation to a person who is under 16 years of age.
New subsection 104.28(2) provides that if the court is satisfied that a person in relation to whom an interim control order is being made or confirmed is at least 16 but under 18, the control order can only be in force for 3 months from the day the order is made by the court. This is designed to recognise the special needs of young people and the additional care that needs to be exercised when dealing with young people in the criminal and security environments.
New subsection 104.28(3) makes it clear that new subsection 104.28(2) does not prevent the making of successive control orders in relation to the same person.
New section 104.29 - Reporting requirements
New section 104.29 requires the Attorney-General to cause a report on the operation of the Division to be prepared and tabled annually.
New subsection 104.29(2) provides that the report relating to a year must include the number of interim control orders made, specifically identifying the number of urgent control orders made electronically and in person, the number of control orders confirmed, the number of control orders declared to be void, the number of control orders revoked, the number of control orders varied and particulars of any complaints relating to control orders made or referred to the Commonwealth Ombudsman or the Internal Investigation Division of the Australian Federal Police.
New subsection 104.29(3) provides that the Attorney-General must cause copies of the report to be laid before each House of Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the report is completed.
New section 104.30 - Requirements to notify Attorney-General of declarations, revocations or variations
New section 104.30 requires the Commissioner of the AFP to cause the Attorney-General to be notified in writing if a control order is declared to be void under section 104.14, revoked under section 104.14 or 104.20 or varied under section 104.14, 104.20 or 104.24. If a control order is varied, the Commissioner must cause a copy of the varied control order to be given to the Attorney-General.
New section 104.31 - Queensland public interest monitor functions and powers not affected
New section 104.31 provides that this new Division does not affect any functions or powers that Queensland public interest monitor or deputy public interest monitor has under a law of Queensland. In Queensland, all applications for warrants and related judicial authorisations are attended by the public interest monitor who provides the case for the person who would be the subject of the warrant. This new Division is not intended to affect any powers of that office. It is intended to ensure that the role of the Queensland public interest monitor in overseeing Queensland law enforcement officers operating under Queensland legislation in relation to control orders is preserved. The provision is not intended to authorise the Queensland Parliament to legislate to control how powers are to be exercised under the Bill by Commonwealth officers.
New section 104.32 - Sunset provision
New subsection 104.32(1) provides that a control order that is in force at the end of 10 years after the day on which this Division commences ceases to be in force at that time. In addition, proposed subsection 104.32(2) provides that a control order can not be requested, made or confirmed after the end of 10 years after the day on which this Division commences.
The sunset provision acknowledges that there are a number of machinery type provisions that must continue in operation despite the intention that the Division providing for control orders should cease to have effect at the end of 10 years. These provisions include, for example, the requirement to destroy identification material.
Division 105 - Preventative Detention Orders
New Division 105 of the Criminal Code provides a regime for detaining persons for up to 48 hours for the purposes of preventing a terrorist act or preventing the destruction of evidence relating to a terrorist act.
Applications for initial preventative detention orders are made by an AFP member to a senior AFP officer. Initial preventative detention orders can have force for up to 24 hours from the time the person was first taken into custody. Applications for continued preventative detention orders are made by AFP members to a judge of a State or Territory Supreme Court, Federal Magistrate, Judge, retired judge or President or Deputy President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. Continued preventative detention orders can have force for up to 48 hours from the time the person was first taken into custody.
Although only AFP members can request the issue of preventative detention orders, any police officer, whether an AFP member or a member of the police force of a State or Territory, may detain a person under such an order. This is to ensure that if a State or Territory police officer is aware that a preventative detention order is in force in relation to a person and locates that person, the person may be immediately detained without the need for an AFP member to attend and personally detain the person.
While in preventative detention, the person has an entitlement to contact those who are close to them to let them know that he or she is safe, and to contact a lawyer. These contact rights can be restricted by obtaining a prohibited contact order, which prohibits the person from contacting specified persons where the prohibition of such contact will assist in achieving the objectives of the preventative detention order.
New section 105.1 sets out the objects of new Division 105. The objects are to enable the police to take a person into custody and detain that person for a short period of time, being no longer than 48 hours, in order to prevent an imminent terrorist act occurring, or to preserve evidence of, or relating to, a recent terrorist act.
The note to new section 105.1 indicates that a person detained under a preventative detention order may only be questioned for very limited purposes, in accordance with new section 105.42. This note clarifies that extended questioning is not an object of preventative detention orders.
New section 105.2 - Issuing authorities for continued preventative detention orders
New section 105.2 sets out the persons who can be 'issuing authorities' for the purposes of continued preventative detention orders.
New subsection 105.2(1) provides that the Minister may appoint, in writing, a judge of a State or Territory Supreme Court, a Federal Magistrate, a Judge (Federal or Family Court), a former judge who has served at least five years as a judge of one or more superior courts, or a President or Deputy President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal who is enrolled as a legal practitioner of a federal court or the Supreme Court of a State or Territory and has been so enrolled for at least five years, to be an issuing authority for continued preventative detention orders.
New subsection 105.2(2) provides that the Minister may not appoint a person unless the person has, in writing, consented to being appointed, and the person has not revoked that consent.
This is to ensure that those who are undertaking the role of issuing authorities have been given appropriate opportunity to consider the operation of the preventative detention regime in advance of being requested to consent to a particular request.
It should be noted that these issuing authorities relate to continued preventative detention orders. Initial preventative detention orders can be issued by the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner of the AFP, or an AFP member of, or above, the rank of Superintendent.
New section 105.3 - Police officer detaining person under a preventative detention order
New section 105.3 provides that where more than one police officer is involved in the detention of a person under a preventative detention order, it is either the most senior of those officers who are AFP members, or if none of the officers are AFP members, the most senior of those officers, who is required to ensure compliance with any obligations imposed on the police officer with respect to that detention.
For example, if a person is taken into custody under a preventative detention order by an AFP sergeant and a State inspector, the AFP sergeant is responsible for ensuring that the requirements about explaining the preventative detention order to the person are met. In the case of a State constable and a sergeant, it is the sergeant who is responsible.
Where the person is subsequently held in a cell in a watch house under the preventative detention order, the most senior police officer on duty is responsible for ensuring compliance with the obligations imposed by this Division, including that the person is treated humanely and not questioned about an offence.
This is designed to facilitate the compliance with obligations created by this Division by making it clear who bears responsibility for them at any given time.
Subdivision B-Preventative detention orders
New section 105.4 - Basis for applying for, and making, preventative detention orders
New subsection 105.4(1) provides that a preventative detention order may only be applied for by an AFP member who satisfies new subsection (4) or (6). Similarly, new subsection 105.4(2) provides that a preventative detention order may only be made by an issuing authority who satisfies new subsection (4) or (6).
New subsection 105.4(3) is a definitional provision which provides that, for the purposes of this section, the person in relation to whom the preventative detention order is applied for, or made, is referred to as the subject .
A person meets the criteria in new subsection 105.4(4) if the person is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the subject will engage in a terrorist act, possesses a thing that is connected with the preparation for, or the engagement of a person in, a terrorist act, or has done, or will do, an act in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act, making the order would substantially assist in preventing a terrorist act occurring and detaining the person for the period for which detention is to occur is reasonably necessary for preventing this act. This ensures the AFP member who applies for an order, and the issuing authority who makes an order, must specifically consider the duration for which the person should be detained.
New subsection 105.4(5) qualifies the operation of new subsection 105.4(4) by providing that the terrorist act must be imminent and must be expected to occur in the next 14 days.
The combined operation of these subsections creates a high threshold for applying for and issuing a preventative detention order because it is necessary to show not only that the subject had, for example, done something in preparation for a terrorist act, but also that the terrorist act is imminent, and that making the order would assist in preventing a terrorist act.
A person does not satisfy new subsection 105.4(4) where even one of these criteria are not established. For example, if the terrorist act was not imminent, but was expected to occur in three weeks time, the criteria would not be met and it would not be possible to obtain a preventative detention order. However, in such cases, it might be possible to use other investigatory tools, such as surveillance or listening devices.
In circumstances where one or more terrorist acts have already occurred and intelligence indicates that further terrorist acts are imminent, it is possible for a preventative detention order to be made provided the other criteria in subsection 105.4(4) are met.
New subsection 105.4(6) provides an alternative basis for requesting, or making, a preventative detention order. A person satisfies this new subsection if the person is satisfied that a terrorist act has occurred within the last 28 days, it is necessary to detain the subject to preserve evidence of, or relating to, the terrorist act and that detaining the subject for the period for which detention is to occur is reasonably necessary for preserving this evidence.
Unlike new subsection 105.4(4), a preventative detention order under new subsection 105.4(6) can only be made where a terrorist act has already occurred.
New subsection 105.4(7) provides that an issuing authority may require the AFP member applying for the order to provide further information before making a preventative detention order. This provides flexibility in cases where the information provided during the application process is not sufficient for the making of an order, but the AFP member is able to provide such additional information as will enable the issuing authority to make such an order.
New section 105.5 - No preventative detention order in relation to persons under 16 years of age
New subsection 105.5(1) prohibits an AFP member from applying for, and an issuing authority making, a preventative detention order in relation to a person who is under 16 years of age.
The note to new subsection 105.5(1) indicates that new section 105.39 and new subsections 105.43(4) to (9) and (11) provide special rules for the making of preventative special orders in relation to people who are under 18 years of age.
It is possible that an AFP member could apply for, and an issuing authority could make, a preventative detention order in relation to a person without knowing that the person is under 16 years of age. Therefore, as an additional safeguard, new subsection 105.5(2) provides that if a police officer detaining a person under a preventative detention order is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the person is under 16 years of age, the police officer must, if themselves an AFP member, release the person from detention as soon as practicable, or if not themselves an AFP member, must inform a senior AFP member as soon as practicable of his or her suspicions.
New subsection 105.5(3) provides that if a senior AFP member is informed of a police officer's suspicions under new subsection 105.5(2), and the senior AFP member is satisfied that the person being detained is under 16 years of age, the senior AFP member must arrange to have the person released from detention as soon as practicable.
New section 105.6 - Restrictions on multiple preventative detention orders
The time limits on preventative detention are an extremely important safeguard in the regime and protect individuals from lengthy periods of detention when there is insufficient evidence available to arrest and charge a person. It is therefore vital that there be restrictions on obtaining multiple preventative detention orders in relation to the same person.
New subsection 105.6(1) prevents the AFP from obtaining multiple initial preventative detention orders in relation to the same person on the basis of assisting in preventing a particular terrorist act occurring within a particular period. Without this safeguard, it would be possible to obtain multiple initial preventative detention orders, each for the maximum period permitted under the legislation, without judicial consideration (under the regime, only a Federal Magistrate or a Judge can extend a preventative detention order beyond 24 hours and up to 48 hours).
The note to new subsection 105.6(1) indicates that this provision does not prevent the making of a preventative detention order to preserve evidence in relation to the terrorist act, if it occurs. For example, a person could be taken into preventative detention under an order made under new subsection 105.4(2) or under a corresponding state law to prevent the person committing a terrorist act in the next 14 days. Following release from detention, a terrorist act could occur. In those circumstances, provided the criteria for making an initial preventative detention order in relation to the person under subsection 105.4(4) were satisfied, it would be possible to apply for and make an initial preventative detention order in relation to the person and take the person into preventative detention for the purposes of preserving evidence of a terrorist act. In those circumstances, it would be possible for the person to be subject to preventative detention for a period exceeding 48 hours within the same 14-day period.
New subsection 105.6(2) prevents the AFP from obtaining multiple initial preventative detention orders in relation to the same person on the basis of assisting in preventing different terrorist acts occurring within a particular period, unless the order is based on information that became available only after the initial preventative detention order was made.
New subsection 105.6(3) prevents the AFP from obtaining multiple initial preventative detention orders in relation to the same person on the basis of preserving evidence of, or relating to, a terrorist act. Consistent with subsection 105.6(1), this limitation only applies where the person is detained under the order.
New subsection 105.6(4) is the equivalent of subsection 105.6(1) where the person is detained under a corresponding State preventative detention law. A corresponding State preventative detention law is defined in subsection 100.1(1) as a law or particular provisions of a law of a State or Territory declared by the regulations to correspond to Division 105 of this Act. This provision prevents the AFP from obtaining an initial preventative detention order in relation to a person already detained under a corresponding State preventative detention law without judicial consideration.
New subsection 105.6(5) is the equivalent of subsection 105.6(2) where the person is detained under a corresponding State preventative detention law.
New subsection 105.6(6) is the equivalent of subsection 105.6(3) where the person is detained under a corresponding State preventative detention law.
The limitations in section 105.6 only apply where the person is detained under the order. If, for example, a preventative detention order is made and the police are unable to locate and take the person into preventative detention before the order expires (see subsection 105.9(2)), the provision does not prevent the AFP from obtaining a further initial preventative detention order provided the criteria for making an order are satisfied.
New section 105.7 - Applying for an initial preventative detention order
New section 105.7 outlines the steps required for applying for an initial preventative detention order.
New subsection 105.7(1) provides that an application can be made by an AFP member to an issuing authority. The notes to new subsection (1) indicate that an issuing authority for the purposes of an initial preventative detention order is a senior AFP member , with both terms defined in subsection 100.1(1). The persons who can be issuing authorities for the purposes of initial preventative detention orders are limited to the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner of the AFP, or an AFP member of, or above, the rank of Superintendent.
New subsection 105.7(2) provides that an application must be made in writing and must set out the facts and other grounds on which the AFP member considers that the order should be made. The application must also specify the period for which the person is to be detained under the order, the facts and other grounds on which the AFP member considers that the person should be detained for that period, the person's age (if known), the particulars and outcomes of all previous applications for preventative detention orders and requests for control orders and information about any periods for which the person has been detained under a corresponding State preventative detention law (if known). There is no requirement that the facts and other grounds be sworn or affirmed by the AFP member.
New subsection 105.7(3) provides that, if an AFP member applies for a further initial preventative detention order in relation to a person, the application must identify the information on which the application is made that became available only after the initial preventative detention order was made. As with section 105.6, this applies only where the person is detained under the order.
New subsection 105.7(4) is the equivalent of subsection 105.7(3) where the person is detained under a corresponding State preventative detention law.
There is no requirement to include information about any unsuccessful applications for orders. Such processes will not have had any adverse impact on the person as a person can not be taken into custody under such circumstances, and in fact would be unlikely to be aware that a previous application was unsuccessful.
New section 105.8 - Senior AFP member may make an initial preventative detention order
New section 105.8 outlines the procedure for making an initial preventative detention order.
New subsection 105.8(1) provides that an issuing authority may make an initial preventative detention order. As noted above, an issuing authority for the purposes of an initial preventative detention order is the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner of the AFP or an AFP member at, or above, the rank of Superintendent.
New subsection 105.8(2) notes that new section 105.8 operates subject to the matters contained in new sections 105.4, 105.5 and 105.6. Those new sections deal with the criteria for applying for and making a preventative detention order, the prohibition on obtaining a preventative detention order for a person under 16 years of age, and the limits on multiple initial preventative detention orders in relation to the same terrorist act, respectively.
New subsection 105.8(3) outlines the actions that an initial preventative detention order authorises, which includes that the person specified in the order may be taken into custody and detained. The period during which the person can be detained under the order starts when the person is first taken into custody under the order and ends at the time specified in the order.
New subsection 105.8(4) provides that the order must be in writing.
New subsection 105.8(5) provides that the period of detention authorised by the order under new subsection 105.8(3) must not exceed 24 hours.
New subsection 105.8(6) requires an initial preventative detention order to set out the name of the person in relation to whom it is made, the period (not exceeding 24 hours) during which the person may be detained under the order, the date on which, and the time at which, the order is made, and the date and time after which the person may not be taken into custody under the order (see subsection 105.9(2)).
New subsection 105.8(7) provides that if the order is made in relation to a person who is under the age of 18 years (but note section 105.5, which prevents an order being made in relation to a person under the age of 16 years) or who is incapable of managing his or her affairs, the order may specify any period of time during which the person may have contact with another person. In the absence of this provision, or the specification of any period in the order, the person may not have contact with another person for more than two hours per day (see subsection 105.39(4)).
New section 105.9 - Duration of initial preventative detention order
New subsection 105.9(1) provides that an initial preventative detention order has effect from the time when it is made.
The note to new subsection (1) indicates that the order comes into force when it is made and authorises the AFP to take the person into custody under new paragraph 105.8(3)(a). This is to be distinguished from the period for which the person may then be detained under the order, which only commences when the person is first taken into custody under the order.
New subsection 105.9(2) provides for the expiry of the initial preventative detention order if it is not executed within a specified time. Specifically, if the person is not taken into custody under the order within 48 hours of it being made, the order ceases to have effect. Where the police do not take the person into custody during the period permitted, the AFP can apply for a fresh initial preventative detention order under new section 105.6.
New subsection 105.9(3) provides for the expiry of the initial preventative detention order if it is executed within a specified time. An initial preventative detention order under which the person is taken into preventative detention ceases to have effect when either the period specified in the order or in an extended order under new section 105.10, expires, or when the order is revoked under new section 105.17, whichever occurs first.
The first note to new subsection 105.9(3) indicates that where a person is released from detention under an order (eg, for the purposes of a warrant under section 34D of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 (ASIO Act )), the order does not cease to have effect (see new sections 105.25 and 105.26).
The second note to new subsection 105.9(3) indicates that the subsection should be read in conjunction with new section 105.11, which provides for a continued preventative detention order, and allows the person to continue to be detained for up to 48 hours after the person is first taken into custody under the initial preventative detention order.
New section 105.10 - Extension of initial preventative detention order
New subsection 105.10(1) authorises an AFP member to apply to an issuing authority for the extension of an initial preventative detention order.
Consistent with the process for applying for an initial preventative detention order, new subsection 105.10(2) provides that an application for extension must be in writing and must set out the facts and other grounds on which the AFP member considers that the extension or further extension should be made. The application must also set out the particulars and outcomes of all previous applications for extensions of the order. The note to new subsection (2) indicates that new subsections 105.4(4) and (6) set out the grounds on which a preventative detention order may be made.
New subsection 105.10(3) authorises the issuing authority to extend or further extend the period for which the order is to be in force in relation to the person. New subsection 105.10(4) provides that the extension or further extension must be made in writing.
New subsection 105.10(5) provides that the total period of detention allowed under an initial preventative detention order, including extensions, must end no later than 24 hours after the person is first taken into custody under the order.
New section 105.11 - Application for continued preventative detention order
A person can not be detained under an initial preventative detention order, including an extended initial preventative detention order, for a period exceeding 24 hours. However, new section 105.11 provides for that detention to be continued for a period not exceeding 48 hours where a judicial issuing authority authorises such detention.
Where an initial preventative detention order is in force in relation to a person, new subsection 105.11(1) authorises an AFP member to apply to an issuing authority for a continued preventative detention order in relation to that person. For the purposes of a continued preventative detention order, an issuing authority is limited to certain judges, Federal Magistrates, AAT members and retired judges who have consented to that appointment in writing (see new section 105.2).
Consistent with new subsection 105.7(2), new subsection 105.11(2) requires the application to be made in writing and to set out the facts and other grounds on which the AFP member considers that the order should be made. The application must also specify the period for which the person is to continue to be detained under the order and set out the facts and other grounds on which the AFP member considers that the person should continue to be detained for that period, the person's age (if known), information about any periods for which the person has been detained under a corresponding State preventative detention law (if known) and the particulars and outcomes of all previous applications for preventative detention orders, and requests for control orders, in relation to the person.
The note to new subsection 105.11(2) indicates that it is an offence to include information in the variation application that is false or misleading (see sections 137.1 and 137.2 of the Criminal Code , which provide for the offences of false or misleading information (section 137.1) and documents (section 137.2)).
New subsection 105.11(3) notes that the requirement to include information about previous preventative detention orders in relation to the person does not include information about the initial preventative detention order in relation to which the continued preventative detention order is sought.
New subsection 105.11(4) requires the information in the application to be sworn or affirmed by the AFP member.
New section 105.12 - Judge or Federal magistrate, AAT member or retired judge may make continued preventative detention order
New subsection 105.12(1) authorises an issuing authority to make a continued preventative detention order if a person has been taken into custody under an initial preventative detention order, and that order is still in force. It does not matter if the person is being detained under the order at the time (for example, the person may be, for the time being, in the custody of ASIO under a warrant issued under section 34D of the ASIO Act ).
Consistent with new subsection 105.8(2), new subsection 105.12(2) notes that new subsection 105.12(1) operates subject to the matters contained in new sections 105.4, 105.5 and 105.6. Those sections deal with the criteria for applying for and making a preventative detention order, the prohibition on obtaining a preventative detention order for a person under 16 years of age, and the limits on multiple initial preventative detention orders in relation to the same terrorist act, respectively. New subsection 105.12(2) means that, whether a preventative detention order will be made is to be decided on its merits, effectively as a stand alone application, and is to be determined in accordance with the criteria in new sections 105.4, 105.5 and 105.6.
New subsection 105.12(3) outlines the things that a continued preventative detention order authorises, which includes that the person specified in the order may be detained. The period during which the person can be detained under the order starts when the person is first taken into custody under the order and ends at the time specified in the order.
New subsection 105.12(4) provides that the order must be in writing.
New subsection 105.12(5) provides that the period of detention authorised by the order under subsection 105.12(3) must not exceed 48 hours.
New subsection 105.12(6) requires a continued preventative detention order to set out the name of the person in relation to whom it is made, the further period during which the person may be detained under the order, and the date on which, and the time at which, the order is made.
New subsection 105.12(7) provides that if the order is made in relation to a person who is under the age of 18 years or who is incapable of managing his or her affairs, the order may specify any period of time during which the person may have contact with another person. In the absence of this provision, or the specification of any period in the order, the person may not have contact with another person for more than two hours per day (see subsection 105.39(4)).
New section 105.13 - Duration of continued preventative detention order
New subsection 105.13(1) provides that a continued preventative detention order has effect from the time when it is made.
The note to subsection 105.13(1) indicates that as with initial orders, the continued order comes into force when it is made and the period for which the person may be detained under the order starts to run when the period during which the person may be detained under the initial preventative detention order ends.
New subsection 105.13(2) provides that the continued preventative detention order expires when either the period specified in the order or in an extended order under new section 105.14 expires, or when the order is revoked under new section 105.17, whichever occurs first.
New subsection 105.13(2) should be read in conjunction with new section 105.14, which provides for the extension of a continued preventative detention order.
The note to subsection 105.13(2) indicates that as with initial preventative detention orders, where a person is released from detention under an order (eg, for the purposes of a warrant under section 34D of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 ), the order does not cease to have effect (see new section 105.25 below).
New section 105.14 - Extension of continued preventative detention order
Where a continued preventative detention order is in force in relation to a person, new subsection 105.14(1) authorises an AFP member to apply to an issuing authority for the extension of that continued preventative detention order (see new section 105.2).
Consistent with the process for applying for the extension of an initial preventative detention order, new subsection 105.14(2) provides that an application for extension must be in writing and must set out the facts and other grounds on which the AFP member considers that the extension or further extension should be made. The application must also set out the particulars and outcomes of all previous applications for extensions of the order. The note to new subsection (2) indicates that new subsections 105.4(4) and (6) set out the grounds on which a preventative detention order may be made.
As with applications for continued preventative detention orders, new subsection 105.14(3) provides that the information in the application must be sworn or affirmed by the AFP member.
New subsection 105.14(4) authorises the issuing authority to extend or further extend the period for which the order is to be in force in relation to the person. New subsection 105.10(5) provides that the extension or further extension must be made in writing.
New subsection 105.14(6) provides that the total period of detention allowed, as extended or further extended, must end no later than 48 hours after the person is first taken into custody under the initial preventative detention order.
New section 105.15 - Prohibited contact order (person in relation to whom preventative detention order is being sought)
New section 105.15 provides for orders that prohibit a person who is in custody under a preventative detention order from contacting specified persons. This is designed to ensure that the 'preventative' purpose of the order is not defeated by the person in detention being able to contact other persons, including co-conspirators or those who might be in custody of evidence relating to a terrorist act, and, for example, instructing such a person to further the terrorist act in the person's absence, or destroy evidence of a terrorist act.
New subsection 105.15(1) authorises an AFP member who applies for a preventative detention order to also apply for a prohibited contact order. The application must be made to an issuing authority. Accordingly, if an application is made at the time of applying for an initial preventative detention order, the application must be made to the Commissioner or a Deputy Commissioner of the AFP, or an AFP member of, or above, the rank of Superintendent. If an application is made at the time of applying for a continued preventative detention order, the application must be made to an issuing authority (see new section 105.2).
New subsection 105.15(2) requires an application to set out the terms of the order sought and the facts and other grounds on which the AFP member considers that the order should be made.
In the case of an application for a prohibited contact order that is made at the time of applying for an initial preventative detention order, there is no requirement for the information in the application for the prohibited contact order to be sworn or affirmed by the AFP member. However, in the case of an application for a prohibited contact order that is made at the time of applying for a continued preventative detention order, new subsection 105.15(3) requires the information in the application for the prohibited contact order must be sworn or affirmed by the AFP member.
New subsection 105.15(4) authorises the relevant issuing authority to make the prohibited contact order if the preventative detention order is to be made and the issuing authority is satisfied that making the prohibited contact order will assist in achieving the objectives of the preventative detention order. The prohibited contact order prohibits the subject, while being detained under the preventative detention order, from contacting a person specified in the prohibited contact order. The note to new subsection (2) indicates that new subsections 105.4(4) and (6) set out the objectives of preventative detention orders.
New subsection 105.15(5) provides that the prohibited contact order must be in writing.
New section 105.16 - Prohibited contact order (person in relation to whom preventative detention order is already in force)
It is possible that, as a result on ongoing enquiries, the AFP obtains information that indicates that obtaining a prohibited contact order in relation to a person in relation to whom a preventative detention order is already in force would assist in achieving the objectives of the preventative detention order. In those cases, it will be necessary for the AFP member to apply for a prohibited contact order while the person is in detention.
New subsection 105.16(1) provides that an AFP member can apply to the relevant issuing authority for a prohibited contact order while the preventative detention order is in force. As with prohibited contact orders under new section 105.15, the relevant issuing authority will be the Commissioner or a Deputy Commissioner of the AFP, or an AFP member of, or above, the rank of Superintendent in relation to an initial preventative detention order, and a judge of a State or Territory Supreme Court, a Federal Magistrate, a Judge (Federal or Family Court), a former judge, or a President or Deputy President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in relation to a continued preventative detention order.
Consistent with prohibited contact orders sought under new subsection 105.15, new subsection 105.16(2) provides that an application under this section must set out the terms of the order sought and the facts and other grounds on which the AFP member considers that the order should be made.
In the case of an application for a prohibited contact order that is made in connection with an initial preventative detention order, there is no requirement for the information in the application for the prohibited contact order to be sworn or affirmed by the AFP member. However, in the case of an application for a prohibited contact order that is made in connection with a continued preventative detention order new subsection 105.16(3) requires the information in the application for the prohibited contact order must be sworn or affirmed by the AFP member.
New subsection 105.16(4) authorises the relevant issuing authority to make the prohibited contact order where it is satisfied that making the prohibited contact order will assist in achieving the objectives of the preventative detention order. The prohibited contact order prohibits the subject, while being detained under the preventative detention order, from contacting a person specified in the prohibited contact order. The note to new subsection (2) indicates that new subsections 105.4(4) and (6) set out the objectives of preventative detention orders.
New subsection 105.16(5) provides that the prohibited contact order must be in writing.
It should be noted that new subsection 105.16 does not authorise the AFP to prohibit a person from contacting a person while the AFP member or another AFP member applies to an issuing authority for a prohibited contact order in relation to that person.
Therefore, if a person is in detention under a preventative detention order, and the person requests to contact a specific person under new section 105.35, 105.36, 105.37 or 105.39, who is not the subject of an existing prohibited contact order, the AFP member detaining the person must not refuse that contact (subject to new section 105.38).
New section 105.17 - Revocation of preventative detention order or prohibited contact order
New subsection 105.17(1) requires a police officer who is detaining a person under a preventative detention order and who is satisfied that the grounds on which the preventative detention order was made have ceased to exist to either apply to a relevant issuing authority for the revocation of the preventative detention order, if the police officer is an AFP member, or inform a senior AFP member of the police officer's reasons for being satisfied that the grounds no longer exist.
New subsection 105.17(2) provides that if a senior AFP member is informed by a police officer under new subsection (1) and the senior AFP member is also satisfied that the grounds on which the order was made have ceased to exist, the AFP member must apply to a relevant issuing authority for the revocation of the order.
New subsection 105.17(3) requires an issuing authority who is satisfied, on application by an AFP member, that the grounds on which the preventative detention order was made have ceased to exist, to revoke the preventative detention order.
New subsections 105.17(4) to (6) are the equivalent of new subsections (1) to (3) in relation to the situation where a police officer detaining a person under a preventative detention order, in relation to whom a prohibited contact order is also in place, and the police officer is satisfied the grounds on which the prohibited contact order was made have ceased. In these circumstances, an application must be made to revoke this order and the relevant issuing authority, if in agreement, must revoke the order.
New section 105.18 - Status of person making continued preventative detention order
New subsection 105.18(1) provides that an issuing authority who makes a continued preventative detention order or a prohibited contact order has the same protection and immunity as a Justice of the High Court.
New subsection 105.18(2) provides that making, revoking, extending or further extending a continued preventative detention order, or making or revoking a prohibited contact order, are powers conferred in a personal capacity and not as a court or a member of a court. This new subsection has been included to ensure that it is clear that the function of issuing authority is conferred on judge, a Federal Magistrate or a member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in their personal capacity. It is clear that a former judge who is an issuing authority is exercising powers conferred by the Division in a personal capacity and not as a court or a member of a court, and it is therefore unnecessary to specifically refer to former judges in subsection 105.18(2).
The provision is in similar terms to section 4AAA of the Crimes Act which regulates the conferral of functions on judicial officers under Commonwealth law in relation to 'criminal matters'.
Subdivision C-Carrying out preventative detention orders
New section 105.19 - Power to detain person under preventative detention order
New subsection 105.19(1) provides that, once the preventative detention order has come into force by being made by an issuing authority, the person the subject of the order can be taken into custody and detained by any police officer. Consistent with arrest warrants and similar documents, it is not necessary for the AFP member who applied for the order to take the person into custody and to detain the person.
This ensures the person does not avoid being taken into custody and detained because they have been located by a police officer of a State or Territory or another AFP member.
New subsection 105.19(2) provides that a police officer, in effecting the taking of a person into custody and ensuring that the person remains in custody, has the same powers and obligations as the police officer would have in the situation of arresting the person for an offence or ensuring that the person remained in custody after being arrested for an offence. However, new subsection 105.19(4) ensures that this does not apply to the extent that powers and obligations are provided for in this new Subdivision, or new Subdivisions D or E.
The effect of these provisions is to ensure that a police officer may take the same action to ensure that the person is taken into custody and does not escape that custody that he or she is permitted to take to ensure the same result in relation to an arrest warrant. These provisions are intended to relate to the actual moment of taking the person into custody. It is not intended that these provisions require a person to be brought before a judge or magistrate as soon as possible for the purposes of either charging or releasing the person.
New subsection 105.19(3) defines offence for the purposes of new subsection 105.19(2) to mean an offence against the Commonwealth for AFP members and an offence against a law of the particular State or Territory for members of a State or Territory police force. This is to ensure that each individual police officer is subject to his or her usual rules and procedures in relation to arrests. In the case of the AFP, the relevant powers are conferred by section 3ZC of the Crimes Act . State and Territory powers vary. This provision is designed to ensure police are able to use those powers in relation to which they have received training and are experienced and familiar.
In addition, new subsection 105.19(4) ensures that where specific powers and obligations are expressed in this new Division, they override other usual powers that may apply to police officers in relation to arrests. For example, new section 105.22 provides a power to enter premises, and new sections 105.23 and 105.24 provide powers to conduct frisk and ordinary searches. These new provisions apply to the exclusion of any powers and obligations that may exist under general police procedures in relation to these actions.
New subsections 105.19(5) through (9) place obligations on the Commissioner of the AFP to ensure obligations in relation to the preventative detention order are exercised properly.
New subsection 105.19(5) requires the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police must nominate a senior AFP member (the nominated senior AFP member ) to oversee the exercise of powers under, and the performance of obligations in relation to, the preventative detention order. That nominated senior AFP member must be someone who was not involved in the making of the application for the preventative detention order (see new subsection 105.19(6).
New subsection 105.19(7) provides that the nominated senior AFP member must oversee the exercise of powers under, and the performance of obligations in relation to, the preventative detention order, ensure compliance with the provisions of section 105.17 (which deals with revocation of preventative detention orders and prohibited contact orders), and receive and consider any representations that are made under subsection 105.19(8). This provision ensures that the detainee, the detainee's lawyer, or a person with whom that person has contact under subsection 105.39(2) can make representations to a particular senior AFP member about the order and the treatment of the detainee under the order, including compliance with the provisions of section 105.17 (which deals with revocation of preventative detention orders and prohibited contact orders) (see new subsection 105.19(8)).
New subsection 105.19(9) provides that the Commissioner of the AFP may delegate his or her powers to make a nomination of a senior AFP member for the purposes of this provision.
New section 105.20 - Endorsement of order with date and time person taken into custody
New section 105.20 requires the police officer who is detaining the person under the initial preventative detention order to endorse on the order the date on which, and time at which, the person is first taken into custody under the order as soon as practicable after a person is first taken into custody. The time the person is taken into custody is relevant to determining the time when the person must be released from detention under the initial preventative detention order. This information is also relevant to extended initial preventative detention orders and continued preventative detention orders.
New section 105.21 - Requirement to provide name etc.
New subsection 105.21(1) authorises a police officer to request the name and address of a person if the police officer believes on reasonable grounds that the person, whose details are unknown, may be able to assist the police officer in executing a preventative detention order.
New subsection 105.21(2) creates an offence of refusing or failing to comply with such a request, or giving false information, although this offence only applies where the police officer has informed the person of the reason for the request, the police officer has shown evidence that he or she is a police officer if not in uniform at the time of making the request and the police officer has complied with any request for information from the person under new subsection 105.21(4). This offence is punishable by a fine of 20 penalty units, which under section 4AA of the Crimes Act is equivalent to $2200.
New subsection 105.21(3) provides that it is defence to the offence created by new subsection 105.21(2) if the person has a reasonable excuse for refusing or failing to comply, or providing false information. The note to subsection 105.21(3) indicates that the person bears the evidential burden in relation to this matter (see subsection 13.3(3)).
New subsection 105.21(4) provides that if the person the subject of the request asks the police officer to provide his or her name, the address of his or her place of duty and his or her identification number if he or she has such a number, or his or her rank if not, and the police officer refuses or fails to comply with the request or gives a name, address, number or rank that is false in a material particular, the police officer commits an offence. This offence is punishable by a fine of 5 penalty units, which under section 4AA of the Crimes Act is equivalent to $550.
New section 105.22 - Power to enter premises
New subsection 105.22(1) authorises a police officer to enter premises, using force that is necessary and reasonable in the circumstances, to search for, or take into custody, a person in relation to whom a preventative detention order is in force.
New subsection 105.22(2) limits the ability of a police officer to exercise the power conferred by subsection (1) by prohibiting a police officer from entering a dwelling house for the purpose of searching the premises for the person or taking the person into custody between 9 pm and 6 am unless it would not be practicable to take the person into custody, either at the dwelling house or elsewhere, at another time, or it is necessary to do so in order to prevent the concealment, loss or destruction of evidence of, or relating to, a terrorist act.
New subsection 105.22(3) provides a definition of the term dwelling house for the purpose of the section to include a conveyance, and a room in a hotel, motel, boarding house or club, in which people ordinarily retire for the night. The definition of dwelling house is in the same terms as the definition in section 3ZB of the Crimes Act , which confers a power on police to enter premises, including dwelling houses, for the purposes of arresting an offender.
New section 105.23 - Power to conduct a frisk search
New section 105.23 authorises a police officer who takes a person into custody under a preventative detention order, or who is present at that time to conduct a frisk search of the person. The section authorises the seizure of any seizable item. This provision is necessary to ensure the person being taken into custody does not have in their possession anything that could be used to harm themselves or others or be used to facilitate their escape from custody.
This provision is in similar terms to section 3ZE of the Crimes Act , which confers a power on police officers to conduct a frisk search of an arrested person.
Seizable item and frisk search are defined in section 100.1(1) of the Criminal Code .
New section 105.24 - Power to conduct an ordinary search
New section 105.24 is in similar terms to new section 105.23, except that it authorises an ordinary, rather than a frisk search, and also authorises a police officer to seize evidence of, or relating to, a terrorist act.
This provision is in similar terms to section 3ZF of the Crimes Act , which confers a power on police officers to conduct an ordinary search of an arrested person.
Seizable item and ordinary search are defined in section 100.1(1) of the Criminal Code .
New section 105.25 - Warrant under section 34D of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979
New subsections 105.25(1) and (2) provide that, if a person is being detained under a preventative detention order and a warrant under section 34D of the ASIO Act is in force in relation to the person, and the police is given a copy of the relevant warrant, the police officer must take such steps as are necessary in order for the person to be dealt with in accordance with that warrant.
New subsection 105.25(3) provides that these steps may include releasing the person from detention under the preventative detention order so that the person may be dealt with in accordance with the warrant.
The note to new subsection (3) indicates that if the police officer is not an AFP member, the police officer is not able to release the person without the approval of a senior AFP member under new subsection 105.26(2).
New subsection 105.25(4) is an avoidance of doubt provision that confirms that releasing the person from preventative detention for the purposes of handing the person over so that the person may be questioned or detained under the ASIO warrant does not extend the period for which the preventative detention order remains in force in relation to the person. As indicated by the note to new subsection (4), this is consistent with new paragraph 105.26(7)(a).
For example, a person could be taken into custody at 9am on Monday under a preventative detention order that authorises detention for 24 hours. The person could be handed over to ASIO at 6pm that day, and dealt with under the ASIO warrant for 20 hours or until 2pm on Tuesday. As the 24 hours authorised by the preventative detention order has elapsed, it is not possible to take the person back into preventative detention unless the AFP member has applied for, and the issuing authority has issued, an extension.
New section 105.26 - Release of person from preventative detention
New subsection 105.26(1) provides that a person may be released from preventative detention while the order is still in force. The reasons for release are not limited by the legislation and may include, for example, that the AFP has obtained information or evidence in relation to the person and the AFP member wishes to question the person under Part IC of the Crimes Act 1914 or so the person may be questioned or detained under an ASIO warrant under new section 105.25.
New subsection 105.26(2) provides that a police officer who is not an AFP member may not release the person from preventative detention without the approval of a senior AFP member, and that if requested, a senior AFP member must agree to the release of the person so that the person can be questioned in accordance with a warrant issued under section 34D of the ASIO Act .
New subsection 105.26(3) provides that where a person is released from preventative detention while the order is still in force, the police officer who releases the person must give the person a written statement, signed by the police officer, that the person is being released. However, new subsection 105.26(4) provides that if the person is released so that the person may be dealt with in accordance with a warrant under section 34D of the ASIO Act or under Division 4 of Part IAA of the Crimes Act , there is no requirement to give the person a signed written statement that the person is being released.
New subsection 105.26(5) is an avoidance of doubt provision that provides that a person may be taken to have been released from detention under a preventative detention order even if the person is released from detention under the order and immediately taken into custody on some other basis.
New subsection 105.26(6) is a further avoidance of doubt provision that provides that the person is taken not to be detained under the preventative detention order during the period during which the person is released from detention under the order. The limitations and other prohibitions imposed by Division 105, such as restrictions on the person contacting others, do not apply during periods of release.
New subsection 105.26(7) is a further avoidance of doubt provision that provides that, where a person is released from preventative detention under subsection (1), the period for which the preventative detention order remains in force is not affected, and despite the person having been released, the person may be taken into custody and detained under the order at any time while the order remains in force in relation to the person.
New section 105.27 - Arrangement for detainee to be held in State or Territory facility
New subsection 105.27(1) authorises a senior AFP member to arrange for the person to be detained under a preventative detention order at a prison or remand centre of a State or Territory. This provision provides flexibility in selecting a suitable venue in which to detain the person and is necessary to ensure that State and Territory police officers can detain persons under a preventative detention order.
New subsection 105.27(2) provides that if such an arrangement is made, the order is taken to authorise the person in charge of the prison or remand centre to detain the subject while the order is in force in relation to the subject, and the person in charge of that prison or remand centre or any other person involved in the subject's detention at that prison or remand centre who is exercising authority under the order or implementing or enforcing the order is required to treat the person humanely, in accordance with new section 105.33. In addition, while the subject is detained at the prison or remand centre, the senior AFP member who makes the arrangement for the detention at the State or Territory prison or remand centre is taken to be the AFP member detaining the subject for the purposes of new Subdivisions D and E of this Division.
New subsection 105.27(3) provides that the arrangement may include provision for the Commonwealth meeting the expenses of the subject's detention at the prison or remand centre. However, there is no requirement for the arrangement to include such a provision.
Subdivision D-Informing person detained about preventative detention order
New section 105.28 - Effect of initial preventative detention order to be explained to person detained
New subsection 105.28(1) requires the police officer who is detaining the person to inform the person of a number of matters as soon as practicable after a person is first taken into custody under an initial preventative detention order.
Although a failure to comply with this requirement may constitute an offence on the part of the police officer under new section 105.45, a failure to comply does not affect the lawfulness of the person's detention, under new subsection 105.31(5).
New subsection 105.28(2) sets out those matters, including the fact that the order has been made, the period of detention, the restrictions that apply to the people that the person may contact, the fact that an application may be made to continue detaining the person, any rights the person has to make a complaint to the Commonwealth Ombudsman or State or Territory equivalent, or to seek a remedy from a federal court under new section 105.51, in relation to the order, or the person's treatment in connection with the detention under the order, the person's entitlement to contact a lawyer under new section 105.37, and the name and work telephone number of the senior AFP member who has been nominated under subsection 105.19(5) to oversee the exercise of powers under, and the performance of obligations in relation to, the order.
New subsection 105.28(3) provides that the police officer is not required to inform the person being detained of the fact that a prohibited contact order has been made in relation to the person's detention or the name of a person specified in a prohibited contact order that has been made in relation to the person's detention.
New section 105.29 - Effect of continued preventative order to be explained to person detained
New subsection 105.29(1) requires the police officer who is detaining the person to inform the person of a number of matters as soon as practicable after a continued preventative detention order is made in relation to the person.
Although a failure to comply with this requirement may constitute an offence on the part of the police officer under new section 105.45, a failure to comply does not affect the lawfulness of the person's detention, under new subsection 105.31(5).
New subsection 105.29(2) sets out those matters, including the fact that the order has been made, the continuing period of detention, the restrictions that apply to the people that the person may contact, any rights the person has to make a complaint to the Commonwealth Ombudsman or State or Territory equivalent, or to seek a remedy from a federal court under new section 105.51, in relation to the order, or the person's treatment in connection with the detention under the order, the person's entitlement to contact a lawyer under new section 105.37, and the name and work telephone number of the senior AFP member who has been nominated under subsection 105.19(5) to oversee the exercise of powers under, and the performance of obligations in relation to, the order.
New subsection 105.28(3) provides that the police officer is not required to inform the person being detained of the fact that a prohibited contact order has been made in relation to the person's detention or the name of a person specified in a prohibited contact order that has been made in relation to the person's detention.
New section 105.30 - Person being detained to be informed of extension of preventative detention order
New section 105.30 provides additional requirements on the police officer if a preventative detention order is extended or further extended. In these circumstances, the police officer detaining the person under the order must inform the person of the extension, or further extension, as soon as practicable after the extension, or further extension, is made.
New section 105.31 - Compliance with obligations to inform
New subsection 105.31(1) provides that the requirements to inform the person of those matters mentioned above does not apply if the actions of the person make it impracticable for the police officer to comply with that subsection.
New subsection 105.31(2) provides that the police officer detaining the person under the preventative detention order complies with the requirements to inform the person of certain matters if the police officer informs the person in substance of the relevant matters (even if this is not done in language of a precise or technical nature). This provision ensures that these obligations may be satisfied by substantial compliance, even where the exact language of the relevant provision is not used.
New subsection 105.31(3) provides that if the police officer who is detaining the person under the preventative detention order has reasonable grounds to believe that the person is unable, because of inadequate knowledge of the English language or a physical disability, to communicate with reasonable fluency in that language must arrange for the assistance of an interpreter in complying with the provisions requiring the police officer to inform the person of certain matters. New subsection 105.31(4) provides that the assistance of the interpreter may be provided by telephone, but this is not intended to limit any other manner in which the interpreter may provide assistance.
New subsection 105.31(5) provides that the lawfulness of a person's detention under a preventative detention order is not affected by a failure to comply with the abovementioned requirements.
New section 105.32 - Copy of preventative detention order and summary of grounds
New subsection 105.32(1) requires the police officer who is detaining the person under an initial preventative detention order to give the person a copy of the order and a summary of the grounds on which the order is made. However, new subsection 105.32(2) does not require information to be included in the summary required under paragraph 105.32(1)(b) if the disclosure of the information is likely to prejudice national security (within the meaning of the National Security Information (Criminal and Civil Proceedings) Act 2004 .
New subsection 105.32(3) ensures that the police officer does not need to have a copy of the order with the police officer, and does not need to produce a copy of the order to the person, when the police officer takes the person into custody. This is to ensure that a police officer may still take a person into custody under a preventative detention order without having the order on his or her person at that time, but new subsection (1) requires the order to be produced as soon as practicable once the person is in detention.
New subsections 105.32(4) and (5) are equivalent provisions in relation to continued preventative detention orders, and extended and further extended preventative detention orders respectively.
In addition, new subsection 105.32(6) authorises the person to request the police officer who is detaining the person to arrange for a copy of the order or the summary given to the person under paragraph 105.32(1)(b), or any extension or further extension of the order to be given to a lawyer acting for the person, and to make arrangements for a copy of the order, or the extension or further extension, to be given to the lawyer as soon as practicable after the request is made.
The notes to subsection 105.32(6) indicate that section 105.37 deals with the person's right to contact a lawyer and the obligation of the police officer detaining the person to give the person assistance to choose a lawyer, and that section 105.40 prevents the person from contacting a lawyer who is specified in a prohibited contact order.
New subsection 105.32(7) requires the police officer to comply with a request under new subsection (5). New subsection 105.32(8) provides that the relevant copy may be faxed or emailed to the lawyer. This subsection is not intended to limit any other method of providing the lawyer with a copy of the order.
New subsection 105.32(9) is an avoidance of doubt provision that provides that the rights conferred with respect to lawyers by this section do not entitle a lawyer to be given a copy of, or see, a document other than the order or the extension.
New subsection 105.32(10) is an avoidance of doubt provision that provides that this section does not require a copy of a prohibited contact order to be given to any person.
New subsection 105.32(11) requires the police officer who gives a copy of an initial preventative detention order to the person being detained or the person's lawyer must endorse on the copy the date on which, and time at which, the person was first taken into custody under the order.
New subsection 105.32(12) provides that a failure to comply with subsections (1), (4), (5), (7) or (11) does not affect the lawfulness of a person's detention under a preventative detention order.
Subdivision E-Treatment of person detained
New section 105.33 - Humane treatment of person being detained
New section 105.33 provides that a person being taken into custody, or being detained, under a preventative detention order must be treated with humanity and with respect for human dignity and must not be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment by anyone exercising authority under the order or implementing or enforcing the order.
The note to this new section indicates that there is an offence for contravening this provision in new section 105.45.
This is a standard provision in Commonwealth legislation that confer powers on law enforcement officers, designed to codify the common law and ensure the person is treated appropriately. The provision is in similar terms to section 23Q of the Crimes Act , which requires police officers to treat persons who are under arrest or are protected suspects with humanity and with respect for human dignity, and not to subject persons who are under arrest or are protected suspects to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
New section 105.34 - Restriction on contact with other people
New section 105.34 prohibits the person from contacting another person while being detained under a preventative detention order, except to the extent that such contact is authorised by sections 105.35, 105.36, 105.37 and 105.39.
The first note to this section indicates that the prohibition only applies if the person is actually detained under the order - this restriction does not apply while a person is not detained, even though the order may still be in force in relation to the person.
The second note to this section indicates that contact that is authorised by sections 105.35, 105.37 and 105.39 may be restricted by a prohibited contact order made under new section 105.15 or 105.16.
New section 105.35 - Contacting family members etc.
New section 105.35 entitles the person to contact a number of persons. Those persons are one of the person's family members (as defined in subsection 105.35(3), one non-family member with whom the person lives, one of the person's employer, employees or business associates, as applicable, or such other person as the police officer detaining the person agrees. The entitlement is to contact one person from each of the relevant categories by telephone, fax or email, and may only be to let the person or persons contacted know that the person is safe but is not able to be contacted for the time being. The provision enabling such other persons as the police officer sees fit ensures that the police officer permit the contact that is most appropriate in the circumstances.
Although the provision only provides an entitlement to contact one person from each of the relevant categories once during the period of detention, the AFP can authorise further contact during the course of the detention. This could be, for example, when the person is informed that the preventative detention order has been extended.
New subsection 105.35(2) is an avoidance of doubt provision that makes it clear that the person is not entitled to disclose the fact that a preventative detention order has been made in relation to the person, the fact that the person is being detained under the order or the period for which the person is being detained.
For the purposed of new subsection 105.35(1), family member of a person is defined in new subsection 105.35(3) to mean the person's spouse, de facto spouse or same-sex partner, a parent, step-parent or grandparent of the person, a child, step-child or grandchild of the person, a brother, sister, step-brother or step-sister of the person, or a guardian or carer of the person. The definition of family member is the same as the definition of close family member in section 102.1 of the Criminal Code that is relevant to the association offence in section 102.8 of the Criminal Code .
The model for permissible contact under this new regime is les restrictive than that provided by the ASIO Act . Under the ASIO Act there are stricter limitations on contact for a warrant that authorises questioning and detention. Subsection 34F(8) provides that a person who has been taken into custody or detained under Division 3 of the ASIO Act is not permitted to contact, and may be prevented from contacting, anyone at any time while in custody or detention. Subsection 34F(9) of the ASIO Act provides that the detained person is only able to contact the IGIS, the Ombudsman, and a person whom the warrant or prescribed authority permits him or her to contact. Subparagraph 34D(2)(b)(ii) of the ASIO Act provides that a detention warrant must permit the subject of the warrant to contact identified persons at specified times when the person is in custody or detention. The person identified in the warrant may be a lawyer of the person's choice, a person with whom the subject of the warrant has a particular familial or legal relationship or other persons (see subsection 34D(4). A detention warrant must permit the person to contact a single lawyer of the person's choice (see subsection 34C(3B)). However, a prescribed authority may prevent a person detained under a warrant from contacting a lawyer of the person's choice where a prescribed authority is satisfied, on the basis of circumstances relating to a particular lawyer, that if the subject is permitted to contact that lawyer a person involved in a terrorism offence may be alerted that the offence is being investigated or a relevant record or thing may be destroyed, damaged or altered (see section 34TA). If the subject of the warrant is aged between 16 and 18, the warrant must also permit the person to contact a parent or guardian, or another person who can represent the subject's interests (see subsections 34NA(6) and (7)).
New section 105.36 - Contacting Ombudsman etc.
New subsection 105.36(1) provides that the person is entitled to contact the Commonwealth Ombudsman in accordance with the Complaints (Australian Federal Police) Act 1981 . New section 105.36 should be read in conjunction with section 22 of the Complaints (Australian Federal Police) Act 1981 , which provides for the manner in which a person who is in custody may make a complaint to the Commonwealth Ombudsman under that Act.
New subsection 105.36(2) is an equivalent provision enabling a person to contact the State or Territory equivalent to the Commonwealth Ombudsman where the person is being held by a police officer of a State or Territory or in a State or Territory prison or remand centre.
New section 105.37 - Contacting lawyer
New subsection 105.37(1) provides that the person is entitled to contact a lawyer for limited purposes. The person may seek advice on his or her rights in relation to the preventative detention order or the treatment of the person in connection with the order, which includes instructing the lawyer in federal court proceedings seeking a remedy connected with the order or the treatment, or in complaint proceedings through the Commonwealth Ombudsman connected with the order or the treatment of the person in connection with the person's detention under the order. The person may also instruct the lawyer to appear for him or her in relation to any other court proceedings for which an appearance or hearing is to take place during the period in which the person is to be detained.
New subsection 105.37(2) provides that the person may have contact with the lawyer in person or by telephone, fax or email.
New subsection 105.37(3) provides that, if the person is either not entitled to contact a particular lawyer because of section 105.40 (prohibited contact orders) or is not able to contact a particular lawyer, the police officer who is detaining the person is required to provide reasonable assistance to the person in choosing another lawyer.
New subsection 105.37(4) provides that in recommending lawyers, the police officer who is detaining the person may give priority to lawyers who have been given a security clearance at an appropriate level by the Attorney-General's Department. However, new subsection 105.37(5) provides that new subsection (4) does not restrict the person in his or her choice of lawyers to a lawyer who has a security clearance.
New section 105.38 - Monitoring contact under section 105.35 or 105.37
New subsection 105.38(1) provides that the contact with other people to which the person is entitled can only occur if it is conducted in such a way that both the contact and the content and meaning of the communication can be effectively monitored by a police officer acting under the authority of the preventative detention order. This is to ensure that the person does not communicate information that he or she is not entitled to communicate.
New subsection 105.38(2) provides that , although the contact may take place in a language other than English, this can only occur if the content and meaning of the communication that takes place during the contact can be effectively monitored with the assistance of an interpreter. New subsection 105.38(3) provides that the interpreter can be a police officer, but this does not limit non-AFP interpreters from providing assistance.
New subsection 105.38(4) places an obligation on the police officer who is detaining the person to arrange for the services of an appropriate interpreter to be provided if this is required. This is to ensure that it is not more onerous for the person to speak in a language other than English.
New subsection 105.38(5) ensures the person's communications with his or her lawyer that occur lawfully under new section 105.37 can not be admitted in evidence against the person in any proceedings in a court. Even though it is an offence under new subsection 105.41(7) for a police officer to disclose such information, this safeguard is necessary to ensure a police officer is not called upon to provide evidence of what he or she heard during monitoring conversations likely to be protected by legal professional privilege.
New section 105.39 - Special contact rules for person under 18 or incapable of managing own affairs
New section 105.39 recognises the special needs of young persons and those incapable of managing their own affairs, particularly when taken into police custody.
New subsection 105.39(1) provides that section 105.39 applies if the person being detained under a preventative detention order is under 18 years of age (but at least 16 years of age under new section 105.5) or is incapable of managing his or her affairs.
New subsection 105.39(2) provides that those categories of persons are entitled to have contact with a parent or guardian, or another person who is able to represent the person's interests, while being detained under the order. The person representing the person's interests can not be an AFP member or employee, a member of a police force of a State or Territory or an officer or employee of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
It is important to note that these two categories are completely separate. Therefore, if a person has a parent or guardian who is an AFP member or employee, a member of a police force of a State or Territory or an officer or employee of ASIO, the person is entitled to contact that person. The exceptions set out in new paragraph (2)(b) are to ensure that a person, other than a parent or guardian, who is to represent the person's interests, is a person independent of the police and security services.
New subsection 105.39(3) is an avoidance of doubt provision which ensures that the person being detained is entitled to see 2 parents, or 2 or more guardians and is entitled to disclose the fact that a preventative detention order is in place, the fact that the person is being detained and the period of detention to each of these people.
New subsection 105.39(4) permits the contact to be in person or via telephone, fax or email.
New subsection 105.39(5) limits the period for which the person is entitled to have contact to 2 hours each day, or such longer period as may be specified in the preventative detention order. The note to this subsection indicates that an issuing authority may specify a longer period in the order under new subsection 105.8(7) or 105.12(7).
New subsection 105.39(6) makes it clear that, despite the time limit of 2 hours, or such further time as specified in the preventative detention order, the police officer who is detaining the person may permit the person to have contact for longer than this period. While this is not a right, it permits the police officer to assess the best needs of the person in the circumstances.
New subsections 105.39(7) to 105.39(10) ensure that contact by young persons or person unable to manage their own affairs can be effectively monitored, consistent with the monitoring requirements as set out in new section 105.38.
New subsection 105.39(7) provides that the contact that the person has with another person under subsection 105.39(2) must be conducted in a way that it can be monitored. New subsection 105.39(8) provides that if the communication takes place in a language other than English, the contact may continue only if it can be effectively monitored with the assistance of an interpreter, with new subsection 105.39(9) permitting this interpreter to be a police officer. New subsection 105.39(10) places an obligation on the police officer who is detaining the person to arrange for the services of an appropriate interpreter to be provided if necessary.
New section 105.40 - Entitlement to contact subject to prohibited contact order
New section 105.40 makes it clear that the entitlement to contact others in sections 105.35, 105.37 and 105.39 are subject to the existence of any prohibited contact order made in relation to the person's detention. Therefore, if the person requested to contact a particular family member who was specified in a prohibited contact order made under new section 105.15, the person would not be permitted to contact that person, but would be entitled to request to contact another family member.
This is designed to ensure that the 'preventative' purpose of the order is not defeated by entitlements to contact others, by permitting the person to contact another person, including co-conspirators or those who might be in custody of evidence relating to a terrorist act, and, for example, instructing such a person to further the terrorist act in the person's absence, or destroy evidence of a terrorist act.
The model for permissible disclosures under this new regime is also less restrictive than that provided by the ASIO Act . Under the ASIO Act there are stricter limitations on contact for a warrant that authorises questioning and detention. While subjects of ASIO detention warrants are permitted to contact certain persons, they must not reveal information to those persons contrary to section 34VAA (secrecy offences). Section 34VAA protects the effectiveness of intelligence gathering operations by prohibiting disclosure without authorisation of the existence of the warrant and any fact relating to the content of the warrant or to the questioning or detention of a person under the warrant while a warrant is in force, and by prohibiting disclosure without authorisation of any ASIO operational information while a warrant is in force and during the period of two years after the expiry of the warrant.
Section 34VAA(5) of the ASIO Act sets out a number of permitted disclosures (whereby the secrecy offence would not apply) including disclosures for the purpose of obtaining legal advice or making complaints to the IGIS, disclosures permitted by a prescribed authority, and disclosures permitted by the Director-General of ASIO.
New section 105.41 - Disclosure offences
New section 105.41 creates a number of offences for disclosing information related to a preventative detention order. Each of the disclosure offences carries a penalty of 5 years imprisonment.
New subsection 105.41(1) creates an offence for the person who is being detained to disclose the fact that a preventative detention order has been made in relation to the person, the fact that the person is being detained under the order, or the period for which the person is being detained under the order. The provision only prohibits the disclosure of this information while the person is being detained. The offence does not prevent disclosure of information that the person is entitled to make under new sections 105.36, 105.37 or 105.39, such as information disclosed to the Commonwealth Ombudsman in accordance with the Complaints (Australian Federal Police) Act 1981 or communicating with a lawyer for the purposes permitted in new section 104.34.
New subsection 105.41(2) creates an offence for the person's lawyer to disclose the fact that a preventative detention order has been made in relation to the person, the fact that the person is being detained under the order, the period for which the person is being detained under the order or any information that the person gives the lawyer in the course of the contact. The provision only prohibits the disclosure of this information while the person is being detained. The offence does not prevent disclosure of information that the lawyer makes for the purposes of proceedings in a federal court or a complaint to the Commonwealth Ombudsman or equivalent State or Territory officer or authority. Nor does the offence prohibit disclosure of information for the purpose of making representations to the senior AFP member nominated under subsection 105.19(5) in relation to the order, or to another police officer involved in the detainee's detention, about the exercise of powers under the order, the performance of obligations in relation to the order or the treatment of the detainee in connection with the detainee's detention under the order.
There is no provision for the person's lawyer to disclose information he or she lawfully obtains from the person under new section 105.37 because if the lawyer wishes to seek advice from a barrister, for example, it should not be necessary to disclose the fact of the particular person's detention to that barrister.
New subsection 105.41(3) creates an offence for the disclosure of certain information by a person who, under new section 105.39, has special contact with person who is under 18 years of age or incapable of managing his or her own affairs. A person in this situation commits an offence if they disclose to another person, who is not another person that the person lawfully had contact with under new section 105.39, the fact that a preventative detention order has been made in relation to the person, the fact that the person is being detained under the order, the period of detention or any information that the person gives the offender in the course of the contact. As with new subsections 105.41(1) and (2), the offence only applies to disclosures made while the person is being detained under the order, and it does not apply to a disclosure made by the person for the purposes of a complaint to the Commonwealth Ombudsman or equivalent State or Territory officer or authority. Nor does the offence prohibit disclosure of information for the purpose of making representations to the senior AFP member nominated under subsection 105.19(5) in relation to the order, or to another police officer involved in the detainee's detention, about the exercise of powers under the order, the performance of obligations in relation to the order or the treatment of the detainee in connection with the detainee's detention under the order.
New subsection 105.41(4) is an avoidance of doubt provision which clarifies that a person does not contravene subsection 105.41(3) merely by letting another person know that the person is safe but is not able to be contacted for the time being.
New subsection 105.41(5) creates an offence for an interpreter assisting in monitoring contact between the person and another person under new section 105.35, 105.36, 105.37 or 105.39. An interpreter commits an offence if they disclose to another person the fact that a preventative detention order has been made in relation to the person, the fact that the person is being detained under the order, the period of detention or any information that the interpreter obtains in the course of assisting in monitoring the person's contact. As with the previous new offences, the offence only applies to disclosures made by the interpreter while the person is being detained under the order.
New subsection 105.41(6) creates an offence for secondary disclosures of information that was improperly disclosed. A person commits an offence if another person discloses information to the first person relating to the existence of a preventative detention order, the fact that the person is being detained under the order, the period of that detention or any other information obtained from the person, that disclosure was contrary to new subsection (1), (2) (3) or (5), or this new subsection, and the first person discloses the information to a third person. As with the previous new offences, the offence only applies to disclosures made by the interpreter while the person is being detained under the order.
This offence ensures that a person to whom information is disclosed in contravention of these new offences cannot disclose that information to a third party without themselves being guilty of an offence.
New subsection 105.41(7) creates an offence for a police officer or interpreter monitoring contact with a lawyer to disclose any information that was lawfully communicated between the person and the lawyer in the course of contact under new subsection 105.37(1). Unlike the previous new offences, this offence applies to disclosures made by the police officer or interpreter at any time, and is not limited to the period when the person is being detained under the order.
In conjunction with new section 105.38, this offence ensures that the police officer, with the assistance of an interpreter where necessary, can effectively monitor communications between a person and the person's lawyer to prevent communications from occurring that are not permitted under the legislation, while also protecting the confidentiality of communications that are permitted under section 105.37. This offence also works in conjunction with new subsection 105.38(5), which ensures the person's communications with his or her lawyer that occur lawfully under new section 105.37 can not be admitted in evidence against the person in any proceedings in a court.
New section 105.42 - Questioning of person prohibited while person is detained
New subsection 105.42(1) prohibits a police officer from questioning a person while the person is being detained under a preventative detention order. This is necessary to ensure safeguards relating to the manner in which a suspect for an offence is to be questioned by a police officer in other legislation, such as Part IC of the Crimes Act , are not avoided or defeated because the person is the subject of a preventative detention order. For example, section 23F of the Crimes Act requires an investigating official to inform a person who is under arrest or is a protected suspect that he or she does not have to say or do anything.
New subsection 105.42(1) contains a number of exceptions that authorise the police officer to ask the person certain questions to determine whether the person is the person specified in the order, ensure the safety and well-being of the person, and allow the AFP member to comply with requirements set out in Division 105 in relation to the person's detention under the order.
The first note to subsection 105.42(1) indicates that this section does not apply where the person has been released from detention, even if the preventative detention order is still in effect. This is to ensure that a police officer is able to release a person from detention under the order in order to question the person under other legislation. For example, a person could be taken into preventative detention under an order, and following the receipt of additional information, for example from the execution of a search warrant at the person's premises, the police officer may wish to question the person in relation to an alleged criminal offence. In such circumstances, the police officer can release the person from preventative detention under the order and offer the person the opportunity to participate in a taped record of interview in relation to the alleged offence. In such a case, all the protections and safeguards under the Crimes Act would apply.
The second note to subsection 105.42(1) indicates that a police officer may commit an offence under section 105.45 if the member questions a person in contravention of this subsection.
New subsection 105.42(2) prohibits an officer or employee of ASIO from questioning a person while the person is being detained under a preventative detention order. There are no exceptions to this general prohibition.
However, the same issues apply to this offence as with the offence under subsection 105.42(1), meaning that it is possible for the person to be released from preventative detention for the purposes of ASIO questioning. Accordingly, this provision should be read in conjunction with new section 105.25, which provides that, if a person is being detained under a preventative detention order and a warrant under section 34D of the ASIO Act is in force in relation to the person, the AFP member must make all necessary arrangements to enable the person to be dealt with in accordance with that warrant.
The rationale for this process is that detention in itself is a factor that can impact on the reliability of answers to questions. Given the purpose of the preventative detention regime is to prevent a terrorist attack and to preserve evidence, and the police and ASIO questioning time was recently modified to extend questioning for terrorism investigations, it follows that the existing procedures for questioning should be used. Those procedures contain safeguards in relation to the questioning of persons, including persons who are under arrest or are protected suspects.
In addition, an officer or employee of ASIO may commit an offence under section 105.45 if the officer or employee questions a person in contravention of this subsection.
New subsection 105.42(3) complements the prohibitions in new subsections 105.42(1) and (2) by prohibiting an AFP member or an officer or employee of ASIO from questioning a person while the person is being detained under an order made under a corresponding State preventative detention law. Corresponding State preventative detention law is defined in subsection 100.1(1).
Consistent with the other provisions in this section, the offence does not apply if the person has been released from detention, even if the preventative detention order is still in place. In addition, an AFP member or an officer or employee of ASIO who questions a person in contravention of this subsection may commit an offence under section 105.45.
New section 105.43 - Taking identifying material
New subsection 105.43(1) prohibits a police officer from taking identification material from a person who is being detained under a preventative detention order. It is necessary to provide for the taking of identification material to determine whether the person is the person specified in the order (see new section 105.41).
Identification material is defined in the new definition in subsection 101.(1) to mean prints of the person's hands, fingers, feet or toes, recordings of the person's voice, samples of the person's handwriting or photographs (including video recordings) of the person. Identification material does not include tape recordings made for the purposes of section 23U or 23V of the Crimes Act 1914 .
A police officer who contravenes the prohibition in subsection 105.43(1) may commit an offence under section 105.45.
New subsections 105.43(2) through (11) provide exceptions to this general prohibition that are similar to the exceptions in section 3ZJ of the Crimes Act 1914
New subsection 105.43(2) provides that a police officer who is of the rank of sergeant or higher may take identification material from the person, or cause identification material from the person to be taken, only if the person consents in writing or the police officer believes on reasonable grounds that it is necessary to do so for the purpose of confirming the person's identity as the person specified in the order.
New subsection 105.43(3) provides that a police officer may use such force as is necessary and reasonable in the circumstances to take identification material from a person under this section. Without this provision, there could be doubt about whether a police officer was authorised to make the physical contact with the person that was reasonably necessary to obtain certain types of identification material, such as the physical contact that occurs when an impression of a person's fingerprints are made.
New subsection 105.43(4) prohibits a police officer from taking identification material (other than hand prints, finger prints, foot prints or toe prints) from the person if the person is under 18 years of age or is incapable of managing his or her affairs unless a Federal Magistrate orders that the material be taken. New subsection 105.43(5) provides that, in deciding whether to make such an order, the Federal Magistrate must have regard to the age, or any disability, of the person and such other matters as the Federal Magistrate thinks fit. These provisions are designed to protect the interests of young people and those who are incapable of managing their own affairs.
A police officer who contravenes the prohibition in subsection 105.43(4) may commit an offence under section 105.45.
New subsection 105.43(6) requires that, where identification material is taken from a person who is under 18 years of age or is incapable of managing his or her affairs, this must be done in the presence of a parent or guardian of the person or another appropriate person. An appropriate person in this section is defined in new subsection 105.43(11) as a person who is capable of representing the person's interests and is acceptable to the person and the police officer who is detaining the person. However, an appropriate person can not be an AFP member or employee, a member of a police force of a State or Territory, or an officer or employee of ASIO.
A police officer who contravenes the prohibition in subsection 105.43(6) may commit an offence under section 105.45.
New subsection 105.43(7) permits the taking of identification material from a young person who is detained under an order, provided the person is capable of managing his or her affairs, and the person and a parent or guardian or appropriate person agrees in writing (see new subsections 105.43(8) and (9)). If the agreement in writing is obtained from the person, but not a parent or guardian or appropriate person, or agreement in writing is obtained from a parent or guardian or appropriate person, but not the person, the material can be taken if a Federal Magistrate orders that the material be taken. When deciding whether to make such an order, the Federal Magistrate must have regard to the matters set out in subsection 105.43(5).
New subsection 105.43(10) makes it clear that identification material may be taken from a person who is at least 18 years of age and is capable of managing his or her affairs if the person consents in writing. In such cases, it is not necessary to obtain the consent of another person or an order from a Federal Magistrate.
New subsection 105.44 - Use of identification material
New section 105.44 limits the uses of identification material lawfully taken under new subsection 105.43.
New subsection 105.44 provides that identification material taken from a person under section 105.43 may only be used to determine whether the person is the person specified in the order.
New subsection 105.44(3) requires the material to be destroyed as soon as practicable once 12 months have elapsed since the material was taken, if proceedings in respect of the preventative detention order, or the treatment of the person in connection with that order, have not been brought.
A contravention of the requirement to destroy the material under subsection 105.44(3) may constitute an offence under section 105.45.
New section 105.45 - Offences of contravening safeguards
New section 105.45 creates an offence, with a penalty of 2 years imprisonment, for conduct which amounts to a contravention of the safeguards and limitations outlined in new Subdivisions D and E of Division 105.
The offence is designed to ensure compliance with those safeguards and limitations by AFP members and employees, member of police forces of a State or Territory, and officers or employees of ASIO.
New section 105.46 - Nature of functions of Federal Magistrate
New subsection 105.46(1) provides that the function of making an order that identification material be taken that is conferred on a Federal Magistrate by new section 105.43 is conferred on the Federal Magistrate in a personal capacity and not as a court or a member of a court.
New subsection 105.46(2) provides that an order made by a Federal Magistrate under section 105.43 has effect only by virtue of this Act and is not to be taken by implication to be made by a court.
New subsection 105.46(3) provides that a Federal Magistrate performing a function of, or connected with, making an order under new section 105.43 has the same protection and immunity as if he or she were performing that function as, or as a member of, the Federal Magistrates Court.
These provisions ensure that although an order of a Federal Magistrate in relation to the taking of identification material is not taken to be an order of, or a view of, the Federal Magistrates Court in relation to any future proceedings, the individual Federal Magistrate is immune from any civil or criminal proceedings that could result from that order.
New section 105.47 - Annual report
New subsection 105.47(1) requires the Attorney-General to cause a report about the operation of Division 105 during the year to be prepared as soon as practicable after each 30 June.
New subsection 105.47(2) sets out the matters that are required to be included in the report. These matters include the number of initial and continued preventative detention orders made during the year, whether a person was taken into custody under each of those orders and, if so, the period of detention, particulars of any complaints in relation to the detention of a person under a preventative detention order made or referred during the year to the Commonwealth Ombudsman or the Australian Federal Police and the number of prohibited contact orders made during the year.
New section 105.47(3) requires the Attorney-General to cause copies of the report to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the report is completed.
New section 105.48 - Ombudsman functions and powers not affected
New section 105.48 makes it clear that Division 105 does not affect a function or power of the Commonwealth Ombudsman under the Complaints (Australian Federal Police) Act 1981 .
New section 105.49 - Queensland Public interest monitor functions and powers not affected
New section 105.49 provides that this new Division does not affect any functions or powers that Queensland public interest monitor or deputy public interest monitor has under a law of Queensland. In Queensland, all applications for warrants and related judicial authorisations are attended by the public interest monitor who provides the case for the person who would be the subject of the warrant. This new Division is not intended to affect any powers of that office. It is intended to ensure that the role of the Queensland public interest monitor in overseeing Queensland law enforcement officers operating under Queensland legislation in relation to preventative detention orders is preserved. The provision is not intended to authorise the Queensland Parliament to legislate to control how powers are to be exercised under the Bill by Commonwealth officers.
New section 105.50 - Law relating to legal professional privilege not affected
New section 105.50 is an avoidance of doubt provision which makes it clear that Division 105 does not affect the law relating to legal professional privilege.
New section 105.51 - Legal proceedings in relation to preventative detention orders
New section 105.51 sets out the legal rights in relation to Commonwealth preventative detention orders, both in relation to review of those orders and damages associated with the execution of those orders.
New section 105.51(1) provides that proceedings may be brought in a court for a remedy in relation to a preventative detention order or the treatment of a person in connection with such an order.
The right to bring proceedings under new section 105.51(1) is limited by subsection 105.51(2), which provides that a court of a State or Territory does not have jurisdiction in proceedings for a remedy if those proceedings are commenced while the order is in force. It may be possible to seek injunctive relief to stop the detention in the equitable jurisdiction of the Federal Court. This provision does not prevent the person seeking a remedy in a State or Territory court once the preventative detention order has ceased to be in force.
New subsection 105.51(3) provides that subsection 105.51(2) has effect despite any other law of the Commonwealth (whether passed or made before or after the commencement of this section). This ensures that, if an amendment is made to legislation such as the Judiciary Act 1903 , unless that amendment specifically addressed the matters covered by this new section, such amendments could not be assumed to override this provision.
The right to bring proceedings under new section 105.51(1) is also limited by subsection 105.51(4), which provides that an application cannot be made under the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 (AD(JR) Act ) in relation to a decision made under Division 105. It is appropriate to exempt review under that Act as there are requirements in that legislation that are not suitable in the context of the security environment. This exemption is also consistent with existing exemptions for decisions that relate to criminal proceedings and with specific exemptions for decisions made in relation to ASIO questioning and detention warrants.
New subsection 105.51(5) provides that an application may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) for review of a decision by an issuing authority to make an initial preventative detention order under section 105.8 or a decision by an issuing authority to make a continued initial preventative detention order under section 105.12 or a decision by an issuing authority to extend or further extend a preventative detention order. However, new subsection 105.51(5) precludes the making of an application to the AAT while the order is in force.
New subsection 105.51(6) restricts the exercise of the power of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to review a decision referred to in subsection 105.51(5) to the Security Appeals Division of the Tribunal. The Security Appeals Division is the appropriate review body as it has relevant experience, including familiarity with dealing with national security and related information.
New subsection 105.51(7) outlines the decisions the AAT may make in relation to a review of a decision referred to in subsection 105.51(5). The AAT may declare a decision to be void if the Tribunal would have set the decision aside if an application for review of the decision had been able to be made to the Tribunal while the order was in force. The AAT may determine that the Commonwealth should compensate the person in relation to the person's detention under the order if the Tribunal declares the decision to be void. Provision is made for the Commonwealth being liable to pay the compensation determined by the AAT (new subsection 105.51(8)).
New subsection 105.51(9) provides for the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 to apply in relation to an application to the AAT for review of a decision with the modifications specified in the regulations made under this Act. This provision will ensure that it is possible to make any minor amendments that are considered necessary for the review process, such as minor adjustments to the normal processes of the Security Division.
New section 105.52 - Review by State and Territory courts
New section 105.52 sets out the legal rights in relation to preventative detention orders where a person has been detained under a Commonwealth and a State preventative detention order, both in relation to review of those orders and damages associated with the execution of those orders.
New subsection 105.52(1) provides that new section 105.52 applies only if a number of criteria are satisfied. Those criteria are that a detainee is detained under a Commonwealth preventative detention order and a State preventative detention order that is made under a corresponding State preventative detention law. Both orders must have been made on the basis of assisting in preventing the same terrorist act, or a different terrorist act, occurring within the period or preserving evidence of, or relating to, the same terrorist act. In addition, the section only applies if the person who was detained brings proceedings before a court of a State or Territory in relation to the application for, or the making of, the State order or the person's treatment in connection with the person's detention under the State order.
New subsection 105.52(2) authorises the court to review the application for, and the making of, the Commonwealth order, and the person's treatment in connection with the person's detention under the Commonwealth order, on the same grounds as those on which the court may review the application for, and the making of, the State order, and the person's treatment in connection with the person's detention under the State order. In addition, new subsection 105.52(2) authorises the court to grant the same remedies in relation to the application for, and the making of, the Commonwealth order, and the person's treatment in connection with the person's detention under the Commonwealth order, as those the court can grant in relation to the application for, and the making of, the State order, and the person's treatment in connection with the person's detention under the State order. In other words, provided the criteria in new subsection 105.52(1) are satisfied, there is consistency in the remedies that are available to a person who was detained.
New subsection 105.52(3) provides that the court may order the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police to give the court, and the parties to the proceedings, the information that was put before the person who issued the Commonwealth order when the application for the Commonwealth order was made. This obligation only arises if the person who was detained applies to the court for review of the application for, or the making of, the Commonwealth order or the person's treatment in connection with the person's detention under the Commonwealth order or a remedy in relation to the Commonwealth order or the person's treatment in connection with the person's detention under the Commonwealth order and the person applies to the court for an order under this subsection.
New subsection 105.52(3) does not require information to be given to the court, or the parties to the proceedings, if the disclosure of the information is likely to prejudice national security (within the meaning of the National Security Information (Criminal and Civil Proceedings) Act 2004 ) (see new subsection 105.52(4). In addition, nothing in new section 105.52 affects the operation of the National Security Information (Criminal and Civil Proceedings) Act 2004 in relation to the proceedings (see new subsection 105.52(6)).
New subsection 105.52(5) makes it clear that new section 105.52 has effect without limiting subsection 105.51(1), which provides that proceedings may be brought in a court for a remedy in relation to a preventative detention order or the treatment of a person in connection with such an order. New subsection 105.52(5) makes it clear that new section 105.52 has effect subject to subsection 105.51(2), which provides that a court of a State or Territory does not have jurisdiction in proceedings for a remedy if those proceedings are commenced while the order is in force.
New section 105.53 - Sunset provision
New subsection 105.53(1) provides that a preventative detention order, or a prohibited contact order, that is in force at the end of 10 years after the day on which this Division commences ceases to be in force at that time. In addition, new subsection 105.53(2) provides that neither a preventative detention order nor a prohibited contact order can be applied for or made after the end of 10 years after the day on which this Division commences.
The sunset provision acknowledges that there are a number of machinery type provisions that must continue in operation despite the intention that the Division providing for preventative detention should cease to have effect at the end of 10 years. These provisions include, for example, the requirement to destroy identification material and the offence for disclosing information overheard by an AFP member or interpreter while monitoring discussions between the person and their lawyer.
Part 2 - Consequential amendments
Part 2 of this Schedule amends the AD(JR) Act to exclude certain decisions made in relation to control orders and preventative detention orders from review under that Act.
Item 25
Item 25 excludes decisions made by the Attorney-General under new section 104.2 and all decisions made under new Division 105 of the Criminal Code from review under the AD(JR) Act . It is appropriate to exclude these decisions from such review due to their security nature.