Combatting Child Sexual Exploitation Legislation Amendment Act 2019 (72 of 2019)

Schedule 5   Forced marriage

Criminal Code Act 1995

4   At the end of section 270.7B of the Criminal Code

Add:

Consent to commence proceedings if defendant under 18

(5) Proceedings for an offence against subsection (1) or (2) must not be commenced without the consent of the Attorney-General if the defendant was under 18 at the time the defendant allegedly engaged in the conduct constituting the offence.

(6) However, a person may be arrested for, charged with or remanded in custody or on bail in connection with, such an offence before the necessary consent has been given.