CRIMES ACT 1914 SECT 23J

(1)

The Minister must, so far as is reasonably practicable, establish and update at such intervals as the Minister thinks appropriate, a list, in relation to a region where there are likely to be persons under arrest and under investigation for Commonwealth offences, of the names of persons (not being constables) who:

(a)

are suitable to help Aboriginal persons or Torres Strait Islanders under arrest and under investigation for Commonwealth offences; and

(b)

are willing to give such help in that region.

(2)

In establishing and maintaining a list in relation to a region, the Minister or his or her delegate must, from time to time, consult with any Aboriginal legal aid organisation providing legal assistance to Aboriginal persons or Torres Strait Islanders in that region.

(3)

The Minister must, so far as is reasonably practicable, establish and update at such intervals as the Minister thinks appropriate, a list, in relation to such a region, of the names of persons who are able and willing to act as interpreters for Aboriginal persons or Torres Strait Islanders who:

(a)

because of inadequate knowledge of the English language, or a physical disability, are unable to communicate orally with reasonable fluency in that language; and

(b)

are under arrest and under investigation in that region for Commonwealth offences.

(4)

The list of names referred to in subsection (3) must, so far as is reasonably practicable, specify the languages that each person on the list is able to understand and converse in.

(5)

The Minister may, in writing, delegate to an officer of the Department all or any of the powers of the Minister under this section.