CRIMES ACT 1914 SECT 23L

(1)

Subject to subsections (2), (3) and (4), if a requirement imposed on an investigating official by this Part is expressed as being subject to this section, the requirement does not apply if, and for so long as, the official believes on reasonable grounds that:

(a)

compliance with the requirement is likely to result in:

(i)

an accomplice of the person taking steps to avoid apprehension; or

(ii)

the concealment, fabrication or destruction of evidence or the intimidation of a witness; or

(b)

if the requirement relates to the deferral of questioning—the questioning is so urgent, having regard to the safety of other people, that it should not be delayed by compliance with that requirement.

(2)

If the application of subsection (1) results in:

(a)

preventing or delaying the person from communicating with a legal practitioner of his or her choice; or

(b)

preventing or delaying a legal practitioner of the person's choice from attending at any questioning;

the investigating official must offer the services of another legal practitioner and, if the person accepts, make the necessary arrangements.

(3)

Where a requirement referred to in subsection (1) relates to things done by or in relation to a legal practitioner:

(a)

subsection (1) applies only in exceptional circumstances; and

(b)

if subsection (1) applies, the investigating official must comply with the requirement as soon as possible after subsection (1) ceases to apply.

(4)

Where a requirement referred to in subsection (1) relates to things done by or in relation to a legal practitioner, subsection (1) applies only if:

(a)

an officer of a police force of the rank of Superintendent or higher; or

(b)

the holder of an office prescribed for the purposes of this section, other than an office in a police force;

has authorised the application of subsection (1) and has made a record of the investigating officials' grounds for belief.