Crimes Act 1914 Independent Review of Part 1D (Forensic Procedures) - 2002
Submissions closed 30 August 2002
Invitation for submissions
Under section 23YV of the Crimes Act 1914, an independent review of Part 1D is being conducted. Part 1D provides for forensic procedures to be carried out on suspects for federal indictable offences, federal offenders for prescribed and serious offences and on volunteers. The Part also provides for the matching of DNA profiles on a DNA database system, offences in relation to the DNA database system, the protection of information stored in the DNA database system and the destruction of forensic material.
The Review will be undertaken by a Committee chaired by Mr Tom Sherman AO (former Australian Government Solicitor and Chair of the National Crime Authority) and includes the Federal Privacy Commissioner, representatives from the Australian Federal Police, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions and the Commonwealth Ombudsman's office.
The Committee will be considering:
- (a) the operation of Part 1D; and
- (b) the extent to which the forensic procedures permitted by Part 1D have contributed to the conviction of suspects; and
- (c) the effectiveness of independent oversight and accountability mechanisms for the DNA database system; and
- (d) any disparities between the legislative and regulatory regimes of the Commonwealth and participating jurisdictions for the collection and use of DNA evidence; and
- (e) any issues relating to privacy or civil liberties arising from forensic procedures permitted by Part 1D.
- (b) the extent to which the forensic procedures permitted by Part 1D have contributed to the conviction of suspects; and
Information about the review, including Part 1D, the Model Forensic Procedures Bill (on which Part 1D is based) and the notes on its final draft can be found at the following internet site: http://www.ag.gov.au/Part1D
The Committee invites submissions addressing the terms of reference. The closing date for receipt of the submissions is 30 August 2002. Contributors are asked to lodge their submission by email Part1D.Review@ag.gov.au or to the address below. Submissions and comments may be reproduced in part or in whole and may be made public, unless otherwise requested.
Those preparing a submission may wish to use the attached submission template
Our other contact details are as follows:
Forensic Procedures Review Committee Secretariat
c/o Criminal Justice Division
Attorney-General's Department
Robert Garran Offices
National Circuit
BARTON ACT 2600
Telephone (02) 6250 5867
Facsimile: (02) 6250 5918
Email: Part1D.Review@ag.gov.au
