Crimes (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act 2008 (ACT)

Case

Crimes (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act 2008

A2008-23

Contents

Page

Part 1Preliminary

  1. Name of Act  2

  2. Commencement  2

Part 2Crimes (Forensic Procedures) Act 2000

  1. Legislation amended—pt 2  3

  2. New section 4A  3

  3. What is an intimate forensic procedure?


    Section 6 (a), (d) and (e)  4

  4. Section 6 (g)  4

  5. What is a non-intimate forensic procedure?


    Section 7 (a), (e) and (f)  4

  6. Section 7 (h)  4

  7. Section 11  5

  8. Meaning of authorised applicant


    Section 12 (b)  5

  9. How forensic procedures may be authorised in different circumstances


    Section 18, table 18, item 2  5

  10. Matters that suspect must be informed of before giving consent


    Section 24 (1) (a)  6

  11. Section 24 (1) (k)  6

  12. Section 24 (2)  7

  13. Section 24 (3)  7

  14. Section 24 (4) to (6)  7

  15. Circumstances in which magistrate may order forensic procedure


    Section 32 (b)  8

  16. Application for order


    Section 35 (2) (d)  8

  17. Securing the presence of suspects at hearings—suspect not in custody


    Section 37 (1)  9

  18. Procedure at hearing of application for order


    Section 38 (1)  9

  19. New section 38 (6)  10

  20. Action to be taken on making of orders


    Section 39 (1) (c)  10

  21. Applications for interim orders


    Section 42 (4)  11

  22. New section 42 (7)  11

  23. Procedure at hearing of application for interim order


    Section 43 (1) (a) and (2) (a)  11

  24. New section 48A  12

  25. General rules for carrying out forensic procedures


    Section 49 (a) and (b)  12

  26. Section 49A  12

  27. Forensic procedures not to be carried out in cruel, inhuman or degrading way


    Section 51 (2)  14

  28. Section 52  15

  29. People who may carry out forensic procedures


    Section 53 (3) and note  15

  30. Section 53 (4)  15

  31. Section 53, table 53 and note  16

  32. Section 54  20

  33. Section 56  21

  34. Presence of interview friend or lawyer while forensic procedure is carried out


    Section 57 (1)  23

  35. Section 57 (1)  23

  36. Section 57 (3)  23

  37. Presence of police officers while forensic procedure is carried out


    Section 58 (2)  23

  38. Section 58 (3) (b)  24

  39. Division 2.6.4  24

  40. Sections 60 to 62  25

  41. Non–intimate forensic procedures authorised to be carried out


    Section 65 note  27

  42. Sections 67 and 68  27

  43. Matters that serious offender must be informed of before giving consent


    Section 72 (1) (e)  28

  44. Section 72 (1) (f) (i)  28

  45. New section 72 (1) (fa)  28

  46. Section 72 (1) (j)  29

  47. Carrying out of forensic procedure following conviction


    Section 78 (1)  29

  48. Carrying out of forensic procedures on volunteers


    Section 79 (3) and (4)  29

  49. Sections 80 and 81  30

  50. Section 82 heading  33

  51. Section 82 (2)  34

  52. New section 82 (4) to (6)  34

  53. Circumstances in which magistrate may order carrying out of forensic procedure on child or incapable person


    Section 83 (3)  34

  54. Section 84  35

  55. Section 84 (3)  36

  56. New section 84A  36

  57. New part 2.8A  37

  58. Inadmissibility of evidence from improper forensic procedures etc


    Section 85 (1) (b) (ii)  37

  59. Section 85 (2)  37

  60. Inadmissibility of evidence if forensic material required to be destroyed


    Section 86 (1)  38

  61. Destruction of certain forensic material obtained by court order


    Section 90 (1)  38

  62. Section 90 (2)  38

  63. Section 92  39

  64. Part 2.11 heading  40

  65. Section 94 heading  40

  66. Section 94, new definition of ACT DNA database  41

  67. Section 94, definition of volunteers (limited purposes) index, paragraph (a) 41

  68. Section 94, definition of volunteers (unlimited purposes) index, paragraph (a) (i)        41

  69. New section 94A  41

  70. Section 95 heading  42

  71. Section 95 (2) (a)  42

  72. Section 95 (3), definition of prohibited analysis  42

  73. Section 96 heading  43

  74. Section 96 (1)  43

  75. Section 96 (2)  43

  76. Section 96 (2) (d)  43

  77. New section 96 (2A)  44

  78. Section 97  44

  79. Section 98  49

  80. Definitions relating to interstate enforcement


    Section 100, definition of DNA database  54

  81. Section 100, new definition of NCIDD  54

  82. Section 102  54

  83. Section 103  56

  84. Obligation of investigating police officers relating to electronic recordings


    Section 104 (1)  57

  85. Material required to be made available to suspect, serious offender or volunteer


    Section 105 (1) (b)  57

  86. Section 105, note  57

  87. Disclosure of information


    Section 111 (1) (a) and (2)  58

  88. Section 111 (2) (a)  58

  89. Section 111 (2) (c)  58

  90. New section 111 (2) (ca)  58

  91. Section 111 (2) (d)  59

  92. Forensic procedures under pt 2.7


    New section 116 (2)  59

  93. New section 118  59

  94. Dictionary, note 2, new dot points  60

  95. Dictionary, new definitions  60

  96. Dictionary, definition of DNA database system  60

  97. Dictionary, new definition of health professional  61

  98. Dictionary, definition of medical officer  61

  99. Dictionary, new definition of relevant person  61

  100. Dictionary, definition of responsible person  61

Part 3Crimes (Forensic Procedures) Regulation 2000

  1. Legislation amended—pt 3  62

  2. Section 5  62

  3. Corresponding law—Act, s 100, def of corresponding law


    Section 6 (1) (f)  63

  4. Schedule 1, item 1, column 2  63

  5. Schedule 1, item 3, column 2  63

  6. Schedule 1, item 4, column 2  64

  7. Schedule 1, item 5, column 3, new dot point  64

  8. Schedule 1, items 7 and 8, column 2  64

  9. Schedule 1, item 10, column 2  64

  10. Schedule 1, notes 1 and 2  65

  11. Schedule 2, item 9, column 2  65

  12. Schedule 2, item 11, column 2  65

  13. Dictionary, notes 2 and 3  65

Crimes (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act 2008

A2008-23

An Act to amend the Crimes (Forensic Procedures) Act 2000, and for other purposes

The Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory enacts as follows:

Part 1Preliminary

  1. Name of Act

    This Act is the Crimes (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act 2008.

  2. Commencement

    This Act commences on the day after its notification day.

    NoteThe naming and commencement provisions automatically commence on the notification day (see Legislation Act, s 75 (1)).

Part 2Crimes (Forensic Procedures) Act 2000

  1. Legislation amended—pt 2

    This part amends the Crimes (Forensic Procedures) Act 2000.

  2. New section 4A

    in chapter 1, insert

4AOffences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc

Other legislation applies in relation to offences against this Act.

Note 1Criminal Code

The Criminal Code, ch 2 applies to the following offences against this Act (see Code, pt 2.1):

·     s 96 (1) (Use of information on ACT DNA database)

·     s 97 (3) (Permissible matching of DNA profiles)

·     s 98 (Recording, retention and removal of identifying information on ACT DNA database).

The chapter sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility (including burdens of proof and general defences), and defines terms used for offences to which the Code applies (eg conduct, intention, recklessness and strict liability).

Note 2Penalty units

The Legislation Act, s 133 deals with the meaning of offence penalties that are expressed in penalty units.

  1. What is an intimate forensic procedure?
    Section 6 (a), (d) and (e)

    after

    transgender

    insert

    or intersex

  2. Section 6 (g)

    substitute

    (g)the taking of a photograph or video recording of, or an impression or cast of a wound from, the genital or anal area, the buttocks, or, for a female or a transgender or intersex person who identifies as a female, the breasts.

  3. What is a non-intimate forensic procedure?
    Section 7 (a), (e) and (f)

    after

    transgender

    insert

    or intersex

  4. Section 7 (h)

    substitute

    (h)the taking of a photograph or video recording of, or an impression or cast of a wound from, a part of the body (other than the genital or anal area, the buttocks, or, for a female or a transgender or intersex person who identifies as a female, the breasts).

  5. Section 11

    substitute

  6. Meaning of investigating police officer

    An investigating police officer, for an offence in relation to which a forensic procedure is carried out or proposed to be carried out, is—

    (a)the police officer in charge of the investigation of the offence; or

    (b)any other police officer directed by the police officer in charge to do something in relation to the investigation.

  7. Meaning of authorised applicant
    Section 12 (b)

    substitute

    (b)    an investigating police officer; or

  8. How forensic procedures may be authorised in different circumstances
    Section 18, table 18, item 2

    substitute

2 ·  19 adult in custody ·  with informed consent under part 2.3 ·  with informed consent under part 2.3
·  27 ·  by forensic order of a police officer under part 2.4
·  31 ·  by forensic order of a magistrate under part 2.5 ·  by forensic order of a magistrate under part 2.5
  1. Matters that suspect must be informed of before giving consent
    Section 24 (1) (a)

    substitute

    (a)that the giving of information under this section, and the giving of consent (if any) by the suspect, will be recorded by electronic means or in writing, and that the suspect has a right to a copy of that record;

    NoteSee s 26 (Recording of giving of information and consent) and s 104 (Obligation of investigating police officers relating to electronic recordings).

  2. Section 24 (1) (k)

    substitute

    (k)that information obtained from analysis of forensic material obtained may be placed on the ACT DNA database and the rules that will apply to its disclosure and use under this Act, including that the information may be compared with information from the DNA databases of other participating jurisdictions;

    (l)that the suspect may apply to a court for an order that the forensic material obtained be destroyed, and the circumstances when the court may order destruction.

    NoteSection 92 (Application for destruction of forensic material after 1 year) sets out when the court may order destruction.

  3. Section 24 (2)

    substitute

    (2)The police officer must inform the suspect that the suspect may request that a doctor of the suspect’s choice be present while an intimate forensic procedure (other than the taking of a dental impression) is carried out or a sample of saliva or sample by buccal swab is taken.

  4. Section 24 (3)

    after

    saliva or

    insert

    sample by

  5. Section 24 (4) to (6)

    substitute

    (4)If the suspect is in custody and the forensic procedure is a non-intimate forensic procedure, the police officer must inform the suspect that, if the suspect does not consent—

    (a)a police officer may order the carrying out of the forensic procedure under part 2.4 (Non-intimate forensic procedures on suspect by order of police officer) if the police officer is satisfied about the matters mentioned in section 23 (Matters to be considered by police officer before requesting consent to forensic procedure); and

    (b)reasonable force may be used to enable the forensic procedure to be carried out.

    (5)If the suspect is in custody and the forensic procedure is an intimate forensic procedure, the police officer must inform the suspect that, if the suspect does not consent—

    (a)an application may be made to a magistrate for an order authorising the carrying out of the forensic procedure; and

    (b)reasonable force may be used to enable the forensic procedure to be carried out if the order is made.

    (6)If the suspect is not in custody, the police officer must inform the suspect that, if the suspect does not consent—

    (a)an application may be made to a magistrate for an order authorising the carrying out of the forensic procedure; and

    (b)reasonable force may be used to enable the forensic procedure to be carried out if the order is made.

  6. Circumstances in which magistrate may order forensic procedure
    Section 32 (b)

    omit

    , and the procedure is an intimate forensic procedure

  7. Application for order
    Section 35 (2) (d)

    omit

  8. Securing the presence of suspects at hearings—suspect not in custody
    Section 37 (1)

    substitute

    (1)If the suspect is not in custody—

    (a)the Magistrates Court may, on the application of a police officer, issue a summons for the appearance of the suspect at the hearing of the application; or

    (b)a magistrate may, on the application of a police officer, issue a warrant for the arrest of the suspect to bring the suspect before the magistrate for the hearing of the application.

  9. Procedure at hearing of application for order
    Section 38 (1)

    substitute

    (1)This section applies if an authorised applicant has applied under section 35 for an order authorising the carrying out of a forensic procedure on a suspect.

    (1A)The suspect must be present at the hearing of the application unless—

    (a)the suspect is remanded or otherwise detained in lawful custody in a State and it is not practicable for the suspect to be present by audio link or audiovisual link; or

    Note 1State includes the Northern Territory (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).

    Note 2The Evidence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1991, s 20 (Territory courts may take evidence and submissions from outside ACT) applies in relation to the taking of evidence and making of submissions by audiovisual link or audio link from a participating State. See also the Magistrates Court Act 1930, s 311 (Appearance by audiovisual or audio links etc).

    (b)the application (and any summons issued under section 37 (1) (a)) has been served on the suspect and the suspect is not present.

  10. New section 38 (6)

    insert

    (6)In this section:

    audio link means a system of 2-way communication linking different places so that a person speaking at any of them can be heard at the other places.

    audiovisual link means a system of 2-way communication linking different places so that a person at any of them can be seen and heard at the other places.

  11. Action to be taken on making of orders
    Section 39 (1) (c)

    substitute

    (c)if the suspect is present or represented by a lawyer—inform the suspect or lawyer that reasonable force may be used to enable the forensic procedure to be carried out; and

    (d)if the suspect is a child or incapable person—inform the suspect’s interview friend or lawyer that reasonable force may be used to enable the forensic procedure to be carried out.

  12. Applications for interim orders
    Section 42 (4)

    substitute

    (4)The suspect must be in the presence of the authorised applicant when the application is made unless the suspect is remanded or otherwise detained in lawful custody in a State and it is not practicable for the suspect to be present by audio link or audiovisual link.

    Note 1State includes the Northern Territory (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).

    Note 2The Evidence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1991, s 20 (Territory courts may take evidence and submissions from outside ACT) applies in relation to the taking of evidence and making of submissions by audiovisual link or audio link from a participating State. See also the Magistrates Court Act 1930, s 311 (Appearance by audiovisual or audio links etc).

  13. New section 42 (7)

    insert

    (7)In this section:

    audio link—see section 38 (6).

    audiovisual link—see section 38 (6).

  14. Procedure at hearing of application for interim order
    Section 43 (1) (a) and (2) (a)

    substitute

    (a)the suspect (if present);

  15. New section 48A

    in division 2.6.1, insert

48AMeaning of relevant person—pt 2.6

In this part:

relevant person means the suspect, serious offender or volunteer on whom a forensic procedure is, or is to be, carried out.

  1. General rules for carrying out forensic procedures
    Section 49 (a) and (b)

    omit

    suspect

    substitute

    relevant person

  2. Section 49A

    substitute

49ARules for carrying out forensic procedures—giving and recording information

(1)Before a forensic procedure is carried out on a person in relation to the investigation of a matter by a police officer, a police officer must ensure that the person is informed about the person’s right to request—

(a)if a sample is to be taken from the person, and there is sufficient material for an analysis to be carried out by or for the person and the officer—that a part of the material sufficient for analysis be made available to the person; and

(b)if a photograph or a video recording of a part of the person’s body is to be taken—that a copy of the photograph or video recording be made available to the person; and

(c)if a sample is to be taken from the person, and material from the sample is analysed in the investigation of the matter—that a copy of the results of the analysis be made available to the person.

(2)The police officer must, if practicable, ensure that the giving of the information mentioned in subsection (1), and the person’s responses (if any) are recorded by audiotape, videotape or other electronic means.

(3)If electronic recording of the giving of the information and the person’s responses (if any) is not practicable, the police officer must ensure that a written record of the giving of the information and the person’s responses (if any) is made, and that a copy of the record is made available to the person.

NotePt 2.14 contains provisions about making copies of material (including tapes) available to the person.

49BRules for carrying out forensic procedures—transgender and intersex people

(1)This section applies if—

(a)a forensic procedure is to be carried out on a transgender or intersex person; and

(b)the provision under which it is carried out refers to a person of the opposite sex, or the same sex.

(2)The transgender or intersex person may elect to be identified as a male or female.

(3)If the transgender or intersex person is a child or incapable person, the transgender or intersex person’s interview friend or lawyer may elect that the person be identified as a male or female.

(4)If the election is to be identified as a male, the transgender or intersex person is taken, for this Act, to be male.

(5)If the election is to be identified as a female, the transgender or intersex person is taken, for this Act, to be female.

(6)If the transgender or intersex person does not make an election under subsection (2), but requires that the forensic procedure be carried out by a male, the person is taken, for this Act, to be male.

(7)If the transgender or intersex person’s interview friend or lawyer does not make an election under subsection (3), but requires that the forensic procedure be carried out by a male, the transgender or intersex person is taken, for this Act, to be male.

(8)If the transgender or intersex person does not make an election under subsection (2), but requires that the forensic procedure be carried out by a female, the person is taken, for this Act, to be female.

(9)If the transgender or intersex person’s interview friend or lawyer does not make an election under subsection (3), but requires that the forensic procedure be carried out by a female, the transgender or intersex person is taken, for this Act, to be female.

  1. Forensic procedures not to be carried out in cruel, inhuman or degrading way
    Section 51 (2)

    omit

    suspect

    substitute

    relevant person

  2. Section 52

    substitute

  3. Taking samples of hair

    A person is authorised to take a sample of hair of a relevant person by removing the root of the hair only if—

    (a)the person takes only so much hair as the person believes is necessary for analysis of the sample, or other examination of the hair, to be carried out for the purpose of investigating the relevant offence; and

    (b)the sample is taken using the least painful technique known and available to the person.

  4. People who may carry out forensic procedures
    Section 53 (3) and note

    omit

    suspect’s

    substitute

    relevant person’s

  5. Section 53 (4)

    omit

    suspect

    substitute

    relevant person

  6. Section 53, table 53 and note

    substitute

Table 53People involved in forensic procedures

column 1

item

column 2

forensic procedure

column 3

people who may carry out forensic procedure

column 4

is relevant person entitled to ask for doctor or dentist of person’s choice to be present?

1

external examination of—

·     genital or anal area

·     buttocks

·     breasts of female or transgender or intersex person who identifies as female

·     doctor

·     nurse

·     appropriately qualified person

yes, doctor
2 taking sample of blood

·     doctor

·     nurse

yes, doctor
3 taking sample of saliva or sample by buccal swab

·     doctor

·     dentist

·     dental technician

·     nurse

·     appropriately qualified person

yes, doctor or dentist
4 taking sample of pubic hair

·     doctor

·     nurse

yes, doctor
5

taking sample by swab or washing from—

·     external genital or anal area

·     buttocks

·     breasts of female or transgender or intersex person who identifies as female

·     doctor

·     nurse

yes, doctor
6

taking sample by vacuum suction, scraping or lifting by tape from—

·     external genital or anal area

·     buttocks

·     breasts of female or transgender or intersex person who identifies as female

·     doctor

·     nurse

yes, doctor
7 taking dental impression

·     doctor

·     dentist

·     dental technician

yes, dentist
8

taking photograph or video recording of, or impression or cast of, wound from—

·     genital or anal area

·     buttocks

·     breasts of female or transgender or intersex person who identifies as female

·     appropriately qualified person yes, doctor
9

external examination of part of body (other than—

·     genital or anal area

·     buttocks

·     breasts of female or transgender or intersex person who identifies as female)

that requires touching of body or removal of clothing

·     doctor

·     nurse

·     appropriately qualified person

no
10 taking sample of hair (other than pubic hair)

·     doctor

·     nurse

·     appropriately qualified person

no
11 taking sample from nail or from under nail

·     doctor

·     nurse

·     appropriately qualified person

no
12

taking sample by swab or washing from any external part of body (other than—

·     genital or anal area

·     buttocks

·     breasts of female or transgender or intersex person who identifies as female)

·     doctor

·     nurse

·     appropriately qualified person

no
13

taking sample by vacuum suction, scraping or lifting by tape from any external part of body (other than—

·     genital or anal area

·     buttocks

·     breasts of female or transgender or intersex person who identifies as female)

·     doctor

·     nurse

·     appropriately qualified person

no
14 taking handprint, fingerprint, footprint or toeprint ·     appropriately qualified person no
15

taking photograph or video recording of, or impression or cast of wound from, external part of body (other than—

·     genital or anal area

·     buttocks

·     breasts of female or transgender or intersex person who identifies as female)

·     appropriately qualified person no

Note     Appropriately qualified person is defined in s 13.

  1. Section 54

    substitute

  2. Sex of person carrying out or helping carry out forensic procedures

    (1)If an intimate forensic procedure (other than the taking of a sample of blood or a dental impression) is to be carried out on a relevant person, the person carrying it out, and anyone asked under section 55 to help carry it out, must be of the same sex as the relevant person.

    (2)If an intimate forensic procedure that is the taking of a sample of blood or a dental impression is to be carried out on a relevant person—

    (a)the person carrying it out must, if practicable, be of the same sex as the relevant person; and

    (b)anyone asked under section 55 to help carry it out must be of the same sex as the relevant person.

    (3)If a non-intimate forensic procedure (other than a forensic procedure mentioned in subsection (4)) is to be carried out on a relevant person, the person carrying it out, and anyone asked under section 55 to help carry it out, must be of the same sex as the relevant person.

    (4)Subsection (3) does not apply to—

    (a)the taking of a handprint, fingerprint, footprint or toeprint; or

    (b)any other non-intimate forensic procedure that may be carried out without—

    (i)touching the relevant person; or

    (ii)requiring the relevant person to remove any clothing (other than his or her overcoat, coat, jacket, gloves, socks, shoes and hat).

    (5)If the person on whom a forensic procedure is to be carried out is a volunteer—

    (a)the person may request that a person of the opposite sex carry out or help carry out the procedure; and

    (b)any such request must be complied with, despite subsections (1) to (3).

  3. Section 56

    omit everything before subsection (3), substitute

  4. Doctor or dentist of person’s choice may be present for most forensic procedures

    (1)A suspect or volunteer is entitled to request a doctor of the person’s choice to be present while an intimate forensic procedure (other than the taking of a dental impression) is carried out or a sample of saliva or sample by buccal swab is taken.

    (1A)A suspect or volunteer is entitled to request a dentist of the person’s choice to be present while a dental impression, sample of saliva or sample by buccal swab is taken.

    (2)If a sample of blood is to be taken from a serious offender, the offender is entitled to request that—

    (a)if the serious offender is serving a sentence of imprisonment at a correctional centre or other place—a corrections health professional for the centre, or health professional (however described) for the place, be present while the sample is taken; or

    (b)if the serious offender is not serving a sentence of imprisonment—a doctor of the serious offender’s choice be present while the sample is taken.

    (2A)If a sample by buccal swab is to be taken from a serious offender, the offender is entitled to request that—

    (a)if the serious offender is serving a sentence of imprisonment at a correctional centre or other place—a corrections health professional for the centre, or health professional (however described) for the place, be present while the sample is taken; or

    (b)if the serious offender is not serving a sentence of imprisonment—a doctor or dentist of the serious offender’s choice be present while the sample is taken.

    NoteSection 103 provides that the request may be made by the relevant person’s lawyer or interview friend.

  5. Presence of interview friend or lawyer while forensic procedure is carried out
    Section 57 (1)

    omit

    suspect on

    substitute

    relevant person on

  6. Section 57 (1)

    omit

    suspect’s

    substitute

    relevant person’s

  7. Section 57 (3)

    omit

    suspect

    substitute

    relevant person

  8. Presence of police officers while forensic procedure is carried out
    Section 58 (2)

    omit

    suspect

    substitute

    relevant person

  9. Section 58 (3) (b)

    substitute

    (b)any other non-intimate forensic procedure that may be carried out without—

    (i)touching the relevant person; or

    (ii)requiring the relevant person to remove any clothing (other than his or her overcoat, coat, jacket, gloves, socks, shoes and hat).

  10. Division 2.6.4

    substitute

Division 2.6.4           Recording of carrying out of forensic procedure

  1. Recording of forensic procedure

    (1)The carrying out of a forensic procedure must be videorecorded unless—

    (a)the relevant person objects to video recording; or

    (b)video recording is not reasonably practicable.

    (2)However, the carrying out of the following forensic procedures need not be videorecorded:

    (a)the taking of a handprint, fingerprint, footprint or toeprint;

    (b)the taking of a photograph or video recording of a part of the body (other than the genital or anal area, the buttocks, or, for a female or a transgender or intersex person who identifies as a female, the breasts).

    (3)Before the forensic procedure is carried out, the relevant person must—

    (a)be given an explanation of the value of making a video recording of the carrying out of the forensic procedure to avoid disputes about how it was carried out that might otherwise arise between the relevant person and the person carrying out the procedure after it is carried out; and

    (b)be informed that the relevant person may object to the video recording.

    (4)If the carrying out of a forensic procedure (other than a forensic procedure to which subsection (2) applies) is not to be videorecorded, the forensic procedure must be carried out in the presence of an independent person who is not a police officer.

    (5)However, an independent person need not be present as mentioned in subsection (4) if the relevant person expressly and voluntarily waives the person’s right to have an independent person present.

    (6)Despite a waiver mentioned in subsection (5), a police officer may direct that an independent person be present.

  2. Sections 60 to 62

    substitute

  3. Samples

    (1)This section applies to a sample taken from a relevant person under this Act in relation to the investigation of a matter by a police officer if there is sufficient material for an analysis to be carried out by or for the relevant person and the officer.

    (2)A police officer must ensure that reasonable care is taken to ensure that a part of the material sufficient for analysis to be carried out by or for the relevant person is protected and preserved until—

    (a)if the relevant person makes a request under subsection (3)—the person receives it; or

    (b)in any other case—the material is required to be destroyed under this Act or by a court order.

    (3)The relevant person may request that a part of the material sufficient for analysis be made available to the relevant person as soon as practicable.

    NoteSection 103 provides that the request may be made by the lawyer or interview friend of a suspect, serious offender or volunteer.

    (4)If the relevant person makes a request under subsection (3)—

    (a)a police officer must ensure that a part of the material sufficient for analysis is made available to the relevant person as soon as practicable; and

    (b)reasonable assistance is given to the relevant person to ensure that the material is protected and preserved until it is analysed.

    NotePt 2.14 contains provisions about making material available to suspects, serious offenders and volunteers.

  4. Photographs or video recordings

    (1)This section applies if a forensic procedure involves the taking of a photograph or video recording of a part of a relevant person’s body.

    (2)The relevant person may request that a copy of the photograph or video recording be made available to the relevant person.

    Note 1Section 103 provides that the request may be made by the lawyer or interview friend of a suspect, serious offender or volunteer.

    Note 2Section 105 provides that the copy must be made available as soon as practicable after the request is made.

    (3)If the relevant person makes a request under subsection (2), a police officer must ensure that a copy of the photograph or video recording is made available to the relevant person.

    NotePt 2.14 contains provisions about making material available to suspects, serious offenders and volunteers.

  5. Results of analysis

    (1)This section applies if material from a sample taken from a relevant person is analysed in the investigation of a matter by a police officer.

    (2)The relevant person may request that a copy of the results of the analysis be made available to the relevant person.

    Note 1Section 103 provides that the request may be made by the lawyer or interview friend of a suspect, serious offender or volunteer.

    Note 2Section 105 provides that the copy must be made available as soon as practicable after the request is made.

    (3)If the relevant person makes a request under subsection (2), a police officer must ensure that a copy of the results of the analysis is made available to the relevant person.

    NotePt 2.14 contains provisions about making material available to suspects, serious offenders and volunteers.

  6. Non–intimate forensic procedures authorised to be carried out
    Section 65 note

    omit

  7. Sections 67 and 68

    substitute

  8. Forensic procedures to be in accordance with pt 2.6

    A person is authorised under section 65 or section 66 to carry out a forensic procedure under this part only in accordance with part 2.6.

  9. Scope of authorisation

    A person is authorised to carry out a forensic procedure under this part on a serious offender even if the serious offender is also a suspect or volunteer.

  10. Matters that serious offender must be informed of before giving consent
    Section 72 (1) (e)

    substitute

    (e)that the forensic procedure will be carried out by a person who may carry out the procedure under part 2.6 (Carrying out forensic procedures);

  11. Section 72 (1) (f) (i)

    substitute

    (i)if the serious offender is serving a sentence of imprisonment at a correctional centre or other place—a corrections health professional for the centre, or health professional (however described) for the place, be present while the blood is taken; or

  12. New section 72 (1) (fa)

    insert

    (fa)if the forensic procedure is the taking of a sample by buccal swab—that the serious offender may request that—

    (i)if the serious offender is serving a sentence of imprisonment at a correctional centre or other place—a corrections health professional for the centre, or health professional (however described) for the place, be present while the sample is taken; or

    (ii)if the serious offender is not serving a sentence of imprisonment—a doctor or dentist of the serious offender’s choice be present while the sample is taken;

  13. Section 72 (1) (j)

    substitute

    (j)that information obtained from analysis of forensic material obtained may be placed on the ACT DNA database and used for a criminal investigation or any other purpose for which the DNA database may be used, including that the information may be compared with information from the DNA databases of other participating jurisdictions.

    NotePt 2.11 and pt 2.13 set out the purposes for which the database may be used.

  14. Carrying out of forensic procedure following conviction
    Section 78 (1)

    omit

    as applied by section 67 (Application of pt 2.6 to carrying out of forensic procedures to which pt 2.7 applies)

  15. Carrying out of forensic procedures on volunteers
    Section 79 (3) and (4)

    substitute

    (3)A person is authorised under this section to carry out a forensic procedure under this part only in accordance with part 2.6.

    (4)However, the following provisions in part 2.6 do not apply to the carrying out of a forensic procedure under this part on a volunteer:

    (a)section 50 (Use of force in carrying out forensic procedures);

    (b)section 55 (3) (Person may get help to carry out forensic procedure);

    (c)section 63 (Preventing the carrying out of forensic procedure).

  16. Sections 80 and 81

    substitute

  17. Informed consent of volunteer or parent or guardian of volunteer

    (1)A volunteer, or a parent or guardian of a volunteer, gives informed consent in accordance with this section if the volunteer, parent or guardian consents in the presence of an independent person who is not a police officer after a police officer informs the volunteer, parent or guardian (orally or in writing) about the following:

    (a)how the forensic procedure is to be carried out;

    (b)that the volunteer, parent or guardian may request that a doctor of the person’s choice be present while an intimate forensic procedure (other than the taking of a dental impression) is carried out or a sample of saliva or sample by buccal swab is taken;

    (c)if the forensic procedure is the taking of a dental impression, sample of saliva or sample by buccal swab—that the volunteer, parent or guardian may request that a dentist of the person’s choice be present while the procedure is carried out;

    (d)that the volunteer is under no obligation to undergo the forensic procedure;

    (e)that the forensic procedure may produce evidence that might be used in a court of law;

    (f)that the volunteer, parent or guardian may consult a lawyer of his or her choice before deciding whether or not to consent to the forensic procedure;

    (g)that if the volunteer, parent or guardian consents to the forensic procedure—

    (A)the consent is also consent to the retention of forensic material taken and information obtained from analysis of the material; and

    (B)the chief police officer and the volunteer, parent or guardian may set a period for which the material or information may be retained, but it must then be destroyed unless a magistrate orders retention under section 84;

    NoteSee s 80A (Consent to retention of forensic material taken etc).

    (h)that the volunteer, parent or guardian may at any time withdraw consent to the volunteer’s undergoing the forensic procedure or to retention of the forensic material taken or of information obtained from the analysis of the material;

    (i)to the extent that they are relevant, the matters mentioned in subsection (3).

    (2)However, an independent person must not be present as mentioned in subsection (1) if the volunteer, parent or guardian requests that an independent person not be present.

    (3)The police officer must inform the volunteer, or parent or guardian of the volunteer, about the following:

    (a)that information obtained from analysis of forensic material taken from a person under this part, and about the identity of the person, may be placed on the ACT DNA database, and that the information may be compared with information from the DNA databases of other participating jurisdictions;

    (b)if the police officer intends the information to be placed on the volunteers (limited purposes) index—the purpose for which it is to be placed on the index, and that the information may be used only for that purpose;

    (c)if the police officer intends the information to be placed on the volunteers (unlimited purposes) index—that the information may be used for a criminal investigation or any other purpose for which the ACT DNA database may be used;

    NotePt 2.11 and pt 2.13 set out the purposes for which the database may be used.

    (d)anything else prescribed by regulation.

80AConsent to retention of forensic material taken etc

(1)This section applies if—

(a)a volunteer, or parent or guardian of a volunteer, consents in accordance with section 80 for a forensic procedure to be carried out on the volunteer; and

(b)forensic material is taken from the volunteer.

(2)The volunteer, parent or guardian is taken to consent to the retention of the forensic material and information obtained from analysis of the material.

NoteSection 82 (2) provides that, if the volunteer, parent or guardian expressly withdraws consent to the retention, the forensic material or information must be destroyed as soon as practicable after the consent is withdrawn unless a magistrate orders retention under s 84.

(3)The chief police officer and the volunteer, parent or guardian may set the period for which the forensic material or information obtained from analysis of the material may be retained (the agreed retention period).

NoteSection 82 (4) provides that, if the agreed retention period ends, the forensic material or information must be destroyed as soon as practicable unless a magistrate orders retention under s 84.

  1. Recording of giving of information etc

    (1)This section applies if a police officer gives information to a volunteer, or parent or guardian of a volunteer, in accordance with section 80 in relation to a forensic procedure to be carried out on the volunteer.

    (2)The police officer must, if practicable, ensure that the following are recorded by audiotape, videotape or other electronic means (electronic recording):

    (a)the giving of the information about the proposed forensic procedure;

    (b)the volunteer’s, parent’s or guardian’s responses (if any);

    (c)if the volunteer, parent or guardian makes a request mentioned in section 80 (2)—the making of the request.

    (3)However, a written record of the things mentioned in subsection (2) (a) to (c) must be made, and a copy made available to the volunteer, parent or guardian if—

    (a)the volunteer, parent or guardian requests that a written record is made instead of an electronic recording; or

    (b)electronic recording is not practicable.

    (4)Before the forensic procedure is carried out, the volunteer, parent or guardian must be informed that the volunteer, parent or guardian may request that a written record is made instead of an electronic recording.

  2. Section 82 heading

    substitute

  3. Withdrawal of consent or end of agreed retention period

  4. Section 82 (2)

    substitute

    (2)If, after the carrying out of a forensic procedure under this part on a volunteer, the volunteer, or a parent or guardian of the volunteer, expressly withdraws consent to retention of the forensic material taken or information obtained from analysis of the material, the material or information must be destroyed as soon as practicable after the consent is withdrawn.

  5. New section 82 (4) to (6)

    insert

    (4)Forensic material taken from the volunteer or information obtained from analysis of the material must be destroyed as soon as practicable after the end of the agreed retention period.

    (5)However, material or information is not required to be destroyed under subsection (2) or (4) if an application for retention of the material or information has been made under section 84 (Retention of forensic material etc by order of magistrate) and the application has not been finally decided or a magistrate has ordered retention.

    (6)In this section:

    agreed retention period—see section 80A (3).

  6. Circumstances in which magistrate may order carrying out of forensic procedure on child or incapable person
    Section 83 (3)

    substitute

    (3)An order under this section—

    (a)may require the forensic procedure to be carried out at a date, time or place, or in a way, stated in the order; and

    (b)must state the period for which forensic material obtained from carrying out the procedure or information obtained from analysis of the material may be retained.

  7. Section 84

    omit everything before subsection (2) (a), substitute

  8. Retention of forensic material etc by order of magistrate

    (1)This section applies if—

    (a)a volunteer, or parent or guardian of a volunteer, gave consent in accordance with section 80 for a forensic procedure to be carried out on the volunteer; and

    (b)forensic material was taken from the volunteer; and

    (c)either—

    (i)the volunteer, parent or guardian withdraws consent to the retention of the forensic material or information obtained from analysis of the material; or

    (ii)the agreed retention period for the forensic material or information ends.

    (1A)An authorised applicant may apply to a magistrate for an order under subsection (2).

    NoteSection 82 (5) provides that the forensic material or information is not required to be destroyed under s 82 (2) or (4) if an application for retention of the material or information has been made under this section and the application has not been finally decided or a magistrate has ordered retention.

    (2)A magistrate may order that the forensic material or information be retained if satisfied that—

  1. Section 84 (3)

    substitute

    (3)The order must state the period for which the forensic material or information may be retained.

    (4)In this section:

    agreed retention period—see section 80A (3).

  2. New section 84A

    in part 2.8, insert

84ACertain volunteers—information about matching of DNA profile

(1)This section applies if a volunteer volunteers to undergo a forensic procedure for the purpose of—

(a)placing the volunteer’s DNA profile on the ACT DNA database; and

(b)comparing the volunteer’s DNA profile with a DNA profile on the missing person’s index or unknown deceased person’s index of a DNA database.

(2)If the volunteer’s DNA profile matches a DNA profile on the missing person’s index or unknown deceased person’s index, a police officer must inform the volunteer about the match as soon as practicable after the day the match is made.

  1. New part 2.8A

    insert

Part 2.8AAnalysis of forensic material

84BWho may analyse forensic material?

(1)The Minister may enter into an agreement with 1 or more of the following to analyse forensic material for the Territory:

(a)a forensic laboratory accredited with the National Association of Testing Authorities Australia;

(b)another forensic laboratory that the Minister considers on reasonable grounds is competent to analyse forensic material.

(2)An agreement with a forensic laboratory may allow the outsourcing of the analysis of forensic material to another forensic laboratory.

  1. Inadmissibility of evidence from improper forensic procedures etc
    Section 85 (1) (b) (ii)

    omit

    DNA database system

    substitute

    ACT DNA database

  2. Section 85 (2)

    substitute

    (2)This section does not apply if—

    (a)this Act or a court order requires forensic material to be destroyed; and

    (b)the forensic material has not been destroyed.

    NoteSection 86 applies if this Act or a court order requires forensic material to be destroyed.

  3. Inadmissibility of evidence if forensic material required to be destroyed
    Section 86 (1)

    omit everything before paragraph (a), substitute

    (1)If this Act or a court order requires forensic material taken from a person by a forensic procedure to be destroyed, subsection (2) applies to—

  4. Destruction of certain forensic material obtained by court order
    Section 90 (1)

    omit

    the investigating police officer

    substitute

    an investigating police officer

  5. Section 90 (2)

    omit

    section 84 (Retention of forensic material by order of magistrate after parent or guardian of child or incapable person withdraws consent)

    substitute

    section 84 (Retention of forensic material etc by order of magistrate)

  6. Section 92

    substitute

  7. Application for destruction of forensic material after 1 year

    (1)If forensic material has been taken from a suspect by a forensic procedure carried out under part 2.3 (Forensic procedures by consent of suspect), part 2.4 (Non-intimate forensic procedures on suspect by order of police officer) or part 2.5 (Forensic procedures on suspect by order of magistrate), the suspect may apply to a court for an order that the forensic material be destroyed.

    (2)However, the suspect may not make an application under this section—

    (a)if a proceeding against the suspect for an offence to which the forensic material relates has begun and not been finally decided (including any appeal); or

    (b)if—

    (i)the suspect is convicted of an offence to which the forensic material relates; and

    (ii)the suspect—

    (A)does not appeal against the conviction in the appeal period; or

    (B)appeals against the conviction and the appeal is unsuccessful.

    (3)An application under this section may only be made 1 year or later after—

    (a)the day the forensic material was taken; or

    (b)if an application for destruction of the forensic material has previously been refused under this section—the day an application was last refused.

    (4)On application, the court must order that the forensic material be destroyed unless satisfied that—

    (a)there are reasonable grounds to believe that the forensic material is likely to be of probative value in relation to the investigation of, or a proceeding for, an offence (including the offence in relation to which the forensic material was taken from the suspect but, for that offence, not in relation to the suspect); and

    (b)the destruction of the forensic material is not justified in all the circumstances.

    (5)The court may order when the forensic material must be destroyed.

    (6)If the court orders that forensic material be destroyed, the court must ensure that the responsible person for the ACT DNA database is told about the order.

  8. Part 2.11 heading

    substitute

Part 2.11ACT DNA database

  1. Section 94 heading

    substitute

  2. Definitions—Act

  3. Section 94, new definition of ACT DNA database

    insert

    ACT DNA database—see section 94A.

  4. Section 94, definition of volunteers (limited purposes) index, paragraph (a)

    omit

    DNA system

    substitute

    ACT DNA database

  5. Section 94, definition of volunteers (unlimited purposes) index, paragraph (a) (i)

    substitute

    (i)under part 2.8 (Carrying out of forensic procedures on volunteers and certain other people) from volunteers who (or whose parents or guardians) have been informed under section 80 (3) (c) (Informed consent of volunteer or parent or guardian of volunteer) that information obtained may be used for a criminal investigation or any other purpose for which the ACT DNA database may be used; or

  6. New section 94A

    insert

94AACT DNA database

(1)The Minister must ensure a DNA database system (the ACT DNA database) is kept.

(2)The Minister may enter into an agreement (a database agreement) with 1 or more entities to keep the ACT DNA database, or part of the database, on behalf of the Territory.

(3)To remove any doubt, if the Minister enters into a database agreement, it does not affect the Territory’s powers in relation to the ACT DNA database.

(4)If the Minister enters into a database agreement, the Minister may access the ACT DNA database to review and audit it.

NoteThe Legislation Act, s 254A provides that the Minister may delegate the Minister’s functions under an Act to ‘anyone else’. A reference to ‘anyone else’ is a reference to a person generally (see Legislation Act, s 160).

  1. Section 95 heading

    substitute

  2. Supply of forensic material for prohibited analysis etc

  3. Section 95 (2) (a)

    omit

    DNA database system

    substitute

    ACT DNA database

  4. Section 95 (3), definition of prohibited analysis

    substitute

    prohibited analysis, of forensic material, means analysis for the purpose of deriving a DNA profile for inclusion on an index of the ACT DNA database if—

    (a)this Act or a law of another jurisdiction prescribed by regulation requires the material to be destroyed; or

    (b)a court orders that the material be destroyed.

  5. Section 96 heading

    substitute

  6. Use of information on ACT DNA database

  7. Section 96 (1)

    substitute

    (1)A person commits an offence if—

    (a)the person accesses information on the ACT DNA database; and

    (b)the access is not authorised under this section.

    Maximum penalty:  200 penalty units, imprisonment for 2 years or both.

  8. Section 96 (2)

    omit

    DNA database system

    substitute

    ACT DNA database

  9. Section 96 (2) (d)

    substitute

    (d)the purpose of, and in accordance with, an arrangement entered into under section 102 (Database information) for the provision of access to information on the ACT DNA database by law enforcement officers or anyone else prescribed by regulation;

  10. New section 96 (2A)

    insert

    (2A)The following entities may access information on the ACT DNA database for the purpose of reviewing or auditing the database:

    (a)the auditor-general;

    (b)the human rights commissioner;

    (c)the ombudsman;

    (d)the privacy commissioner;

    (e)an entity of another participating jurisdiction prescribed by regulation;

    (f)any other entity prescribed by regulation.

  11. Section 97

    substitute

  12. Permissible matching of DNA profiles

    (1)A matching of a DNA profile on an index of the ACT DNA database mentioned in table 97, column 1 with a DNA profile on another index of the database mentioned in column 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 is not permitted by this Act if—

    (a)‘only if within purpose’ is shown in relation to the index mentioned in column 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 opposite the volunteers (limited purposes) index mentioned in column 1; and

    (b)the matching is carried out for a purpose other than a purpose for which the DNA profile placed on the volunteers (limited purposes) index mentioned in column 1 was so placed.

    (2)A matching of a DNA profile on an index of the ACT DNA database mentioned in table 97, column 1 with a DNA profile on another index of the database mentioned in column 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 is permitted by this Act if—

    (a)‘yes’ is shown in relation to the index mentioned in column 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 opposite the index mentioned in column 1; or

    (b)‘only if within purpose’ is shown in relation to the index mentioned in column 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 opposite the volunteers (limited purposes) index mentioned in column 1 and the matching is carried out for a purpose for which the DNA profile placed on the volunteers (limited purposes) index mentioned in column 1 was so placed.

    (3)A person commits an offence if—

    (a)the person’s conduct causes the matching that is not permitted by this Act of a DNA profile on an index of the ACT DNA database with a DNA profile on the same or another index of the ACT DNA database; and

    (b)the person intends, or is reckless about, the matching.

    Maximum penalty:  200 penalty units, imprisonment for 2 years or both.

    (4)This section does not make it an offence for conduct to cause a matching that is not permitted by this Act if the matching is solely for the purpose of administering the ACT DNA database.

Table 97Table of permissible matching of DNA profiles

profile to be matched is matching permitted?
column 1 column 2 column 3 column 4 column 5 column 6 column 7 column 8
crime scene suspects volunteers (limited purposes) volunteers (unlimited purposes) serious offenders missing persons unknown deceased persons
crime scene yes yes only if within purpose yes yes yes yes
suspects yes yes only if within purpose yes yes yes yes
volunteers (limited purposes) only if within purpose only if within purpose only if within purpose only if within purpose only if within purpose only if within purpose only if within purpose
volunteers (unlimited purposes) yes yes only if within purpose yes yes yes yes
serious offenders yes yes only if within purpose yes yes yes yes
missing persons yes yes only if within purpose yes yes yes yes
unknown deceased persons yes yes only if within purpose yes yes yes yes
  1. Section 98

    substitute

  2. Recording, retention and removal of identifying information on ACT DNA database

    (1)A person commits an offence if—

    (a)this Act requires that forensic material taken from someone else (the relevant person) under this Act be destroyed; and

    (b)the person’s conduct causes any identifying information about the relevant person obtained from the forensic material to be recorded or retained on the ACT DNA database at any time after the material is required to be destroyed under this Act; and

    (c)the person intends, or is reckless about, the recording or retention.

    Maximum penalty:  200 penalty units, imprisonment for 2 years or both.

    (2)A person commits an offence if—

    (a)a court orders that forensic material taken from someone else (the relevant person) under this Act be destroyed; and

    (b)the person’s conduct causes any identifying information about the relevant person obtained from the forensic material to be recorded or retained on the ACT DNA database—

    (i)if no appeal against the order is made during the appeal period—at any time after the appeal period; or

    (ii)if an appeal against the order is made during the appeal period—at any time after the appeal is finally decided, if the result is that the order is confirmed (however described); and

    (c)the person intends, or is reckless about, the recording or retention.

    Maximum penalty:  200 penalty units, imprisonment for 2 years or both.

    (3)The responsible person for the ACT DNA database must ensure that any identifying information relating to a person from whose forensic material a DNA profile on the volunteers (unlimited purposes) index or volunteers (limited purposes) index of the ACT DNA database was derived is removed from the database as soon as practicable after—

    (a)the end of the identifying period for the profile; or

    (b)if an application is made under section 84 (Retention of forensic material etc by order of magistrate) for retention of the information—a magistrate does not order the retention; or

    (c)if a magistrate orders retention under section 84—the end of the period stated in the order for which the information may be retained.

    Maximum penalty:  200 penalty units, imprisonment for 2 years or both.

    (4)The responsible person for the ACT DNA database must ensure that any identifying information relating to a DNA profile of a serious offender on the serious offenders index of the ACT DNA database is removed from the database as soon as practicable after becoming aware that the serious offender has been pardoned or acquitted of the serious offence concerned or that the serious offender’s conviction for the serious offence concerned has been quashed.

    Maximum penalty:  200 penalty units, imprisonment for 2 years or both.

    (5)The responsible person for the ACT DNA database must ensure that any identifying information relating to a DNA profile of a suspect on the suspects index of the ACT DNA database is removed from the database as soon as practicable after the information is required to be removed under section 98A.

    Maximum penalty:  200 penalty units, imprisonment for 2 years or both.

    (6)In this section:

    agreed retention period—see section 80A (3).

    identifying information means any information in electronic form that could be used—

    (a)to discover the identity of the person from whose forensic material the DNA profile was derived; or

    (b)to get information about an identifiable person.

    identifying period, for a DNA profile, means—

    (a)the period of 1 year after the DNA profile is placed on the ACT DNA database; or

    (b)if the DNA profile is derived from forensic material taken from a volunteer—the agreed retention period; or

    (c)if the DNA profile is derived from forensic material taken from a dead person (other than a person who was a volunteer) whose identity is known—the period the chief police officer orders the responsible person for the ACT DNA database to retain identifying information relating to the profile.

98ARemoval of identifying information about suspects after 1 year

(1)This section applies if—

(a)forensic material has been taken from a suspect by a forensic procedure carried out under part 2.3 (Forensic procedures by consent of suspect), part 2.4 (Non-intimate forensic procedures on suspect by order of police officer) or part 2.5 (Forensic procedures on suspect by order of magistrate); and

(b)identifying information about the suspect obtained from the material is included on the ACT DNA database.

(2)If—

(a)1 year has elapsed since the forensic material was taken; and

(b)a proceeding for an offence to which the forensic material relates has not been begun or has been discontinued;

the identifying information must be removed from the ACT DNA database unless a warrant for the apprehension of the suspect has been issued.

(3)If a warrant for the apprehension of the suspect is issued within 1 year after the forensic material is taken, the identifying information must be removed from the ACT DNA database after—

(a)the warrant lapses; or

(b)1 year elapses after the suspect is apprehended.

(4)If—

(a)the suspect is found guilty of an offence to which the forensic material relates but no conviction is recorded; or

(b)the suspect is acquitted of an offence to which the forensic material relates and—

(i)no appeal against the acquittal is made during the appeal period; or

(ii)an appeal is made against the acquittal and the acquittal is confirmed or the appeal is withdrawn;

the identifying information must be removed from the ACT DNA database unless an investigation into, or a proceeding against the suspect for, another offence to which the forensic material relates is pending.

(5)A magistrate may, on application by the director of public prosecutions, extend for not longer than 1 year the period for which identifying information may be retained under this section, if the magistrate is satisfied there are special reasons for doing so.

(6)A magistrate to whom an application is made under subsection (5) may extend the period only if—

(a)the person from whom the forensic material was taken has been notified by the director of public prosecutions that the application has been made; and

(b)the person or his or her lawyer or interview friend (if any) has been given an opportunity to speak to or make a submission to the magistrate about the extension.

(7)An extension in relation to particular identifying information may be given more than once.

(8)The magistrate must ensure that the responsible person for the ACT DNA database is told about any extension given under this section.

(9)In this section:

identifying information—see section 98 (6).

  1. Definitions relating to interstate enforcement
    Section 100, definition of DNA database

    substitute

    DNA database means—

    (a)the ACT DNA database; or

    (b)NCIDD; or

    (c)for a participating jurisdiction—a database (whether in computerised or other form and however described) held by, or on behalf of, the participating jurisdiction for the purposes of a corresponding law of the participating jurisdiction.

  2. Section 100, new definition of NCIDD

    insert

    NCIDD means the database known as the National Criminal Investigation DNA Database and managed by the Commonwealth.

  3. Section 102

    substitute

  4. Database information

    (1)The Minister may enter into arrangements with the responsible Minister of another participating jurisdiction under which—

    (a)information from the ACT DNA database is to be provided to the appropriate authority for the jurisdiction for either or both of the following purposes:

    (i)the investigation of, or the conduct of a proceeding for, an offence against a law of the Territory or the participating jurisdiction;

    (ii)the identification of missing or dead people; and

    (b)information from a DNA database of the participating jurisdiction is to be provided to the appropriate authority for the Territory for either or both of the following purposes:

    (i)the investigation of, or the conduct of a proceeding for, an offence against a law of the Territory or the participating jurisdiction;

    (ii)the identification of missing or dead people.

    (2)Without limiting subsection (1), the Minister may enter into arrangements with the responsible Minister of the Commonwealth under which information from the ACT DNA database (the Territory’s information) is to be provided to the appropriate authority for the Commonwealth for the purpose of the authority—

    (a)comparing the information with information provided to the authority from a DNA database of another participating jurisdiction (the participating jurisdiction’s information); and

    (b)identifying to the appropriate authority for the Territory any matches that are found as a result of the comparison; and

    (c)providing the Territory’s information in relation to those matches to the appropriate authority for the Commonwealth or the appropriate authority of the participating jurisdiction; and

    (d)providing the participating jurisdiction’s information in relation to those matches to the appropriate authority for the Territory.

    (3)An arrangement mentioned in this section may not authorise the comparison of information to match DNA profiles in a way that would contravene section 97 (Permissible matching of DNA profiles) were the information contained wholly on the ACT DNA database.

    (4)Information that is provided under this section must not be recorded or maintained on any database of information that may be used to discover the identity of a person or to obtain information about an identifiable person—

    (a)at any time after this Act or a corresponding law of another participating jurisdiction requires the forensic material to which it relates to be destroyed; or

    (b)if a court orders that the forensic material to which it relates be destroyed—

    (i)if no appeal against the order is made during the appeal period—at any time after the appeal period; or

    (ii)if an appeal against the order is made during the appeal period—at any time after the appeal is finally decided, if the result is that the order is confirmed (however described).

  1. Section 103

    substitute

  2. Powers of lawyers and interview friends

    (1)A request that may be made by a suspect, serious offender or volunteer under this Act may be made, for the person, by—

    (a)the person’s lawyer; or

    (b)if the person is a child or incapable person—the person’s interview friend.

    Note The interview friend may be a lawyer (see s 16).

    (2)Subsection (3) applies if—

    (a)this Act requires a suspect, serious offender or volunteer to be informed about a matter; and

    (b)the person’s interview friend or lawyer is present when the person is informed about the matter; and

    (c)the person is informed in a language (including sign language or braille) in which the person’s interview friend or lawyer cannot communicate with reasonable fluency.

    (3)The person’s interview friend or lawyer must also be informed about the matter in a language in which the interview friend or lawyer can communicate with reasonable fluency.

  3. Obligation of investigating police officers relating to electronic recordings
    Section 104 (1)

    omit

    the investigating police officer

    substitute

    an investigating police officer

  4. Material required to be made available to suspect, serious offender or volunteer
    Section 105 (1) (b)

    omit

    the investigating police officer

    substitute

    an investigating police officer

  5. Section 105, note

    omit

    60 (2) (a)

    substitute

    60 (4) (a)

  6. Disclosure of information
    Section 111 (1) (a) and (2)

    omit

    DNA database system

    substitute

    ACT DNA database

  7. Section 111 (2) (a)

    substitute

    (a)the purpose of forensic comparison, by a police officer or anyone else prescribed by regulation, in the course of a criminal investigation or an investigation by a police officer relating to a missing or dead person;

  8. Section 111 (2) (c)

    omit

    DNA database system

    substitute

    ACT DNA database

  9. New section 111 (2) (ca)

    insert

    (ca)the purpose of reviewing or auditing the ACT DNA database;

  10. Section 111 (2) (d)

    substitute

    (d)for the purpose of, and in accordance with, an arrangement entered into under section 102 (Database information) for the provision of access to information on the ACT DNA database by law enforcement officers or anyone else prescribed by regulation;

  11. Forensic procedures under pt 2.7
    New section 116 (2)

    insert

    (2)A person is authorised to carry out a forensic procedure under part 2.7 on a serious offender whether the serious offender was convicted of the serious offence concerned before, or is convicted of the serious offence concerned after, the commencement of this subsection.

  12. New section 118

    insert

  13. Existing arrangements—s 102

    (1)This section applies if the Minister entered into an arrangement with a responsible Minister of a participating jurisdiction mentioned in section 102 (Database information) before the commencement of this section.

    (2)To remove any doubt, the arrangement is not ended only because of the enactment of the Crimes (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act 2008.

    (3)This section expires 1 year after the day it commences.

  14. Dictionary, note 2, new dot points

    insert

    ·     auditor-general

    ·     correctional centre

    ·     entity (see s 184A)

    ·     human rights commissioner

    ·     ombudsman

    ·     privacy commissioner

  15. Dictionary, new definitions

    insert

    ACT DNA database—see section 94A.

    appeal period, for an appeal to a court against an order, means the period stated by a territory law during which an appeal against the order may be made without the court’s leave.

    corrections health professional, for a correctional centre, means a health professional appointed under the Corrections Management Act 2007, section 22 (Health professionals—non-therapeutic functions) for the centre.

  16. Dictionary, definition of DNA database system

    substitute

    DNA database system, for part 2.11 (ACT DNA database)—see section 94.

  17. Dictionary, new definition of health professional

    insert

    health professional means a health professional registered under the Health Professionals Act 2004 or someone who is a health professional registered under a corresponding law of a local jurisdiction within the meaning of that Act.

  18. Dictionary, definition of medical officer

    omit

  19. Dictionary, new definition of relevant person

    insert

    relevant person, for part 2.6 (Carrying out forensic procedures)—see section 48A.

  20. Dictionary, definition of responsible person

    substitute

    responsible person, for the ACT DNA database, means the person responsible for the care, control and management of the database.

Part 3Crimes (Forensic Procedures) Regulation 2000

  1. Legislation amended—pt 3

    This part amends the Crimes (Forensic Procedures) Regulation 2000.

  2. Section 5

    substitute

  3. Use or disclosure of information on DNA databases—Act, s 96 (2) (d), s 111 (2) (a) and (d)

    (1)A person may access information on the ACT DNA database for the purpose of, and in accordance with, an arrangement entered into under the Act, section 102 (Database information) for the provision of access to information on the database by an authorised person.

    (2)A person may disclose information on the ACT DNA database—

    (a)for the purpose of forensic comparison by an authorised person in the course of—

    (i)a criminal investigation; or

    (ii)an investigation by a police officer relating to a missing or dead person; or

    (b)for the purpose of, and in accordance with, an arrangement entered into under the Act, section 102 for the provision of access to information on the database by an authorised person.

    (3)In this section:

    authorised person means a person who—

    (a)is engaged or employed by a forensic laboratory that is accredited with the National Association of Testing Authorities of Australia; and

    (b)in that capacity, provides forensic services to law enforcement officers of the Territory, the Commonwealth or a State.

  4. Corresponding law—Act, s 100, def of corresponding law
    Section 6 (1) (f)

    substitute

    (f)the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Act 2007 (SA);

  5. Schedule 1, item 1, column 2

    after

    transgender

    insert

    or intersex

  6. Schedule 1, item 3, column 2

    substitute

taking photograph or video recording of, or impression or cast of, wound from—

·    genital or anal area

·    buttocks

·    breasts of female or transgender or intersex person who identifies as female

  1. Schedule 1, item 4, column 2

    after

    transgender

    insert

    or intersex

  2. Schedule 1, item 5, column 3, new dot point

    after 2nd dot point, insert

    ·    police officer

  3. Schedule 1, items 7 and 8, column 2

    after

    transgender

    insert

    or intersex

  4. Schedule 1, item 10, column 2

    substitute

taking photograph or video recording of, or impression or cast of wound from, external part of body (other than—

·    genital or anal area

·    buttocks

·    breasts of female or transgender or intersex person who identifies as female)

  1. Schedule 1, notes 1 and 2

    substitute

    NotePeople mentioned in col 3 as appropriately qualified for the applicable procedure are additional to those mentioned in the Act, s 53.

  2. Schedule 2, item 9, column 2

    omit

    DNA database system

    substitute

    ACT DNA database

  3. Schedule 2, item 11, column 2

    omit

    section 80 (2) (c)

    substitute

    section 80 (3) (c)

  4. Dictionary, notes 2 and 3

    substitute

    Note 2For example, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1, defines the following terms:

    ·     Commonwealth

    ·     doctor

    ·     intersex person (see s 169B)

    ·     police officer

    ·     State

    ·     the Territory

    ·     transgender person (see s 169A (1) and (2)).

    Note 3Terms used in this regulation have the same meaning that they have in the Crimes (Forensic Procedures) Act 2000 (see Legislation Act, s 148). For example, the following terms are defined in the Crimes (Forensic Procedures) Act 2000, dict:

    ·     ACT DNA database (see s 94A)

    ·     appropriately qualified person (see s 13)

    ·     forensic procedure (see s 5).

Endnotes

  1. Presentation speech

    Presentation speech made in the Legislative Assembly on 10 April 2008.

  2. Notification

    Notified under the Legislation Act on 10 July 2008.

  3. Republications of amended laws

    For the latest republication of amended laws, see certify that the above is a true copy of the Crimes (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill 2008, which was passed by the Legislative Assembly on 3 July 2008.

    Acting Clerk of the Legislative Assembly

    © Australian Capital Territory 2008

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