No New Powers Being Proposed for the CMC

The Bligh Government is not proposing any new powers for the Crime and Misconduct Commission, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said today.

Mr Shine said the laws compelling witnesses to give evidence have been in place for many years but their interpretation was recently questioned by the Supreme Court.

“What the amendments being proposed in the Bill before the House do is clarify the existing powers under the Crime and Misconduct Act,” Mr Shine said.

“There is nothing in the Bill that changes the CMC’s powers in relation to its ability to compel a witness to give evidence.

“This is a power the CMC was intended to have to carry out its work.”

Mr Shine said the Government has moved quickly to amend the Act due to the serious implications the recent Supreme Court decision could have on a number of CMC investigations.

“There are a range of matters at various stages of the CMC’s investigative process that might be compromised if we do not clarify the laws,” he said.

“These are significant powers and they are not used lightly but are a very important part of the CMC’s fight against crime.

“Clarifying this issue means that the CMC can continue to be effective.”

Mr Shine said the Bligh Government has heard the concerns of media organisations.

“The Government is willing to talk with members of the media about these issues, however any further amendments would have to be carefully considered.

“The amendment at hand merely clarifies laws that have been in place for some time.”


Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273