Proposed extradition and mutual assistance reforms
Public consultation on the proposed reforms closed 14 March 2011
About the proposed extradition and mutual assistance reforms
In January 2011, the Australian Government released a second exposure draft of proposed legislative reforms to Australia’s laws on extradition and mutual assistance in criminal matters. The reforms are designed to promote more responsive and flexible measures in securing international crime cooperation while maintaining the integrity of key safeguards and protections for the individual. The reforms build on the 2009 exposure draft legislation and are designed to reduce delays in current processes, ensure Australia does not become a safe haven for fugitives and the proceeds of crime, and expand the range of law enforcement tools available through the mutual assistance process. The 2009 exposure draft can be viewed on the proposed extradition and mutual assistance reforms 2009 page.
Some of the reforms have been amended and a number of new proposals have been added as a result of the feedback received during the first public consultation process. Details of the changes to the Bill are set out in the accompanying explanatory document.
The exposure draft legislation and explanatory material can be found at:
- Exposure Draft - Extradition and Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation Amendment Bill [DOC 388KB]
- Exposure Draft - Extradition and Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation Amendment Bill [PDF 679KB]
- Explanatory Document – Extradition and Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 [DOC 178KB]
- Explanatory Document – Extradition and Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 [PDF 339KB]
Submissions on the exposure draft
The Government received a number of submissions on the exposure draft legislation, including submissions from:
- Administrative Review Council
- Australians for Extradition Justice
- Australian Human Rights Commission
- Civil Liberties Australian
- Communications Alliance and Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association
- Detained in Dubai
- Human Rights Law Resource Centre
- Law Council of Australia
- Office of the Australian Privacy Commissioner
- R Richter QC
- Serbs for Justice and Democracy Australia
Copies of the submissions can be requested by emailing reviews@ag.gov.au or writing to:
Legislation and Policy Section
International Crime Cooperation Division
Attorney-General’s Department
3-5 National Circuit
BARTON ACT 2600