GOVERNMENT SEEKS COMMENT ON INTERNATIONAL CRIME COOPERATION LAWS
1 July 2009
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor MP today invited public comment on proposed improvements to Australia’s extradition and mutual assistance laws.
“It is imperative that Australia is able to cooperate effectively with other countries in fighting serious crimes, such as people smuggling, drug trafficking, people trafficking and terrorism,” Mr O’Connor said.
“Australia’s extradition and mutual assistance laws were enacted more than twenty years ago and the threat of transnational crime has increased significantly in that time.”
“The Government wants to ensure Australia’s laws governing international crime cooperation strike the right balance between strong law enforcement and appropriate justice outcomes.”
The proposed reforms are designed to modernise existing arrangements by:
- reducing delays in current extradition and mutual assistance processes
- expanding the range of law enforcement tools available to meet requests from other countries to assist in their investigations and prosecutions
- preventing Australia becoming a safe haven for fugitives and the proceeds of crime.
“The proposed reforms also strengthen certain human rights protections in existing legislation, particularly in relation to torture and the death penalty,” Mr O’Connor said.
“The Government welcomes comments on the draft legislation, as well as further ideas for reform or general comments on Australia’s international crime cooperation arrangements,” Mr O’Connor said.
The exposure draft legislation, explanatory material and information on how to make a submission are available on the Attorney-General’s Department website at www.ag.gov.au/extraditionandmareforms.
Media Contact: Christian Taubenschlag 0438 595 567
