VIC Police Can Stop Cars With Special Devices and Courts Can Force People to Give Evidence Under Terrorism Laws

Justice Legislation Amendment (Police and Other Matters) Bill 2023

Legislative Assembly

Legislative Council

Assent

Share this bill

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

Police custody officers and supervisors are exempt from mandatory Working With Children checks provided their authority to act is not suspended.
Police custody officers and supervisors must notify their employer within 7 days if their authority to act is suspended or revoked, or face a penalty of up to 60 penalty units (2026: $12,546).
Holders of category A or B longarm licences cannot use detachable magazines with a capacity over 5 shots with bolt action shotguns unless attending a Chief Commissioner approved event.
The Chief Commissioner of Police can authorise police officers to use vehicle immobilising devices to stop vehicles or effect arrests, and officers may use them if they suspect a driver is likely to endanger or injure themselves or others.
Central contacts for the CVE MAP are prohibited from independently requesting or disclosing information about relevant persons unless arranged by the CVE MAP member who appointed them.
The Magistrates' Court and Children's Court can direct any person to attend a hearing to give evidence regarding SEO applications, reviews, or revocations.
The person running a Victoria Police inquiry can order an officer to have a medical assessment to check if the officer is physically and mentally fit to take part in the inquiry.
Medical officers doing fitness assessments for inquiries must only use that information to decide if a person is fit to participate.
The Justice Secretary can give data to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) to help with education and prevention, but cannot give out information that identifies a person without their written consent.
The Justice Secretary no longer has to tell IBAC about matters learned through restorative engagement processes or from people asking about the scheme.
The court can now order any person to give evidence under certain terrorism laws.
Prosecutors must start legal action for the summary offence of using or sharing police information without permission within 3 years.