Other types of assistance

Australia

Australia - International Criminal Court Act No. 41 2002 (2018) EN

Part 2—General provisions relating to requests by the ICC for cooperation

7 What constitutes a request for cooperation
(1)
(b) any other type of assistance that is not prohibited by Australian law, with a view to facilitating the investigation and prosecution of crimes within the jurisdiction of the ICC and the enforcement of orders of the ICC made after convictions for such crimes.

Part 2—General provisions relating to requests by the ICC for cooperation

11 Consultations with ICC
(2) Before refusing a request for assistance of a kind mentioned in paragraph 1(l) of article 93 of the Statute, the Attorney-General must consult with the ICC to ascertain whether the assistance requested could be provided:
(a) subject to conditions; or
(b) at a later date or in an alternative manner.

Part 4—Other requests by ICC

Division 4—Identifying or locating persons or things

63 Assistance in identifying or locating persons or things
(1) This section applies if:
(a) the ICC requests assistance in locating, or identifying and locating, a person or thing; and
(b) the Attorney-General is satisfied that:
(i) the request relates to an investigation being conducted by the Prosecutor or a proceeding before the ICC; and
(ii) the person or thing is or may be in Australia.
(2) The Attorney-General is to execute the request by authorising, in writing, the making of inquiries for the purpose of locating, or identifying and locating, the person or thing.
(3) If the Attorney-General authorises the making of such inquiries, an appropriate authority is to locate, or identify and locate, the person or thing.
(4) The authority is to notify the Attorney-General of the result of the inquiries.
(5) This section does not give to any person a power to enter premises.

Division 5—Taking evidence or producing documents or articles

64 Attorney-General may authorise taking of evidence or the production of documents or articles
(1) This section applies if:
(a) the ICC requests that:
(i) evidence be taken in Australia; or
(ii) documents or other articles in Australia be produced; and
(b) the Attorney-General is satisfied that:
(i) the request relates to an investigation being conducted by the Prosecutor or a proceeding before the ICC; and
(ii) there are reasonable grounds for believing that the evidence can be taken, or the documents or other articles can be produced, as the case may be, in Australia.
(2) The Attorney-General is to execute the request by authorising, in writing:
(a) the taking of evidence or production of documents or other articles; and
(b) the sending of evidence, documents or other articles to the ICC.

Part 4—Other requests by ICC

Division 5—Taking evidence or producing documents or articles

65 Taking of evidence
(1) If the Attorney-General authorises the taking of evidence, a magistrate:
(a) must give written notice to each person from whom evidence is to be taken stating that the authorisation has been given and setting out the date and time when, and the place where, the evidence is to be taken; and
(b) may take the evidence on oath from each witness appearing before the magistrate to give evidence in relation to the matter.
(2) Evidence from a witness may be taken by means of video or audio technology.
(3) A magistrate who takes any such evidence must:
(a) cause the evidence to be recorded in writing or in any other form that the magistrate considers to be appropriate in the circumstances; and
(b) certify that the evidence was taken by the magistrate; and
(c) cause the writing, or other record of the evidence, so certified to be sent to the Attorney-General.

66 Producing documents or other articles
(1) If the Attorney-General authorises the production of documents or other articles, a magistrate:
(a) must give written notice to each person by whom documents or other articles are to be produced stating that the authorisation has been given and setting out the date and time when, and the place where, the documents or other articles are to be produced; and
(b) may require production of the documents or other articles.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), if the documents or other articles are produced, a magistrate must send them to the Attorney-General together with a written statement certifying that they were produced to that magistrate.
(3) In the case of documents, a magistrate may send to the Attorney-General copies of the documents certified by that magistrate to be true copies.

67 Legal representation
(1) The evidence of a witness may be taken under section 65 in the presence or absence of:
(a) the person to whom the investigation conducted by the Prosecutor, or the proceeding before the ICC, relates; or
(b) his or her legal representative (if any).
(2) The magistrate conducting a proceeding under either section 65 or 66, or both, may permit:
(a) if the person to whom the investigation conducted by the Prosecutor, or the proceeding before the ICC, relates has been notified of the proceeding before the magistrate—that person; and
(b) any other person giving evidence or producing documents or other articles at the proceeding before the magistrate; and
(c) a representative of the Prosecutor or of the ICC; to have legal representation at the proceeding before the magistrate.

68 Form of certificates
A certificate by a magistrate under subsection 65(3) or 66(2) must state whether, when the evidence was taken or the documents or other articles were produced, any of the following persons were present:
(a) the person to whom the investigation conducted by the Prosecutor, or the proceeding before the ICC, relates, or his or her legal representative (if any);
(b) any other person giving evidence or producing documents or other articles, or his or her legal representative (if any).

69 Compellability of persons to attend etc.
(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), the laws of each State or Territory with respect to compelling persons:
(a) to attend before a magistrate; and
(b) to give evidence, answer questions, and produce documents or other articles;
on the hearing of a charge against a person for an offence against the law of that State or Territory apply, so far as they are capable of application, with respect to so compelling persons for the purposes of this Division.
(2) For the purposes of this Division, the person to whom the investigation conducted by the Prosecutor, or the proceeding before the ICC, relates, is competent but not compellable to give evidence.
(3) If:
(a) a person is required to give evidence, or produce documents or other articles, for the purposes of an investigation conducted by the Prosecutor or a proceeding before the ICC; and
(b) the person is not compellable to answer a particular question, or to produce a particular document or article, for the purposes of that investigation or proceeding; the person is not compellable to answer the question, or produce the document or article, for the purposes of this Division.

Division 5A—Providing law enforcement agency material

69A Authorising provision of material obtained by law enforcement agencies
(1) The Attorney-General may authorise, in writing, the provision of material to the ICC if:
(a) the ICC has requested the material; and
(b) the Attorney-General is satisfied that:
(i) the request relates to an investigation being conducted by the Prosecutor or a proceeding before the ICC; and
(ii) if the material is or includes lawfully intercepted information or interception warrant information—the investigation is into, or the proceeding relates to, an offence punishable by a maximum penalty of imprisonment for 7 years or more, or imprisonment for life; and
(iii) the material was lawfully obtained in Australia by, and is lawfully in the possession of, a law enforcement agency.
(2) The authorisation may:
(a) specify the uses to which the material can be put by the ICC; and
(b) include a direction to a law enforcement officer of the law enforcement agency about how the material is to be provided to the ICC.
(3) Material lawfully obtained in Australia includes:
(a) material obtained from individuals or entities by consent; and
(b) material obtained by warrant, or the exercise of a coercive power by a court, in Australia for the purposes of a domestic investigation or prosecution.

Division 6—Questioning of person being investigated or prosecuted

70 Assistance in questioning persons
(1) This section applies if:
(a) the ICC requests assistance in questioning a person; and
(b) the Attorney-General is satisfied that:
(i) the request relates to an investigation of the person that is being conducted by the Prosecutor or to a prosecution of the person before the ICC; and
(ii) the person is or may be in Australia.
(2) The Attorney-General is to execute the request by authorising, in writing, the questioning of the person.
(3) If the Attorney-General authorises the questioning of the person, a magistrate is to ask the person in writing to appear before the magistrate at a specified time and place for the purpose of being questioned.
(4) If the person appears before the magistrate:
(a) the magistrate, a police officer or the DPP may ask the person questions to which the request relates; and
(b) the magistrate must cause a record in writing, or in another form that the magistrate considers to be appropriate in the circumstances, to be made of the questions asked and any answers given; and
(c) the magistrate must certify the correctness of the record; and
(d) the magistrate must cause the record so certified to be sent to the Attorney-General.
(5) If the person refuses or fails to appear before the magistrate, the magistrate is to notify the Attorney-General in writing of the refusal or failure.

71 Procedure where person questioned
(1) Before a person is questioned under section 70, the person must be informed that there are grounds to believe that he or she has committed a crime within the jurisdiction of the ICC and that he or she has the following rights:
(a) the right to remain silent without such silence being a consideration in the determination of guilt or innocence;
(b) the right to have legal assistance of his or her choosing or, if he or she does not have legal assistance, to have legal assistance assigned to him or her in any case where the interests of justice so require and without payment by him or her in such a case if he or she does not have sufficient means to pay for the assistance;
(c) the right to have his or her legal representative present when he or she is questioned unless he or she has voluntarily waived that right.
(2) If there is any inconsistency between subsection (1) and any other Australian law, subsection (1) prevails.
(3) This section does not give to any person a power to require anotherperson to answer questions.

Division 7—Service of documents

72 Assistance in arranging service of documents
(1) This section applies if:
(a) the ICC requests assistance in arranging for the service of a document in Australia; and
(b) the Attorney-General is satisfied that:
(i) the request relates to an investigation being conducted by the Prosecutor or a proceeding before the ICC; and
(ii) the person is or may be in Australia.
(2) The Attorney-General is to execute the request by authorising, in writing, the service of the document.
(3) If the Attorney-General authorises the service of the document, an appropriate authority is to:
(a) cause the document to be served:
(i) in accordance with any procedure specified in the request; or
(ii) if that procedure would be unlawful or inappropriate in Australia, or no procedure is specified—in accordance with Australian law; and send to the Attorney-General a certificate stating that the document has been served; or
(b) if the document is not served—send to the Attorney-General a statement of the matters that prevented service.
(4) In this section:
document includes:
(a) a summons requiring a person to appear as a witness; and
(b) a summons to an accused person that has been issued under paragraph 7 of article 58 of the Statute.
(5) If:
(a) a document that is served on a person pursuant to an authority given under this section is a summons referred to in subsection (4); and
(b) the person fails to comply with the summons; the person commits an offence punishable, on conviction, by imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months.

Division 8—Facilitating the voluntary appearance of persons (other than prisoners) as witnesses or experts before the ICC

73 Persons (other than prisoners) assisting investigation or giving evidence
(1) This section applies if:
(a) the ICC requests assistance in facilitating the voluntary appearance of a person as a witness or expert before the ICC; and
(b) the Attorney-General is satisfied that:
(i) the request relates to an investigation being conducted by the Prosecutor or a proceeding before the ICC; and
(ii) the person’s appearance is requested so that the person can assist the investigation or give evidence at the proceeding; and
(iii) the person is in Australia and is not a prisoner; and
(iv) the person has consented in writing to assisting the investigation or giving evidence at the proceeding.
(2) The Attorney-General is to execute the request by making arrangements for the travel of the person to the ICC.

Division 9—Temporary transfer of prisoners to the ICC

74 Prisoners assisting investigation or giving evidence
(1) This section applies if:
(a) the ICC requests assistance in facilitating the temporary transfer of a person to the ICC; and
(b) the person is a prisoner who is in Australia (whether or not in custody); and
(c) the Attorney-General is satisfied that:
(i) the request relates to an investigation being conducted by the Prosecutor or a proceeding before the ICC; and
(ii) the prisoner’s attendance is requested for the purpose of assisting the investigation or giving evidence at the proceeding; and
(iii) the prisoner has consented in writing to assisting the investigation or giving evidence at the proceeding; and
(iv) the prisoner will be returned without delay by the ICC to Australia when the purposes of the transfer have been fulfilled.
(2) If the prisoner is being held in custody, the Attorney-General is to execute the request by:
(a) if the prisoner is a federal prisoner and is not also a State prisoner—directing that the prisoner be released from prison for the purpose of travelling to the ICC to assist the investigation or give evidence at the proceeding; or
(b) if the prisoner is a federal prisoner and also a State prisoner—directing, subject to the obtaining of any approvals required to be obtained from an authority of the relevant State, that the prisoner be released from prison for the purpose of such travel; or
(c) if the prisoner is a State prisoner and is not also a federal prisoner—seeking any approvals required to be obtained from an authority of the relevant State; and, in any case, subject to the giving of any necessary directions or the obtaining of any necessary approvals relevant to release of the prisoner, making arrangements for such travel in the custody of a police officer, or prison officer, appointed by the Attorney-General for the purpose.
(3) If the prisoner, having been released from custody on parole, is not being held in custody, the Attorney-General is to execute the request by:
(a) if the prisoner is a federal prisoner and is not also a State prisoner:
(i) approving the travel of the prisoner to the ICC to assist the investigation or give evidence at the proceeding; and
(ii) obtaining such parole decisions as may be required; or
(b) if the prisoner is a federal prisoner and also a State prisoner—subject to the obtaining of any parole decisions required to be obtained from an authority of the relevant State:
(i) approving the travel of the prisoner to the ICC to assist the investigation or give evidence at the proceeding; and
(ii) obtaining such parole decisions as may be required; or
(c) if the prisoner is a State prisoner and is not also a federal prisoner:
(i) approving the travel of the prisoner to the ICC to assist the investigation or give evidence at the proceeding; and
(ii) seeking such parole decisions under the law of the relevant State as may be required; and, in any case, subject to the obtaining of any necessary parole decisions, making arrangements for the travel of the prisoner to the ICC.
(4) In this section:
parole includes any order or licence to be at large.
parole decision means any approval, authority or permission relating to parole, and includes any variation of parole.

Part 4—Other requests by ICC

Division 10—Examination of places or sites

76 Assistance in examining places or sites
(1) This section applies if:
(a) the ICC requests assistance in examining places or sites in Australia; and
(b) the Attorney-General is satisfied that the request relates to an investigation being conducted by the Prosecutor or a proceeding before the ICC.
(2) The Attorney-General is to execute the request by authorising, in writing, the examination of the places or sites.
(3) If the Attorney-General authorises the examination of a place or site, an appropriate authority is to:
(a) examine the place or site in the way sought in the request; and
(b) make such report on the examination as the authority considers appropriate in the circumstances; and
(c) send the report to the Attorney-General.
(4) An authorisation under this section confers power on a person acting under the authorisation to enter a place or site for the purpose of examining it.

Division 10A—Forensic procedures

76A Authorising application for carrying out of forensic procedures
(1) The Attorney-General may authorise, in writing, a constable to apply under Part ID of the Crimes Act 1914 for an order for the carrying out of a forensic procedure on a person if:
(a) the ICC has requested the procedure to be carried out on the person; and
(b) the Attorney-General is satisfied:
(i) that the request relates to an investigation being conducted by the Prosecutor or a proceeding before the ICC; and
(ii) that the person is, or is believed to be, in Australia; and
(iii) that the ICC has given appropriate undertakings about the retention, use and destruction of forensic material, or of information obtained from analysing that material; and
(iv) that the ICC has given any other undertakings that the Attorney-General considers necessary; and
(v) unless subsection (2) applies—that the person has been given an opportunity to consent to the forensic procedure and has not consented to it; and
(vi) if subsection (2) applies—of the matters in that subsection; and
(c) in the case of the person being a suspect, the constable is an authorised applicant.
(2) If the person is a child or an incapable person, the matters are:
(a) that either:
(i) the consent of a parent or guardian of the person cannot reasonably be obtained or has been withdrawn; or
(ii) a parent or guardian of the person is a suspect in relation to a crime or an offence to which the investigation or proceeding relates; and
(b) that, having regard to the best interests of the person, it is appropriate to make the authorisation.
(3) In this section: authorised applicant has the same meaning as in subsection 23WA(1) of the Crimes Act 1914. suspect has the same meaning as in subsection 23WA(1) of the Crimes Act 1914.

76B Providing forensic evidence to the ICC
(1) The Attorney-General may direct a constable about how forensic evidence is to be provided to the ICC if:
(a) the Attorney-General gave an authorisation to the constable under subsection 76A(1); and
(b) the forensic evidence resulted from the authorisation.
(2) A direction under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.

Division 11—Search and seizure

77 Attorney-General may authorise applications for search warrants
(1) This section applies if:
(a) the ICC makes a request to the Attorney-General compliance with which may involve the issue of a search warrant in relation to evidential material; and
(b) the Attorney-General is satisfied that:
(i) the request relates to an investigation being conducted by the Prosecutor or a proceeding before the ICC; and
(ii) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the material is in Australia.
(2) The Attorney-General is to execute the request by authorising, in writing, a police officer to apply to a magistrate of the State or Territory in which that material is believed to be located for a search warrant.

78 Applications for search warrants
(1) If:
(a) a police officer is authorised under section 77 to apply for a search warrant; and
(b) the police officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting that the evidential material is, or within the applicable period referred to in subsection (3) of this section will be, at any premises;
the police officer may, by an information on oath setting out the grounds for that suspicion, apply for a search warrant in relation to the premises to search for that material.
(2) If:
(a) a police officer is authorised under section 77 to apply for a search warrant; and
(b) the police officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting that the evidential material is, or within the applicable period referred to in subsection (3) of this section will be, in a person’s possession;
the police officer may, by an information on oath setting out the grounds for that suspicion, apply for a search warrant in relation to that person to search for that material.
(3) For the purposes of this section, the applicable period is:
(a) if the application for the warrant is made by telephone, telex, fax or other electronic means, as provided by section 116—48 hours; or
(b) otherwise—72 hours.

Division 11A—Stored communications

78A Authorising application for a stored communications warrant
The Attorney-General may authorise, in writing, the Australian Federal Police, or the police force or police service of a State, to apply for a stored communications warrant under section 110 of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 if:
(a) the Attorney-General is satisfied that:
(i) an investigation is being conducted by the Prosecutor or a proceeding is before the ICC; and
(ii) there are reasonable grounds to believe that stored communications relevant to the investigation or proceeding are held by a carrier; and
(b) the ICC has requested the Attorney-General to arrange for access to the stored communications.

Division 11B—Prospective telecommunications data

78B Authorising an authorisation for the disclosure of prospective telecommunications data
(1) The Attorney-General may authorise, in writing, the making of an authorisation under section 180B of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 for the disclosure of information or documents if:
(a) the ICC has requested the Attorney-General to arrange for the disclosure of the information or documents; and
(b) the information or documents come into existence during a period specified by the ICC, and which started on or after the day the request was made; and
(c) the Attorney-General is satisfied that:
(i) an investigation is being conducted by the Prosecutor or a proceeding is before the ICC; and
(ii) the information or documents relate to the fact of a communication passing over a telecommunications system during that period.
(2) To avoid doubt, information or documents do not relate to the fact of a communication passing over a telecommunications system to the extent that the information is, or the documents contain, the contents or substance of a communication.

Division 12—Provision of records or documents

79 Facilitating the provision of records or documents
(1) This section applies if:
(a) the ICC requests assistance for the provision of records or documents, including official records or official documents; and
(b) the Attorney-General is satisfied that:
(i) the request relates to an investigation being conducted by the Prosecutor or a proceeding before the ICC; and
(ii) the records or documents are or may be in Australia.
(2) The Attorney-General is to execute the request by authorising, in writing, the provision of the records or documents.
(3) If the Attorney-General authorises the provision of records or documents, an appropriate authority is to:
(a) locate and make available the records or documents; and
(b) make such report on his or her efforts as he or she considers to be appropriate in the circumstances; and
(c) send to the Attorney-General the report and any of the records or documents that are located.
(4) This section does not give to any person power to require the production of a record or document.

Division 12A—Requests for surveillance devices

79A Authorising applications for surveillance device warrants
(1) The Attorney-General may authorise, in writing, an eligible law enforcement officer to apply for a surveillance device warrant under section 14 of the Surveillance Devices Act 2004 if:
(a) the ICC has requested the Attorney-General to arrange for the use of a surveillance device; and
(b) the Attorney-General is satisfied that an investigation is being conducted by the Prosecutor, or a proceeding is before the ICC; and
(c) the Attorney-General is satisfied that the ICC has given appropriate undertakings for:
(i) ensuring that the information obtained as a result of the use of the device will only be used for the purpose for which it is communicated to the ICC; and
(ii) the destruction of a document or other thing containing information obtained as a result of the use of the device; and
(iii) any other matter the Attorney-General considers appropriate.
(2) An eligible law enforcement officer is a person mentioned in column 3 of table item 5 in subsection 6A(6), or column 3 of table item 5 in subsection 6A(7), of the Surveillance Devices Act 2004.

Division 12B—Requests for access to data held in computers

79B Authorising applications for computer access warrants
(1) The Attorney-General may authorise, in writing, an eligible law enforcement officer to apply for a computer access warrant under section 27A of the Surveillance Devices Act 2004 if:
(a) the ICC has requested the Attorney-General to arrange for the access to data held in a computer (the target computer); and
(b) the Attorney-General is satisfied that an investigation is being conducted by the Prosecutor, or a proceeding is before the ICC; and
(c) the Attorney-General is satisfied that the ICC has given appropriate undertakings for:
(i) ensuring that data obtained as a result of access under the warrant will only be used for the purpose for which it is communicated to the ICC; and
(ii) the destruction of a document or other thing containing data obtained as a result of access under the warrant; and
(iii) any other matter the Attorney-General considers appropriate.
(2) The target computer may be any one or more of the following:
(a) a particular computer;
(b) a computer on particular premises;
(c) a computer associated with, used by or likely to be used by, a person (whose identity may or may not be known).
(3) In this section:
computer has the same meaning as in the Surveillance Devices Act 2004.
data has the same meaning as in the Surveillance Devices Act 2004.
data held in a computer has the same meaning as in the Surveillance Devices Act 2004. eligible law enforcement officer means a person mentioned in column 3 of table item 5 in subsection 6A(6), or column 3 of table item 5 in subsection 6A(7), of the Surveillance Devices Act 2004.

Division 13—Protecting victims and witnesses and preserving evidence

80 Protecting victims and witnesses and preserving evidence
(1) This section applies if:
(a) the ICC requests assistance in protecting victims or witnesses or preserving evidence; and
(b) the Attorney-General is satisfied that:
(i) the request relates to an investigation being conducted by the Prosecutor or a proceeding before the ICC; and
(ii) the assistance sought is not prohibited by Australian law.
(2) The Attorney-General is to execute the request by authorising, in writing, the provision of the assistance.
(3) If the Attorney-General authorises the provision of the assistance, an appropriate authority is to:
(a) give effect to the request; and
(b) prepare such report on his or her efforts as he or she considers to be appropriate in the circumstances; and
(c) send the report to the Attorney-General.

Part 4—Other requests by ICC

Division 15—Other types of assistance

103 Other types of assistance
(1) This section applies if:
(a) the ICC requests any type of assistance referred to in paragraph 7(1)(b); and
(b) the Attorney-General is satisfied that the request relates to an investigation being conducted by the Prosecutor or a proceeding before the ICC.
(2) The Attorney-General must refuse the request if the request is prohibited by Australian law and:
(a) the ICC does not modify the request as contemplated by paragraph 3 of article 93 of the Statute and section 53; or
(b) the assistance requested cannot be provided in a way referred to in paragraph 5 of article 93 of the Statute and subsection 11(2) or can only be provided subject to conditions that the ICC does not accept.
(3) If subsection (2) does not apply, the Attorney-General is to execute
the request by authorising, in writing, the provision of the assistance.
(4) If the Attorney-General authorises the provision of the assistance, an appropriate authority is to:
(a) take such action as the authority thinks appropriate in the particular case; and
(b) prepare a written report with respect to the action taken; and
(c) send the report to the Attorney-General.

Australia - Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act No. 85 1987 (2018)

Part IIIA—Assistance in relation to stored communications
15B Requests by foreign countries for stored communications
The Attorney General may, in his or her discretion, authorise the Australian Federal Police or a police force or police service of a State, in writing, to apply for a stored communications warrant under section 110 of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 if the Attorney General is satisfied that:
(a) an investigation, or investigative proceeding, relating to a criminal matter involving an offence against the law of a foreign country (the requesting country) has commenced in the requesting country; and
(b) the offence to which the investigation, or investigative proceeding, relates is punishable by a maximum penalty of:
(i) imprisonment for 3 years or more, imprisonment for life or the death penalty; or
(ii) a fine of an amount that is at least equivalent to 900 penalty units; and
(c) there are reasonable grounds to believe that stored communications relevant to the investigation, or investigative proceeding, are held by a carrier; and
(d) the requesting country has requested the Attorney General to arrange for access to the stored communications.
Note: Information obtained under the warrant may only be communicated to the requesting country on certain conditions: see subsection 142A(1) of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.

Part IIIBA—Assistance in relation to use of surveillance devices
15CA Requests by foreign countries for surveillance devices
(1) The Attorney General may, in his or her discretion, authorise an eligible law enforcement officer, in writing, to apply for a surveillance device warrant under section 14 of the Surveillance Devices Act 2004 if the Attorney General is satisfied that:
(a) an investigation, or investigative proceeding, relating to a criminal matter involving an offence against the law of a foreign country (the requesting country) that is punishable by a maximum penalty of imprisonment for 3 years or more, imprisonment for life or the death penalty has commenced in the requesting country; and
(b) the requesting country requests the Attorney General to arrange for the use of a surveillance device; and
(c) the requesting country has given appropriate undertakings in relation to:
(i) ensuring that the information obtained as a result of the use of the surveillance device will only be used for the purpose for which it is communicated to the requesting country; and
(ii) the destruction of a document or other thing containing information obtained as a result of the use of the surveillance device; and
(iii) any other matter the Attorney General considers appropriate.
(2) In this section:
eligible law enforcement officer means a person mentioned in column 3 of item 5 of the table in subsection 6A(6), or in column 3 of item 5 of the table in subsection 6A(7), of the Surveillance Devices Act 2004.

15CB Simplified outline of this Part
• If a foreign country requests the Attorney General to arrange for access to data held in a computer, the Attorney General may authorise an eligible law enforcement officer to apply for a computer access warrant under section 27A of the Surveillance Devices Act 2004.
• The authorisation relates to an investigation, or investigative proceeding, relating to a criminal matter involving an offence against the law of the foreign country.
Note: See subsection 27A(4) of the Surveillance Devices Act 2004.
15CC Requests by foreign countries for assistance in relation to data held in computers
(1) The Attorney General may, in the Attorney General’s discretion, authorise an eligible law enforcement officer, in writing, to apply for a computer access warrant under section 27A of the Surveillance Devices Act 2004 if the Attorney General is satisfied that:
(a) an investigation, or investigative proceeding, relating to a criminal matter involving an offence against the law of a foreign country (the requesting country) that is punishable by a maximum penalty of imprisonment for 3 years or more, imprisonment for life or the death penalty has commenced in the requesting country; and
(b) the requesting country requests the Attorney General to arrange for access to data held in a computer (the target computer); and
(c) the requesting country has given appropriate undertakings in relation to:
(i) ensuring that data obtained as a result of access under the warrant will only be used for the purpose for which it is communicated to the requesting country; and
(ii) the destruction of a document or other thing containing data obtained as a result of access under the warrant; and
(iii) any other matter the Attorney General considers appropriate.

Part IIIB—Assistance in relation to telecommunications data
15D Requests by foreign countries for telecommunications data
(1) This section applies if:
(a) a foreign country requests the disclosure of specified information or specified documents that come into existence during a specified period; and
(b) the information or documents relate to the fact of a communication passing over a telecommunications system.
(2) To avoid doubt, information or documents do not relate to the fact of a communication passing over a telecommunications system:
(a) if the information is the contents or substance of a communication; or
(b) to the extent that the documents contain the contents or substance of a communication.
(3) The Attorney General may authorise the making of an authorisation under section 180B of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979, of a disclosure of information or documents to which this section applies, if he or she is satisfied that:
(a) an investigation relating to a criminal matter involving an offence against the law of the foreign country has commenced in that country; and
(b) the offence:
(i) is punishable by imprisonment for 3 years or more, imprisonment for life or the death penalty; or
(ii) involves an act or omission that, if it had occurred in Australia, would have constituted a serious offence within the meaning of section 5D of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.

Rome Statute

Article 93 Other forms of cooperation

1. States Parties shall, in accordance with the provisions of this Part and under procedures of national law, comply with requests by the Court to provide the following assistance in relation to investigations or prosecutions:

(j) The protection of victims and witnesses and the preservation of evidence;

8.

(a) The Court shall ensure the confidentiality of documents and information, except as required for the investigation and proceedings described in the request.

(b) The requested State may, when necessary, transmit documents or information to the Prosecutor on a confidential basis. The Prosecutor may then use them solely for the purpose of generating new evidence.

(c) The requested State may, on its own motion or at the request of the Prosecutor, subsequently consent to the disclosure of such documents or information. They may then be used as evidence pursuant to the provisions of Parts 5 and 6 and in accordance with the Rules of Procedure and Evidence.