The Morrison Government continues to pursue serious organised crime gangs, today announcing the appointment of three new full-time examiners for the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), bringing the total number of ACIC examiners to six.
Based throughout Australia, ACIC examiners are independent statutory officers appointed by the Governor-General to exercise coercive powers in the context of special ACIC operations and special ACIC investigations.
Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said doubling the number of ACIC examiners would see a significant increase in the number of serious criminal investigations underway and the speed at which these could proceed, it would also exert maximum pressure on all levels of the criminal underworld.
"The ACIC's coercive powers are similar to a Royal Commission and set the ACIC apart from traditional police services. These powers are an important tool for protecting the community from serious and organised crime," Minister Andrews said.
"The appointment of three new examiners throughout Australia will enhance our ability to examine the structure and links fundamental to serious and organised crime."
An examiner may exercise coercive powers only where relevant to a special ACIC operation or special ACIC investigation; when all legislative requirements are met; and the examiner is satisfied that it is reasonable in all the circumstances to exercise those special statutory powers.
The appointments will begin on 17 January 2022 for a period of five years.
