Today, the Minns Labor Government will introduce tough new reforms aimed at strengthening the powers of the Crime Commission.
The move comes as the Government renews its commitment to making asset confiscation easier, following challenges in seizing the assets of disgraced former Minister Eddie Obeid.
Legislation currently limits how far back the NSW Crime Commission can investigate criminal activity.
The Bill includes four key amendments to the Criminal Assets Recovery Act 1990.
One of the most significant changes is the removal of the six-year limitation period giving the Commission the power to apply to the Supreme Court for a proceeds assessment order, even for illegal activity that occurred more than six years ago.
This reform will act as a deterrent, sending a clear message that serious criminal activity can be investigated at any time, no matter how long ago it occurred.
Other proposed changes include:
- Strengthening measures to prevent individuals from shielding illegally acquired assets through sham transactions with related parties;
- Enabling the Court to consider services, benefits, and advantages paid into trusts when assessing proceeds of crime; and
- Ensuring the Commission can confiscate assets derived from the sale and possession of illicit tobacco.
Together, these reforms are designed to close loopholes, strengthen enforcement and send a strong message that criminal profits will not be protected by time or technicalities.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:
"By removing loopholes, our Government is making it far harder for individuals to engage in serious criminal activity without consequences - activity that, under the former Government, too often went unchecked.
"Crime is evolving and it's faster, smarter and more covert than ever before. Our response must be just as dynamic which is why we're closing the cracks that once let serious offenders slip through.
"The NSW Government is committed to giving our law enforcement bodies the tools and legal frameworks they need to stay ahead of the game and today's Bill is a step toward a smarter, more adaptive justice system."
