Review of Secrecy Provisions

Closed 5 May 2023

Opened 24 Mar 2023

Contact

secrecyreview@ag.gov.au

Overview

We are carrying out a review of secrecy provisions across Commonwealth laws. This review will address concerns raised by multiple reviews about the number, inconsistency, appropriateness and complexity of Commonwealth secrecy offences.

We have released a consultation paper seeking views on the operation of secrecy provisions, including:

  • what principles should govern the framing of general and specific secrecy offences in Commonwealth legislation
  • whether any general or specific secrecy offences should be amended or repealed
  • what principles should govern the framing of the public interest journalism defence and should any amendments be considered.

We welcome submissions in response to the consultation paper, which will inform the review’s final report that is due by 30 June 2023.

Submissions will be accepted until 11:59 PM on 5 May 2023.

Find out more about the Secrecy Provisions Review.

Download the consultation paper

Interests

  • Government
  • Legislation
  • Privacy
  • Criminal law
  • National security