Australian Government: Attorney-General's Department
Australian Government: Attorney-General's DepartmentAchieving a Just and Secure Society

Proposed Extradition and Mutual Assistance Reforms

About the Proposed Extradition and Mutal Assistance reforms

The Australian Government has approved the release of exposure draft legislation to facilitate further public consultation on proposed reforms to Australia’s extradition and mutual assistance in criminal matters laws. The reforms are designed to promote more responsive and flexible measures in securing international crime cooperation while maintaining the integrity of key safeguards.

The exposure draft legislation and explanatory material can be found at:

The exposure draft legislation follows a comprehensive review by the Attorney-General’s Department of Australia’s extradition and mutual assistance legislation. Discussion papers on options for reform were publicly released in 2005 and 2006. The Department also conducted face-to-face consultations with a number of stakeholders and interested parties. All submissions received were taken into account in developing further proposals for reform.

Key proposals in the exposure draft legislation are directed towards reducing delays in current processes, ensuring Australia does not become a safe haven for fugitives and the proceeds of crime, and expanding the range of law enforcement tools available through the mutual assistance process. The proposed reforms maintain appropriate safeguards and judicial review, and strengthen certain human rights protections in the existing legislation.

The exposure draft legislation is intended to provide a basis to seek further feedback from stakeholders and the public on the proposed measures. While the exposure draft is designed to facilitate discussion on proposed legislative provisions, the Australian Government would also welcome further or alternative ideas for reform, as well as general comments on Australia’s international crime cooperation arrangements.

Please send written comments by 31 August 2009 to the Attorney-General’s Department at reviews@ag.gov.au, or by mail to:

Legislation and Policy Section
International Crime Cooperation Division
Attorney-General’s Department
3-5 National Circuit
BARTON ACT 2600

Submissions