Keeping Secrets: The Protection of Classified and Security Sensitive Information (ALRC 98)
This inquiry, which began in April 2003, examined measures to safeguard classified and security sensitive information during court or tribunal proceedings, or in the course of other investigations—including those relating to criminal prosecutions, civil suits, immigration matters or freedom of information applications.
In July 2003, the ALRC released a Background Paper—Protecting Classified and Security Sensitive Information (BP 8)—that outlined the issues under consideration.
A period of public consultation followed and a Discussion Paper—Protecting Classified and Security Sensitive Information (DP 67)—with proposals for reform was released in January 2004.
The final report—Keeping Secrets: The Protection of Classified and Security Sensitive Information (ALRC 98) —and the ALRC’s recommendations were tabled in federal Parliament on 23 June 2004.
The recommendations of ALRC 98 have been substantially implemented.
Media Releases relating to this inquiry:
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Justice system must adapt to meet terror challenges (23 June 2004)
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Courts need new laws to protect national security information (5 February 2004)