The Crime and Corruption Act 2001 (Qld), through ss 190(2) and 331(4)(b), manifests a clear legislative intention to permit compulsory examination of charged persons about the subject matter of their charges, including where answers may lead to derivative evidence. The 'reasonable excuse' exception in s 190(1) does not provide a general protection against derivative use; however, in particular circumstances (such as questions designed to elicit the nature of a defence), it may apply. The primary safeguard against unfair use of derivative evidence at trial is the trial judge's discretion under s 130 of the Evidence Act 1977 (Qld).
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