Epidemiological Studies (Confidentiality) Act 1981

Notwithstanding section 4, the Minister may, by writing signed by him or her, authorize the giving of access, in a form or forms specified in the instrument of authorization, to documents prepared or obtained in the conduct of a prescribed study to persons assisting in the conduct of another prescribed study, and, where such an authorization is given, it is a defence to a prosecution for a contravention of section 4 that is constituted by the giving of access to a document if the access was given in accordance with the authorization.

Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to establishing that the access was given in accordance with the authorization. See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.