Law Enforcement (Controlled Operations) Act 1997

If any loss of, or serious damage to, property occurs in the course of or as a direct result of an authorised cross-border controlled operation (other than property of the law enforcement agency on behalf of which the operation is conducted or of a participant in the operation), the principal law enforcement officer for the operation must report the loss or damage to the chief executive officer of the law enforcement agency as soon as practicable.

The chief executive officer must take all reasonable steps to notify the owner of the property of the loss or damage.

However, the chief executive officer is not required to notify the owner of the property until the chief executive officer is satisfied that the notification would not—

compromise or hinder the authorised operation, or

compromise the identity of a participant in the authorised operation, or

endanger the life or safety of any person, or

prejudice any legal proceeding, or

otherwise be contrary to the public interest.