Surveillance Devices Act 2007

(1) A law enforcement officer of a law enforcement agency may apply to a senior officer of the agency for an emergency authorisation for the use of a surveillance device if the law enforcement officer reasonably believes:

(a) an imminent threat of serious violence to a person or substantial damage to property exists; and

(b) the use of a surveillance device is immediately necessary for the purpose of dealing with that threat; and

(c) the circumstances are so serious and the matter is of such urgency that the use of a surveillance device is warranted; and

(d) it is not practicable in the circumstances to apply for a surveillance device warrant.

(2) In addition, a law enforcement officer of a law enforcement agency may apply to a senior officer of the agency for an emergency authorisation for the use of a surveillance device if:

(a) a serious drug offence or an offence against a law of another jurisdiction or the Commonwealth that corresponds to a serious drug offence has been, is being, is about to be or is likely to be committed; and

(b) the use of a surveillance device is immediately necessary for:

(i) an investigation into the offence; or

(ii) enabling evidence or information to be obtained of the commission of the offence or the identity or location of the offender; and

(c) the circumstances are so serious and the matter is of such urgency that the use of a surveillance device is warranted; and

(d) it is not practicable in the circumstances to apply for a surveillance device warrant.