Stock Route Management Act 2002

An authorised person may apply for a warrant (a special warrant) by phone, fax, radio or another form of communication if the authorised person considers it necessary because of—

urgent circumstances; or

other special circumstances, including, for example, the authorised person’s remote location.

Before applying for the special warrant, the authorised person must prepare an application stating the grounds on which the warrant is sought.

The authorised person may apply for the special warrant before the application is sworn.

After issuing the special warrant, the magistrate must promptly fax a copy (a facsimile warrant) to the authorised person if it is reasonably practicable to fax the copy.

If it is not reasonably practicable to fax a copy to the authorised person—

the magistrate must tell the authorised person—

what the terms of the special warrant are; and

the date and time the special warrant was issued; and

the authorised person must complete a form of warrant (a warrant form) and write on it—

the magistrate’s name; and

the date and time the magistrate issued the special warrant; and

the terms of the special warrant.

The facsimile warrant, or the warrant form properly completed by the authorised person, authorises the entry and the exercise of the other powers stated in the special warrant issued.

The authorised person must, at the first reasonable opportunity, send to the magistrate—

the sworn application; and

if the authorised person completed a warrant form—the completed warrant form.

On receiving the documents, the magistrate must attach them to the special warrant.

If—

an issue arises in a proceeding about whether an exercise of an authorised person’s power stated in the special warrant was authorised by the warrant; and

the warrant is not produced in evidence;

the onus of proof is on the person relying on the lawfulness of the exercise of the power to prove the authorised person obtained the warrant.