Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003

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

urgent circumstances; or

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

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

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

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

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

the magistrate must tell the authorised officer—

what the terms of the special warrant are; and

the date and time the special warrant was issued; and

the authorised officer 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 officer, authorises the entry and the exercise of the other powers stated in the special warrant issued.

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

the sworn application; and

if the authorised officer 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 a power was authorised by a special warrant; and

the warrant is not produced in evidence;