Youth Justice Act 1992

A police officer may administer a caution to a child for an offence only if the child—

admits committing the offence to the police officer; and

consents to being cautioned.

A police officer who administers a caution, or who requests the administration of a caution under section 17, must, if practicable, arrange to be present at the administration of the caution—

an adult chosen by the child; or

a parent of the child or a person chosen by a parent of the child.

The commissioner of the police service may authorise a police officer who the commissioner considers has sufficient training or experience (authorised officer) to administer cautions.

If a police officer administering a caution is not an authorised officer, the caution must be administered in the presence of an authorised officer.