Stricter Rules for Police Handling of Informants; Higher Penalties for Police Mistreatment of Informants

State Civil Liability (Police Informants) Bill 2024

1st House

2nd House

Law

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

Extends the period for individuals to bring civil claims related to police informant management from **3 years to 7 years**.
Requires police to disclose the use of an informant within **48 hours** to a court or oversight body in cases involving informants, unless it jeopardizes an active investigation.
Establishes a new independent review panel to assess cases where informants allege abuse or misuse by the police. This panel must complete investigations within **6 months** of receiving a complaint.
Requires all officers involved in informant management to undergo **annual training** focused on legal, ethical, and operational standards in handling informants.
Doubles the fines for police officers found to have deliberately concealed the use of informants or failed to follow procedures, from **$5,000 to $10,000**.

News articles and press releases