One News
March 31, 2004

Move to expose police files

A privacy law specialist says legislation opening the secret files of the Police Complaints Authority could be a slippery slope for the government.

The Police Complaints Authority Amendment Bill, which was introduced into parliament under urgency on Tuesday night, allows the Commission of Inquiry into the handling of police rape claims to look at secret PCA files.

There is currently a provision stating that the PCA's material cannot be used as a basis for criminal proceedings.

But law specialist John Hannan says if the commission finds there are serious matters needing further investigation, it will be hard for the government to resist calls to allow the PCA's files to be used for a criminal investigation.

The Police Association has criticised the bill, saying the authority will not be able to guarantee witnesses that the information they give will be kept secret.