David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Justice and Customs) Share this | Hansard source

In terms of practical operation, I am advised that what happens is that each instrument of authorisation specifies the class of AUSTRAC information that will be available for a specified class of official. Access is only granted for the purpose of performing the agency’s functions and exercising the agency’s powers, as I have said, on the specific request. The AUSTRAC CEO determines whether access is appropriate having regard to all the circumstances considered in the negotiation process and in the authorisation process. So each of the officers understands that they are only entitled to give and/or receive information directly within the statutory powers of the agency—namely, the objects, functions and powers as set out by the legislation. There is a scrutiny process. Information that is outside or irrelevant to that specific designation of information cannot be provided.