Bill to cut red tape from mutual assistance laws

Justice Minister Brendan O’Connor has introduced a bill to Parliament that promises to slash red tape from extradition and mutual assistance laws.

The Extradition and Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 will expand law enforcement tools available in foreign cases, enable prosecution in Australia as an alternative to extradition and cut down time spent in extradition.

“Just as modern technology is tearing down international barriers to communication, trade and travel, so too does it provide new opportunities for transnational criminal enterprises," O'Conner said.

“It’s important that law enforcement agencies across Australia and the world have the means to successfully work with each other to bring criminals to justice, wherever they may be."

The bill would bolster mutual assistance laws, improving an area that had been a thorn for police tracking online crime across borders.

The Bill was developed after public consultation that began in 2006.

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