24Restrictions on publication in respect of suspect

24 Restrictions on publication in respect of suspect

(1)  Except where a suspect on whom a forensic procedure is carried out or proposed to be carried out in relation to an offence is later charged with the offence or the magistrate, by order, has authorised it, a person must not intentionally or recklessly publish in any report of a proceeding under Division 4 or 5  –

(a) the name of the suspect; or

(b) any information likely to enable the identification of the suspect.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 50 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both.

(2)  Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who publishes a report of a proceeding in good faith –

(a) in the performance or exercise, or the purported performance or exercise, of a function or power under this Act; or

(b) in the administration or execution, or the purported administration or execution, of this Act; or

(c) for the purposes of the investigation of an offence in relation to which the forensic procedure was authorised by the proceeding; or

(d) for the purpose of a decision whether to institute proceedings for an offence in relation to which the forensic procedure was authorised by the proceeding; or

(e) for the purpose of proceedings for an offence in relation to which the forensic procedure was authorised by the proceeding.