138Use and disclosure of information

138 Use and disclosure of information

(1) A relevant person who obtains or receives information in the course of or as a result of the performance of the functions of the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel in relation to complaints or referrals may disclose that information—

(a) for the purposes of the performance of the functions of the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel; or

(b) for the purposes of the performance of the person's functions; or

(c) for the purposes of the administration of justice; or

(d) as required, authorised or permitted by this Act or the regulations; or

(e) to the IBAC; or

S. 138(1)(f) amended by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.18).

(f) to Integrity Oversight Victoria; or

(g) as otherwise required, authorised or permitted by law.

(2) A relevant person who obtains or receives information in the course of or as a result of the performance of the functions of the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel in relation to complaints or referrals may disclose that information to Victoria Police or any other law enforcement agency, a regulatory body or an integrity body to the extent reasonably required for one or more of the following—

(a) the prevention, detection, investigation, prosecution or punishment of criminal offences or breaches of law;

(b) the enforcement of laws relating to the confiscation of the proceeds of crime;

(c) the protection of the public revenue;

(d) the lessening or prevention of—

(i) a serious and imminent threat to an individual's life, health, safety or welfare; or

(ii) a serious threat to public health, public safety or public welfare; or

(e) the prevention, detection, investigation or remedying of improper conduct;

(f) the preparation for, or conduct of, proceedings before any court or tribunal, or implementation of the orders of a court or tribunal.

(3) A relevant person must not use or disclose confidential information obtained or received in the course of or as a result of the performance of the functions of the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel in relation to complaints or referrals except in the circumstances permitted by subsections (1) and (2).

(4) Subject to subsection (5), a relevant person must not use or disclose information in the circumstances otherwise permitted by subsection (1) or (2) that is likely to lead to the identification of a person who has made an assessable disclosure.

S. 138(5) amended by No. 2/2019 s. 101.

(5) A relevant person may use or disclose information under subsection (1) or (2) to which section 53(2)(a), (c) or (d) of the applies.