44Action that can be taken without permission

#### 44 Action that can be taken without permission (1) Despite any direction given by the Commissioner under subsection 43(1), the following action may be taken: (a) action to prevent or lessen an imminent risk to the safety of a person, or to protect a person’s life; (b) action that is in the interests of the security, defence or international relations of Australia; (c) action to prevent loss to the Commonwealth of an amount, greater than the amount (if any) prescribed by the regulations, which could not be recovered; (d) other action for which it would be unreasonable in the circumstances to await any necessary permission. (2) If action is taken relying on subsection (1), the agency head must: (a) as soon as practicable, but no later than 48 hours after the action is taken, provide details of the action to the Commissioner; and (b) take reasonable steps to: (i) ensure that the action does not prejudice the investigation of a corruption issue or any other NACC Act process; and (ii) preserve evidence that is, or could be, relevant for the purposes of conducting a NACC Act process.