46GOffence to disclose information in civil proceedings to certain persons without security clearance etc.

46G Offence to disclose information in civil proceedings to certain persons without security clearance etc.

A person commits an offence if: (a) for the purposes of a civil proceeding, the person discloses, other than in giving evidence in that proceeding or in permitted circumstances, information to: (i) a party to the proceeding; or (ii) a party’s legal representative; or (iii) a person assisting a party’s legal representative; and (b) the disclosure is likely to prejudice national security; and (c) none of the following subparagraphs apply: (i) the party to the proceeding, the legal representative or the person mentioned in subparagraph (a)(iii) has a security clearance at the level considered appropriate by the Secretary in relation to the information; (ii) the disclosure has been approved by the Secretary; (iii) the disclosure takes place in compliance with conditions approved by the Secretary.

Penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.