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Serious Offenders Act 2018
284Use of information by authorised person
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284 Use of information by authorised person
(1) An authorised person may use any information obtained by the authorised person in carrying out a function under this Act or any other Act if—
(a) the use is authorised by the person to whom the information relates; or
(b) the use is authorised or required by or under this Act or any other Act; or
(c) the authorised person believes on reasonable grounds that the use is necessary to enable the authorised person or another authorised person to perform a function under this Act or a relevant Act, including—
(i) preparing assessment reports, progress reports, treatment and supervision plans or any other reports or documents required by this Act; or
(ii) making or responding to an application under this Act; or
(iii) preparing and reviewing coordinated services plans; or
(iv) delivering services or providing for the delivery of services in accordance with coordinated services plans; or
(v) managing any offender under—
(A) this Act; or
(B) the **Corrections Act 1986**; or
(C) the **Sentencing Act 1991**; or
(d) the authorised person believes on reasonable grounds that the use is necessary—
(ii) to reduce the risk of any offender engaging in any behaviour or conduct that threatens the safety of any person (including the offender); or
(2) A person who is or has been an authorised person must not use any information obtained by the person in carrying out a function under this Act unless—
(a) the use is authorised by this section; or
(b) the Secretary has under section 289A authorised the use; or
(c) the Secretary has under section 289A approved the publication of research based on the information that is used.
(3) An authorised person may use information given to the Authority that is not disclosed in a decision of the Authority, or in any reasons given by the Authority for a decision of the Authority, if the authorised person believes on reasonable grounds that—
(a) the use is necessary for the administration of this Act; or
(b) the use is necessary for preparation for, conduct of or participation in—
(i) a proceeding in any court; or
(ii) a proceeding before a tribunal; or
(iii) an inquest or investigation held by a coroner; or
(c) the use is necessary—
(ii) to reduce the risk of any offender engaging in any behaviour or conduct that threatens the safety of any person (including the offender); or
(4) Nothing in this section limits or affects any requirement imposed by any other provision of this Act for the Secretary to notify the Authority or the Adult Parole Board of any matter.
S. 284A inserted by No. 28/2025 s. 14.