33Consent to prosecutions

33 Consent to prosecutions

(1) A reference in this section to relevant proceedings is a reference to proceedings for the commitment of a person for trial on indictment for an offence against a provision of Part II. (2) Relevant proceedings shall not be instituted except with the consent in writing of the Attorney‑General or a person authorised by the Attorney‑General, in writing, to give such consents. (3) Notwithstanding that a consent has not been given in relation to relevant proceedings in accordance with subsection (2): (a) a person may be charged with an offence against a provision of Part II; (b) a person may be arrested for such an offence, and a warrant for such an arrest may be issued and executed; and (c) a person so charged may be remanded in custody or on bail; but no further step in such proceedings shall be taken in relation to the offence until such a consent has been given. (4) Nothing in subsection (3) shall prevent the discharging of the accused if proceedings are not continued within a reasonable time. (5) A reference in this section to an offence against a provision of Part II includes a reference to: (a) an offence against section 6 of the Crimes Act 1914 in relation to an offence against a provision of that Part; and (b) an offence against section 11.1, 11.4 or 11.5 of the Criminal Code, being an offence in relation to an offence against a provision of that Part.