31ARelevant part of substantive application or hearing to be heard in closed court unless otherwise ordered

31A Relevant part of substantive application or hearing to be heard in closed court unless otherwise ordered (1) Unless the Supreme Court orders otherwise, the relevant part of— (a) the hearing a substantive application; or (b) an SEO review hearing— must be heard in closed court. (2) The Supreme Court may make an order under subsection (1) if it considers it appropriate to do so. (3) If the relevant part is heard in closed court, the only persons who may be present at the hearing are— (a) the authorised police officer who made the protection application; and (b) any lawyers representing that authorised police officer; and (c) a special counsel appointed under section 32; and (d) any witnesses who may be called to give evidence; and (e) the presiding judge or magistrate and any court staff necessary for the hearing; and (f) the Public Interest Monitor. (4) If a relevant court makes an order under subsection (1) in relation to a substantive application made by an authorised police officer, the authorised police officer who made that application may withdraw the application. S. 31B inserted by No. 47/2021 s. 13.