In particular, paragraph 70. Mr Hodgkinson says this obliged him to consult with the Australian Federal Police in the event of a serious breach. By February 9, the ABC had officially referred the matter to the Australian Federal Police. Four days later, February 13, the police decided to move. The, the, public interest that I talk about is public interest in relation to any unauthorised disclosure of information, whether that be from the ABC or any other Commonwealth Government department.
Leak inquiries do form a major part of our corruption investigations.
The Federal Police are making their inquiries under section 70 of the Crimes Act. This makes it a criminal offence for a Commonwealth officer to disclose a fact or document which is his duty not to disclose. The penalty is two years jail. The Senate committee wondered if this might be a bit rich. Melbourne media lawyer Peter Bartlett has had direct experience fighting a section 70 case.