Public Interest Immunity

Question 1

What is Public Interest Immunity?

Answer 1

Common law doctrine whereby confidential information relevant to court proceedings is withheld on the grounds that public interest in its disclosure outweighs the competing public interest in its suppression

This is describing a rule in law that involves keeping certain information secret in a court case. The rule says that even though there might be a public interest in keeping some information private, if revealing that information is more important for the public good (for example, to expose corruption or injustice), it can be made public.

In other words, if the benefits of sharing the information with the public outweigh the reasons for keeping it confidential, the law may allow it to be disclosed in court. This helps ensure that justice is served in situations where transparency is crucial for the public interest.

Question 2

material might be subject to PII (C of CARWORM D)

Answer 2

C – Contains sensitive police intel

Question 3

material might be subject to PII (A of CARWORM D)

Answer 3

A – Any statements provided only on condition that contents not disclosed

Question 4

material might be subject to PII (R of CARWORM D)

Answer 4

R – Relates to ongoing investigation and jeopardises safety

Question 5

material might be subject to PII (W of CARWORM D)

Answer 5

W – Would affect security of correctional centre

Question 6

material might be subject to PII (O of CARWORM D)

Answer 6

O – Other agency materials (AFP, ASIO etc)

Question 7

material might be subject to PII (R of CARWORM D)

Answer 7

R – Reveals police methodology, equipment etc (Surveillance)

Question 8

material might be subject to PII (M of CARWORM D)

Answer 8

M – Might create risk of domestic strife

Question 9

material might be subject to PII (D of CARWORM D)

Answer 9

DX8
D – Discloses ID of HS, witness or community source
D – Discloses ID/whereabouts of witness/family
D – Discloses ID of vic
D – Discloses ID of participant in conop
D – Discloses location of covert police premises/surveillance
D – Documents if become publicly known, might facilitate commission of offences to avoid detection
D – Discloses sexual history of complainant or witness
D – Deal with national security