Finally, Professor Brown, I have a question with regard to the notion of confidentiality and the protection of all of the information. In Canada, typically when there is some type of state investigation into conduct, we are of the view that the fruits of the investigation in the possession of the crown are not the property of the crown for use in securing a conviction, but rather the property of the public to ensure that justice is done. I wonder whether or not the fruits of these investigations should be maintained as so confidential. How is the public interest served by these absolute rules of confidentiality found in various Australian legislation?
Evidence of meeting #80 for Government Operations and Estimates in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was disclosure.
A recording is available from Parliament.