NSWCCL President Stephen Blanks spoke to The Australian on the disturbing revelations that NSW's Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) may have acted inappropriately when seizing the phones of crown prosecutor Margaret Cunneen and her family members during a corruption investigation.
The Australian reports that ICAC officers used a notice to produce, rather than a warrant, to seize mobile phones. This highlights the importance of checks and balances when agencies use coercive powers, with Stephen Blanks warning without these checks, such powers can be abused. “ICAC should not be able to self-issue warrants,” he said.
Article: ICAC’s Margaret Cunneen warrants 'invalid use of power'
Source: The Australian, 17/04/2015