The Chief Examiner and Examiners are appointed under the Major Crime (Investigative Powers) Act 2004 (Vic). Under that Act, the Chief Examiner can compel the giving of evidence and the production of documents or things. They exercise those powers for the purposes of investigating organised crime offences.
The Chief Examiner and Examiners are independent of Victoria Police. They are responsible for ensuring their powers are used effectively, while upholding the rights of those who appear before them.
The Chief Examiner and Examiners are supported by a multidisciplinary team of investigators, lawyers, intelligence analysts and administrative support.
The Victorian Inspectorate (VI) oversees the activities of the Office of Chief Examiner and the compulsory examination process. The VI can receive complaints about the conduct of the Chief Examiner, Examiners or any person involved in the exercise of powers under the Act.
The Chief Examiner
Joanne Smith is Victoria’s Chief Examiner, who plays a key role in investigating organised crime.
Jurisdiction
The Chief Examiner has special powers to require people to give evidence, or produce documents or things.
Oversight
The Victorian Inspectorate oversees and investigates complaints about the Chief Examiner or an Examiner.
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