Rogers, Peter v Jacobsen, Johannes & Anor [1995] FCA 932

CATCHWORDS ADMINISTRATIVE LAW - search warrant issued under s 10 of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) - requiring production of fishermen's returns provided to the Fisheries Department of Western Australia - warrant issued to Australian Federal Police in connection with possible offences against Commonwealth law - whether public interest immunity attaches to fishermen's returns to prevent execution of the warrants - existence of public interest immunity a discretionary question involving balancing of competing interests - interest in maintaining confidentiality of information provided in confidence pursuant to statute - competing public interest relating to investigation of possible offences against Commonwealth law. Judiciary Act 1903 (Cth) - s 39B, s 79 Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) - s 10 Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (Cth) - s 16, s 263 Taxation Administration Act 1953 (Cth) - s 3C Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 (Cth) - s 5(1) Australian Federal Police Act 1979 (Cth) - s 60A Fisheries Act 1905 (WA) - s 18, s 19 Public Service Regulations - reg 35 Alister v The Queen (1983-1984) 154 CLR 404 Alfred Crompton Amusement Machines Ltd v Customs and Excise Commission (No. 2) [1974] AC 405 George v Rockett (1990) 170 CLR 104 New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council v Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (Unreported, 30 August 1995) Arno v Forsyth (1986) 9 FCR 576 Commissioner of Taxation v Citibank Ltd (1989) 20 FCR 403 Jacobsen v Rogers (1995) 127 ALR 159 Brewer v Castles (No 3) (1984) 52 ALR 581 Sankey v Whitlam (1978) 142 CLR 1 PETER ROGERS v JOHANNES JACOBSEN AND TERENCE LESTER DIBB No. WAG 85 of 1995

FOSTER, HILL & LINDGREN JJ 16 NOVEMBER 1995 SYDNEY (HEARD IN PERTH)

IN THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA ) ) WESTERN AUSTRALIA DISTRICT REGISTRY ) No. WAG 85 of 1995 ) GENERAL DIVISION )