Section 408 — Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999: Monitoring searches with occupier’s consent

Entry by consent (1) An authorised officer may, with the consent of the occupier of any premises, enter the premises for the purpose of finding out whether any or all of the provisions of an environmental law have been, are being or will be complied with. Entry for monitoring purposes (2) An authorised officer may only enter premises under subsection (1) to the extent that it is reasonably necessary for the purpose of finding out whether any or all of the provisions of an environmental law have been, are being or will be complied with. Exercise of monitoring powers (3) If an authorised officer enters premises under subsection (1), the authorised officer may exercise monitoring powers in relation to those premises. Exercise of seizure powers (4) If an authorised officer enters premises under subsection (1), the authorised officer may exercise powers of seizure conferred by section 444A or 445. Right to refuse to give consent (5) Before obtaining the consent of a person for the purposes of this section, an authorised officer must tell the person that the person may refuse to give consent. Consent must be voluntary (6) An entry by an authorised officer in consequence of the consent of a person is not lawful unless the person voluntarily consented to the entry. Production of identity card etc. (7) An authorised officer is not entitled to: (a) enter premises under subsection (1); or (b) exercise any powers referred to in subsection (3) or (4) in relation to premises; if the occupier of the premises has required the officer to produce written identification for inspection by the occupier and: (c) if the authorised officer is a member of a police force—the officer fails to produce, for inspection by the occupier, written evidence of the fact that he or she is a member of that police force; or (ca) if the authorised officer is an officer of Customs—the officer fails to produce, for inspection by the occupier, written evidence of the fact that he or she is an officer of Customs; or (d) in any other case—the officer fails to produce his or her identity card for inspection by the occupier. Extension to vehicles, vessels and aircraft (8) Subsections (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) and (7) apply in relation to: (a) a vehicle, vessel or aircraft in the same way as they apply in relation to premises; and (b) a person apparently in charge of a vehicle, vessel or aircraft in the same way as they apply in relation to the occupier of premises.