Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 1987 (MACMA Australia)

The federal Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 1987 (Cth) (Act No. 85 of 1978, as amended) (MACMA Australia) regulates how Australia gives and requests international assistance in criminal matters. It empowers the Australian government to assist foreign countries to gather evidence, search premises, seize, restrain and confiscate property and enforce pecuniary penalties: section 5(a) MACMA Australia. It also faciliates the participation of certain witnesses in foreign criminal proceedings.