Overview
The Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 1) Act 2026 (No. 70, 2026) received royal assent and came into force on 26 August 2026. It is administered by the Attorney-General's Department.
What the Act changes
The Act makes a package of amendments across several federal laws. The changes include:
- Police powers and warrants - including Sydney West Airport powers, search warrant applications, and account takeover, data disruption and network activity warrants under the Crimes Act 1914 and Surveillance Devices Act 2004
- Amendments to the Criminal Code Act 1995 relating to evidentiary certificates for serious drug offences and mixtures containing prohibited substances
- Changes to the Director of Public Prosecutions Act 1983 and Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 affecting the Director and Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Extradition powers under the Extradition Act 1988
- Telecommunications interception changes under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979
Formal review
Schedule 4 on extradition is subject to a formal review of its amendments.
Impact on small businesses
This legislation deals with law enforcement and criminal justice machinery. It creates no compliance obligations for businesses, employees or contractors.
Key actions
- No action is required for small business owners. The Act amends federal law enforcement and criminal justice powers only. The full Act is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2026A00070 for reference.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.