Two Independent senators—Sophia Chote and Dr Desiree Murray —have expressed reservations about giving Justices of the Peace the power to issue search warrants.

Speaking in the Senate during debate on the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Amendment Bill yesterday, Chote said she agreed with Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi’s observation that Section 5 of AJIPA grants an overly draconian power of search.

She said a judicial officer is granted the power to authorise searches, but must receive proper training and be held accountable.