# Searches of certain immigration detention facilities—authorised officers’ assistants

> act-s252BB — as in force on 2026-06-04 — C2026C00232 · Compilation No. 171 — https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2026C00232/latest/text

252BB Searches of certain immigration detention facilities—
         authorised officers’ assistants

               Authorised officers may be assisted by other persons
          (1) An authorised officer may be assisted by other persons in
              exercising powers or performing functions or duties in conducting
              a search under section 252BA (other than under
              subsection 252BA(4)), or under section 252C, 252CA or 252CB in
              relation to such a search, if that assistance is necessary and
              reasonable. A person giving such assistance is the authorised
              officer’s assistant.
               Note:      Subsection 252BA(4) provides for an authorised officer to use a dog
                          to conduct a search of an immigration detention facility.
                          Sections 252C, 252CA and 252CB deal with the seizure of things in
                          the course of a search under section 252BA and their return in certain
                          circumstances.

               Powers of an authorised officer’s assistant
          (2) In connection with a search of an immigration detention facility
              under section 252BA, an authorised officer’s assistant:
                (a) may enter the facility; and
                (b) may exercise any of the same powers, and perform any of the
                    same functions and duties, as are conferred on the authorised
                    officer in relation to the search under that section (other than
                    under subsection 252BA(4)) and sections 252C, 252CA and
                    252CB; and









                  (c) must do so in accordance with any directions given to the
                      assistant by the authorised officer.
          (3) A power exercised by an authorised officer’s assistant as
              mentioned in subsection (2) is taken for all purposes to have been
              exercised by the authorised officer.
          (4) A function or duty performed by an authorised officer’s assistant as
              mentioned in subsection (2) is taken for all purposes to have been
              performed by the authorised officer.
          (5) Section 251B applies in relation to the exercise of a power, or the
              performance of a function or duty, by an authorised officer’s
              assistant in the same way as it applies in relation to such an
              exercise or performance by the authorised officer.
          (6) If a direction is given under paragraph (2)(c) in writing, the
              direction is not a legislative instrument.