Section 1043M — Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)

(1) In a prosecution of a person for an offence based on subsection 1043A(1) or (2), it is not necessary for the prosecution to prove the non‑existence of facts or circumstances which, if they existed, would, by virtue of section 1043B, 1043C, 1043D, 1043E, 1043F, 1043G, 1043H, 1043I, 1043J or 1043K, preclude the act or omission from constituting a contravention of subsection 1043A(1) or (2), as the case may be, but it is a defence if the facts or circumstances existed.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the facts or circumstances. See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

(2) In a prosecution brought against a person for an offence based on subsection 1043A(1) because the person entered into, or procured another person to enter into, a transaction or agreement at a time when certain information was in the first‑mentioned person’s possession:

(a) it is a defence if the information came into the first‑mentioned person’s possession solely as a result of the information having been made known as mentioned in subparagraph 1042C(1)(b)(i); and

(b) it is a defence if the other party to the transaction or agreement knew, or ought reasonably to have known, of the information before entering into the transaction or agreement.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

(3) In a prosecution against a person for an offence based on subsection 1043A(2) because the person communicated information, or caused information to be communicated, to another person:

(a) it is a defence if the information came into the first‑mentioned person’s possession solely as a result of the information having been made known as mentioned in subparagraph 1042C(1)(b)(i); and

(b) it is a defence if the other person knew, or ought reasonably to have known, of the information before the information was communicated.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

Related sections

• s 1043J — Exception for officers or agents of body corporate
• s 1043K — Transactions by holder of financial services licence or a representative of the holder of such a licence
• s 1043L — A specific situation in which a compensation order under section 1317HA may be made
• s 1043N — Relief from civil liability
• s 1043O — Powers of Court
• s 1044A — General defence or relief for publishers

Research how courts apply s 1043M

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