Commonwealth Consolidated Acts Commonwealth Consolidated Acts(1) Proceedings for the commitment of a person for trial on indictment for an offence against this Act shall not be instituted except with the consent in writing of the Attorney - General.
(2) Notwithstanding that a consent in accordance with subsection ( 1) has not been given in relation to an offence against this Act:
(a) a person may be charged with an offence against this Act;
(b) a person may be arrested for such an offence, and a warrant for such an arrest may be issued and executed; and
(c) a person so charged may be remanded in custody or on bail;
but no further step in proceedings referred to in subsection ( 1) shall be taken until such a consent has been given.
(3) Nothing in subsection ( 2) prevents the discharge of the accused if proceedings are not continued within a reasonable time.