While there is no longer any general law requiring a person to voluntarily report a crime it is an offence to assist an offender to escape apprehension or prosecution or to hinder the investigation of an offence (such as lying to the police). The maximum penalty is the same as what the offender faces for his or her offence [Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 s 241]. However, it is not an offence for certain professionals (for example, a lawyer, doctor or minister of religion) to give certain information or assistance to an offender as professional privilege may apply as long as it is not in the furtherance of a crime.

A person who guarantee a suspect's bail, and who knows or reasonably suspects that the suspect has breached a term or condition of the bail agreement, must take reasonable steps to inform the police, or risk having to pay some or all of the amount guaranteed and may also be charged and fined.