Senate committee to examine AFP conduct

A Senate committee will examine Australian Federal Police powers and procedures for gathering evidence in non-criminal matters.

It follows AFP raids on Seven West's Sydney offices in February in search of information relating to the network's plans for a paid and exclusive interview with convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby.

Under proceeds of crime legislation, convicted criminals can't benefit financially from their notoriety.

Seven has launched legal action against the AFP over the raids.

The terms of reference don't mention the Corby matter.

However, the committee will examine procedures for executing search warrants and "safeguards relating to the curtailment of freedom of speech, particularly in relation to literary proceeds matters".

It will also examine the priorities of the AFP's Serious and Organised Crime Division and circumstances under which they should appropriately be deployed on non-criminal matters.

Manager of government business Mitch Fifield said the inquiry wasn't needed because AFP internal procedures and independent judicial oversight ensured proper practice was followed when issuing search warrants.

He said matters relating to the Seven West warrants and production orders were now before the courts.

"It's appropriate to let that litigation run its course before considering referral," he said.