Who does this notice affect?

The change affects passengers and crew travelling to Australia, senders and receivers of international mail, and other persons who fail to comply with their obligations and commit offences under the Quarantine Act 1908 and its subordinate legislation.

The change will be reflected in infringement notices issued by the Department of Agriculture and court imposed fines.

Summary

Amendments to the Crimes Act 1914 have increased the value of a penalty unit from $170 to $180 for offences under most Commonwealth laws.

The new penalty unit value took effect on 31 July 2015, resulting in the maximum penalty amount payable under a quarantine infringement notice increasing from $340 to $360. Court imposed fines for offences under the Quarantine Act 1908 and subordinate legislation will also be affected by the new penalty unit value.

This amendment is broadly consistent with inflation since the penalty unit amount was last adjusted in 2012. It also provides for the penalty unit amount to be automatically adjusted every three years in line with inflation from 1 July 2018.

Background

Amendments to the Crimes Act 1914 under the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Penalty Unit) Bill 2015 commenced on 31 July 2015.

Further Information

For further information please contact? Airports.