Schedule—The Criminal Code
Chapter 8—Offences against humanity and related offences
Division 268—Genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes against the administration of the justice of the International Criminal Court
Subdivision A—Introductory
268.1 Purpose of Division
(1) The purpose of this Division is to create certain offences that are of international concern and certain related offences.
(2) It is the Parliament’s intention that the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court is to be complementary to the jurisdiction of Australia with respect to offences in this Division that are also crimes within the jurisdiction of that Court.
(3) Accordingly, the International Criminal Court Act 2002 does not affect the primacy of Australia’s right to exercise its jurisdiction with respect to offences created by this Division that are also crimes within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.
268.2 Outline of offences
(1) Subdivision B creates offences each of which is called genocide.
(2) Subdivision C creates offences each of which is called a crime against humanity.
(3) Subdivisions D, E, F, G and H create offences each of which is called a war crime.
(4) Subdivision J creates offences each of which is called a crime against the administration of the justice of the International Criminal Court.
Subdivision B—Genocide
268.3 Genocide by killing
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator causes the death of one or more persons; and
(b) the person or persons belong to a particular national, ethnical, racial or religious group; and
(c) the perpetrator intends to destroy, in whole or in part, that national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
268.4 Genocide by causing serious bodily or mental harm
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator causes serious bodily or mental harm to one or more persons; and
(b) the person or persons belong to a particular national, ethnical, racial or religious group; and
(c) the perpetrator intends to destroy, in whole or in part, that national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(2) In subsection (1):
causes serious bodily or mental harm includes, but is not restricted to, commits acts of torture, rape, sexual violence or inhuman or degrading treatment.
268.5 Genocide by deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about physical destruction
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator inflicts certain conditions of life upon one or more persons; and
(b) the person or persons belong to a particular national, ethnical, racial or religious group; and
(c) the perpetrator intends to destroy, in whole or in part, that national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such; and
(d) the conditions of life are intended to bring about the physical destruction of that group, in whole or in part.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(2) In subsection (1):
conditions of life includes, but is not restricted to, intentional deprivation of resources indispensable for survival, such as deprivation of food or medical services, or systematic expulsion from homes.
268.6 Genocide by imposing measures intended to prevent births
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator imposes certain measures upon one or more persons; and
(b) the person or persons belong to a particular national, ethnical, racial or religious group; and
(c) the perpetrator intends to destroy, in whole or in part, that national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such; and
(d) the measures imposed are intended to prevent births within that group.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
268.7 Genocide by forcibly transferring children
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator forcibly transfers one or more persons; and
(b) the person or persons belong to a particular national, ethnical, racial or religious group; and
(c) the perpetrator intends to destroy, in whole or in part, that national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such; and
(d) the transfer is from that group to another national, ethnical, racial or religious group; and
(e) the person or persons are under the age of 18 years; and
(f) the perpetrator knows that, or is reckless as to whether, the person or persons are under that age.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(2) In subsection (1):
forcibly transfers one or more persons includes transfers one or more persons:
(a) by threat of force or coercion (such as that caused by fear of violence, duress, detention, psychological oppression or abuse of power) against the person or persons or against another person; or
(b) by taking advantage of a coercive environment.
Subdivision C—Crimes against humanity
268.8 Crime against humanity—murder
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator causes the death of one or more persons; and
(b) the perpetrator’s conduct is committed intentionally or knowingly as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
268.9 Crime against humanity—extermination
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator causes the death of one or more persons; and
(b) the perpetrator’s conduct constitutes, or takes place as part of, a mass killing of members of a civilian population; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct is committed intentionally or knowingly as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(2) In subsection (1):
causes the death of includes causes death by intentionally inflicting conditions of life (such as the deprivation of access to food or medicine) intended to bring about the destruction of part of a population.
268.10 Crime against humanity—enslavement
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator exercises any or all of the powers attaching to the right of ownership over one or more persons (including the exercise of a power in the course of trafficking in persons, in particular women and children); and
(b) the perpetrator’s conduct is committed intentionally or knowingly as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) In subsection (1):
exercises any or all of the powers attaching to the right of ownership over a person includes purchases, sells, lends or barters a person or imposes on a person a similar deprivation of liberty and also includes exercise a power arising from a debt incurred or contract made by a person.
268.11 Crime against humanity—deportation or forcible transfer of population
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator forcibly displaces one or more persons, by expulsion or other coercive acts, from an area in which the person or persons are lawfully present to another country or location; and
(b) the forcible displacement is contrary to paragraph 4 of article 12 or article 13 of the Covenant; and
(c) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances that establish the lawfulness of the presence of the person or persons in the area; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct is committed intentionally or knowingly as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 17 years.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(b).
(3) In subsection (1):
forcibly displaces one or more persons includes displaces one or more persons:
(a) by threat of force or coercion (such as that caused by fear of violence, duress, detention, psychological oppression or abuse of power) against the person or persons or against another person; or
(b) by taking advantage of a coercive environment.
268.12 Crime against humanity—imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator imprisons one or more persons or otherwise severely deprives one or more persons of physical liberty; and
(b) the perpetrator’s conduct violates article 9, 14 or 15 of the Covenant; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct is committed intentionally or knowingly as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 17 years.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(b).
268.13 Crime against humanity—torture
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator inflicts severe physical or mental pain or suffering upon one or more persons who are in the custody or under the control of the perpetrator; and
(b) the pain or suffering does not arise only from, and is not inherent in or incidental to, lawful sanctions; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct is committed intentionally or knowingly as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
268.14 Crime against humanity—rape
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator sexually penetrates another person without the consent of that person; and
(b) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the lack of consent; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct is committed intentionally or knowingly as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator causes another person to sexually penetrate the perpetrator without the consent of the other person; and
(b) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the lack of consent; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct is committed intentionally or knowingly as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(3) In this section:
consent means free and voluntary agreement.
The following are examples of circumstances in which a person does not consent to an act:
(a) the person submits to the act because of force or the fear of force to the person or to someone else;
(b) the person submits to the act because the person is unlawfully detained;
(c) the person is asleep or unconscious, or is so affected by alcohol or another drug as to be incapable of consenting;
(d) the person is incapable of understanding the essential nature of the act;
(e) the person is mistaken about the essential nature of the act (for example, the person mistakenly believes that the act is for medical or hygienic purposes);
(f) the person submits to the act because of psychological oppression or abuse of power;
(g) the person submits to the act because of the perpetrator taking advantage of a coercive environment.
(4) In this section:
sexually penetrate means:
(a) penetrate (to any extent) the genitalia or anus of a person by any part of the body of another person or by any object manipulated by that other person; or
(b) penetrate (to any extent) the mouth of a person by the penis of another person; or
(c) continue to sexually penetrate as defined in paragraph (a) or (b).
(5) In this section, being reckless as to a lack of consent to sexual penetration includes not giving any thought to whether or not the person is consenting to sexual penetration.
(6) In this section, the genitalia or other parts of the body of a person include surgically constructed genitalia or other parts of the body of the person.
268.15 Crime against humanity—sexual slavery
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator causes another person to enter into or remain in sexual slavery; and
(b) the perpetrator intends to cause, or is reckless as to causing, that sexual slavery; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct is committed intentionally or knowingly as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) For the purposes of this section, sexual slavery is the condition of a person who provides sexual services and who, because of the use of force or threats:
(a) is not free to cease providing sexual services; or
(b) is not free to leave the place or area where the person provides sexual services.
(3) In this section:
threat means:
(a) a threat of force; or
(b) a threat to cause a person’s deportation; or
(c) a threat of any other detrimental action unless there are reasonable grounds for the threat of that action in connection with the provision of sexual services by a person.
268.16 Crime against humanity—enforced prostitution
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator causes one or more persons to engage in one or more acts of a sexual nature without the consent of the person or persons, including by being reckless as to whether there is consent; and
(b) the perpetrator intends that he or she, or another person, will obtain pecuniary or other advantage in exchange for, or in connection with, the acts of a sexual nature; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct is committed intentionally or knowingly as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) In subsection (1):
consent means free and voluntary agreement.
The following are examples of circumstances in which a person does not consent to an act:
(a) the person submits to the act because of force or the fear of force to the person or to someone else;
(b) the person submits to the act because the person is unlawfully detained;
(c) the person is asleep or unconscious, or is so affected by alcohol or another drug as to be incapable of consenting;
(d) the person is incapable of understanding the essential nature of the act;
(e) the person is mistaken about the essential nature of the act (for example, the person mistakenly believes that the act is for medical or hygienic purposes);
(f) the person submits to the act because of psychological oppression or abuse of power;
(g) the person submits to the act because of the perpetrator taking advantage of a coercive environment.
threat of force or coercion includes:
(a) a threat of force or coercion such as that caused by fear of violence, duress, detention, psychological oppression or abuse of power; or
(b) taking advantage of a coercive environment.
(3) In subsection (1), being reckless as to whether there is consent to one or more acts of a sexual nature includes not giving any thought to whether or not the person or persons are consenting to engaging in the act or acts of a sexual nature.
268.17 Crime against humanity—forced pregnancy
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator unlawfully confines one or more women forcibly made pregnant; and
(b) the perpetrator intends to affect the ethnic composition of any population or to destroy, wholly or partly, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct is committed intentionally or knowingly as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) In subsection (1):
forcibly made pregnant includes made pregnant by a consent that was affected by deception or by natural, induced or age‑related incapacity.
(3) To avoid doubt, this section does not affect any other law of the Commonwealth or any law of a State or Territory.
268.18 Crime against humanity—enforced sterilisation
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator deprives one or more persons of biological reproductive capacity; and
(b) the deprivation is not effected by a birth‑control measure that has a non‑permanent effect in practice; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct is neither justified by the medical or hospital treatment of the person or persons nor carried out with the consent of the person or persons; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct is committed intentionally or knowingly as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) In subsection (1):
consent does not include consent effected by deception or by natural, induced or age‑related incapacity.
268.19 Crime against humanity—sexual violence
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator does either of the following:
(i) commits an act or acts of a sexual nature against one or more persons;
(ii) causes one or more persons to engage in an act or acts of a sexual nature;
without the consent of the person or persons, including by being reckless as to whether there is consent; and
(b) the perpetrator’s conduct is of a gravity comparable to the offences referred to in sections 268.14 to 268.18; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct is committed intentionally or knowingly as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(b).
(3) In subsection (1):
consent means free and voluntary agreement.
The following are examples of circumstances in which a person does not consent to an act:
(a) the person submits to the act because of force or the fear of force to the person or to someone else;
(b) the person submits to the act because the person is unlawfully detained;
(c) the person is asleep or unconscious, or is so affected by alcohol or another drug as to be incapable of consenting;
(d) the person is incapable of understanding the essential nature of the act;
(e) the person is mistaken about the essential nature of the act (for example, the person mistakenly believes that the act is for medical or hygienic purposes);
(f) the person submits to the act because of psychological oppression or abuse of power;
(g) the person submits to the act because of the perpetrator taking advantage of a coercive environment.
threat of force or coercion includes:
(a) a threat of force or coercion such as that caused by fear of violence, duress, detention, psychological oppression or abuse of power; or
(b) taking advantage of a coercive environment.
(4) In subsection (1), being reckless as to whether there is consent to one or more acts of a sexual nature includes not giving any thought to whether or not the person is consenting to the act or acts of a sexual nature.
268.20 Crime against humanity—persecution
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator severely deprives one or more persons of any of the rights referred to in paragraph (b); and
(b) the rights are those guaranteed in articles 6, 7, 8 and 9, paragraph 2 of article 14, article 18, paragraph 2 of article 20, paragraph 2 of article 23 and article 27 of the Covenant; and
(c) the perpetrator targets the person or persons by reason of the identity of a group or collectivity or targets the group or collectivity as such; and
(d) the grounds on which the targeting is based are political, racial, national, ethnic, cultural, religious, gender or other grounds that are recognised in paragraph 1 of article 2 of the Covenant; and
(e) the perpetrator’s conduct is committed in connection with another act that is:
(i) a proscribed inhumane act; or
(ii) genocide; or
(iii) a war crime; and
(f) the perpetrator’s conduct is committed intentionally or knowingly as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 17 years.
(2) Strict liability applies to:
(a) the physical element of the offence referred to in paragraph (1)(a) that the rights are those referred to in paragraph (1)(b); and
(b) paragraphs (1)(b) and (d).
268.21 Crime against humanity—enforced disappearance of persons
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator arrests, detains or abducts one or more persons; and
(b) the arrest, detention or abduction is carried out by, or with the authorisation, support or acquiescence of, the government of a country or a political organisation; and
(c) the perpetrator intends to remove the person or persons from the protection of the law for a prolonged period of time; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct is committed intentionally or knowingly as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population; and
(e) after the arrest, detention or abduction, the government or organisation refuses to acknowledge the deprivation of freedom of, or to give information on the fate or whereabouts of, the person or persons.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 17 years.
(2) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) one or more persons have been arrested, detained or abducted; and
(b) the arrest, detention or abduction was carried out by, or with the authorisation, support or acquiescence of, the government of a country or a political organisation; and
(c) the perpetrator refuses to acknowledge the deprivation of freedom, or to give information on the fate or whereabouts, of the person or persons; and
(d) the refusal occurs with the authorisation, support or acquiescence of the government of the country or the political organisation; and
(e) the perpetrator knows that, or is reckless as to whether, the refusal was preceded or accompanied by the deprivation of freedom; and
(f) the perpetrator intends that the person or persons be removed from the protection of the law for a prolonged period of time; and
(g) the arrest, detention or abduction occurred, and the refusal occurs, as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population; and
(h) the perpetrator knows that the refusal is part of, or intends the refusal to be part of, such an attack.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 17 years.
268.22 Crime against humanity—apartheid
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator commits against one or more persons an act that is a proscribed inhumane act (as defined by the Dictionary) or an act that is of a nature and gravity similar to any such proscribed inhumane act; and
(b) the perpetrator’s conduct is committed in the context of an institutionalised regime of systematic oppression and domination by one racial group over any other racial group or groups; and
(c) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances that establish the character of the act; and
(d) the perpetrator intends to maintain the regime by the conduct; and
(e) the perpetrator’s conduct is committed intentionally or knowingly as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 17 years.
268.23 Crime against humanity—other inhumane act
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator causes great suffering, or serious injury to body or to mental or physical health, by means of an inhumane act; and
(b) the act is of a character similar to another proscribed inhumane act as defined by the Dictionary; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct is committed intentionally or knowingly as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
Subdivision D—War crimes that are grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions and of Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions
268.24 War crime—wilful killing
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator causes the death of one or more persons; and
(b) the person or persons are protected under one or more of the Geneva Conventions or under Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions; and
(c) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances that establish that the person or persons are so protected; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(b).
268.25 War crime—torture
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator inflicts severe physical or mental pain or suffering upon one or more persons; and
(b) the perpetrator inflicts the pain or suffering for the purpose of:
(i) obtaining information or a confession; or
(ii) a punishment, intimidation or coercion; or
(iii) a reason based on discrimination of any kind; and
(c) the person or persons are protected under one or more of the Geneva Conventions or under Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions; and
(d) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances that establish that the person or persons are so protected; and
(e) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).
268.26 War crime—inhumane treatment
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator inflicts severe physical or mental pain or suffering upon one or more persons; and
(b) the person or persons are protected under one or more of the Geneva Conventions or under Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions; and
(c) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances that establish that the person or persons are so protected; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(b).
268.27 War crime—biological experiments
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator subjects one or more persons to a particular biological experiment; and
(b) the experiment seriously endangers the physical or mental health or integrity of the person or persons; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct is neither justified by the medical, dental or hospital treatment of the person or persons nor carried out in the interest or interests of the person or persons; and
(d) the person or persons are protected under one or more of the Geneva Conventions or under Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions; and
(e) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances that establish that the person or persons are so protected; and
(f) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(d).
268.28 War crime—wilfully causing great suffering
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator causes great physical or mental pain or suffering to, or serious injury to body or health of, one or more persons; and
(b) the person or persons are protected under one or more of the Geneva Conventions or under Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions; and
(c) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances that establish that the person or persons are so protected; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(b).
268.29 War crime—destruction and appropriation of property
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator destroys or appropriates property; and
(b) the destruction or appropriation is not justified by military necessity; and
(c) the destruction or appropriation is extensive and carried out unlawfully and wantonly; and
(d) the property is protected under one or more of the Geneva Conventions or under Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions; and
(e) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances that establish that the property is so protected; and
(f) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(d).
268.30 War crime—compelling service in hostile forces
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator coerces one or more persons, by act or threat:
(i) to take part in military operations against that person’s or those persons’ own country or forces; or
(ii) otherwise to serve in the forces of an adverse power; and
(b) the person or persons are protected under one or more of the Geneva Conventions or under Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions; and
(c) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances that establish that the person or persons are so protected; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(b).
268.31 War crime—denying a fair trial
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator deprives one or more persons of a fair and regular trial by denying to the person any of the judicial guarantees referred to in paragraph (b); and
(b) the judicial guarantees are those defined in articles 84, 99 and 105 of the Third Geneva Convention and articles 66 and 71 of the Fourth Geneva Convention; and
(c) the person or persons are protected under one or more of the Geneva Conventions or under Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions; and
(d) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances that establish that the person or persons are so protected; and
(e) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
(2) Strict liability applies to:
(a) the physical element of the offence referred to in paragraph (1)(a) that the judicial guarantees are those referred to in paragraph (1)(b); and
(b) paragraphs (1)(b) and (c).
268.32 War crime—unlawful deportation or transfer
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator unlawfully deports or transfers one or more persons to another country or to another location; and
(b) the person or persons are protected under one or more of the Geneva Conventions or under Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions; and
(c) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances that establish that the person or persons are so protected; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 17 years.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(b).
268.33 War crime—unlawful confinement
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator unlawfully confines or continues to confine one or more persons to a certain location; and
(b) the person or persons are protected under one or more of the Geneva Conventions or under Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions; and
(c) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances that establish that the person or persons are so protected; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 17 years.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(b).
268.34 War crime—taking hostages
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator seizes, detains or otherwise holds hostage one or more persons; and
(b) the perpetrator threatens to kill, injure or continue to detain the person or persons; and
(c) the perpetrator intends to compel the government of a country, an international organisation or a person or group of persons to act or refrain from acting as an explicit or implicit condition for either the safety or the release of the person or persons; and
(d) the person or persons are protected under one or more of the Geneva Conventions or under Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions; and
(e) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances that establish that the person or persons are so protected; and
(f) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 17 years.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(d).
Subdivision E—Other serious war crimes that are committed in the course of an international armed conflict
268.35 War crime—attacking civilians
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator directs an attack; and
(b) the object of the attack is a civilian population as such or individual civilians not taking direct part in hostilities; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
268.36 War crime—attacking civilian objects
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator directs an attack; and
(b) the object of the attack is not a military objective; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
268.37 War crime—attacking personnel or objects involved in a humanitarian assistance or peacekeeping mission
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator directs an attack; and
(b) the object of the attack is personnel involved in a humanitarian assistance or peacekeeping mission in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations; and
(c) the personnel are entitled to the protection given to civilians under the Geneva Conventions or Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(2) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator directs an attack; and
(b) the object of the attack is installations, material, units or vehicles involved in a humanitarian assistance or peacekeeping mission in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations; and
(c) the installations, material, units or vehicles are entitled to the protection given to civilian objects under the Geneva Conventions or Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 20 years.
(3) Strict liability applies to paragraphs (1)(c) and (2)(c).
268.38 War crime—excessive incidental death, injury or damage
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator launches an attack; and
(b) the perpetrator knows that the attack will cause incidental death or injury to civilians; and
(c) the perpetrator knows that the death or injury will be of such an extent as to be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(2) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator launches an attack; and
(b) the perpetrator knows that the attack will cause:
(i) damage to civilian objects; or
(ii) widespread, long‑term and severe damage to the natural environment; and
(c) the perpetrator knows that the damage will be of such an extent as to be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty for a contravention of this subsection: Imprisonment for 20 years.
268.39 War crime—attacking undefended places
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator attacks or bombards one or more towns, villages, dwellings or buildings; and
(b) the towns, villages, dwellings or buildings are open for unresisted occupation; and
(c) the towns, villages, dwellings or buildings do not constitute military objectives; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
268.40 War crime—killing or injuring a person who is hors de combat
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator kills one or more persons; and
(b) the person or persons are hors de combat; and
(c) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances that establish that the person or persons are hors de combat; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(2) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator injures one or more persons; and
(b) the person or persons are hors de combat; and
(c) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances that establish that the person or persons are hors de combat; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty for a contravention of this subsection: Imprisonment for 25 years.
268.41 War crime—improper use of a flag of truce
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator uses a flag of truce; and
(b) the perpetrator uses the flag in order to feign an intention to negotiate when there is no such intention on the part of the perpetrator; and
(c) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the illegal nature of such use of the flag; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct results in death or serious personal injury; and
(e) the conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
268.42 War crime—improper use of a flag, insignia or uniform of the adverse party
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator uses a flag, insignia or uniform of the adverse party; and
(b) the perpetrator uses the flag, insignia or uniform while engaged in an attack or in order to shield, favour, protect or impede military operations; and
(c) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the illegal nature of such use of the flag, insignia or uniform; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct results in death or serious personal injury; and
(e) the conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
268.43 War crime—improper use of a flag, insignia or uniform of the United Nations
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator uses a flag, insignia or uniform of the United Nations; and
(b) the perpetrator uses the flag, insignia or uniform without the authority of the United Nations; and
(c) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the illegal nature of such use of the flag, insignia or uniform; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct results in death or serious personal injury; and
(e) the conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
268.44 War crime—improper use of the distinctive emblems of the Geneva Conventions
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator uses an emblem; and
(b) the emblem is one of the distinctive emblems of the Geneva Conventions; and
(c) the perpetrator uses the emblem for combatant purposes to invite the confidence of an adversary in order to lead him or her to believe that the perpetrator is entitled to protection, or that the adversary is obliged to accord protection to the perpetrator, with intent to betray that confidence; and
(d) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the illegal nature of such use; and
(e) the perpetrator’s conduct results in death or serious personal injury; and
(f) the conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(b).
(3) In this section:
emblem means any emblem, identity card, sign, signal, insignia or uniform.
268.45 War crime—transfer of population
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator:
(i) authorises, organises or directs, or participates in the authorisation, organisation or direction of, or participates in, the transfer, directly or indirectly, of parts of the civilian population of the perpetrator’s own country into territory that the country occupies; or
(ii) authorises, organises or directs, or participates in the authorisation, organisation or direction of, or participates in, the deportation or transfer of all or parts of the population of territory occupied by the perpetrator’s own country within or outside that territory; and
(b) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 17 years.
268.46 War crime—attacking protected objects
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator directs an attack; and
(b) the object of the attack is any one or more of the following that are not military objectives:
(i) buildings dedicated to religion, education, art, science or charitable purposes;
(ii) historic monuments;
(iii) hospitals or places where the sick and wounded are collected; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 20 years.
(2) The definitions of charitable purpose in subsection 12(1) of the Charities Act 2013 and section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 do not apply to this section.
268.47 War crime—mutilation
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator subjects one or more persons to mutilation, such as by permanently disfiguring, or permanently disabling or removing organs or appendages of, the person or persons; and
(b) the perpetrator’s conduct causes the death of the person or persons; and
(c) the conduct is neither justified by the medical, dental or hospital treatment of the person or persons nor carried out in the interest or interests of the person or persons; and
(d) the person or persons are in the power of an adverse party; and
(e) the conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(2) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator subjects one or more persons to mutilation, such as by permanently disfiguring, or permanently disabling or removing organs or appendages of, the person or persons; and
(b) the perpetrator’s conduct seriously endangers the physical or mental health, or the integrity, of the person or persons; and
(c) the conduct is neither justified by the medical, dental or hospital treatment of the person or persons nor carried out in the interest or interests of the person or persons; and
(d) the person or persons are in the power of an adverse party; and
(e) the conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty for a contravention of this subsection: Imprisonment for 25 years.
268.48 War crime—medical or scientific experiments
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator subjects one or more persons to a medical or scientific experiment; and
(b) the experiment causes the death of the person or persons; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct is neither justified by the medical, dental or hospital treatment of the person or persons nor carried out in the interest or interests of the person or persons; and
(d) the person or persons are in the power of an adverse party; and
(e) the conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(2) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator subjects one or more persons to a medical or scientific experiment; and
(b) the experiment seriously endangers the physical or mental health, or the integrity, of the person or persons; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct is neither justified by the medical, dental or hospital treatment of the person or persons nor carried out in the interest or interests of the person or persons; and
(d) the person or persons are in the power of an adverse party; and
(e) the conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty for a contravention of this subsection: Imprisonment for 25 years.
268.49 War crime—treacherously killing or injuring
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator invites the confidence or belief of one or more persons that the perpetrator is entitled to protection, or that the person or persons are obliged to accord protection to the perpetrator; and
(b) the perpetrator kills the person or persons; and
(c) the perpetrator makes use of that confidence or belief in killing the person or persons; and
(d) the person or persons belong to an adverse party; and
(e) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(2) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator invites the confidence or belief of one or more persons that the perpetrator is entitled to protection, or that the person or persons are obliged to accord protection to the perpetrator; and
(b) the perpetrator injures the person or persons; and
(c) the perpetrator makes use of that confidence or belief in injuring the person or persons; and
(d) the person or persons belong to an adverse party; and
(e) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty for a contravention of this subsection: Imprisonment for 25 years.
268.50 War crime—denying quarter
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator declares or orders that there are to be no survivors; and
(b) the declaration or order is given with the intention of threatening an adversary or conducting hostilities on the basis that there are to be no survivors; and
(c) the perpetrator is in a position of effective command or control over the subordinate forces to which the declaration or order is directed; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
268.51 War crime—destroying or seizing the enemy’s property
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator destroys or seizes certain property; and
(b) the property is property of an adverse party; and
(c) the property is protected from the destruction or seizure under article 18 of the Third Geneva Convention, article 53 of the Fourth Geneva Convention or article 54 of Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions; and
(d) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances that establish that the property is so protected; and
(e) the destruction or seizure is not justified by military necessity; and
(f) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).
268.52 War crime—depriving nationals of the adverse power of rights or actions
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator effects the abolition, suspension or termination of admissibility in a court of law of certain rights or actions; and
(b) the abolition, suspension or termination is directed at the nationals of an adverse party; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
268.53 War crime—compelling participation in military operations
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator coerces one or more persons by act or threat to take part in military operations against that person’s or those persons’ own country or forces; and
(b) the person or persons are nationals of an adverse party; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
(2) It is not a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection (1) that the person or persons were in the service of the perpetrator at a time before the beginning of the international armed conflict.
268.54 War crime—pillaging
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator appropriates certain property; and
(b) the perpetrator intends to deprive the owner of the property and to appropriate it for private or personal use; and
(c) the appropriation is without the consent of the owner; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
268.55 War crime—employing poison or poisoned weapons
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator employs a substance or employs a weapon that releases a substance as a result of its employment; and
(b) the substance is such that it causes death or serious damage to health in the ordinary course of events through its toxic properties; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
268.56 War crime—employing prohibited gases, liquids, materials or devices
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator employs a gas or other analogous substance or device; and
(b) the gas, substance or device is such that it causes death or serious damage to health in the ordinary course of events through its asphyxiating or toxic properties; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
268.57 War crime—employing prohibited bullets
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator employs certain bullets; and
(b) the bullets are such that their use violates the Hague Declaration because they expand or flatten easily in the human body; and
(c) the perpetrator knows that, or is reckless as to whether, the nature of the bullets is such that their employment will uselessly aggravate suffering or the wounding effect; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(b).
268.58 War crime—outrages upon personal dignity
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator severely humiliates, degrades or otherwise violates the dignity of one or more persons; and
(b) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 17 years.
(2) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator severely humiliates, degrades or otherwise violates the dignity of the body or bodies of one or more dead persons; and
(b) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 17 years.
268.59 War crime—rape
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator sexually penetrates another person without the consent of that person; and
(b) the perpetrator knows about, or is reckless as to, the lack of consent; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator causes another person to sexually penetrate the perpetrator without the consent of the other person; and
(b) the perpetrator knows about, or is reckless as to, the lack of consent; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(3) In this section:
consent means free and voluntary agreement.
The following are examples of circumstances in which a person does not consent to an act:
(a) the person submits to the act because of force or the fear of force to the person or to someone else;
(b) the person submits to the act because the person is unlawfully detained;
(c) the person is asleep or unconscious, or is so affected by alcohol or another drug as to be incapable of consenting;
(d) the person is incapable of understanding the essential nature of the act;
(e) the person is mistaken about the essential nature of the act (for example, the person mistakenly believes that the act is for medical or hygienic purposes);
(f) the person submits to the act because of psychological oppression or abuse of power;
(g) the person submits to the act because of the perpetrator taking advantage of a coercive environment.
(4) In this section:
sexually penetrate means:
(a) penetrate (to any extent) the genitalia or anus of a person by any part of the body of another person or by any object manipulated by that other person; or
(b) penetrate (to any extent) the mouth of a person by the penis of another person; or
(c) continue to sexually penetrate as defined in paragraph (a) or (b).
(5) In this section, being reckless as to a lack of consent to sexual penetration includes not giving any thought to whether or not the person is consenting to sexual penetration.
(6) In this section, the genitalia or other parts of the body of a person include surgically constructed genitalia or other parts of the body of the person.
268.60 War crime—sexual slavery
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator causes another person to enter into or remain in sexual slavery; and
(b) the perpetrator intends to cause, or is reckless as to causing, that sexual slavery; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) For the purposes of this section, sexual slavery is the condition of a person who provides sexual services and who, because of the use of force or threats:
(a) is not free to cease providing sexual services; or
(b) is not free to leave the place or area where the person provides sexual services.
(3) In this section:
threat means:
(a) a threat of force; or
(b) a threat to cause a person’s deportation; or
(c) a threat of any other detrimental action unless there are reasonable grounds for the threat of that action in connection with the provision of sexual services by a person.
268.61 War crime—enforced prostitution
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator causes one or more persons to engage in one or more acts of a sexual nature without the consent of the person or persons, including by being reckless as to whether there is consent; and
(b) the perpetrator intends that he or she, or another person, will obtain pecuniary or other advantage in exchange for, or in connection with, the acts of a sexual nature; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) In subsection (1):
consent means free and voluntary agreement.
The following are examples of circumstances in which a person does not consent to an act:
(a) the person submits to the act because of force or the fear of force to the person or to someone else;
(b) the person submits to the act because the person is unlawfully detained;
(c) the person is asleep or unconscious, or is so affected by alcohol or another drug as to be incapable of consenting;
(d) the person is incapable of understanding the essential nature of the act;
(e) the person is mistaken about the essential nature of the act (for example, the person mistakenly believes that the act is for medical or hygienic purposes);
(f) the person submits to the act because of psychological oppression or abuse of power;
(g) the person submits to the act because of the perpetrator taking advantage of a coercive environment.
threat of force or coercion includes:
(a) a threat of force or coercion such as that caused by fear of violence, duress, detention, psychological oppression or abuse of power; or
(b) taking advantage of a coercive environment.
(3) In subsection (1), being reckless as to whether there is consent to one or more acts of a sexual nature includes not giving any thought to whether or not the person is consenting to the act or acts of a sexual nature.
268.62 War crime—forced pregnancy
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator unlawfully confines one or more women forcibly made pregnant; and
(b) the perpetrator intends to affect the ethnic composition of any population or to destroy, wholly or partly, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) In subsection (1):
forcibly made pregnant includes made pregnant by a consent that was effected by deception or by natural, induced or age‑related incapacity.
(3) To avoid doubt, this section does not affect any other law of the Commonwealth or any law of a State or Territory.
268.63 War crime—enforced sterilisation
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator deprives one or more persons of biological reproductive capacity; and
(b) the deprivation is not effected by a birth‑control measure that has a non‑permanent effect in practice; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct is neither justified by the medical or hospital treatment of the person or persons nor carried out with the consent of the person or persons; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) In subsection (1):
consent does not include consent effected by deception or by natural, induced or age‑related incapacity.
268.64 War crime—sexual violence
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator does either of the following:
(i) commits an act or acts of a sexual nature against one or more persons;
(ii) causes one or more persons to engage in an act or acts of a sexual nature;
without the consent of the person or persons, including by being reckless as to whether there is consent; and
(b) the perpetrator’s conduct is of a gravity comparable to the offences referred to in sections 268.59 to 268.63; and
(c) the conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(b).
(3) In subsection (1):
consent means free and voluntary agreement.
The following are examples of circumstances in which a person does not consent to an act:
(a) the person submits to the act because of force or the fear of force to the person or to someone else;
(b) the person submits to the act because the person is unlawfully detained;
(c) the person is asleep or unconscious, or is so affected by alcohol or another drug as to be incapable of consenting;
(d) the person is incapable of understanding the essential nature of the act;
(e) the person is mistaken about the essential nature of the act (for example, the person mistakenly believes that the act is for medical or hygienic purposes);
(f) the person submits to the act because of psychological oppression or abuse of power;
(g) the person submits to the act because of the perpetrator taking advantage of a coercive environment.
threat of force or coercion includes:
(a) a threat of force or coercion such as that caused by fear of violence, duress, detention, psychological oppression or abuse of power; or
(b) taking advantage of a coercive environment.
(4) In subsection (1), being reckless as to whether there is consent to one or more acts of a sexual nature includes not giving any thought to whether or not the person is consenting to the act or acts of a sexual nature.
268.65 War crime—using protected persons as shields
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator uses the presence of one or more civilians, prisoners of war, medical or religious personnel or persons who are hors de combat; and
(b) the perpetrator intends the perpetrator’s conduct to render a military objective immune from attack or to shield, favour or impede military operations; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty:
(a) if the conduct results in the death of any of the persons referred to in paragraph (a)—imprisonment for life; or
(b) otherwise—imprisonment for 17 years.
(2) In this section:
religious personnel includes non‑confessional, non‑combatant military personnel carrying out a similar function to religious personnel.
268.66 War crime—attacking persons or objects using the distinctive emblems of the Geneva Conventions
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator attacks one or more persons; and
(b) the person or persons are using, in conformity with the Geneva Conventions or the Protocols to the Geneva Conventions, any of the distinctive emblems of the Geneva Conventions; and
(c) the perpetrator intends the persons so using such an emblem to be the object of the attack; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(2) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator attacks one or more buildings, medical units or transports or other objects; and
(b) the buildings, units or transports or other objects are using, in conformity with the Geneva Conventions or the Protocols to the Geneva Conventions, any of the distinctive emblems of the Geneva Conventions; and
(c) the perpetrator intends the buildings, units or transports or other objects so using such an emblem to be the object of the attack; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 20 years.
(3) Strict liability applies to paragraphs (1)(b) and (2)(b).
268.67 War crime—starvation as a method of warfare
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator uses as a method of warfare:
(i) any intentional deprivation of civilians of objects indispensable to their survival; or
(ii) without limiting subparagraph (i)—the wilful impeding of relief supplies for civilians; and
(b) if subparagraph (a)(ii) applies—the relief supplies are provided for under the Geneva Conventions; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(b).
268.68 War crime—using, conscripting or enlisting children
National armed forces
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator uses one or more persons to participate actively in hostilities as members of the national armed forces; and
(b) the person or persons are under the age of 15 years; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 17 years.
(2) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator conscripts one or more persons into the national armed forces; and
(b) the person or persons are under the age of 15 years; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
(3) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator enlists one or more persons into the national armed forces; and
(b) the person or persons are under the age of 15 years; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
Other armed forces and groups
(4) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator uses one or more persons to participate actively in hostilities other than as members of the national armed forces; and
(b) the person or persons are under the age of 18 years; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 17 years.
(5) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator conscripts one or more persons into an armed force or group other than the national armed forces; and
(b) the person or persons are under the age of 18 years; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
(6) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator enlists one or more persons into an armed force or group other than the national armed forces; and
(b) the person or persons are under the age of 18 years; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty for a contravention of this subsection: Imprisonment for 10 years.
Subdivision F—War crimes that are serious violations of article 3 common to the Geneva Conventions and are committed in the course of an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict
268.69 Definition of religious personnel
In this Subdivision:
religious personnel includes non‑confessional, non‑combatant military personnel carrying out a similar function to religious personnel.
268.70 War crime—murder
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator causes the death of one or more persons; and
(b) the person or persons are neither taking an active part in the hostilities nor are members of an organised armed group; and
(c) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances establishing that the person or persons are neither taking an active part in the hostilities nor are members of an organised armed group; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(1A) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) the death of the person or persons occurs in the course of, or as a result of, an attack on a military objective; and
(b) at the time the attack was launched:
(i) the perpetrator did not expect that the attack would result in the incidental death of, or injury to, civilians that would have been excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated; and
(ii) it was reasonable in all the circumstances that the perpetrator did not have such an expectation.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (1A). See subsection 13.3(3).
(2) To avoid doubt, a reference in subsection (1) to a person or persons who are not taking an active part in the hostilities includes a reference to:
(a) a person or persons who are hors de combat; or
(b) civilians, medical personnel or religious personnel who are not taking an active part in the hostilities.
(3) For the purposes of this section, the expression members of an organised armed group does not include members of an organised armed group who are hors de combat.
268.71 War crime—mutilation
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator subjects one or more persons to mutilation, such as by permanently disfiguring, or permanently disabling or removing organs or appendages of, the person or persons; and
(b) the perpetrator’s conduct causes the death of the person or persons; and
(c) the conduct is neither justified by the medical, dental or hospital treatment of the person or persons nor carried out in the interest or interests of the person or persons; and
(d) the person or persons are neither taking an active part in the hostilities nor are members of an organised armed group; and
(e) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances establishing that the person or persons are neither taking an active part in the hostilities nor are members of an organised armed group; and
(f) the conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(1A) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) the death of the person or persons occurs in the course of, or as a result of, an attack on a military objective; and
(b) at the time the attack was launched:
(i) the perpetrator did not expect that the attack would result in the incidental death of, or injury to, civilians that would have been excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated; and
(ii) it was reasonable in all the circumstances that the perpetrator did not have such an expectation.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (1A). See subsection 13.3(3).
(2) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator subjects one or more persons to mutilation, such as by permanently disfiguring, or permanently disabling or removing organs or appendages of, the person or persons; and
(b) the perpetrator’s conduct seriously endangers the physical or mental health, or the integrity, of the person or persons; and
(c) the conduct is neither justified by the medical, dental or hospital treatment of the person or persons nor carried out in the interest or interests of the person or persons; and
(d) the person or persons are neither taking an active part in the hostilities nor are members of an organised armed group; and
(e) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances establishing that the person or persons are neither taking an active part in the hostilities nor are members of an organised armed group; and
(f) the conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2A) Subsection (2) does not apply if:
(a) the serious endangerment of the physical or mental health, or integrity, of the person or persons occurs in the course of, or as a result of, an attack on a military objective; and
(b) at the time the attack was launched:
(i) the perpetrator did not expect that the attack would result in the incidental death of, or injury to, civilians that would have been excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated; and
(ii) it was reasonable in all the circumstances that the perpetrator did not have such an expectation.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2A). See subsection 13.3(3).
(3) To avoid doubt, a reference in subsection (1) or (2) to a person or persons who are not taking an active part in the hostilities includes a reference to:
(a) a person or persons who are hors de combat; or
(b) civilians, medical personnel or religious personnel who are not taking an active part in the hostilities.
(4) For the purposes of this section, the expression members of an organised armed group does not include members of an organised armed group who are hors de combat.
268.72 War crime—cruel treatment
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator inflicts severe physical or mental pain or suffering upon one or more persons; and
(b) the person or persons are neither taking an active part in the hostilities nor are members of an organised armed group; and
(c) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances establishing that the person or persons are neither taking an active part in the hostilities nor are members of an organised armed group; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(1A) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) the infliction of the severe physical or mental pain or suffering on the person or persons occurs in the course of, or as a result of, an attack on a military objective; and
(b) at the time the attack was launched:
(i) the perpetrator did not expect that the attack would result in the incidental death of, or injury to, civilians that would have been excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated; and
(ii) it was reasonable in all the circumstances that the perpetrator did not have such an expectation.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (1A). See subsection 13.3(3).
(2) To avoid doubt, a reference in subsection (1) to a person or persons who are not taking an active part in the hostilities includes a reference to:
(a) a person or persons who are hors de combat; or
(b) civilians, medical personnel or religious personnel who are not taking an active part in the hostilities.
(3) For the purposes of this section, the expression members of an organised armed group does not include members of an organised armed group who are hors de combat.
268.73 War crime—torture
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator inflicts severe physical or mental pain or suffering upon one or more persons; and
(b) the perpetrator inflicts the pain or suffering for the purpose of:
(i) obtaining information or a confession; or
(ii) a punishment, intimidation or coercion; or
(iii) a reason based on discrimination of any kind; and
(c) the person or persons are not taking an active part in the hostilities; and
(d) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances establishing that the person or persons are not taking an active part in the hostilities; and
(e) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) To avoid doubt, a reference in subsection (1) to a person or persons who are not taking an active part in the hostilities includes a reference to:
(a) a person or persons who are hors de combat; or
(b) civilians, medical personnel or religious personnel who are not taking an active part in the hostilities.
268.74 War crime—outrages upon personal dignity
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator severely humiliates, degrades or otherwise violates the dignity of one or more persons (whether or not the person or persons are alive); and
(b) the person or persons are not taking an active part in the hostilities; and
(c) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances establishing that the person or persons are not taking an active part in the hostilities; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 17 years.
(2) To avoid doubt, a reference in subsection (1) to a person or persons who are not taking an active part in the hostilities includes a reference to a person or persons who:
(a) are hors de combat; or
(b) are civilians, medical personnel or religious personnel who are not taking an active part in the hostilities; or
(c) are dead.
268.75 War crime—taking hostages
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator seizes, detains or otherwise holds hostage one or more persons; and
(b) the perpetrator threatens to kill, injure or continue to detain the person or persons; and
(c) the perpetrator intends to compel the government of a country, an international organisation or a person or group of persons to act or refrain from acting as an explicit or implicit condition for either the safety or the release of the person or persons; and
(d) the person or persons are not taking an active part in the hostilities; and
(e) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances establishing that the person or persons are not taking an active part in the hostilities; and
(f) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 17 years.
(2) To avoid doubt, a reference in subsection (1) to a person or persons who are not taking an active part in the hostilities includes a reference to:
(a) a person or persons who are hors de combat; or
(b) civilians, medical personnel or religious personnel who are not taking an active part in the hostilities.
268.76 War crime—sentencing or execution without due process
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator passes a sentence on one or more persons; and
(b) the person or persons are not taking an active part in the hostilities; and
(c) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances establishing that the person or persons are not taking an active part in the hostilities; and
(d) either of the following applies:
(i) there was no previous judgment pronounced by a court;
(ii) the court that rendered judgment did not afford the essential guarantees of independence and impartiality or other judicial guarantees; and
(e) if the court did not afford other judicial guarantees—those guarantees are guarantees set out in articles 14, 15 and 16 of the Covenant; and
(f) the perpetrator knows of:
(i) if subparagraph (d)(i) applies—the absence of a previous judgment; or
(ii) if subparagraph (d)(ii) applies—the failure to afford the relevant guarantees and the fact that they are indispensable to a fair trial; and
(g) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
(2) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator executes one or more persons; and
(b) the person or persons are not taking an active part in the hostilities; and
(c) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances establishing that the person or persons are not taking an active part in the hostilities; and
(d) either of the following applies:
(i) there was no previous judgment pronounced by a court;
(ii) the court that rendered judgment did not afford the essential guarantees of independence and impartiality or other judicial guarantees; and
(e) if the court did not afford other judicial guarantees—those guarantees are guarantees set out in articles 14, 15 and 16 of the Covenant; and
(f) the perpetrator knows of:
(i) if subparagraph (d)(i) applies—the absence of a previous judgment; or
(ii) if subparagraph (d)(ii) applies—the failure to afford the relevant guarantees and the fact that they are indispensable to a fair trial; and
(g) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(3) Strict liability applies to paragraphs (1)(e) and (2)(e).
(4) To avoid doubt, a reference in subsection (1) or (2) to a person or persons who are not taking an active part in the hostilities includes a reference to:
(a) a person or persons who are hors de combat; or
(b) civilians, medical personnel or religious personnel who are not taking an active part in the hostilities.
Subdivision G—War crimes that are other serious violations of the laws and customs applicable in an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict
268.77 War crime—attacking civilians
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator directs an attack; and
(b) the object of the attack is a civilian population as such or individual civilians not taking direct part in hostilities; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
268.78 War crime—attacking persons or objects using the distinctive emblems of the Geneva Conventions
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator attacks one or more persons; and
(b) the person or persons are using, in conformity with the Geneva Conventions or the Protocols to the Geneva Conventions, any of the distinctive emblems of the Geneva Conventions; and
(c) the perpetrator intends the persons so using such an emblem to be the object of the attack; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(2) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator attacks one or more buildings, medical units or transports or other objects; and
(b) the buildings, units or transports or other objects are using, in conformity with the Geneva Conventions or the Protocols to the Geneva Conventions, any of the distinctive emblems of the Geneva Conventions; and
(c) the perpetrator intends the buildings, units or transports or other objects so using such an emblem to be the object of the attack; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 20 years.
(3) Strict liability applies to paragraphs (1)(b) and (2)(b).
268.79 War crime—attacking personnel or objects involved in a humanitarian assistance or peacekeeping mission
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator directs an attack; and
(b) the object of the attack is personnel involved in a humanitarian assistance or peacekeeping mission in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations; and
(c) the personnel are entitled to the protection given to civilians under the Geneva Conventions or Protocol II to the Geneva Conventions; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(2) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator directs an attack; and
(b) the object of the attack is installations, material, units or vehicles involved in a humanitarian assistance or peacekeeping mission in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations; and
(c) the installations, material, units or vehicles are entitled to the protection given to civilian objects under the Geneva Conventions and Protocol II to the Geneva Conventions; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 20 years.
(3) Strict liability applies to paragraphs (1)(c) and (2)(c).
268.80 War crime—attacking protected objects
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator directs an attack; and
(b) the object of the attack is any one or more of the following that are not military objectives:
(i) buildings dedicated to religion, education, art, science or charitable purposes;
(ii) historic monuments;
(iii) hospitals or places where the sick and wounded are collected; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 20 years.
(2) The definitions of charitable purpose in subsection 12(1) of the Charities Act 2013 and section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 do not apply to this section.
268.81 War crime—pillaging
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator appropriates certain property; and
(b) the perpetrator intends to deprive the owner of the property and to appropriate it for private or personal use; and
(c) the appropriation is without the consent of the owner; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 20 years.
268.82 War crime—rape
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator sexually penetrates another person without the consent of that person; and
(b) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the lack of consent; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator causes another person to sexually penetrate the perpetrator without the consent of the other person; and
(b) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the lack of consent; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(3) In this section:
consent means free and voluntary agreement.
The following are examples of circumstances in which a person does not consent to an act:
(a) the person submits to the act because of force or the fear of force to the person or to someone else;
(b) the person submits to the act because the person is unlawfully detained;
(c) the person is asleep or unconscious, or is so affected by alcohol or another drug as to be incapable of consenting;
(d) the person is incapable of understanding the essential nature of the act;
(e) the person is mistaken about the essential nature of the act (for example, the person mistakenly believes that the act is for medical or hygienic purposes);
(f) the person submits to the act because of psychological oppression or abuse of power;
(g) the person submits to the act because of the perpetrator taking advantage of a coercive environment.
(4) In this section:
sexually penetrate means:
(a) penetrate (to any extent) the genitalia or anus of a person by any part of the body of another person or by any object manipulated by that other person; or
(b) penetrate (to any extent) the mouth of a person by the penis of another person; or
(c) continue to sexually penetrate as defined in paragraph (a) or (b).
(5) In this section, being reckless as to a lack of consent to sexual penetration includes not giving any thought to whether or not the person is consenting to sexual penetration.
(6) In this section, the genitalia or other parts of the body of a person include surgically constructed genitalia or other parts of the body of the person.
268.83 War crime—sexual slavery
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator causes another person to enter into or remain in sexual slavery; and
(b) the perpetrator intends to cause, or is reckless as to causing, that sexual slavery; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) For the purposes of this section, sexual slavery is the condition of a person who provides sexual services and who, because of the use of force or threats:
(a) is not free to cease providing sexual services; or
(b) is not free to leave the place or area where the person provides sexual services.
(3) In this section:
threat means:
(a) a threat of force; or
(b) a threat to cause a person’s deportation; or
(c) a threat of any other detrimental action unless there are reasonable grounds for the threat of that action in connection with the provision of sexual services by a person.
268.84 War crime—enforced prostitution
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator causes one or more persons to engage in one or more acts of a sexual nature without the consent of the person or persons, including by being reckless as to whether there is consent; and
(b) the perpetrator intends that he or she, or another person, will obtain pecuniary or other advantage in exchange for, or in connection with, the acts of a sexual nature; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) In subsection (1):
consent means free and voluntary agreement.
The following are examples of circumstances in which a person does not consent to an act:
(a) the person submits to the act because of force or the fear of force to the person or to someone else;
(b) the person submits to the act because the person is unlawfully detained;
(c) the person is asleep or unconscious, or is so affected by alcohol or another drug as to be incapable of consenting;
(d) the person is incapable of understanding the essential nature of the act;
(e) the person is mistaken about the essential nature of the act (for example, the person mistakenly believes that the act is for medical or hygienic purposes);
(f) the person submits to the act because of psychological oppression or abuse of power;
(g) the person submits to the act because of the perpetrator taking advantage of a coercive environment.
threat of force or coercion includes:
(a) a threat of force or coercion such as that caused by fear of violence, duress, detention, psychological oppression or abuse of power; or
(b) taking advantage of a coercive environment.
(3) In subsection (1), being reckless as to whether there is consent to one or more acts of a sexual nature includes not giving any thought to whether or not the person is consenting to the act or acts of a sexual nature.
268.85 War crime—forced pregnancy
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator unlawfully confines one or more women forcibly made pregnant; and
(b) the perpetrator intends to affect the ethnic composition of any population or to destroy, wholly or partly, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group as such; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) In subsection (1):
forcibly made pregnant includes made pregnant by a consent that was affected by deception or by natural, induced or age‑related incapacity.
(3) To avoid doubt, this section does not affect any other law of the Commonwealth or any law of a State or Territory.
268.86 War crime—enforced sterilisation
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator deprives one or more persons of biological reproductive capacity; and
(b) the deprivation is not effected by a birth‑control measure that has a non‑permanent effect in practice; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct is neither justified by the medical or hospital treatment of the person or persons nor carried out with the consent of the person or persons; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) In subsection (1):
consent does not include consent effected by deception or by natural, induced or age‑related incapacity.
268.87 War crime—sexual violence
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator does either of the following:
(i) commits an act or acts of a sexual nature against one or more persons;
(ii) causes one or more persons to engage in an act or acts of a sexual nature;
without the consent of the person or persons, including by being reckless as to whether there is consent; and
(b) the perpetrator’s conduct is of a gravity comparable to the offences referred to in sections 268.82 to 268.87; and
(c) the conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(b).
(3) In subsection (1):
consent means free and voluntary agreement.
The following are examples of circumstances in which a person does not consent to an act:
(a) the person submits to the act because of force or the fear of force to the person or to someone else;
(b) the person submits to the act because the person is unlawfully detained;
(c) the person is asleep or unconscious, or is so affected by alcohol or another drug as to be incapable of consenting;
(d) the person is incapable of understanding the essential nature of the act;
(e) the person is mistaken about the essential nature of the act (for example, the person mistakenly believes that the act is for medical or hygienic purposes);
(f) the person submits to the act because of psychological oppression or abuse of power;
(g) the person submits to the act because of the perpetrator taking advantage of a coercive environment.
threat of force or coercion includes:
(a) a threat of force or coercion such as that caused by fear of violence, duress, detention, psychological oppression or abuse of power, against the person or another person; or
(b) taking advantage of a coercive environment.
(4) In subsection (1), being reckless as to whether there is consent to one or more acts of a sexual nature includes not giving any thought to whether or not the person is consenting to the act or acts of a sexual nature.
268.88 War crime—using, conscripting or enlisting children
National armed forces
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator uses one or more persons to participate actively in hostilities as members of the national armed forces; and
(b) the person or persons are under the age of 15 years; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 17 years.
(2) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator conscripts one or more persons into the national armed forces; and
(b) the person or persons are under the age of 15 years; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
(3) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator enlists one or more persons into the national armed forces; and
(b) the person or persons are under the age of 15 years; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
Other armed forces and groups
(4) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator uses one or more persons to participate actively in hostilities other than as members of the national armed forces; and
(b) the person or persons are under the age of 18 years; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 17 years.
(5) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator conscripts one or more persons into an armed force or group other than the national armed forces; and
(b) the person or persons are under the age of 18 years; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
(6) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator enlists one or more persons into an armed force or group other than the national armed forces; and
(b) the person or persons are under the age of 18 years; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty for a contravention of this subsection: Imprisonment for 10 years.
268.89 War crime—displacing civilians
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator orders a displacement of a civilian population; and
(b) the order is not justified by the security of the civilians involved or by imperative military necessity; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 17 years.
268.90 War crime—treacherously killing or injuring
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator invites the confidence or belief of one or more persons that the perpetrator is entitled to protection, or that the person or persons are obliged to accord protection to the perpetrator; and
(b) the perpetrator kills the person or persons; and
(c) the perpetrator makes use of that confidence or belief in killing the person or persons; and
(d) the person or persons belong to an adverse party; and
(e) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(2) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator invites the confidence or belief of one or more persons that the perpetrator is entitled to protection, or that the person or persons are obliged to accord protection to the perpetrator; and
(b) the perpetrator injures the person or persons; and
(c) the perpetrator makes use of that confidence or belief in injuring the person or persons; and
(d) the person or persons belong to an adverse party; and
(e) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty for a contravention of this subsection: Imprisonment for 25 years.
268.91 War crime—denying quarter
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator declares or orders that there are to be no survivors; and
(b) the declaration or order is given with the intention of threatening an adversary or conducting hostilities on the basis that there are to be no survivors; and
(c) the perpetrator is in a position of effective command or control over the subordinate forces to which the declaration or order is directed; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
268.92 War crime—mutilation
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator subjects one or more persons to mutilation, such as by permanently disfiguring, or permanently disabling or removing organs or appendages of, the person or persons; and
(b) the perpetrator’s conduct causes the death of the person or persons; and
(c) the conduct is neither justified by the medical, dental or hospital treatment of the person or persons nor carried out in the interest or interests of the person or persons; and
(d) the person or persons are in the power of another party to the conflict; and
(e) the conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(2) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator subjects one or more persons to mutilation, such as by permanently disfiguring, or permanently disabling or removing organs or appendages of, the person or persons; and
(b) the perpetrator’s conduct seriously endangers the physical or mental health, or the integrity, of the person or persons; and
(c) the conduct is neither justified by the medical, dental or hospital treatment of the person or persons nor carried out in the interest or interests of the person or persons; and
(d) the person or persons are in the power of another party to the conflict; and
(e) the conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty for a contravention of this subsection: Imprisonment for 25 years.
268.93 War crime—medical or scientific experiments
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator subjects one or more persons to a medical or scientific experiment; and
(b) the experiment causes the death of the person or persons; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct is neither justified by the medical, dental or hospital treatment of the person or persons nor carried out in the interest or interests of the person or persons; and
(d) the person or persons are in the power of another party to the conflict; and
(e) the conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(2) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator subjects one or more persons to a medical or scientific experiment; and
(b) the experiment seriously endangers the physical or mental health, or the integrity, of the person or persons; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct is neither justified by the medical, dental or hospital treatment of the person or persons nor carried out in the interest or interests of the person or persons; and
(d) the person or persons are in the power of another party to the conflict; and
(e) the conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty for a contravention of this subsection: Imprisonment for 25 years.
268.94 War crime—destroying or seizing an adversary’s property
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator destroys or seizes certain property; and
(b) the property is property of an adversary; and
(c) the property is protected from the destruction or seizure under article 14 of Protocol II to the Geneva Conventions; and
(d) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless as to, the factual circumstances that establish that the property is so protected; and
(e) the destruction or seizure is not justified by military necessity; and
(f) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an armed conflict that is not an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).
Subdivision H—War crimes that are grave breaches of Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions
268.95 War crime—medical procedure
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator subjects one or more persons to a medical procedure; and
(b) the procedure seriously endangers the physical or mental health, or the integrity, of the person or persons; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct is not justified by the state of health of the person or persons; and
(d) the perpetrator knows that, or is reckless as to whether, the conduct is consistent with generally accepted medical standards that would be applied under similar medical circumstances to persons who are of the same nationality as the perpetrator and are in no way deprived of liberty; and
(e) the person or persons are in the power of, or are interned, detained or otherwise deprived of liberty by, the country of the perpetrator as a result of an international armed conflict; and
(f) the conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
268.96 War crime—removal of blood, tissue or organs for transplantation
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator removes from one or more persons blood, tissue or organs for transplantation; and
(b) in the case of the removal of blood—the removal:
(i) is not for transfusion; or
(ii) is for transfusion without the consent of the person or persons; and
(c) in the case of the removal of skin—the removal:
(i) is not for grafting; or
(ii) is for grafting without the consent of the person or persons; and
(d) the intent of the removal is non‑therapeutic; and
(e) the removal is not carried out under conditions consistent with generally accepted medical standards and controls designed for the benefit of the person or persons and of the recipient; and
(f) the person or persons are in the power of, or are interned, detained or otherwise deprived of liberty by, an adverse party as a result of an international armed conflict; and
(g) the conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) In subsection (1):
consent means consent given voluntarily and without any coercion or inducement.
268.97 War crime—attack against works or installations containing dangerous forces resulting in excessive loss of life or injury to civilians
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator launches an attack against works or installations containing dangerous forces; and
(b) the attack is such that it will cause loss of life, injury to civilians, or damage to civilian objects, to such an extent as to be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated; and
(c) the perpetrator knows that the attack will cause loss of life, injury to civilians, or damage to civilian objects, to such an extent; and
(d) the attack results in death or serious injury to body or health; and
(e) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
268.98 War crime—attacking undefended places or demilitarized zones
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator attacks one or more towns, villages, dwellings, buildings or demilitarized zones; and
(b) the towns, villages, dwellings or buildings are open for unresisted occupation; and
(c) the attack results in death or serious injury to body or health; and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
268.99 War crime—unjustifiable delay in the repatriation of prisoners of war or civilians
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) one or more persons are in the power of, or are interned, detained or otherwise deprived of liberty by, an adverse party as a result of an international armed conflict; and
(b) the perpetrator unjustifiably delays the repatriation of the person or persons to the person’s own country or the persons’ own countries; and
(c) the delay is in violation of Part IV of the Third Geneva Convention or Chapter XII of Section IV of Part III of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).
268.100 War crime—apartheid
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator commits against one or more persons an act that is a proscribed inhumane act or is of a nature and gravity similar to any proscribed inhumane act; and
(b) the perpetrator knows of, or is reckless at to, the factual circumstances that establish the character of the act; and
(c) the perpetrator’s conduct is committed in the context of an institutionalised regime of systematic oppression and domination by one racial group over any other racial group or groups; and
(d) the perpetrator intends to maintain the regime by the conduct; and
(e) the conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 17 years.
268.101 War crime—attacking protected objects
A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if:
(a) the perpetrator directs an attack; and
(b) the object of the attack is any one or more of the following that are not used in support of the military effort and are not located in the immediate proximity of military objectives:
(i) clearly recognised historic monuments;
(ii) works of art;
(iii) places of worship; and
(c) the monuments, works of art and places of worship constitute the cultural or spiritual heritage of peoples and have been given special protection by special arrangement (for example, within the framework of a competent international organisation); and
(d) the perpetrator’s conduct takes place in the context of, and is associated with, an international armed conflict.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 20 years.
Subdivision J—Crimes against the administration of the justice of the International Criminal Court
268.102 Perjury
(1) A person commits the offence of perjury if:
(a) the person makes a sworn statement in or for the purposes of a proceeding before the International Criminal Court; and
(b) the statement is false.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
(2) A person who is an interpreter commits the offence of perjury if:
(a) the person, by a sworn statement, gives an interpretation of a statement or other thing in or for the purposes of a proceeding before the International Criminal Court; and
(b) the interpretation is false or misleading.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
268.103 Falsifying evidence
(1) A person commits an offence if the person makes false evidence with the intention of:
(a) influencing a decision on the institution of a proceeding before the International Criminal Court; or
(b) influencing the outcome of such a proceeding.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 7 years.
(2) A person commits an offence if the person:
(a) uses evidence that is false evidence and that the person believes is false evidence; and
(b) is reckless as to whether or not the use of the evidence could:
(i) influence a decision on the institution of a proceeding before the International Criminal Court; or
(ii) influence the outcome of such a proceeding.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 7 years.
(3) For the purposes of this section, making evidence includes altering evidence, but does not include perjury.
268.104 Destroying or concealing evidence
(1) A person commits an offence if the person destroys or conceals evidence with the intention of:
(a) influencing a decision on the institution of a proceeding before the International Criminal Court; or
(b) influencing the outcome of such a proceeding.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 7 years.
(2) For the purposes of this section, destroying evidence includes making the evidence illegible, indecipherable or otherwise incapable of being identified.
268.105 Deceiving witnesses
A person commits an offence if the person deceives another person with the intention that the other person or a third person will:
(a) give false evidence in a proceeding before the International Criminal Court; or
(b) withhold true evidence at such a proceeding.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.
268.106 Corrupting witnesses or interpreters
(1) A person commits an offence if the person provides, or offers or promises to provide, a benefit to another person with the intention that the other person or a third person will:
(a) not attend as a witness at a proceeding before the International Criminal Court; or
(b) give false evidence at such a proceeding; or
(c) withhold true evidence at such a proceeding.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.
(2) A person commits an offence if the person asks for, or receives or agrees to receive, a benefit for himself, herself or another person with the intention that he, she or another person will:
(a) not attend as a witness at a proceeding before the International Criminal Court; or
(b) give false evidence at such a proceeding; or
(c) withhold true evidence at such a proceeding.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.
(3) A person commits an offence if the person provides, or offers or promises to provide, a benefit to another person with the intention that the other person or a third person will:
(a) not attend as an interpreter at a proceeding before the International Criminal Court; or
(b) give a false or misleading interpretation as an interpreter at such a proceeding.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.
268.107 Threatening witnesses or interpreters
(1) A person commits an offence if the person causes or threatens to cause any detriment to another person with the intention that the other person or a third person will:
(a) not attend as a witness at a proceeding before the International Criminal Court; or
(b) give false evidence at such a proceeding; or
(c) withhold true evidence at such a proceeding.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 7 years.
(2) A person commits an offence if the person causes or threatens to cause any detriment to another person with the intention that the other person or a third person will:
(a) not attend as an interpreter at a proceeding before the International Criminal Court; or
(b) give a false or misleading interpretation as an interpreter in such a proceeding.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 7 years.
268.108 Preventing witnesses or interpreters
(1) A person commits an offence if the person, by his or her conduct, intentionally prevents another person from attending as a witness or interpreter at a proceeding before the International Criminal Court.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.
(2) This section does not apply to conduct that constitutes an offence against section 268.105, 268.106, 268.107, 268.109 or 268.110.
268.109 Preventing production of things in evidence
A person commits an offence if the person, by his or her conduct, intentionally prevents another person from producing in evidence at a proceeding before the International Criminal Court a thing that is legally required to be produced.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.
268.110 Reprisals against witnesses
(1) A person commits an offence if the person causes or threatens to cause any detriment to another person who was a witness in a proceeding before the International Criminal Court:
(a) because of anything done by the other person in or for the purposes of the proceeding; and
(b) in the belief that the other person was a witness who had done that thing.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.
(2) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection (1) that:
(a) the detriment to the witness was not (apart from this section) an offence; and
(b) the witness committed perjury in the proceeding before the International Criminal Court.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (2). See subsection 13.3(3).
(3) In this section:
witness includes:
(a) a person who attends at a proceeding before the International Criminal Court as a witness but is not called as a witness; or
(b) an interpreter.
268.111 Reprisals against officials of the International Criminal Court
(1) A person commits an offence if the person causes or threatens to cause any detriment to another person who is an official of the International Criminal Court:
(a) because of anything done by the other person; and
(b) in the belief that the other person was an official of that Court who had done that thing for the purposes of a proceeding before that Court.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.
(2) A person commits an offence if the person causes or threatens to cause any detriment to another person who is an official of the International Criminal Court:
(a) because of anything done by a third person who is an official of that Court; and
(b) in the belief that the third person was an official of that Court who had done that thing for the purposes of a proceeding before that Court.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.
268.112 Perverting the course of justice
(1) A person commits an offence if the person, by his or her conduct, intentionally perverts the course of justice in respect of the International Criminal Court.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.
(2) This section does not apply to conduct that constitutes the publication of any matter.
(3) In this section:
perverts includes obstructs, prevents or defeats.
268.113 Receipt of a corrupting benefit by an official of the International Criminal Court
(1) A person who is an official of the International Criminal Court commits an offence if:
(a) the person:
(i) asks for a benefit for himself, herself or another person; or
(ii) receives or obtains a benefit for himself, herself or another person; or
(iii) agrees to receive or obtain a benefit for himself, herself or another person; and
(b) the person does so with the intention that the exercise of the person’s duties as an official of the International Criminal Court will be influenced.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), it is immaterial whether the benefit is in the nature of a reward.
268.114 Subdivision not to apply to certain conduct
(1) This Subdivision does not apply to a person in respect of:
(a) conduct that results in a failure or refusal to issue a certificate under section 22 or 29 of the International Criminal Court Act 2002; or
(b) a failure or refusal to issue such a certificate; or
(c) conduct engaged in reliance on the absence of such a certificate.
(2) In this section:
conduct includes any one or more acts or omissions.
Subdivision K—Miscellaneous
268.115 Responsibility of commanders and other superiors
(1) The criminal responsibility imposed by this section is in addition to other grounds of criminal responsibility under the law in force in Australia for acts or omissions that are offences under this Division.
(2) A military commander or person effectively acting as a military commander is criminally responsible for offences under this Division committed by forces under his or her effective command and control, or effective authority and control, as the case may be, as a result of his or her failure to exercise control properly over those forces, where:
(a) the military commander or person either knew or, owing to the circumstances at the time, was reckless as to whether the forces were committing or about to commit such offences; and
(b) the military commander or person failed to take all necessary and reasonable measures within his or her power to prevent or repress their commission or to submit the matter to the competent authorities for investigation and prosecution.
(3) With respect to superior and subordinate relationships not described in subsection (2), a superior is criminally responsible for offences against this Division committed by subordinates under his or her effective authority and control, as a result of his or her failure to exercise control properly over those subordinates, where:
(a) the superior either knew, or consciously disregarded information that clearly indicated, that the subordinates were committing or about to commit such offences; and
(b) the offences concerned activities that were within the effective responsibility and control of the superior; and
(c) the superior failed to take all necessary and reasonable measures within his or her power to prevent or repress their commission or to submit the matter to the competent authorities for investigation and prosecution.
268.116 Defence of superior orders
(1) The fact that genocide or a crime against humanity has been committed by a person pursuant to an order of a Government or of a superior, whether military or civilian, does not relieve the person of criminal responsibility.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), the fact that a war crime has been committed by a person pursuant to an order of a Government or of a superior, whether military or civilian, does not relieve the person of criminal responsibility.
(3) It is a defence to a war crime that:
(a) the war crime was committed by a person pursuant to an order of a Government or of a superior, whether military or civilian; and
(b) the person was under a legal obligation to obey the order; and
(c) the person did not know that the order was unlawful; and
(d) the order was not manifestly unlawful.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in establishing the elements in subsection (3). See subsection 13.3(3).
268.117 Geographical jurisdiction
(1) Section 15.4 (extended geographical jurisdiction—Category D) applies to genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
(2) Section 15.3 (extended geographical jurisdiction—Category C) applies to crimes against the administration of the justice of the International Criminal Court.
268.118 Double jeopardy
A person cannot be tried by a federal court or a court of a State or Territory for an offence under this Division if the person has already been convicted or acquitted by the International Criminal Court for an offence constituted by substantially the same conduct as constituted the offence under this Division.
268.119 Offences related to exercise of jurisdiction of International Criminal Court
(1) A person must not:
(a) intentionally contravene an order that the International Criminal Court makes while sitting in Australia; or
(b) otherwise intentionally hinder the International Criminal Court in performing its functions while sitting in Australia.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.
(2) In this section:
Australia includes all the external Territories.
268.120 Saving of other laws
This Division is not intended to exclude or limit any other law of the Commonwealth or any law of a State or Territory.
268.121 Bringing proceedings under this Division
(1) Proceedings for an offence under this Division must not be commenced without the Attorney‑General’s written consent.
(2) An offence against this Division may only be prosecuted in the name of the Attorney‑General.
(3) However, a person may be arrested, charged, remanded in custody, or released on bail, in connection with an offence under this Division before the necessary consent has been given.
268.122 Attorney‑General’s decisions in relation to consents to be final
(1) Subject to any jurisdiction of the High Court under the Constitution, a decision by the Attorney‑General to give, or to refuse to give, a consent under section 268.121:
(a) is final; and
(b) must not be challenged, appealed against, reviewed, quashed or called in question; and
(c) is not subject to prohibition, mandamus, injunction, declaration or certiorari.
(2) The reference in subsection (1) to a decision includes a reference to the following:
(a) a decision to vary, suspend, cancel or revoke a consent that has been given;
(b) a decision to impose a condition or restriction in connection with the giving of, or a refusal to give, a consent or to remove a condition or restriction so imposed;
(c) a decision to do anything preparatory to the making of a decision to give, or to refuse to give, a consent or preparatory to the making of a decision referred to in paragraph (a) or (b), including a decision for the taking of evidence or the holding of an inquiry or investigation;
(d) a decision doing or refusing to do anything else in connection with a decision to give, or to refuse to give, a consent or a decision referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c);
(e) a failure or refusal to make a decision whether or not to give a consent or a decision referred to in a paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d).
(3) Any jurisdiction of the High Court referred to in subsection (1) is exclusive of the jurisdiction of any other court.
268.123 Legal representation
The provisions of section 12 (other than subsection 12(2)) of the Geneva Conventions Act 1957 apply in relation to the trial of a person for an offence against this Division in the same way as they apply in relation to the trial of a protected prisoner of war.
268.124 Proof of application of Geneva Conventions or Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions
If, in proceedings under this Division in respect of a grave breach of any of the Geneva Conventions or of Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, a question arises under:
(a) Article 2 of the Geneva Convention concerned (which relates to the circumstances in which the Convention applies); or
(b) Article 1 of that Protocol (which relates to the circumstances in which the Protocol applies);
a certificate signed by the Minister responsible for legislation relating to foreign affairs certifying to any matter relevant to that question is prima facie evidence of the matter so certified.
268.125 Meaning of civilian
In this Division, the expression civilian does not include a person who is a member of an organised armed group.
Division 270—Slavery and slavery‑like offences
Subdivision A—Preliminary
270.1A Definitions for Division 270
In this Division:
coercion includes coercion by any of the following:
(a) force;
(b) duress;
(c) detention;
(d) psychological oppression;
(e) abuse of power;
(f) taking advantage of a person’s vulnerability.
conducting a business includes:
(a) taking any part in the management of the business; and
(b) exercising control or direction over the business; and
(c) providing finance for the business.
debt bondage is the condition of a person (the first person) if:
(a) the condition arises from a pledge:
(i) by the first person of the personal services of the first person; or
(ii) by another person of the personal services of the first person, and the first person is under the other person’s control; or
(iii) by the first person of the personal services of another person who is under the first person’s control; and
(b) the pledge is made as security for a debt owed, or claimed to be owed, (including any debt incurred, or claimed to be incurred, after the pledge is given) by the person making the pledge; and
(c) any of the following apply:
(i) the debt owed or claimed to be owed is manifestly excessive;
(ii) the reasonable value of those services is not applied toward the liquidation of the debt or purported debt;
(iii) the length and nature of those services are not respectively limited and defined.
deceive has the same meaning as in Division 271 (see section 271.1).
Note: Deception has a corresponding meaning (see section 18A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901).
forced labour has the meaning given by section 270.6.
forced marriage has the meaning given by section 270.7A.
servitude has the meaning given by section 270.4.
slavery has the meaning given by section 270.1.
slavery‑like offence means an offence against any of the following provisions:
(a) section 270.5 (servitude offences);
(b) section 270.6A (forced labour offences);
(c) section 270.7 (deceptive recruiting for labour or services);
(d) section 270.7B (forced marriage offences);
(e) section 270.7C (debt bondage).
threat means:
(a) a threat of coercion; or
(b) a threat to cause a person’s deportation or removal from Australia; or
(c) a threat of any other detrimental action, unless there are reasonable grounds for the threat of that action in connection with the provision of labour or services by a person.
Note: Threat includes a threat made by any conduct, whether express or implied and whether conditional or unconditional (see the definition in the Dictionary).
Subdivision B—Slavery
270.1 Definition of slavery
For the purposes of this Division, slavery is the condition of a person over whom any or all of the powers attaching to the right of ownership are exercised, including where such a condition results from a debt or contract made by the person.
270.2 Slavery is unlawful
Slavery remains unlawful and its abolition is maintained, despite the repeal by the Criminal Code Amendment (Slavery and Sexual Servitude) Act 1999 of Imperial Acts relating to slavery.
270.3 Slavery offences
(1) A person who, whether within or outside Australia, intentionally:
(aa) reduces a person to slavery; or
(a) possesses a slave or exercises over a slave any of the other powers attaching to the right of ownership; or
(b) engages in slave trading; or
(c) enters into any commercial transaction involving a slave; or
(d) exercises control or direction over, or provides finance for:
(i) any act of slave trading; or
(ii) any commercial transaction involving a slave;
commits an offence.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) A person who:
(a) whether within or outside Australia:
(i) enters into any commercial transaction involving a slave; or
(ii) exercises control or direction over, or provides finance for, any commercial transaction involving a slave; or
(iii) exercises control or direction over, or provides finance for, any act of slave trading; and
(b) is reckless as to whether the transaction or act involves a slave, slavery, slave trading or the reduction of a person to slavery;
commits an offence.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 17 years.
(3) In this section:
commercial transaction involving a slave includes a commercial transaction by which a person is reduced to slavery.
slave trading includes:
(a) the capture, transport or disposal of a person with the intention of reducing the person to slavery; or
(b) the purchase or sale of a slave.
(4) A person who engages in any conduct with the intention of securing the release of a person from slavery does not commit an offence against this section.
(5) The defendant bears a legal burden of proving the matter mentioned in subsection (4).
270.3A Slavery offences—geographical jurisdiction
Section 15.4 (extended geographical jurisdiction—category D) applies to an offence against section 270.3.
270.3B Prosecutions
(1) Proceedings for an offence against section 270.3, where the conduct constituting the alleged offence occurs wholly outside Australia, must not take place except with the consent in writing of the Attorney‑General.
(2) Even though a consent in accordance with subsection (1) has not been given in relation to an offence against section 270.3:
(a) a person may be arrested for the offence, and a warrant for the arrest of a person for the offence may be issued and executed; and
(b) a person may be charged with the offence; 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) is to be taken until such a consent has been given.
(3) Subsection (2) does not prevent the discharge of the accused if proceedings are not continued within a reasonable time.
Subdivision C—Slavery‑like offences
270.4 Definition of servitude
(1) For the purposes of this Division, servitude is the condition of a person (the victim) who provides labour or services, if, because of the use of coercion, threat or deception:
(a) a reasonable person in the position of the victim would not consider himself or herself to be free:
(i) to cease providing the labour or services; or
(ii) to leave the place or area where the victim provides the labour or services; and
(b) the victim is significantly deprived of personal freedom in respect of aspects of his or her life other than the provision of the labour or services.
(2) Subsection (1) applies whether the coercion, threat or deception is used against the victim or another person.
(3) The victim may be in a condition of servitude whether or not:
(a) escape from the condition is practically possible for the victim; or
(b) the victim has attempted to escape from the condition.
270.5 Servitude offences
Causing a person to enter into or remain in servitude
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person engages in conduct; and
(b) the conduct causes another person to enter into or remain in servitude.
Penalty:
(a) in the case of an aggravated offence (see section 270.8)—imprisonment for 20 years; or
(b) in any other case—imprisonment for 15 years.
Conducting a business involving servitude
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person conducts any business; and
(b) the business involves the servitude of another person (or persons).
Penalty:
(a) in the case of an aggravated offence (see section 270.8)—imprisonment for 20 years; or
(b) in any other case—imprisonment for 15 years.
Alternative verdict of forced labour
(3) Subsection (4) applies if, in a prosecution for an offence (the servitude offence) against a provision listed in column 1 of the following table, the trier of fact:
(a) is not satisfied that the defendant is guilty of that offence; but
(b) is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of an offence (the forced labour offence) against the corresponding provision listed in column 2 of the table.
Servitude and forced labour offences |
Item | Column 1 Servitude offences | Column 2 Forced labour offences |
1 | Subsection (1) of this section | Subsection 270.6A(1) |
2 | Subsection (2) of this section | Subsection 270.6A(2) |
(4) The trier of fact may find the defendant not guilty of the servitude offence, but guilty of the forced labour offence, so long as the defendant has been afforded procedural fairness in relation to that finding of guilt.
270.6 Definition of forced labour
(1) For the purposes of this Division, forced labour is the condition of a person (the victim) who provides labour or services if, because of the use of coercion, threat or deception, a reasonable person in the position of the victim would not consider himself or herself to be free:
(a) to cease providing the labour or services; or
(b) to leave the place or area where the victim provides the labour or services.
(2) Subsection (1) applies whether the coercion, threat or deception is used against the victim or another person.
(3) The victim may be in a condition of forced labour whether or not:
(a) escape from the condition is practically possible for the victim; or
(b) the victim has attempted to escape from the condition.
270.6A Forced labour offences
Causing a person to enter into or remain in forced labour
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person engages in conduct; and
(b) the conduct causes another person to enter into or remain in forced labour.
Penalty:
(a) in the case of an aggravated offence (see section 270.8)—imprisonment for 12 years; or
(b) in any other case—imprisonment for 9 years.
Conducting a business involving forced labour
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person conducts any business; and
(b) the business involves the forced labour of another person (or persons).
Penalty:
(a) in the case of an aggravated offence (see section 270.8)—imprisonment for 12 years; or
(b) in any other case—imprisonment for 9 years.
Note: On a trial for an offence against section 270.5 (servitude offences), the trier of fact may find a defendant not guilty of that offence but guilty of the corresponding offence under this section (see subsections 270.5(3) and (4)).
270.7 Deceptive recruiting for labour or services
A person (the recruiter) commits an offence if:
(a) the recruiter engages in conduct; and
(b) the recruiter engages in the conduct with the intention of inducing another person (the victim) to enter into an engagement to provide labour or services; and
(c) the conduct causes the victim to be deceived about:
(i) the extent to which the victim will be free to leave the place or area where the victim provides the labour or services; or
(ii) the extent to which the victim will be free to cease providing the labour or services; or
(iii) the extent to which the victim will be free to leave his or her place of residence; or
(iv) if there is or will be a debt owed or claimed to be owed by the victim in connection with the engagement—the quantum, or the existence, of the debt owed or claimed to be owed; or
(v) the fact that the engagement will involve exploitation, or the confiscation of the victim’s travel or identity documents; or
(vi) if the engagement is to involve the provision of sexual services—that fact, or the nature of sexual services to be provided (for example, whether those services will require the victim to have unprotected sex).
Penalty:
(a) in the case of an aggravated offence (see section 270.8)—imprisonment for 9 years; or
(b) in any other case—imprisonment for 7 years.
270.7A Definition of forced marriage
(1) A marriage is a forced marriage if:
(a) either party to the marriage (the victim) entered into the marriage without freely and fully consenting:
(i) because of the use of coercion, threat or deception; or
(ii) because the victim was incapable of understanding the nature and effect of the marriage ceremony; or
(b) when the marriage was entered into, either party to the marriage (the victim) was under 16.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), marriage includes the following:
(a) a registered relationship within the meaning of section 2E of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901;
(b) a marriage recognised under a law of a foreign country;
(c) a relationship registered (however that process is described) under a law of a foreign country, if the relationship is of the same, or a similar, type as any registered relationship within the meaning of section 2E of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901;
(d) a marriage (including a relationship or marriage mentioned in paragraph (a), (b) or (c)) that is void, invalid, or not recognised by law, for any reason, including the following:
(i) a party to the marriage has not freely or fully consented to the marriage (for example, because of natural, induced or age‑related incapacity);
(ii) a party to the marriage is married (within the meaning of this subsection) to more than one person.
Note: Section 2E of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 covers relationships registered under a law of a State or Territory that are prescribed by regulations under that Act.
(3) Subparagraph (1)(a)(i) applies whether the coercion, threat or deception is used against the victim or another person.
270.7B Forced marriage offences
Causing a person to enter into a forced marriage
(1) A person (the first person) commits an offence if:
(a) the first person engages in conduct; and
(b) the conduct causes another person to enter into a forced marriage as the victim of the marriage.
Penalty:
(a) in the case of an aggravated offence (see section 270.8)—imprisonment for 9 years; or
(b) in any other case—imprisonment for 7 years.
Being a party to a forced marriage
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person is a party to a marriage (within the meaning of section 270.7A); and
(b) the marriage is a forced marriage; and
(c) the person is not a victim of the forced marriage.
Penalty:
(a) in the case of an aggravated offence (see section 270.8)—imprisonment for 9 years; or
(b) in any other case—imprisonment for 7 years.
(3) Strict liability applies to paragraph (2)(c).
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1.
(4) Subsection (2) does not apply if the person has a reasonable excuse.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (4) (see subsection 13.3(3)).
Consent to commence proceedings if defendant under 18
(5) Proceedings for an offence against subsection (1) or (2) must not be commenced without the consent of the Attorney‑General if the defendant was under 18 at the time the defendant allegedly engaged in the conduct constituting the offence.
(6) However, a person may be arrested for, charged with or remanded in custody or on bail in connection with, such an offence before the necessary consent has been given.
270.7C Offence of debt bondage
A person commits an offence of debt bondage if:
(a) the person engages in conduct that causes another person to enter into debt bondage; and
(b) the person intends to cause the other person to enter into debt bondage.
Penalty:
(a) in the case of an aggravated offence (see section 270.8)—imprisonment for 7 years; or
(b) in any other case—imprisonment for 4 years.
270.8 Slavery‑like offences—aggravated offences
(1) For the purposes of this Division, a slavery‑like offence committed by a person (the offender) against another person (the victim) is an aggravated offence if any of the following applies:
(a) the victim is under 18;
(b) the offender, in committing the offence, subjects the victim to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment;
(c) the offender, in committing the offence:
(i) engages in conduct that gives rise to a danger of death or serious harm to the victim or another person; and
(ii) is reckless as to that danger.
Note: In the case of a slavery‑like offence against section 270.7B involving a marriage that is a forced marriage because the victim was under 16 when the marriage was entered into (see paragraph 270.7A(1)(b)), the offence is also an aggravated offence because of paragraph (a) of this subsection.
(2) If the prosecution intends to prove an aggravated offence, the charge must allege the relevant aggravated offence.
(3) If, on a trial for an aggravated offence, the trier of fact is not satisfied that the defendant is guilty of the aggravated offence, but is otherwise satisfied that the defendant is guilty of the corresponding slavery‑like offence, it may find the defendant not guilty of the aggravated offence, but guilty of the corresponding slavery‑like offence.
(4) Subsection (3) only applies if the defendant has been afforded procedural fairness in relation to the finding of guilt for the corresponding slavery‑like offence.
270.9 Slavery‑like offences—jurisdictional requirement
Section 15.2 (extended geographical jurisdiction—category B) applies to a slavery‑like offence.
270.10 Slavery‑like offences—relevant evidence
(1) For the purposes of proceedings for a slavery‑like offence, the trier of fact may have regard to any of the matters covered by subsection (2) in determining whether, in relation to a person (the alleged victim) against whom the offence is alleged to have been committed:
(a) in the case of an offence against this Subdivision—the alleged victim has been coerced, threatened or deceived; or
(b) in the case of an offence against section 270.5—the alleged victim was significantly deprived of personal freedom; or
(c) in the case of an offence against section 270.7B—the alleged victim was incapable of understanding the nature and effect of a marriage ceremony; or
(d) in the case of an offence against section 270.7C—another person has caused the alleged victim to enter into debt bondage.
(2) The following matters are covered by this subsection:
(a) the economic relationship between the alleged victim, the alleged offender or a family member of the alleged victim or alleged offender, and any other person;
(b) the terms of any written or oral contract or agreement between the alleged victim, the alleged offender or a family member of the alleged victim or alleged offender, and any other person;
(c) the personal circumstances of the alleged victim, including but not limited to:
(i) whether he or she is entitled to be in Australia under the Migration Act 1958; and
(ii) his or her ability to speak, write and understand English or another language; and
(iii) the extent of his or her social and physical dependence on the alleged offender or any other person.
(3) Subsection (1) does not:
(a) prevent the leading of any other evidence in the relevant proceedings; or
(b) limit the manner in which evidence may be given or the admissibility of evidence.
(4) In this section:
family member of a person means:
(a) the person’s spouse or de facto partner; or
(b) a parent, step‑parent or grandparent of the person; or
(c) a child, step‑child or grandchild of the person; or
(d) a brother, sister, step‑brother or step‑sister of the person; or
(e) a guardian or carer of the person.
(5) For the purposes of this section, the family members of a person are taken to include the following (without limitation):
(a) a de facto partner of the person;
(b) someone who is the child of the person, or of whom the person is the child, because of the definition of child in the Dictionary;
(c) anyone else who would be a member of the person’s family if someone mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) is taken to be a family member of the person.
Subdivision D—Offences against Division 270: general
270.11 Offences against Division 270—no defence of victim consent or acquiescence
To avoid doubt, it is not a defence in a proceeding for an offence against this Division that a person against whom the offence is alleged to have been committed consented to, or acquiesced in, conduct constituting any element of the offence.
270.12 Offences against Division 270—other laws not excluded
(1) This Division is not intended to exclude or limit the operation of any other law of the Commonwealth or any law of a State or Territory.
Note: Division 279 (video link evidence) applies to a proceeding for an offence against this Division.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), this Division is not intended to exclude or limit the concurrent operation of any other law of the Commonwealth, or a law of a State or Territory, that makes:
(a) an act or omission that is an offence against a provision of this Division; or
(b) a similar act or omission;
an offence against the law of the Commonwealth, State or Territory.
(3) Subsection (2) applies even if the other law of the Commonwealth, or the law of the State or Territory, does any one or more of the following:
(a) provides for a penalty for the offence that differs from the penalty provided for in this Division;
(b) provides for a fault element in relation to the offence that differs from the fault elements applicable to the offence under this Division;
(c) provides for a defence in relation to the offence that differs from the defences applicable to the offence under this Division.
270.13 Offences against Division 270—double jeopardy
If a person has been convicted or acquitted in a country outside Australia of an offence against the law of that country in respect of any conduct, the person cannot be convicted of an offence against this Division in respect of that conduct.
Division 271—Trafficking in persons
Subdivision A—Definitions
271.1 Definitions
In this Division:
coercion has the same meaning as in Division 270 (see section 270.1A).
confiscate, in relation to a person’s travel or identity document, means to take possession of the document, whether permanently or otherwise, to the exclusion of the person, or to destroy the document.
constitutional corporation means a corporation to which paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution applies.
deceive means mislead as to fact (including the intention of any person) or as to law, by words or other conduct.
Note: Deception has a corresponding meaning (see section 18A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901).
exploitation has the meaning given by section 271.1A.
threat has the same meaning as in Division 270 (see section 270.1A).
271.1A Definition of exploitation
For the purposes of this Division, exploitation, of one person (the victim) by another person, occurs if the other person’s conduct causes the victim to enter into any of the following conditions:
(a) slavery, or a condition similar to slavery;
(b) servitude;
(c) forced labour;
(d) forced marriage;
(e) debt bondage.
Note: Division 270 (slavery and slavery‑like offences) deals with slavery, servitude, forced labour, forced marriage and debt bondage.
Subdivision B—Offences relating to trafficking in persons
271.2 Offence of trafficking in persons
(1) A person (the first person) commits an offence of trafficking in persons if:
(a) the first person organises or facilitates the entry or proposed entry, or the receipt, of another person into Australia; and
(b) the first person uses coercion, threat or deception; and
(c) that use of coercion, threat or deception results in the first person obtaining the other person’s compliance in respect of that entry or proposed entry or in respect of that receipt.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 years.
(1A) A person (the first person) commits an offence of trafficking in persons if:
(a) the first person organises or facilitates the exit or proposed exit of another person from Australia; and
(b) the first person uses coercion, threat or deception; and
(c) that use of coercion, threat or deception results in the first person obtaining the other person’s compliance in respect of that exit or proposed exit.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 years.
(1B) A person (the first person) commits an offence of trafficking in persons if:
(a) the first person organises or facilitates the entry or proposed entry, or the receipt, of another person into Australia; and
(b) in organising or facilitating that entry or proposed entry, or that receipt, the first person is reckless as to whether the other person will be exploited, either by the first person or another, after that entry or receipt.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 years.
(1C) A person (the first person) commits an offence of trafficking in persons if:
(a) the first person organises or facilitates the exit or proposed exit of another person from Australia; and
(b) in organising or facilitating that exit or proposed exit, the first person is reckless as to whether the other person will be exploited, either by the first person or another, after that exit.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 years.
(2) A person (the first person) commits an offence of trafficking in persons if:
(a) the first person organises or facilitates the entry or proposed entry, or the receipt, of another person into Australia; and
(b) the first person deceives the other person about the fact that the other person’s entry or proposed entry, the other person’s receipt or any arrangements for the other person’s stay in Australia, will involve the provision by the other person of sexual services or will involve the other person’s exploitation or the confiscation of the other person’s travel or identity documents.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 years.
(2A) A person (the first person) commits an offence of trafficking in persons if:
(a) the first person organises or facilitates the exit or proposed exit of another person from Australia; and
(b) the first person deceives the other person about the fact that the other person’s exit or proposed exit is for purposes that involve the provision by the other person of sexual services outside Australia or will involve the other person’s exploitation or the confiscation of the other person’s travel or identity documents.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 years.
(2B) A person (the first person) commits an offence of trafficking in persons if:
(a) the first person organises or facilitates the entry or proposed entry, or the receipt, of another person into Australia; and
(b) there is an arrangement for the other person to provide sexual services in Australia; and
(c) the first person deceives the other person about any of the following:
(i) the nature of the sexual services to be provided;
(ii) the extent to which the other person will be free to leave the place or area where the other person provides sexual services;
(iii) the extent to which the other person will be free to cease providing sexual services;
(iv) the extent to which the other person will be free to leave his or her place of residence;
(v) if there is a debt owed or claimed to be owed by the other person in connection with the arrangement for the other person to provide sexual services—the quantum, or the existence, of the debt owed or claimed to be owed.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 years.
(2C) A person (the first person) commits an offence of trafficking in persons if:
(a) the first person organises or facilitates the exit or proposed exit of another person from Australia; and
(b) there is an arrangement for the other person to provide sexual services outside Australia; and
(c) the first person deceives the other person about any of the following:
(i) the nature of the sexual services to be provided;
(ii) the extent to which the other person will be free to leave the place or area where the other person provides sexual services;
(iii) the extent to which the other person will be free to cease providing sexual services;
(iv) the extent to which the other person will be free to leave his or her place of residence;
(v) if there is a debt owed or claimed to be owed by the other person in connection with the arrangement for the other person to provide sexual services—the quantum, or the existence, of the debt owed or claimed to be owed.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 years.
(3) Absolute liability applies to paragraphs (1)(c) and (1A)(c).
271.3 Trafficking in persons—aggravated offence
(1) A person (the first person) commits an aggravated offence of trafficking in persons if the first person commits the offence of trafficking in persons in relation to another person (the victim) and any of the following applies:
(a) the first person commits the offence intending that the victim will be exploited, either by the first person or another:
(i) if the offence of trafficking in persons is an offence against subsection 271.2(1), (1B), (2) or (2B)—after entry into Australia; or
(ii) if the offence of trafficking in persons is an offence against subsection 271.2(1A), (1C), (2A) or (2C)—after exit from Australia;
(b) the first person, in committing the offence, subjects the victim to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment;
(c) the first person, in committing the offence:
(i) engages in conduct that gives rise to a danger of death or serious harm to the victim or another person; and
(ii) is reckless as to that danger.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 20 years.
(2) If, on a trial for an offence against this section, the court, or if the trial is before a jury, the jury, is not satisfied that the defendant is guilty of the aggravated offence, but is satisfied that he or she is guilty of an offence against section 271.2, it may find the defendant not guilty of the aggravated offence but guilty of an offence against that section.
(3) Subsection (2) only applies if the defendant has been afforded procedural fairness in relation to the finding of guilt for the offence against section 271.2.
Note: Section 271.2 provides for offences of trafficking in persons.
271.4 Offence of trafficking in children
(1) A person (the first person) commits an offence of trafficking in children if:
(a) the first person organises or facilitates the entry or proposed entry into Australia, or the receipt in Australia, of another person; and
(b) the other person is under the age of 18; and
(c) in organising or facilitating that entry or proposed entry, or that receipt, the first person:
(i) intends that the other person will be used to provide sexual services or will be otherwise exploited, either by the first person or another, after that entry or receipt; or
(ii) is reckless as to whether the other person will be used to provide sexual services or will be otherwise exploited, either by the first person or another, after that entry or receipt.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) A person (the first person) commits an offence of trafficking in children if:
(a) the first person organises or facilitates the exit or proposed exit from Australia of another person; and
(b) the other person is under the age of 18; and
(c) in organising or facilitating that exit or proposed exit, the first person:
(i) intends that the other person will be used to provide sexual services or will be otherwise exploited, either by the first person or another, after that exit; or
(ii) is reckless as to whether the other person will be used to provide sexual services or will be otherwise exploited, either by the first person or another, after that exit.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
271.5 Offence of domestic trafficking in persons
(1) A person (the first person) commits an offence of domestic trafficking in persons if:
(a) the first person organises or facilitates the transportation or proposed transportation of another person from one place in Australia to another place in Australia; and
(b) the first person uses coercion, threat or deception; and
(c) that use of coercion, threat or deception results in the first person obtaining the other person’s compliance in respect of that transportation or proposed transportation.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 years.
(2) A person (the first person) commits an offence of domestic trafficking in persons if:
(a) the first person organises or facilitates the transportation or proposed transportation of another person from one place in Australia to another place in Australia; and
(b) in organising or facilitating that transportation or proposed transportation, the first person is reckless as to whether the other person will be exploited, either by the first person or another, after that transportation.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 years.
(2A) A person (the first person) commits an offence of domestic trafficking in persons if:
(a) the first person organises or facilitates the transportation of another person from one place in Australia to another place in Australia; and
(b) the first person deceives the other person about the fact that the transportation, or any arrangements the first person has made for the other person following the transportation, will involve the provision by the other person of sexual services or will involve the other person’s exploitation or the confiscation of the other person’s travel or identity documents.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 years.
(2B) A person (the first person) commits an offence of domestic trafficking in persons if:
(a) the first person organises or facilitates the transportation of another person from one place in Australia to another place in Australia; and
(b) there is an arrangement for the other person to provide sexual services; and
(c) the first person deceives the other person about any of the following:
(i) the nature of the sexual services to be provided;
(ii) the extent to which the other person will be free to leave the place or area where the other person provides sexual services;
(iii) the extent to which the other person will be free to cease providing sexual services;
(iv) the extent to which the other person will be free to leave his or her place of residence;
(v) if there is a debt owed or claimed to be owed by the other person in connection with the arrangement for the other person to provide sexual services—the quantum, or the existence, of the debt owed or claimed to be owed.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 years.
(3) Absolute liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).
271.6 Domestic trafficking in persons—aggravated offence
(1) A person (the first person) commits an aggravated offence of domestic trafficking in persons if the first person commits the offence of domestic trafficking in persons in relation to another person (the victim) and any of the following applies:
(a) the first person commits the offence intending that the victim will be exploited, either by the first person or by another, after arrival at the place to which the person has been transported;
(b) the first person, in committing the offence, subjects the victim to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment;
(c) the first person, in committing the offence:
(i) engages in conduct that gives rise to a danger of death or serious harm to the victim or another person; and
(ii) is reckless as to that danger.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 20 years.
(2) If, on a trial for an offence against this section, the court, or if the trial is before a jury, the jury, is not satisfied that the defendant is guilty of the aggravated offence, but is satisfied that he or she is guilty of an offence against section 271.5, it may find the defendant not guilty of the aggravated offence, but guilty of an offence against that section.
(3) Subsection (2) only applies if the defendant has been afforded procedural fairness in relation to the finding of guilt for the offence against section 271.5.
Note: Section 271.5 provides for offences of domestic trafficking in persons.
271.7 Offence of domestic trafficking in children
A person commits an offence of domestic trafficking in children if:
(a) the first‑mentioned person organises or facilitates the transportation of another person from one place in Australia to another place in Australia; and
(b) the other person is under the age of 18; and
(c) in organising or facilitating that transportation, the first‑mentioned person:
(i) intends that the other person will be used to provide sexual services or will be otherwise exploited, either by the first‑mentioned person or another, during or following the transportation to that other place; or
(ii) is reckless as to whether the other person will be used to provide sexual services or will be otherwise exploited, either by the first‑mentioned person or another, during or following the transportation to that other place.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
Subdivision BA—Organ trafficking
271.7A Removal of organs contrary to this Subdivision
The removal of a person’s organ is contrary to this Subdivision if:
(a) the removal, or entering into an agreement for the removal, would be contrary to the law of the State or Territory where it is, or is to be, carried out; or
(b) neither the victim, nor the victim’s guardian, consents to the removal, and it would not meet a medical or therapeutic need of the victim.
271.7B Offence of organ trafficking—entry into and exit from Australia
Entry into Australia
(1) A person (the offender) commits an offence of organ trafficking if:
(a) the offender engages in conduct consisting of the organisation or facilitation of the entry or proposed entry, or the receipt, of another person (the victim) into Australia; and
(b) the offender is reckless as to whether the conduct will result in the removal of an organ of the victim contrary to this Subdivision, by the offender or another person, after or in the course of that entry or receipt.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 years.
Note: For when the removal of an organ is contrary to this Subdivision, see section 271.7A.
Exit from Australia
(2) A person (the offender) commits an offence of organ trafficking if:
(a) the offender engages in conduct consisting of the organisation or facilitation of the exit or proposed exit of another person (the victim) from Australia; and
(b) the offender is reckless as to whether the conduct will result in the removal of an organ of the victim contrary to this Subdivision, by the offender or another person, after or in the course of that exit.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 years.
Note: For when the removal of an organ is contrary to this Subdivision, see section 271.7A.
271.7C Organ trafficking—aggravated offence
(1) A person (the offender) commits an aggravated offence of organ trafficking if the offender commits an offence of organ trafficking in relation to another person (the victim) and any of the following applies:
(a) the victim is under 18;
(b) the offender commits the offence intending that an organ of the victim will be removed contrary to this Subdivision, either by the offender or another person:
(i) if the offence of organ trafficking is an offence against subsection 271.7B(1)—after or in the course of entry into Australia; or
(ii) if the offence of organ trafficking is an offence against subsection 271.7B(2)—after or in the course of exit from Australia;
(c) the offender, in committing the offence, subjects the victim to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment;
(d) the offender, in committing the offence:
(i) engages in conduct that gives rise to a danger of death or serious harm to the victim or another person; and
(ii) is reckless as to that danger.
Penalty:
(a) if this subsection applies because the victim is under 18—imprisonment for 25 years; or
(b) in any other case—imprisonment for 20 years.
Note: For when the removal of an organ is contrary to this Subdivision, see section 271.7A.
(2) If, on a trial for an offence against this section, the court, or if the trial is before a jury, the jury, is not satisfied that the defendant is guilty of the aggravated offence, but is satisfied that he or she is guilty of an offence against section 271.7B, it may find the defendant not guilty of the aggravated offence but guilty of an offence against that section.
(3) Subsection (2) only applies if the defendant has been afforded procedural fairness in relation to the finding of guilt for the offence against section 271.7B.
Note: Section 271.7B provides for offences of organ trafficking.
271.7D Offence of domestic organ trafficking
A person (the offender) commits an offence of domestic organ trafficking if:
(a) the offender engages in conduct consisting of the organisation, or facilitation, of the transportation or proposed transportation of another person (the victim) from one place in Australia to another place in Australia; and
(b) the offender is reckless as to whether the conduct will result in the removal of an organ of the victim contrary to this Subdivision, by the offender or another person, after or in the course of that transportation.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 years.
Note: For when the removal of an organ is contrary to this Subdivision, see section 271.7A.
271.7E Domestic organ trafficking—aggravated offence
(1) A person (the offender) commits an aggravated offence of domestic organ trafficking if the offender commits an offence of domestic organ trafficking in relation to another person (the victim) and any of the following applies:
(a) the victim is under 18;
(b) the offender commits the offence intending that an organ of the victim will be removed contrary to this Subdivision, either by the offender or another person, after arrival at the place to which the person has been transported, or in the course of transportation;
(c) the offender, in committing the offence, subjects the victim to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment;
(d) the offender, in committing the offence:
(i) engages in conduct that gives rise to a danger of death or serious harm to the victim or another person; and
(ii) is reckless as to that danger.
Penalty:
(a) if this subsection applies because the victim is under 18—imprisonment for 25 years; or
(b) in any other case—imprisonment for 20 years.
Note: For when the removal of an organ is contrary to this Subdivision, see section 271.7A.
(2) If, on a trial for an offence against this section, the court, or if the trial is before a jury, the jury, is not satisfied that the defendant is guilty of the aggravated offence, but is satisfied that he or she is guilty of an offence against section 271.7D, it may find the defendant not guilty of the aggravated offence, but guilty of an offence against that section.
(3) Subsection (2) only applies if the defendant has been afforded procedural fairness in relation to the finding of guilt for the offence against section 271.7D.
Note: Section 271.7D provides for offences of domestic organ trafficking.
Subdivision BB—Harbouring a victim
271.7F Harbouring a victim
(1) A person (the offender) commits an offence of harbouring a victim if:
(a) the offender harbours, receives or conceals another person (the victim); and
(b) the harbouring, receipt or concealing of the victim:
(i) assists a third person in connection with any offence committed by the third person (the third person offence); or
(ii) furthers a third person’s purpose in relation to any offence committed by the third person (the third person offence); and
(c) the third person offence is an offence against this Division (apart from this section) or Division 270.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 4 years.
(2) Recklessness applies in relation to paragraph (1)(b).
(3) Absolute liability applies in relation to paragraph (1)(c).
(4) A person may be found guilty of an offence against subsection (1) even if the third person has not been prosecuted for, or has not been found guilty, of any other offence.
271.7G Harbouring a victim—aggravated offence
(1) A person (the offender) commits an aggravated offence of harbouring a victim if:
(a) the offender commits an offence of harbouring a victim in relation to another person (the victim); and
(b) the victim is under 18.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 7 years.
(2) If, on a trial for an offence against this section, the trier of fact is not satisfied that the defendant is guilty of the aggravated offence, but is satisfied that the defendant is guilty of an offence against section 271.7F, it may find the defendant not guilty of the aggravated offence, but guilty of an offence against that section.
(3) Subsection (2) only applies if the defendant has been afforded procedural fairness in relation to the finding of guilt for the offence against section 271.7F.
Note: Section 271.7F provides for the offence of harbouring a victim.
Subdivision D—Offences against Division 271: general
271.10 Jurisdictional requirements—offences other than domestic trafficking in persons or organs
Section 15.2 (extended geographical jurisdiction—category B) applies to an offence against section 271.2, 271.3, 271.4, 271.7B, 271.7C, 271.7F or 271.7G.
271.11 Jurisdictional requirements—offences of domestic trafficking in persons or organs
A person commits an offence against section 271.5, 271.6, 271.7, 271.7D or 271.7E only if one or more of the following paragraphs applies:
(a) the conduct constituting the offence occurs to any extent outside Australia;
(b) the conduct constituting the offence involves transportation across State borders, either for reward or in connection with a commercial arrangement;
(c) the conduct constituting the offence occurs within a Territory or involves transportation to or from a Territory;
(d) the conduct constituting the offence is engaged in by, or on behalf of, a constitutional corporation, or in circumstances where the victims of the trafficking conduct were intended to be employed by a constitutional corporation;
(e) some of the conduct constituting the offence is engaged in by communication using a postal, telegraphic or telephonic service within the meaning of paragraph 51(v) of the Constitution;
(f) the victim of the conduct constituting the offence is an alien.
271.11A Offences against Division 271—relevant evidence
(1) For the purposes of proceedings for an offence against this Division, the trier of fact may have regard to any of the matters covered by subsection (2) in determining whether, in relation to a person (the alleged victim) against whom the offence is alleged to have been committed:
(a) in the case of an offence against Subdivision B—the alleged victim has been coerced, threatened or deceived; or
(b) in the case of an offence against Subdivision BA—the alleged victim, or the alleged victim’s guardian, has consented to the removal of an organ of the alleged victim.
(2) The following matters are covered by this subsection:
(a) the economic relationship between the alleged victim, the alleged offender or a family member of the alleged victim or alleged offender, and any other person;
(b) the terms of any written or oral contract or agreement between the alleged victim, the alleged offender or a family member of the alleged victim or alleged offender, and any other person;
(c) the personal circumstances of the alleged victim, including but not limited to:
(i) whether he or she is entitled to be in Australia under the Migration Act 1958; and
(ii) his or her ability to speak, write and understand English or another language; and
(iii) the extent of his or her social and physical dependence on the alleged offender or any other person.
(3) If subsection (1) applies in relation to the consent of an alleged victim’s guardian to the removal of an organ of the alleged victim, a reference in subsection (2) to the alleged victim is taken to include a reference to the alleged victim’s guardian.
(4) Subsection (1) does not:
(a) prevent the leading of any other evidence in the relevant proceedings; or
(b) limit the manner in which evidence may be given or the admissibility of evidence.
(5) In this section:
family member of a person means:
(a) the person’s spouse or de facto partner; or
(b) a parent, step‑parent or grandparent of the person; or
(c) a child, step‑child or grandchild of the person; or
(d) a brother, sister, step‑brother or step‑sister of the person; or
(e) a guardian or carer of the person.
(6) For the purposes of this section, the family members of a person are taken to include the following (without limitation):
(a) a de facto partner of the person;
(b) someone who is the child of the person, or of whom the person is the child, because of the definition of child in the Dictionary;
(c) anyone else who would be a member of the person’s family if someone mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) is taken to be a family member of the person.
271.11B Offences against Division 271—no defence of victim consent or acquiescence
To avoid doubt, it is not a defence in a proceeding for an offence against this Division that a person against whom the offence is alleged to have been committed consented to, or acquiesced in, conduct constituting any element of the offence.
271.12 Offences against Division 271—other laws not excluded
(1) This Division is not intended to exclude or limit the operation of any other law of the Commonwealth or any law of a State or Territory.
Note: Division 279 (video link evidence) applies to a proceeding for an offence against this Division.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), this Division is not intended to exclude or limit the concurrent operation of any other law of the Commonwealth, or a law of a State or Territory, that makes:
(a) an act or omission that is an offence against a provision of this Division; or
(b) a similar act or omission;
an offence against the law of the Commonwealth, State or Territory.
(3) Subsection (2) applies even if the other law of the Commonwealth, or the law of the State or Territory, does any one or more of the following:
(a) provides for a penalty for the offence that differs from the penalty provided for in this Division;
(b) provides for a fault element in relation to the offence that differs from the fault elements applicable to the offence under this Division;
(c) provides for a defence in relation to the offence that differs from the defences applicable to the offence under this Division.
271.13 Double jeopardy
If a person has been convicted or acquitted in a country outside Australia of an offence against the law of that country in respect of any conduct, the person cannot be convicted of an offence against this Division in respect of that conduct.
Division 271A—Overseas travel by certain registered offenders
271A.1 Restrictions on overseas travel by certain registered offenders
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person is an Australian citizen; and
(b) the person’s name is entered on a child protection offender register (however described) of a State or Territory; and
(c) the person has reporting obligations (however described) in connection with that entry on the register; and
(d) the person leaves Australia.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.
(2) Absolute liability applies to paragraph (1)(a).
Note: For absolute liability, see section 6.2.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) a competent authority (within the meaning of section 12 of the Australian Passports Act 2005 or section 13 of the Foreign Passports (Law Enforcement and Security) Act 2005) has given permission (however described) for the person to leave Australia; or
(b) the reporting obligations of the person are suspended at the time the person leaves Australia.
Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection: see subsection 13.3(3).
Division 272—Child sex offences outside Australia
Subdivision A—Preliminary
272.1 Definitions
In this Division:
cause a person to engage in sexual intercourse or other sexual activity has the meaning given by section 272.2.
offence, in the case of a reference to an offence against this Division or against a particular provision of it, has a meaning affected by section 272.5.
position of trust or authority has the meaning given by subsection 272.3(1).
sexual intercourse has the meaning given by section 272.4.
272.2 When conduct causes a person to engage in sexual intercourse or other sexual activity
For the purposes of this Division, a person’s conduct causes another person to engage in sexual intercourse or other sexual activity if it substantially contributes to the other person engaging in sexual intercourse or other sexual activity.
272.3 Meaning of position of trust or authority
(1) For the purposes of this Code, a person is in a position of trust or authority in relation to another person if:
(a) the person is the other person’s parent, step‑parent, or grandparent; or
(b) the person is the other person’s foster parent, guardian or carer; or
(c) the person is a teacher engaged in the education of the other person; or
(d) the person is a religious official or spiritual leader (however described) providing pastoral care or religious instruction to the other person; or
(e) the person is the other person’s sports coach; or
(f) the person is a medical practitioner, nurse, psychologist, other health professional (however described), counsellor or social worker providing professional services to the other person; or
(g) the person is a member of a police force or police service, or a person employed or providing services in a correctional institution (however described), performing duties in relation to the other person; or
(h) the person:
(i) is an employer of the other person; or
(ii) has the authority to determine significant aspects of the other person’s terms and conditions of employment; or
(iii) has the authority to terminate the other person’s employment (whether the other person is being paid in respect of that employment or is working in a voluntary capacity).
(2) Without limiting who is a grandparent of a person for the purposes of this section, a person (the first person) is the grandparent of another person if the first person is a parent or step‑parent of a parent or step‑parent of the other person.
272.4 Meaning of sexual intercourse
(1) In this Code, sexual intercourse means:
(a) the penetration, to any extent, of the vagina or anus of a person by any part of the body of another person; or
(b) the penetration, to any extent, of the vagina or anus of a person, by an object, carried out by another person; or
(c) fellatio; or
(d) cunnilingus; or
(e) the continuation of any activity mentioned in paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d).
(2) In this Code, sexual intercourse does not include an act of penetration that:
(a) is carried out for a proper medical or hygienic purpose; or
(b) is carried out for a proper law enforcement purpose.
(3) For the purposes of this section, vagina includes:
(a) any part of a female person’s genitalia; and
(b) a surgically constructed vagina.
272.5 Meaning of offence against this Division and extension of criminal responsibility
(1) A reference in this Division (except section 272.19, which deals with encouraging an offence against this Division) to an offence against this Division, or against a particular provision of it, includes:
(a) a reference to:
(i) an offence against section 6 of the Crimes Act 1914 (accessory after the fact); or
(ii) an offence against section 11.1 (attempt), 11.5 (conspiracy) or 272.19 of this Code;
that relates to an offence against this Division or against that provision of it; and
(b) a reference to an offence against this Division, or against that provision of it, because of section 11.2 (complicity and common purpose), 11.2A (joint commission) or 11.3 (commission by proxy).
(2) A reference in section 272.19 (encouraging offence against this Division) to an offence against this Division or against a particular provision of it does not include a reference to such an offence because of section 11.2 (complicity and common purpose) or 11.2A (joint commission).
(3) Section 11.1 (attempt) does not apply to an offence against:
(a) section 272.14 (procuring child to engage in sexual activity outside Australia); or
(b) section 272.15 (“grooming” child to engage in sexual activity outside Australia); or
(ba) section 272.15A (“grooming” person to make it easier to engage in sexual activity with a child outside Australia); or
(c) section 272.20 (preparing for or planning offence against this Division).
(4) Section 11.4 (incitement) does not apply to an offence against this Division.
(5) Section 11.5 (conspiracy) does not apply to an offence against section 272.19 (encouraging offence against this Division).
272.6 Who can be prosecuted for an offence committed outside Australia
A person must not be charged with an offence against this Division that the person allegedly committed wholly outside Australia unless, at the time of the offence, the person was:
(a) an Australian citizen; or
(b) a resident of Australia; or
(c) a body corporate incorporated by or under a law of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory; or
(d) any other body corporate that carries on its activities principally in Australia.
272.7 Saving of other laws
This Division is not intended to exclude or limit the operation of any other law of the Commonwealth or any law of a State or Territory.
Note: Division 279 (video link evidence) applies to a proceeding for an offence against this Division.
Subdivision B—Sexual offences against children outside Australia
272.8 Sexual intercourse with child outside Australia
Engaging in sexual intercourse with child
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person engages in sexual intercourse with another person (the child); and
(b) the child is under 16; and
(c) the sexual intercourse is engaged in outside Australia.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
Causing child to engage in sexual intercourse in presence of defendant
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person engages in conduct in relation to another person (the child); and
(b) that conduct causes the child to engage in sexual intercourse in the presence of the person; and
(c) the child is under 16 when the sexual intercourse is engaged in; and
(d) the sexual intercourse is engaged in outside Australia.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(3) The fault element for paragraph (2)(b) is intention.
(4) Absolute liability applies to paragraphs (1)(b) and (c) and (2)(c) and (d).
Note 1: For absolute liability, see section 6.2.
Note 2: For a defence based on belief about age, see section 272.16.
272.9 Sexual activity (other than sexual intercourse) with child outside Australia
Engaging in sexual activity with child
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person engages in sexual activity (other than sexual intercourse) with another person (the child); and
(b) the child is under 16; and
(c) the sexual activity is engaged in outside Australia.
Note: A person is taken to engage in sexual activity if the person is in the presence of another person (including by a means of communication that allows the person to see or hear the other person) while the other person engages in sexual activity: see the definition of engage in sexual activity in the Dictionary.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 20 years.
Causing child to engage in sexual activity in presence of defendant
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person engages in conduct in relation to another person (the child); and
(b) that conduct causes the child to engage in sexual activity (other than sexual intercourse) in the presence of the person; and
(c) the child is under 16 when the sexual activity is engaged in; and
(d) the sexual activity is engaged in outside Australia.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 20 years.
(3) The fault element for paragraph (2)(b) is intention.
(4) Absolute liability applies to paragraphs (1)(b) and (c) and (2)(c) and (d).
Note: For absolute liability, see section 6.2.
Defence—child present but defendant does not intend to derive gratification
(5) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection (1) or (2) if:
(a) the conduct constituting the offence consists only of the child being in the presence of the defendant while sexual activity is engaged in; and
(b) the defendant proves that he or she did not intend to derive gratification from the presence of the child during that activity.
Note 1: A defendant bears a legal burden in relation to the matter in this subsection, see section 13.4.
Note 2: For a defence based on belief about age, see section 272.16.
272.10 Aggravated offence—sexual intercourse or other sexual activity with child outside Australia
(1) A person commits an offence against this section (the aggravated offence) if:
(a) the person commits an offence (the underlying offence) against one of the following provisions in relation to another person (the child):
(i) subsection 272.8(1) (engaging in sexual intercourse with child outside Australia);
(ii) subsection 272.8(2) (causing child to engage in sexual intercourse in presence of defendant outside Australia);
(iii) subsection 272.9(1) (engaging in sexual activity (other than sexual intercourse) with child outside Australia);
(iv) subsection 272.9(2) (causing child to engage in sexual activity (other than sexual intercourse) in presence of defendant outside Australia); and
(b) one or more of the following apply:
(i) the child has a mental impairment at the time the person commits the underlying offence;
(ii) the person is in a position of trust or authority in relation to the child, or the child is otherwise under the care, supervision or authority of the person, at the time the person commits the underlying offence;
(iii) the child is subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in connection with the sexual activity referred to in subsection 272.8(1) or (2) or 272.9(1) or (2);
(iv) the child dies as a result of physical harm suffered in connection with the sexual activity referred to in subsection 272.8(1) or (2) or 272.9(1) or (2).
Penalty: Imprisonment for life.
(2) There is no fault element for the physical element described in paragraph (1)(a) other than the fault elements (however described), if any, for the underlying offence.
(3) To avoid doubt, a person does not commit the underlying offence for the purposes of paragraph (1)(a) if the person has a defence to the underlying offence.
(4) Absolute liability applies to subparagraph (1)(b)(i).
Note: For absolute liability, see section 6.2.
(5) Strict liability applies to subparagraph (1)(b)(ii).
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1.
Defence—belief that child did not have mental impairment
(6) Subparagraph (1)(b)(i) does not apply if the defendant proves that, at the time he or she committed the underlying offence, he or she believed that the child did not have a mental impairment.
Note: A defendant bears a legal burden in relation to the matter in this subsection, see section 13.4.
(7) In determining whether the defendant had the belief mentioned in subsection (6), the trier of fact may take into account whether the alleged belief was reasonable in the circumstances.
272.11 Persistent sexual abuse of child outside Australia
(1) A person commits an offence against this section if the person commits an offence (the underlying offence) against one or more of the following provisions in relation to the same person (the child) on 2 or more separate occasions during any period:
(a) subsection 272.8(1) (engaging in sexual intercourse with child outside Australia);
(b) subsection 272.8(2) (causing child to engage in sexual intercourse in presence of defendant outside Australia);
(c) subsection 272.9(1) (engaging in sexual activity (other than sexual intercourse) with child outside Australia);
(d) subsection 272.9(2) (causing child to engage in sexual activity (other than sexual intercourse) in presence of defendant outside Australia).
Penalty: Imprisonment for 30 years.
(2) There is no fault element for any of the physical elements described in subsection (1) other than the fault elements (however described), if any, for the underlying offence.
(3) To avoid doubt, a person does not commit the underlying offence for the purposes of subsection (1) if the person has a defence to the underlying offence.
Offence or conduct need not be the same
(4) For the purposes of subsection (1), it is immaterial whether the underlying offence, or the conduct constituting the underlying offence, is the same on each occasion.
Certain matters need not be proved
(5) In proceedings for an offence against this section, it is not necessary to specify or to prove the dates or exact circumstances of the occasions on which the conduct constituting the offence against this section occurred.
Content of charge
(6) A charge of an offence against this section:
(a) must specify with reasonable particularity the period during which the offence against this section occurred; and
(b) must describe the nature of the separate offences alleged to have been committed by the person during that period.
Trier of fact to be satisfied of certain matters
(7) In order for the person to be found guilty of an offence against this section:
(a) the trier of fact must be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the evidence establishes at least 2 separate occasions during the period concerned on which the person engaged in conduct constituting an offence against subsection 272.8(1) or (2) or 272.9(1) or (2), of a nature described in the charge, in relation to the child; and
(b) the trier of fact must be so satisfied about the material facts of the 2 such occasions, although the trier of fact need not be so satisfied about the dates or the order of those occasions; and
(c) if the trier of fact is a jury and more than 2 such occasions are relied on as evidence of the commission of an offence against this section—all the members of the jury must be so satisfied about the same 2 occasions.
(8) In proceedings for an offence against this section, the judge must warn the jury (if any) of the requirements of subsection (7).
Double jeopardy etc.
(9) A person who has been convicted or acquitted of an offence against this section may not be convicted of another offence against section 272.8, 272.9 or 272.10 that is alleged to have been committed in relation to the child in the period during which the person was alleged to have committed the offence against this section.
(10) However, subsection (9) does not prevent an alternative verdict under section 272.28.
(11) A person who has been convicted or acquitted of an offence against section 272.8, 272.9 or 272.10 in relation to a person (the child) may not be convicted of an offence against this section in relation to the child if any of the occasions relied on as evidence of the commission of the offence against this section includes the conduct that constituted the offence of which the person was convicted or acquitted.
272.12 Sexual intercourse with young person outside Australia—defendant in position of trust or authority
Engaging in sexual intercourse with young person
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person engages in sexual intercourse with another person (the young person); and
(b) the young person is at least 16 but under 18; and
(c) the person is in a position of trust or authority in relation to the young person; and
(d) the sexual intercourse is engaged in outside Australia.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
Causing young person to engage in sexual intercourse in presence of defendant
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person engages in conduct in relation to another person (the young person); and
(b) that conduct causes the young person to engage in sexual intercourse in the presence of the person; and
(c) the young person is at least 16 but under 18 when the sexual intercourse is engaged in; and
(d) the person is in a position of trust or authority in relation to the young person; and
(e) the sexual intercourse is engaged in outside Australia.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
(3) The fault element for paragraph (2)(b) is intention.
(4) Absolute liability applies to paragraphs (1)(b) and (d) and (2)(c) and (e).
Note 1: For absolute liability, see section 6.2.
Note 2: For a defence based on belief about age, see section 272.16.
(5) Strict liability applies to paragraphs (1)(c) and (2)(d).
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1.
272.13 Sexual activity (other than sexual intercourse) with young person outside Australia—defendant in position of trust or authority
Engaging in sexual activity with young person
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person engages in sexual activity (other than sexual intercourse) with another person (the young person); and
(b) the young person is at least 16 but under 18; and
(c) the person is in a position of trust or authority in relation to the young person; and
(d) the sexual activity is engaged in outside Australia.
Note: A person is taken to engage in sexual activity if the person is in the presence of another person (including by a means of communication that allows the person to see or hear the other person) while the other person engages in sexual activity: see the definition of engage in sexual activity in the Dictionary.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 7 years.
Causing young person to engage in sexual activity in presence of defendant
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person engages in conduct in relation to another person (the young person); and
(b) that conduct causes the young person to engage in sexual activity (other than sexual intercourse) in the presence of the person; and
(c) the young person is at least 16 but under 18 when the sexual activity is engaged in; and
(d) the person is in a position of trust or authority in relation to the young person; and
(e) the sexual activity is engaged in outside Australia.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 7 years.
(3) The fault element for paragraph (2)(b) is intention.
(4) Absolute liability applies to paragraphs (1)(b) and (d) and (2)(c) and (e).
Note 1: For absolute liability, see section 6.2.
Note 2: For a defence based on belief about age, see section 272.16.
(5) Strict liability applies to paragraphs (1)(c) and (2)(d).
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1.
Defence—young person present but defendant does not intend to derive gratification
(6) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection (1) or (2) if:
(a) the conduct constituting the offence consists only of the young person being in the presence of the defendant while sexual activity is engaged in; and
(b) the defendant proves that he or she did not intend to derive gratification from the presence of the young person during that activity.
Note 1: A defendant bears a legal burden in relation to the matter in this subsection, see section 13.4.
Note 2: For a defence based on belief about age, see section 272.16.
272.14 Procuring child to engage in sexual activity outside Australia
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person engages in conduct in relation to another person (the child); and
(b) the person does so with the intention of procuring the child to engage in sexual activity (whether or not with the person) outside Australia; and
(c) the child is someone:
(i) who is under 16; or
(ii) who the person believes to be under 16; and
(d) one or more of the following apply:
(i) the conduct referred to in paragraph (a) occurs wholly or partly outside Australia;
(ii) the child is outside Australia when the conduct referred to in paragraph (a) occurs;
(iii) the conduct referred to in paragraph (a) occurs wholly in Australia and the child is in Australia when that conduct occurs.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
(2) Absolute liability applies to subparagraph (1)(c)(i) and paragraph (1)(d).
Note 1: For absolute liability, see section 6.2.
Note 2: For a defence based on belief about age, see section 272.16.
(3) A person may be found guilty of an offence against subsection (1) even if it is impossible for the sexual activity referred to in that subsection to take place.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (1), it does not matter that the child is a fictitious person represented to the person as a real person.
272.15 “Grooming” child to engage in sexual activity outside Australia
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person engages in conduct in relation to another person (the child); and
(b) the person does so with the intention of making it easier to procure the child to engage in sexual activity (whether or not with the person) outside Australia; and
(c) the child is someone:
(i) who is under 16; or
(ii) who the person believes to be under 16; and
(d) one or more of the following apply:
(i) the conduct referred to in paragraph (a) occurs wholly or partly outside Australia;
(ii) the child is outside Australia when the conduct referred to in paragraph (a) occurs;
(iii) the conduct referred to in paragraph (a) occurs wholly in Australia and the child is in Australia when that conduct occurs.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
(2) Absolute liability applies to subparagraph (1)(c)(i) and paragraph (1)(d).
Note 1: For absolute liability, see section 6.2.
Note 2: For a defence based on belief about age, see section 272.16.
(3) A person may be found guilty of an offence against subsection (1) even if it is impossible for the sexual activity referred to in that subsection to take place.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (1), it does not matter that the child is a fictitious person represented to the person as a real person.
272.15A “Grooming” person to make it easier to engage in sexual activity with a child outside Australia
(1) A person (the defendant) commits an offence if:
(a) the defendant engages in conduct in relation to another person (the third party); and
(b) the defendant does so with the intention of making it easier to procure a person (the child) to engage in sexual activity (whether or not with the defendant) outside Australia; and
(c) the child is someone:
(i) who is under 16; or
(ii) who the defendant believes to be under 16; and
(d) one or more of the following apply:
(i) the conduct referred to in paragraph (a) occurs wholly or partly outside Australia;
(ii) the third party or the child (or both) is outside Australia when the conduct referred to in paragraph (a) occurs;
(iii) the conduct referred to in paragraph (a) occurs wholly in Australia and both the third party and the child are in Australia when that conduct occurs.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
(2) Absolute liability applies to subparagraph (1)(c)(i) and paragraph (1)(d).
Note 1: For absolute liability, see section 6.2.
Note 2: For a defence based on belief about age, see section 272.16.
(3) A person may be found guilty of an offence against subsection (1) even if it is impossible for the sexual activity referred to in that subsection to take place.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (1), it does not matter that the third party or the child is a fictitious person represented to the person as a real person.
272.16 Defence based on belief about age
Offences involving sexual intercourse or other sexual activity with a child—belief that child at least 16
(1) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against section 272.8 or 272.9 if the defendant proves that, at the time of the sexual intercourse or sexual activity, he or she believed that the child was at least 16.
Note: A defendant bears a legal burden in relation to the matter in this subsection, see section 13.4.
Offences involving sexual intercourse or other sexual activity with young person—belief that young person at least 18
(2) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against section 272.12 or 272.13 if the defendant proves that, at the time of the sexual intercourse or sexual activity, he or she believed that the young person was at least 18.
Note: A defendant bears a legal burden in relation to the matter in this subsection, see section 13.4.
Procuring and “grooming” offences—belief that child at least 16
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against section 272.14, 272.15 or 272.15A if the defendant proves that, at the time the defendant engaged in the conduct constituting the offence, he or she believed that the child was at least 16.
Note: A defendant bears a legal burden in relation to the matter in this subsection, see section 13.4.
Trier of fact may take into account whether belief reasonable
(4) In determining whether the defendant had the belief mentioned in subsection (1), (2) or (3), the trier of fact may take into account whether the alleged belief was reasonable in the circumstances.
272.17 Defence based on valid and genuine marriage
It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection 272.12(1) or 272.13(1) if the defendant proves that:
(a) at the time of the sexual intercourse or sexual activity, there existed between the defendant and the young person a marriage that was valid, or recognised as valid, under the law of:
(i) the place where the marriage was solemnised; or
(ii) the place where the sexual intercourse or sexual activity is alleged to have taken place; or
(iii) the place of the defendant’s residence or domicile; and
(b) when the marriage was solemnised:
(i) the marriage was genuine; and
(ii) the young person had attained the age of 16 years.
Note 1: A defendant bears a legal burden in relation to the matter in this section: see section 13.4.
Note 2: Subsection 272.12(1) deals with engaging in sexual intercourse with a young person outside Australia. Subsection 272.13(1) deals with engaging in sexual activity (other than sexual intercourse) with a young person outside Australia. Both offences apply to defendants in a position of trust or authority in relation to the young person concerned.
Subdivision C—Offences of benefiting from, encouraging or preparing for sexual offences against children outside Australia
272.18 Benefiting from offence against this Division
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person engages in conduct; and
(b) the person does so with the intention of benefiting from an offence against this Division; and
(c) the conduct is reasonably capable of resulting in the person benefiting from such an offence.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) Subsection (1) applies:
(a) whether the conduct is engaged in within or outside Australia; and
(b) whether or not the person intends to benefit financially from an offence against this Division; and
(c) whether or not an offence against this Division is in fact committed.
(3) Absolute liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).
Note: For absolute liability, see section 6.2.
272.19 Encouraging offence against this Division
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person engages in conduct; and
(b) the person does so with the intention of encouraging an offence against this Division (other than this section or section 272.20); and
(c) the conduct is reasonably capable of encouraging such an offence.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years.
(2) Subsection (1) applies:
(a) whether the conduct is engaged in within or outside Australia; and
(b) whether or not an offence against this Division is in fact committed.
(3) Absolute liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).
Note: For absolute liability, see section 6.2.
(4) In this section, encourage means:
(a) encourage, incite to, or urge, by any means whatever, (including by a written, electronic or other form of communication); or
(b) aid, facilitate, or contribute to, in any way whatever.
272.20 Preparing for or planning offence against this Division
Offences involving sexual intercourse or other sexual activity with child, and benefiting offence
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person does an act; and
(b) the person does so with the intention of preparing for, or planning, an offence against section 272.8, 272.9, 272.10, 272.11 or 272.18.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
Offences involving sexual intercourse or other sexual activity with young person
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person does an act; and
(b) the person does so with the intention of preparing for, or planning, an offence against section 272.12 or 272.13.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.
(3) Subsections (1) and (2) apply:
(a) whether the act is done within or outside Australia; and
(b) whether or not an offence against a provision referred to in paragraph (1)(b) or (2)(b) is in fact committed; and
(c) whether or not the act is done in preparation for, or planning, a specific offence against a provision referred to in paragraph (1)(b) or (2)(b); and
(d) whether or not the act is done in preparation for, or planning, more than one offence against a provision referred to in paragraph (1)(b) or (2)(b).
Subdivision E—Other rules about conduct of trials
272.27 Evidence relating to a person’s age
(1) For the purposes of this Division, evidence that a person was represented to the defendant as being under or of a particular age is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, proof that the defendant believed that person to be under or of that age.
(2) In determining for the purposes of this Division how old a person is or was at a particular time, a jury or court may treat any of the following as admissible evidence:
(a) the person’s appearance;
(b) medical or other scientific opinion;
(c) a document that is or appears to be an official or medical record from a country outside Australia;
(d) a document that is or appears to be a copy of such a record.
(3) Subsection (2) does not make any other kind of evidence inadmissible, and does not affect a prosecutor’s duty to do all he or she can to adduce the best possible evidence for determining the question.
(4) If, on a trial for an offence against this Division, evidence may be treated as admissible because of subsection (2), the court must warn the jury that it must be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt in determining the question.
272.28 Alternative verdicts
If, on a trial for an offence (the column 1 offence) against a provision referred to in column 1 of an item in the following table, the trier of fact:
(a) is not satisfied that the defendant is guilty of the column 1 offence; but
(b) is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that he or she is guilty of an offence (the column 2 offence) against a provision referred to in column 2 of that item;
it may find the defendant not guilty of the column 1 offence but guilty of the column 2 offence, so long as the defendant has been accorded procedural fairness in relation to that finding of guilt.
Alternative verdicts |
Item | Column 1 | Column 2 |
1 | subsection 272.8(1) | subsection 272.9(1) |
2 | subsection 272.8(2) | subsection 272.9(2) |
3 | subsection 272.9(1) | subsection 272.8(1) |
4 | subsection 272.9(2) | subsection 272.8(2) |
5 | subsection 272.10(1) | subsection 272.8(1), 272.8(2), 272.9(1) or 272.9(2) |
6 | subsection 272.11(1) | subsection 272.8(1), 272.8(2), 272.9(1), 272.9(2) or 272.10(1) |
7 | subsection 272.12(1) | subsection 272.13(1) |
8 | subsection 272.12(2) | subsection 272.13(2) |
9 | subsection 272.13(1) | subsection 272.12(1) |
10 | subsection 272.13(2) | subsection 272.12(2) |
272.29 Double jeopardy
If a person has been convicted or acquitted in a country outside Australia of an offence against the law of that country in respect of any conduct, the person cannot be convicted of an offence against this Division in respect of that conduct.
272.30 Sentencing
(1) In determining the sentence to be passed, or the order to be made, in respect of a person for an offence against Subdivision B of this Division, the court must take into account the following matters:
(a) the age and maturity of the person in relation to whom the offence was committed;
(b) if that person was under 10 when the offence was committed—that fact as a reason for aggravating the seriousness of the criminal behaviour to which the offence relates;
(c) the number of people involved in the commission of the offence.
(1A) However, the court need only take into account a matter mentioned in subsection (1) so far as the matter is known to the court and, for a matter mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) or (c), relevant.
(2) The matters mentioned in subsection (1) are in addition to any other matters the court must take into account (for example, the matters mentioned in section 16A of the Crimes Act 1914).
272.31 Consent to commencement of proceedings where defendant under 18
(1) Proceedings for an offence against this Division must not be commenced without the consent of the Attorney‑General if the defendant was under 18 at the time he or she allegedly engaged in the conduct constituting the offence.
(2) However, a person may be arrested for, charged with, or remanded in custody or on bail in connection with, such an offence before the necessary consent has been given.
Division 273—Offences involving child abuse material outside Australia
Subdivision A—Preliminary
273.1 Definitions
(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), an expression used in this Division that is defined in Part 10.6 has the same meaning in this Division as it has in that Part.
Note: One of those expressions is child abuse material.
(2) A reference in this Division to a person having possession or control of material includes a reference to the person:
(a) having possession of a computer or data storage device that holds or contains the material; or
(b) having possession of a document in which the material is recorded; or
(c) having control of material held in a computer that is in the possession of another person (whether inside or outside Australia).
(3) A reference in this Division to a person producing, distributing or obtaining material includes a reference to the person:
(a) producing, distributing or obtaining material held or contained in a computer or data storage device; or
(b) producing, distributing or obtaining a document in which the material is recorded.
(4) Section 473.4 applies in relation to this Division as if the reference in that section to Part 10.6 were a reference to this Division.
Note: Section 473.4 sets out matters that may be taken into account in deciding whether particular material is offensive.
273.2 Who can be prosecuted for an offence committed outside Australia
A person must not be charged with an offence against this Division that the person allegedly committed outside Australia unless, at the time of the offence, the person was:
(a) an Australian citizen; or
(b) a resident of Australia; or
(c) a body corporate incorporated by or under a law of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory; or
(d) any other body corporate that carries on its activities principally in Australia.
273.2A Consent to commencement of proceedings where defendant under 18
(1) Proceedings for an offence against this Division must not be commenced without the consent of the Attorney‑General if the defendant was under 18 at the time he or she allegedly engaged in the conduct constituting the offence.
(2) However, a person may be arrested for, charged with, or remanded in custody or on bail in connection with, such an offence before the necessary consent has been given.
273.3 Double jeopardy
If a person has been convicted or acquitted in a country outside Australia of an offence against the law of that country in respect of any conduct, the person cannot be convicted of an offence against this Division in respect of that conduct.
273.4 Saving of other laws
This Division is not intended to exclude or limit the operation of any other law of the Commonwealth or any law of a State or Territory.
Note: Division 279 (video link evidence) applies to a proceeding for an offence against this Division.
Subdivision B—Offences committed overseas involving child abuse material
273.6 Possessing, controlling, producing, distributing or obtaining child abuse material outside Australia
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person:
(i) has possession or control of material; or
(ii) produces, distributes or obtains material; or
(iii) facilitates the production or distribution of material; and
(b) the material is child abuse material; and
(c) the conduct referred to in paragraph (a) occurs outside Australia.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
(2) Absolute liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).
Note: For absolute liability, see section 6.2.
273.7 Aggravated offence—offence involving conduct on 3 or more occasions and 2 or more people
(1) A person commits an offence against this section if:
(a) the person commits an offence against section 273.6 (possessing etc. child abuse material outside Australia) on 3 or more separate occasions; and
(b) the commission of each such offence involves 2 or more people.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 30 years.
(2) There is no fault element for any of the physical elements described in paragraph (1)(a) other than the fault elements (however described), if any, for the offence against section 273.6.
(3) To avoid doubt, a person does not commit an offence against section 273.6 for the purposes of paragraph (1)(a) if the person has a defence to that offence.
Offence or conduct need not be the same
(4) For the purposes of subsection (1), it is immaterial whether the offence, or the conduct constituting the offence, is the same on each occasion.
Double jeopardy etc.
(5) A person who has been convicted or acquitted of an offence (the aggravated offence) against this section may not be convicted of an offence against section 273.6 in relation to the conduct that constituted the aggravated offence.
(6) Subsection (5) does not prevent an alternative verdict under section 273.8.
(7) A person who has been convicted or acquitted of an offence (the underlying offence) against section 273.6 may not be convicted of an offence against this section in relation to the conduct that constituted the underlying offence.
273.8 Alternative verdict if aggravated offence not proven
If, on a trial for an offence (the aggravated offence) against subsection 273.7(1), the trier of fact:
(a) is not satisfied that the defendant is guilty of the aggravated offence; but
(b) is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that he or she is guilty of an offence against section 273.6;
it may find the defendant not guilty of the aggravated offence but guilty of the offence against section 273.6, so long as the defendant has been accorded procedural fairness in relation to that finding of guilt.
Subdivision C—Defences
273.9 Defences to offences against this Division
(1) A person is not criminally responsible for an offence against section 273.6 because of engaging in particular conduct if the conduct:
(a) is of public benefit; and
(b) does not extend beyond what is of public benefit.
In determining whether the person is, under this subsection, not criminally responsible for the offence, the question whether the conduct is of public benefit is a question of fact and the person’s motives in engaging in the conduct are irrelevant.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in this subsection, see subsection 13.3(3).
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), conduct is of public benefit if, and only if, the conduct is necessary for or of assistance in:
(a) enforcing a law of the Commonwealth, a State or Territory, or a foreign country; or
(b) monitoring compliance with, or investigating a contravention of, a law of the Commonwealth, a State or Territory or a foreign country; or
(c) the administration of justice (whether within or outside Australia); or
(d) conducting scientific, medical or educational research.
(3) Paragraph (2)(d) only applies if the person’s conduct was, in all the circumstances, reasonable having regard to the purpose mentioned in that paragraph.
(4) A person is not criminally responsible for an offence against section 273.6 if:
(a) the person is, at the time of the offence:
(i) a law enforcement officer; or
(ii) an intelligence or security officer; or
(iii) an officer or employee of the government of a foreign country performing similar duties to an intelligence or security officer; and
(b) the person is acting in the course of his or her duties; and
(c) the conduct of the person is reasonable in the circumstances for the purpose of performing that duty.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in this subsection, see subsection 13.3(3).
(5) A person is not criminally responsible for an offence against section 273.6 if the person engages in the conduct in good faith for the sole purpose of:
(a) assisting the eSafety Commissioner to perform the functions, or exercise the powers, conferred on the eSafety Commissioner by Part 9 of the Online Safety Act 2021; or
(b) manufacturing or developing, or updating, content filtering technology (including software) in accordance with:
(i) an industry code registered under Division 7 of Part 9 of the Online Safety Act 2021; or
(ii) an industry standard registered under Division 7 of Part 9 of the Online Safety Act 2021.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in this subsection, see subsection 13.3(3).
Division 273A—Possession of child‑like sex dolls etc.
273A.1 Possession of child‑like sex dolls etc.
A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person possesses a doll or other object; and
(b) the doll or other object resembles:
(i) a person who is, or appears to be, under 18 years of age; or
(ii) a part of the body of such a person; and
(c) a reasonable person would consider it likely that the doll or other object is intended to be used by a person to simulate sexual intercourse.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
273A.2 Defences
(1) A person is not criminally responsible for an offence against this Division because of engaging in particular conduct if the conduct:
(a) is of public benefit; and
(b) does not extend beyond what is of public benefit.
In determining whether the person is, under this subsection, not criminally responsible for the offence, the question whether the conduct is of public benefit is a question of fact and the person’s motives in engaging in the conduct are irrelevant.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in this subsection: see subsection 13.3(3).
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), conduct is of public benefit if, and only if, the conduct is necessary for or of assistance in:
(a) enforcing a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; or
(b) monitoring compliance with, or investigating a contravention of, a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; or
(c) the administration of justice; or
(d) conducting scientific, medical or educational research that has been approved by the AFP Minister in writing for the purposes of this section.
(3) A person is not criminally responsible for an offence against this Division if:
(a) the person is, at the time of the offence, a law enforcement officer, or an intelligence or security officer, acting in the course of the officer’s duties; and
(b) the conduct of the person is reasonable in the circumstances for the purpose of performing that duty.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in this subsection: see subsection 13.3(3).
(4) An expression used in this section that is defined in Part 10.6 has the same meaning in this section as it has in that Part.
Note: These expressions include AFP Minister, intelligence or security officer and law enforcement officer.
273A.3 Saving of other laws
This Division is not intended to exclude or limit the operation of any other law of the Commonwealth or any law of a State or Territory.
Division 273B—Protection of children
Subdivision A—Preliminary
273B.1 Definitions
In this Division:
child sexual abuse offence means:
(a) a Commonwealth child sex offence within the meaning of the Crimes Act 1914; or
(b) a State or Territory registrable child sex offence.
Commonwealth officer means any of the following:
(a) a Minister;
(b) a Parliamentary Secretary;
(c) an individual who holds an appointment under section 67 of the Constitution;
(d) an APS employee;
(e) an individual employed by the Commonwealth otherwise than under the Public Service Act 1999;
(f) a member of the Australian Defence Force;
(g) a member or special member of the Australian Federal Police;
(h) an individual (other than an official of a registered industrial organisation) who holds or performs the duties of an office established by or under a law of the Commonwealth, other than:
(i) the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006; or
(ii) the Australian Capital Territory (Self‑Government) Act 1988; or
(iii) the Corporations Act 2001; or
(iv) the Northern Territory (Self‑Government) Act 1978;
(i) an officer or employee of a Commonwealth authority;
(j) an individual who is:
(i) a contractor or subcontractor of the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth authority; or
(ii) an officer or employee of a contractor or subcontractor of the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth authority; or
(iii) assigned to work for the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth authority under a labour hire arrangement;
(k) an individual (other than an official of a registered industrial organisation) who exercises powers, or performs functions, conferred on the person by or under a law of the Commonwealth, other than:
(i) the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006; or
(ii) the Australian Capital Territory (Self‑Government) Act 1988; or
(iii) the Corporations Act 2001; or
(iv) the Northern Territory (Self‑Government) Act 1978; or
(v) a provision specified in the regulations;
(l) an individual who exercises powers, or performs functions, conferred on the individual by or under a law in force in Norfolk Island, the Territory of Christmas Island or the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands (whether the law is a law of the Commonwealth or a law of the Territory concerned).
State or Territory registrable child sex offence means an offence:
(a) that a person becomes, or may at any time have become, a person whose name is entered on a child protection offender register (however described) of a State or Territory for committing; and
(b) in respect of which:
(i) a person under 18 was a victim or an intended victim; or
(ii) the offending involved child abuse material.
273B.2 Geographical jurisdiction
Section 15.2 (extended geographical jurisdiction—category B) applies to each offence against this Division.
273B.3 Double jeopardy
If a person has been convicted or acquitted in a country outside Australia of an offence against the law of that country in respect of any conduct, the person cannot be convicted of an offence against this Division in respect of that conduct.
Subdivision B—Offences relating to the protection of children
273B.4 Failing to protect child at risk of child sexual abuse offence
Failing to protect child at risk of child sexual abuse offence
(1) A person (the defendant) commits an offence if:
(a) the defendant is a Commonwealth officer; and
(b) there is another person aged under 18 (the child) under the defendant’s care, supervision or authority, in the defendant’s capacity as a Commonwealth officer; and
(c) the defendant knows there is a substantial risk that a person (the potential offender) will engage in conduct in relation to the child; and
(d) such conduct, if engaged in, would constitute a child sexual abuse offence; and
(e) the defendant, because of the defendant’s position as a Commonwealth officer, has the actual or effective responsibility to reduce or remove the risk mentioned in paragraph (c); and
(f) the defendant negligently fails to reduce or remove that risk.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.
Absolute liability
(2) Absolute liability applies to paragraph (1)(d).
Note: For absolute liability, see section 6.2.
Certain matters not required to be proved
(3) Subsection (1) applies:
(a) whether or not the child can be identified as a specific person; and
(b) whether or not the potential offender can be identified as a specific person; and
(c) whether or not a child sexual abuse offence is or was actually committed in relation to the child.
273B.5 Failing to report child sexual abuse offence
Offence based on reasonable belief
(1) A person (the defendant) commits an offence if:
(a) the defendant is a Commonwealth officer; and
(b) there is another person aged under 18 (the child) under the care or supervision of the defendant, in the defendant’s capacity as a Commonwealth officer; and
(c) the defendant knows of information that would lead a reasonable person to believe that a person (the potential offender):
(i) has engaged in conduct in relation to the child; or
(ii) will engage in conduct in relation to the child; and
(d) such conduct, if engaged in, would constitute a child sexual abuse offence; and
(e) the defendant fails to disclose the information, as soon as practicable after coming to know it, to:
(i) the police force or police service of a State or Territory; or
(ii) the Australian Federal Police.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 3 years.
Offence based on reasonable suspicion
(2) A person (the defendant) commits an offence if:
(a) the defendant is a Commonwealth officer; and
(b) there is another person aged under 18 (the child) under the care or supervision of the defendant, in the defendant’s capacity as a Commonwealth officer; and
(c) the defendant knows of information that would lead a reasonable person to suspect that a person (the potential offender):
(i) has engaged in conduct in relation to the child; or
(ii) will engage in conduct in relation to the child; and
(d) such conduct, if engaged in, would constitute a child sexual abuse offence; and
(e) the defendant fails to disclose the information, as soon as practicable after coming to know it, to:
(i) the police force or police service of a State or Territory; or
(ii) the Australian Federal Police.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.
Absolute liability
(3) Absolute liability applies to paragraphs (1)(d) and (2)(d).
Note: For absolute liability, see section 6.2.
Defences
(4) Subsection (1) or (2) does not apply if:
(a) the defendant reasonably believes that the information is already known:
(i) to the police force or police service of a State or Territory; or
(ii) to the Australian Federal Police; or
(iii) to a person or body to which disclosure of such information is required by a scheme established under, or for the purposes of, a law of a State or Territory, or of a foreign country (or part of a foreign country); or
(b) the defendant has disclosed the information to a person or body for the purposes of a scheme mentioned in subparagraph (a)(iii); or
(c) the defendant reasonably believes that the disclosure of the information would put at risk the safety of any person, other than the potential offender; or
(d) the information is in the public domain.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to a matter in this subsection: see subsection 13.3(3).
(5) An individual is not excused from failing to disclose information as mentioned in paragraph (1)(e) or (2)(e) on the ground that disclosing the information might tend to incriminate the individual or otherwise expose the individual to a penalty or other liability.
Note: For the admissibility in evidence of such information if disclosed in the course of protected conduct, and any information obtained as an indirect consequence, see subsections 273B.9(10) and (11).
Certain matters not required to be proved
(6) Subsection (1) or (2) applies:
(a) whether or not the child can be identified as a specific person; and
(b) whether or not any person actually believes or suspects the matter mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) or (2)(c); and
(c) whether or not the potential offender can be identified as a specific person; and
(d) whether or not a child sexual abuse offence is or was actually committed in relation to the child.
Alternative verdict
(7) If, on a trial of a person for an offence against subsection (1), the trier of fact:
(a) is not satisfied that the person is guilty of the offence against that subsection; and
(b) is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the person is guilty of an offence against subsection (2);
it may find the person not guilty of the offence against subsection (1) but guilty of the offence against subsection (2).
(8) Subsection (7) only applies if the person has been accorded procedural fairness in relation to the finding of guilt for the offence against subsection (2).
Subdivision C—Rules about conduct of trials
273B.6 Consent to commence proceedings
(1) Proceedings for an offence against this Division must not be commenced without the consent of the Attorney‑General.
(2) However, a person may be arrested for, charged with, or remanded in custody or on bail in connection with, such an offence before the necessary consent has been given.
273B.7 Evidence relating to a person’s age
(1) In determining for the purposes of this Division how old a person is or was at a particular time, the trier of fact may have regard to any of the following matters:
(a) the person’s appearance;
(b) medical or other scientific opinion;
(c) a document that is or appears to be an official or medical record from a country outside Australia;
(d) a document that is or appears to be a copy of such a record.
(2) Subsection (1) does not make any other kind of evidence inadmissible, and does not affect a prosecutor’s duty to do all the prosecutor can to adduce the best possible evidence for determining the question.
(3) If, on a trial by jury for an offence against this Division, regard may be had to a matter because of subsection (1), the court must warn the jury that it must be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt in determining the question.
Subdivision D—Relationship with other laws
273B.8 Relationship with State and Territory laws
This Division applies to the exclusion of a law, or a provision of a law, of a State or Territory that has the effect of making a person liable to be prosecuted for an offence against any law for failing to:
(a) reduce or remove a risk of a child being subjected to conduct constituting a child sexual abuse offence; or
(b) disclose to a police force or a police service information relating to whether a person has engaged, or will engage, in conduct constituting a child sexual abuse offence;
to the extent that the law or provision would otherwise apply in relation to conduct in which the person engages in the person’s capacity as a Commonwealth officer.
273B.9 Protection from other laws etc. for complying with this Division
Scope
(1) A person engages in protected conduct if the person:
(a) engages in conduct in avoidance, or purported avoidance, of liability for an offence against this Division; and
(b) the conduct is genuine and proportionate for that purpose.
(2) This section does not apply to liability in any civil, criminal or administrative proceedings (including disciplinary proceedings) (relevant proceedings) for knowingly making a statement that is false or misleading.
(3) Without limiting subsection (2), this section does not apply to liability for an offence against any of the following provisions:
(a) section 137.1 (false or misleading information);
(b) section 137.2 (false or misleading documents);
(c) section 144.1 (forgery);
(d) section 145.1 (using forged document).
(4) This section does not prevent a person from being liable in any relevant proceedings for conduct of the person that is revealed by a disclosure of information.
Protection against liability for engaging in protected conduct
(5) If a person engages in protected conduct:
(a) the person is not subject to any liability in relevant proceedings for engaging in the protected conduct; and
(b) no contractual or other remedy may be enforced, and no contractual or other right may be exercised, against the person on the basis of the protected conduct being engaged in; and
(c) the person is not to be considered to have breached any professional ethics in respect of the protected conduct.
(6) Professional ethics includes the following (without limitation):
(a) rules of professional conduct;
(b) rules of professional etiquette;
(c) a code of ethics;
(d) standards of professional conduct.
(7) Without limiting subsection (5):
(a) if the person engages in protected conduct by disclosing information, the person:
(i) has qualified privilege in proceedings for defamation relating to the disclosure; and
(ii) is not liable to an action for defamation at the suit of another person relating to the disclosure; and
(b) a contract to which the person is a party may not be terminated on the basis that the protected conduct constitutes a breach of the contract.
(8) Paragraphs (5)(a) and (7)(a) do not affect any other right, privilege or immunity the person has as a defendant in proceedings, or an action, for defamation.
(9) Without limiting paragraphs (5)(b) and (7)(b), if a court is satisfied that:
(a) a person (the employee) is employed in a particular position under a contract of employment with another person (the employer); and
(b) the employee engages in protected conduct; and
(c) the employer purports to terminate the contract of employment on the basis of the person engaging in protected conduct being engaged in;
the court may:
(d) order that the employee be reinstated in that position or a position at a comparable level; or
(e) order the employer to pay the employee an amount instead of reinstating the employee, if the court considers it appropriate to make the order.
Admissibility of evidence
(10) If an individual engages in protected conduct by disclosing information, the information is not admissible in evidence against the individual in relation to liability in any relevant proceedings.
(11) To avoid doubt, this section does not affect the admissibility of evidence in any relevant proceedings of any information obtained as an indirect consequence of a disclosure of information that constitutes protected conduct.
Division 274—Torture
274.1 Definitions
(1) In this Division:
Convention means the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations at New York on 10 December 1984.
Note: The text of the Convention is set out in Australian Treaty Series 1989 No. 21 ([1989] ATS 21). In 2010, the text of a Convention in the Australian Treaty Series was accessible through the Australian Treaties Library on the AustLII website (www.austlii.edu.au).
(2) An expression that is used both in this Division and in the Convention (whether or not a particular meaning is given to it by the Convention) has, in this Division, the same meaning as it has in the Convention.
274.2 Torture
(1) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if the perpetrator:
(a) engages in conduct that inflicts severe physical or mental pain or suffering on a person (the victim); and
(b) the conduct is engaged in:
(i) for the purpose of obtaining from the victim or from a third person information or a confession; or
(ii) for the purpose of punishing the victim for an act which the victim or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed; or
(iii) for the purpose of intimidating or coercing the victim or a third person; or
(iv) for a purpose related to a purpose mentioned in subparagraph (i), (ii) or (iii); and
(c) the perpetrator engages in the conduct:
(i) in the capacity of a public official; or
(ii) acting in an official capacity; or
(iii) acting at the instigation, or with the consent or acquiescence, of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 20 years.
(2) A person (the perpetrator) commits an offence if the perpetrator:
(a) engages in conduct that inflicts severe physical or mental pain or suffering on a person; and
(b) the conduct is engaged in for any reason based on discrimination of any kind; and
(c) the perpetrator engages in the conduct:
(i) in the capacity of a public official; or
(ii) acting in an official capacity; or
(iii) acting at the instigation, or with the consent or acquiescence, of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 20 years.
(3) Absolute liability applies to paragraphs (1)(c) and (2)(c).
Note: For absolute liability, see section 6.2.
(4) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to conduct arising only from, inherent in or incidental to lawful sanctions that are not inconsistent with the Articles of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (a copy of the English text of which is set out in Schedule 2 to the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986).
(5) Section 15.4 (extended geographical jurisdiction—category D) applies to an offence against subsection (1) or (2).
274.3 Prosecutions
(1) Proceedings for an offence against this Division, where the conduct constituting the alleged offence occurs wholly outside Australia, must not take place except with the consent in writing of the Attorney‑General.
(2) Even though a consent in accordance with subsection (1) has not been given in relation to an offence against this Division:
(a) a person may be arrested for the offence, and a warrant for the arrest of a person for the offence may be issued and executed; and
(b) a person may be charged with the offence; 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) is to be taken until such a consent has been given.
(3) Subsection (2) does not prevent the discharge of the accused if proceedings are not continued within a reasonable time.
274.4 No defence of exceptional circumstances or superior orders
It is not a defence in a proceeding for an offence under this Division that:
(a) the conduct constituting the offence was done out of necessity arising from the existence of a state of war, a threat of war, internal political instability, a public emergency or any other exceptional circumstance; or
(b) in engaging in the conduct constituting the offence the accused acted under orders of a superior officer or public authority;
but the circumstances referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) may, if the accused is convicted of the offence, be taken into account in determining the proper sentence.
274.5 Jurisdiction of State/Territory courts preserved
For the purposes of section 38 of the Judiciary Act 1903, a matter arising under this Division, including a question of interpretation of the Convention, is taken not to be a matter arising directly under a treaty.
274.6 Concurrent operation intended
This Division is not intended to exclude or limit the concurrent operation of any other law of the Commonwealth or any law of a State or Territory.
274.7 Double jeopardy
If a person has been convicted or acquitted in a country outside Australia of an offence against the law of that country in respect of any conduct, the person cannot be convicted of an offence under this Division in respect of that conduct.
Division 279—Video link evidence
279.1 Proceedings to which this Division applies
This Division applies to a proceeding for an offence against any of the following Divisions of this Chapter:
(a) Division 270 (slavery and slavery‑like offences);
(b) Division 271 (trafficking in persons);
(c) Division 272 (child sex offences outside Australia);
(d) Division 273 (offences involving child abuse material outside Australia);
(e) Division 273B (protection of children).
279.2 When court may take evidence by video link
In a proceeding, the court may, on application by a party to the proceeding, direct that a witness give evidence by video link if:
(a) the witness will give the evidence from outside Australia; and
(b) the witness is not a defendant in the proceeding; and
(c) the facilities required by section 279.3 are available or can reasonably be made available; and
(d) the court is satisfied that attendance of the witness at the court to give the evidence would:
(i) cause unreasonable expense or inconvenience; or
(ii) cause the witness psychological harm or unreasonable distress; or
(iii) cause the witness to become so intimidated or distressed that his or her reliability as a witness would be significantly reduced; and
(e) the court is satisfied that it is consistent with the interests of justice that the evidence be taken by video link.
279.3 Technical requirements for video link
(1) A witness can give evidence under a direction only if:
(a) the courtroom or other place in Australia where the court is sitting (the Australian location); and
(b) the place where the evidence is given (the overseas location);
are equipped with video facilities that:
(c) enable appropriate persons at the Australian location to see and hear the witness give the evidence; and
(d) enable appropriate persons at the overseas location to see and hear appropriate persons at the Australian location.
(2) In subsection (1):
appropriate persons means such persons as the court considers appropriate.
279.4 Application of laws about witnesses
A person who gives evidence under a direction is taken to give it at the courtroom or other place in Australia where the court is sitting.
Note: This section has effect, for example, for the purposes of laws relating to evidence, procedure, contempt of court and perjury.
279.5 Administration of oaths and affirmations
An oath or affirmation to be sworn or made by a witness who is to give evidence under a direction may be administered either:
(a) by means of the video link, in as nearly as practicable the same way as if the witness were to give the evidence at the courtroom or other place in Australia where the court is sitting; or
(b) as follows:
(i) on behalf of the court and as directed by it;
(ii) by a person (whether an Australian official or not) authorised by the court;
(iii) at the place where the witness is to give the evidence.
279.6 Expenses
A court may make such orders as are just for payment of expenses incurred in connection with giving evidence under a direction by the court under this Division.
279.7 Other laws about foreign evidence not affected
This Division does not prevent any other law about taking evidence of a witness outside Australia from applying for the purposes of a proceeding.
Chapter 9—Dangers to the community
Part 9.1—Serious drug offences
Division 300—Preliminary
300.1 Purpose
(1) The purpose of this Part is to create offences relating to drug trafficking and to give effect to the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, done at Vienna on 20 December 1988 (the TINDAPS Convention).
Note: The text of the Convention is set out in Australian Treaty Series 1993 No. 4. In 2005 this was available in the Australian Treaties Library of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, accessible through that Department’s website.
(2) Subsection (1) does not limit the legislative powers of the Parliament in relation to this Part.
300.2 Definitions
In this Part:
AFP Minister means the Minister administering the Australian Federal Police Act 1979.
aggravated offence has the meaning given by section 310.4.
border controlled drug:
(a) means a substance that is a border controlled drug within the meaning of subsection 301.4(1); and
(b) to avoid doubt, includes a substance that is, under subsection 301.4(2), (3) or 301.13(1A), taken, for the purposes of this Part, to be a border controlled drug only in relation to particular offences against this Part or particular elements of those offences.
border controlled plant:
(a) means a growing plant that is a border controlled plant within the meaning of subsection 301.5(1); and
(b) to avoid doubt, includes a growing plant that is, under subsection 301.5(2) or 301.13(1A), taken, for the purposes of this Part, to be a border controlled plant only in relation to particular offences against this Part or particular elements of those offences.
border controlled precursor:
(a) means a substance that is a border controlled precursor within the meaning of subsection 301.6(1); and
(b) to avoid doubt, includes a substance that is, under subsection 301.6(1A), (1B) or 301.14(1A), taken, for the purposes of this Part, to be a border controlled precursor only in relation to particular offences against this Part or particular elements of those offences.
child means an individual who is under 18 years of age.
commercial quantity of a serious drug, controlled precursor or border controlled precursor has the meaning given by section 301.10.
conceal a thing includes conceal or disguise:
(a) the nature, source or location of the thing; or
(b) any movement of the thing; or
(c) the rights of any person with respect to the thing; or
(d) the identity of any owner of the thing.
controlled drug has the meaning given by section 301.1.
controlled plant has the meaning given by section 301.2.
controlled precursor has the meaning given by section 301.3.
cultivate has the meaning given by subsection 303.1(1).
cultivates a plant has the meaning given by subsection 303.1(2).
cultivates a plant for a commercial purpose has the meaning given by section 303.3.
determined, in relation to a serious drug, controlled precursor or border controlled precursor, means:
(a) for a serious drug—determined by the AFP Minister under section 301.13; or
(b) for a precursor—determined by the AFP Minister under section 301.14.
drug analogue has the meaning given by section 301.9.
export includes take from Australia.
import, in relation to a substance, means import the substance into Australia and includes:
(a) bring the substance into Australia; and
(b) deal with the substance in connection with its importation.
listed, in relation to a serious drug, means:
(a) for a controlled drug—listed by a regulation made for the purposes of paragraph 301.1(a); or
(b) for a controlled plant—listed by a regulation made for the purposes of paragraph 301.2(a); or
(c) for a border controlled drug—listed by a regulation made for the purposes of paragraph 301.4(1)(a); or
(d) for a border controlled plant—listed by a regulation made for the purposes of paragraph 301.5(1)(a).
manufacture has the meaning given by subsection 305.1(1).
manufactures a substance has the meaning given by subsection 305.1(2).
manufactures a substance for a commercial purpose has the meaning given by section 305.2.
marketable quantity of a serious drug, controlled precursor or border controlled precursor has the meaning given by section 301.11.
possession of a thing includes the following:
(a) receiving or obtaining possession of the thing;
(b) having control over the disposition of the thing (whether or not the thing is in the custody of the person);
(c) having joint possession of the thing.
pre‑traffics has the meaning given by section 306.1.
procures an individual to pre‑traffic has the meaning given by section 309.9.
procures an individual to traffic has the meaning given by section 309.6.
product of a plant has the meaning given by section 303.2.
requisite fraction has the meaning given by subsection 312.2(3).
sell includes the following:
(a) barter or exchange;
(b) agree to sell.
serious drug means one of the following:
(a) a controlled drug;
(b) a controlled plant;
(c) a border controlled drug;
(d) a border controlled plant.
supply includes the following:
(a) supply, whether or not by way of sale;
(b) agree to supply.
taking, in relation to a substance or plant, means taking the substance or plant, or a product of the plant, into the body.
TINDAPS Convention has the meaning given by section 300.1.
trafficable quantity of a controlled drug, or a controlled plant, has the meaning given by section 301.12.
traffics has the meaning given by section 302.1.
transport includes deliver.
300.3 Geographical jurisdiction
Section 15.2 (extended geographical jurisdiction—category B) applies to each offence against this Part.
300.4 Concurrent operation intended
(1) This Part is not intended to exclude or limit the concurrent operation of any law of a State or Territory.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), this Part is not intended to exclude or limit the concurrent operation of a law of a State or Territory that makes:
(a) an act or omission that is an offence against a provision of this Part; or
(b) a similar act or omission;
an offence against the law of the State or Territory.
(3) Subsection (2) applies even if the law of the State or Territory does any one or more of the following:
(a) provides for a penalty for the offence that differs from the penalty provided for in this Part;
(b) provides for a fault element in relation to the offence that differs from the fault elements applicable to the offence under this Part;
(c) provides for a defence in relation to the offence that differs from the defences applicable to the offence under this Part.
300.5 Particular identity of drugs, plants and precursors
If, in a prosecution for an offence against this Part, it is necessary for the prosecution to prove that a person knew, or was reckless as to whether, a substance or plant was a controlled drug, controlled plant, controlled precursor, border controlled drug, border controlled plant or border controlled precursor, it is not necessary for the prosecution to prove that the person knew, or was reckless as to, the particular identity of the controlled drug, controlled plant, controlled precursor, border controlled drug, border controlled plant or border controlled precursor.
Note: This section applies to a prosecution of an ancillary offence relating to this Part as well as to prosecution of a primary offence against this Part. This is because of:
(a) sections 11.2, 11.2A and 11.3 (which treat certain combinations of physical and fault elements relating to this Part as being offences against this Part); and
(b) section 11.6 (which has the effect that a reference to an offence against this Part includes a reference to an offence against section 11.1 (attempt), 11.4 (incitement) or 11.5 (conspiracy) that relates to this Part).
300.6 Recklessness as to nature of substance or plant sufficient for offence of attempt to commit an offence against this Part
Despite subsection 11.1(3), for the offence of attempting to commit an offence against this Part, recklessness is the fault element in relation to any of the following physical elements of the offence attempted:
(a) that a substance is a controlled drug (a physical element of an offence against Division 302 or 305 or section 308.1, 309.2, 309.3, 309.4, 309.7 or 309.8);
(b) that a plant is a controlled plant (a physical element of an offence against Division 303 or 304);
(c) that a substance is a controlled precursor (a physical element of an offence against Division 306 or section 308.2, 309.10 or 309.11);
(d) that a substance is a border controlled drug or border controlled plant (a physical element of an offence against Subdivision A, B or C of Division 307 or section 309.12 or 309.13);
(e) that a substance is a border controlled precursor (a physical element of an offence against Subdivision D of Division 307 or section 309.14 or 309.15).
Note: Proof of intention, knowledge or recklessness will satisfy a fault element of recklessness: see subsection 5.4(4).
Division 301—Serious drugs and precursors
Subdivision A—Serious drugs and precursors: definitions
301.1 Meaning of controlled drug
(1) For the purposes of this Part, a controlled drug is a substance, other than a growing plant, that is:
(a) listed by a regulation as a controlled drug; or
(b) a drug analogue of a listed controlled drug; or
(c) determined by the AFP Minister as a controlled drug under section 301.13 (which deals with emergency determinations of serious drugs).
Note: Some conditions must be satisfied before:
(a) a regulation can be made for paragraph (1)(a) (see section 301.7); or
(b) a determination can be made for paragraph (1)(c) (see subsection 301.13(2)).
(2) The purpose of subsection (1) is to permit certain substances that are covered by the TINDAPS Convention, or drug analogues of such substances, to be treated as controlled drugs for the purposes of this Part (see also section 300.1).
Note: For the meaning of drug analogue, see section 301.9.
301.2 Meaning of controlled plant
(1) For the purposes of this Part, a controlled plant is a growing plant that is:
(a) listed by a regulation as a controlled plant; or
(b) determined by the AFP Minister as a controlled plant under section 301.13 (which deals with emergency determinations of serious drugs).
Note: Some conditions must be satisfied before:
(a) a regulation can be made for paragraph (1)(a) (see section 301.7); or
(b) a determination can be made for paragraph (1)(b) (see subsection 301.13(2)).
(2) The purpose of subsection (1) is to permit growing plants that are covered by the TINDAPS Convention to be treated as controlled plants for the purposes of this Part (see also section 300.1).
301.3 Meaning of controlled precursor
(1) For the purposes of this Part, a controlled precursor is a substance (including a growing plant) that is:
(a) listed by a regulation as a controlled precursor; or
(b) a salt or ester of a controlled precursor that is so listed; or
(c) determined by the AFP Minister as a controlled precursor under section 301.14 (which deals with emergency determinations of serious drug precursors).
Note: Some conditions must be satisfied before:
(a) a regulation can be made for paragraph (a) (see section 301.8); or
(b) a determination can be made for paragraph (c) (see subsection 301.14(2)).
(2) The purpose of subsection (1) is to permit certain substances that are covered by the TINDAPS Convention, or salts or esters of such substances, to be treated as controlled precursors for the purposes of this Part (see also section 300.1).
301.4 Meaning of border controlled drug
(1) A border controlled drug is a substance, other than a growing plant, that is:
(a) listed by a regulation as a border controlled drug; or
(b) a drug analogue of a listed border controlled drug; or
(c) determined by the AFP Minister as a border controlled drug under section 301.13 (which deals with emergency determinations of serious drugs).
Note 1: Some conditions must be satisfied before:
(a) a regulation can be made for paragraph (a) (see section 301.7); or
(b) a determination can be made for paragraph (c) (see subsection 301.13(2)).
Note 2: For the meaning of drug analogue, see section 301.9.
(2) However:
(a) the regulations may provide that a listed border controlled drug is taken, for the purposes of this Part, to be a border controlled drug only in relation to particular offences against this Part, or particular elements of those offences; and
(b) if the regulations so provide, then the listed border controlled drug is taken, for the purposes of this Part, to be a border controlled drug only in relation to those offences or elements.
(3) To avoid doubt, if a listed border controlled drug is taken, for the purposes of this Part, to be a border controlled drug only in relation to particular offences against this Part, or particular elements of those offences, then a drug analogue of the listed border controlled drug is taken, for the purposes of this Part, to be a border controlled drug only in relation to those offences or elements.
301.5 Meaning of border controlled plant
(1) A border controlled plant is a growing plant:
(a) listed by a regulation as a border controlled plant; or
(b) determined by the AFP Minister as a border controlled plant under section 301.13 (which deals with emergency determinations of serious drugs).
Note: Some conditions must be satisfied before:
(a) a regulation can be made for paragraph (a) (see section 301.7); or
(b) a determination can be made for paragraph (b) (see subsection 301.13(2)).
(2) However:
(a) the regulations may provide that a listed border controlled plant is taken, for the purposes of this Part, to be a border controlled plant only in relation to particular offences against this Part, or particular elements of those offences; and
(b) if the regulations so provide, then the listed border controlled plant is taken, for the purposes of this Part, to be a border controlled plant only in relation to those offences or elements.
301.6 Meaning of border controlled precursor
(1) A border controlled precursor is a substance (including a growing plant) that is:
(a) listed by a regulation as a border controlled precursor; or
(b) a salt or ester of a precursor that is so listed; or
(c) an immediate precursor of a precursor that is so listed; or
(d) determined by the AFP Minister as a border controlled precursor under section 301.14 (which deals with emergency determinations of serious drug precursors).
Note: Some conditions must be satisfied before:
(a) a regulation can be made for paragraph (a) (see section 301.8); or
(b) a determination can be made for paragraph (d) (see subsection 301.14(2)).
(1A) However:
(a) the regulations may provide that a listed border controlled precursor is taken, for the purposes of this Part, to be a border controlled precursor only in relation to particular offences against this Part, or particular elements of those offences; and
(b) if the regulations so provide, then the listed border controlled precursor is taken, for the purposes of this Part, to be a border controlled precursor only in relation to those offences or elements.
(1B) To avoid doubt, if a listed border controlled precursor is taken, for the purposes of this Part, to be a border controlled precursor only in relation to particular offences against this Part, or particular elements of those offences, then a salt, ester or immediate precursor of the listed border controlled precursor is taken, for the purposes of this Part, to be a border controlled precursor only in relation to those offences or elements.
Definition of immediate precursor
(2) In this section:
immediate precursor of a precursor listed for the purposes of paragraph (1)(a) means a chemical or compound (other than another precursor that is so listed) that is an immediate precursor in the manufacture by a chemical process of the listed precursor.
301.7 Serious drugs—conditions for listing by regulation
Before a regulation is made listing a substance or plant as a serious drug for the purposes of this Part, the AFP Minister must be satisfied that:
(a) the substance or plant is likely to be taken without appropriate medical supervision; and
(b) one or more of the following conditions is met:
(i) taking the substance or plant would create a risk of death or serious harm;
(ii) taking the substance or plant would have a physical or mental effect substantially similar to that caused by taking a serious drug that is already listed;
(iii) the substance or plant has the capacity to cause physiological dependence;
(iv) possession or conduct in relation to the substance or plant is proscribed under a law of a State, a Territory or a foreign country that has purposes similar to those of this Part;
(v) the substance or plant poses a substantial risk to the health or safety of the public.
301.8 Serious drug precursors—conditions for listing by regulation
Before a regulation is made listing a substance as a controlled precursor or a border controlled precursor, the AFP Minister must be satisfied that there is a risk that the substance will be used to unlawfully manufacture a controlled drug (other than a determined controlled drug).
301.9 Meaning of drug analogue
(1) A substance is a drug analogue of a listed controlled drug, or a listed border controlled drug, if the substance is any of the following in relation to the listed drug (or in relation to a primary analogue of the listed drug), however the substance is obtained:
(a) one of the following (a primary analogue):
(i) a stereoisomer;
(ii) a structural isomer having the same constituent groups;
(iii) an alkaloid;
(c) a structural modification obtained in one or more of the following ways:
(i) by the replacement of up to 2 carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring structures with different carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring structures;
(ii) by the addition of hydrogen atoms to one or more unsaturated bonds;
(iii) by the replacement of one or more of the groups or atoms specified in subsection (2) with one or more of the other groups or atoms specified in that subsection;
(iv) by the conversion of a carboxyl or an ester group into an amide group;
(d) any other homologue, analogue, chemical derivative or substance substantially similar in chemical structure.
Note: Some substances are taken, for the purposes of this Part, to be drug analogues only in relation to particular offences against this Part, or particular elements of those offences: see subsection 301.4(3).
(2) The following groups and atoms are specified:
(a) alkoxy, cyclic diether, acyl, acyloxy, mono‑amino or dialkylamino groups with up to 6 carbon atoms in any alkyl residue;
(b) alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups with up to 6 carbon atoms in the group, where the group is attached to oxygen (for example, an ester or an ether group), nitrogen, sulphur or carbon;
(c) halogen, hydroxy, nitro or amino groups;
(d) hydrogen atoms.
(3) However:
(a) a drug analogue of a listed controlled drug does not include a substance that is itself a listed controlled drug; and
(b) a drug analogue of a listed border controlled drug does not include a substance that is itself a listed border controlled drug.
(4) In this section:
addition has its ordinary meaning.
replacement has its ordinary meaning.
Subdivision B—Serious drugs and precursors: commercial, marketable and trafficable quantities
301.10 Meaning of commercial quantity
For the purposes of this Part, a commercial quantity of a serious drug, controlled precursor or border controlled precursor is a quantity not less than that provided by the following table:
Commercial quantities of serious drugs and precursors |
Item | Serious drug or precursor | Commercial quantity (minimum) |
1 | A serious drug (other than a drug analogue), controlled precursor or border controlled precursor | Either: (a) the quantity listed as a commercial quantity of the drug or precursor in a regulation made for the purposes of this section; or (b) the quantity determined as a commercial quantity of the drug or precursor by the AFP Minister under section 301.15 (which deals with emergency determinations of quantities). |
2 | A drug analogue of 1 or more listed controlled drugs | Either: (a) for a drug analogue of a single listed controlled drug—the commercial quantity of the listed drug; or (b) for a drug analogue of 2 or more listed controlled drugs—the smallest commercial quantity of any of the listed drugs. |
3 | A drug analogue of 1 or more listed border controlled drugs | Either: (a) for a drug analogue of a single listed border controlled drug—the commercial quantity of the listed drug; or (b) for a drug analogue of 2 or more listed border controlled drugs—the smallest commercial quantity of any of the listed drugs. |
Note: A drug analogue of a listed controlled drug, or a listed border controlled drug, is itself a controlled drug or border controlled drug (see paragraphs 301.1(b) and 301.4(1)(b), and the definition of drug analogue in section 301.9).
301.11 Meaning of marketable quantity
For the purposes of this Part, a marketable quantity of a serious drug, controlled precursor or border controlled precursor is a quantity not less than that provided by the following table:
Marketable quantities of serious drugs and precursors |
Item | Serious drug or precursor | Marketable quantity (minimum) |
1 | A serious drug (other than a drug analogue), controlled precursor or border controlled precursor | Either: (a) the quantity listed as a marketable quantity of the drug or precursor in a regulation made for the purposes of this section; or (b) the quantity determined as a marketable quantity of the drug or precursor by the AFP Minister under section 301.15 (which deals with emergency determinations of quantities). |
2 | A drug analogue of 1 or more listed controlled drugs | Either: (a) for a drug analogue of a single listed controlled drug—the marketable quantity of the listed drug; or (b) for a drug analogue of 2 or more listed controlled drugs—the smallest marketable quantity of any of the listed drugs. |
3 | A drug analogue of 1 or more listed border controlled drugs | Either: (a) for a drug analogue of a single listed border controlled drug—the marketable quantity of the listed drug; or (b) for a drug analogue of 2 or more listed border controlled drugs—the smallest marketable quantity of any of the listed drugs. |
Note: A drug analogue of a listed controlled drug, or a listed border controlled drug, is itself a controlled drug or border controlled drug (see paragraphs 301.1(b) and 301.4(1)(b), and the definition of drug analogue in section 301.9).
301.12 Meaning of trafficable quantity
For the purposes of this Part, a trafficable quantity of a controlled drug or a controlled plant is a quantity not less than that provided by the following table:
Trafficable quantities of controlled drugs and plants |
Item | Controlled drug or plant | Trafficable quantity (minimum) |
1 | A controlled drug (other than a drug analogue) or a controlled plant | Either: (a) the quantity listed as a trafficable quantity of the drug or plant in a regulation made for the purposes of this section; or (b) the quantity determined as a trafficable quantity of the drug or plant by the AFP Minister under section 301.15 (which deals with emergency determinations of quantities). |
2 | A drug analogue of 1 or more listed controlled drugs | Either: (a) for a drug analogue of a single listed controlled drug—the trafficable quantity of the listed drug; or (b) for a drug analogue of 2 or more listed controlled drugs—the smallest trafficable quantity of any of the listed drugs. |
Note: A drug analogue of a listed controlled drug is itself a controlled drug (see paragraph 301.1(b) and the definition of drug analogue in section 301.9).
Subdivision C—Serious drugs and precursors: emergency determinations
301.13 Emergency determinations—serious drugs
(1) The AFP Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that:
(a) a substance, other than a growing plant, is a controlled drug or a border controlled drug; or
(b) a growing plant is a controlled plant or a border controlled plant.
(1A) However:
(a) a determination made under subsection (1) may provide that:
(i) a determined border controlled drug is taken, for the purposes of this Part, to be a border controlled drug; or
(ii) a determined border controlled plant is taken, for the purposes of this Part, to be a border controlled plant;
only in relation to particular offences against this Part, or particular elements of those offences; and
(b) if such a determination so provides, then:
(i) the determined border controlled drug is taken, for the purposes of this Part, to be a border controlled drug; or
(ii) the determined border controlled plant is taken, for the purposes of this Part, to be a border controlled plant;
only in relation to those offences or elements.
Conditions on making a determination
(2) The AFP Minister must not make a determination under subsection (1) unless he or she is satisfied:
(a) that there is an imminent and substantial risk that the substance or plant will be taken without appropriate medical supervision; and
(b) one or more of the following conditions is met:
(i) taking the substance or plant may create a risk of death or serious harm;
(ii) taking the substance or plant may have a physical or mental effect substantially similar to that caused by taking a listed serious drug;
(iii) there is limited or no known lawful use of the substance or plant in Australia, and the substance or plant has been found by a public official in the course of the performance of the official’s duties;
(iv) the substance or plant may pose a substantial risk to the health or safety of the public.
(3) The AFP Minister must not make more than one determination under this section in relation to a particular substance or plant.
301.14 Emergency determinations—serious drug precursors
(1) The AFP Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that a substance (including a growing plant) is a controlled precursor or a border controlled precursor.
(1A) However:
(a) a determination made under subsection (1) may provide that a determined border controlled precursor is taken, for the purposes of this Part, to be a border controlled precursor only in relation to particular offences against this Part, or particular elements of those offences; and
(b) if such a determination so provides, then the determined border controlled precursor is taken, for the purposes of this Part, to be a border controlled precursor only in relation to those offences or elements.
Conditions on making a determination
(2) The AFP Minister must not make a determination under subsection (1) unless he or she is satisfied that there is an imminent and substantial risk that the substance will be used to unlawfully manufacture a controlled drug.
(3) The AFP Minister must not make more than one determination under this section in relation to a particular substance or plant.
301.15 Emergency determinations—commercial, marketable and trafficable quantities
(1) The AFP Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine:
(a) a quantity of a serious drug as a commercial or marketable quantity of the drug; or
(b) a quantity of a controlled drug or a controlled plant as a trafficable quantity of the drug or plant; or
(c) a quantity of a controlled precursor or a border controlled precursor as a commercial or marketable quantity of the precursor.
(2) However, the AFP Minister may only make a determination of a commercial, marketable or trafficable quantity of a serious drug, controlled precursor or border controlled precursor under subsection (1) if there is no regulation currently in force listing such a quantity of the drug or precursor.
Note: The definitions of commercial quantity, marketable quantity and trafficable quantity in Subdivision B allow for regulations to list such quantities of serious drugs and precursors.
301.16 Emergency determinations—effectiveness
(1) A determination under this Subdivision in relation to a substance (including a growing plant) or a quantity of such a substance has effect:
(a) from the time the determination is registered (within the meaning of the Legislation Act 2003); and
(b) for the period of 12 months from that registration, or such shorter period as is specified in the determination, as extended (if at all) under subsection (2).
(2) If exceptional circumstances prevent the listing (by regulation) of the substance or quantity, to the same effect, the AFP Minister may, by legislative instrument, extend the period during which the determination is in force by a further period or periods.
(3) The AFP Minister must not extend the period under subsection (2) with the effect that the determination would stay in force for longer than 18 months after the time the determination is registered (within the meaning of the Legislation Act 2003).
(4) A determination made under this Subdivision has no effect to the extent that it is inconsistent with a regulation made for the purposes of Subdivision A.
301.17 Emergency determinations—publication
(1) The AFP Minister must, on or before the day on which a determination under this Subdivision is registered (within the meaning of the Legislation Act 2003):
(a) make a public announcement of the determination; and
(b) cause a copy of the announcement to be published:
(i) on the internet; and
(ii) in a newspaper circulating in each State, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
(2) An announcement made under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.
Division 302—Trafficking controlled drugs
302.1 Meaning of traffics
(1) For the purposes of this Part, a person traffics in a substance if:
(a) the person sells the substance; or
(b) the person prepares the substance for supply with the intention of selling any of it or believing that another person intends to sell any of it; or
(c) the person transports the substance with the intention of selling any of it or believing that another person intends to sell any of it; or
(d) the person guards or conceals the substance with the intention of selling any of it or assisting another person to sell any of it; or
(e) the person possesses the substance with the intention of selling any of it.
(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), preparing a substance for supply includes packaging the substance or separating the substance into discrete units.
302.2 Trafficking commercial quantities of controlled drugs
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person traffics in a substance; and
(b) the substance is a controlled drug; and
(c) the quantity trafficked is a commercial quantity.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life or 7,500 penalty units, or both.
(2) The fault element for paragraph (1)(b) is recklessness.
(3) Absolute liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).
Note: Section 313.4 provides a partial defence in relation to the matter in paragraph (1)(c).
302.3 Trafficking marketable quantities of controlled drugs
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person traffics in a substance; and
(b) the substance is a controlled drug; and
(c) the quantity trafficked is a marketable quantity.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years or 5,000 penalty units, or both.
(2) The fault element for paragraph (1)(b) is recklessness.
(3) Absolute liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).
Note: Section 313.4 provides a partial defence in relation to the matter in paragraph (1)(c).
302.4 Trafficking controlled drugs
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person traffics in a substance; and
(b) the substance is a controlled drug.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years or 2,000 penalty units, or both.
(2) The fault element for paragraph (1)(b) is recklessness.
302.5 Presumption where trafficable quantities are involved
(1) For the purposes of proving an offence against this Division, if a person has:
(a) prepared a trafficable quantity of a substance for supply; or
(b) transported a trafficable quantity of a substance; or
(c) guarded or concealed a trafficable quantity of a substance; or
(d) possessed a trafficable quantity of a substance;
the person is taken to have had the necessary intention or belief concerning the sale of the substance to have been trafficking in the substance.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person proves that he or she had neither that intention nor belief.
Note 1: A defendant bears a legal burden in relation to the matters in subsection (2) (see section 13.4).
Note 2: This section does not apply where quantities are combined for the purposes of section 311.2 (see subsection 311.2(3)).
302.6 Purchase of controlled drugs is not an ancillary offence
A person does not commit:
(a) an offence against this Division because of the operation of section 11.2 or 11.2A; or
(b) an offence against section 11.4 or 11.5 that relates to an offence against this Division;
merely because the person purchases, or intends to purchase, a controlled drug from another person.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this section (see subsection 13.3(3)).
Division 303—Commercial cultivation of controlled plants
303.1 Meanings of cultivate and cultivates a plant
(1) For the purposes of this Part, cultivate includes the following:
(a) plant a seed, seedling or cutting;
(b) transplant a plant;
(c) nurture, tend or grow a plant;
(d) guard or conceal a plant (including against interference or discovery by humans or natural predators);
(e) harvest a plant, pick any part of a plant or separate any resin or other substance from a plant.
(2) For the purposes of this Part, a person cultivates a plant if the person:
(a) engages in its cultivation; or
(b) exercises control or direction over its cultivation; or
(c) provides finance for its cultivation.
303.2 Meaning of product of a plant
For the purposes of this Part, the product of a plant includes the following:
(a) a seed of the plant;
(b) a part of the plant (whether alive or dead);
(c) a substance separated from the plant.
303.3 Meaning of cultivates a plant for a commercial purpose
For the purposes of this Part, a person cultivates a plant for a commercial purpose if the person cultivates the plant:
(a) with the intention of selling any of it or its products; or
(b) believing that another person intends to sell any of it or its products.
303.4 Cultivating commercial quantities of controlled plants
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person cultivates a plant for a commercial purpose; and
(b) the plant is a controlled plant; and
(c) the quantity cultivated is a commercial quantity.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life or 7,500 penalty units, or both.
(2) The fault element for paragraph (1)(b) is recklessness.
(3) Absolute liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).
Note: Section 313.4 provides a partial defence in relation to the matter in paragraph (1)(c).
303.5 Cultivating marketable quantities of controlled plants
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person cultivates a plant for a commercial purpose; and
(b) the plant is a controlled plant; and
(c) the quantity cultivated is a marketable quantity.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years or 5,000 penalty units, or both.
(2) The fault element for paragraph (1)(b) is recklessness.
(3) Absolute liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).
Note: Section 313.4 provides a partial defence in relation to the matter in paragraph (1)(c).
303.6 Cultivating controlled plants
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person cultivates a plant for a commercial purpose; and
(b) the plant is a controlled plant.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years or 2,000 penalty units, or both.
(2) The fault element for paragraph (1)(b) is recklessness.
303.7 Presumption where trafficable quantities are involved
(1) For the purposes of proving an offence against this Division, if a person has cultivated a trafficable quantity of a plant, the person is taken to have had the necessary intention or belief concerning the sale of the plant to have been cultivating the plant for a commercial purpose.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person proves that he or she had neither that intention nor belief.
Note: A defendant bears a legal burden in relation to the matters in subsection (2) (see section 13.4).
Division 304—Selling controlled plants
304.1 Selling commercial quantities of controlled plants
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person sells a plant; and
(b) the plant is a controlled plant; and
(c) the quantity sold is a commercial quantity.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life or 7,500 penalty units, or both.
(2) The fault element for paragraph (1)(b) is recklessness.
(3) Absolute liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).
Note: Section 313.4 provides a partial defence in relation to the matter in paragraph (1)(c).
304.2 Selling marketable quantities of controlled plants
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person sells a plant; and
(b) the plant is a controlled plant; and
(c) the quantity sold is a marketable quantity.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 25 years or 5,000 penalty units, or both.
(2) The fault element for paragraph (1)(b) is recklessness.
(3) Absolute liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).
Note: Section 313.4 provides a partial defence in relation to the matter in paragraph (1)(c).
304.3 Selling controlled plants
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person sells a plant; and
(b) the plant is a controlled plant.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years or 2,000 penalty units, or both.
(2) The fault element for paragraph (1)(b) is recklessness.
Division 305—Commercial manufacture of controlled drugs
305.1 Meanings of manufacture and manufactures a substance
(1) For the purposes of this Part, manufacture means:
(a) any process by which a substance is produced (other than the cultivation of a plant), and includes the following:
(i) the process of extracting or refining a substance;
(ii) the process of transforming a substance into a different substance; or
(b) any process by which a substance is converted from one form to another, including the process of extracting or refining a substance.
(2) For the purposes of this Part, a person manufactures a substance if the person:
(a) engages in its manufacture; or
(b) exercises control or direction over its manufacture; or
(c) provides finance for its manufacture.
305.2 Meaning of manufactures a substance for a commercial purpose
For the purposes of this Part, a person manufactures a substance for a commercial purpose if the person manufactures the substance:
(a) with the intention of selling any of it; or
(b) believing that another person intends to sell any of it.
305.3 Manufacturing commercial quantities of controlled drugs
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person manufactures a substance for a commercial purpose; and
(b) the substance is a controlled drug; and
(c) the quantity manufactured is a commercial quantity.
Penalty: Imprisonment for life or 7,500 penalty units, or both.
(2) The fault element for paragraph (1)(b) is recklessness.
(3) Absolute liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).
Note: Section 313.4 provides a partial defence in relation to the matter in paragraph (1)(c).
305.4 Manufacturing marketable quantities of controlled drugs
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person manufactures a substance for a commercial purpose; and
(b) the substance is a controlled drug; and
(c) the quantity manufactured is a marketable quantity.
Penalty:
(a) in the case of an aggravated offence—imprisonment for 28 years or 5,600 penalty units, or both; or
(b) in any other case—imprisonment for 25 years or 5,000 penalty units, or both.
Note: The additional elements for an aggravated offence against this section are set out in subsection 310.4(2).
(2) The fault element for paragraph (1)(b) is recklessness.
(3) Absolute liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).
Note: Section 313.4 provides a partial defence in relation to the matter in paragraph (1)(c).
305.5 Manufacturing controlled drugs
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person manufactures a substance for a commercial purpose; and
(b) the substance is a controlled drug.
Penalty:
(a) in the case of an aggravated offence—imprisonment for 12 years or 2,400 penalty units, or both; or
(b) in any other case—imprisonment for 10 years or 2,000 penalty units, or both.
Note: The additional elements for an aggravated offence against this section are set out in subsection 310.4(2).
(2) The fault element for paragraph (1)(b) is recklessness.
305.6 Presumption where trafficable quantities are involved
(1) For the purposes of proving an offence against this Division, if a person has manufactured a trafficable quantity of a substance, the person is taken to have had the necessary intention or belief concerning the sale of the substance to have been manufacturing the substance for a commercial purpose.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person proves that he or she had neither that intention nor belief.
Note: A defendant bears a legal burden in relation to the matters in subsection (2) (see section 13.4).
Division 306—Pre‑trafficking controlled precursors
306.1 Meaning of pre‑traffics
For the purposes of this Part, a person pre‑traffics in a substance if the person:
(a) sells the substance believing that the person to whom it is sold, or another person, intends to use any of the substance to manufacture a controlled drug; or
(b) manufactures the substance:
(i) with the intention of using any of it to manufacture a controlled drug; and
(ii) with the intention of selling any of the drug so manufactured, or believing that another person intends to sell any of the drug so manufactured; or
(c) manufactures the substance:
(i) with the intention of selling any of it to another person; and
(ii) believing that the other person intends to use any of the substance to manufacture a controlled drug; or
(d) possesses the substance:
(i) with the intention of using any of it to manufacture a controlled drug; and
(ii) with the intention of selling any of the drug so manufactured, or believing that another person intends to sell any of the drug so manufactured.
306.2 Pre‑trafficking commercial quantities of controlled precursors
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person pre‑traffics in a substance; and
(b) the substance is a controlled precursor; and
(c) the quantity pre‑trafficked is a commercial quantity.
Penalty:
(a) in the case of an aggravated offence—imprisonment for 28 years or 5,600 penalty units, or both; or
(b) in any other case—imprisonment for 25 years or 5,000 penalty units, or both.
Note: The additional elements for an aggravated offence against this section are set out in subsection 310.4(3).
(2) The fault element for paragraph (1)(b) is recklessness.
(3) Absolute liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).
Note: Section 313.4 provides a partial defence in relation to the matter in paragraph (1)(c).
306.3 Pre‑trafficking marketable quantities of controlled precursors
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person pre‑traffics in a substance; and
(b) the substance is a controlled precursor; and
(c) th
