19ACOffence relating to the accidental introduction of micro‑organisms

#### 19AC Offence relating to the accidental introduction of micro‑organisms (1) A person commits an offence if: (a) the person brings into the Antarctic an organism or an article; and (b) the person, by that conduct, brings into the Antarctic a micro‑organism that is not indigenous to the Antarctic. Penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years or 120 penalty units, or both. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply if: (a) the person brings the organism or article into the Antarctic for use as food; or (b) the person has taken all reasonable precautions to ensure that a micro‑organism that is not indigenous to the Antarctic is not brought into the Antarctic by the conduct mentioned in paragraph (1)(a); or (c) the person has a permit or a recognised foreign authority to bring in the micro‑organism. (3) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to the conduct mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) if the conduct was done in an emergency: (a) to save a person from death or serious injury; or (b) to secure the safety of a ship or aircraft or the safety of equipment or facilities of high value; or (c) to protect the environment.