21Proceedings for offences

#### 21 Proceedings for offences 21 Proceedings for offences > > (1) In this section— > > > > offence means an offence under the local application provisions of this Act, the local regulations, the [Co-operatives National Law (NSW)](/view/html/inforce/current/act-2012-29a) or the Co-operatives National Regulations (NSW). > > > (2) Proceedings for an offence are to be disposed of summarily before— > > > > > (a) the Local Court, or > > > > > (b) the Supreme Court in its summary jurisdiction. > > > (3) The maximum penalty that may be imposed by the Local Court for an offence is 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 12 months, or both. > > > (4) Proceedings for an offence under the local application provisions of this Act or the local regulations may be— > > > > > (a) started no later than 5 years after the alleged commission of the offence, and > > > > > (b) started only by the Registrar or a person authorised in writing by the Registrar to start the proceedings. > > > > Note— > > > > See sections 551 and 552 of the Co-operatives National Law about starting proceedings for an offence under that Law or the National Regulations. > > > (5) Nothing in this section affects the operation of the [Director of Public Prosecutions Act 1986](/view/html/inforce/current/act-1986-207).