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Commonwealth act
What this legislation does:
This is the National Measurement Act 1960, Australia's foundational law for ensuring measurements are accurate, consistent, and fair in trade and commerce. Think of it as the rulebook that stops anyone from cheating with scales, rulers, or any measuring device.
Key things it covers:
Units and standards: Establishes Australia's official measurement units (metric system) and creates the National Measurement Institute with a Chief Metrologist (Australia's top measurement scientist) to maintain precise standards
Trade measurement: Regulates how measuring instruments used for buying and selling must be verified (officially tested and marked as accurate). It covers:
Who can verify instruments: Only authorised people can — trade measurement inspectors, servicing licensees, and
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Direct links to the current provisions in National Measurement Act 1960.
Zoe has indexed the source text for search and analysis. Use the official register for the original document and download formats.
View on official registerSourced from the Federal Register of Legislation (legislation.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
Enforcement: Gives inspectors powers to enter premises, inspect vehicles, seize evidence, and issue fines. Includes a system of infringement notices (on-the-spot fines) for minor breaches
Offences and penalties: Creates strict liability offences (no need to prove intent) with fines up to 200 penalty units for serious breaches like using unverified instruments or selling short-measure goods
Who it affects:
Why it matters: Without this law, you couldn't trust that a litre of petrol is actually a litre, or that a kilogram of meat weighs what it says. It ensures fair trading and consumer protection across Australia.