Part I Preliminary

1 Short title

This Act may be cited as the Police Offences Act 1935 .

2.

[Section 2 Repealed by 25 Geo. V No. 78 ]

3 Interpretation

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 117 of 1976, s. 95 and Sched. 3 ][Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 99 of 1982, s. 3 and Sched. 2 ][Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 51 of 1985, s. 4 and Sched. 2 ][Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1990, s. 7 ][Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 44 of 1990, s. 225 and Sched. 3 ][Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 45 of 1995, s. 4 ][Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 77 of 1995, s. 3 and Sched. 1 ]**[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 61 of 1996, s. 15 ]

(1)  *[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 71 of 1962, s. 2 ]*In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears –

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 49 of 2009, s. 4, Applied:12 Nov 2009] body armour includes protective jackets, protective vests, protective suits, anti-ballistic articles and other similar articles –

(a) able to be worn, either independently or as a part of something else, on the human body; and

(b) designed or adapted to protect the human body from the effects of a firearm or any other prescribed device –

but does not include anti-ballistic articles used for eye or hearing protection;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 86 of 2001, s. 5, Applied:17 Dec 2001] child means any person under the age of 18 years;

Commissioner means the Commissioner of Police;

court means a court of summary jurisdiction having cognizance of the matter in relation to which the term is used;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 29 of 2004, s. 4, Applied:23 Sep 2004] crossbow means a device, consisting of a bow fitted transversely on a stock that has a groove or barrel, designed to direct an arrow or bolt;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 86 of 2001, s. 5, Applied:17 Dec 2001] dangerous article includes –

(a) [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 43 of 2007, s. 58, Applied:13 Nov 2007] any weapon other than a firearm; and

(b) any article adapted or modified so as to be capable of being used as such a weapon; and

(c) [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2016, s. 4, Applied:21 Jun 2016] any other article that is intended to be used as such a weapon; and

(d) [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2016, s. 4, Applied:21 Jun 2016] a knife;

data includes information, a computer programme or part of a computer programme;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 49 of 2009, s. 4, Applied:12 Nov 2009] emergency services means –

(a) the State Emergency Service within the meaning of the Emergency Management Act 2006 ; and

(b) [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 73 of 2013, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2014] Ambulance Tasmania established under the Ambulance Service Act 1982 ; and

(c) the Tasmania Fire Service established under the Fire Service Act 1979 ; and

(d) the Police Service;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 32 of 2025, s. 6, Applied:23 Dec 2025] explosive device – see section 3A ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 32 of 2025, s. 6, Applied:23 Dec 2025] explosive substance – see section 3B ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 67 of 2004, Sched. 1, Applied:30 Mar 2005] family violence order means a family violence order within the meaning of the Family Violence Act 2004 , and includes a police family violence order and an interim family violence order, within the meaning of that Act;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 43 of 2007, s. 58, Applied:13 Nov 2007] firearm means a firearm within the meaning of the Firearms Act 1996 ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 4, Applied:19 Dec 2014] fireworks means a Type 2 fireworks, or Type 3 fireworks, within the meaning of the Explosives Regulations 2012 ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 29 of 2004, s. 4, Applied:23 Sep 2004] found offending has the meaning assigned to it in section 55(5) ;

gain access includes to communicate with a computer;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 49 of 2009, s. 4, Applied:12 Nov 2009] graffiti equipment means –

(a) an aerosol paint container; and

(b) any other thing prescribed for the purposes of this definition;

liquor means a beverage (other than a medicine) that –

(a) is intended for human consumption; and

(b) has an alcoholic content greater than 0·5% by volume when at a temperature of 20° Celsius;

liquor infringement notice means a liquor infringement notice in force under Division IV of Part VII ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2009, s. 4, Applied:25 Nov 2009] motor vehicle has the same meaning as in the Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999 ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 49 of 2009, s. 4, Applied:12 Nov 2009] mark graffiti means mark, draw, write or otherwise deface property by any means so that the defacement is not readily removable by wiping with a dry cloth;

owner, used with reference to any real property, means the person for the time being in the actual receipt of or entitled to receive, or who, if such property were let to a tenant, would be entitled to receive the rents and profits thereof, whether as beneficial owner, trustee, executor, mortgagee in possession, or otherwise, but shall not include any mesne tenant;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 76 of 2003, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jan 2004]

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 27 of 2000, s. 6, Applied:01 Feb 1997] [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 9 of 2003, Sched. 1, Applied:16 Apr 2003] [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 77 of 2003, s. 4, Applied:15 Dec 2003] [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 41 of 2005, Sched. 1, Applied:31 Dec 2005] public authority includes the Crown, the Transport Commission, the Hydro-Electric Corporation, Tasmania Development and Resources, local authorities, the Tasmanian Ports Corporation Pty. Ltd. (ACN 114 161 938) and any other person with statutory powers to carry out or maintain works for the use or benefit of the public in this State or any part thereof;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 27 of 1997, s. 5, Applied:01 Oct 2002] [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 24 of 2004, s. 46, Applied:01 Jan 2005] [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 64 of 2009, s. 187, Applied:24 Nov 2010] [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 38 of 2012, Sched. 1, Applied:20 Jan 2013] public place includes–

| any park, garden, reserve, or other place of public recreation or resort; | | any rail infrastructure, railway, or rolling stock, within the meaning of the Rail Safety National Law (Tasmania) Act 2012 ; | | any public wharf, pier, or jetty; | | any passenger vessel plying for hire; | | any vehicle plying for hire; | | any church, chapel, or other building open for the purpose of Divine service; | | any public hall, theatre, or room in which any public entertainment or meeting is being held or performed or is taking place; | | any market; | | any auction room, or mart, or place open for the purpose of a sale by auction; | | any premises specified in a liquor licence or liquor permit granted under the Liquor Licensing Act 1990 , that are open for the sale of liquor; | | any licensed billiard-room; | | any racecourse, cricket ground, football, show, or regatta ground, or other such place to which the public have access free or on payment of any gate-money; and includes any portion of such place which is within view of the public; | | any open yard, place, allotment, or urinal, closet, lavatory, or other convenience to which the public have access; | | any police office or police station, or any court-house or court of petty sessions, or any yard or enclosure used therewith respectively, to which the public have access; | | any street as herein defined, notwithstanding that the same may be formed on private property; | | any school building or the land or premises used in connection therewith; | | any public cemetery; | | any banking house, warehouse, shop, office, or similar place, while open for the transaction of business; |

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2009, s. 4, Applied:25 Nov 2009] public street has the same meaning as in the Traffic Act 1925 ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 47 of 2000, s. 4, Applied:14 Jul 2000] sexual offence means any of the following offences committed against or in respect of a person:

(a) an offence under section 122 or 123 of the Criminal Code as in force immediately before 14 May 1997;

(b) [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 69 of 2003, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Dec 2003] [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 2 of 2023, s. 38, Applied:20 Apr 2023] [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 17 of 2024, s. 28, Applied:01 Nov 2024] an offence under section 124 , 124A , 124B , 124C , 125 , 125A , 125B , 126 , 127 , 127A , 128 , 129 , 133 , 185 or 186 of the Criminal Code;

(c) an offence under section 298 or 299 of the Criminal Code in respect of an offence specified in paragraph (a) or (b) ;

(d) [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 4, Applied:19 Dec 2014] an offence under section 8(1A)(a) , section 21 or section 35(3) of this Act;

(e) an offence under Part 8 of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Enforcement Act 1995 in respect of a child abuse product, within the meaning of that Part;

(f) an offence not specified in paragraph (a) , (b) , (c) or (d) if there are reasonable grounds to believe that, in the course of or as part of the events surrounding the commission of that offence, an offence specified in paragraph (a) , (b) , (c) or (d) was also committed by the offender;

(g) an offence against the law of any jurisdiction other than Tasmania which is of substantially the same nature as an offence referred to in paragraph (a) , (b) , (c) , (d) , (e) or (f) ;

street extends to and includes any road, square, court, passage, alley, thoroughfare, or public way or footway, any place of public resort, and any avenue leading thereto;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 86 of 2001, s. 5, Applied:17 Dec 2001] street entertainment means entertainment consisting of –

(a) singing, reciting or acting; or

(b) playing a musical instrument; or

(c) juggling; or

(d) any other activity carried on for the entertainment of the public;

town means a town proclaimed under the provisions of any Act and includes a city;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 50 of 2009, s. 4, Applied:25 Nov 2009] trailer has the same meaning as in the Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999 ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 72 of 2007, Sched. 1, Applied:28 Apr 2008] [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 49 of 2009, s. 4, Applied:12 Nov 2009] vehicle includes every description of wheeled vehicle;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 49 of 2009, s. 4, Applied:12 Nov 2009] youth means a person who has not attained the age of 18 years.

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 72 of 2007, Sched. 1, Applied:28 Apr 2008]

(2)  A vessel or vehicle shall be deemed to be plying for hire both when it is awaiting passengers in a place frequented by the public, whether or not such place be a public place as above defined, and when such vessel or vehicle is being used to convey passengers.

(3)  The definitions set forth in the Criminal Code , so far as the same are applicable and except where inconsistent with this Act, shall be applied in the construction of this Act.

3A Meaning of explosive device

[Section 3A Inserted by No. 32 of 2025, s. 7, Applied:23 Dec 2025]

(1)  In this Act, explosive device includes the following:

(a) any apparatus, implement, machine or material that –

(i) is capable of causing, or aiding in causing, an explosion in, or with, an explosive substance; or

(ii) is adapted to cause, or aid in causing, an explosion in, or with, an explosive substance;

(b) part of any apparatus, implement, machine or material referred to in paragraph (a), whether complete or incomplete;

(c) a device, or class of devices, prescribed by the regulations as an explosive device.

(2)  A device is taken to be an explosive device under this section if the device would be an explosive device if it did not have something missing from it or a defect or obstruction in it.

(3)  In this Act, a reference to an explosive device does not include a device prescribed by the regulations to be an exempt device.

3B Meaning of explosive substance

[Section 3B Inserted by No. 32 of 2025, s. 7, Applied:23 Dec 2025]

(1)  In this Act, explosive substance includes the following:

(a) a substance that produces, is capable of producing or is manufactured to produce –

(i) a practical effect by explosion; or

(ii) an incendiary effect;

(b) a substance, or a class of substances, prescribed by the regulations as an explosive substance.

(2)  A substance is taken to be an explosive substance under this section if the substance would be an explosive substance if it did not have something missing from it or a defect.

(3)  In this Act, a reference to an explosive substance does not include a substance prescribed by the regulations to be an exempt substance.

Part II General Police Provisions

Division I Drunkenness, vagrancy, indecency, and other public annoyances

4 Drunkenness when in charge of vehicle or in possession of dangerous weapon

(1)  [Section 4 Subsection (1) amended by No. 32 of 1963, s. 2 ][Section 4 Subsection (1) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 4 Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 4 Subsection (1) amended by No. 44 of 1990, s. 225 and Sched. 3 ][Section 4 Subsection (1) amended by No. 34 of 1991, s. 99 ][Section 4 Subsection (1) substituted by No. 59 of 2000, s. 4, Applied:27 Mar 2002] A person must not, in a public place, be drunk while in charge of any vehicle or when in possession of any dangerous weapon.

(1A)  [Section 4 Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 4 Subsection (1A) substituted by No. 59 of 2000, s. 4, Applied:27 Mar 2002] A person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a penalty not exceeding 3 penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months.

(2)  Any person convicted in respect of any offence under this section committed within 6 months after he has been convicted of that or any other offence thereunder shall be liable to double the penalty hereinbefore prescribed in respect of the offence in respect of which he is so convicted.

(3)  [Section 4 Subsection (3) amended by No. 59 of 2000, s. 4, Applied:27 Mar 2002] *[Section 4 Subsection (3) amended by No. 74 of 1982, s. 4 ][Section 4 Subsection (3) amended by No. 44 of 1990, s. 225 and Sched. 3 ][Section 4 Subsection (3) amended by No. 34 of 1991, s. 99 ]*Any police officer may seize and detain any vehicle, liquor or dangerous weapon in the charge or possession of a person whom he finds committing an offence against this section.

(4)  The court before which such offender is tried may order the offender to pay any expenses incurred as a consequence of such seizure.

4A Custody of intoxicated persons

[Section 4A Inserted by No. 59 of 2000, s. 5, Applied:27 Mar 2002]

(1)  In this section –

intoxicated means under the influence of alcohol, another drug or a combination of drugs;

place of safety means a hospital, charitable institution or any other appropriate facility that is capable of caring for an intoxicated person and includes a place declared by the Minister under section 4C to be a place of safety for the purposes of this Act;

responsible person means a person who a police officer reasonably believes is capable of taking adequate care of an intoxicated person.

(2)  If a police officer believes on reasonable grounds that a person in a public place is intoxicated and –

(a) is behaving in a manner likely to cause injury to himself, herself or another person, or damage to any property; or

(b) is incapable of protecting himself or herself from physical harm –

the police officer may take the person into custody.

(3)  A police officer may –

(a) at any time, without any further or other authority than this subsection, release a person taken into custody under subsection (2) , or cause that person to be released, without that person entering into a recognisance or bail, to a place of safety, or into the care of a responsible person, willing to take that person into care; or

(b) hold that person in custody if it is not possible to release that person under paragraph (a) .

(4)  A person may only be held under subsection (3)(b) if a police officer has made reasonable inquiries to find a place of safety or a responsible person and has been unable to find a place of safety, or a responsible person, willing to take the person into care.

(5)  A person taken into custody under subsection (2) is not to be released under subsection (3)(a) into the care of a person in charge of a place of safety or a responsible person if the person held in custody objects to being released into the care of that person.

(6)  A person taken into custody under subsection (2) is to be released –

(a) at the expiration of the period of 8 hours after he or she was taken into custody; or

(b) when a police officer is of the opinion that it is reasonable to do so –

whichever is earlier.

(6A)  [Section 4A Subsection (6A) inserted by No. 29 of 2004, s. 5, Applied:23 Sep 2004] If, on the expiration of the period of 8 hours referred to in subsection (6)(a) , a police officer of or above the rank of inspector believes on reasonable grounds that a person in custody remains –

(a) likely to cause injury to himself, herself or another person, or damage to any property; or

(b) incapable of protecting himself or herself from physical harm –

the person may be detained for a further period of 4 hours.

(7)  A police officer may –

(a) search or cause to be searched a person who has been taken into custody under subsection (2) ; and

(b) remove or cause to be removed from that person for safe keeping, until the person is released from custody, any money or valuables that are found on or about that person and any item on or about that person that is likely to cause harm to that person or any other person or that could be used by that person or any other person to cause harm to that person or any other person.

(8)  A search of a person under subsection (7) is, if practical, to be conducted by a police officer of the same sex as the person being searched.

4B Provisions relating to persons held in custody

[Section 4B Inserted by No. 59 of 2000, s. 5, Applied:27 Mar 2002] A person held in custody under section 4A  –

(a) is not to be questioned by a police officer in relation to an offence; and

(b) is not to be photographed or have his or her fingerprints taken.

4C Declaration of places of safety

[Section 4C Inserted by No. 59 of 2000, s. 5, Applied:27 Mar 2002]

(1)  The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, declare a place to be a place of safety for the purposes of this Act.

(2)  The Rules Publication Act 1953 does not apply to a notice made under subsection (1) .

5.

[Section 5 Subsection (2) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ] [Section 5 Subsection (2A) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ] [Section 5 Repealed by No. 1 of 2001, s. 4, Applied:12 Apr 2001]

6.

[Section 6 Subsection (1) amended by No. 62 of 2009, s. 4, Applied:11 Dec 2009] [Section 6 Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ] [Section 6 Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ] [Section 6 Subsection (2) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ] [Section 6 Repealed by No. 22 of 2018, s. 4, Applied:15 Oct 2018]

6A Display of certain insignia, &c., prohibited

[Section 6A Inserted by No. 13 of 2018, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2019]

(1)  In this section –

identified organisation means an organisation that has been prescribed under subsection (3) ;

participant in, in relation to an organisation, means a person –

(a) who –

(i) has been accepted as a member of the organisation, whether informally or through a process set by the organisation; and

(ii) has not ceased to be a member of the organisation; or

(b) who is an honorary member of the organisation; or

(c) who is a prospective member of the organisation; or

(d) who is an office holder of the organisation; or

(e) who identifies himself or herself in any way as belonging to the organisation; or

(f) whose conduct in relation to the organisation would reasonably lead another person to consider the person to be a participant in the organisation;

prohibited item means any piece of clothing, jewellery, or other accessory, that displays –

(a) the name of an identified organisation; or

(b) the club patch, insignia or logo of an identified organisation; or

(c) any image, symbol, abbreviation, acronym or other form of writing that indicates membership of, or an association with, an identified organisation, including –

(i) the symbol "1%"; and

(ii) the symbol "1%er"; and

(iii) any image, symbol, abbreviation, acronym or other form of writing that is prescribed;

proposed prohibited item, in relation to an organisation, means an item that would be a prohibited item if the organisation were an identified organisation;

relevant offence means an offence involving –

(a) a public act of violence to a person; or

(b) a public act of damage to property; or

(c) disorderly, offensive, threatening or violent behaviour, in public.

(2)  The objects of this section are, as far as practicable –

(a) to ensure that members of the public may lawfully use and pass through public places without experiencing fear or intimidation because other persons are visibly wearing or carrying prohibited items; and

(b) to reduce the likelihood of public disorder or acts of violence in public places; and

(c) to reduce the membership of organisations, members of which may, by wearing or carrying prohibited items –

(i) cause members of the public to feel threatened, fearful or intimidated; or

(ii) have an undue adverse effect on the health or safety of members of the public; or

(iii) increase the likelihood of public disorder or acts of violence.

(3)  Regulations may prescribe an organisation to be an identified organisation.

(4)  Regulations may only prescribe an organisation to be an identified organisation on the recommendation of the Minister.

(5)  The Minister may recommend that an organisation be prescribed to be an identified organisation, but only if he or she has –

(a) received from the Commissioner a recommendation under subsection (6) in relation to the organisation, together with the document required, in accordance with subsection (7) , to accompany the Commissioner's recommendation; and

(b) received from the Attorney-General a recommendation under subsection (9) in relation to the organisation, together with the document required, in accordance with subsection (10) , to accompany the Attorney-General's recommendation.

(6)  The Commissioner may, by notice to the Minister, recommend that an organisation be prescribed to be an identified organisation.

(7)  A recommendation of the Commissioner under subsection (6) is to be accompanied by a document setting out –

(a) reasons for the recommendation; and

(b) a summary of the evidence taken into account by the Commissioner in deciding whether to make the recommendation.

(8)  The Commissioner is to provide to the Attorney-General –

(a) a copy of a recommendation made under subsection (6) ; and

(b) a copy of the document that, in accordance with subsection (7) , accompanied the Commissioner's recommendation.

(9)  The Attorney-General, after having considered –

(a) the document that, in accordance with subsection (8) , was provided to the Attorney-General; and

(b) any other evidence that the Attorney-General thinks fit –

may, by notice to the Minister, recommend to the Minister that the organisation be prescribed to be an identified organisation.

(10)  A recommendation of the Attorney-General under subsection (9) is to be accompanied by a document setting out –

(a) reasons for the recommendation; and

(b) a summary of the other evidence, if any, that, in addition to the evidence received by the Attorney-General under subsection (8) , was, in accordance with subsection (9)(b) , taken into account in deciding whether to make the recommendation.

(11)  The Minister, the Commissioner and the Attorney-General may only make a recommendation under this section that an organisation be prescribed to be an identified organisation if the Minister, the Commissioner or the Attorney-General, respectively, is satisfied that the wearing or carrying of a proposed prohibited item, in relation to the organisation, by a person in a public place –

(a) may cause members of the public to feel threatened, fearful or intimidated; or

(b) may otherwise have an undue adverse effect on the health or safety of members of the public, or the amenity of the community, including by increasing the likelihood of public disorder or acts of violence; or

(c) may encourage persons to become or remain members of an organisation, the members of which may, by wearing or carrying proposed prohibited items –

(i) cause members of the public to feel threatened, fearful or intimidated; or

(ii) have an undue adverse effect on the health or safety of members of the public; or

(iii) increase the likelihood of public disorder or acts of violence.

(12)  In determining whether to make a recommendation under this section, the Minister, the Commissioner and the Attorney-General, respectively, must have regard to whether any person has, while a member of, or a participant in, the organisation, engaged in serious criminal activity or committed a relevant offence of which the person had been convicted.

(13)  Regulations, for the purpose of subsection (3) , that prescribe an organisation to be an identified organisation are of no effect until a notice, setting out that the regulations have been made and the effect of the regulations, appears in as many daily Tasmanian newspapers as circulate generally in the State.

(14)  A person who is in a public place must not wear or carry a prohibited item that, if another person were in the public place, would be visible to the other person.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) a first offence, a fine not exceeding 20 penalty units; or

(b) a subsequent offence, a fine not exceeding 40 penalty units.

(15)  A person who is in or on a vehicle that is in a public place must not wear or carry a prohibited item that, if another person were in the public place, would be visible to the other person.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) a first offence, a fine not exceeding 20 penalty units; or

(b) a subsequent offence, a fine not exceeding 40 penalty units.

(16)  It is a defence to proceedings for an offence against subsection (14) or (15) for the defendant to provide evidence that –

(a) the defendant engaged in the conduct that is alleged to constitute the offence for a genuine artistic, educational, legal or law enforcement purpose; and

(b) the defendant's conduct was, in the circumstances, reasonable for that purpose.

6B Search, seizure and forfeiture of prohibited items

[Section 6B Inserted by No. 13 of 2018, s. 4, Applied:01 Jan 2019]

(1)  If a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a person who is in a public place is contravening, or has contravened, section 6A(14) or (15) , the police officer may, using such force, means and assistance as is reasonably necessary –

(a) detain that person and search the person, including any clothing of the person; and

(b) stop and detain any vehicle in or on which the person is, or was when the provision was being contravened, and search the vehicle and any container found in or on the vehicle; and

(c) seize any item, found during a search under this subsection, that the police officer is of the opinion is a prohibited item within the meaning of section 6A(1) .

(2)  On conviction of a person of an offence against section 6A(14) or (15) , any prohibited item, within the meaning of section 6A(1) , to which the offence relates that is lawfully in the possession of the Crown is forfeited to the Crown.

6C Display of Nazi symbols prohibited, &c.

[Section 6C Inserted by No. 14 of 2023, s. 4, Applied:30 Nov 2023]

(1)  A person must not, by a public act and without a legitimate public purpose, display a Nazi symbol if the person knows, or ought to know, that the symbol is a Nazi symbol.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an offence to which paragraph (b) does not apply – a fine not exceeding 20 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months; or

(b) a second or subsequent offence committed by the person within a 6-month period – a fine not exceeding 40 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months.

(2)  For the avoidance of doubt, the display of a swastika in connection with Buddhism, Hinduism or Jainism does not constitute the display of a Nazi symbol for the purposes of subsection (1) .

(3)  For the purposes of subsection (1) , the display of a Nazi symbol for a legitimate public purpose includes where the symbol –

(a) is displayed reasonably and in good faith for a genuine academic, artistic, religious, scientific, cultural, educational, legal or law enforcement purpose; and

(b) is displayed reasonably and in good faith for the purpose of opposing, or demonstrating against, fascism, Nazism, neo-Nazism or other similar or related ideologies or beliefs; and

(c) is displayed on an object, or contained in a document, that is produced for a genuine academic, artistic, religious, scientific, cultural, educational, legal or law enforcement purpose; and

(d) is included in the making or publishing of a fair and accurate report, of an event or matter, that is in the public interest; and

(e) is displayed for another purpose that is in the public interest.

(4)  It is a defence in proceedings for an offence under subsection (1) if the defendant proves that the Nazi symbol to which the offence relates has been permanently tattooed or marked on, or permanently affixed to, the person's body by means of a body modification procedure within the meaning of section 35A .

(5)  If a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a person is contravening, or has contravened, subsection (1) , the police officer may, in addition to any other action the officer may take under any other Act –

(a) direct the person to remove the relevant Nazi symbol from display; or

(b) in a conspicuous place on the object, or on the property, on which the relevant Nazi symbol is displayed, affix a written direction to remove the Nazi symbol from display if –

(i) it is not reasonable in the circumstances for the police officer to give a direction to the person under paragraph (a) ; or

(ii) the police officer is unable to ascertain which person is responsible for the display of the Nazi symbol.

(6)  A person to whom a direction is given under subsection (5)(a) , or on whose object or property a written direction is affixed in accordance with subsection (5)(b) , must not fail to comply, without reasonable excuse, with the direction within the period specified in the direction.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 10 penalty units.

(7)  If a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a person has failed to comply with a direction as required under subsection (6) , the police officer, using such force, means and assistance as is reasonably necessary, may do any one or more of the following:

(a) detain and search that person, including any clothing on the person and any object or clothing in the possession of the person;

(b) stop and detain any vehicle –

(i) in respect of which the direction was given; or

(ii) that the police officer believes, on reasonable grounds, contains an object in respect of which the direction was given; or

(iii) in, or on, which the person is or was at the time at which the direction was given;

(c) search a vehicle referred to in paragraph (b) and any object found in or on such a vehicle;

(d) search any premises –

(i) in respect of which the direction was given; or

(ii) in, or on, which the person is or was located at the time at which the direction was given;

(e) seize any object, found during a search under this subsection, that in the police officer's opinion is an object that is, or displays, a Nazi symbol.

(8)  In any proceedings for an offence against this section, particulars in a complaint in respect of the offence that state –

(a) that a symbol is a Nazi symbol are, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, prima facie evidence that the symbol is a Nazi symbol; and

(b) that a public act was without a legitimate public purpose are, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, prima facie evidence that the act was without legitimate public purpose.

(9)  On conviction of a person of an offence against subsection (1) , any object to which the offence relates that is lawfully in the possession of the Crown is forfeited to the Crown.

(10)  In this section –

Nazi symbol includes –

(a) a symbol associated with the Nazis or with Nazi ideology; and

(b) a symbol that so nearly resembles a symbol referred to in paragraph (a) that it is likely to be confused with, or mistaken for, such a symbol; and

(c) a depiction, or recording, of a Nazi gesture within the meaning of section 6D ; and

(d) the depiction, or recording, of a gesture that so nearly resembles a gesture referred to in paragraph (c) that it is likely to be confused with, or mistaken for, such a gesture;

public act, in relation to the display of a Nazi symbol, includes –

(a) any form of communication of the symbol to the public; and

(b) the placement of the symbol in a location observable by the public; and

(c) the distribution or dissemination of the symbol, or of an object containing the symbol, to the public.

6D Performance of Nazi gestures, &c., prohibited

[Section 6D Inserted by No. 14 of 2023, s. 4, Applied:30 Nov 2023]

(1)  A person must not perform a Nazi gesture if –

(a) the person knows, or ought to know, that the gesture is a Nazi gesture; and

(b) the gesture is performed by the person –

(i) in a public place; or

(ii) in a place where, if another person were in a public place, the gesture would be visible to the other person.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an offence to which paragraph (b) does not apply – a fine not exceeding 20 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months; or

(b) a second or subsequent offence committed by the person within a 6-month period – a fine not exceeding 40 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months.

(2)  It is a defence in proceedings for an offence under subsection (1) if the defendant proves that the performance of the Nazi gesture was reasonable, and performed in good faith, for a genuine academic, artistic, religious, scientific, cultural, educational, legal or law enforcement purpose.

(3)  In any proceedings for an offence against this section, particulars in a complaint in respect of the offence that state that a gesture is a Nazi gesture are, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, prima facie evidence that the gesture is a Nazi gesture.

(4)  In this section –

Nazi gesture includes –

(a) the gesture known as the Nazi salute; and

(b) a gesture prescribed for the purposes of this definition; and

(c) a gesture that so nearly resembles a gesture referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) that it is likely to be confused with, or mistaken for, such a gesture.

7 Loiterers, &c.

(1)  *[Section 7 Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person, being a suspected person or reputed thief, shall not –

(a) be in or upon any building whatsoever or in any enclosed yard, garden, or area for any unlawful purpose; or

(b) [Section 7 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 5, Applied:19 Dec 2014] frequent or loiter in or near any public place, or any river, or navigable stream with intent to commit a crime or an offence.

(2)  [Section 7 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 5, Applied:19 Dec 2014] [Section 7 Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 5, Applied:19 Dec 2014] In proving under this section intent to commit a crime or an offence it shall not be necessary to show that the person charged was guilty of any particular act tending to show his intent, and he may be convicted if from the circumstances of the case and from his known character as proved to the court before which he is charged it appears to such court that his intent was to commit a crime or an offence.

(3)  [Section 7 Subsection (3) amended by No. 39 of 2007, s. 4, Applied:21 Nov 2007] [Section 7 Subsection (3) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 7 Subsection (3) substituted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 5, Applied:19 Dec 2014] If a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a person is contravening subsection (1) , the police officer may, using such force, means and assistance as is reasonably necessary –

(a) detain and search that person; and

(b) seize any implement or instrument found on that person that the police officer considers could be used for an unlawful purpose or to commit a crime or an offence.

(4)  [Section 7 Subsection (4) substituted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 5, Applied:19 Dec 2014] On conviction of a person of an offence against subsection (1)(a) or (b) , any implement or instrument seized under subsection (3)(b) is forfeited to the Crown.

(5)  [Section 7 Subsection (5) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 5, Applied:19 Dec 2014] *[Section 7 Subsection (5) added by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person who contravenes a provision of subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months.

7A Loitering near children

[Section 7A Inserted by No. 47 of 2000, s. 5, Applied:14 Jul 2000]

(1)  For the purposes of this section, a person loiters near children if the person loiters at, or in the vicinity of –

(a) a school; or

(b) any of the following, while children are present:

(i) a public toilet;

(ii) a playground;

(iii) a swimming pool;

(iv) a games arcade;

(v) any other place at which children are commonly present.

(2)  A person who has been found guilty of a sexual offence must not, without reasonable excuse, loiter near children.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 50 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years, or both.

(3)  [Section 7A Subsection (3) inserted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 6, Applied:19 Dec 2014] If a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a person is contravening subsection (2) , the police officer may, without warrant and using such force, means and assistance as is reasonably necessary –

(a) detain and search that person; and

(b) seize any implement or item found on that person that the police officer considers may have been used during the commission of the offence.

(4)  [Section 7A Subsection (4) inserted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 6, Applied:19 Dec 2014] The court may, if it considers any implement or item that was seized under subsection (3)(b) may have been used during the commission of an offence against subsection (2) , order that the implement or item be forfeited to the Crown.

(5)  [Section 7A Subsection (5) inserted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 6, Applied:19 Dec 2014] The court may make an order against subsection (4) whether or not the person is convicted of an offence against subsection (2) .

(6)  [Section 7A Subsection (6) inserted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 6, Applied:19 Dec 2014] On conviction of a person of an offence against subsection (2) , any implement or item seized under subsection (3)(b) is forfeited to the Crown.

7B Possession of implement or instrument

[Section 7B Inserted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 7, Applied:19 Dec 2014]

(1)  A person must not have in his or her possession without lawful excuse any implement or instrument with intent to commit a crime or an offence.

(2)  If a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a person is contravening subsection (1) , the police officer may, without warrant and using such force, means and assistance as is reasonably necessary –

(a) detain and search that person; and

(b) seize any implement or instrument found on that person that the police officer considers could be used to commit a crime or an offence.

(3)  [Section 7B Subsection (3) amended by No. 27 of 2020, s. 25, Applied:01 Jul 2021] [Section 7B Subsection (3) amended by No. 27 of 2020, s. 25, Applied:01 Jul 2021] A person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years.

(4)  On conviction of a person of an offence against subsection (3) any implement or instrument seized under subsection (2) is forfeited to the Crown.

(5)  In proving under this section an intent to commit a crime or an offence, it is not necessary to show that the person charged was guilty of any particular act tending to show his or her intent and he or she may be convicted if, from the circumstances of the case and for his or her known character as proved to the court before which he or she is charged, it appears to the court that his or her intent was to commit a crime or an offence.

8 Wilful and obscene exposure, &c.

(1)  [Section 8 Subsection (1) amended by No. 32 of 1963, s. 3 ][Section 8 Subsection (1) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 8 Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]**[Section 8 Subsection (1) amended by No. 44 of 1990, s. 225 and Sched. 3 ][Section 8 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 8, Applied:19 Dec 2014] [Section 8 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 8, Applied:19 Dec 2014] [Section 8 Subsection (1) amended by No. 86 of 2001, s. 6, Applied:17 Dec 2001] [Section 8 Subsection (1) amended by No. 42 of 2005, s. 30, Applied:01 Jan 2006] [Section 8 Subsection (1) amended by No. 1 of 2001, s. 5, Applied:12 Apr 2001] [Section 8 Subsection (1) omitted by No. 10 of 2024, s. 4, Applied:30 Aug 2024] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(1AA)  [Section 8 Subsection (1AA) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 8 Subsection (1AA) omitted by No. 10 of 2024, s. 4, Applied:30 Aug 2024] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(1A)  *[Section 8 Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 32 of 1963, s. 3 ][Section 8 Subsection (1A) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 8 Subsection (1A) amended by No. 53 of 1971, s. 2 ]**[Section 8 Subsection (1A) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person shall not –

(a) wilfully and obscenely expose his person in any public place or in the view of persons therein;

(b) [Section 8 Subsection (1A) amended by No. 42 of 2005, s. 30, Applied:01 Jan 2006] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(c) [Section 8 Subsection (1A) amended by No. 86 of 2001, s. 6, Applied:17 Dec 2001] [Section 8 Subsection (1A) amended by No. 42 of 2005, s. 30, Applied:01 Jan 2006] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(1AB)  *[Section 8 Subsection (1AB) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person who contravenes a provision of subsection (1A) is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a penalty not exceeding 10 penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months.

(1B)  [Section 8 Subsection (1B) inserted by No. 32 of 1963, s. 3 ]**[Section 8 Subsection (1B) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 8 Subsection (1B) omitted by No. 86 of 2001, s. 6, Applied:17 Dec 2001] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(1C)  [Section 8 Subsection (1C) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 8 Subsection (1C) omitted by No. 86 of 2001, s. 6, Applied:17 Dec 2001] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(2)  [Section 8 Subsection (2) omitted by No. 42 of 2005, s. 30, Applied:01 Jan 2006] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

9.

[Section 9 Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ] [Section 9 Subsection (2) added by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ] [Section 9 Repealed by No. 1 of 2001, s. 6, Applied:12 Apr 2001]

10 Disorderly houses

(1)  [Section 10 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 9, Applied:19 Dec 2014] *[Section 10 Subsection (1) amended by No. 32 of 1963, s. 4 ][Section 10 Subsection (1) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 10 Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person occupying or keeping any house, shop, room or other premises shall not–

(a) permit or suffer any breach of the peace or riotous or disorderly conduct therein;

(b) [Section 10 Subsection (1) amended by No. 42 of 2005, s. 31, Applied:01 Jan 2006] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(c) [Section 10 Subsection (1) amended by No. 1 of 2001, s. 7, Applied:12 Apr 2001] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(d) [Section 10 Subsection (1) amended by No. 1 of 2001, s. 7, Applied:12 Apr 2001] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(1A)  *[Section 10 Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person who contravenes a provision of subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a penalty not exceeding 5 penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months.

(2)  [Section 10 Subsection (2) substituted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 9, Applied:19 Dec 2014] If a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that an offence against subsection (1A) is being or has been committed in any house, shop, room or other premises, the police officer may –

(a) without warrant and using such force, means and assistance as is reasonably necessary, enter the house, shop, room or other premises; and

(b) direct any person found at the house, shop, room or other premises to leave that house, shop, room or other premises and not return for a specified period of not less than 12 hours.

(3)  *[Section 10 Subsection (3) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ]**[Section 10 Subsection (3) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*The court before whom any such offender is convicted may further order him to find security, in a sum to be fixed by the court, for his good behaviour for a period not exceeding 12 months, under a penalty not exceeding 2 penalty units, and in the event of such security not being found, may sentence the person offending to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 months.

(4)  *[Section 10 Subsection (4) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ]**[Section 10 Subsection (4) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*If any person is found guilty of any such offence a second time, it shall be lawful for the court, on the application of 3 householders, by warrant to order such person to be removed from the premises occupied, or kept by him, and to impose such further penalty on such offender, not exceeding 2 penalty units, as to the court may seem fit.

(5)  [Section 10 Subsection (5) inserted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 9, Applied:19 Dec 2014] Subsection (2)(b) does not apply to the owner or tenant of the house, shop, room or other premises.

(6)  [Section 10 Subsection (6) inserted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 9, Applied:19 Dec 2014] A person who refuses or fails to comply with a direction from a police officer under subsection (2)(b) is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding 20 penalty units.

11.

[Section 11 Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ] [Section 11 Subsection (1) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ] [Section 11 Subsection (2) added by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ] [Section 11 Repealed by No. 1 of 2001, s. 8, Applied:12 Apr 2001]

12 Prohibited language and behaviour

[Section 12 Subsection (1) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 12 Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 12 Subsection (1) amended by No. 44 of 1990, s. 225 and Sched. 3 ]

(1)  *[Section 12 Subsection (1) amended by No. 32 of 1963, s. 5 ]*A person shall not, in any public place, or within the hearing of any person in that place –

(a) curse or swear;

(b) sing any profane or obscene song;

(c) [Section 12 Subsection (1) amended by No. 27 of 2024, s. 17, Applied:13 Dec 2024] use any profane, indecent, obscene or offensive language; or

(d) [Section 12 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 10, Applied:19 Dec 2014] use any threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour calculated to provoke a breach of the peace or whereby a breach of the peace may be occasioned.

(1A)  *[Section 12 Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person who contravenes a provision of subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a penalty not exceeding 3 penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months.

(2)  *[Section 12 Subsection (2) added by No. 32 of 1963, s. 5 ]*A person convicted in respect of an offence under this section committed within 6 months after he has been convicted of that or any other offence thereunder is liable to double the penalty prescribed in subsection (1) in respect of the offence in respect of which he is so convicted.

13 Public annoyance

[Section 13 Amended by 25 Geo. V No. 78 ]**[Section 13 Amended by No. 32 of 1963, s. 6 ]

(1)  *[Section 13 Subsection (1) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 13 Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 13 Subsection (1) amended by No. 112 of 1987, s. 89 ]**[Section 13 Subsection (1) amended by No. 44 of 1990, s. 225 and Sched. 3 ]*A person shall not, in a public place –

(a) behave in a violent, riotous, offensive, or indecent manner;

(b) disturb the public peace;

(c) engage in disorderly conduct;

(d) jostle, insult, or annoy any person;

(e) commit any nuisance; or

(f) throw, let off, or set fire to any firework.

(2)  *[Section 13 Subsection (2) substituted by No. 87 of 1981, s. 4 ][Section 13 Subsection (2) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 13 Subsection (2) amended by No. 44 of 1990, s. 225 and Sched. 3 ]*A person shall not recklessly throw or discharge a missile to the danger or damage of another person or to the danger or damage of the property of another person.

(2A)  *[Section 13 Subsection (2A) inserted by No. 44 of 1990, s. 225 and Sched. 3 ]*A person shall not, in a public place, supply liquor to a person under the age of 18 years.

(2B)  *[Section 13 Subsection (2B) inserted by No. 44 of 1990, s. 225 and Sched. 3 ]*A person under the age of 18 years shall not consume liquor in a public place.

(2C)  *[Section 13 Subsection (2C) inserted by No. 44 of 1990, s. 225 and Sched. 3 ]*A person under the age of 18 years shall not have possession or control of liquor in a public place.

(3)  *[Section 13 Subsection (3) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ]**[Section 13 Subsection (3) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person shall not wilfully disquiet or disturb any meeting, assembly, or congregation of persons assembled for religious worship.

(3AAA)  [Section 13 Subsection (3AAA) inserted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 11, Applied:19 Dec 2014] If a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a person is contravening or has contravened subsection (1)(f) or subsection (2) , the police officer may, without warrant and using such force, means and assistance as is reasonably necessary –

(a) detain and search that person; and

(b) seize –

(i) in relation to a contravention under subsection (1)(f) , any firework found on that person; and

(ii) in relation to a contravention of subsection (2) , any missile found on that person.

(3AAB)  [Section 13 Subsection (3AAB) inserted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 11, Applied:19 Dec 2014] On conviction of a person of an offence against subsection (1)(f) or subsection (2) any firework or missile seized under subsection (3AAA)(b) is forfeited to the Crown.

(3AA)  *[Section 13 Subsection (3AA) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]**[Section 13 Subsection (3AA) amended by No. 44 of 1990, s. 225 and Sched. 3 ]*A person who contravenes a provision of subsection (1) , (2) , (2A) , (2B) , (2C) or (3) is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to –

(a) a penalty not exceeding 3 penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months, in the case of an offence under subsection (1) or (3) ; or

(b) a penalty not exceeding 5 penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, in the case of an offence under subsection (2) ; or

(c) a penalty not exceeding 10 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, in the case of an offence under subsection (2A) , (2B) or (2C) .

(3A)  *[Section 13 Subsection (3A) inserted by No. 32 of 1963, s. 6 ]**[Section 13 Subsection (3A) amended by No. 44 of 1990, s. 225 and Sched. 3 ]*A person convicted in respect of an offence under this section committed within 6 months after he has been convicted of that or any other offence thereunder is liable to double the penalty prescribed in respect of the offence in respect of which he is so convicted.

(3B)  *[Section 13 Subsection (3B) inserted by No. 44 of 1990, s. 225 and Sched. 3 ]*A police officer may seize liquor in the possession of a person the police officer reasonably believes is committing an offence under subsection (1) , (2) , (2A) , (2B) , (2C) or (3) .

(3C)  *[Section 13 Subsection (3C) inserted by No. 44 of 1990, s. 225 and Sched. 3 ]*If a police officer has seized liquor in accordance with subsection (3B) and the person who has possession of the liquor is subsequently convicted of an offence under subsection (1) , (2) , (2A) , (2B) , (2C) or (3) , the court that convicted the person may order that the liquor and its container be forfeited to the Crown.

(3D)  [Section 13 Subsection (3D) amended by No. 4 of 2017, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2019] *[Section 13 Subsection (3D) inserted by No. 44 of 1990, s. 225 and Sched. 3 ]*If–

(a) a police officer has seized liquor in accordance with subsection (3B) ; and

(b) subsequent to the seizure–

(i) no proceedings are instituted within a reasonable time for an offence under subsection (1) , (2) , (2A) , (2B) , (2C) or (3) ; or

(ii) proceedings are instituted for an offence under one of those subsections but no order for the forfeiture of the liquor is made–

a magistrate may order that the liquor be given to a person the magistrate is satisfied has a right to its possession but if no such order is made or sought within a reasonable time the Commissioner may dispose of the liquor in such manner as the Commissioner considers most appropriate, and shall pay any proceeds into the Public Account.

(4)  *[Section 13 Subsection (4) inserted by No. 71 of 1962, s. 3 ][Section 13 Subsection (4) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 13 Subsection (4) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person shall not wilfully leave open any gate or slip-panel or make a gap in any fence for the purpose of permitting or causing any animal, or otherwise wilfully cause or procure any animal, to trespass.

(4A)  *[Section 13 Subsection (4A) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person who contravenes a provision of subsection (4) is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a penalty not exceeding 3 penalty units.

(5)  [Section 13 Subsection (5) inserted by No. 71 of 1962, s. 3 ][Section 13 Subsection (5) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 13 Subsection (5) amended by No. 99 of 1982, s. 3 and Sched. 2 ][Section 13 Subsection (5) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 13 Subsection (5) amended by No. 30 of 1995, s. 3 and Sched. 1 ][Section 13 Subsection (5) omitted by No. 1 of 2001, s. 9, Applied:12 Apr 2001] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(5AA)  [Section 13 Subsection (5AA) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 13 Subsection (5AA) omitted by No. 1 of 2001, s. 9, Applied:12 Apr 2001] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(5A)  [Section 13 Subsection (5A) inserted by No. 62 of 1965, s. 2 ][Section 13 Subsection (5A) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 13 Subsection (5A) amended by No. 75 of 1973, s. 2 and Sched. 1 ][Section 13 Subsection (5A) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 13 Subsection (5A) amended by No. 30 of 1995, s. 3 and Sched. 1 ][Section 13 Subsection (5A) omitted by No. 86 of 2001, s. 7, Applied:17 Dec 2001] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(5AB)  [Section 13 Subsection (5AB) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 13 Subsection (5AB) omitted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 11, Applied:19 Dec 2014] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(6)  *[Section 13 Subsection (6) inserted by No. 71 of 1962, s. 3 ][Section 13 Subsection (6) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 13 Subsection (6) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person, being the owner or usual keeper of a stallion, bull, boar, or ram, shall not permit the animal to be in any public place unless it is under the immediate custody or control of some competent person.

(6A)  [Section 13 Subsection (6A) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 11, Applied:19 Dec 2014] *[Section 13 Subsection (6A) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person who contravenes subsection (6) is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a penalty not exceeding 5 penalty units.

(7)  *[Section 13 Subsection (7) inserted by No. 71 of 1962, s. 3 ][Section 13 Subsection (7) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 13 Subsection (7) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person, being the owner or usual keeper of a horse, mule, hinny, ass, ox, pig, sheep, or goat, other than those mentioned in subsection (6) , shall not permit the animal to graze or stray in any public place.

(7A)  [Section 13 Subsection (7A) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 11, Applied:19 Dec 2014] *[Section 13 Subsection (7A) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person who contravenes subsection (7) is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a penalty not exceeding 1 penalty unit or to a penalty not exceeding 3 penalty units for any fifth or subsequent offence within a period of 5 years.

(8)  *[Section 13 Subsection (8) inserted by No. 71 of 1962, s. 3 ]**[Section 13 Subsection (8) amended by No. 75 of 1973, s. 2 and Sched. 1 ]*The provisions of subsection (7) do not apply in respect of a milch cow grazing in pursuance of an authority lawfully issued by the body controlling the public place where the cow is grazing; nor to an animal grazing on an unfenced road not within 2.5 kilometres of a city or town.

(9)  *[Section 13 Subsection (9) inserted by No. 71 of 1962, s. 3 ]*The owner or usual keeper of any animal mentioned in subsection (7) which is found straying in a public place is liable to the penalty imposed by that subsection, unless he satisfies the court that the presence of the animal therein was not due to the negligence or default of himself, his servant, or agent.

(10)  [Section 13 Subsection (10) omitted by No. 112 of 1987, s. 89 ].  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(10A)  [Section 13 Subsection (10A) omitted by No. 46 of 1991, s. 5 and Sched. 3 ].  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(11)  [Section 13 Subsection (11) omitted by No. 112 of 1987, s. 89 ].  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(11A)  [Section 13 Subsection (11A) omitted by No. 46 of 1991, s. 5 and Sched. 3 ].  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(12)  [Section 13 Subsection (12) omitted by No. 112 of 1987, s. 89 ].  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(12A)  [Section 13 Subsection (12A) omitted by No. 46 of 1991, s. 4 and Sched. 3 ].  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(13)  [Section 13 Subsection (13) omitted by No. 112 of 1987, s. 89 ].  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(14)  [Section 13 Subsection (14) added by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 13 Subsection (14) omitted by No. 9 of 2003, Sched. 1, Applied:16 Apr 2003] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

13A Observation or recording in breach of privacy

[Section 13A Inserted by No. 39 of 2007, s. 5, Applied:21 Nov 2007]

(1)  A person who observes or visually records another person, in circumstances where a reasonable person would expect to be afforded privacy –

(a) without the other person's consent; and

(b) when the other person –

(i) is in a private place; or

(ii) is engaging in a private act and the observation or visual recording is made for the purpose of observing or visually recording a private act –

is guilty of an offence.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 50 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both.

(2)  [Section 13A Subsection (2) substituted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 12, Applied:19 Dec 2014] A person who observes or visually records another person's genital or anal region, in circumstances where a reasonable person would expect to be afforded privacy in relation to that region, when the observation or visual recording is made for the purpose of observing or visually recording the other person's genital or anal region is guilty of an offence.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 50 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both.

(2A)  [Section 13A Subsection (2A) inserted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 12, Applied:19 Dec 2014] It is a defence to proceedings for an offence against subsection (2) for the defendant to provide evidence that the observation or visual recording was carried out with the consent of the person observed or visually recorded.

(2B)  [Section 13A Subsection (2B) inserted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 12, Applied:19 Dec 2014] If a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a person is contravening or has contravened subsection (1) or (2) , the police officer may, without warrant and using such force, means and assistance as is reasonably necessary –

(a) detain and search that person; and

(b) seize any visual recording, item or instrument found on that person that the police officer considers could be used for observing or visually recording contrary to subsection (1) or (2) .

(2C)  [Section 13A Subsection (2C) inserted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 12, Applied:19 Dec 2014] The court may, if it considers any visual recording, item or instrument that was seized under subsection (2B)(b) may have been used during the commission of an offence against subsection (1) or (2) , order that the visual recording, item or instrument be forfeited to the Crown.

(2D)  [Section 13A Subsection (2D) inserted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 12, Applied:19 Dec 2014] The court may make an order under subsection (2C) whether or not the person is convicted of an offence against subsection (1) or (2) .

(2E)  [Section 13A Subsection (2E) inserted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 12, Applied:19 Dec 2014] On conviction of a person of an offence against subsection (1) or (2) , any visual recording, item or instrument seized under subsection (2B)(b) is forfeited to the Crown.

(3)  In subsection (2)  –

genital or anal region, of a person, means the person's genital or anal region when that region is covered only by underwear or bare.

13B Publishing or distributing prohibited visual recording

[Section 13B Inserted by No. 39 of 2007, s. 5, Applied:21 Nov 2007]

(1)  A person who publishes or distributes a prohibited visual recording of another person having reason to believe it to be a prohibited visual recording, without lawful and reasonable excuse (proof of which lies on the first-mentioned person), is guilty of an offence.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 50 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both.

(1A)  [Section 13B Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 13, Applied:19 Dec 2014] If a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a person is contravening or has contravened subsection (1) , the police officer may, without warrant and using such force, means and assistance as is reasonably necessary –

(a) detain and search that person; and

(b) seize any prohibited visual recording, item or instrument found on that person that the police officer considers could be used for publishing or distributing contrary to subsection (1) .

(1B)  [Section 13B Subsection (1B) inserted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 13, Applied:19 Dec 2014] The court may, if it considers any prohibited visual recording, item or instrument that was seized under subsection (1A)(b) may have been used during the commission of an offence against subsection (1) , order that the prohibited visual recording, item or instrument be forfeited to the Crown.

(1C)  [Section 13B Subsection (1C) inserted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 13, Applied:19 Dec 2014] The court may make an order under subsection (1B) whether or not the person is convicted of an offence against subsection (1) .

(1D)  [Section 13B Subsection (1D) inserted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 13, Applied:19 Dec 2014] On conviction of a person of an offence against subsection (1) , any prohibited visual recording, item or instrument seized under subsection (1A)(b) is forfeited to the Crown.

(2)  In this section –

distribute includes –

(a) communicate, exhibit, send, supply or transmit to someone, whether to a particular person or not; and

(b) make available for access by someone, whether by a particular person or not; and

(c) enter into an agreement or arrangement to do anything mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) ; and

(d) attempt to distribute;

[Section 13B Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 13, Applied:19 Dec 2014] genital or anal region, of a person, has the same meaning as in section 13A ;

prohibited visual recording of another person means –

(a) a visual recording of the person in a private place or engaging in a private act made in circumstances where a reasonable adult would expect to be afforded privacy; or

(b) a visual recording of the person's genital or anal region, when it is covered only by underwear or bare, made in circumstances where a reasonable adult would expect to be afforded privacy in relation to that region.

13C Possession of prohibited visual recording

[Section 13C Inserted by No. 39 of 2007, s. 5, Applied:21 Nov 2007]

(1)  A person who has in his or her possession a prohibited visual recording having reason to believe it to be a prohibited visual recording is guilty of an offence.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 50 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both.

(1A)  [Section 13C Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 14, Applied:19 Dec 2014] If a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a person is contravening subsection (1) , the police officer may, without warrant and using such force, means and assistance as is reasonably necessary –

(a) detain and search that person; and

(b) seize any prohibited visual recording found on that person or any item or instrument found on that person that the police officer considers could be used for storing a prohibited visual recording.

(1B)  [Section 13C Subsection (1B) inserted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 14, Applied:19 Dec 2014] The court may, if it considers any prohibited visual recording that was seized under subsection (1A)(b) may have been used during the commission of an offence against subsection (1) , order that the prohibited visual recording be forfeited to the Crown.

(1C)  [Section 13C Subsection (1C) inserted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 14, Applied:19 Dec 2014] The court may make an order under subsection (1B) whether or not the person is convicted of an offence against subsection (1) .

(1D)  [Section 13C Subsection (1D) inserted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 14, Applied:19 Dec 2014] On conviction of a person of an offence against subsection (1) , any prohibited visual recording seized under subsection (1A)(b) is forfeited to the Crown.

(2)  In this section –

prohibited visual recording has the same meaning as in section 13B .

13D Persons who are not criminally responsible for an offence under section 13A or 13B

[Section 13D Inserted by No. 39 of 2007, s. 5, Applied:21 Nov 2007]

(1)  A person is not criminally responsible for an offence under section 13A or 13B if –

(a) the person is, at the time of the offence, a law enforcement officer acting in the course of the person's duties as such an officer; and

(b) the person's conduct is reasonable in the circumstances for the performance of those duties.

(2)  A person is not criminally responsible for an offence under section 13A or 13B in relation to an observation or visual recording of another person who is in lawful custody if –

(a) the person is, at the time of the offence, acting in the course of the person's duties in relation to the other person's lawful custody; and

(b) the person's conduct is reasonable in the circumstances for the performance of the duties.

(3)  A person is not criminally responsible for an offence under section 13A or 13B if –

(a) the person is, at the time of the offence, acting in the course of the person's occupation or employment; and

(b) the person's conduct is reasonable in the circumstances for the performance of the occupation or employment.

(4)  The onus of proving the matter or thing referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (3) lies on the person referred to in those paragraphs.

14 Public decency

[Section 14 Subsection (1) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ]**[Section 14 Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]

(1)  [Section 14 Subsection (1) amended by No. 32 of 1963, s. 7 ][Section 14 Subsection (1) substituted by No. 86 of 2001, s. 8, Applied:17 Dec 2001] A person, in any public place or within sight of any person in a public place, must not bathe in any river, lake, harbour or stream or sunbathe unless –

(a) the person is decently clothed; or

(b) the conduct is authorised in that place by the appropriate council.

(2)  *[Section 14 Subsection (2) added by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a penalty not exceeding one penalty unit.

Division IA [Part II, Div. IA Heading inserted by No. 82 of 1973, s. 2 ]Offences relating to trespass to lands

14A Peering into dwelling-houses, &c.

[Section 14A Inserted by No. 19 of 1961, s. 2 ]

(1)  *[Section 14A Subsection (1) amended by No. 32 of 1963, s. 8 ][Section 14A Subsection (1) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 14A Subsection (1) amended by No. 74 of 1982, s. 5 ]**[Section 14A Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person shall not without lawful excuse (proof whereof shall lie on him) –

(a) peep or peer into the window or door of a dwelling-house; or

(b) lurk, loiter, or secrete himself on any land within the curtilage of a dwelling-house.

(2)  *[Section 14A Subsection (2) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person who contravenes a provision of subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a penalty not exceeding 5 penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months.

14B Unlawful entry on land, &c.

[Section 14B Inserted by No. 82 of 1973, s. 3 ]

(1)  [Section 14B Subsection (1) amended by No. 74 of 1982, s. 6 ][Section 14B Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 14B Subsection (1) amended by No. 4 of 1992, s. 4 ][Section 14B Subsection (1) substituted by No. 86 of 2001, s. 9, Applied:17 Dec 2001] [Section 14B Subsection (1) substituted by No. 22 of 2022, s. 4, Applied:20 Sep 2022] A person, without reasonable or lawful excuse (proof of which lies on the person), must not enter into or onto, move into or onto, or remain in or on, any land, building, structure, premises, aircraft, vehicle or vessel, without the consent of the owner, occupier or person in charge of the land, building, structure, premises, aircraft, vehicle or vessel.

(1A)  [Section 14B Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 22 of 2022, s. 4, Applied:20 Sep 2022] For the purposes of this section and the application of this Act to this section, a person who attaches himself or herself to, or permits himself or herself to be attached to, any land, building, structure, premises, aircraft, vehicle or vessel is taken, while remaining so attached, to be remaining in or on that land, building, structure, premises, aircraft, vehicle or vessel.

(2)  [Section 14B Subsection (2) amended by No. 43 of 2007, s. 59, Applied:13 Nov 2007] *[Section 14B Subsection (2) amended by No. 74 of 1982, s. 6 ][Section 14B Subsection (2) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 14B Subsection (2) amended by No. 4 of 1992, s. 4 ]*A person who is convicted of an offence under this section is liable to a penalty of–

(a) [Section 14B Subsection (2) amended by No. 43 of 2007, s. 59, Applied:13 Nov 2007] [Section 14B Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 15, Applied:19 Dec 2014] [Section 14B Subsection (2) amended by No. 22 of 2022, s. 4, Applied:20 Sep 2022] a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, in respect of entering into or onto, moving into or onto, or remaining in or on, a dwelling-house; or

(b) [Section 14B Subsection (2) amended by No. 86 of 2001, s. 9, Applied:17 Dec 2001] [Section 14B Subsection (2) amended by No. 43 of 2007, s. 59, Applied:13 Nov 2007] [Section 14B Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 15, Applied:19 Dec 2014] [Section 14B Subsection (2) amended by No. 22 of 2022, s. 4, Applied:20 Sep 2022] 25 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, in respect of entering into or onto, moving into or onto, or remaining in or on, any other land, building, structure, premises, aircraft, vehicle or vessel.

(2AA)  [Section 14B Subsection (2AA) inserted by No. 22 of 2022, s. 4, Applied:20 Sep 2022] Despite subsections (2) and (2A) , if the court that convicts a natural person of an offence under this section is satisfied that –

(a) the person, by or while committing the offence, substantially impeded, or prevented, another person from carrying out lawful work; and

(b) the person, by or while committing the offence, intended to substantially impede, or prevent, a person from carrying out lawful work –

the person is liable to a penalty not exceeding 50 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months.

(2ABA)  [Section 14B Subsection (2ABA) inserted by No. 22 of 2022, s. 4, Applied:20 Sep 2022] Subsection (2AA) does not apply in relation to an offence committed by a natural person if the court that convicts the person of the offence is satisfied that –

(a) the offence was committed in the course of the person being engaged in an industrial dispute or an industrial campaign; and

(b) the person did not, by or while committing the offence –

(i) cause, directly or indirectly, a serious risk to the safety of the person or another person; or

(ii) take an action that caused, directly or indirectly, a serious risk to the safety of the person or another person.

(2AB)  [Section 14B Subsection (2AB) inserted by No. 22 of 2022, s. 4, Applied:20 Sep 2022] Despite subsections (2) , (2AA) and (2A) , if the court that convicts a natural person of an offence under this section is satisfied that the person, by or while committing the offence –

(a) caused, directly or indirectly, a serious risk to the safety of the person or another person; or

(b) took an action that caused, directly or indirectly, a serious risk to the safety of the person or another person –

the person is –

(c) liable to a penalty not exceeding 50 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 18 months; or

(d) if the person has previously been convicted of an offence to which this subsection applies, liable to a penalty not exceeding 75 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 24 months.

(2AC)  [Section 14B Subsection (2AC) inserted by No. 22 of 2022, s. 4, Applied:20 Sep 2022] Despite subsections (2) and (2A) , if the court that convicts a person that is a body corporate of an offence under this section is satisfied that –

(a) the person, by or while committing the offence, substantially impeded, or prevented, another person from carrying out lawful work; and

(b) the person, by or while committing the offence, intended to substantially impede, or prevent, a person from carrying out lawful work –

the person is liable to a penalty not exceeding 250 penalty units.

(2AD)  [Section 14B Subsection (2AD) inserted by No. 22 of 2022, s. 4, Applied:20 Sep 2022] Subsection (2AC) does not apply in relation to an offence committed by a person that is a body corporate if the court that convicts the body corporate of the offence is satisfied that –

(a) the offence was committed in the course of the person being engaged in an industrial dispute or an industrial campaign; and

(b) the person did not, by or while committing the offence –

(i) cause, directly or indirectly, a serious risk to the safety of the person or another person; or

(ii) take an action that caused, directly or indirectly, a serious risk to the safety of the person or another person.

(2A)  [Section 14B Subsection (2A) amended by No. 22 of 2022, s. 4, Applied:20 Sep 2022] [Section 14B Subsection (2A) inserted by No. 43 of 2007, s. 59, Applied:13 Nov 2007] Despite subsection (2) , if the court that convicts a person of an offence under this section is satisfied that the person –

(a) was in possession of a firearm during the actual commission of the offence; or

(b) made any use of an aircraft, vehicle or vessel during the actual commission of the offence –

the person is liable to a penalty not exceeding twice that provided for by subsection (2) .

(2B)  [Section 14B Subsection (2B) inserted by No. 43 of 2007, s. 59, Applied:13 Nov 2007] If subsection (2A)(a) applies to the convicted person, the court may, in addition to any other penalty it may impose, do either or both of the following:

(a) order that the firearm is forfeited to the Crown;

(b) cancel all or any of the licences or permits that the convicted person may hold under the Firearms Act 1996 .

(2C)  [Section 14B Subsection (2C) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 15, Applied:19 Dec 2014] [Section 14B Subsection (2C) inserted by No. 43 of 2007, s. 59, Applied:13 Nov 2007] A firearm forfeited to the Crown pursuant to subsection (2B) is to be disposed of as the Commissioner determines.

(3)  [Section 14B Subsection (3) amended by No. 22 of 2022, s. 4, Applied:20 Sep 2022] *[Section 14B Subsection (3) amended by No. 74 of 1982, s. 6 ]*Where a person is convicted of an offence under this section in respect of entering or remaining in or on the dwelling-house of another person, the court or one of the justices may issue a warrant addressed to all police officers commanding them to enter the premises and give the possession thereof to the complainant.

(4)  For the purpose of executing a warrant under subsection (3) , every police officer may, if necessary, break and enter the premises to which the warrant relates and eject the person convicted and any other person therefrom.

(5)  [Section 14B Subsection (5) inserted by No. 43 of 2007, s. 59, Applied:13 Nov 2007] [Section 14B Subsection (5) substituted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 15, Applied:19 Dec 2014] If a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a person is contravening subsection (1) , the police officer may, without warrant and using such force, means and assistance as is reasonably necessary –

(a) detain and search that person; and

(b) seize any firearm found in the possession of that person.

(6)  [Section 14B Subsection (6) inserted by No. 43 of 2007, s. 59, Applied:13 Nov 2007] Section 68 applies if a firearm is seized under subsection (5) .

(7)  [Section 14B Subsection (7) inserted by No. 22 of 2022, s. 4, Applied:20 Sep 2022] For the purposes of this section, if a police officer –

(a) finds a person on part of an area of land to which a mineral tenement, within the meaning of the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995 , relates; and

(b) believes on reasonable grounds that the person is committing, in relation to that mineral tenement, an offence against section 23(3) , 58(3) , 67N(3) or 84(2) of that Act –

the holder of the mineral tenement is taken to be the person in charge of the part of the area of land while the person remains on the part of the area of land.

(8)  [Section 14B Subsection (8) inserted by No. 22 of 2022, s. 4, Applied:20 Sep 2022] Nothing in subsection (7) is to be taken to limit the circumstances in which a person, including the holder of a mineral tenement in relation to an area of land, may be, for the purposes of this Act, the person in charge of an area of land.

14C Names and addresses of offenders may be required

[Section 14C Inserted by No. 82 of 1973, s. 3 ]

(1)  *[Section 14C Subsection (1) amended by No. 74 of 1982, s. 7 ]*Where the owner or occupier of any land, his agent, or any person authorized in writing in that behalf by the owner or occupier of any land or his agent finds on that land another person in circumstances in which he believes on reasonable grounds that that other person is committing or has committed an offence under section 14B (1) , he may require that other person to state his name and the address of his place of abode.

(2)  *[Section 14C Subsection (2) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person who fails or refuses to comply with a requirement under subsection (1) or, in response to such a requirement, gives a name or address that is false, is guilty of an offence, and, on summary conviction, is liable to a penalty not exceeding 2 penalty units.

14D Alternative convictions

*[Section 14D Inserted by No. 82 of 1973, s. 3 ]*Where a person who is charged with an offence under section 14A is found not guilty of the offence with which he is charged, he may be convicted of an offence under section 14B or section 14C if it is established by the evidence to have been committed by him.

Division II Offences relating to good order and safety

15.

[Section 15 Subsection (1) amended by No. 32 of 1963, s. 9 ] [Section 15 Subsection (1) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ] [Section 15 Subsection (1) amended by No. 75 of 1973, s. 2 and Sched. 1 ] [Section 15 Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ] [Section 15 Subsection (1) amended by No. 1 of 2001, s. 10, Applied:12 Apr 2001] [Section 15 Subsection (1) amended by No. 1 of 2001, s. 10, Applied:12 Apr 2001] [Section 15 Subsection (2) inserted by 4 Geo. VI No. 12, s. 2 ] [Section 15 Subsection (2) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ] [Section 15 Subsection (2) amended by No. 99 of 1982, s. 3 and Sched. 2 ] [Section 15 Subsection (2) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ] [Section 15 Subsection (2) amended by No. 30 of 1995, s. 3 and Sched. 1 ] [Section 15 Subsection (2) omitted by No. 1 of 2001, s. 10, Applied:12 Apr 2001] [Section 15 Subsection (3) inserted by 4 Geo. VI No. 12, s. 2 ] [Section 15 Subsection (3) omitted by No. 1 of 2001, s. 10, Applied:12 Apr 2001] [Section 15 Subsection (4) inserted by 4 Geo. VI No. 12, s. 2 ] [Section 15 Subsection (4) omitted by No. 1 of 2001, s. 10, Applied:12 Apr 2001] [Section 15 Subsection (5) added by 4 Geo. VI No. 12, s. 2 ] [Section 15 Subsection (5) omitted by No. 1 of 2001, s. 10, Applied:12 Apr 2001] [Section 15 Subsection (6) (formerly (2)) added by 7 Geo. VI No. 66, s. 2 ] [Section 15 Subsection (6) renumbered by No. 36 of 1958, s. 4 and Sched. 3 ] [Section 15 Subsection (6) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ] [Section 15 Subsection (6) amended by No. 75 of 1973, s. 2 and Sched. 1 ] [Section 15 Subsection (6) amended by No. 82 of 1973, s. 4 ] [Section 15 Subsection (6) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ] [Section 15 Subsection (6) omitted by No. 1 of 2001, s. 10, Applied:12 Apr 2001] [Section 15 Subsection (7) amended by No. 1 of 2001, s. 10, Applied:12 Apr 2001] [Section 15 Subsection (7) added by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ] [Section 15 Subsection (7) amended by No. 1 of 2001, s. 10, Applied:12 Apr 2001] [Section 15 Repealed by No. 15 of 2014, s. 16, Applied:19 Dec 2014]

15A.

[Section 15A Inserted by No. 71 of 1962, s. 4 ] [Section 15A Subsection (1) amended by No. 62 of 1965, s. 3 ] [Section 15A Subsection (1) amended by No. 75 of 1973, s. 2 and Sched. 1 ] [Section 15A Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ] [Section 15A Subsection (1) amended by No. 30 of 1995, s. 3 and Sched. 1 ] [Section 15A Subsection (1) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ] [Section 15A Subsection (1) amended by No. 1 of 2001, s. 11, Applied:12 Apr 2001] [Section 15A Subsection (1) amended by No. 86 of 2001, s. 10, Applied:17 Dec 2001] [Section 15A Subsection (1) amended by No. 86 of 2001, s. 10, Applied:17 Dec 2001] [Section 15A Subsection (1) amended by No. 86 of 2001, s. 10, Applied:17 Dec 2001] [Section 15A Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ] [Section 15A Repealed by No. 15 of 2014, s. 16, Applied:19 Dec 2014]

15B Dispersal of persons

[Section 15B Inserted by No. 71 of 1962, s. 4 ][Section 15B Subsection (1) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 15B Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 15B Subsection (2) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 15B Subsection (2) amended by No. 51 of 1982, s. 8 ]**[Section 15B Subsection (2) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 15B Repealed by No. 1 of 2001, s. 12, Applied:12 Apr 2001]

(1)  A police officer may direct a person in a public place to leave that place and not return for a specified period of not less than 4 hours if the police officer believes on reasonable grounds that the person –

(a) has committed or is likely to commit an offence; or

(b) is obstructing or is likely to obstruct the movement of pedestrians or vehicles; or

(c) is endangering or likely to endanger the safety of any other person; or

(d) has committed or is likely to commit a breach of the peace.

(2)  A person must comply with a direction under subsection (1) .

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 2 penalty units.

15C Dangerous articles

[Section 15C Inserted by No. 71 of 1962, s. 4 ][Section 15C Subsection (1) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 15C Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 15C Subsection (2) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 15C Subsection (2) amended by No. 99 of 1982, s. 3 ][Section 15C Subsection (2) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 15C Subsection (2A) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 15C Subsection (3) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 15C Subsection (3) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 15C Subsection (4) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 15C Subsection (4) amended by No. 75 of 1973, s. 2 and Sched. 1 ][Section 15C Subsection (4) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 15C Subsection (5) added by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 15C Repealed by No. 1 of 2001, s. 12, Applied:12 Apr 2001]

(1)  [Section 15C Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2016, s. 5, Applied:21 Jun 2016] A person, without lawful excuse (proof of which lies on the person), must not have possession of, or carry or use, a dangerous article in a public place.

Penalty:  [Section 15C Subsection (1) amended by No. 27 of 2020, s. 26, Applied:01 Jul 2021] [Section 15C Subsection (1) amended by No. 10 of 2025, s. 4, Applied:16 Jun 2025] Fine not exceeding 100 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years, or both.

(1A)  [Section 15C Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 29 of 2004, s. 6, Applied:23 Sep 2004] Subsection (1) does not apply to –

(a) a police officer acting in the performance of his or her duties; or

(b) a person, or group of persons, excluded in writing by the Commissioner from the application of that subsection.

(2)  [Section 15C Subsection (2) amended by No. 10 of 2025, s. 4, Applied:16 Jun 2025] [Section 15C Subsection (2) amended by No. 29 of 2004, s. 6, Applied:23 Sep 2004] A police officer may stop, detain and search, without a warrant, any person in a public place who the police officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting has possession of, or carries, any dangerous article without lawful excuse and may stop, detain and search, without a warrant, the person's vehicle.

(3)  A police officer may seize and detain any dangerous article found.

(4)  A lawful excuse excludes self-defence but includes the following:

(a) the pursuit of a lawful occupation, duty or activity using that dangerous article;

(b) the participation in a lawful sport, recreation or entertainment using that dangerous article;

(c) the lawful collection, display or exhibition of that dangerous article;

(d) [Section 15C Subsection (4) amended by No. 15 of 2016, s. 5, Applied:21 Jun 2016] the use of that dangerous article for the lawful purpose for which it was intended;

(e) [Section 15C Subsection (4) amended by No. 15 of 2016, s. 5, Applied:21 Jun 2016] religious observance.

(4A)  [Section 15C Subsection (4A) inserted by No. 10 of 2025, s. 4, Applied:16 Jun 2025] A failure to comply with a requirement to undergo an electronic metal detection device search in accordance with section 15CAA(2) may constitute a reasonable ground for suspicion that a person has possession of, or carries, a dangerous article without lawful excuse.

(5)  If a person is convicted or found guilty of an offence under this section, the dangerous article to which the offence relates is forfeited and may be disposed of as the court orders.

(6)  [Section 15C Subsection (6) inserted by No. 29 of 2004, s. 6, Applied:23 Sep 2004] For the purposes of this section, a person who is in a motor vehicle in a public place is taken to be in the public place.

15CAA Use of electronic metal detection device

[Section 15CAA Inserted by No. 10 of 2025, s. 5, Applied:16 Jun 2025]

(1)  In this section –

electronic metal detection device means an electronic device that is capable of detecting the presence of metallic objects;

electronic metal detection device search means a search of a person conducted by –

(a) passing an electronic metal detection device over or in close proximity to the person's outer clothing; or

(b) requiring the person to pass through such a device.

(2)  A police officer in a prescribed place may, without a warrant, require any person within that prescribed place to undergo an electronic metal detection device search.

(3)  A police officer may stop and detain a person for so long as is reasonably necessary to conduct an electronic metal detection device search in accordance with subsection (2) .

(4)  For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this provision affects the lawful use of an electronic metal detection device by a police officer including, but not limited to, as part of a search or other police operation.

15CA Graffiti and graffiti equipment

[Section 15CA Inserted by No. 49 of 2009, s. 5, Applied:12 Nov 2009]

(1)  A person must not, without lawful excuse, mark graffiti.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 20 penalty units.

(2)  [Section 15CA Subsection (2) omitted by No. 2 of 2022, Sched. 1, Applied:18 Mar 2022] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(3)  A person must not, without lawful excuse, distribute, supply or sell graffiti equipment to a youth.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 20 penalty units.

(4)  A person must not, without lawful excuse, have possession of, or carry or use, graffiti equipment in a public place.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 20 penalty units.

(5)  Subsection (4) does not apply to –

(a) a police officer acting in the performance of his or her duties; or

(b) a person, or group of persons, excluded in writing by the Commissioner from the application of that subsection.

(6)  A police officer may stop, detain and search, without a warrant, any person in a public place who the police officer reasonably believes has possession of, or is carrying, any graffiti equipment without lawful excuse and may stop, detain and search, without a warrant, the person's vehicle.

(7)  A police officer may seize and retain any graffiti equipment found.

(8)  For the purposes of this section, a lawful excuse includes the following:

(a) the pursuit of a lawful occupation, duty or activity using that graffiti equipment;

(b) the participation in a lawful sport, recreation or entertainment using that graffiti equipment.

(9)  If a person is convicted or found guilty of an offence under this section, the graffiti equipment to which the offence relates is forfeited and is to be disposed of as the court orders.

(10)  For the purposes of this section, a person who is in a motor vehicle in a public place is taken to be in the public place.

15D Use, carriage and possession of crossbows

[Section 15D Amended by No. 4 of 2002, s. 59, Applied:01 Jul 2002] [Section 15D Inserted by No. 71 of 1962, s. 4 ][Section 15D Amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 15D Amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]**[Section 15D Amended by No. 5 of 1990, s. 3 and Sched. 1 ][Section 15D Repealed by No. 86 of 2001, s. 11, Applied:17 Dec 2001]

(1)  A person must not use, carry or have possession of a crossbow unless he or she is authorised in writing by the Commissioner to do so.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 20 penalty units.

(2)  A person may apply to the Commissioner for a permit to use, carry or have possession of a crossbow.

(3)  An application for a permit is to –

(a) be in an approved form; and

(b) include details of the following:

(i) the type of crossbow;

(ii) the reason for its possession, carriage or use;

(iii) the means by which it is to be stored when not in use;

(iv) any other prescribed matter.

(4)  The Commissioner may grant an application subject to any conditions the Commissioner considers appropriate.

(5)  The Commissioner must not grant an application unless the Commissioner is satisfied that the applicant –

(a) is at least 18 years old; and

(b) is a natural person; and

(c) is a fit and proper person to use, carry or have possession of a crossbow; and

(d) is able to safely store the crossbow; and

(e) has a legitimate reason for using, carrying or possessing a crossbow, including for the purpose of conducting research, hunting vermin or another purpose the Commissioner considers appropriate.

(6)  In deciding whether a person is a fit and proper person, the Commissioner is to take into account the following:

(a) any likelihood of the person using a crossbow –

(i) for an unlawful purpose; or

(ii) to harm himself or herself;

(b) the mental and physical condition of the person;

(c) any criminal activity of the person, whether in Tasmania or elsewhere;

(d) any offence committed by the person under this Act, the Guns Act 1991 or the Firearms Act 1996;

(e) the ability of the person to exercise continuous and responsible control over a crossbow;

(f) whether the person is subject to a restraint order or an interim restraint order or has at any time within the previous 5 years been subject to such an order;

(fa) [Section 15D Subsection (6) amended by No. 29 of 2016, Sched. 1, Applied:25 Nov 2017] whether a recognised DVO, within the meaning of the Domestic Violence Orders (National Recognition) Act 2016 , is in force under that Act in respect of the person;

(g) whether the person is subject to a recognisance, granted in Tasmania or elsewhere, to keep the peace.

(7)  A person authorised under this section must carry a copy of the authorisation at all times while he or she has possession of, or is carrying or using, a crossbow.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 10 penalty units.

(8)  A police officer may seize and detain any crossbow used, carried or kept in contravention of this section.

(9)  If a person is convicted or found guilty of an offence under this section, the crossbow to which the offence relates is forfeited and may be disposed of as the court orders.

(10)  Nothing in this section prevents a person from being prosecuted for the use, carriage or possession of a crossbow in contravention of another Act.

(11)  [Section 15D Subsection (11) omitted by No. 44 of 1935, s. 15D, Applied:01 Jan 2005] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(12)  Subsection (11) expires on 31 December 2004.

15E Body armour

[Section 15E Inserted by No. 62 of 1965, s. 4 ][Section 15E Subsection (1) amended by No. 75 of 1973, s. 2 and Sched. 1 ][Section 15E Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 15E Subsection (1) amended by No. 112 of 1987, s. 89 ][Section 15E Subsection (2) amended by No. 75 of 1973, s. 2 and Sched. 1 ][Section 15E Subsection (2) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 15E Subsection (2) amended by No. 30 of 1995, s. 3 and Sched. 1 ]**[Section 15E Subsection (4) substituted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 15E Repealed by No. 86 of 2001, s. 11, Applied:17 Dec 2001]

(1)  A person must not manufacture, distribute, supply, sell or possess body armour unless he or she holds a permit from the Commissioner to do so.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 100 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both.

(1A)  [Section 15E Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 45 of 2010, s. 4, Applied:21 Dec 2010] Subsection (1) does not apply to –

(a) a police officer acting in the performance of his or her duties; or

(b) a person, or group of persons, excluded in writing by the Commissioner from the application of that subsection.

(2)  A person may apply to the Commissioner for a permit to manufacture, distribute, supply, sell or possess body armour.

(3)  An application for a permit is to –

(a) be in a form approved by the Commissioner; and

(b) include details of the following:

(i) the type of body armour;

(ii) the reason for its manufacture, distribution, supply, sale or possession;

(iii) the means by which it is to be stored when not in use;

(iv) any other prescribed matter.

(4)  The Commissioner may grant an application subject to any conditions the Commissioner considers appropriate.

(5)  The Commissioner must not grant an application unless the Commissioner is satisfied that the applicant –

(a) is at least 18 years of age; and

(b) is a natural person; and

(c) is a fit and proper person to manufacture, distribute, supply, sell or possess body armour; and

(d) is able to safely store the body armour; and

(e) has a legitimate reason for manufacturing, distributing, supplying, selling or possessing body armour.

(6)  In deciding whether a person is a fit and proper person, the Commissioner is to take into account the following:

(a) any likelihood of the person using body armour for an unlawful purpose;

(b) the mental condition of the person;

(c) any criminal activity of the person, whether in Tasmania or elsewhere;

(d) any offence committed by the person under this Act, the Guns Act 1991 or the Firearms Act 1996 ;

(e) whether the person is subject to a restraint order or interim restraint order under Part XA of the Justices Act 1959 , or a family violence order, or has at any time within the previous 5 years been subject to such an order;

(ea) [Section 15E Subsection (6) amended by No. 29 of 2016, Sched. 1, Applied:25 Nov 2017] whether a recognised DVO, within the meaning of the Domestic Violence Orders (National Recognition) Act 2016 , is in force under that Act in respect of the person;

(f) whether the person is subject to a recognisance, granted in Tasmania or elsewhere, to keep the peace.

(7)  A person issued with a permit under this section must produce a copy of the permit on the demand of a police officer while the person is manufacturing, distributing, supplying, selling or in possession of body armour.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 20 penalty units.

(8)  A police officer may seize and retain any body armour manufactured, distributed, supplied, sold or possessed in contravention of this section.

(9)  If a person is convicted or found guilty of an offence under this section, the body armour to which the offence relates is forfeited and is to be disposed of as the court orders.

(10)  Nothing in this section prevents a person from being prosecuted for the manufacture, distribution, supply, sale or possession of body armour in contravention of another Act.

15F Laser pointers

[Section 15F Inserted by No. 11 of 2010, s. 4, Applied:27 Jul 2010]

(1)  A person must not, without lawful excuse (proof of which lies on that person), possess, carry or use a laser pointer in a public place.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 20 penalty units.

(2)  A person must not, without lawful excuse (proof of which lies on that person), by means of a laser pointer, intentionally or recklessly direct a laser beam at any person, animal or vehicle.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 20 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both.

(3)  Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to –

(a) a police officer acting in the performance of his or her duties; or

(b) a State Service employee, employed in the Department, acting in the performance of his or her duties; or

(c) a person, or group of persons, excluded in writing by the Commissioner from the application of those subsections.

(4)  A police officer who reasonably suspects that a person in a public place has contravened subsection (1) or (2) may, without a warrant –

(a) stop, detain and search the person; and

(b) stop, detain and search any vehicle the person is in, any vehicle the person appears to have been in or be about to get in or any vehicle the person appears to have put anything in.

(5)  A police officer who reasonably suspects that the safety of any person or the safe operation of any vehicle has been, or is about to be, put at serious and immediate risk through the use of a laser pointer contrary to subsection (2) may, without a warrant –

(a) enter and search any premises from which the relevant laser beam appears to have been, or be about to be, directed and search any person on those premises; or

(b) stop, detain and search any vehicle from which the relevant laser beam appears to have been, or be about to be, directed and any person in that vehicle.

(6)  For the purposes of subsection (4) or (5) , a police officer –

(a) may use reasonable force and assistance and any available form of relevant detection technology; but

(b) must cause no more damage than is reasonably necessary to find a suspected laser pointer.

(7)  A police officer may seize, deactivate and detain any laser pointer found in the course of a search conducted pursuant to subsection (4) or (5) .

(8)  For the purposes of this section, a lawful excuse includes the following:

(a) the pursuit of a lawful occupation, duty or activity in which laser pointers have a generally recognised application;

(b) participation in a lawful sport, recreation or entertainment in which laser pointers have a generally recognised application;

(c) the use of laser pointers for the specific lawful purpose for which they were manufactured;

(d) the lawful display or exhibition of laser pointers;

(e) the use of laser pointers under and in accordance with a valid licence under the Radiation Protection Act 2005 ;

(f) any excuse prescribed by the regulations under this Act.

(9)  If a person is convicted or found guilty of an offence under this section, the laser pointer to which the offence relates is forfeited to the Crown and may be disposed of as the Commissioner determines.

(10)  For the purposes of this section –

(a) a person who is in a vehicle in a public place is taken to be in the public place; and

(b) in determining whether any article found in the course of a search is a laser pointer within the meaning of this section, a police officer is entitled to disregard whether, when found, the article is actively capable of emitting a laser beam.

(11)  In this section –

laser pointer means a device designed or adapted to emit a laser beam capable of being used for the purpose of aiming, targeting or pointing;

vehicle includes any kind of vessel or aircraft.

16 Street entertainment

[Section 16 Subsection (1) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 16 Subsection (1) amended by No. 75 of 1973, s. 2 and Sched. 1 ][Section 16 Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 16 Subsection (1) amended by No. 32 of 1963, s. 10 ][Section 16 Subsection (2) added by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 16 Substituted by No. 86 of 2001, s. 11, Applied:17 Dec 2001]

(1)  A person, without a permit issued by the appropriate council, must not continue to provide street entertainment on any day within 100 metres of any premises after being requested on that day by the occupier of those premises or a police officer to cease providing that entertainment.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 2 penalty units.

(2)  A police officer may require any person providing street entertainment to cease any conduct that may be a danger to public safety.

(3)  A person must comply with a requirement under subsection (2) .

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 2 penalty units.

17 Chimneys on fire

[Section 17 Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]

(1)  *[Section 17 Subsection (1) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ]*A person, being the occupier of any building within any town, shall not fail to prevent any chimney in such building taking fire.

(1A)  *[Section 17 Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a penalty not exceeding one penalty unit.

(2)  It shall be a good defence to any complaint under this section to prove that such chimney has been swept within 3 months before the day on which such fire took place.

18 Discharge of distress signals

[Section 18 Subsection (1) amended by No. 32 of 1963, s. 11 ][Section 18 Subsection (1) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 18 Subsection (1) amended by No. 75 of 1973, s. 2 and Sched. 1 ][Section 18 Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 18 Subsection (1AA) (formerly 1A) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 18 Subsection (1AA) renumbered by No. 46 of 1991, s. 5 and Sched. 3 ][Section 18 Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 62 of 1965, s. 6 ][Section 18 Subsection (1A) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 18 Subsection (1A) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]**[Section 18 Subsection (1B) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ][Section 18 Repealed by No. 1 of 2001, s. 13, Applied:12 Apr 2001]

(1)  In this section –

[Section 18 Subsection (1) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 17, Applied:19 Dec 2014] distress signal means a flare or electronic device that is normally used to signal distress.

(2)  A person must not, without reasonable excuse, discharge a distress signal.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 30 penalty units.

(3)  A person is not guilty of an offence under subsection (2) if the distress signal was discharged –

(a) for an emergency; or

(b) with the approval of the Marine and Safety Authority (established under the Marine and Safety Authority Act 1997 ); or

(c) with the approval of a police officer of or above the rank of inspector.

17A.

[Section 17A Inserted by No. 71 of 1962, s. 5 ] [Section 17A Amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ] [Section 17A Amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ] [Section 17A Repealed by No. 86 of 2001, s. 12, Applied:17 Dec 2001]

17B.

[Section 17B Inserted by No. 62 of 1965, s. 5 ] [Section 17B Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 ] [Section 17B Subsection (1) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ] [Section 17B Subsection (2) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ] [Section 17B Repealed by No. 1 of 2001, s. 13, Applied:12 Apr 2001]

19 Poisoned substances

(1)  *[Section 19 Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person shall not place or cause to be placed in or upon any public place or in or upon the land of any other person any poisonous thing, that is to say, anything which has been mixed with or steeped in or impregnated with poison or any poisonous ingredient so as to be destructive to life.

(2)  *[Section 19 Subsection (2) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person shall not without reasonable excuse have in his possession any such poisonous thing.

(3)  *[Section 19 Subsection (3) amended by No. 32 of 1963, s. 12 ][Section 19 Subsection (3) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 19 Subsection (3) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*An occupier of any land shall not place or cause to be placed any such poisonous thing upon such land without posting in a conspicuous place thereon notice that such thing has been so placed.

(3A)  *[Section 19 Subsection (3A) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person who contravenes subsection (1) , (2) , or (3) is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a penalty not exceeding 5 penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months.

(4)  The foregoing provisions of this section shall not apply to any occupier of any building or the owner of any rick or stack of grain or other cultivated vegetable produce placing or causing to be placed any such poisonous thing for the destruction of rats, mice, or other small vermin in such building or in the drains connected therewith (provided such drains are so protected with gratings or otherwise as to prevent any dog entering the same) or within such rick or stack nor to any person laying or causing to be laid poison in accordance with the provisions of any Act.

19AA Dangerous junk

[Section 19AA Inserted by No. 71 of 1962, s. 6 ]

(1)  *[Section 19AA Subsection (1) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 19AA Subsection (1) amended by No. 75 of 1973, s. 2 and Sched. 1 ][Section 19AA Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person shall not place or cause to be placed in or upon any public place, dump, tip, or unfenced land, any refrigerator, ice chest, ice box, hot box, chest, trunk, wardrobe, cupboard, or other article having in it a compartment more than 40 litres in size with a door thereto capable of being fastened or of staying shut.

(2)  *[Section 19AA Subsection (2) added by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a penalty not exceeding 5 penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months.

19A Sports venues

[Section 19A Inserted by No. 19 of 1961, s. 3 ][Section 19A Subsection (1) amended by No. 86 of 1981, s. 3 ][Section 19A Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]

(1)  [Section 19A Subsection (1) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ][Section 19A Subsection (1) substituted by No. 15 of 2014, s. 18, Applied:19 Dec 2014] A person must not enter the reserved area of a sports venue without lawful excuse.

(1AA)  *[Section 19A Subsection (1AA) (formerly (1A))inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person who contravenes a provision of subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a penalty not exceeding 3 penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months.

(1A)  [Section 19A Subsection (1A) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 18, Applied:19 Dec 2014] [Section 19A Subsection (1A) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 18, Applied:19 Dec 2014] [Section 19A Subsection (1A) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 18, Applied:19 Dec 2014] *[Section 19A Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 86 of 1981, s. 3 ]*Subject to subsection (1B) , a police officer may arrest without warrant any person who enters the reserved area of a sports venue–

(a) where a sport is being played or a game is being conducted;

(b) where a sport is to be played or a game is to be conducted; or

(c) [Section 19A Subsection (1A) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 18, Applied:19 Dec 2014] where a sport has been played or a game has been conducted.

(1B)  [Section 19A Subsection (1B) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 18, Applied:19 Dec 2014] *[Section 19A Subsection (1B) inserted by No. 86 of 1981, s. 3 ]*A police officer shall not exercise the power of arrest referred to in subsection (1A) unless he reasonably believes–

(a) [Section 19A Subsection (1B) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 18, Applied:19 Dec 2014] that the sport being played, or the game being conducted, on the reserved area of the sports venue is, will be or has been interrupted or the use of that area by persons participating or having participated in the sport or game is or will be interfered with or affected; or

(b) that the commencement of the sport to be played, or the game to be conducted, on that area will be delayed.

(2)  In this section –

[Section 19A Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 18, Applied:19 Dec 2014] reserved area means so much of a sports venue as is set apart or reserved for the playing of a game or the conducting of a sport;

[Section 19A Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 18, Applied:19 Dec 2014]

[Section 19A Subsection (2) amended by No. 15 of 2014, s. 18, Applied:19 Dec 2014] sports venue means a public place to which the public are admitted, whether on payment or otherwise, to view a game or sport played or conducted on the reserved area of that sports venue.

20 Misbehaviour at public meetings

[Section 20 Subsection (1) amended by No. 55 of 1965, s. 5 ]**[Section 20 Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]

(1)  *[Section 20 Subsection (1) amended by No. 32 of 1963, s. 13 ]*A person in or near any hall, room, or building in which a public meeting is being held shall not –

(a) behave in a riotous, disorderly, indecent, offensive, threatening, or insulting manner; or

(b) use any threatening, abusive, or insulting words.

(1A)  *[Section 20 Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 13 of 1987, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person who contravenes a provision of subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a penalty not exceeding 3 penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months.

(2)  Where in the opinion of the chairman presiding at any public meeting any person in or near the hall, room, or building in which such meeting is being held commits an offence against this section, such chairman may verbally direct any police officer who is present to remove such person from the said hall, room, or building, or the neighbourhood thereof; and such police officer shall remove such person accordingly.

Division III Consorting

[Part II, Div. III Repealed by No. 34 of 1991, s. 99 ] [Division III of Part II Repealed by No. 31 of 2017, Sched. 1, Applied:05 Sep 2017]

20A Interpretation of Division III

[Section 20A Inserted by No. 39 of 2007, s. 7, Applied:21 Nov 2007] [Section 20A Repealed by No. 31 of 2017, Sched. 1, Applied:05 Sep 2017] In this Division –

consort means consort in person or by any other means, including by electronic or other forms of communication;

convicted offender means a person who has been convicted of a serious offenceand who has attained the age of 18 years;

dependant, in relation to a defendant, means a family member of the defendant who is wholly or mainly dependent on the defendant;

family member, in relation to a defendant, means –

(a) the spouse of the defendant; or

(b) if the defendant is in a significant relationship with a person, within the meaning of the Relationships Act 2003 , that person; or

(c) a child of the defendant; or

(d) a parent of the defendant; or

(e) a sibling of the defendant, including a half-brother or half-sister of the defendant; or

(f) if the defendant is an Aboriginal person within the meaning of the Aboriginal Lands Act 1995 , a person who, under Aboriginal tradition, is regarded as a person who is, in relation to the defendant, a person referred to in paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d) or (e); or

(g) a relative, or step-relative, of the defendant, who lives with the defendant;

health care worker means a State Service employee, or other person, who is employed or engaged to provide health advice or health care;

official warning means a warning, authorised under section 20D(1) to be given, that has not been revoked under section 20D(6)(b) or section 20E(4)(b) ;

serious offence means –

(a) an indictable offence, whether the offence is tried on indictment or summarily; and

(b) an offence under the Firearms Act 1996 ; and

(c) an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 2001 ; and

(d) an offence under the Sex Industry Offences Act 2005 ; and

(e) an offence under Part 8 of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Enforcement Act 1995 ; and

(f) an offence, under a law of the Commonwealth, another State, a Territory, or another country, that, if the offence had occurred in this State, would be an offence referred to in another paragraph of this definition.

20B Object of Division III

[Section 20B Inserted by No. 39 of 2007, s. 7, Applied:21 Nov 2007] [Section 20B Repealed by No. 31 of 2017, Sched. 1, Applied:05 Sep 2017] The object of this Division is to prevent serious criminal activity by deterring convicted offenders from establishing, maintaining and expanding criminal networks.