Mark Dreyfus (Isaacs, Australian Labor Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

The Crimes Amendment (Penalty Unit) Bill 2022 will increase the value of the Commonwealth penalty unit from $222 to $275, with effect from 1 January 2023.

Penalty units determine the maximum fines which can be imposed for offences in Commonwealth legislation and territory ordinances.

This amendment will ensure courts can continue to punish breaches of Commonwealth law with financial penalties that reflect the seriousness of the offending or infringing conduct, and act as a meaningful deterrent to future offending.

The proposed increase is part of an ongoing process of reviewing the value of the Commonwealth penalty unit over time.

It will only apply to a person who has breached a relevant Commonwealth law or territory ordinance.

It does not alter the obligation on a sentencing judge to impose the most appropriate fine or financial penalty in an individual matter, having regard to all relevant circumstances.

This measure is estimated to result in increased revenue to the Commonwealth of $31.6 million over the next four years, which will support the government's budget repair efforts.

Debate adjourned.