Penalty unit: Difference between revisions
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The different jurisdictions that make up Australia (the [[Commonwealth of Australia|Commonwealth]] and the [[States and territories of Australia|states and territories]]) each have their own penalty units. The value of a penalty unit, and the manner and frequency of varying that value, differ from state to state, and there are also federal penalty units that apply only to federal offences. |
The different jurisdictions that make up Australia (the [[Commonwealth of Australia|Commonwealth]] and the [[States and territories of Australia|states and territories]]) each have their own penalty units. The value of a penalty unit, and the manner and frequency of varying that value, differ from state to state, and there are also federal penalty units that apply only to federal offences. |
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In the state of [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], the value of a penalty unit is the amount fixed with respect to a financial year by the Treasurer by notice published in the ''Government Gazette'' under the Monetary Units Act 2004. The penalty unit rate is fixed at {{AUD|144.36|link=yes}} {{As of|2013|7|1|lc=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ocpc.vic.gov.au/CA2572B3001B894B/pages/faqs-penalty-and-fee-units|publisher=Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel|title=Penalty & Fee Units|accessdate=15 October 2010}}</ref> Therefore a fine defined as 100 penalty units would incur a penalty of $14,084 (rounded to the nearest 10 cents). One penalty unit in [[New South Wales]] is $ |
In the state of [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], the value of a penalty unit is the amount fixed with respect to a financial year by the Treasurer by notice published in the ''Government Gazette'' under the Monetary Units Act 2004. The penalty unit rate is fixed at {{AUD|144.36|link=yes}} {{As of|2013|7|1|lc=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ocpc.vic.gov.au/CA2572B3001B894B/pages/faqs-penalty-and-fee-units|publisher=Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel|title=Penalty & Fee Units|accessdate=15 October 2010}}</ref> Therefore a fine defined as 100 penalty units would incur a penalty of $14,084 (rounded to the nearest 10 cents). One penalty unit in [[New South Wales]] is $170.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ca191482/s4aa.html|publisher=AustLII|title=Crimes Act 1914 (NSW) s.4aa|accessdate=4 January 2010}}</ref> One penalty unit in [[Queensland]] is $113.85<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/P/PenaltASenR05.pdf|publisher=Queensland Government|title=Penalties and Sentences Regulation 2005 (Qld) s.2B|accessdate=19 December 2014}}</ref> |
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Under Australian federal law a penalty unit for an individual is $170 {{As of|2013|lc=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ca191482/s4aa.html|publisher=AustLII|title=Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) s.4AA|accessdate=4 January 2010}}</ref> |
Under Australian federal law a penalty unit for an individual is $170 {{As of|2013|lc=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ca191482/s4aa.html|publisher=AustLII|title=Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) s.4AA|accessdate=4 January 2010}}</ref> |
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Revision as of 04:06, 8 February 2015
In Australian law, a penalty unit (abbreviated as PU) is an amount of money used to compute pecuniary penalties for many breaches of statute law. Fines are calculated by multiplying the value of one penalty unit by the number of penalty units prescribed for the offence.
The different jurisdictions that make up Australia (the Commonwealth and the states and territories) each have their own penalty units. The value of a penalty unit, and the manner and frequency of varying that value, differ from state to state, and there are also federal penalty units that apply only to federal offences.
In the state of Victoria, the value of a penalty unit is the amount fixed with respect to a financial year by the Treasurer by notice published in the Government Gazette under the Monetary Units Act 2004. The penalty unit rate is fixed at A$144.36 as of 1 July 2013[update].[1] Therefore a fine defined as 100 penalty units would incur a penalty of $14,084 (rounded to the nearest 10 cents). One penalty unit in New South Wales is $170.[2] One penalty unit in Queensland is $113.85[3]
Under Australian federal law a penalty unit for an individual is $170 as of 2013[update].[4]
Rationale
In earlier times, fines and other charges were usually prescribed in terms of ordinary money (pounds or later dollars). However, the effects of inflation meant that originally substantial penalties were eventually reduced to trifling sums. Frequent amendment of the many laws and regulations dealing with pecuniary penalties would be a very time-consuming process. Penalty units provide a quick and simple way to adjust many different fees and charges.
See also
References
- ^ "Penalty & Fee Units". Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel. Retrieved 15 October 2010.
- ^ "Crimes Act 1914 (NSW) s.4aa". AustLII. Retrieved 4 January 2010.
- ^ "Penalties and Sentences Regulation 2005 (Qld) s.2B" (PDF). Queensland Government. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
- ^ "Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) s.4AA". AustLII. Retrieved 4 January 2010.
- "Rural Law Online Glossary". Retrieved 22 March 2008.