Penalty_unit

Penalty unit

Penalty unit

Australian standard used to compute penalties for breaches of law

A penalty unit (PU) is a standard amount of money used to compute penalties for many breaches of law in Australia at both the federal, and state and territory level. Fines are calculated by multiplying the value of a penalty unit by the number of units prescribed for the offence. For example, if a crime was committed in New South Wales worth 100 units, the fine would be 100 × $110 = $11,000.

Penalty units note in reg 256 of ROAD RULES 2014, New South Wales, Australia.

Prior to the introduction of penalty units, fines and other charges were usually prescribed in terms of ordinary money. However, the effects of inflation meant that originally substantial penalties eventually lost their worth. 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.

Values

The different jurisdictions that make up Australia each set their own value of a penalty unit. The value as well as the manner and frequency of adjusting that value differ between jurisdictions.

More information Jurisdiction, Last updated ...

See also

References

  1. [1]
    "Crimes (Amount of Penalty Unit) Instrument 2023". Federal Register of Legislation (Australia). 28 June 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  2. [2]
    "Crimes Act 1914 (Cth), section 4AA (Penalty units)". Federal Register of Legislation (Australia). 6 October 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  3. [3]
    "Penalty units | Victoria Legal Aid". www.legalaid.vic.gov.au. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  4. [4]
    "Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 No 92, section 17 (Penalty units)". NSW Legislation. 26 September 2019. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  5. [5]
    "Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 No 92, section 17 (Penalty units)". NSW Legislation. 8 December 1999. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  6. [6]
    "Sentencing fines and penalties for offences". Queensland Government. 5 July 2018. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  7. [7]
    "Value of Indexed Amounts in Legislation". Department of Justice (Tasmania). Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  8. [8]
    "Penalty units". Department of the Attorney-General and Justice (Northern Territory). 5 July 2021. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  9. [9]
    Legislation Act 2001 (ACT) s 133
  10. [10]
    McKay, Daniel (28 March 2017). "Crimes Amendment (Penalty Unit) Bill 2017". Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  11. [11]
    "Driving offences (speeding, alcohol and traffic)". Department of Transport (Western Australia). 13 June 2019. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  12. [12]
    "Acts Interpretation Act 1915, section 28A (Standard scales for penalties and expiation fees)" (PDF). South Australian Legislation. 3 October 2017. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  13. [13]
    "Divisional penalties and fees". Attorney-General's Department (South Australia). Retrieved 11 July 2020.
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