Carrying weapons such as knives or guns is against the law in Australia. You must have a license to carry or own a gun.
There are usually age restrictions on gun use and the sale of guns or knives to minors. Each state and territory has different arrangements and laws about gun use and ownership.
Animals and Wildlife
Hunting native animals and hunting any animal in national parks or other nature reserves is generally not allowed.
Hunting and fishing laws vary between states and territories and you should check what applies to your area. You may be able to hunt feral animals in some regions. You may need to have a license or permit or to pay a fee to hunt, and any weapons you use will need to be licensed.
Recreational fishing in the ocean or in rivers may be allowed, usually with a permit or license. There are generally limits on the size and number of fish you may catch.
Australia has laws to protect animals from cruelty and neglect. People who mistreat animals and birds can be fined or imprisoned, or both. Local laws allow animals to be kept at home but you generally need a special license to keep Australian native animals.
It is forbidden to kill animals in the backyard.
See also Chapter 12, Civic Participation.
Smoking, drinking and drugs
Smoking is a health hazard, and one of the leading causes of death and disease in Australia.
Information about tobacco and how to quit smoking is available from health professionals such as doctors and pharmacists. Information is also available from services such as Quitline on 13 7848 (13 Quit), or at www.quitnow.gov.au
Smoking is not permitted in cars where children are present and in most public places including offices, workplaces, shopping centres, hospitals, health clinics, entertainment venues and restaurants.
It is also illegal to sell or supply tobacco products to a person under 18 years of age.
Drinking alcohol is legal in Australia, but only in certain places at certain times. Guidelines for drinking alcohol recommend drinking no more than two standard drinks on any day.
It is against the law for any person to sell or supply alcohol to a minor. It is against the law for a person who is under 18 years to drink alcohol except on private property, such as a private home. Drinking alcohol is also prohibited in many public areas.
Australia has laws to prevent people having, selling or using some drugs. Breaking drug laws can lead to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Drug laws in Australia distinguish between those who use illegal drugs and those who make a business of supplying, producing or selling them.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal. If you drive after taking drugs or drinking alcohol, you could lose your driver’s license, be fined, go to jail or suffer all of these penalties. See also Chapter 8, Transport
If you or someone you know have problems with illegal drugs or drinking alcohol, talk to your doctor, your local community health service or an alcohol or drug helpline in your state or territory:
State or
Territory
|
Telephone for Alcohol and Drug Information Service
|
ACT
|
02 6207 9977
|
NSW
|
02 9361 8000 (Sydney)
1800 422 599 (NSW country)
|
NT
|
08 8922 8399 (Darwin)
08 8951 7580 (Central Australia)
1800 131 350 (Territory wide)
|
Qld
|
1800 177 833
|
SA
|
1300 131 340
|
Vic.
|
1800 888 236
|
Tas.
|
1800 811 994
|
WA
|
08 9442 5000 (Perth)
1800 198 024 (WA country)
|
For more information:
Agency or campaign
|
Website
|
National Tobacco Campaign
|
www.quitnow.gov.au
|
Department of Health
|
www.alcohol.gov.au/
|
National Drugs Campaign
|
www.drugs.health.gov.au/
|
Australian Drug Information Network
|
www.adin.com.au/content.asp?Document_ID=38
|
Share with your friends: |