Originally Posted by steve`o

Laws and Rules


'What diminishes criminality is the certainty of the punishment and not the size of it'

The phrase above couldn't express better the way Law works in Australia. Here you can be sure that any crime's author will have the punishment that deserves. Those who come to Australia for a short period may not take note of this process, but with time, you will see the number of rules and laws that govern our lives, day after day. In my opinion, they are excessive but necessary to keep the order and protect people. One day, I was with an American, a New Zealander and a Brazilian joking about each one's lives in each respective country. After gallons of beer, we came to a conclusion that USA is the "cannot country", New Zealand is the " I am sorry but it's not allowed", Brazil is " Everything is possible", and Australia is " No way".

Jokes aside, we all know that laws are absolutely necessary for the maintenance of any society and its' development. In Australia, you can say that "The Law Is the Law", independent of social status or the amount of money a person has in the bank. Police are very well trained and equipped, with top class and respectful professionals, men and women. Justice is fast with prosecutions swift also.

But, there is a problem on the way called Civil Liability. It is destroying Australia in innovation and happiness. Because of the high price of insurance premiums to cover liability from anyone, Doctors are going out of business, tours operators are shutting down their risky operations, and even Councils are taking parks out of children playgrounds. It is sad but it is true. Four million dollars was given to a person who hit his head on a sand bar in Bondi beach (Sydney) between the life saving flags. These guys who protect your life were cited as irresponsible and ordered to pay absurd compensation. Not to go too deeply into it all, I recommend a movie called " The Man who prosecuted God". It explains exactly what is happening with the liability situation in Australia. Why don't they just copy New Zealand? which has a governmental controlled compensation system, simply the best in the world.

You Can't : No, No, No!!!

Smoking in any place that is not outdoors. A few work places allow you to smoke in the office, and some areas inside pubs. No way, inside a Taxi, Bus, Shopping Centres, Airports, Food Courts, etc... etc...

No drinking alcohol in public areas such as parks, beaches etc.. But you can drink inside your home, in a licensed restaurant or in a pub. Drink driving is a very serious offence, and the limit is about 2 cans of beer, or 1 glass of wine or half a glass of spirit. Fines starts at AU$ 75 for public places and go into there thousands for drinkdriving. For this last one, you will have to go to Court. To buy alcohol and tobacco you need to be 18.

It's obvious but.., you can not sell or produce illegal drugs. The consumption is tolerated but reprehended, in case of foreigners it can lead to jail and deportation.

You can't sell anything on the streets including to other business without a license. For example, you can't catch a beautiful fish and sell it to a restaurant, or produce food in your home to sell to the general public. There are heavy fines to do so. Anything you plan to sell will require a license, except in markets or garage sales.

Riding your bicycle without a helmet and driving a car without seat belts attracts AU$ 110 fine. Bicycles are considered vehicles in Australia, and car drivers are expected to consider you as another vehicle and give space to you. (they don't do it very much) . You must also signal with your arms when turning right or left and stop at intersections and signals just like a car does. Bicycles are not allowed on motorways or high speed freeways. In the big cities there are exclusive bike lanes for you to ride.

It is prohibited by law to work in Australia with a Tourist Visa.

Not to pay your fines, may lead to bigger and bigger fines, and confiscation of your assets to cover it in case you don't have money, or even prison. If you leave Australia and leave unpaid fines, when you return in the far future you may have a very big surprise - if they let you return!

Working without the correct visa may lead to prison and deportation. Student visas holders can apply for a permit for part time work (20 hours per week) Also, there are holiday working visas, which give permission for some countries who have agreements with Australia to work for a certain period in Australia. Overstaying your visa in Australia may bring fines or deportation. If you intend to extend your stay in Australia, you must visit an Immigration office before your visa expires.

For the ones who love to fight, know that touching a person without consent is considered invasion of privacy and physical aggression that can lead to prosecution. It means it is not necessary to break the other person in half, just by touching them is already an offence. You can shout, scream, throw things on the ground or fart, but if you verbally offend or punch a person you are in trouble. Courts solve these cases in a flash usually with fines to the aggressor.

Getting rid of trash, or throwing anything on the streets including cigarette buts, calls for a AU$ 75 fine.

Racial, Religious and discriminatory matters, are passive of prosecution and even jail. Also, when you plan to photograph someone you don't know, ask their permission before do so. Supplying phone numbers and addresses without a persons' consent can also lead to prosecution by breach of the privacy act. Sex, colour age and race, are a no no field for discrimination, with the same consequences as above.

Pedestrian Crossings aren't there only to make the street look more beautiful or to decorate the street. Wherever there is a ped crossing without pedestrian lights to help you cross the road, you must stop and wait until a person finishes crossing. In case of intersections with traffic lights, you have to follow the lights. Also, other indication signs on parks, beaches, and streets govern the rules.


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Well, we can't place all Australian legislation on a page, but these are the most frequently asked questions about Australian Rules and Laws. Hopefully you will obey the law

Originally Posted by Vash the Stampede

...
The legal limit in Australia is .05 - which is identical to the UK. So Brits will notice no difference in that regard.
...

Originally Posted by MartinLuther

The UK the limit is 80mg per 100 millilitres of blood which I think is the same as .08

Originally Posted by MartinLuther

The UK the limit is 80mg per 100 millilitres of blood which I think is the same as .08

Originally Posted by Professional Princess

What happens if you fart and it sort of comes out in a violent ringpiece explosion and a severe faecal attack of following through?

Do licences cover such events? Would there be insurance claims allowed for the browning of trouser?

Because it is possible to follow through you know, the ringer is not infallible.

Originally Posted by wargod

I respectfully refer you to my previous reply:

"If you can back these reports up with photos, and or videos (with sound) then this could speed the assesment up. (word of caution 'follow throughs' are looked upon in a dim light!)"

Originally Posted by Professional Princess

Well it would be a dim light. Because on ring piece dilation, it would be a total eclipse.

Originally Posted by wargod

Nah not convinced I think partial eclipse

Originally Posted by Professional Princess

Here is a poem dedicated to the trumpeters group.


You must not fart and make a smell
For if you do you'll go to hell

Dont let your botty part with poo
Or follow through on Davids shoe

Take your bum to the porcelain pot
Be gentle on your lily white bot

Farting is bad and can cause offence
Following through makes the ring piece tense

So fart in private and dont you gloat
When you make the smell of a rotting old goat

Its not big and its not such fun
To see the browning coming out of your bum

A licence to fart to control your ass
And protect other people from noxious gas.

Originally Posted by geordie mandy

That is fantastic i just cant stop laughing, that deserves some karma
Mandy