Laws in Australia
In Australia, all people – whether living here or just visiting – are expected to obey our formal laws and social customs. Both males and females are treated equally under Australian law. If you break the law you face the possibility of being arrested and prosecuted. In Australia, the police are responsible for keeping peace and order.
To give you a head start on what is considered right and wrong in Australia, we’ve created a short list of some Australian laws you need to follow when you are here:
- Littering is prohibited, make sure you throw your rubbish away in bins.
- Drinking alcohol in a public place is not permitted.
- You must be over 18 years old to purchase alcohol or cigarettes.
- Smoking is not permitted in restaurants, bars, nightclubs and many other public areas, such as train stations.
- Buying, selling, or possessing illicit drugs is illegal.
- It is illegal to discriminate against any person on the basis of factors such as: gender, colour or race, sexual preference, marital status, political beliefs or disability.
- It is a crime to be violent, including against animals.
- You can’t carry weapons, including knives and guns. You need a firearms permit to own and use a gun in Australia.
- When riding a bicycle, motorbike or scooter, you must wear a helmet.
- You must obey Australian road rules. Each state and territory in Australia has its own licensing requirements and driving restrictions. You need to ensure you have a valid driver’s license, according to the licensing requirements of each state or territory, to drive in Australia.
- You are breaking the law if you offer a bribe in exchange for services.