8. The same law that makes it illegal to harm this bird is also applicable in Victoria. Good to know, right? Today's Australia Day so here's a quick reminder that this country is still as strange as ever. 14 of Australia's most peculiar laws Save Johhny Depp and Amber Heard have apologised . You cannot do simple electrical fixes in the house if you are not a qualified electrician. The Australian court system recognizes in certain cases the ancient Aboriginal tribal laws where offenders are punished for their actions by members of the victim's family. As bizarre as it sounds, the law is quite practical and can go a long way in preventing criminal activity. Here are 14 strange laws to keep in mind next time you book a trip. back to top The benefits of legal research on The Laws of Australia on Westlaw AU. Michelle Makela is one of our Legal Practice Directors and the National Practice Manager. However, there are some laws that are so unique that you can’t make the head or tail of them. Let's get acquainted with some of the things that are prohibited in different countries. But that legislation was repealed in 2005. Due to its remarkable isolation over the millennia, Australia enjoys fairly unique fauna. Local pub owners must provide water and feed to your horse when you show up … These laws, though exist but are not widely known and thus the chances of you getting arrested for breaking them is very thin. 2. Australians are prohibited by law to leave the cars keys on a vehicle with nobody around. 4. Just jot this down on your grocery list if you don’t want to end up in a police station trying to explain the reason why you had more than 50 kg of potatoes. Granted, Australia has incredibly strict gun laws, so there’s probably no need for a bullet proof vest anyway. To all those burkini sellers out there, this a golden opportunity for you because of the bizarre laws of Australia, apparently you need a swimsuit that covers you from the neck to knee and while you are at it make sure you have your as covered. It is no wonder that some of the laws in this country are strange and even downright bizarre. #15 In South Australia, according to Section 7A of the Summary Offences Act 1953, intentionally disrupting a wedding, funeral or religious service or procession could result in a $10,000 penalty or 2 years of imprisonment. Because according to Australian laws, you need to a professional electrician to be able to change a bulb. There are truly some wacky laws out there There are truly some wacky laws out there. Advertising. A country needs laws in order to ensure the smooth functioning of day to day activities. The biggest list of weird driving laws comes from America, and because it is such a big country, it is bound to have some bonkers driving rules, a lot of which come from California. Michelle has had a varied career, working in commercial litigation, criminal law, family law and estate planning. Australia is a weird land. That law is self-defeating to say the least. That seems like a reasonable law until you learn that the reason for the law is to prevent the theft of cats. To have a good time with their mates but Australian laws want you to have fun with responsibility. Bizarre US Laws. All weird laws have to originate somewhere. 2. Some of them really make you wonder how they ever got written into law. 50 dumb laws in America. #2 Weird right? This, however, does not mean that there will not be some fixes that might not necessarily require the services of an electrician. The Kimberley region in Western Australia alone is three times the size of England and Australia’s largest property is the same size of Belgium. Aussie Rules footy was originally designed to help cricketers to keep fit in the off-season. Every country is governed by a set of rules and regulations that the citizens of the country are bound to follow. Weird, obscure laws that still exist in Australia | What's Going On? KIDS CAN SMOKE BUT NOT BUY CIGARETTES AND ALCOHOL, 9. Are you going to change it? When it comes to Australia, we have our fair share of laws which you may believe are strange or slightly peculiar. The Cannabis Industry In Australia and Its Growth Potential, How To Invest 10000 Dollars In 2021 In The ASX, Download Clothes Sound Effects｜Free Music, Soda Opening Sound Effect｜Royalty-Free Music, Top 10 Australian Technology & Innovation, Ten Stange Australian Laws Still Around in 2020, Australia’s Strangest Laws Still Active in 2020, 5. We didn’t! Weird Wildlife. When he was offered more than AUD$9,200 to deliver a consignment of the party drug ecstasy to Australia he took the chance, British electrician Paul Robert Quinn told the Sydney District Court. #1 Tips on effective child care arrangements following separation, The rent-charge “scam” and 5 ways to avoid it. The Queensland government has laws that ban electricity grids being established north of the Daintree river! As of 2013 it’s no longer a criminal offence, but you’d better stick with the name Wilbur if you want to avoid charges from the country's strict slander and defamation laws. According to Queensland’s laws, you cannot publicize a nonexistent marriage, death, birth or job. From quirky politicians, to obscure and archaic laws and some of the strangest biodiversity in the world… the Land Down Under has it all. She holds a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and a Master’s in Criminology. There goes your plan to beat the heat while wearing a good colour. Apparently, in Victoria, you cannot wear hot pink hot pants after midday on a Sunday. And though it is rightful because you have to know someone to be a part of their happiness or sorrow, the fine of $10,000 is a bit much. So, here are ten weird Australian laws that are definitely going to make you laugh the next time you think about this country. So, if you don’t want to pay a fine up to $200 then please keep a safe distance from electrical wires and don’t die because of them. You cannot injure a homing pigeon according to South Australian laws. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. All the electrician out there, this can be a profitable business for you. The Real Cost of Covid-19 To the Australian Economy, Dave Peterson 50 Things That Are Only Possible In Australia - … How Patrick ‘Hot Money’ Osei is making his mark in the... Music producer TEMPO confronts the challenge of writer’s block, How to accessorize: Tips for choosing stylish accessories, Julie Andrews says she didn’t know about Princess Diaries 3. Most of them are not public knowledge but one should definitely be aware of them in case they break a law they didn’t even know about. Australians are not permitted to be within 100 meters of a dead whale by law. This law may have been applicable when transport was a horse and carriage, but there is no evidence to suggest that this law still exists. Almost everyone in the world loves potatoes, but the weird Australian laws prohibit you to have more than 50 kg of potatoes at a time. This is your guide to unveil everything about the heaven down under. Weird Australian Laws. The security is within the rights of the law to kick you out of the establishment if they think that you are drunk, if you don’t cooperate then you just earned yourself a night in a cell because they can call the police. More information about the law is contained in the official laws of the state which are published both online and in the local jurisdictions. Of all the so-called “weird Australian laws” circulating online, this is among the top ones, so news.com.au went to Victoria’s Bayside City Council for the final word on the matter. #11 It is an offense to offer rewards for a stolen property without asking questions in Tasmania and South Australia. 3. One of the most well known weird Australian laws is that all taxis are supposed to carry a bale of hay at all times. From bizarre Aussie Laws that some say still exist to this day, to down right weird wildlife, Australia is definitely one of a kind. Just another story of strange laws that are in effect in Australia. #10 Although weird, the laws are meant to protect the bird which is important for distant communication. So, in a nutshell, eating too many potatoes can cost you. 52. Don’t Crush Beer Cans With Your Breasts Apparently, beaches have laws of their own. 7. Weird Australian ‘Laws’ – Fact or Fiction? The strange laws that are in effect are sure making the Australian police very happy. Your email address will not be published. The law seems to be designed for the good of all. We have beavers that have beaks and lay eggs. So here are some weird or interesting facts about Australia. #8 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. So don’t call the police if your UBER driver doesn’t have a bale of hay in the boot! This law is inscribed in the Summary Offences laws and it states explicitly that breaking this law would land you in jail. Some bizarre laws of Australia are it is illegal to dress up as Batman and Robin or in Queensland taxi cabs carry a bale of hay in the trunk, though there is no possibility of having a sound reason behind this law. Taking your light into your own hands brought a fine of 10 Australian dollars. Apparently, according to the Australian laws, it is illegal to touch electric wires that can lead to your death. #6 To jump from a car at 65mph. Anything over 50 kilograms is considered illegal, and this weird law states that the regulators can take strict action against it. They may have made sense when they were written, but today they seem a little questionable, weird or just plain dumb. Australia has the world’s longest golf course measuring more than 850 miles long . Who is vacuuming between those hours? #5 For that reason, a lot of images have circulated online in recent days showing all manner of items being given to horses in the named of “feed”. Amazing Australian Laws. Ben Bryant/Shutterstock Parliament's famous Salmon Act of 1986 states that it's illegal to hold a salmon under suspicious circumstances. One of the most well known weird Australian laws is that all taxis are supposed to carry a bale of hay at all times. By Shannen Findlay. It also has some unique landscapes and the laws in this country tend to reflect the diversity of the land. It’s forbidden to keep urns at home. #12 Just like any other country, Australia has laws of its own to guide and protect the citizens. Trust Australia to have two different laws about the same issue. #14 While the chances of you copping a fine or getting arrested over violation of one of these laws is slim to none, it is nevertheless interesting to know about some of the very strange laws that govern the land we live in. Yep that’s right… there is an Aussie farmer out there that owns a piece of land the same size as an entire country! The country has numerous plants and animals, some of which are unique to the region only. Top 10 strange laws in Japan By Time Out Tokyo Editors Posted: Tuesday 18 August 2015, 4:23 pm. Here are a few of them: 1- In Western Australia, it is illegal for people to have more than 50 kgs of potatoes in one place. 4-20 1. So, if you don’t want to pay a fine up to $200 then please keep a safe distance from electrical wires and don’t die because of them. This law does not explicitly say what the feed should be, however. 10 Weird Bizzare But True Australian Laws That Are Still On The Books. SIX INCHES OF CLOTHING 62k. #13 Strange Laws: Flying a Kite to the Annoyance of Any Person. There are lots of rules and laws that we have to follow. It's an offence to possess 50kgs of potatoes in Western Australia. It is illegal to crash a funeral. This bizarre order stated that an “officer of the Ministry, duly authorised by the Ministry in that behalf either generally or in respect of a particular occasion, shall have the power to examine eggs in transit”. Australia is a huge country that is located on a vast continent of its own. BuzzFeed Staff . At the end of the day, these strange rules Aussies have to follow can give us all a good laugh – and a few things to keep in mind as well. These rules and regulations are called laws. Most chewing gum is banned in Singapore. There are laws that are so weird that you are bound to question the reason behind their existence. 1. Category Archives: Australia The possession of a knife is illegal and punishable by a $10,000 fine. Apparently, according to the Australian laws, it is illegal to touch electric wires that can lead to your death. 13 Strange Laws from Around the World That Confuse Tourists. But there are strange laws that are in effect even though there is absolutely no reason behind them. either on a cemetery or as part of an official burial at sea. Australia is home to some of the strangest laws in the world. Why does one go to a pub? The following are 6 of the odd but strict laws that could get you into serious trouble down under. By Joanna Cabot. Johnny Depp and Amber Heard recently fell foul of Australia's strict laws regarding animal transportation. “Dumb Laws” Across the United States It Is Prohibited To Harass Big Foot (Washington) In the US state of Washington, it is a crime punishable by either a fine or a jail term to harass big foot, Sasquatch, or any other undiscovered species. If you plan on going out and having your palm read or fortune told, think twice because the tarot card reader won’t tell you that your fortune might lead you to legal troubles. Required fields are marked *. Ironically, if you are going to the Gold Coast, your bikini must not exceed six inches of clothing. But most jurisdictions leave it to the public to apply their common sense for such minor issues. Lighting up in public—in restaurants, on the street, in a park—will earn a stiff fine in this Asian country. Another one of the weird laws in Ireland worth mentioning is the Marketing of Eggs Act of 1957. Johnny Depp and Amber Heard recently fell foul of Australia's strict laws regarding animal transportation. You don’t want a fun outing to turn into a police matter. It is illegal in most parts of Australia to wear a disguise without relevant cause. Here are a few other weird facts about Australia, which may be worth storing in some far recess of your brain, to bring out at a future dinner party. MORE: Motorist fined for leaving car window down Children below the age of 18 cannot buy cigarettes even though the law that indicates that does not disallow them from smoking. 15 most bizarre laws in Australia that make no sense. If you are planning a trip to Melbourne, please buy a new bikini that fits their description. This law, however, is FICTION. These rules are bananas - check them out! Another one in our list of strange laws that are in effect is this masterpiece. … So, drink safely and though it is not a part of this law, don’t drink and drive. 5:38. Planning on going to the beach in Brighton Beach in Melbourne, you are in the need of a new swimsuit. These are just two examples of some of the strange laws you may not know about, but which are punishable under state legislation. Well, if you live in one particular Australian state, you could be breaking the law. Weird Facts About Australia. Various websites claim this unfortunate law really does exist in Australia. The Laws of Australia provides a useful reference tool covering all major areas of the law. The same law that makes it illegal to harm this bird is also applicable in Victoria. Passion for adventure and sharing his life long journey with as many others as possible. "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." 1. There is criminal law, international law, corporate law, labour law, property law, constitutional law and various other types of laws that will crop up in your life one way or the other. The Summary Offences Act 1953 covers a wide and somewhat unusual range of offences that can attract fines or imprisonment in South Australia - here's … Heavily. 1. Executive Editor at Best in Australia. Out of all the stupid laws in Australia this one would have to be the in the top three. You cannot possess over 50 kilograms of potatoes in Western Australia. Thinking about cleaning your house, don’t switch on your vacuum on a weekend between 10 pm to 7 am because it is illegal. We are pretty sure there are other weird Australian laws charging penalties way more than that. So there existed some guy, living in Victoria, Australia during the mid-60s, who got so annoyed by strangers brazenly flying kites right in front of him, with no respect for his feelings, that he declared, "There needs to be a law against this!" You can contact Mike here. #4 #3 This law is inscribed in the Summary Offences laws and it states explicitly that breaking this law would land you in jail. Spitting is not a hygienic thing to do anywhere, anyway. In Brisbane, nobody is allowed to spit. #2. It is not against the law to drink alcohol so it is up to you to stop your kids from doing such rash things. Here are 15 funny, dumb, and crazy laws from around the world. Laws are made to govern, protect, shape the peace, promote justice and provide a basis for compromise. If you’re not planning travel anytime soon, keep these in mind for the next time you’re tested on your If not, then back off. Dec 9, 2014 - weird laws, Australia - Flying kites in public places; The Summary Offences Act of 1966 prohibits people, including young children, from flying kites or … Some seriously crazy laws. Hugh Morris, Travel news editor 18 April 2016 • 5:03pm. 50 Kgs of Spud Source That is the maximum permitted quantity of potatoes one can possess in West Australia at a time. Besides all the usual laws banning hard drugs, murder, theft etc, Australia also has some pretty unique laws found nowhere else in the world. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email WhatsApp. West Australians are serious about sharing their potatoes. That State happens to be Victoria. Australian laws follow the same mandate that all the citizens must abide by the set rules and regulations or suffer the consequences. - Duration: 5:38. It fills the gaps in your library when you come across an unfamiliar area of law, providing both an overview of relevant legal principles, and detailed commentary backed up by reference to cases and legislation, all written by an expert in the field. So there existed some guy, living in Victoria, Australia during the mid-60s, who got so annoyed by strangers brazenly flying kites right in front of him, with no respect for his feelings, that he declared, "There needs to be a law against this!" 1) In Victoria, only a qualified electrician is allowed to change a light bulb. The fact that it is more of common sense than anything else though is what makes this law strange. Here's 14 other far more peculiar Australian laws. According to chambers.vic.edu.au, a person can be arrested for being near or inside a house that is frequented by thieves regularly. 1. If Brighton beach doesn’t sound like your kind of place then change the destination and enjoy. In Australia, you are not permitted to drive a car if your blood alcohol level is 0.05 per cent or higher. You never know – These weird facts about Australia may help you during your next pub trivia night. Share on Facebook; Share on Twitter; 1. In Melbourne, Australia, vacuuming your house between 10 pm and 7 am during weekdays and 10 pm and 9 am during the weekends is against the law. From quirky politicians, to obscure and archaic laws and some of the strangest biodiversity in the world… the Land Down Under has it all. Some of these Australia facts you may have heard before but I bet there'll be a few surprises! Australia also has more ways to die than perhaps any other country in the world, from spiders to seashells. Definitely one of the weirdest Australian laws. And we experience four seasons each day.. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest. It was once used for sending messages and racing. What does this leave us with? It is no secret that electricity poses danger to human life. Check out these unbelievably strange US laws that actually exist! While the basis of the law is to prevent children from abusing the drug, the fact that it leaves out the what should be fundamental makes it strange. Yup, it is illegal by the law to be an uninvited guest to witness someone’s holy matrimony. Although weird, the laws are meant to protect the bird which is important for distant communication. HENRY S. HASKINS, Apparently in SA it is legal to urinate on your back left car tyre in public.. #7 The Bizarre laws of Australia forget to cover one basic point. The penalty for changing your own bulb if you are not a professional electrician is $10 and that’s why most of the people in Victoria are willing to take the risk. It's Illegal to Fly a Kite in Victoria, Australia. And it seems every state has at least a few of them. The bird has earned a prominent position in the country, so according to these weird laws, it is considered illegal to capture, injure or kill homing pigeons. #2 You cannot disrupt a wedding or a funeral in South Australia. According to recent news though, the law might not be around for long as there are currently steps towards repealing it. Vagrancy act. These are but a few of the weird and bizarre laws that Australia has. Queensland: It is illegal to post a fake job advertisement, or publish false notices about engagements, births, deaths or funerals. It is illegal to wear hot pink hot pants after midday on a Sunday. Finally, it is illegal to get intoxicated while in pubs in Australia. Did you know these laws exist? Written by Michelle Makela. 7. A British drug mule is facing at least 8 years in an Australian prison for smuggling ecstasy into the country in his luggage. As weird and entertaining as some of the laws might be, I’d love to hear the story behind a few of them, like #43, for instance. If you’re traveling to Australia, you can leave your body armor at home – it is illegal to wear a bullet proof vest without a license as it is considered to be a weapon. But the land down under has a lot more than just bizarre nature effects, it also has very very weird laws. Even though Australia has only been making laws for 116 years, there are still some very odd ones creeping around. MORE: Motorist fined for leaving car window down It's not the only wackadoodle law that still exists in the States. What are the rules on drinking alcohol and driving? Every country has some weird laws that will leave you in a fit of laughter when you know about them. Don’t worry – firearms, slingshots, throwing stars, and just about anything you could conceive of are illegal in Australia. Fortune telling and tarot reading are illegal in this country because the Australian laws believe in making one’s own fortune. Smoking laws are more severe in Singapore than they are in North America. The Laws of Australia was originally published under Founding "Editor-in-Chief" John Riordan of the Victorian Bar. Australian citizens are bound to abide by Australian laws as the citizens of any country are. Australia Unwrapped bringing you the latest News, Australia Travel and Trends from the  Land Down Under and beyond! TRUE. Definitely one of the weirdest Australian laws. Beware that if you walk on the right-hand side of the footpath you might get in trouble with the authorities. Ten Australian Hostels to Stay 2020 Page Contents Ten Australian Hostels to Stay 2020Top 10 Hostels for Your 2020 Australian. Beware of the fashion police who’ll be there to measure the amount of clothing covering your skin and if all this haggle is too much for you why not stay in, have a good cup of coffee and read a book and don’t worry about the bizarre laws of Australia. Below is a selection of them; Aboriginal payback. Latest travel advice for Australia including how coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting travel and entry requirements at this time as well as safety and security and local laws and customs There's not a single country that hasn't banned at least one thing on its territory. Picture: Stephen Laffer Source:News Corp Australia. This law, however, is FICTION. In Victoria, the Vagrancy Act 1966 indeed stipulates a person can be found guilty of an offence if they are the occupier of a house or place frequented by reputed thieves. This bird can travel long distances and can find its place miles away. 12. #9 4. All weird laws have to originate somewhere. How can you make money from becoming an Amazon affiliate? 5 Australian Startups making your life easier in 2018. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous and Australia has very serious penalties if you are caught doing so. You can get a fine up to $10,000 which is really a huge amount to put at stake for some free food and good music. Yes, seashells. However, once things are written into law, it’s unlikely that they would be revised. 6 weird Australian laws you might not know about. Follow. You are not allowed to wear black clothes, shoes and still have dark shoe polish on the face in Australia. Is your bulb fused? Just hope that the poor tourists visiting the country haven’t packed any hot pink hot pants for their journey or it will end badly for them. We have put together the Top 8 of the weirdest laws in Australia. Most citizens aren’t even aware that such weird laws exist. Here are 15 of Australia’s most bizarre laws: You cannot possess over 50 kilograms of potatoes, Hanson says One Nation isn’t split despite Burston breaking ranks, Reasons you should get private dance lessons in Sydney, What you should know about becoming a criminal lawyer, How to ensure you’re getting the best legal translation services. This law may have been applicable when transport was a horse and carriage, but there is no evidence to suggest that this law still exists. 51. Are you a professional electrician? Share. Snakes, crocs, drop bears, kangaroos — Australia is a wonderful country full of some of the biggest, most dangerous and quirkiest things in the world — and road rules are no exception. You cannot disrupt a wedding or a funeral in South Australia. If you happen to go to a bar with a horse in Australia, the bar should feed and water your horse. If you get electrocuted to death then you will have to pay fines to the government. Our government is a mash-up of four different types of governing system.We think beer after-work is fine all week.Our electoral process is a heaping mass of complicated work. NSW: Drivers can be fined up to $2,200 for not taking enough care to avoid splashing mud on public bus passengers (Regulation 291-3, Road Rules 2014 (NSW)). Weird laws in Australia Travellers beware: it’s illegal to wee in the sea in Portugal. We pay our respects to him for his enormous and successful undertaking. So don’t call the police if your UBER driver doesn’t have a bale of hay in the boot! Police even have the right to stop and search people and vehicles if they suspect that they might be in possession of more than 50kgs of the vegetable. Don't even think about taking your UFO to France. You cannot injure a homing pigeon according to South Australian laws. Bars are required to stable, water and feed the horses of their patrons. Snakes, crocs, drop bears, kangaroos — Australia is a wonderful country full of some of the biggest, most dangerous and quirkiest things in the world — and road rules are no exception. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. To buff or dry your car with used underwear, in San Francisco specifically. During the 1960s counter culture movement, a music and arts festival brought students, hippies & artists to Nimbin. Also See : Why Have a Wedding in Australia? First in our list of bizarre laws of Australia is this. Under Victorian law, changing a light bulb without a valid license to do so was against the law. The festival came to an end, but many of those that had attended agreed to stay on in Nimbin and form communes and a self sufficient community.