Back to Knowledge Hub Criminal offences A crime is any behaviour or act that is against the law and may result in punishment. Serious crimes include murder, assault, sexual assault, property damage or theft, armed robbery, having sexual relations with children or young people who are below the legal age of consent, driving dangerously, possession, […]

Back to Knowledge Hub Violence Violence towards another person is illegal in Australia and is regarded as a serious crime. A person who commits violent crimes can go to jail, whether they are a man or a woman. Various services exist to support victims of crime or violence, including violence in the home (domestic and […]

Back to Knowledge Hub Domestic and Family Violence and Sexual Assault Domestic and family violence includes behaviour or threats that aim to control a partner or other family member by causing fear or threatening their safety. Domestic and family violence is against the law in Australia. It can include: hitting, choking or hurting the family […]

Back to Knowledge Hub The legal age of consent The legal age of consent is the age that the law says you can agree (consent) to have sex with another person. In most states and territories the legal age of consent is 16 years of age for both men and women. In South Australia and […]

Back to Knowledge Hub Rights of children Australia has a strong commitment to protecting the rights of children. Children are protected by law from physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect and violence, both at home and at school. Reasonable arrangements must be made for the supervision and care of children. Physical discipline such as hitting […]

Back to Knowledge Hub Child protection Where a practice harms or is likely to harm a child or young person, child protection services may become involved to ensure children’s safety and wellbeing. If you or someone you know needs protection from violence or abuse, you should contact the police or a child protection service. For […]

Back to Knowledge Hub Forced marriage Everyone in Australia is free to choose whether they marry. Forcing anybody to get married is a crime in Australia. A forced marriage is when a person gets married without fully and freely consenting, because they have been threatened, coerced or deceived. Nobody is allowed to physically, emotionally, or […]

Back to Knowledge Hub Female reproductive health and rights The practice of female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) is illegal in Australia. FGM/C includes any procedure that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs, that is performed for non-medical reasons. It is also […]

Back to Knowledge Hub Firearms and Knives 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 […]

Back to Knowledge Hub 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 […]