From 7 November 2024, the Commonwealth penalty unit has risen from $313 to $330, affecting fines related to breaches of Australian law, including environmental and refrigeration industry regulations. The change, outlined in Section 4AA of the Crimes Act 1914, means that fines calculated using penalty units will increase accordingly.
A penalty unit is a standard measure used by the government to determine fines. For instance, a fine of five penalty units previously amounted to $1,565 (5 x $313) but will now be $1,650 (5 x $330).
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) is reminding refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) technicians of the importance of compliance, particularly in light of the increased financial penalties. Ensuring valid licences and adherence to industry regulations is essential not only to avoid fines but also to maintain professional integrity and workplace safety.
Technicians are urged to regularly check their licensing status to ensure it covers the tasks they perform and remains valid. Operating outside the scope of a licence or with an expired licence can result in significant penalties under the updated fine structure.
For more information on the penalty unit increase, refer to
AustLII - Section 4AA of the Crimes Act 1914.
