New laws making it a criminal offence to impersonate a Commonwealth entity, company or service, including Government Agencies and Departments, have been passed by the Australian Parliament.
Attorney-General, Christian Porter said that under the new legislation, those responsible for such deceptive activities would face penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment.
“Whilst it was already a criminal offence to impersonate a Commonwealth official, these new laws put beyond doubt the ability of prosecutors to deal appropriately with those who pretend pretending to be, or be acting on behalf of, a Government body,” Mr Porter said.
He said it was important that the Australian community have and maintain confidence in their major institutions.
“The passage of this legislation ensures that our institutions cannot be misused by those with other agendas and protects the community from criminal misrepresentation of those institutions,” Mr Porter said.
“The legislation includes safeguards to ensure the new offences do not limit freedom of expression or stifle public debate.”
The Attorney-General said specific protections had been included for artistic or satirical misrepresentations of Government.
“These protections ensure Australia’s longstanding and celebrated tradition of satire and artistic freedom continues, whilst protecting people from deliberate deception for specific purposes,” Mr Porter said.
