Tougher fines for environmental law-breakers

The Commonwealth penalty unit has increased from $313 to $330 as of November 7, 2024, meaning the fines for breaking environmental laws will now be higher.

A penalty unit is a way the government decides how much a fine should be, and can go up and down over time. For example, if breaking a rule costs two penalty units, the fine used to be $626 ($313 x 2), but it will now cost $660 ($330 x 2).

The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) has emphasised the critical importance of compliance and licensing for all refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) technicians.

“Maintaining a valid licence and complying with industry regulations isn’t just about avoiding penalties, it’s about safeguarding your professional reputation, ensuring the safety and integrity of the work you do, and protecting the wider community,” says the ARC.

With the recent increase in penalty units, the potential financial consequences of non-compliance have become more significant, making it essential to ensure that all practices align with the necessary legal requirements. Technicians who fail to meet compliance standards may face heavy fines and legal repercussions that could harm their careers and the trust their clients place in them.

The ARC recommends:

• Reviewing your licensing status regularly to ensure you are up to date with any necessary requirements
• Checking that your licence covers the specific duties you are performing and that it remains valid throughout your work.

Performing tasks that fall outside the scope of a licence or with an expired licence can lead to substantial penalties.

For more information on the penalty unit increase, the official legislation is available to read here.