Swearing In Public Could Now Land You In Jail
RIP to most Aussies, because cursing in public can potentially make a massive hole in your pocket.
Did you know dropping the f-bomb in a cafe, at the beach or in any public space could you cop you a fine of up to 21k and potentially even jail time. It's not just one state it is across the country. Here is how much you would be fined per state.
New South Wales
Fun fact, it's been illegal to swear in public since the Offenses Act was passed in 1988, stating that offensive language must not be used 'near a public place or a school.' Anyone caught can be fined up to $660 and even might have to serve 100 hours of community service.
South Australia
They're even more dramatic in South Australia, you could get a maximum penalty is $1250 or three months' imprisonment. Remind me to never move to South Australia because I'd be f**king done!
Tasmania
In Tassie, you can get a fine of up to $519 (an odd number to decide on..) or/and 3-months jail time. Do these states even know what kind of language Aussies use on the regular?
Queensland
The state with the most foul-mouth is apparently one of the strictest when it comes coming down on indecent language in public. You can cop a fine of up to $3,325 and/or jail time of up to six months.
Northern Territory
In the NT, potty-mouths who say 'objectionable words in a public place' can be fined anything between $100 and $500.
Victoria
Ah, left the worst for the last! Victoria's penalty is five months in prison or a big fat fine of up to $21,720.
However, Aussies can challenge an offensive language charge if they can prove that it was necessary, in self-defence or made under duress. So I guess if you swear in a justifiable context it's alright...
In a matter of self-interest, I want to start a petition to add "done with life and people" to the "reasons" it is justifiable to swear in public, so I'm safe from potentially not becoming a criminal every time I leave my house.
In brighter news, did you know you get heaps of freebies on your birthday, plus you can make money if you choose to detox from social media?