Barrister AI
All legislation
COMMONWEALTHAct
In force
This is the latest official compilation.Check the official source →
s 578

Defence of taking reasonable steps to comply with a direction

In force
Schedule 2APetroleum environmental laws: additional NOPSEMA inspection powers
Part 4OHS inspections
Division 5Appeals: OHS inspections etc.

578 Defence of taking reasonable steps to comply with a direction

(1)

It is a defence in a prosecution for an offence, or in proceedings for a civil penalty order, for a breach of a direction covered by subsection (2) if the defendant proves that the defendant took all reasonable steps to comply with the direction.

Note:

The defendant bears a legal burden in relation to a prosecution for an offence: see section 13.4 of the Criminal Code. The same applies in proceedings for a civil penalty.

(2)

This subsection covers the following directions:

(a)

a direction given by the Joint Authority or NOPSEMA under:

(i)

Chapter 2; or

(ii)

this Chapter; or

(iii)

Part 7.1; or

(iv)

a regulation; or

(b)

a direction given by the responsible Commonwealth Minister under this Part or Division 1 of Part 6.4.

38 Paragraph 584(b)

After “Part 6.2”, insert “or Division 1 of Part 6.4”.

39 At the end of subsection 586(2)

Add:

Note 4:

Breach of a direction may attract a criminal or civil penalty: see section 587B.

40 Subsections 586(5) and (5A)

Repeal the subsections.

41 At the end of subsection 586A(2)

Add:

Note 3:

Breach of a direction may attract a criminal or civil penalty: see section 587B.

42 Subsections 586A(5) and (6)

Repeal the subsections.

43 Subsection 587(2) (note)

Omit “Note”, substitute “Note 1”.

44 At the end of subsection 587(2)

Add:

Note 2:

Breach of a direction may attract a criminal or civil penalty: see section 587B.

45 Subsections 587(6) and (7)

Repeal the subsections.

46 At the end of subsection 587A(2)

Add:

Note:

Breach of a direction may attract a criminal or civil penalty: see section 587B.

47 Subsections 587A(6) and (7)

Repeal the subsections.

48 After section 587A

Insert:

Research tools for this sectionPro

The statute text is free to read above. View Pro plans to unlock the case-law research tools for each provision.