Two travellers have received civil penalties totalling $54,000 following multiple attempts to circumvent Australia's biosecurity laws and conceal more than 240 live fish through Melbourne International Airport.
The ornamental fish in water were found during baggage inspections and were immediately confiscated because they posed a potential disease risk to humans, animals, plants, and the ecosystem.
This is the first time the Federal Court of Australia has handed down civil penalties under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
This result demonstrates the department is willing and able to take serious action against those who attempt to bypass Australia's biosecurity laws. It should serve as a deterrent to anyone considering illegally importing biosecurity risk material into the country.
We take biosecurity seriously, and work closely with frontline agencies to mitigate risks associated with the spread of exotic pests and diseases entering Australia.
The maximum civil penalty for breaching Australia's biosecurity laws is expected to increase to $330,000 for illegal importation of goods. The maximum civil penalty for providing false or misleading documents is also expected to increase to $198,000.
For more on this case, read our Minister's media release.
