7. Victorian Drug Offences¶
Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic) (DPCSA), plus s 19 Crimes Act 1958 (Vic). Extracted from study notes. DoD = drug of dependence (s 4(1), Sch 11); FE = fault element; PU = penalty units; NP = natural person; BC = body corporate; SS = standard sentence; SA = Sentencing Act 1991 (Vic); Category ½ = SA offence category (mandatory custodial). 'Traffick' (s 70(1)) and the s 5 / s 73(2) deeming provisions are common to the trafficking/possession families. SORA does not apply to drug offences. s 322T = Crimes Act self-induced-intoxication regime (applies wherever a defence turns on a reasonable belief/response).
Trafficking offences — ss 71–71AD DPCSA¶
| Section | Offence | Brief elements | Penalty / SS / category & flags |
|---|---|---|---|
| s 71(1) | Traffick a large commercial quantity of a DoD | (1) trafficks/attempts to traffick (s 70(1); s 73(2) deeming from traffickable qty); (2) substance a DoD (s 4(1), Sch 11); (3) qty ≥ large commercial qty (Sch 11 Col 1A/1B; aggregated fractions ≥ 1.0); (4) FE intention to traffick + knowledge/belief, or awareness of a 'significant or real chance', as to nature & qty (Mustica). | Level 1 (life) / 5,000 PU — SS 16 yrs / Category 1 (SA, mandatory custodial) / serious drug offender (Confiscation Act 1997) — verified — Penalty (AustLII verified): Level 1 (life) + up to 5,000 PU (s 71(1)) — confirmed. SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Category 1 (s 71(1) Note 1; Sentencing Act s 5(2G) mandatory custodial) — verified. Standard sentence: 16 years (s 71(2)) — verified. Serious offender: Yes (both regimes): serious-offender drug offence (Sentencing Act Sch 1 cl 4(a)(i)) AND a serious drug offence — court MUST declare offender a serious drug offender (s 71(1) Note 2; Sentencing Act s 89DI; Confiscation Act 1997). |
| s 71AA(1) | Traffick a commercial quantity of a DoD | (1) trafficks/attempts (s 70(1); s 73(2)); (2) DoD; (3) qty ≥ commercial qty (Sch 11 Col 2/2A; aggregated fractions ≥ 1.0); (4) FE intention + knowledge/belief/real-chance awareness as to nature & qty (Mustica). | Level 2 (25 yrs) — Category 2 (SA, s 5(2H), mandatory custodial unless exception) / serious drug offender declaration (s 89DI SA) — verified — Penalty (AustLII verified): Level 2 (25 yrs) (s 71AA(1)) — confirmed. SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Category 2 (s 71AA Note 1; Sentencing Act s 5(2H), custodial unless paras (a)-(e)) — verified. Standard sentence: None (standard sentence applies only to s 71(1)). Serious offender: Serious-offender drug offence (Sentencing Act Sch 1 cl 4(a)(ii)). Note: NOT a Confiscation Act 'serious drug offence' — the mandatory s 89DI serious-drug-offender declaration attaches only to s 71AA(2), not s 71AA(1). |
| s 71AA(2) | Traffick a commercial quantity for a criminal organisation | (1) trafficks/attempts; (2) DoD; (3) qty ≥ commercial qty; (4) for the benefit of, or at the direction of, a 'criminal organisation' (bipartite def, s 70(1)); (5) FE intention + knowledge/belief as to nature, qty & the criminal-organisation nexus. Introduced 4 June 2019. | Level 1 (life) / 5,000 PU — Category 1 (SA, s 5(2G)) / serious drug offender / Bail Act Sch 1 (exceptional circumstances) — verified — Penalty (AustLII verified): Level 1 (life) + up to 5,000 PU (s 71AA(2)) — confirmed. SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Category 1 (s 71AA Note 2; Sentencing Act s 5(2G)) — verified. Standard sentence: None. Serious offender: Yes (both regimes): Sentencing Act Sch 1 cl 4(a)(iia) AND a serious drug offence — mandatory s 89DI serious-drug-offender declaration (s 71AA Note 3; Confiscation Act 1997). |
| s 71AB(1) | Traffick a DoD to a child | (1) trafficks/attempts to a person; (2) DoD; (3) recipient was a child (under 18, s 70(1)); (4) FE intention + knowledge/belief as to nature. No quantity threshold. | Level 3 (20 yrs) — verified — Penalty (AustLII verified): Level 3 (20 yrs) (s 71AB(1)) — confirmed. SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
| s 71AB(2) | Traffick a DoD to a child at/within 500 m of a school | (1) trafficks/attempts to a person; (2) DoD; (3) recipient a child; (4) at a school or a public place within 500 m of a school (defs: Education and Training Reform Act 2006; Summary Offences Act 1966); (5) FE intention + knowledge/belief as to nature. | Level 2 (25 yrs) — verified — Penalty (AustLII verified): Level 2 (25 yrs) (s 71AB(2)) — confirmed. SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
| s 71AC(1) | Traffick a DoD (baseline) | (1) trafficks/attempts (s 70(1); s 73(2)); (2) DoD; (3) FE intention + knowledge/belief/real-chance awareness as to nature. No qty threshold; need only intend to traffick a DoD, not the specific drug (Mustica). | Level 4 (15 yrs) — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
| s 71AC(2) | Traffick a DoD at/within 500 m of a school | (1) trafficks/attempts; (2) DoD; (3) at a school or a public place within 500 m of a school; (4) FE intention + knowledge/belief as to nature. No qty threshold. | Level 3 (20 yrs) — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
| s 71AD | Use violence or threats to cause another to traffick a DoD | (1) uses violence against, or threatens to harm, a person (victim or a third party); (2) thereby causes another person to traffick (s 70(1)); (3) substance a DoD; (4) FE intentionally cause the trafficking. Coerced person remains liable (s 71AD(2)); duress (s 322O)/FV (s 322P) preserved (s 71AD(3)). | Level 6 (5 yrs) — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
Cultivation offences — ss 72–72B DPCSA¶
| Section | Offence | Brief elements | Penalty / SS / category & flags |
|---|---|---|---|
| s 72 | Cultivate a large commercial quantity of a narcotic plant | (1) cultivates/attempts (s 70(1) — sow/plant/grow/tend/nurture/harvest/graft/divide/transplant; seeds alone insufficient); (2) narcotic plant (s 70(1), Sch 11 Pt 2); (3) qty ≥ large commercial qty (Col 1A; e.g. 250 kg or 1,000 cannabis plants; green weight); (4) FE intention to cultivate + to cultivate ≥ large commercial qty (R v Bui; R v Garlick (No 2)). s 72C 'did not know' defence. | Level 1 (life) / 5,000 PU — Category 1 (SA, s 5(2G)) / serious drug offender (Confiscation Act, s 89DI SA) — verified — Penalty (AustLII verified): Level 1 (life) + up to 5,000 PU (s 72) — confirmed. SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Category 1 (s 72 Note 1; Sentencing Act s 5(2G)) — verified. Standard sentence: None. Serious offender: Yes (both regimes): Sentencing Act Sch 1 cl 4(a)(iii) AND a serious drug offence — mandatory s 89DI serious-drug-offender declaration (s 72 Note 2; Confiscation Act 1997). |
| s 72A | Cultivate a commercial quantity of a narcotic plant | (1) cultivates/attempts; (2) narcotic plant; (3) qty ≥ commercial qty (Col 2; e.g. 25 kg or 100 cannabis plants; green weight); (4) FE intention to cultivate + to cultivate ≥ commercial qty (R v Bui; R v Garlick (No 2)). s 72C defence. | Level 2 (25 yrs) — Category 2 (SA, s 5(2H)) / may trigger serious drug offender declaration — verified — Penalty (AustLII verified): Level 2 (25 yrs) (s 72A) — confirmed. SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Category 2 (s 72A Note; Sentencing Act s 5(2H)) — verified. Standard sentence: None. Serious offender: Serious-offender drug offence (Sentencing Act Sch 1 cl 4(a)(iv)). Note: NOT a Confiscation Act 'serious drug offence' — there is no mandatory s 89DI declaration for s 72A (the s 72A Note carries only the category-2 classification). |
| s 72B | Cultivate a narcotic plant (baseline) | (1) cultivates/attempts; (2) narcotic plant; (3) FE intention to do the physical act of cultivation only — prosecution need not prove knowledge the plant was narcotic (s 72C shifts that to accused). Alternative verdict to ss 72/72A. | Level 8 (1 yr) and/or 20 PU if not for a trafficking purpose; otherwise Level 4 (15 yrs) — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
Possession & use offences — ss 73–75 DPCSA¶
| Section | Offence | Brief elements | Penalty / SS / category & flags |
|---|---|---|---|
| s 73(1) | Possess a DoD | (1) substance a DoD (s 4(1), Sch 11); (2) statutory possession via s 5 deeming — on land/premises occupied by accused, or used/enjoyed/controlled by them anywhere, unless accused satisfies court to the contrary (legal onus; Momcilovic). Prosecution need not prove intention to possess. | Level 6 (5 yrs) or 400 PU or both; if not for a trafficking purpose max 1 yr or 30 PU; small qty cannabis/THC not for trafficking max 5 PU — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
| s 75 | Use a DoD | (1) uses/attempts to use (s 70(1) — smoke, inhale fumes, or introduce into the body); (2) DoD; (3) FE intention to do the act + knowledge/belief/real-chance awareness as to nature. No possession required. | Cannabis/THC: 5 PU; otherwise 30 PU or Level 8 (1 yr) or both — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
| s 74 | Introduce a DoD into the body of another person | (1) introduces/attempts to introduce a substance into the body of another person; (2) DoD; (3) FE intention + knowledge/belief as to nature. No consent element (cf s 19 Crimes Act / s 46). | 30 PU or Level 8 (1 yr) or both — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
Supply to a child — s 71B DPCSA¶
| Section | Offence | Brief elements | Penalty / SS / category & flags |
|---|---|---|---|
| s 71B(1) | Supply a DoD to a child | (1) supplies/attempts to supply to a person (broad s 4(1) 'supply' — whether or not for fee); (2) DoD; (3) recipient a child (under 18); (4) supply for the child's own use (s 71B(1)(b)) or for onward supply by the child (s 71B(1)(a)); (5) FE intention + knowledge/belief as to nature. Child-supplier exemption (s 71B(3)); reasonable-belief-as-to-age defence (s 71B(4)). | Level 4 (15 yrs) or 1,000 PU or both — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
| s 71B(1A) | Supply a DoD to a child at/within 500 m of a school | (1) supplies/attempts to supply to a person; (2) DoD; (3) recipient a child; (4) at a school or public place within 500 m of a school; (5) for the child's use or onward supply; (6) FE intention + knowledge/belief as to nature. s 71B(3) exemption; s 71B(4) age defence. | Level 3 (20 yrs) or 1,600 PU or both — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
Preparatory & facilitation offences — ss 71A–72D DPCSA¶
| Section | Offence | Brief elements | Penalty / SS / category & flags |
|---|---|---|---|
| s 71A | Possess a substance, material, document or equipment for trafficking | (1) possesses a substance, material, document of preparation/cultivation/trafficking instructions, or equipment (s 5 deeming for substances); (2) with the intention of using it for the purpose of trafficking a DoD (s 70(1)); (3) without authorisation. Operates independently of ss 71C/71D/71E. | Level 5 (10 yrs) — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
| s 71C | Possess a tablet press | (1) possesses a tablet press (s 5 deeming inapplicable — not a 'substance'); (2) without authorisation/licence or lawful excuse (s 104 reverse onus). No intent to traffick or manufacture required. | 600 PU or Level 6 (5 yrs) or both — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
| s 71D | Possess precursor chemicals | (1) possesses a substance (s 5 deeming applies); (2) substance a prescribed precursor chemical; (3) qty ≥ the prescribed quantity. No intent to traffick required; absence of authorisation/lawful excuse is a reverse-onus exception (s 104). | 600 PU or Level 6 (5 yrs) or both — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
| s 71E(1) | Possess a document containing instructions for trafficking/cultivation | (1) possesses a document (def s 38 Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984); (2) containing instructions for trafficking/cultivation of a DoD; (3) without authorisation or reasonable excuse — s 104 ousted by s 71E(2), so prosecution must negative excuse BRD once raised. No intent to use required. | 600 PU or Level 6 (5 yrs) or both — s 76 adjourned bond available — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
| s 71F(1) | Publish a document containing instructions for trafficking/cultivation | (1) publishes a document (s 71F(3) — sell/offer/hire/exhibit/display/distribute/demonstrate); (2) containing trafficking/cultivation instructions for a DoD (whether they actually work is irrelevant, s 71F(2)); (3) FE intention that another use them, OR knowledge/recklessness another will (s 71F(1)(a)/(b)); (4) without authorisation/reasonable excuse — s 104 ousted (s 71F(4)). | 1,200 PU or Level 5 (10 yrs) or both — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
| s 72D | Permit use of premises for trafficking or cultivation (two discrete offences) | (1) accused an owner/occupier of land/premises (broad def s 72D(3), incl vehicles/vessels); (2) intentionally permits another to use it for trafficking (s 72D(1)) or cultivation (s 72D(2)) of a DoD; (3) FE actual knowledge + intentional permission (negligence insufficient). s 72C defence available on the cultivation limb. | Level 6 (5 yrs) (each of s 72D(1) and s 72D(2)) — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
Extensions of liability — ss 79–80 DPCSA¶
| Section | Offence | Brief elements | Penalty / SS / category & flags |
|---|---|---|---|
| s 79 | Conspire to commit a specified drug offence | (1) agreement with one+ others to pursue a course of conduct (s 321 Crimes Act); (2) the conduct would involve a specified DPCSA offence (ss 71, 71AA, 71AB, 71AC, 71AD, 71A, 71B, 71E, 71F, 72, 72A, 72B, 72D, 73); (3) intention that it be committed; (4) intention/belief as to facts/circumstances that are elements of the target offence. No completion of target offence required. | As for the target offence (e.g. life if s 71) — serious drug offender where target ss 71, 71AA(2), 72; s 76 bond if target ss 73/75/71E — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category offence in itself (penalty mirrors the target offence). Standard sentence: None. Serious offender: Serious-offender drug offence where the conspiracy is to commit s 71, 71AA, 72 or 72A (Sentencing Act Sch 1 cl 4(a)(v), s 79(1)). |
| s 80 | Incite the commission of a specified drug offence | (1) incites another (s 2A Crimes Act — command/request/propose/advise/encourage/authorize); (2) the incited conduct is a specified DPCSA offence (broad list in s 80(1)/(2), ss 71–78); (3) FE specific intent that the target offence be committed. Recipient need not act. Harm-reduction (needle/syringe) exemption s 80(5). | As for the target offence — serious drug offender where target ss 71, 71AA(2), 72; s 76 bond if target ss 73/75/71E — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category offence in itself (penalty mirrors the target offence). Standard sentence: None. Serious offender: Serious-offender drug offence where the incitement is to commit s 71, 71AA, 72 or 72A (Sentencing Act Sch 1 cl 4(a)(v), s 80(3)(a)). |
Psychoactive substances — Part IIIA, ss 56D–56F DPCSA¶
| Section | Offence | Brief elements | Penalty / SS / category & flags |
|---|---|---|---|
| s 56D | Produce a psychoactive substance | (1) produces a substance (s 56A — make/prepare/process/extract/refine/package/label); (2) substance a 'psychoactive substance' (s 4(1) — psychoactive effect; excludes DoD, poisons, controlled/volatile substances, therapeutic goods, food, liquor, tobacco); (3) FE knows or reasonably suspects it is psychoactive. s 104 ousted (s 56B); 'not for human consumption' no defence (s 56C). | NP: 240 PU or 2 yrs; BC: 1,200 PU — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
| s 56E | Sell, or commercially supply, a psychoactive substance | (1) sells, OR supplies in the course of a commercial activity, a substance (s 4(1) defs); (2) substance a psychoactive substance; (3) FE knows or reasonably suspects. Captures 'free' promotional supply. s 56B (s 104 ousted); s 56C. | NP: 240 PU or 2 yrs or both; BC: 1,200 PU — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
| s 56F | Display/permit an advertisement for a psychoactive substance | (1) displays, or causes/permits to be displayed, an advertisement (broad def s 56A); (2) in/on a public place, or a vehicle/vessel in a public place; (3) FE intending it as promotion (s 56F(1)) OR knowing a substantial risk it will promote (s 56F(2)) consumption/sale/supply of a psychoactive substance. s 56B; s 56C. | NP: 240 PU or 2 yrs or both; BC: 1,200 PU — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
Cocaine kits — Part VA, ss 80B–80C DPCSA¶
| Section | Offence | Brief elements | Penalty / SS / category & flags |
|---|---|---|---|
| s 80B | Display a cocaine kit in a retail outlet | (1) displays a cocaine kit (s 80A — two+ of razor blade/tube/mirror/scoop/glass bottle/other item, packaged as a unit for preparing/introducing cocaine); (2) in a retail outlet (incl shop or market). Strict — no intent to sell required. | NP: 60 PU; BC: 300 PU — summary, no imprisonment; forfeiture s 80H — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
| s 80C | Sell a cocaine kit | (1) sells a cocaine kit (s 80A; s 4(1) 'sell'); (2) FE knows or reckless that the kit is sold for the purpose of preparing/introducing cocaine into any person's body. | NP: 60 PU; BC: 300 PU — forfeiture s 80H — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
Ice pipes — Part VAB, ss 80HB–80HC DPCSA¶
| Section | Offence | Brief elements | Penalty / SS / category & flags |
|---|---|---|---|
| s 80HB | Display an ice pipe in a retail outlet | (1) displays an ice pipe (s 80HA — device for smoking/inhaling crystalline methylamphetamine; incl a device that needs adjustment/modification/addition); (2) in a retail outlet. Strict — no fault as to a purchaser's intent. | NP: 240 PU; BC: 600 PU — summary; forfeiture s 80HH — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
| s 80HC | Sell or supply an ice pipe | (1) sells or supplies an item (s 4(1) defs); (2) item is an ice pipe (s 80HA). Strict — no fault element as to purpose (cf s 80C). | NP: 240 PU; BC: 600 PU — forfeiture s 80HH — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
Cannabis water pipes / bongs — Part VC, ss 80U–80W DPCSA¶
| Section | Offence | Brief elements | Penalty / SS / category & flags |
|---|---|---|---|
| s 80U | Display a cannabis water pipe, bong component or bong kit in a retail outlet | (1) displays a cannabis water pipe / bong component / bong kit (s 80T defs; 'bong'; excludes a hookah); (2) in a retail outlet. Strict. Pharmacist/medicinal-cannabis-vaporiser exception (s 80TA). | NP: 60 PU; BC: 300 PU — infringement s 80Y; forfeiture s 80ZE — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
| s 80V | Sell a cannabis water pipe, bong component or bong kit | (1) sells a cannabis water pipe / bong component / bong kit (s 4(1) 'sell'; s 80T defs; not a hookah). Strict — no fault as to purchaser. s 80TA exception. | NP: 60 PU; BC: 300 PU — infringement 12 PU (NP)/60 PU (BC); forfeiture s 80ZE — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
| s 80W | Commercially supply a cannabis water pipe, bong component or bong kit | (1) supplies a cannabis water pipe / bong component / bong kit (s 4(1) 'supply', incl free); (2) item within s 80T defs (not a hookah); (3) in the course of carrying out a commercial activity. Captures 'free' promotional supply. s 80TA exception. | NP: 60 PU; BC: 300 PU — infringement 12 PU (NP)/60 PU (BC); forfeiture s 80ZE — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
Prescription & poisons fraud — ss 77–78, 36B DPCSA¶
| Section | Offence | Brief elements | Penalty / SS / category & flags |
|---|---|---|---|
| s 77(1) | Forge or utter a forged prescription/order for a DoD | (1) forges/fraudulently alters/utters (or attempts) a document (false-document concept s 83A(6) Crimes Act; common-law forgery abolished s 83B); (2) document a prescription/order for a DoD (Sch 11); (3) for uttering, FE knowing it forged/fraudulently altered (for altering, 'fraudulently'). Cf s 36A (non-DoD poisons). | 20 PU or Level 8 (1 yr) or both — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
| s 78 | Obtain a DoD or prescription by false representation | (1) makes a false representation (oral/written/conduct); (2) FE knowingly; (3) thereby obtains/attempts to obtain a DoD or a prescription/order, or induces administration/dispensing (s 78(a)–(d); s 78(d) needs knowledge the prescription was obtained in contravention). Attempts caught — deception/handover need not be completed. | 20 PU or Level 8 (1 yr) or both — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
| s 36B(1) | Obtain a Schedule 8, 9 or 4 poison by false representation | (1) makes a false representation (oral/written/conduct); (2) FE knowingly; (3) thereby obtains a Sch 8/9/4 poison or a prescription/order, or induces administration/dispensing (s 36B(1)(a)–(d)). 'Attempt' not in the text (cf s 78). Lesser parallel to s 78 (targets scheduled poisons, not DoD). | 10 PU — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
Monitored poisons database (SafeScript) — s 30I DPCSA¶
| Section | Offence | Brief elements | Penalty / SS / category & flags |
|---|---|---|---|
| s 30I | Unauthorised access, use or disclosure of monitored-poisons-database information (two discrete offences) | s 30I(1) (unauthorised person): (1) not authorised to access/use/disclose the database; (2) accesses/uses/discloses information; (3) FE knowingly. s 30I(2) (authorised person, e.g. doctor/pharmacist/nurse or paramedic practitioner): (1) an authorised person; (2) accesses/uses/discloses (3) other than in accordance with their authorisation (s 30C purposes). Good-faith protection s 30J. | 100 PU (each of s 30I(1) and s 30I(2)) — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
Related Crimes Act offence — s 19 Crimes Act 1958 (Vic)¶
| Section | Offence | Brief elements | Penalty / SS / category & flags |
|---|---|---|---|
| s 19(1) | Administration of certain substances ('drink spiking') | (1) administers to, or causes to be taken by, another a substance; (2) substance capable, in the circumstances, of substantially interfering with the other's bodily functions; (3) FE knows it is so capable; (4) FE knows the other did not consent, or reckless as to consent; (5) without lawful excuse. Cf s 46 (administration for a sexual purpose, 10 yrs). | Level 6 (5 yrs) — verified — SORA: N/A — not a registrable sexual offence Category: Not a category 1 or 2 offence (mandatory sentencing, Sentencing Act s 5(2G)/(2H), does not apply) Standard sentence: None Serious offender: No — not a serious-offender offence (not in Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 4) |
- The notes state a standard sentence (16 years) only for s 71(1) large commercial quantity trafficking. Standard sentences may apply to other serious DPCSA offences under the Sentencing Act 1991 (Vic) standard-sentence scheme but are not stated in the notes — confirm before relying.*
Penalty levels translate to maximum terms under s 109 Sentencing Act 1991 (Vic) (Level 1 = life; Level 2 = 25 yrs; Level 3 = 20 yrs; Level 4 = 15 yrs; Level 5 = 10 yrs; Level 6 = 5 yrs; Level 8 = 1 yr). The dollar value of a penalty unit is indexed annually — confirm the current value at the offence date.
39 offence provisions across 13 families. Several sections house multiple chargeable limbs (e.g. s 72D(1)/(2) trafficking vs cultivation; s 30I(1)/(2) unauthorised vs authorised-person; Part VC ss 80U–80W subsections for pipes/components/kits), and ss 79–80 take the penalty of whichever target DPCSA offence is engaged.
Verification note: Ancillary classifications added to every offence and verified against AustLII current Acts (DPCSA 1981 ss 71, 71AA, 71AB, 72, 72A; Sentencing Act 1991 s 3, s 5(2G)/(2H), s 5A/5B, s 89DI & Sch 1 cl 4; SORA 2004; Confiscation Act 1997). All penalty levels, the category ½ classifications and the 16-year standard sentence for s 71(1) are CORRECT as stated. SORA is N/A throughout (no registrable sexual offences). Two clarifications flagged in green: the serious-offender label for s 71AA(1) and s 72A — both are serious-offender drug offences under Sentencing Act Sch 1 cl 4, but neither triggers the mandatory s 89DI serious-drug-offender (Confiscation Act) declaration, which attaches only to ss 71(1), 71AA(2) and 72.