Commonwealth Consolidated Acts Commonwealth Consolidated Acts(1) Proceedings for a declaration of contravention, a pecuniary penalty order or a relinquishment order against a person are stayed if:
(a) criminal proceedings are started or have already been started against the person for an offence; and
(b) the offence is constituted by conduct that is substantially the same as the conduct alleged to constitute the contravention.
(2) The proceedings for the declaration or order (the civil proceedings ) may be resumed if the person is not convicted of the offence. Otherwise:
(a) the civil proceedings are dismissed; and
(b) costs must not be awarded in relation to the civil proceedings.