Commonwealth Consolidated Acts

CRIMES (BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS) ACT 1976 - SECT 8

  (1)   It is unlawful to develop, produce, stockpile or otherwise acquire or retain:

  (a)   microbial or other biological agents, or toxins whatever their origin or method of production, of types and in quantities that have no justification for prophylactic, protective or other peaceful purposes; or

  (b)   weapons, equipment or means of delivery designed to use such agents or toxins for hostile purposes or in armed conflict.

  (2)   A corporation that, or a natural person who, does an act or thing declared by subsection   ( 1) to be unlawful commits an offence and is punishable, on conviction:

  (a)   in the case of a corporation--by a fine not exceeding 2,000 penalty units ; and

  (b)   in the case of a natural person--by imprisonment for a specified period or for life, or a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units , or both.

  (3)   An expression that is used in this section and in the Convention has in this section the same meaning as in the Convention.