Criminal Code Act 1995

Schedule - The Criminal Code  

Section 3

CHAPTER 10 - NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE  

Part 10.6 - Telecommunications Services  

Division 474 - Telecommunications offences  

Subdivision C - General offences relating to use of telecommunications  

SECTION 474.18   Improper use of emergency call service  

(1)    
A person commits an offence if the person:


(a) makes a call to an emergency service number; and


(b) does so with the intention of inducing a false belief that an emergency exists.

Penalty: Imprisonment for 3 years.


(2)    
A person commits an offence if:


(a) the person makes a call to an emergency service number; and


(b) the person makes the call otherwise than for the purpose of reporting an emergency; and


(c) the call is a vexatious one.

Penalty: Imprisonment for 3 years.


(3)    
In determining whether a call by a person to an emergency service number is a vexatious one, have regard to:


(a) the content of the call; and


(b) the number, frequency and content of previous calls the person has made to emergency service numbers otherwise than for the purpose of reporting emergencies; and


(c) any other relevant matter.





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