Offences against morality and decency

A person who uses indecent or profane language or sings any indecent (including obscene; offensive to the general public) or profane song or ballad in a public place or in a police station or which is audible from a public place or which is audible in neighbouring or adjoining occupied premises or with intent to offend or insult any person, is guilty of an offence: maximum penalty: $250 (Summary Offences Act 1953 s 22).

A person who behaves in an indecent manner in a public place, or while visible from a public place, or in a police station or in a place other than a public place or police station, so as to offend or insult any person, is guilty of an offence: maximum penalty $1,250 or imprisonment for 3 months (SOA s 23).

A person who, in a public place, or while visible from a public place or from occupied premises, wilfully does a grossly indecent act, whether alone or with another person, is guilty of an offence: maximum penalty: $2,500 or imprisonment for 6 months (SOA s 23).

Last revised: May 2023.