Up to 25 Years Jail for Stealing or Damaging Valuable Metals
Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026
Topics
criminal justice criminal penalties infrastructure media disclosure public information public safety stolen property telecommunications theft valuable metals
Introduced by: The Hon Deborah Frecklington MP (LNP)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
People who try to steal valuable metal items or their components face up to 7 years jail.
Possessing a suspected stolen catalytic converter, diesel particulate filter, or cabling and wiring carries a 3 year maximum prison term.
Stealing or damaging property during a natural disaster or in a way that endangers health carries a 25 year maximum prison term.
Stealing or damaging public infrastructure carries a 14 year maximum prison term.
Pawnbrokers and second-hand dealers face up to 20 years in prison for receiving stolen valuable metals, while other people face up to 16 years in prison for the same offense.
Ombudsman and agency officers can make public statements to correct misinformation after an investigation ends.
Court registrars can give the names of adult alleged offenders to accredited media.
People who intentionally damage valuable metal items face up to 25 years jail if the damage endangers a person's life or health.
People who intentionally damage valuable metal items face up to 14 years jail if the damage disrupts a public facility or infrastructure.
People who steal phone cables face up to 25 years jail if the theft happens during or in an area of a natural disaster.
People who steal phone cables face up to 25 years jail if the theft disrupts a public facility and endangers a person's life or health.