Text as at 26 April 2026

This provision has not been checked by a human. The text below was read automatically from the official PDF and has not yet been verified against it, so it may differ from the provision as published — in its wording, its numbering, or where one provision ends and the next begins. For the authorised text, see legislation.vic.gov.au.

70B Piratical acts

(1)A person commits a piratical act if—

(a)being an Australian citizen, he commits any piracy or robbery or any act of hostility or robbery against other Australian citizens on the sea under colour of any commission from any foreign ruler or under pretence of authority from any person whatever; or

S. 70B(2)(a) inserted by No. 37/1986 s. 11, substituted by Nos 49/1991 s. 119(1) (Sch. 2 item 37(b)), 48/1997 s. 60(1)(Sch. 1 item 49).

(b)being on board any Australian ship he—

S. 70B(2)(b) inserted by No. 37/1986 s. 11, amended by No. 49/1991 s. 119(1) (Sch. 2 item 37(c)). (1721) 8 George I, c. XXIV s. 1.

(i)turns pirate, enemy or rebel, and piratically runs away with the ship, or any boat, munitions or goods;

(ii)voluntarily yields up the ship, or any boat, munitions or goods to any pirate;

(iii)brings any seducing message from any pirate, enemy or rebel;

(iv)assaults the master of the ship in order to prevent him from fighting in defence of his ship and goods;

(v)confines the master of the ship; or

(vi)makes or endeavours to make a revolt in the ship.

(2)Any person who commits a piratical act shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction upon indictment to— as the court determines.

S. 70B(2) amended by Nos 37/1986 s. 11, 49/1991 s. 119(1) (Sch. 2 item 37(a)).

(a)level 3 imprisonment (20 years maximum); or

(b)imprisonment for such other term as is fixed by the court—