Laws and Safety in Australia

One of the reasons we have such a wonderful lifestyle in Australia is due to Australian representative democracy, the separation of powers, and Australian respect for the rule of law. There are a lot of laws in Australia and a result, society runs smoothly. 

In being granted a visa to study in Australia, you signed a document (Australian Values 
Statement Temporary) agreeing to respect Australian values and obey the laws of Australia for the duration of your stay. Failure to comply with the laws of this land (including State and Territory laws) could result in a fine or the cancellation of your visa and possible 
deportation back home. If you are convicted of a serious crime, it could result in imprisonment. Nobody wants this to happen!

You can find a comprehensive outline of Australian law and the legal system at: http://www.australia.gov.au/  

Hitchhiking

A person who waves at unknown drivers from the side of the road to request a ride with a driver further along the road is called a hitch-hiker. Hitchhiking is illegal in Queensland and Victoria. Elsewhere in Australia it is illegal to hitchhike on motorways (where pedestrians are prohibited and where cars are not allowed to stop). Some travel companies promote hitchhiking as an inexpensive means of traveling around Australia.
HOWEVER: Many crimes have been committed against innocent hitchhikers including violent personal crimes and abductions. You do not know anything about the person whose car you get 
into. 
Our advice to you is: DO NOT HITCHHIKE! It simply is not worth the risk.

Find more information under our subpages:
- Public Holidays & Special Celebrations
- Road Rules
- Australian Slang

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