Aussies facing up to $52k fines, jail time after major warning over illegal fireworks on New Year’s Eve issued

It’s that time of the year when everyone starts planning on where they’ll watch the fireworks – but authorities are warning Aussies to stick to enjoying the planned events across the country or risk thousands of dollars of fines. Revellers are being are being urged leave fireworks to the professionals and stick to legal public fireworks displays. While every state and territory have their own rules, fireworks remain illegal across most of the country. New South Wales People are also reminded that a licence is required to purchase or use fireworks in NSW. Anyone caught selling, buying, storing, transporting or setting off fireworks within the state without authorisation could be fined up to $27,500 and 12 months behind bars. Assistant Commission Peter McKenna said illegal fireworks can result in serious injury, damage to property and/or fire. “We want everyone to enjoy their New Year’s Eve celebrations in a safe and responsible way,” he said. “Police will not tolerate dangerous, criminal or anti-social behaviour.” SafeWork NSW, which is the licensing regulator for fireworks, will also be ensuring firework operators have the correct pyrotechnicians licence or a fireworks licence to purchase, use, store, manufacture, supply and transport fireworks during the festive season. “As we bring in the New Year, we all need to stay safe and keep the community harm-free when handling Fireworks,” head of SafeWork NSW, Trent Curtin, said. “Fireworks can be extremely harmful and may lead to death if handled incorrectly. Ensure you’re keeping your friends and family safe by not risking anyone with illegal displays this holiday season and don’t get caught with a fine for illegal fireworks during your New Year’s celebrations. “We currently have over one hundred displays planned for New Year’s Eve across the state, with numbers increasing each day. “SafeWork NSW has zero tolerance for illegal activity when handling fireworks. “Only those with either a pyrotechnician or single use licence are allowed.” Victoria Victorian Police will also be monitoring illegal fireworks across the state, after more than 60 incidents which resulted in a number of serious injuries and fires were recorded last year. Alongside the risk of serious injury or death, fireworks are unpredictable and volatile items that can result in fires, as well as causing substantial property damage and serious injuries to those in the area. Those caught with illegal fireworks can face a prison sentence of up to five years and thousands of dollars in fines. “We are well prepared for New Year’s Eve with thousands of officers working right across the state to ensure it’s a safe and enjoyable night for all,” North West Metro Region Superintendent Troy Papworth said. “From the roads to railway stations, foreshores to key regional areas, there will be an around-the-clock, highly visible police presence right across the state. “We will have a particular focus on the city, to ensure the hundreds of thousands of people coming in to see the fireworks display are safe. “As always, we urge those celebrating to enjoy themselves responsibly.” Queensland Meanwhile, in the sunshine state Queenslanders could face fines of more than $52,000, and six months in prison for those who are not licenced operators. Queensland Police Acting Superintendent Jason Tuffley said officers will be conducting patrols across the state. “Anyone caught breaching these rules face fines or being charged with an offence,” he said. Queenslanders who are aware of anyone selling or using fireworks illegally are urged to report it to Policelink by calling 131 444. Elsewhere around the country Meanwhile, if you’re caught using illegal fireworks in South Australia you can face a maximum fine of $5000. In Western Australia, the public are allowed to use throwdowns and sparklers but use of any illegal fireworks could result in thousands of dollars in fines. However, you can legally purchase fireworks as an adult in the Northern Territory. But you’ll have to wait until Territory Day in July to set them off. Meaning, any illegal New Year’s Eve fireworks in the Top End are still subject to penalties and fines of $1850.