In New South Wales, ensuring the smooth operation and security of critical infrastructure is a top priority. To support this, Section 214A of the Crimes Act 1900 makes it a criminal offence to damage or interfere with a major facility.

What Does Section 214A Cover?

Under this law, a range of actions that affect major public facilities are considered criminal offences. These include:

• Entering or staying on restricted areas of a major facility without permission
• Climbing, jumping from, or trespassing on facility structures
• Blocking access to any part of the facility
• Causing damage to the infrastructure
• Seriously disrupting or obstructing people attempting to use the facility
• Causing a closure of the facility or any part of it
• Redirecting users due to interference or safety concerns

What Is Considered a Major Facility?

The law defines major facilities to include key infrastructure such as:

• Major ports
• Railway stations, public transport hubs, and related infrastructure
• Bridges, tunnels, and significant roads
• Other transport and logistical infrastructure

Penalties for Offences

The consequences of violating Section 214A can be severe:

• Imprisonment for up to two years
• A fine of up to 200 penalty units (equivalent to thousands of dollars)
• Or both imprisonment and a fine, depending on the severity of the offence

About Post Author

Brian Walker

B.Acc., GradDipLegPrac, Juris Dr
Barrister & Accountant.
Former Criminal Defence Solicitor. Former Federal Prosecutor for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions prosecuting Commonwealth crimes relating to drugs and child exploitation. Former Australian Federal Police member litigating proceeds of crime matters. Former Australian Taxation Office employee investigating offshore tax evasion matters.

Post Created by Jesslyn Duong-Yuan, paralegal.

See author's posts