Penalty Units (NSW)
Penalty units are used to stipulate the amount payable for a fine. Penalty units are used instead of dollar amounts because the value of a penalty unit is indexed for inflation and changes regularly. In New South Wales, a penalty unit is currently worth $110.
Legislation
Section 17 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act tells you the dollar amount of one penalty unit.
To convert the amount of a fine that was imposed in penalty units in New South Wales into a dollar amount, simply multiply $110 by the number of penalty units. For example, if the maximum penalty is 5 penalty units: 5 x $110 = $550
Therefore, a fine of five penalty units in New South Wales is currently $550.
Other states and territories
The value of a penalty unit is different in every state and territory. The value of penalty units increases regularly in every jurisdiction. If you have received a fine, make sure you check the value of a penalty unit in the state or territory where the fine was imposed.
If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.
This article was written by Michelle Makela
Michelle has over 15 years experience in the legal industry, working across commercial litigation, criminal law, family law and estate planning. Michelle has been involved in all practice areas of the firm and in her personal practice has had experience in litigation at all levels (State and Federal Industrial Tribunals, the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, the Federal Court, Federal...