Expert Legal Defence for Quarantine & Wildlife Offences

Facing Quarantine or Wildlife Offences?
We Can Help.

Have you been accused of wildlife or quarantine offences in Australia?

Australia’s strict laws governing wildlife and biosecurity are essential to safeguarding our unique environment. If you’re facing charges related to the import or export of wildlife, animal products, or prohibited goods, having the right legal support can make all the difference.

At Kingston Fox Lawyers, we bring over 40 years of combined experience, including expertise as former Commonwealth prosecutors. Our team knows the complexities of quarantine and wildlife offences and provides tailored legal strategies to protect your rights.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation.

What are Quarantine & Wildlife Offences?

Australia’s quarantine and wildlife laws regulate the movement of plants, animals, and other goods to protect the country’s biodiversity and prevent environmental threats. These laws operate at both state and Commonwealth levels, meaning an offence could be prosecuted under either or both jurisdictions, depending on the circumstances. Common offences include:

Illegal wildlife import/export: Governed by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), this involves trafficking endangered species or protected plants without a permit.
Violations of the Biosecurity Act 2015: This includes bringing animal products, plants, or food items into the country without proper biosecurity clearance.
Illegal fishing: Offences related to protected marine species or fishing in restricted areas, which can fall under both state and Commonwealth legislation

These laws are taken seriously by the courts, and navigating the complexities of both state and Commonwealth legislation requires experienced legal guidance.

Penalties for Quarantine & Wildlife Offences

If convicted of quarantine or wildlife offences, the penalties can be severe but vary based on the specifics of the offence. These penalties may include:

Imprisonment: Up to 10 years for serious breaches under the EPBC Act, especially for illegal wildlife trafficking or exportation of protected species.
Fines: Substantial financial penalties, reflecting the seriousness of the offence. Penalties under both the EPBC Act and the Biosecurity Act 2015 can be significant, with fines often exceeding tens of thousands of dollars.

Both Commonwealth and state laws may apply depending on the offence. Kingston Fox Lawyers has extensive experience managing these cases and will ensure your defence is thorough and strategic.

Meet the Team Behind Your Defence

Alexandra Sarmed

BA LLB, Partner

Phone: 0455 039 707

Erin Hoile

BA LLB LLM, Partner

Phone: 0455 039 660

Shane Arie

LLB, Solicitor

Phone: 0455 039 112

Tim Stern

B.Ed(Hons), M.Bus, JD, Solicitor

Phone: 0457 781 133

Sam Key

Law Clerk

Phone: 02 8360 7811

The Kingston Fox Difference

Why Choose Kingston Fox Lawyers?

At Kingston Fox Lawyers, we are more than just your legal representatives—we are your partners in navigating the challenges ahead. What sets us apart is our deep commitment to providing tailor-made, personalised services, backed by over 40 years of combined experience in criminal law.

Our team, which includes former prosecutors, brings unparalleled expertise and a strategic advantage to your defence.

We pride ourselves on our supportive, client-focused approach. Clients often share how much more at ease they feel after speaking with us, reassured by our understanding and straightforward guidance. We focus not just on the legal challenges but on your future, ensuring that you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

Hear it from our satisfied clients

“A difficult matter that was resolved in my favour”

“Alexandra Sarmed offered me exceptional service and professional assistance with a difficult matter that was resolved in my favour. I couldn’t have asked for any more and I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone in future. Nor will I ever go anywhere else for legal advice myself. I know if she couldn’t help me she would steer me to the right person for the job.”

A.C

“Frank, understanding, hardworking, and knowledgeable”

“We were incredibly lucky to be referred to Alexandra Sarmed for a complex set of charges against my adult child. From the first meeting, we were struck by her sense of humanity. She supported us throughout the process with her frankness, understanding, warmth, humour, hard work and knowledge. Alexandra found an amazing Barrister and together they achieved the right outcome. We will be forever thankful to Alexandra Sarmed.”

S.D

“Sympathetic and extremely reassuring”

“Erin was wonderful at a time of extreme stress for me. She listened to me and provided professional and helpful advice. She was sympathetic and clear-thinking, expertly guiding me through a process that was foreign to me. This was extremely reassuring. I would strongly recommend Kingston Fox Lawyers to anybody needing legal representation.”

B.F

Quarantine and Wildlife Offence Frequently Asked Questions

What are quarantine and wildlife offences under Australian law?

Quarantine and wildlife offences involve violations of strict laws that regulate the import/export of wildlife, plants, animal products, and certain goods. These laws, such as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and the Biosecurity Act 2015, aim to protect Australia’s biodiversity and prevent the introduction of harmful pests or diseases. Offences can include bringing prohibited items into the country or exporting protected species without the necessary permits.

What types of items or goods are typically restricted?

Commonly restricted items include:

Wildlife and plant species (especially those listed under CITES).
Animal products like untreated hides, meats, and certain foodstuffs.
Plant material and seeds.
Marine life and protected fish species. Any import/export activity involving these goods must comply with Australia’s biosecurity and environmental laws, and failure to do so can result in serious penalties.

What are the penalties for breaking quarantine and wildlife laws?

Penalties vary depending on the severity and type of offence. For serious breaches, such as trafficking endangered species, penalties can include:

Imprisonment of up to 10 years.
Substantial fines that can reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Kingston Fox Lawyers can help you navigate these penalties and work to reduce their impact.

How serious are quarantine and wildlife offences compared to other crimes?

While quarantine and wildlife offences are non-violent, they are still treated seriously due to the potential environmental harm and economic risks involved. Courts consider the potential consequences of introducing diseases or invasive species into Australia, so penalties reflect the need to deter such offences. However, with the right legal defence, penalties can sometimes be mitigated.

What should I do if I’m charged with a quarantine or wildlife offence?

If you’re charged, it’s important to seek legal advice immediately. Kingston Fox Lawyers will help you understand your charges, investigate the evidence, and develop a defence strategy. Early legal intervention is key to securing a favourable outcome.