The Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 was assented to by His Excellency the Governor on 2 July 1997. The Act contains a provision amending section 56 of the Interpretation Act 1987 as from a date to be proclaimed. Section 56 presently provides that a reference in any Act or statutory rule to a number of penalty units is to be read as a reference to an amount of money equal to the amount obtained by multiplying $100 by that number of penalty units. This provision has remained unaltered since 1987 although monetary values have been eroded by inflation. 

The amendment to be proclaimed increases the amount represented by each penalty unit from $100 to $110. For example, upon commencement of the amendment, a reference to a maximum penalty of 5 penalty units will mean a maximum penalty of $550 instead of $500. A penalty of 2 penalty units will mean a penalty of $220 instead of $200. The increase will not affect the penalty for an offence committed before the amendment comes into force. 

It is proposed that the amendment to section 56 will commence on 1 September 1997. You are requested to immediately review all printed and other material within your administration (and associated agencies) and all signs advising levels of penalties to ensure that staff and members of the public are aware of the increase in the monetary value of a penalty unit which is to take effect from that day. It is particularly requested that steps be taken to publicise the change to all public and private sector agencies which may be included as the clients of your department or agency. 

Kate McKenzie
Acting Director-General