Should Australians Be Fined For Swearing In Public?


Australians risk copping fines of up to $21,720 or a six-month prison term (in Victoria and $660 in NSW) if they are caught swearing in public thanks to tough public nuisance laws. While completely legal in your home, dropping a casual f-bomb at the park, beach or local café is considered a crime in states and territories across the country. The NSW Summary Offenses Act 1988 says offensive language must not be used ‘near a public place or a school’. What are your thoughts LiveTribers, should Australians be fined for swearing in public?

Posted by on 01 Mar 2022

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  • [0] [0]
    MS

    Why it might not be pretty to hear, there is much worse things going on in public places than swearing. It really depends on how bad it gets. if it goes on and on! But just one little swear word is not a federal offence. Lol.

    Posted by MS on 18 Nov 2023
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  • [1] [0]
    Minh-Hai Henry

    Just a joke at the things that the government do to increase revenue

    Posted by Minh-Hai Henry on 30 Jan 2023
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  • [1] [0]
    Anthony

    well i think the upper class really hasnt learnt how to talk or think properly yet let alone Australian language has a few f words which is normal saying these days and really what is a swear word and what might offend another person or government person worker

    Posted by Anthony on 29 May 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    Thomas

    wow unbelievable is this becoming American with sensitive ears i know how confusing some poeple get not understanding of our very colourful language and this is Australia. What is the problem ,we used to use our language in a very voiceful colourful way and now more are getting so sensitive in the ears that if i was to swear they would not know if i was using that as a verb or a noun or a pronoun or have thier brains died and can not recognize the difference. Many yes are not educated in the use of language even in a society where there was or used to be lots of swearing there was boundaries and swearing was used in a positive way it showed humour it showed respect it showed creativity in use of language many that used the language in the wrong way was pulled up and corrected now that is discouraged look at those reasons way and if people are fined for over use of bad language let that money go to a charity and what is the use of adding more for a over used over populated prison system that is so out dated in its use that people still think that can reform a person what a F' N joke come get that humour back swearing does has its place stop looking at things in a black and white way ( if thats still ok to say ) or will i be fined

    Posted by Thomas on 20 Mar 2022
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  • [0] [1]
    Kitty000

    It would depend on the situation. If someone is swearing in the course of a private conversation with others, then fines are are not appropriate. However if someone is being purposely offensive in public, then yes, fines are appropriate

    Posted by Kitty000 on 18 Mar 2022
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  • [2] [1]
    mact

    In years gone by swearing atPolice was an offence. People rarely get held to account for this now. We are becoming a soft, spoilt and disrespectful society.!!

    Posted by mact on 07 Mar 2022
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  • [1] [1]
    coaster

    It seems people are using so called foul language more and more. I cringe sometimes when it is spoken. No matter where you go you are subject to it. I just feel it has become a bit over the top these days. As to fining people, I think this is subject again to how it is used. If it is used in an abusive manner, threatening manner then yes I think some form of action needs to be taken. No control seems to be the norm these days with road rage, domestic violence, street violence etc.

    Posted by coaster on 05 Mar 2022
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  • [3] [3]
    LeafyGreen

    FFS!! WTF!! so now we have the swear police!! Really what will be next?? Talk about more controlling of people. I think most people don't swear that much, and if you slip one out you should not get fined,some people use swear words as part of their normal language,yes it is unneccessary but so is a lot of other thing some people do, who are we to judge? I think it is just another money generator, and I am sick of hearing about more and more laws.

    Posted by LeafyGreen on 02 Mar 2022
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  • [2] [3]
    malcolm

    Yes, swearing is totally unnecessary, really shows a lack of control and poor use of the English language. It is not a way to appear bigger and better nor a way to emphasize a point.

    Posted by malcolm on 01 Mar 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    MS

    Its going a bit over the top to fine people. Just another revenue raiser for the governments in charge. And not everyone who swears had poor language skills btw. It's very common to swear. On TV and movies. Not the worse thing a human can do. Is bloody really that offensive?

    Posted by MS on 18 Nov 2023
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  • [4] [1]
    LeafyGreen

    I agree it is unnecessary but why should we be fining people? Everyone has the right to free speech don't they? What will be next, another way of speaking that someone says is not acceptable?Generally most people don't swear much but a lot of people use swear words as a way of expressing themselves.

    Posted by LeafyGreen on 02 Mar 2022
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