Low Aromatic Fuel Act 2013

The Low Aromatic Fuel Act 2013 is Commonwealth legislation. It allows the Minister for Indigenous Affairs to designate an area as a 'low aromatic fuel area' or 'fuel control area' if the Minister believes this will help reduce the potential harm of petrol sniffing.

The Act promotes the supply of low aromatic fuel and controls the supply of other fuels in certain areas in order to reduce the potential harm caused by sniffing to the health of people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in those areas.

If found guilty of an offence under the Act the maximum penalty is 300 penalty units which is equal to $54,000 for each offence. Offences under the Act will be enforced by authorities and penalties applied through a court of law.

'Low aromatic fuel areas' and 'fuel control areas' and the rules associated with these areas can only be designated by the Minister after consulting with the community, the fuel industry, health professionals and other persons that the Minister considers appropriate, such as relevant state/territory governments and local organisations.

In 'low aromatic fuel areas', the supply, transport or possession of regular unleaded petrol is prohibited and may attract penalties.

The offences under the Low Aromatic Fuel Act 2013 only apply to corporations. Individuals living in or travelling through a ‘low aromatic fuel area’ or ‘fuel control area’ cannot be prosecuted under the Act.

In 'fuel control areas' the Minister may determine requirements relating to promoting and monitoring the supply of low aromatic fuel and regulating the supply and storage of other fuels.

Further information on the Low Aromatic Fuel Act 2013 can be found on the ComLaw websit