Commonwealth Consolidated Acts

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 - SECT 246

             (1)  If:

                     (a)  a cetacean is:

                              (i)  in the Australian Whale Sanctuary, other than the coastal waters, or a part of the coastal waters, of a State or the Northern Territory for which a declaration under section 228 is in force; or

                             (ii)  in waters beyond the outer limits of the Australian Whale Sanctuary; and

                     (a)  a person kills, injures or takes the cetacean, whether or not in contravention of this Division;

the cetacean vests, by force of this section, in the Commonwealth.

             (2)  The Commonwealth is not liable in any action, suit or proceedings in respect of any matter relating to a cetacean at any time before the taking of possession of the cetacean by the Commonwealth.