Penalties
We can give penalties for breaches of the Environment Protection Act 2017. Find out about penalties and fines, including how to pay a fine, and how to apply for a review of a fine.
On this page
About EPA penalties
EPA has powers to enforce the Environment Protection Act 2017 (the Act) to prevent harm from pollution and waste.
As a business or industry, you may get a penalty if you don’t comply with the Act. For example:
- for incidents that pose a risk to the environment or community
- if you are a business with a history of causing environmental harm.
Penalties can range from a warning to prosecution in court. Penalties may include:
- financial penalties such as fines
- non-financial penalties such as cancellation of licences or remedial notices and directions.
Fines are described in units. The Treasurer of Victoria sets fine units each financial year.
Find out about how we calculate EPA fines.
How to pay a fine
You must pay your fine before the due date on your infringement notice.
Pay online
You can pay online for infringements with offence dates after 1 July 2022.
Pay by phone
Call 1300 372 842 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) to pay your fine by phone.
You can pay using Mastercard or Visa. You’ll need to give us your infringement number. You’ll find this on your infringement notice.
Pay with internet or phone banking
You can pay your fine using internet or phone banking (BPAY).
Biller code: 150714
Reference: 45 followed by your infringement number.
If you can’t afford your fine
Call EPA on 1300 372 842 to find out if you can pay in instalments if you can’t afford your fine.
Contact us
For more information about paying fines, contact us.
You can also see how to pay or dispute a vehicle littering fine.
How to apply for a review of a fine
You may be able to apply for an internal review of your fine. For example:
- because of mistaken identity
- because of a medical emergency
- because you have an intellectual disability, are addicted to drugs or alcohol, are homeless or are experiencing family violence.
The grounds for internal review fact sheet gives more information about the reasons why you may be able to apply for an internal review.
To apply, fill out the application for internal review.
Email a scanned copy of your application for internal review to contact@epa.vic.gov.au.
Or, you can post it to:
EPA Victoria
GPO Box 4395
Melbourne VIC 3001
You must give us evidence to support your application.
NOTE: Due to coronavirus, please send internal review applications by email where possible.
Ask to take your fine to court
You can ask for your fine to be heard at court. This is so a magistrate or judge can decide what happens.
To ask for the fine to be taken to court, write to us at:
EPA Victoria
GPO Box 4395
Melbourne VIC 3001
Fines
| Infringement notice | Type | Fine in 2022–23 | Fine units |
| Litter infringement | Litter <50 litres – individual | $370 | 2 |
| Litter infringement | Litter <50 litres – company | $1,849 | 10 |
| Litter infringement | Dangerous litter – individual | $740 | 4 |
| Litter infringement | Dangerous litter – company | $3,698 | 20 |
| Motor vehicle infringement | Individual | $1,110 | 6 |
| Motor vehicle infringement | Company | $5,548 | 30 |
| – | Penalty reminder notice | $26.60 | 1.74 |
A clearer penalty structure for offenders
The Environment Protection Act 2017 (the Act) places strong emphasis on justice. The Act increases maximum penalties for serious offences and distinguishes between corporate entities and individuals.
Penalties for body corporates are now much higher, with an upper level of $1.6m to $3.2m. Individuals who commit aggravated offences can get a jail term of up to five years.
These penalties recognise the seriousness of harm caused to human health and the environment. The Victorian community can be reassured that we’re making these penalties clearer and more just in how they’re applied.
Changes to the Act
Civil penalties
EPA can also seek a civil penalty from the court. This will be an alternative to criminal prosecution, directly enforcing the laws through the courts.
Monetary benefit orders
As a penalty, businesses may have to pay from profit made from breaking environmental laws.
Restorative project orders
Businesses may have to carry out a project to restore or enhance the environment.
Cost recovery powers
Where a business has deliberately caused harm, the Victorian taxpayer shouldn’t have to cover the cost. EPA will pursue any available option to recover costs.
Financial assurances
EPA can require a certain amount of money be set aside as security, to cover remediation or clean-up costs.
Access to justice for the community
This important addition to the Act gives the community broader access to justice. It also brings Victoria into line with the rest of Australia.
Impact statements
If you’ve been impacted by an incident, you can give details of your experience as evidence to the court.
Third-party rights
A court may believe EPA hasn’t acted where it should have, in a reasonable time, after getting a written request. If that happens, the Act gives you greater rights to defend your interests. These are called third-party rights. It means the court may allow you to make an application to the court yourself.
More information
Reviewed 21 September 2022
