Is blackmail a crime in australia

Yes, blackmail is a crime in Australia. In Australia, blackmail is considered a serious offense and is punishable by law.

The specific laws regarding blackmail vary from state to state, but generally, it is defined as the act of threatening to reveal or expose a secret or embarrassing information about someone unless they agree to do something or pay a sum of money.

In New South Wales, for example, blackmail is defined in the Crimes Act 1900 as follows:

"A person who, with intent to gain a benefit for himself or another, threatens to do an act that would be an offence against the law, or to expose or publish any matter that would be likely to injure the reputation of another person, and who, in order to obtain the benefit, demands or receives any property or benefit from the person threatened, is guilty of an offence."

In Victoria, blackmail is defined in the Crimes Act 1958 as follows:

"A person who, with intent to gain a benefit for himself or another, threatens to do an act that would be an offence against the law, or to expose or publish any matter that would be likely to injure the reputation of another person, and who, in order to obtain the benefit, demands or receives any property or benefit from the person threatened, is guilty of an offence."

In Queensland, blackmail is defined in the Criminal Code Act 1899 as follows:

"A person who, with intent to gain a benefit for himself or another, threatens to do an act that would be an offence against the law, or to expose or publish any matter that would be likely to injure the reputation of another person, and who, in order to obtain the benefit, demands or receives any property or benefit from the person threatened, is guilty of an offence."

The penalties for blackmail in Australia can vary depending on the state and the circumstances of the offense. In general, blackmail is considered a serious offense and can result in imprisonment for a period of up to 14 years.

It's worth noting that blackmail is a serious offense and can have serious consequences for the victim. If you are a victim of blackmail, it's important to report the incident to the police and seek legal advice.