Is it illegal to throw away someone's mail in australia

In Australia, it is illegal to intentionally destroy, damage, or dispose of someone else's mail without their consent. This is considered a form of mail theft or mail tampering, and it is a criminal offense.

Under the Australian Postal Act 1975, it is an offense to:

• Intentionally destroy, damage, or dispose of a postal article (including mail) without the consent of the sender or the addressee.
• Intentionally delay or obstruct the delivery of a postal article.
• Intentionally alter or falsify a postal article.

The penalties for mail theft or tampering in Australia can be severe, and may include:

• A fine of up to $10,000 for an individual.
• A fine of up to $50,000 for a corporation.
• Imprisonment for up to 10 years.

It is also important to note that if you are found to have intentionally destroyed or disposed of someone else's mail, you may also be liable for any financial losses or damages caused to the sender or the addressee.

It is always best to handle mail with care and respect, and to ensure that it is delivered to the intended recipient. If you are unsure about what to do with a piece of mail, you can contact Australia Post or the relevant postal authority for guidance.