A Sydney man has been fined $5,000 after illegally importing native reptiles into New South Wales and breaching the conditions of his wildlife licence.
Qian Liu was sentenced in the Downing Centre Local Court following an investigation into the importation of blue-tongue lizards into NSW without the required permits, despite holding a biodiversity conservation licence.
The court heard Liu failed to comply with licence conditions, including requirements to properly document the origin of animals in his care. He was convicted over the illegal import offence and ordered to pay an additional $3,000 to the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) for legal costs.
Adam Gilligan, Chief Regulatory Officer at the Biodiversity and Heritage Regulator, said all native wildlife species in NSW were protected under state law.
“All native birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals as well as some plants are protected in NSW.
“Licences issued under the Biodiversity Conservation Act are subject to strict conditions and failure to comply with those conditions is an offence that will not be taken lightly.”
Authorities also identified further compliance breaches relating to poor record-keeping and Liu’s inability to demonstrate the lawful acquisition of two shingleback lizards. The animals were seized, and Liu was placed on a nine-month non-conviction good behaviour bond for those breaches.
While the reptiles involved are not endangered, NSW laws regulate the movement, trade and keeping of native wildlife.
The offences relate to requirements under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, which governs the protection, trade and movement of native animals in NSW.
Gilligan said the prosecution should serve as a warning to licence holders and the wider community.
“This prosecution sends a clear message to licence holders and the broader community that wildlife laws will be enforced.”
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