No, cannibalism is not legal in Australia. The Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) and equivalent state legislation criminalize acts causing bodily harm or death, including consumption of human flesh. Consent is irrelevant under R v. Brown (UK precedent adopted in Australian courts). The Australian Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) further prohibits acts endangering life, with penalties up to life imprisonment. While rare, prosecutions under public health or necrophilia laws may apply. No jurisdiction permits cannibalism, even in ritualistic contexts.
Key Regulations for Cannibalism in Australia
- Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) s 18(1)(a): Prohibits acts causing grievous bodily harm, encompassing cannibalistic acts. Penalties include 25 years imprisonment. Similar provisions exist in Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) and Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld).
- Australian Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) s 268.11: Criminalizes acts causing death or serious harm under international law, applicable to transnational cases. Enforced by the Australian Federal Police and Director of Public Prosecutions.
- Public Health Regulations: State health departments (e.g., NSW Health) may intervene under Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) if cannibalism poses infectious disease risks, mandating quarantine or prosecution. Recent 2026 amendments strengthen surveillance of non-consensual bodily harm cases.