AUSTRALIANS caught exporting items such as hand sanitiser, face masks and gloves could face up to five years in jail, as will price-gouging of essential goods.
The government has made changes to stop exploitative exports of essential goods, which also include Customs seizing the essential items and adding the goods to the national medical stockpile if they are not defective.
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said the government had acted to address concerns about the hoarding and profiteering of essential goods, including personal protective gear, disinfectants and other medical products.
He said the measure would not apply to manufacturers or legitimate business activities, ensuring it does not apply to key suppliers that are vital to maintaining Australia’s supply chains.
As a further measure to address exploitative practices, Health Minister Greg Hunt has determined anyone who has purchased essential goods at retail is prohibited to sell the items for more than 120pc of the price for which they were purchased.
For example, hand sanitiser purchased for $7 must be sold for less than $15.40.
Individuals caught price gouging will also be required to surrender the items to the Australian Federal Police and the goods will be added to the national medical stockpile unless defective.
