Expert opinion, Julie Bishop: Can DFAT help you if you break the law in another country?

Julie Bishop is Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party. She has served as Australia's Foreign Minister since 2013 and the Member for Curtin since 1998.

Q. Can the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade help you if you run foul of the law in another country?

A. Australian travellers are subject to the laws and processes of the country in which they are located and there are strict limits on the support that can be extended to Australians who break the laws of another country.

Australian government consular officers can visit detained Australians, provide a list of local English-speaking lawyers, facilitate contact with next-of-kin, discuss serious complaints and concerns with local authorities and monitor court proceedings.

However, consular assistance cannot override local laws, even if they appear harsh by Australian standards. It is not possible for consular officers to get Australians released from jail, conduct investigations, provide legal advice, pay legal fees, bail, fines or interfere in legal processes.

Around 1000 Australian travellers are arrested each year and more than 250 Australians are in overseas prisons at any one time.

Australian travellers should research the laws and customs of the countries before any visit to ensure they do not inadvertently break local laws, many of which can be vastly different from Australian laws.