What is perjury in Australia?

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Perjury is a serious criminal offence which essentially consists of making a false statement (orally or in writing) under oath or affirmation, in connection with any judicial proceeding.

Examples of what may be considered perjury include:

• Making a false statement or lying in court to protect a friend, family member or associate, such as providing a false account of events or a false alibi,
• Making a false statement or lying so that someone may be falsely convicted of an offence,
• Filing a sworn affidavit in proceedings that contains false information.

Offences of perjury are dealt with incredibly seriously as they are seen as undermining the foundations, and thus integrity, of the justice system.