Swearing Aussies face fines

Abusive Queenslanders will soon face an unsavoury four-letter word starting with f themselves if police hear them swearing in public: "fine".

Queensland premier Anna Bligh today confirmed police would be empowered to impose a range of on-the-spot penalties in a bid to curb loutish alcohol-related behaviour throughout the state should legislation be passed later this year.

Bligh's announcement follows a 12-month trial of issuing infringement notices for public nuisance, public urination and associated offences in the South Brisbane and Townsville police districts during 2009.

Offenders will face fines of between A$100 ($123) and A$300.

"On the spot ticketing is a very cost effective way of dealing with low level offending," she said.

Queensland Police minister Neil Roberts said public nuisance ticketing allowed police to spend more time on the beat responding to the needs of the community, instead of doing paperwork.

"Inappropriate behaviour in public places is simply not acceptable and police officers are encouraged to take a zero tolerance approach to public misbehaviour," he said.

However, Queensland Council of Civil Liberties president Michael Cope said the new powers were a concern.

"This will become the thing police just slap on someone whenever they aren't happy," he told news.com.au.

"No one will fight them and ultimately people who are homeless or young will bear the brunt of this."

- NZPA