Australian authorities are standing by their decision to impose a $3300 fine on a 77-year-old New Zealand woman, June Armstrong, for bringing a chicken sandwich into the country without an import permit.
The incident, which occurred at Brisbane Airport, has sparked controversy over the severity of the penalty for what Armstrong describes as a forgetful mistake. While the pensioner contends that the fine is disproportionate to the offense, Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry argues that meat products, including vacuum-sealed items, require import permits due to strict conditions related to disease outbreaks. The department emphasizes the need for adherence to import regulations, suggesting that the penalty could have been higher.
The case highlights the complexities and strict regulations surrounding food imports, especially in regions with stringent biosecurity measures. Critics question whether such fines are proportionate to the nature of the violation and call for a balance between enforcing regulations and considering individual circumstances
Armstrong, who initially intended to eat the sandwich on the plane, fell asleep once onboard. She then filled out a declaration form and said she had some prescription medication.
“I sat down and ate some of my muffin and I really didn’t feel like it so I threw the rest away, but I put the sandwich in my small backpack,” “I just clearly forgot. I am very forgetful, but not forgetful enough to be diagnosed with dementia.”
Armstrong told The Herald.
Once in Australia, she went through border patrol, where her suitcase and backpack were checked. As the official went through her backpack, he found the chicken sandwich.
“I said, ‘Oh, I forgot about that, I’m sorry. Could you throw it away for me?’. He just kept going through my bag.”
She then emptied her bag on the table while the man went away. While she waited, a couple she saw in Christchurch walked past.
“I said, ‘Oh, I might be on TV’, never thinking anything was wrong.”
A short while later the man returned and said, “Twelve points, 3300″.
“I said, ‘What does that mean?’ and he said, ‘Twelve points, $3300′.”
Armstrong asked if he was joking. Once she realised he was not, she began crying.
“I was just sobbing and said ‘$3300 for a little sandwich?’”
