Section 65 — Offence of providing false information, etc., in connection with this Part

(1)If —

(a)a person provides a document or makes a statement (whether orally, in writing or any other way) or gives information to the Guardian-in-Adoption or an authorised officer in connection with the discharge of the duties, or the exercise of the powers, of the Guardian‑in‑Adoption or authorised officer under this Part; and

(b)the document, statement or information is false or misleading, or the document, statement or information omits a matter or thing without which the document, statement or information is false or misleading, the person shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both or, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.

(2)Subsection (1) does not apply if the document, statement or information is not false or misleading in a material particular, or if the document, statement or information did not omit any matter or thing without which the document, statement or information is false or misleading in a material particular.

(3)In proceedings against a person for an offence under subsection (1), it is a defence for the person to prove that the person has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the authenticity or accuracy of the document, statement or information.