Filipinos going to Australia should make sure that the gadgets they are carrying such as laptop and cellphones do not contain any pornographic materials as the Australian federal and state criminal law considers this a major offense, especially if it involves minors.

Labor Secretary, Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz issued the warning after a report from the PHL Labor Attache in Australia, Jalilo O. dela Torre confirmed that for the first quarter of 2012, the officials Australian Customs and Border Protection already arrested three overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) caught with child pornographic materials on their cellphones and laptops.

Baldoz said, “Australia is very serious in protecting itself from these illegal offensive materials that those who attempt to bring these goods into Australia face investigation, prosecution and penalties, including jail time.”

The secretary added that adult content material stored in CD or DVD is also not allowed.

Those who will be caught and found guilty for this offense will have to pay USD275,000 or spend ten (10) years in jail. A permanent ban from working in Australia may also be imposed.

De la Torre said, “Another OFW has been arrested in Western Australia this week. He is presently detained and awaiting trial.”

The Labor Secretary reminded Australia-bound OFWs to do some research about the immigration policies to avoid trouble with authorities.

She said, “I have already instructed the POEA and the OWWA to intensify its information dissemination efforts to inform recruitment agencies deploying workers to Australia on its child pornography law and the repercussions of violating this law. I have directed POEA Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac and OWWA Chief Carmelita Dimzon to include this in the conduct of their Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars.”