The legal age of consent in Australia varies between 16 and 17 years old across state and territory jurisdictions. In Western Australia, people under 16 years old cannot legally consent to having sex, even if they said yes at the time. The age of consent is 18 years old if there is a special relationship between them, where one person is in a position of power or authority over the other person, such as a teacher and a student or a sports coach and a team member. It is important to note that anyone under the age of consent is considered a child who cannot consent to sex or sexual behavior, even if they agree. It is illegal to have sexual activity with anyone under the age of consent, and there are harsh penalties for breaching the age of consent laws. Sexual interactions between an adult (or where a person is in a position of care supervision and authority) and a person under the age of consent are considered abusive. It is also illegal to sexually penetrate anyone without their consent, no matter what age they are.