Commonwealth Consolidated Acts Commonwealth Consolidated Acts(1) A retained thing , or a detained vessel or detained aircraft (also the thing ) , must be returned to:
(a) the owner of the thing; or
(b) a person who had possession or control of the thing immediately before it was retained or detained .
(2) The thing must be returned within:
(a) 28 days after it is retained or detained; or
(b) that period as extended under section 88 .
Note: In the case of a detained vessel or aircraft that is taken to a destination under paragraph 69(2)(a), days in periods covered by subsection 69A(1) (such as the period it takes to travel to the destination) do not count towards the 28 day limit: see subsection 69A(3).
(3 ) Subsections ( 1) and (2) do not apply if:
(a) the thing has been disposed of under an Australian law ; or
(b) the thing has been seized under an Australian law; or
(c) notice of Commonwealth ownership of the thing has been given.