Folks,
Maybe we should hear from Creampuff on this !! For our purposes, the definitions in the Commonwealth Criminal Code are the relevant definitions.
In short, the only defense for a "strict liability" offense is "honest and reasonable mistake", and it is a very high test.
Absolute means absolute, no defense is available, as an Ag. operator recently found out, at very great cost.
You need to be very brave or very rich to fly without any cover for third party personal or property insurance.
This makes sobering reading:
ACQ v Cook; Aircair Moree v Cook; Cook v 
Country Energy; Country Energy 
v Cook [2008] NSWCA 161 (16 July 2008)
Tootle pip!!