{"id":"gas-act-1997","name":"Gas Act 1997","slug":"gas-act-1997","collection":"act","jurisdiction":"sa","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":48282,"registerId":"sa-gas-act-1997-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Part 1","sectionType":"part","heading":"Preliminary","content":"Part 1—Preliminary\n1—Short title\nThis Act may be cited as the Gas Act 1997.\n3—Objects\nThe objects of this Act are—\n\t(a)\tto promote efficiency and competition in the gas supply industry; and\n\t(b)\tto promote the establishment and maintenance of a safe and efficient system of gas distribution and supply; and\n\t(c)\tto establish and enforce proper standards of safety, reliability and quality in the gas supply industry; and\n\t(d)\tto establish and enforce proper safety and technical standards for gas installations and appliances (including such standards relating to the design of gas installations); and\n\t(e)\tto protect the interests of consumers of gas.\n4—Interpretation\n\t(1)\tIn this Act, unless the contrary intention appears—\nannual gas consumption level means a level of consumption of gas determined in accordance with the regulations (and the regulations may, for that purpose, make provision for the estimation or agreement of the level in specified circumstances);\nauthorised officer means a person appointed under Part 6 as an authorised officer;\nCommission means the Essential Services Commission established under the Essential Services Commission Act 2002;\ncondition includes a limitation or restriction;\ncontravention includes a failure to comply;\ncouncil means a council within the meaning of the Local Government Act 1999;\ncustomer means a person who has a supply of gas available from a distribution system for consumption by that person, and includes—\n\t(a)\tthe occupier for the time being of a place to which gas is supplied by a distribution system; and\n\t(b)\twhere the context requires, a person seeking a supply of gas from a distribution system; and\n\t(c)\ta person of a class declared by regulation to be customers;\ndisconnect a gas supply includes a procedure to interrupt or discontinue the gas supply to a customer;\ndistribution system means the whole or a part of a system of pipes and equipment for use for, or in connection with, the distribution and supply of gas to persons for consumption, but does not include—\n\t(a)\ta transmission pipeline (other than a pipeline declared by the regulations to be, or form part of, a distribution system); or\n\t(b)\ta system of pipes and equipment—\n\t(i)\tinstalled in a place for the conveyance and use of gas from a pressurised vessel situated in the place; and\n\t(ii)\tnot extending to, or connected to pipes in, some other place in separate occupation; or\n\t(c)\tpipes or equipment declared by the regulations not to be, or form part of, a distribution system;\ngas means a covered gas (as defined by the National Gas Law set out in the Schedule to the National Gas (South Australia) Act 2008) or any other fuel consisting of hydrocarbons or predominantly of hydrocarbons that is in a gaseous or vapour form when it is at the pressure and temperature of its normal pipeline transportation and utilisation conditions, but does not include anything declared by regulation not to be gas;\ngas appliance means an appliance that uses gas as a fuel, but does not include anything declared by regulation not to be a gas appliance;\ngas entity means a person licensed under Part 3, and includes (where the context requires) a person who has been licensed under that Part whose licence has been suspended or cancelled or has expired;\ngas infrastructure means any part of a distribution system owned or operated by a gas entity;\ngas installation means fixed pipes and any fixed gas appliances, and associated equipment (including flues), installed in a place for the conveyance, control, measurement or use of gas that is, is to be, or has been, supplied (whether by a distribution system or pressurised vessel) for consumption in the place, but does not include gas infrastructure;\ngas officer means a person appointed under Part 4 as a gas officer;\ngas supply industry means—\n\t(a)\tthe operation of a distribution system; or\n\t(b)\tthe retailing of gas, including the operations of a NERL retailer in relation to the retailing of gas; or\n\t(c)\twithout limiting paragraphs (a) or (b), any other operation for which a licence is required under Part 3;\nland includes—\n\t(a)\tan estate or interest in land (including an easement); or\n\t(b)\ta right or power over or in respect of land;\nNational Energy Retail Rules means the National Energy Retail Rules as defined in the National Energy Retail Law (South Australia);\nNational Gas Procedures (South Australia) means the National Gas Procedures under the National Gas Law that apply in, or in relation to, South Australia, as in force from time to time;\nNational Gas Rules means the National Gas Rules as defined in the National Gas (South Australia) Act 2008;\nNERL retailer means—\n\t(a)\ta person who is the holder of a retailer authorisation under the National Energy Retail Law (South Australia); or\n\t(b)\tan exempt seller within the meaning of the National Energy Retail Law (South Australia);\noccupier of land or a place means a person who has, or is entitled to, possession or control of the land or place;\noperations includes activities;\nregulated entity means—\n\t(a)\ta gas entity; or\n\t(b)\ta NERL retailer;\nretailing of gas means the sale and supply of gas to a person for consumption (and not for resale) where the gas is to be conveyed (whether or not by the seller) to the person by a distribution system, but does not include an activity declared by regulation not to be retailing of gas;\nsmall customer means a customer classified by regulation as a small customer;\nTechnical Regulator means the person holding the office of Technical Regulator under Part 2;\ntransmission pipeline means a transmission pipeline within the meaning of the Petroleum Act 2000;\nTribunal means the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal established under the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013.\n5—Crown bound\n\t(1)\tThis Act binds the Crown.\n\t(2)\tNothing in this Act renders the Crown in any of its capacities liable to be prosecuted for an offence.\n\t(3)\tFor the purposes of this section, a reference to the Crown extends—\n\t(a)\tnot only to the Crown in right of this State but also (so far as the legislative power of the State permits) to the Crown in any other capacity; and\n\t(b)\tto any instrumentality of the Crown, and to an officer or employee of the Crown and any contractor or other person who carries out functions on behalf of the Crown.\n6—Environment protection and other statutory requirements not affected\nThis Act is in addition to and does not derogate from the provisions of the Environment Protection Act 1993 or any other Act.\n","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"Part 2","sectionType":"part","heading":"Administration","content":"Part 2—Administration\nDivision A1—Essential Services Commission\n6A—Functions and powers of Commission\n\t(1)\tThe Commission has (in addition to the Commission's functions and powers under the Essential Services Commission Act 2002)—\n\t(a)\tthe licensing, price regulation and other functions and powers conferred by this Act; and\n\t(b)\tany other functions and powers conferred by regulation under this Act.\n\t(2)\tIf regulated entities are required (whether by licence condition or otherwise) to participate in an ombudsman scheme, the Commission must, in performing licensing functions under this Act, liaise with the ombudsman appointed under the scheme.\n\t(3)\tWithout limiting subsection (1), the Governor may, by regulation, confer functions and powers on the Commission, or vary the functions and powers of the Commission, as the Governor considers necessary or expedient for the purposes of the National Gas (South Australia) Act 2008, National Gas Rules, National Energy Retail Law (South Australia) and National Energy Retail Rules.\n\t(4)\tIn performing functions under this Act, the Commission must (in addition to having regard to factors specified in this Act or the Essential Services Commission Act 2002) have regard to the provisions of the National Gas Rules and National Energy Retail Rules and the need to avoid duplication of, or inconsistency with, regulatory requirements under those Rules.\n","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"Div 1","sectionType":"division","heading":"Technical Regulator","content":"Division 1—Technical Regulator\n7—Technical Regulator\n\t(1)\tThere is to be a Technical Regulator.\n\t(2)\tThe Technical Regulator is to be appointed by the Minister.\n\t(3)\tThe office of Technical Regulator may be held in conjunction with a position in the Public Service.\n\t(4)\tThe Minister may assign an employee in the Public Service to act as the Technical Regulator—\n\t(a)\tduring a vacancy in the office of Technical Regulator; or\n\t(b)\twhen the Technical Regulator is absent from, or unable to discharge, official duties.\n8—Functions of Technical Regulator\n\t(1)\tThe Technical Regulator has the following functions:\n\t(b)\tthe monitoring and regulation of safety and technical standards in the gas supply industry; and\n\t(c)\tthe monitoring and regulation of safety and technical standards with respect to gas installations; and\n\t(da)\tthe provision of advice in relation to safety or technical standards in the gas supply industry to the Commission at the Commission's request; and\n\t(e)\tany other functions prescribed by regulation or assigned to the Technical Regulator by or under this or any other Act.\n9—Delegation\n\t(1)\tThe Technical Regulator may delegate powers to a person or body of persons that is, in the Technical Regulator's opinion, competent to exercise the relevant powers.\n\t(2)\tA delegation under this section—\n\t(a)\tmust be in writing; and\n\t(b)\tmay be conditional or unconditional; and\n\t(c)\tis revocable at will; and\n\t(d)\tdoes not prevent the delegator from acting in any matter.\n10—Technical Regulator's power to require information\n\t(1)\tThe Technical Regulator may, by written notice, require a person to give the Technical Regulator, within a time stated in the notice (which must be reasonable), information in the person's possession that the Technical Regulator reasonably requires for the performance of the Technical Regulator's functions under this Act.\n\t(2)\tA person required to give information under this section must provide the information within the time stated in the notice.\n\t(3)\tSubject to subsection (4), a natural person is not required to give information under this section if the information would tend to incriminate the person of an offence.\n\t(4)\tIf a natural person is required to give information under this section relating to the safety of gas infrastructure, or a gas installation or appliance, and the information would tend to incriminate the person of an offence, the person must nevertheless give the information, but the information so given will not be admissible in evidence against the person in proceedings for an offence (other than an offence relating to the making of a false or misleading statement or declaration).\n11—Obligation to preserve confidentiality\n\t(1)\tThe Technical Regulator must preserve the confidentiality of information gained in the course of the performance of the Technical Regulator's functions under this Act (including information gained by an authorised officer under Part 6) that—\n\t(a)\tcould affect the competitive position of a gas entity or other person; or\n\t(b)\tis commercially sensitive for some other reason.\n\t(2)\tDespite subsection (1), the Technical Regulator may disclose confidential information in the following circumstances:\n\t(a)\tas reasonably required in connection with the administration or enforcement of this Act (including to the Minister, the Commission and persons assisting the Commission), or the National Gas (South Australia) Law or as otherwise related to the performance of the Technical Regulator's functions (whether under this Act or any other Act);\n\t(b)\tto a person concerned in the administration or enforcement of another law of the State, or a law of the Commonwealth or another State or a Territory of the Commonwealth, for purposes related to the administration or operation of that other law;\n\t(c)\tto a government agency or instrumentality of this State, the Commonwealth or another State or Territory of the Commonwealth for purposes related to the performance of its functions (or to a person acting on behalf of such a government agency or instrumentality);\n\t(d)\twith the consent of the person who gave the information or to whom the information relates;\n\t(e)\tas required by a court or tribunal constituted by law;\n\t(f)\tas authorised by the Minister.\n\t(3)\tInformation classified by the Technical Regulator as confidential is not liable to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act 1991.\n14—Annual report\n\t(1)\tThe Technical Regulator must, within three months after the end of each financial year, deliver to the Minister a report on the Technical Regulator's operations during that financial year.\n\t(2)\tThe Minister must cause a copy of the report to be laid before both Houses of Parliament within 12 sitting days after his or her receipt of the report.\n","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"Div 2","sectionType":"division","heading":"Advisory committees","content":"Division 2—Advisory committees\n15—Consumer advisory committee\n\t(1)\tThe Commission must establish an advisory committee comprising representatives of consumers (the consumer advisory committee)—\n\t(a)\tto provide advice to the Commission in relation to the performance of the Commission's functions under the Act; and\n\t(b)\tto provide advice to the Commission, either on its own initiative or at the request of the Commission, on any other matter relating to the gas supply industry.\n\t(2)\tDespite subsection (1), the consumer advisory committee will, if the Commission so determines, be the same committee as the committee of that name established under Division 4 of Part 2 of the Electricity Act 1996 and have the functions referred to in subsection (1) in addition to its functions under that Division.\n16—Technical advisory committee\n\t(1)\tThe Technical Regulator must establish an advisory committee (the technical advisory committee) including representatives of—\n\t(a)\tgas entities; and\n\t(b)\tcontractor and employee associations involved in the gas supply industry; and\n\t(c)\tlocal government,\nto provide advice to the Technical Regulator, either on its own initiative or at the request of the Technical Regulator, on any matter relating to the functions of the Technical Regulator.\n\t(2)\tThe technical advisory committee is the same committee as the committee of that name established under Part 2 Division 4 of the Electricity Act 1996 and has the functions referred to in subsection (1) in addition to its functions under that Division.\n17—Other advisory committees\nThe Minister, the Commission or the Technical Regulator may establish other advisory committees to provide advice on specified aspects of the administration of this Act.\n","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"Part 3","sectionType":"part","heading":"Gas supply industry","content":"Part 3—Gas supply industry\nDivision A1—Declaration as regulated industry\n18B—Declaration as regulated industry\nThe gas supply industry is declared to be a regulated industry for the purposes of the Essential Services Commission Act 2002.\nDivision A2—Application of provisions\n18C—Application of provisions\nDivisions 1, 3, 3B and 6 do not apply to a NERL retailer.\nDivision 1—Licensing of gas entities\n19—Requirement for licence\nA person must not carry on—\n\t(a)\tthe operation of a distribution system; or\n\t(b)\tthe retailing of gas; or\n\t(c)\tany other operation for which a licence is required by the regulations,\nunless the person holds a licence under this Part authorising the relevant operation.\n20—Application for licence\n\t(1)\tAn application for the issue of a licence must—\n\t(a)\tbe made to the Commission in a form approved by the Commission; and\n\t(b)\tcontain the information specified in the form.\n\t(2)\tThe applicant must pay to the Commission an application fee fixed by the Minister of an amount that the Minister considers appropriate to meet the reasonable costs of determining the application.\n\t(3)\tThe Commission may, as the Commission considers appropriate, accept a single application from an applicant in respect of different operations of the applicant or operations of the applicant at different locations or may require separate applications.\n\t(4)\tThe applicant must give the Commission further relevant information requested by the Commission.\n21—Consideration of application\n\t(1)\tThe Commission must consider an application for the issue of a licence and may, subject to this Division, issue or refuse to issue the licence.\n\t(2)\tThe Commission must have regard to the general factors specified in Part 2 of the Essential Services Commission Act 2002 and, subject to this section, may only issue a licence if satisfied that—\n\t(a)\tthe applicant is a suitable person to hold the licence; and\n\t(b)\tin the case of a licence authorising the operation of a distribution system—the system has (or the proposed system will have) the necessary capacity for distributing gas safely; and\n\t(c)\tin the case of a licence authorising retailing of gas—the applicant will be able to meet reasonably foreseeable obligations under contracts for the sale of gas; and\n\t(d)\tin the case of a licence authorising other operations for which a licence is required under the regulations—the applicant meets any special requirements imposed by the regulations for the holding of the licence; and\n\t(e)\tin the case of a licence of any class—the grant of the licence would be consistent with criteria (if any) prescribed by regulation for a licence of the relevant class.\n\t(3)\tIn deciding whether an applicant is a suitable person to hold a licence, the Commission may consider—\n\t(a)\tthe applicant's previous commercial and other dealings and the standard of honesty and integrity shown in those dealings; and\n\t(b)\tthe financial, technical and human resources available to the applicant; and\n\t(c)\tthe officers and, if applicable, major shareholders of the applicant and their previous commercial and other dealings and the standard of honesty and integrity shown in those dealings (including breaches of statutory and other legal obligations); and\n\t(d)\tother matters prescribed by regulation.\n\t(4)\tIf—\n\t(a)\ta person carries on or proposes to carry on operations for which a licence is required as agent of another person; and\n\t(b)\tthe agent makes application for the issue of such a licence on the agent's own behalf and on behalf of the principal; and\n\t(c)\tthe Commission is satisfied that the criteria for the issue of the licence are met in relation to the agent,\nthe Commission may, at the Commission's discretion, dispense with the requirement that the Commission be satisfied that the criteria are met in relation to the principal and issue the licence to the agent and the principal to be held by them jointly.\n21A—Licences may be held jointly\n\t(1)\tA licence may be held jointly by two or more persons.\n\t(2)\tIf a licence is held jointly by two or more persons, those persons are jointly and severally liable to meet requirements imposed under this Act or the Essential Services Commission Act 2002.\n22—Authority conferred by licence\n\t(1)\tA licence authorises the person named in the licence to carry on operations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the licence.\n\t(2)\tThe operations authorised by a licence need not be all of the same character or at the same location but may consist of a combination of different operations or operations at different locations.\n23—Term of licence\nA licence may be issued for an indefinite period or for a term specified in the licence.\n24—Licence fees and returns\n\t(1)\tA person is not entitled to the issue of a licence unless the person first pays to the Commission the relevant annual licence fee, or the first instalment of the relevant annual licence fee, as the case may require.\n\t(2)\tThe holder of a licence issued for a term of two years or more must—\n\t(a)\tin each year lodge with the Commission, before the date prescribed for that purpose, an annual return containing the information required by the Commission by condition of the licence or by written notice; and\n\t(b)\tin each year (other than a year in which the licence is due to expire) pay to the Commission, before the date prescribed for that purpose, the relevant annual licence fee, or the first instalment of the relevant annual licence fee, as the case may require.\n\t(3)\tThe annual licence fee for a licence is the fee fixed, from time to time, by the Minister in respect of that licence as an amount that the Minister considers to be a reasonable contribution towards administrative costs.\n\t(4)\tThe annual licence fee may, if the Commission so determines, be paid in equal instalments at intervals fixed by the Commission.\n\t(7)\tIf the holder of a licence fails to lodge the annual return or pay the annual licence fee (or an instalment of the annual licence fee) in accordance with this section, the Commission may, by written notice, require the holder to make good the default and, in addition, to pay to the Commission the amount prescribed as a penalty for default.\n\t(8)\tAn annual licence fee (including any instalment of an annual licence fee or any penalty for default) payable under this section is recoverable as a debt due to the Crown.\n\t(9)\tIn this section—\nadministrative costs means—\n\t(a)\tthe costs of administration of this Act; and\n\t(b)\tany costs of administration of the Essential Services Commission Act 2002 relating to the gas supply industry; and\n\t(c)\tthe costs of administration of the Gas Pipelines Access (South Australia) Act 1997; and\n\t(d)\tother costs prescribed by regulation;\nholder of a licence includes the holder of a licence that has been suspended.\n25—Licence conditions\n\t(1)\tThe Commission must make a licence subject to conditions determined by the Commission—\n\t(a)\trequiring compliance with applicable codes or rules made under the Essential Services Commission Act 2002 as in force from time to time; and\n\t(b)\trequiring compliance with specified technical or safety requirements or standards; and\n\t(c)\trelating to the gas entity's financial or other capacity to continue operations under the licence; and\n\t(d)\trequiring the gas entity to have all or part of the operations authorised by the licence audited and to report the results of the audit to the Commission; and\n\t(e)\trequiring the gas entity to notify the Commission about changes to officers and, if applicable, major shareholders of the entity; and\n\t(f)\trequiring the gas entity to provide, in the manner and form determined by the Commission, such other information as the Commission may from time to time require; and\n\t(g)\trequiring the gas entity to comply with the requirements of any scheme approved and funded by the Minister for the provision by the State of customer concessions or the performance of community service obligations by gas entities.\n\t(2)\tThe Commission must make a licence subject to further conditions that the Commission is required by regulation to impose on the issue of such a licence.\n\t(3)\tThe Commission may make a licence subject to further conditions considered appropriate by the Commission.\n\t(4)\tThe Commission must provide to the Minister any information that the Minister requires for the purposes of the administration of a scheme for the provision by the State of customer concessions, or the performance of community service obligations, relating to the sale or supply of gas.\n26—Licences authorising operation of distribution system\n\t(1)\tThe Commission must make a licence authorising the operation of a distribution system subject to conditions determined by the Commission—\n\t(a)\trequiring compliance with the relevant parts of the National Gas Procedures (South Australia); and\n\t(b)\trequiring the gas entity—\n\t(i)\tto prepare, maintain and periodically revise a safety, reliability, maintenance and technical management plan dealing with matters prescribed by regulation; and\n\t(ii)\tto obtain the approval of the Technical Regulator—\n\t(A)\tto the plan (prior to the commencement of the operation of the distribution system to which the plan relates); and\n\t(B)\tto any revision of the plan; and\n\t(iii)\tto comply with the plan as approved from time to time; and\n\t(iv)\tto audit from time to time the entity's compliance with the plans and report the results of those audits to the Technical Regulator; and\n\t(c)\trequiring the gas entity to maintain specified accounting records and to prepare accounts according to specified principles; and\n\t(d)\trequiring the gas entity to participate in an ombudsman scheme—\n\t(i)\tthat applies to the gas supply industry and to other regulated industries (within the meaning of the Essential Services Commission Act 2002) prescribed by regulation; and\n\t(ii)\tthe terms and conditions of which are approved by the Commission; and\n\t(e)\trequiring the gas entity to monitor and report as required by the Commission on indicators of service performance determined by the Commission; and\n\t(f)\trequiring the gas entity to comply with code provisions as in force from time to time (which the Commission must make under the Essential Services Commission Act 2002) limiting the grounds on which the supply of gas to customers may be disconnected and prescribing the process to be followed before the supply of gas is disconnected; and\n\t(g)\trequiring a specified process to be followed to resolve disputes between the gas entity and customers as to the supply of gas.\n\t(2)\tThis section does not limit the matters that may be dealt with by terms or conditions of a licence authorising the operation of a distribution system.\n26A—Licences authorising retailing\n\t(2)\tThe Commission must make a licence authorising the retailing of gas subject to conditions determined by the Commission—\n\t(a)\trequiring compliance with the relevant parts of the National Gas Procedures (South Australia); and\n\t(b)\tif the gas entity sells gas to customers of a prescribed class, requiring the entity to maintain specified accounting records and to prepare accounts according to specified principles; and\n\t(c)\trequiring the gas entity to establish customer consultation processes of a specified kind; and\n\t(d)\trequiring the gas entity to comply with code provisions as in force from time to time (which the Commission must make under the Essential Services Commission Act 2002 on or before the prescribed date) relating to the provision of pricing information to enable small customers to compare competing offers in the retailing of gas; and\n\t(da)\trequiring the gas entity to include (in a print size and form prescribed by regulation) in each account for gas charges sent to a small customer information prescribed by regulation, including information relating to—\n\t(i)\tthe customer's gas consumption during the preceding 12 months; and\n\t(ii)\tthe entity's daily charges for gas during the period to which the account relates; and\n\t(iii)\tobtaining advice through the Commission about reducing gas consumption and about gas consumer choices; and\n\t(iv)\tgreenhouse gas emissions associated with the customer's gas consumption; and\n\t(e)\trequiring the gas entity to comply with code provisions as in force from time to time (which the Commission must make under the Essential Services Commission Act 2002) relating to standard contractual terms and conditions to apply to the sale or supply of gas to small customers or customers of a prescribed class; and\n\t(f)\trequiring the gas entity to comply with code provisions as in force from time to time (which the Commission must make under the Essential Services Commission Act 2002) imposing minimum standards of service for customers that take into account relevant national benchmarks developed from time to time, and requiring the entity to monitor and report on levels of compliance with those minimum standards; and\n\t(g)\trequiring the gas entity to comply with code provisions as in force from time to time (which the Commission must make under the Essential Services Commission Act 2002) limiting the grounds on which the supply of gas to customers may be discontinued or disconnected and prescribing the process to be followed before the supply of gas is discontinued or disconnected; and\n\t(h)\trequiring a specified process to be followed to resolve disputes between the gas entity and customers as to the sale or supply of gas; and\n\t(i)\tif the gas entity sells gas to customers with an annual gas consumption level of less than the level prescribed, requiring the entity to participate in an ombudsman scheme—\n\t(i)\tthat applies to the gas supply industry and to other regulated industries (within the meaning of the Essential Services Commission Act 2002) prescribed by regulation; and\n\t(ii)\tthe terms and conditions of which are approved by the Commission.\n\t(3)\tThis section does not limit the matters that may be dealt with by terms or conditions of a licence authorising the retailing of gas.\n26B—Licence conditions and national energy laws\nDespite the preceding provisions of this Part, the Commission is not to impose a condition on a licence if the Commission is satisfied that the condition would duplicate, or be inconsistent with, regulatory requirements under the National Gas (South Australia) Act 2008, National Gas Rules, National Energy Retail Law (South Australia) or National Energy Retail Rules.\n27—Offence to contravene licence conditions\n\t(1)\tA gas entity must not contravene a condition of its licence.\n\t(2)\tAn offence against subsection (1) may be prosecuted as an indictable offence or a summary offence at the discretion of the prosecutor but, if prosecuted as a summary offence, the maximum penalty that may be imposed is a fine not exceeding $20 000.\n29—Variation of licence\n\t(1)\tThe Commission may vary the terms or conditions of a gas entity's licence by written notice to the entity.\n\t(2)\tA variation may only be made—\n\t(a)\ton application by the gas entity or with the gas entity's agreement; or\n\t(b)\tafter giving the gas entity reasonable notice of the proposed variation and allowing the entity a reasonable opportunity to make representations about the proposed variation.\n30—Transfer of licence\n\t(1)\tA licence may be transferred with the Commission's agreement.\n\t(2)\tThe Commission may impose conditions on the transfer of a licence, or vary the terms and conditions of the licence on its transfer.\n\t(3)\tThe Commission must not agree to the transfer of a licence if the transferee would not be entitled to the issue of the licence.\n\t(4)\tAn application for agreement to the transfer of a licence must—\n\t(a)\tbe made by the transferor with the consent of the transferee to the Commission in a form approved by the Commission; and\n\t(b)\tcontain the information specified in the form.\n\t(5)\tThe applicant must pay to the Commission an application fee fixed by the Minister of an amount that the Minister considers appropriate to meet the reasonable costs of determining the application.\n\t(6)\tThe applicant must give the Commission further relevant information requested by the Commission.\n30A—Consultation with consumer bodies\nThe Commission may, before issuing a licence, agreeing to the transfer of a licence or determining or varying conditions of a licence, consult with and have regard to the advice of—\n\t(a)\tthe Commissioner for Consumer Affairs; and\n\t(b)\tthe consumer advisory committee under Part 2.\n30B—Notice of licence decisions\n\t(1)\tThe Commission must give an applicant for a licence, or for agreement to the transfer of a licence, written notice of the Commission's decision on the application.\n\t(2)\tThe Commission must give the holder of a licence written notice of any decision by the Commission affecting the terms or conditions of the licence.\n31—Surrender of licence\n\t(1)\tA gas entity may, by written notice given to the Commission, surrender its licence.\n\t(2)\tThe notice must be given to the Commission at least six months before the surrender is to take effect or, if the licence requires a longer period of notice, as required by the licence.\n\t(3)\tThe Commission may, by agreement with the gas entity, shorten the required period of notice.\n32—Register of licences\n\t(1)\tThe Commission must keep a register of the licences currently held by gas entities under this Act.\n\t(2)\tThe register must include—\n\t(a)\tthe terms and conditions of each licence; and\n\t(b)\tother information required under the regulations.\n\t(3)\tA person may, without payment of a fee, inspect the Register.\n32A—Licence is not personal property for the purposes of Commonwealth Act\nA licence under this Part is not personal property for the purposes of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 of the Commonwealth.\nDivision 2—Price regulation\n33—Price regulation by determination of Commission\n\t(1)\tThe Commission may make a determination under the Essential Services Commission Act 2002 regulating prices, conditions relating to prices and price-fixing factors for—\n\t(a)\tthe sale and supply of gas to small customers or customers of a prescribed class;\n\t(d)\tthe sale and supply of gas by a gas entity to customers of another gas entity in accordance with a condition of the entity's licence imposed under Division 3B;\n\t(e)\tother goods and services in the gas supply industry specified by the Minister by notice in the Gazette.\n\t(2)\tDespite section 7 of the Essential Services Commission Act 2002, the Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, direct the Commission about—\n\t(a)\tfactors to be taken into account by the Commission in making a determination in addition to those that the Commission is required by the Essential Services Commission Act 2002 to take into account; and\n\t(b)\tthe distributive effect as between classes of customers that a determination of a kind referred to in subsection (1)(a) may have; and\n\t(c)\tthe period over which a determination of a kind referred to in subsection (1)(a) will allow cost recovery for costs incurred by gas entities in preparing for full competition in the gas supply industry.\n\t(3)\tThe Minister may, by further notice in the Gazette, vary or revoke a notice published by the Minister under this section.\n\t(4)\tDespite the provisions of the Essential Services Commission Act 2002, the operation of a determination of a kind referred to in subsection (1)(a) is not to be stayed pending the determination of an application for review under Part 6 of that Act.\n\t(5)\tThe Governor may, by proclamation, fix a day on which subsection (2) expires.\n","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"Div 3","sectionType":"division","heading":"Standard terms and conditions for retailing of gas","content":"Division 3—Standard terms and conditions for retailing of gas\n34—Standard terms and conditions for retailing of gas\n\t(1)\tA gas entity may, from time to time, fix standard terms and conditions governing the sale and supply of gas by the entity to small customers or customers of a prescribed class.\n\t(2)\tA gas entity must publish in the Gazette a notice setting out any standard terms and conditions fixed by the entity.\n\t(2a)\tA gas entity must, when it publishes a notice in the Gazette under subsection (2), also publish a notice in a newspaper circulating generally in the State describing the general nature of the standard terms and conditions and advising where a person may read or obtain a copy of the standard terms and conditions.\n\t(3)\tStandard terms and conditions fixed under this section—\n\t(a)\tmust comply with the conditions of the gas entity's licence; and\n\t(b)\tmust not fix prices that exceed maximum prices fixed under this Act; and\n\t(c)\tcome into force on the day specified by the gas entity in the notice of the standard terms and conditions published in the Gazette under this section, being a day not earlier than the day on which the notice is published; and\n\t(d)\twhen in force are contractually binding on the gas entity and the class of customers to which the terms and conditions are expressed to apply.\n\t(4)\tSubject to the conditions of a gas entity's licence, a standard term or condition fixed under this section may be modified or excluded by express agreement between the entity and a customer of the entity.\n\t(5)\tA gas entity that has fixed standard terms and conditions under this section must—\n\t(a)\tsupply a copy of the standard terms and conditions, without charge, on request made to the entity at a place approved by the Commission; and\n\t(b)\tpublish the standard terms and conditions on a website maintained by the entity.\n","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"Div 3A","sectionType":"division","heading":"Standing contracts and default contracts","content":"Division 3A—Standing contracts and default contracts\n34A—Standing contracts\n\t(1)\tThis section applies to a gas entity holding a licence authorising the retailing of gas that is declared by the Governor under this section to be a gas entity to which this section applies.\n\t(2)\tIt is a condition of the licence of a gas entity to which this section applies that the entity must, at the request of a small customer or customer of a prescribed class, agree to sell and supply gas to the customer at the entity's standing contract price and subject to the entity's standing contract terms and conditions.\n\t(4)\tAn entity is not required to sell and supply gas to a customer in compliance with the condition imposed under subsection (2) if the entity is entitled in accordance with the entity's standing contract terms and conditions to refuse to sell and supply gas to the customer.\n\t(4a)\tThe following provisions apply in relation to the fixing by the Commission of a standing contract price for an entity and class of customers for the purposes of this section:\n\t(a)\tthe Commission may fix the price by a determination of a kind referred to in section 33(1)(a);\n\t(b)\ta determination, other than a determination under paragraph (f), must provide for the expiry of the determination at the end of a period of not less than 3 years specified in the determination;\n\t(c)\ta determination may provide for prices that vary at specified times according to a formula specified in the determination;\n\t(d)\tunless the Commission determines that special circumstances exist—\n\t(i)\ta determination may not be made to take effect before the expiry date of the last preceding determination made by the Commission in accordance with this subsection;\n\t(ii)\ta determination may only be made if the entity has made a submission to the Commission stating the price that the entity proposes be fixed by the Commission as the entity's standing contract price, and the entity's justification for the price, not less than 6 months and not more than 9 months before the making of the determination;\n\t(iii)\tthe Commission must, before making a determination, have conducted an inquiry under Part 7 of the Essential Services Commission Act 2002 into the question of the appropriate price to be fixed as the standing contract price;\n\t(e)\ta submission under paragraph (d) must comply with any requirements as to the form and content of such submissions imposed by the Commission by written notice served on the entity;\n\t(f)\tif the Commission has determined that special circumstances exist—the Commission may make a determination that takes effect as a variation of the existing determination (with effect for the balance of the term of the existing determination (unless another variation is subsequently made)).\n\t(5)\tThe Governor may, by proclamation—\n\t(a)\tdeclare that this section applies to a specified gas entity; and\n\t(b)\tvary or revoke such a declaration.\n\t(6)\tIn this section—\nstanding contract price, in relation to an entity and a customer, means—\n\t(a)\tthe price fixed by the Commission in accordance with subsection (4a) as the entity's standing contract price for a class of customers to which the customer belongs; or\n\t(b)\tif there is no price for the time being fixed by the Commission as the entity's standard contract price in accordance with subsection (4a)—the price fixed under this Act as at 31 December 2002 for the sale and supply of gas to a class of customers to which the customer belongs;\nstanding contract terms and conditions, in relation to a gas entity, means terms and conditions that have been published by the gas entity under section 34 as the entity's standing contract terms and conditions.\n\t(7)\tThe Governor may, by proclamation, fix a day on which this section expires.\n34B—Default contracts\n\t(1)\tThis section applies to a gas entity holding a licence authorising the retailing of gas that sells gas to one or more small customers in South Australia.\n\t(2)\tIt is a condition of the gas entity's licence that the entity must, if the entity becomes bound, in accordance with the regulations, to sell and supply gas to a small customer under a default contract arrangement for a period specified in the regulations—\n\t(a)\tgive the customer a written notice in accordance with the regulations; and\n\t(b)\tsell and supply gas to the customer at the entity's default contract price and subject to the entity's default contract terms and conditions for that period.\n\t(3)\tIn this section—\ndefault contract price, in relation to a gas entity and a customer, means whichever of the following is the price last fixed:\n\t(a)\tthe price last fixed under this Act for the sale and supply of gas to a class of customers to which the customer belongs;\n\t(b)\ta price fixed by the entity as the entity's default contract price for a class of customers to which the customer belongs by notice published in the Gazette and in a newspaper circulating generally in the State, where—\n\t(i)\tthe price was fixed by the notice with effect from the end of the prescribed period from the date of publication of the notice; and\n\t(ii)\tthe notice contained a statement of the entity's justification for the price; and\n\t(iii)\tthe Commission did not, within the prescribed period, fix the entity's default contract price as referred to in paragraph (c);\n\t(c)\ta price fixed by the Commission as the entity's default contract price for a class of customers to which the customer belongs by a determination of a kind referred to in section 33(1)(a);\ndefault contract terms and conditions means terms and conditions that have been published by the gas entity under section 34 as the entity's default contract terms and conditions.\n","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"Div 4","sectionType":"division","heading":"Protection of property in gas infrastructure","content":"Division 4—Protection of property in gas infrastructure\n35—Gas infrastructure does not merge with land\nIn the absence of agreement in writing to the contrary, the ownership of a pipe or equipment is not affected by the fact it has been laid or installed as gas infrastructure in or under land.\n36—Seizure and dismantling of gas infrastructure\n\t(1)\tGas infrastructure cannot be seized and dismantled in execution of a judgment.\n\t(2)\tThis section does not prevent the sale of a distribution system as a going concern in execution of a judgment.\n","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"Div 5","sectionType":"division","heading":"Temporary gas rationing","content":"Division 5—Temporary gas rationing\n37—Temporary gas rationing\n\t(1)\tIf for any reason the volume of gas available for supply through a distribution system is, in the opinion of the Minister, insufficient or likely to become insufficient to meet the requirements of customers who draw gas from that system—\n\t(a)\tthe Minister may give directions to—\n\t(i)\tthe gas entity or other body by which the system, or part of the system, is operated; or\n\t(ii)\ta person who sells gas by retail or otherwise (whether or not the person is required to hold a licence under this Act),\nto ensure the most efficient and appropriate use of the available gas; and\n\t(b)\tthe Minister may, by notice published in such manner as may be appropriate in the circumstances, direct customers, or specified customers, not to draw gas from the system except for the purposes (if any) allowed by the directions.\n\t(2)\tA direction under subsection (1)(a) may (without limitation) relate to the quantity of gas that may be supplied through a distribution system or to the quality of that gas.\n\t(2a)\tA direction under this section—\n\t(a)\toperates for a period (which may be defined by reference to specified days or to the happening of specified events) specified in the direction; and\n\t(b)\tmay be varied or revoked (with effect at a specified time or on the happening of a specified event) by a subsequent direction under this section.\n\t(3)\tNo civil liability arises from compliance with a direction under this section.\n\t(4)\tA person who fails to comply with a direction under this section is guilty of an offence.\n\t(4a)\tAn offence against subsection (4) may be prosecuted as an indictable offence or summary offence at the discretion of the prosecutor but, if prosecuted as a summary offence, the maximum penalty that may be imposed is a fine not exceeding $5 000.\ndistribution system has the meaning otherwise assigned to the term under this Act, and includes a transmission pipeline.\n37A—Minister's power to require information or documents\n\t(1)\tThe Minister may require a person—\n\t(a)\tto give the Minister within a specified time, or at specified times, specified information; or\n\t(b)\tto produce to the Minister within a specified time, or at specified times, specified documents,\nthat the Minister reasonably requires to determine the sufficiency of gas supply, frame directions, plan for the future exercise of powers under this Division or otherwise administer or enforce this Division (or regulations made for the purposes of this Division).\n\t(1a)\tThe power of the Minister to require information includes (without limitation) power to require a seller of gas affected by directions under this Division—\n\t(a)\tto conduct an audit of the seller's compliance with regulations made for the purposes of this Division; and\n\t(b)\tto report the results of the audit to the Minister.\n\t(2)\tA person required to give information under this section must provide the information or produce documents within the time, or at the times, specified by the Minister.\nMaximum penalty: $100 000.\n\t(3)\tIf a person is required to give information or produce a document under this section and the information or document would tend to incriminate the person of an offence, the person must nevertheless give the information or produce the document, but—\n\t(a)\tif the person is a natural person, the information or document so given or produced will not be admissible in evidence against the person in proceedings for an offence (other than an offence relating to the making of a false or misleading statement or declaration); and\n\t(b)\tif the person is a body corporate—\n\t(i)\tthe information or document so given or produced will not be admissible in evidence against a director of the body corporate in proceedings for an offence (other than an offence relating to the making of a false or misleading statement or declaration); and\n\t(ii)\ta director will not be guilty of an offence (other than an offence relating to the making of a false or misleading statement or declaration) as a result of the body corporate having been found guilty of an offence in proceedings in which the information or document so given or produced was admitted in evidence against the body corporate.\n37AB—Obligation to preserve confidentiality\n\t(1)\tThe Minister must preserve the confidentiality of information gained in the course of the performance of the Minister's functions under this Division (or regulations made for the purposes of this Division), including information gained by an authorised officer under Part 6, that—\n\t(a)\tcould affect the competitive position of a gas entity or other person; or\n\t(b)\tis commercially sensitive for some other reason.\n\t(2)\tSubsection (1) does not apply to—\n\t(a)\tthe disclosure of information between persons engaged in the administration of this Division; or\n\t(b)\tthe disclosure of information as required for the purposes of legal proceedings related to this Division (or regulations made for the purposes of this Division).\n\t(3)\tInformation classified by the Minister as confidential under this section is not liable to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act 1991.\n37AC—Regulations relating to gas rationing\nThe power of the Governor to make regulations under this Act includes (without limitation) power to make regulations for the purposes of this Division—\n\t(a)\tmaking provision relating to contractual relations between customers and sellers of gas affected by directions under this Division; \n\t(b)\trequiring sellers of gas affected by directions under this Division to repay to customers any amounts that under applicable contractual terms were not payable by the customers;\n\t(c)\tprescribing a penalty not exceeding $10 000 for contravention of a regulation made for the purposes of this Division.\n37AD—Prosecution for contravention of Division requires Minister's consent\n\t(1)\tA prosecution for a contravention of this Division (or regulations made for the purposes of this Division), may only be commenced with the consent of the Minister.\n\t(2)\tIn any legal proceedings an apparently genuine certificate, purporting to be signed by the Minister, certifying that the Minister consented to the commencement of a prosecution referred to in subsection (1) will, in the absence of proof to the contrary, be accepted as proof of the matters so certified.\n37B—Manner in which notices may be given\nExcept as otherwise provided, a direction or requirement to be given to or made of a person or body under this Division may—\n\t(a)\tbe given or made by notice in writing served on the person or body; or\n\t(b)\tif the Minister is of the opinion that good reason exists for doing so, be given or made by telephone, facsimile transmission, E-mail or some other form of electronic transmission (however, in such a case, a written record of the direction or requirement must be served on the person or body in accordance with section 94 as soon as is reasonably practicable).\n37C—Minister's power to delegate\n\t(1)\tThe Minister may delegate powers or functions under this Division—\n\t(a)\tto a particular person; or\n\t(b)\tto the person for the time being occupying a particular office or position.\n\t(2)\tA power or function delegated under this section may, if the instrument of delegation so provides, be further delegated.\n\t(3)\tA delegation—\n\t(a)\tmay be absolute or conditional; and\n\t(b)\tdoes not derogate from the power of the delegator to act in a matter; and\n\t(c)\tis revocable at will by the delegator.\n\t(4)\tIn any legal proceedings an apparently genuine certificate, purportedly signed by the Minister, containing particulars of a delegation under this section, will, in the absence of proof to the contrary, be accepted as proof that the delegation was made in accordance with the particulars.\n","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"Div 6","sectionType":"division","heading":"Suspension or cancellation of licences","content":"Division 6—Suspension or cancellation of licences\n38—Suspension or cancellation of licences\n\t(1)\tThe Commission may, if satisfied that—\n\t(a)\tthe holder of a licence obtained the licence improperly; or\n\t(b)\tthe holder of a licence has been guilty of a material contravention of a requirement imposed by or under this Act or any other Act in connection with the operations authorised by the licence; or\n\t(c)\tthe holder of a licence has ceased to carry on operations authorised by the licence; or\n\t(d)\tthere has been any act or default such that the holder of a licence would no longer be entitled to the issue of such a licence,\nsuspend or cancel the licence with effect from a specified date.\n\t(2)\tA suspension under this section may be for a specified period, or until the fulfilment of specified conditions, or until further order of the Commission.\n\t(3)\tBefore the Commission acts under this section, the Commission must—\n\t(a)\tnotify the holder of the licence in writing of the proposed action specifying the reasons for the proposed action; and\n\t(b)\tallow the holder of the licence at least 14 days within which to make submissions to the Commission in relation to the proposed action.\n","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"Div 7","sectionType":"division","heading":"Commission's powers to take over operations","content":"Division 7—Commission's powers to take over operations\n39—Power to take over operations\n\t(1)\tIf—\n\t(a)\ta gas entity contravenes this Act, or a gas entity's licence ceases, or is to cease, to be in force; and\n\t(b)\tit is necessary, in the Commission's opinion, to take over the entity's operations (or some of them) to ensure an adequate supply of gas to customers,\nthe Governor may make a proclamation under this section.\n\t(2)\tBefore a proclamation is made under this section, the Commission must give the gas entity a reasonable opportunity to make written representations giving reasons why the proclamation should not be made.\n\t(3)\tA proclamation under this section—\n\t(a)\tauthorises the Commission to take over the gas entity's operations or a specified part of the gas entity's operations; and\n\t(b)\tmay contain ancillary directions (and may, in particular, contain directions about how the costs of carrying on the operations, and revenue generated from the operations, are to be dealt with).\n\t(4)\tA direction under subsection (3)(b) operates to the exclusion of rights that are inconsistent with it.\n40—Appointment of operator\n\t(1)\tWhen a proclamation is made under this Part, the Commission must appoint a suitable person (who may, but need not, be a gas entity) to take over the relevant operations on agreed terms and conditions.\n\t(2)\tA person appointed to take over a gas entity's operations is referred to in this section as the operator.\n\t(3)\tThe gas entity must facilitate the take over of the relevant operations by the operator.\n\t(4)\tThe operator may have access to the distribution system and other property of a gas entity for the purposes of carrying on the relevant operations.\n\t(5)\tA person must not obstruct the operator's access to property or the exercise by the operator of the operator's responsibilities under this Part.\n\t(6)\tA person must comply with reasonable directions given by the operator in the exercise of the operator's responsibilities under this Part.\n","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"Part 4","sectionType":"part","heading":"Gas entities' powers and duties","content":"Part 4—Gas entities' powers and duties\nDivision 1—Gas officers\n42—Appointment of gas officers\n\t(1)\tA gas entity may, subject to conditions determined by the Minister, appoint a person to be a gas officer for the entity.\n\t(2)\tA gas officer may only exercise powers under this Act subject to the conditions of appointment and any directions given to the gas officer by the entity.\n43—Conditions of appointment\n\t(1)\tA gas officer may be appointed for a stated term or for an indefinite term that continues while the officer holds a stated office or position.\n\t(2)\tA gas officer may be removed from office by the gas entity.\n44—Gas officer's identity card\n\t(1)\tA gas entity must give each gas officer for the entity an identity card.\n\t(2)\tThe identity card must be in a form approved by the Minister and must—\n\t(a)\tcontain a photograph of the gas officer taken for the purpose; and\n\t(b)\tbe signed by the gas officer; and\n\t(c)\tidentify the gas officer as a gas officer for the relevant gas entity.\n\t(3)\tA person must, within 2 days after ceasing to be a gas officer, return the identity card to the gas entity.\nMaximum penalty: $250.\n45—Production of identity card\nA gas officer must, before exercising a power in relation to another person, produce the officer's identity card for inspection by the other person.\n","sortOrder":11},{"sectionNumber":"Div 1A","sectionType":"division","heading":"General investigative powers of gas officers","content":"Division 1A—General investigative powers of gas officers\n45A—General investigative powers of gas officers\nA gas officer may, in the course of exercising powers under this Part, take photographs, films or audio, video or other recordings as reasonably required in connection with the exercise of those powers.\nDivision 2—Powers and duties relating to gas infrastructure\n46—Acquisition of land\n\t(1)\tA gas entity may acquire land in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act 1969.\n\t(2)\tA gas entity may only acquire land by compulsory process under the Land Acquisition Act 1969 if the acquisition is authorised in writing by the Minister.\n47—Power to carry out work on public land\n\t(1)\tSubject to this section, a gas entity may—\n\t(a)\tinstall gas infrastructure on public land; or\n\t(b)\toperate, maintain, repair, alter, add to, remove or replace gas infrastructure on public land; or\n\t(c)\tcarry out other work on public land for the distribution or supply of gas.\n\t(2)\tWithout limiting subsection (1), the gas entity may excavate public land for the purposes of carrying out work under subsection (1).\n\t(3)\tSubject to this section, a gas entity must—\n\t(a)\tgive the authority responsible for the management of public land not less than seven days' notice of the entity's intention to carry out work on the land; and\n\t(b)\tsecure the authority's agreement to the carrying out of the work.\n\t(4)\tAn agreement under this section may contain conditions the authority responsible for management of the land considers appropriate in the public interest.\n\t(5)\tPrior notice and agreement are not required under subsection (3) for work of a kind prescribed by regulation for the purposes of this subsection.\n\t(6)\tAgreement is not required under subsection (3) for work of a kind prescribed by regulation for the purposes of this subsection.\n\t(7)\tIf a dispute arises between a gas entity and the authority responsible for managing public land about whether work should be permitted under this section on the land or about the conditions on which work should be permitted on public land, either party to the dispute may refer the dispute to the Minister.\n\t(8)\tSubsection (7) does not apply to a dispute where the authority responsible for managing the public land is a Minister or a person or body to whom directions may be given by a Minister in relation to the matter in dispute.\n\t(9)\tIf a dispute is referred to the Minister under this section, the Minister must—\n\t(a)\tallow the parties to the dispute the opportunity to make representations to the Minister on the questions at issue in the dispute; and\n\t(b)\tmake a reasonable attempt to get the parties to agree to settlement of the dispute on agreed terms.\n\t(10)\tIf the Minister cannot get the parties to agree, the Minister may make—\n\t(a)\tan order that the work is or is not permitted on the land;\n\t(b)\tif the Minister orders that the work is permitted, an order fixing the conditions on which the work is permitted,\nas the Minister thinks fit.\n\t(13)\tA gas entity must make good any damage caused by the exercise of powers under this section as soon as practicable or pay reasonable compensation for the damage.\n\t(14)\tThis section does not derogate from the obligation to comply with the provisions of any other Act.\npublic land means land owned by the Crown or an instrumentality or agent of the Crown or by a council or other local government body.\n48—Power to enter for purposes related to gas entity's infrastructure\n\t(1)\tA gas officer for a gas entity may, at any reasonable time—\n\t(a)\tenter and remain on land to carry out preliminary investigations in connection with the installation of gas infrastructure; or\n\t(b)\tenter and remain on land where the gas infrastructure of the entity is situated to inspect, operate, maintain, repair, alter, add to, remove or replace the infrastructure or to carry out work for the protection of the infrastructure or the protection of public safety.\n\t(2)\tSubject to this section, if a gas officer seeks to enter land under this section, the officer must give prior written notice to the owner or occupier of the land stating the reason and the date and, if it is practicable to do so, the time of the proposed entry.\n\t(3)\tThe period of notice of entry must be reasonable.\n\t(4)\tIf the proposed entry is refused or obstructed, a gas officer may obtain a warrant under Part 8 to enter the land.\n\t(5)\tIn an emergency, a gas officer may exercise a power of entry under this section—\n\t(a)\tat any time and without prior notice if it is not practicable to give such notice; and\n\t(b)\tif necessary in the circumstances, by the use of reasonable force.\n\t(6)\tWhen a gas officer enters land under this section, the gas officer—\n\t(a)\tmay be accompanied by such assistants as the gas officer considers necessary or appropriate; and\n\t(b)\tmay take any vehicles or equipment the gas officer considers necessary or appropriate for the functions the gas officer is to carry out on the land.\n\t(7)\tA gas officer must be accompanied by a member of the police force—\n\t(a)\twhen entering a place under a warrant;\n\t(b)\tif it is practicable to do so, when entering a place by force in an emergency.\n\t(8)\tSubject to this section, a gas entity must make good any damage caused by the exercise of powers under this section as soon as practicable or pay reasonable compensation for the damage.\nDivision 3—Powers relating to gas installations\n49—Entry to inspect etc gas installations\n\t(1)\tA gas officer for a gas entity may, at any reasonable time, enter and remain in a place to which gas is, is to be, or has been, supplied by the entity—\n\t(a)\tto inspect gas installations in the place to ensure that it is safe to connect or reconnect gas supply; or\n\t(b)\tto take action to prevent or minimise a gas hazard; or\n\t(c)\tto investigate suspected theft of gas.\n\t(2)\tIn an emergency, a gas officer may exercise a power of entry under this section at any time and, if necessary in the circumstances, by the use of reasonable force.\n\t(3)\tWhen a gas officer enters a place under this section, the gas officer—\n\t(a)\tmay be accompanied by such assistants as the gas officer considers necessary or appropriate; and\n\t(b)\tmay take any vehicles or equipment the gas officer considers necessary or appropriate for the functions the gas officer is to carry out in the place.\n\t(4)\tA gas officer must, if it is practicable to do so, be accompanied by a member of the police force when entering a place by force in an emergency.\n\t(5)\tIf in the opinion of a gas officer a gas installation is unsafe, the gas officer may disconnect the gas supply to the place in which the installation is situated until the installation is made safe to the satisfaction of the gas officer.\n50—Entry to read meters etc\nA gas officer for a gas entity may, at any reasonable time, enter and remain in a place to which gas is, or is to be, supplied by the entity—\n\t(a)\tto read, or check the accuracy of, a meter for recording consumption of gas; or\n\t(b)\tto install, repair or replace meters or control apparatus or any part of a gas installation.\n51—Entry to disconnect supply\nIf a gas officer has proper authority to disconnect a gas supply to a place, the gas officer may, at any reasonable time, enter and remain in the place to disconnect the gas supply to the place.\n52—Disconnection of supply if entry refused\n\t(1)\tIf a gas officer seeks to enter a place under this Division and entry is refused or obstructed, the gas entity may, by written notice to the occupier of the place, ask for consent to entry by a gas officer.\n\t(2)\tThe notice must state the reason and the date and time of the proposed entry.\n\t(3)\tIf entry is again refused or obstructed, the gas entity may—\n\t(a)\tif it is possible to do so—disconnect the gas supply to the place without entering the place; or\n\t(b)\tif not—obtain a warrant under Part 8 to enter the place for the purpose of disconnecting the gas supply, enter the place under the warrant and disconnect the gas supply.\n\t(4)\tA gas officer may not enter a place under a warrant unless accompanied by a member of the police force.\n\t(5)\tThe gas entity must restore the gas supply if—\n\t(a)\tthe occupier—\n\t(i)\tconsents to the proposed entry; and\n\t(ii)\tpays the appropriate reconnection fee; and\n\t(b)\tit is safe to restore the gas supply; and\n\t(c)\tthere is no other lawful ground for refusing to restore the gas supply.\nDivision 4—Powers and duties in emergencies\n53—Gas entity may cut off gas supply to avert danger\nA gas entity may, without incurring any liability, cut off the supply of gas to any region, area, land or place if it is, in the entity's opinion, necessary to do so to avert danger to person or property.\n54—Emergency legislation not affected\nNothing in this Act affects the exercise of any power, or the obligation of a regulated entity to comply with any direction, order or requirement, under the Emergency Management Act 2004, Essential Services Act 1981, Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005, National Electricity (South Australia) Act 1996, National Energy Retail Law (South Australia) Act 2011, National Gas (South Australia) Act 2008 or Part 11 of the South Australian Public Health Act 2011.\n","sortOrder":12},{"sectionNumber":"Part 5","sectionType":"part","heading":"Safety and technical issues","content":"Part 5—Safety and technical issues\n55—Responsibility of owner or operator of infrastructure or installation\n\t(1)\tA person who owns or operates gas infrastructure must take reasonable steps to ensure that—\n\t(a)\tthe infrastructure complies with, and is operated in accordance with, technical and safety requirements imposed under the regulations; and\n\t(b)\tthe infrastructure is safe and safely operated.\n\t(1a)\tA person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence.\n\t(a)\tif the person committed the offence intentionally or recklessly and with the knowledge that an immediate and material risk of harm to any person will or might result—\n\t(i)\tif the offender is a body corporate—a penalty of $250 000; or\n\t(ii)\tin any other case—a penalty of $50 000; or\n\t(b)\tin any other case—\n\t(i)\tif the offender is a body corporate—a penalty of $100 000; or\n\t(ii)\tin any other case—a penalty of $20 000.\n\t(1b)\tA person who owns or operates a gas installation must take reasonable steps to ensure that—\n\t(a)\tthe installation complies with, and is operated in accordance with, technical and safety requirements imposed under the regulations; and\n\t(b)\tthe installation is safe and safely operated.\n\t(a)\tif the offender is a body corporate—a penalty of $50 000;\n\t(b)\tin any other case—a penalty of $10 000.\n\t(2)\tFor the purpose of ensuring under this section that a gas installation complies with the technical and safety requirements, a person may, subject to the regulations, rely on a certificate of compliance issued under this Division in relation to the installation.\n55A—Safety, reliability, maintenance and technical management plans\nA person exempted from the requirement to hold a licence authorising the operation of a distribution system must, if so required by the Technical Regulator by written notice—\n\t(a)\tprepare, maintain and periodically revise a safety, reliability, maintenance and technical management plan dealing with matters prescribed by regulation; and\n\t(b)\tobtain the approval of the Technical Regulator to the plan and any revision; and\n\t(c)\tcomply with the plan as approved from time to time; and\n\t(d)\taudit from time to time the entity's compliance with the plan and report the results of those audits to the Technical Regulator.\n56—Certain gas fitting work\n\t(1)\tA person to whom this section applies who carries out work on a gas installation or proposed gas installation must ensure that—\n\t(a)\tthe work is carried out as required under the regulations; and\n\t(b)\texaminations and tests are carried out as required under the regulations.\n\t(a)\tif the offender is a body corporate—a penalty of $50 000;\n\t(b)\tin any other case—a penalty of $10 000.\n\t(2)\tIf work on a gas installation or proposed gas installation is personally carried out by a registered gas fitting worker under the Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995, the person to whom this section applies must ensure that the requirements of the regulations as to notification and certificates of compliance are complied with.\n\t(3)\tThis section applies—\n\t(a)\tif a licensed gas fitting contractor under the Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995 or licensed building work contractor under the Building Work Contractors Act 1995 has been engaged to carry out the work (whether personally or not)—to the licensed gas fitting contractor or licensed building work contractor; or\n\t(b)\tin any other case—to the person who personally carries out the work.\n\t(4)\tA prosecution for an offence against this section may be brought at any time within the period of 3 years after the date on which the offence is alleged to have been committed.\n56A—Design of gas installations\nA gas installation must be designed in accordance with technical and safety requirements under the regulations.\nMaximum penalty: $10 000.\n57—Power to require rectification etc in relation to infrastructure or installations\n\t(1)\tIf gas infrastructure or a gas installation is unsafe, or the Technical Regulator believes on reasonable grounds that the infrastructure or installation is, or may become, unsafe when in use, or does not comply with this Act, the Technical Regulator may give a direction requiring—\n\t(a)\trectification of the infrastructure or installation to the Technical Regulator's satisfaction within a period specified in the direction;\n\t(b)\tif appropriate, the temporary disconnection of the gas supply while the rectification work is carried out;\n\t(c)\tthe disconnection and removal of the infrastructure or installation or part of the infrastructure or installation.\n\t(2)\tSubject to this section, a direction under this section must be given—\n\t(a)\tin relation to gas infrastructure—to the gas entity that operates the infrastructure;\n\t(b)\tin relation to an installation—\n\t(i)\tin the case of an installation that is unsafe, or in relation to which it is reasonably believed that the installation is, or may become, unsafe when in use, as a result of work performed on the installation within 2 years before the giving of the direction and with the consent of the person in charge of the installation or the occupier of the place in which the installation is situated—to the person who carried out the work, unless that person is not authorised to carry out such work; or\n\t(ii)\tin any other case—to the person in charge of the installation or the occupier of the place in which the installation is situated.\n\t(3)\tA direction may be given by written notice or, if the Technical Regulator is of the opinion that immediate action is required, orally (but if the direction is given orally it must be confirmed in writing).\n\t(4)\tA person to whom a direction is given under this section—\n\t(a)\tmust comply with the direction; and\n\t(b)\tmust not fail to take action specified in the direction to rectify the contravention within the period specified in the direction; and\n\t(c)\tmust not reconnect or permit the reconnection of the gas supply, or connect or permit the connection of the infrastructure (or part of the infrastructure) or installation to any other supply of gas, without the written approval of an authorised officer.\nExpiation fee: \n\t(a)\tin the case of an offence against paragraph (c)—$1 000;\n\t(b)\tin any other case—$315.\n\t(5)\tIf a person does not comply with a direction, the Technical Regulator may take the action that is reasonable and necessary to have the direction carried out.\n\t(6)\tA person, authorised in writing by the Technical Regulator, may do what is reasonable and necessary to carry out the direction.\n\t(7)\tThe costs incurred in carrying out the direction are recoverable as a debt due to the Crown.\n57A—Prohibition of sale or use of unsafe components for infrastructure or installations\n\t(1)\tIf, in the Technical Regulator's opinion, a particular component or component of a particular class is or is likely to become unsafe in use, the Regulator may prohibit the sale or use (or both sale and use) of the component or components of the relevant class.\n\t(2)\tIf, in the Technical Regulator's opinion, a particular component or component of a particular class is or is likely to become unsafe in use, the Regulator may require traders who have sold the component in the State—\n\t(a)\tto take specified action to recall the component from use; and\n\t(b)\t—\n\t(i)\tto take specified action to render the component safe; or\n\t(ii)\tif it is not practicable to render the component safe or the trader chooses not to do so—to refund the purchase price on return of the component.\n\t(3)\tA prohibition or requirement is imposed under this section—\n\t(a)\tby notice in writing given personally or by post to the person to whom it is addressed; or\n\t(b)\tif addressed to a class of persons, or the public generally—by public notice,\nand may be varied or revoked in the same way.\n\t(4)\tA person must not contravene or fail to comply with a prohibition or requirement under this section.\ncomponent means a component for gas infrastructure or a component for a gas installation.\n57B—Public warning statements about unsafe gas installations, components, practices etc\n\t(1)\tThe Technical Regulator may, if satisfied that it is in the public interest to do so, make a public statement identifying and giving warnings or information about any of the following:\n\t(a)\tcomponents for gas installations that, in the opinion of the Technical Regulator, are or are likely to become unsafe in use and persons who supply the components;\n\t(b)\tuses of gas installations or components for gas installations, or installation practices, that, in the opinion of the Technical Regulator, pose a danger to persons or property;\n\t(c)\tany other dangers to persons or property associated with gas installations or components for gas installations.\n\t(2)\tA statement under subsection (1) may identify particular gas installations, components, services, practices and persons.\n\t(3)\tThe Technical Regulator is not obliged to conduct a hearing or invite submissions in connection with—\n\t(a)\tthe exercise of a power under this section if the Technical Regulator considers that urgent action is required; or\n\t(b)\ta preliminary investigation conducted by the Technical Regulator for the purposes of this section.\n57C—Immunity from liability\n\t(1)\tNeither the Technical Regulator nor the Crown incurs any liability for a statement made by the Technical Regulator in good faith in the exercise or purported exercise of powers under section 57B.\n\t(2)\tNo liability is incurred by a person for publishing in good faith—\n\t(a)\ta statement referred to in subsection (1); or\n\t(b)\ta fair report or summary of such a statement.\n\t(3)\tIt is the intention of the Parliament that the immunity from liability provided for in this section apply within the State and outside the State to the full extent of the extra‑territorial legislative capacity of the Parliament.\n58—Reporting of accidents etc\n\t(1)\tIf an accident involving or associated with any gas infrastructure, gas installation or gas appliance results in injury, an explosion or a prescribed fire the accident must be reported as required under the regulations—\n\t(a)\tif the accident involves part of a gas entity's infrastructure—by the gas entity; or\n\t(b)\tif the accident happens while a gas fitting worker is working on a gas installation or appliance and the worker is able to make the report—by the worker; or\n\t(c)\tin any other case—by the occupier of the place in which the accident happens.\n\t(2)\tFor the purposes of an investigation of an accident of a kind referred to in subsection (1), the Technical Regulator may prohibit, restrict or regulate access to any infrastructure, installation or appliance involved in or associated with the accident.\n\t(3)\tA person must not alter or interfere with any infrastructure, installation or appliance involved in or associated with an accident of a kind referred to in subsection (1) or anything prohibiting, restricting or regulating access to any such infrastructure, installation or appliance.\n\t(4)\tDespite subsections (2) and (3), a person may alter or interfere with the infrastructure, installation or appliance or anything prohibiting, restricting or regulating access to it—\n\t(a)\tif to do so is necessary to—\n\t(i)\tmaintain the gas supply or the integrity of a network; or\n\t(ii)\tavert an immediate and serious danger to a person or property; or\n\t(b)\twith the approval of the Technical Regulator.\ninjury includes harm resulting from the inhalation of a product of combustion;\nprescribed fire means a fire that involves the attendance of an officer (including a volunteer officer) or employee of an emergency services organisation within the meaning of the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005.\n","sortOrder":13},{"sectionNumber":"Part 5A","sectionType":"part","heading":"Regulation of NERL retailers","content":"Part 5A—Regulation of NERL retailers\n59—Application of Part\nThis Part applies to a NERL retailer.\n59AA—Interpretation\nIn this Part—\ngas has the same meaning as in the National Energy Retail Law set out in the Schedule to the National Energy Retail Law (South Australia) Act 2011.\n59A—Compliance with certain code provisions under Essential Services Commission Act 2002 and requirements of regulations\n\t(1)\tA NERL retailer must comply with—\n\t(a)\tcode provisions as in force from time to time under the Essential Services Commission Act 2002 specified in, or in a manner prescribed by, the regulations; and\n\t(b)\tany requirements imposed under the regulations,\nrelating to—\n\t(c)\ttechnical or safety requirements or standards; and\n\t(d)\tobligations as to the quality, safety and reliability of the supply of gas (relevant to the supply of gas by retail); and\n\t(e)\tstandards for, and installation of, meters relating to gas supply; and\n\t(f)\tany scheme relating to energy productivity; and\n\t(g)\tany other matter related to the sale and supply of gas by retail specified in the regulations.\n\t(2)\tAn offence against subsection (1) may be prosecuted as an indictable offence or a summary offence at the discretion of the prosecutor but, if prosecuted as a summary offence, the maximum penalty that may be imposed is a fine not exceeding $20 000.\n59B—Participation in ombudsman scheme\n\t(1)\tIf a NERL retailer sells gas to customers with an annual gas consumption level of less than the level prescribed, the NERL retailer must participate in an ombudsman scheme—\n\t(a)\tthat applies to the gas supply industry and to other regulated industries (within the meaning of the Essential Services Commission Act 2002) prescribed by regulation; and\n\t(b)\tthe terms and conditions of which are approved by the Commission.\n\t(2)\tAn offence against subsection (1) may be prosecuted as an indictable offence or a summary offence at the discretion of the prosecutor but, if prosecuted as a summary offence, the maximum penalty that may be imposed is a fine not exceeding $20 000.\n59C—Compliance with customer concessions scheme and performance of community service obligations\n\t(1)\tA NERL retailer must comply with the requirements of any scheme approved and funded by the Minister for the provision by the State of customer concessions or the performance of community service obligations by regulated entities.\n\t(2)\tAn offence against subsection (1) may be prosecuted as an indictable offence or a summary offence at the discretion of the prosecutor but, if prosecuted as a summary offence, the maximum penalty that may be imposed is a fine not exceeding $20 000.\n59D—NERL retailers to match available gas to customers' estimated aggregate demand\n\t(1)\tA NERL retailer must ensure that at all times the quantity of gas available to it for delivery to its customers from a distribution system is sufficient to meet reasonable forecasts of its customers' aggregate demand for gas from the distribution system.\n\t(2)\tAn offence against subsection (1) may be prosecuted as an indictable offence or a summary offence at the discretion of the prosecutor but, if prosecuted as a summary offence, the maximum penalty that may be imposed is a fine not exceeding $20 000.\n59E—NERL retailers annual administration fee\n\t(1)\tA NERL retailer must pay to the Commission the relevant annual administration fee.\n\t(2)\tThe annual administration fee is an amount, calculated in accordance with the regulations, that represents a reasonable contribution towards administrative costs.\n\t(3)\tFor the purposes of this section, the Commission must give a NERL retailer a notice setting out—\n\t(a)\tthe amount of the relevant annual administration fee; and\n\t(b)\tthe date by which the fee (or, if the fee is to be paid in instalments, the first instalment of the relevant annual administration fee) must be paid.\n\t(4)\tThe annual administration fee may, if the Commission so determines, be paid in equal instalments at intervals fixed by the Commission.\n\t(5)\tIf a NERL retailer fails to pay the annual administration fee (or an instalment of the annual administration fee) in accordance with this section, the Commission may, by written notice, require the NERL retailer to make good the default and, in addition, to pay to the Commission the amount prescribed as a penalty for default.\n\t(6)\tAn annual administration fee (including any instalment of an annual administration fee or any penalty for default) payable under this section is recoverable as a debt due to the Crown.\n\t(7)\tIn this section—\nadministrative costs means—\n\t(a)\tthe costs of administration of this Act; and\n\t(b)\tthe costs of administration of the Essential Services Commission Act 2002 relating to the gas supply industry; and\n\t(c)\tother costs prescribed by regulation,\nthat, in the opinion of the Minister, relate to NERL retailers.\n","sortOrder":14},{"sectionNumber":"Part 6","sectionType":"part","heading":"Enforcement","content":"Part 6—Enforcement\nDivision A1—Warning notices and assurances\n61A—Warning notices\n\t(1)\tIf it appears to the Commission that a person has been guilty of a contravention of Part 3 or Part 5A (other than in relation to contraventions of Part 5A for which the Technical Regulator may issue a warning notice under subsection (2)) and the contravention is capable of being rectified, the Commission may issue a warning notice to the person, warning the person that the person may be prosecuted for the contravention unless the person takes action specified in the notice to rectify the contravention within the period specified in the notice.\n\t(2)\tIf it appears to the Technical Regulator that a person has been guilty of a contravention of Part 5, or Part 5A in relation to contraventions relating to technical and safety matters arising under Part 5A, and the contravention is capable of being rectified, the Technical Regulator may issue a warning notice to the person, warning the person that the person may be prosecuted for the contravention unless the person takes action specified in the notice to rectify the contravention within the period specified in the notice.\n\t(3)\tA warning notice issued under this section must be in writing.\n\t(4)\tThe action that may be specified in a warning notice to rectify a contravention may include action to remedy adverse consequences of the contravention, for example (without limitation)—\n\t(a)\tthe refunding of an amount wrongly paid to the person as a result of the contravention; or\n\t(b)\tthe payment of compensation to a person who has suffered loss, damage or injury as a result of the contravention; or\n\t(c)\tthe disclosure of information; or\n\t(d)\tthe publication of advertisements relating to the contravention or relating to action to rectify or remedy the contravention.\n\t(5)\tThe Commission or the Technical Regulator may, by written notice to a person, vary a warning notice issued to the person.\n\t(6)\tIf the Commission or the Technical Regulator issues a warning notice to a person, the Commission or the Technical Regulator must not proceed against the person in respect of the contravention to which the notice relates, unless the person fails to take action specified in the notice to rectify the contravention within the period specified in the notice.\n61AB—Assurances\n\t(1)\tThe Commission may accept an assurance given by a person in connection with a matter in relation to which the Commission has a power or function under this Act.\n\t(2)\tThe Technical Regulator may accept an assurance given by a person in connection with a matter in relation to which the Technical Regulator has a power or function under this Act.\n\t(3)\tAn assurance under this section must be in writing.\n\t(4)\tA person who has given an assurance may, with the consent of the Commission or the Technical Regulator (as the case requires), withdraw or vary the assurance at any time.\n\t(5)\tIf the Commission or the Technical Regulator accepts an assurance, the Commission or the Technical Regulator must not proceed against the person who has given the assurance in respect of the conduct specified in the assurance, unless it appears to the Commission or the Technical Regulator that the person has acted contrary to, or has failed to comply with, the assurance.\n61B—Register of warning notices and assurances\n\t(1)\tThe Commission must keep a register of warning notices issued by the Commission under this Division, and a register of assurances given to the Commission under this Division.\n\t(2)\tThe Technical Regulator must keep a register of warning notices issued by the Technical Regulator under this Division, and a register of assurances given to the Technical Regulator under this Division.\n\t(3)\tA person may, without payment of a fee, inspect a register kept under this section.\n61BA—Offence to act contrary to assurance\n\t(1)\tA person who acts contrary to, or fails to comply with, an assurance accepted by the Commission or the Technical Regulator is guilty of an offence.\n\t(2)\tProceedings for an offence against subsection (1) must not be commenced except—\n\t(a)\tin the case of an assurance accepted by the Commission—on the authorisation of the Commission; or\n\t(b)\tin the case of an assurance accepted by the Technical Regulator—on the authorisation of the Technical Regulator.\n\t(3)\tAn apparently genuine document purporting to be under the hand of the Commission or the Technical Regulator and to authorise the commencement of proceedings under this section must be accepted in legal proceedings, in the absence of proof to the contrary, as proof of the authorisation.\n61BB—Enforcement orders in relation to assurances\n\t(1)\tIf the District Court is satisfied, on an application under this section, that a person has acted contrary to, or failed to comply with, an assurance accepted under this Division, the Court may make any or all of the following orders:\n\t(a)\tan order prohibiting the person from engaging in specified conduct;\n\t(b)\tan order directing the person to take specified action to comply with the assurance;\n\t(c)\tan order directing the person to pay to the Crown an amount up to the amount of any financial benefit that the person has obtained directly or indirectly and that is reasonably attributable to the breach of, or non‑compliance with, the assurance;\n\t(d)\tany order that the Court considers appropriate directing the person to compensate any person who has suffered loss or damage as a result of the breach of, or non‑compliance with, the assurance;\n\t(e)\tany other order that the Court considers appropriate.\n\t(2)\tAn application under this section may be made—\n\t(a)\tin the case of an assurance accepted by the Commission—by the Commission; or\n\t(b)\tin the case of an assurance accepted by the Technical Regulator—by the Technical Regulator.\n\t(3)\tThe Court may make an interim order under subsection (1)(a) pending final determination of the application.\n\t(4)\tThe Court may, on the application of the Commission, the Technical Regulator or a person, vary or discharge an order under subsection (1)(a).\n\t(5)\tAn order under subsection (1)(a) may be made subject to such conditions as the Court thinks fit.\n\t(6)\tThe Court must not make an order under this section (other than an interim order) unless satisfied on the balance of probabilities that proper grounds for the order have been established.\nDivision A2—Injunctions\n61C—Injunctions\n\t(1)\tIf the District Court is satisfied, on the application of the Minister, the Commission, the Technical Regulator or any other person, that a person has engaged or proposes to engage in conduct that constitutes or would constitute a contravention of this Act, the Court may grant an injunction in such terms as the Court determines to be appropriate.\n\t(2)\tIf the District Court is satisfied, on the application of the Minister, the Commission, or the Technical Regulator, that a person has engaged in conduct constituting a contravention of this Act, the Court may grant an injunction requiring that person to take specified action to remedy any adverse consequence of that conduct.\n\t(3)\tThe action that may be required by an injunction to remedy adverse consequences of conduct constituting a contravention may include (without limitation)—\n\t(a)\tthe refunding of an amount wrongly paid as a result of the contravention; or\n\t(b)\tthe payment of compensation to a person who has suffered loss, damage or injury as a result of the contravention; or\n\t(c)\tthe disclosure of information; or\n\t(d)\tthe publication of advertisements relating to the contravention or relating to action to rectify or remedy the contravention.\n\t(4)\tAn injunction may be granted by the District Court under this section—\n\t(a)\tin proceedings in which the Court convicts a person of an offence to which the application relates; or\n\t(b)\tin proceedings brought before the Court for the purpose of obtaining the injunction.\n\t(5)\tThe power of the District Court to grant an injunction restraining a person from engaging in conduct may be exercised—\n\t(a)\twhether or not it appears to the Court that the person intends to engage again, or to continue to engage, in conduct of that kind; and\n\t(b)\twhether or not the person has previously engaged in conduct of that kind; and\n\t(c)\twhether or not there is an imminent danger of substantial damage to any other person if the person engages in conduct of that kind.\n\t(6)\tThe power of the District Court to grant an injunction requiring a person to do an act or thing may be exercised—\n\t(a)\twhether or not it appears to the Court that the person intends to refuse or fail again, or to continue to refuse or fail, to do that act or thing; and\n\t(b)\twhether or not the person has previously refused or failed to do that act or thing; and\n\t(c)\twhether or not there is an imminent danger of substantial damage to any other person if the person refuses or fails to do that act or thing.\n\t(7)\tAn interim injunction may be granted under this section pending final determination of the application.\n\t(8)\tA final injunction may, by consent of the parties, be granted under this section without proof that proper grounds for the injunction exist.\n\t(9)\tWhere the Minister, the Commission or the Technical Regulator applies for an injunction under this section, no undertaking as to damages will be required.\n\t(10)\tThe Minister may give an undertaking as to damages or costs on behalf of some other applicant and, in that event, no further undertaking will be required.\n\t(11)\tAn injunction under this section may be rescinded or varied at any time.\nDivision A3—Enforcement notices\n61D—Enforcement notices\n\t(1)\tAn authorised officer may issue a notice (an enforcement notice) under this section for the purpose of securing compliance with a requirement imposed by or under this Act (including a standard referred to or incorporated by this Act).\n\t(2)\tA notice under this section—\n\t(a)\tsubject to subsection (3), must be in the form of a written notice served on the person to whom it is issued; and\n\t(b)\tmust specify the person to whom it is issued (whether by name or by a description sufficient to identify the person); and\n\t(c)\tmay direct 2 or more persons to do something specified in the notice jointly; and\n\t(d)\twithout limiting any other provision, in the case of a notice that relates to a situation existing on any premises, may be issued to any person who—\n\t(i)\tis the owner or occupier of the premises; or\n\t(ii)\thas the management or control of the premises; and\n\t(e)\twithout limiting any other provision, may be issued to any person who has performed, or is performing, any work (including work on any premises owned or occupied by another person); and\n\t(f)\tmust state the grounds on which the notice is issued; and\n\t(g)\tmay impose any requirement reasonably required for the purpose for which the notice is issued including 1 or more of the following:\n\t(i)\ta requirement that the person discontinue, or not commence, a specified activity indefinitely or for a specified period or until further notice from a relevant authority;\n\t(ii)\ta requirement that the person take specified action in a specified way, and within a specified period or at specified times or in specified circumstances;\n\t(iii)\ta requirement that the person comply with any specified standard or code published by the Technical Regulator or any other specified person or body referred to in the notice;\n\t(iv)\ta requirement that the person undertake specified tests or monitoring;\n\t(v)\ta requirement that the person furnish to a relevant authority specified results or reports;\n\t(vi)\ta requirement prescribed by the regulations; and\n\t(h)\tmust state that the person may, within 10 days, apply for a review of the notice.\n\t(3)\tAn authorised officer may, if of the opinion that urgent action is required, issue an emergency notice imposing a requirement of a kind referred to in subsection (2)(g) as reasonably required in the circumstances.\n\t(4)\tAn emergency enforcement notice may be issued orally (and without compliance with a requirement to give preliminary notice) but, in that event, the person to whom the notice is issued must be advised forthwith of the person's right to apply for a review of the notice.\n\t(5)\tIf an emergency enforcement notice is issued by an authorised officer, the notice will cease to have effect on the expiration of 72 hours from the time of issuing unless confirmed by a written notice served on the relevant person.\n\t(6)\tAn authorised officer may, by written notice served on a person to whom a notice under this section has been issued, vary or revoke the notice.\n\t(7)\tA relevant authority may, by written notice served on a person to whom a notice under this section has been issued by the relevant authority, vary or revoke the notice.\n\t(8)\tA person to whom a notice is issued under this section must not, without reasonable excuse, fail to comply with the notice.\n\t(9)\tA person must not hinder or obstruct a person complying with a notice under this section.\n\t(10)\tIf the requirements of a notice under this section are not complied with, a relevant authority may take any action required by the notice.\n\t(11)\tAction to be taken by a relevant authority under subsection (10) may be taken on the relevant authority's behalf by an authorised officer or another person authorised by the relevant authority for the purpose.\n\t(12)\tA person taking action under subsection (10) or (11) may enter any premises at any reasonable time.\n\t(13)\tThe reasonable costs and expenses incurred by a relevant authority in taking action under subsections (10) and (11) may be recovered by the relevant authority as a debt from the person who failed to comply with the requirements of the notice.\n\t(14)\tIf an amount is recoverable from a person by a relevant authority under this section, the relevant authority may, by written notice to the person, fix a period, being not less than 28 days from the date of the notice, within which the amount must be paid by the person, and, if the amount is not paid by the person within that period, the person is liable to pay interest charged at the prescribed rate per annum on the amount unpaid.\nrelevant authority means—\n\t(a)\tthe Minister; or\n\t(b)\tthe Commission; or\n\t(c)\tthe Technical Regulator.\nDivision 1—Appointment of authorised officers\n62—Appointment of authorised officers\n\t(1)\tThe Minister may appoint suitable persons as authorised officers.\n\t(2)\tAn authorised officer may (but need not be) a Public Service employee.\n\t(3)\tAn authorised officer may be assigned to assist one or more of—\n\t(a)\tthe Minister;\n\t(b)\tthe Commission;\n\t(c)\tthe Technical Regulator,\nas the Minister considers appropriate.\n\t(4)\tAn authorised officer will—\n\t(aa)\tin the exercise of powers for the enforcement of Part 3 Division 5—be subject to the direction and control of the Minister;\n\t(a)\tin the exercise of powers for the enforcement of Part 3 (other than Division 5)—be subject to control and direction by the Commission;\n\t(b)\tin the exercise of powers for the enforcement of any other provisions under this Act—be subject to control and direction by the Technical Regulator.\n63—Conditions of appointment\n\t(1)\tAn authorised officer may be appointed for a stated term or for an indefinite term that continues while the officer holds a stated office or position.\n\t(2)\tAn authorised officer holds office on the conditions stated in the instrument of appointment.\n\t(3)\tAn authorised officer may resign by written notice given to the Minister.\n\t(4)\tAn authorised officer may be removed from office by the Minister.\n64—Authorised officer's identity card\n\t(1)\tThe Minister must give each authorised officer an identity card.\n\t(2)\tThe identity card must—\n\t(a)\tcontain a photograph of the authorised officer taken for the purpose; and\n\t(b)\tbe signed by the authorised officer.\n\t(3)\tA person must, within 2 days after ceasing to be an authorised officer, return the identity card to the Minister.\nMaximum penalty: $250.\n65—Production of identity card\nAn authorised officer must, before exercising a power in relation to another person, produce the officer's identity card for inspection by the other person.\nDivision 2—Authorised officers' powers\n66—Power of entry\n\t(1)\tAn authorised officer may, as reasonably required for the purposes of the enforcement of this Act, enter and remain in any place.\n\t(2)\tWhen an authorised officer enters a place under this section, the authorised officer—\n\t(a)\tmay be accompanied by such assistants as the authorised officer considers necessary or appropriate; and\n\t(b)\tmay take any vehicles or equipment the authorised officer considers necessary or appropriate for the functions the authorised officer is to carry out in the place.\n\t(3)\tAn authorised officer may use reasonable force to enter a place under this Part if—\n\t(a)\tthe entry is authorised under a warrant under Part 8; or\n\t(b)\tthe entry is necessary in an emergency.\n\t(4)\tAn authorised officer must be accompanied by a member of the police force—\n\t(a)\twhen entering a place under a warrant;\n\t(b)\tif it is practicable to do so, when entering a place by force in an emergency.\n67—General investigative powers of authorised officers\n\t(1)\tAn authorised officer who enters a place under this Part may exercise any 1 or more of the following powers:\n\t(a)\tinvestigate whether the provisions of this Act are being or have been complied with;\n\t(b)\texamine and test any gas infrastructure or gas installation to find out whether the infrastructure or installation is safe and complies with the requirements of this Act, or cause or require it to be so examined or tested, or seize it or require its production for such examination or testing;\n\t(c)\trequire a report on any testing conducted under paragraph (b);\n\t(d)\tinvestigate an accident suspected to involve gas;\n\t(e)\tinvestigate a suspected interference with gas infrastructure or a gas installation;\n\t(f)\tinvestigate a suspected theft or diversion of gas;\n\t(g)\tsearch for, examine and copy or take an extract from a document or record of any kind;\n\t(h)\ttake photographs or make films or other records of activities in the place and gas infrastructure or gas installations in the place;\n\t(i)\ttake possession of any object that may be evidence of an offence against this Act;\n\t(j)\trequire a person who the authorised officer reasonably suspects has committed, is committing or is about to commit, a contravention of this Act to state the person’s full name and usual place of residence and to produce evidence of the person’s identity;\n\t(k)\trequire a person, by written notice served on the person, to attend at a specified time and place.\n\t(2)\tAn authorised officer may only exercise the powers conferred by subsection (1) as reasonably required for the administration or enforcement of this Act.\n\t(3)\tIf an authorised officer takes possession of an object that may be evidence of an offence—\n\t(a)\tthe authorised officer must give the occupier of the place a receipt for the object; and\n\t(b)\tthe object must be returned to its owner—\n\t(i)\tif proceedings for an offence are not instituted within the designated period after the authorised officer takes possession of the object—at the end of that period; or\n\t(ii)\tif proceedings have been so instituted—on completion of the proceedings, unless the court, on application by the Commission or Technical Regulator (as the case may be), orders confiscation of the object.\n\t(4)\tA court may order the confiscation of an object of which an authorised officer has taken possession under subsection (1) if of the opinion that the object has been used for the purpose of committing an offence or there is some other proper reason for ordering its confiscation.\n\t(5)\tIf the court orders the confiscation of an object, the Commission or Technical Regulator may dispose of the object.\n\t(6)\tA person who—\n\t(a)\thaving been asked a question under this section, does not answer the question to the best of his or her knowledge, information and belief; or\n\t(b)\trefuses or fails to comply with a requirement or direction of an authorised officer under this section; or\n\t(c)\tbeing the person in charge of a place subject to an inspection and having been required to provide reasonable assistance to facilitate the inspection, refuses or fails to provide such assistance,\nis guilty of an offence.\n\t(7)\tIn this section—\ndesignated period means 1 year or such longer period as a magistrate may, on application by the Technical Regulator, allow.\n68—Disconnection of gas supply\n\t(1)\tIf an authorised officer finds that gas is being supplied or consumed contrary to this Act, the authorised officer may disconnect the gas supply.\n\t(2)\tIf an authorised officer disconnects a gas supply under this section, the officer must give written notice to the occupier of the relevant place—\n\t(a)\tinforming the occupier that the gas supply has been disconnected under this section; and\n\t(b)\tdirecting that the gas supply must not be reconnected until arrangements have been made to the satisfaction of an authorised officer to ensure against future contravention of this Act.\n\t(3)\tIf a gas supply has been disconnected under this section, a person must not reconnect the gas supply, or have it reconnected, without the written approval of an authorised officer.\nExpiation fee: $1 000.\n69—Power to make infrastructure or installation safe\n\t(1)\tIf an authorised officer finds that any gas infrastructure or gas installation is unsafe, or believes on reasonable grounds that the infrastructure or installation is, or may become, unsafe when in use, the officer may—\n\t(a)\tdisconnect the gas supply or give a direction requiring the disconnection of the gas supply;\n\t(b)\tgive a direction requiring the carrying out of the work necessary to make the infrastructure or installation safe within a period specified in the direction before the gas supply is reconnected.\n\t(2)\tSubject to this section, a direction under this section must be given—\n\t(a)\tin relation to gas infrastructure—to the gas entity that operates the infrastructure;\n\t(b)\tin relation to a gas installation—\n\t(i)\tin the case of an installation that is unsafe, or in relation to which it is reasonably believed that the installation is, or may become, unsafe when in use, as a result of work performed on the installation within 2 years before the giving of the direction and with the consent of the person in charge of the installation or the occupier of the place in which the installation is situated—to the person who carried out the work, unless that person is not authorised to carry out such work; or\n\t(ii)\tin any other case—to the person in charge of the installation or the occupier of the place in which the installation is situated.\n\t(3)\tA direction under this section may be given by written notice or, if the authorised officer is of the opinion that immediate action is required, orally (but if the direction is given orally it must be confirmed in writing).\n\t(4)\tA person to whom a direction is given under this section—\n\t(a)\tmust comply with the direction; and\n\t(b)\tmust not fail to take action specified in the direction to make the infrastructure or installation safe within the period specified in the direction; and\n\t(c)\tmust not reconnect or permit the reconnection of the gas supply, or connect or permit the connection of the infrastructure (or part of the infrastructure) or installation to any other supply of gas, without the written approval of an authorised officer.\nExpiation fee: \n\t(a)\tin the case of an offence against paragraph (c)—$1 000;\n\t(b)\tin any other case—$315.\n\t(5)\tIf a person does not comply with a direction, an authorised officer may take any action that is reasonable and necessary to have the direction carried out.\n\t(6)\tA person, authorised in writing by an authorised officer, may do what is reasonable and necessary to carry out the direction.\n\t(7)\tThe costs incurred in carrying out the direction are recoverable as a debt due to the Crown.\n70—Power to require information or documents\n\t(1)\tAn authorised officer may require a person to provide information in the person's possession relevant to the enforcement of this Act.\n\t(2)\tAn authorised officer may require a person to produce documents in the person's possession that may be relevant to the enforcement of this Act for inspection by the authorised officer.\n\t(3)\tA person must not, without reasonable excuse, fail to comply with a requirement under this section.\nDivision 3—Related matters\n70A—Self‑incrimination\n\t(1)\tSubject to subsection (2), a natural person is not required to give information or produce a document under this Part if the information or the contents of the document would tend to incriminate the person of an offence.\n\t(2)\tIf an authorised officer informs a natural person required to give information or produce a document under this Part that the requirement is made for—\n\t(a)\tthe administration or enforcement of Part 5 relating to the safety of gas infrastructure, or a gas installation or appliance; or\n\t(b)\tthe enforcement of Part 3 Division 5,\nand the information or document would tend to incriminate the person of an offence, the person must nevertheless give the information or produce the document, but the information or document so given or produced will not be admissible in evidence against the person in proceedings for an offence (other than an offence relating to the making of a false or misleading statement or declaration).\n","sortOrder":15},{"sectionNumber":"Part 7","sectionType":"part","heading":"Reviews","content":"Part 7—Reviews\n71—Review of decisions by Commission or Technical Regulator\n\t(1)\tSubject to this section, an application may be made to—\n\t(a)\tthe Commission by an applicant for the issue or variation of the terms or conditions of a licence under Part 3, or for agreement to the transfer of such a licence, for review of a decision of the Commission to refuse the application; or\n\t(b)\tthe Commission by a gas entity for review of a decision of the Commission under Part 3 to suspend or cancel the entity's licence or to vary the terms or conditions of the entity's licence; or\n\t(c)\tthe Technical Regulator by a person to whom a direction has been given under this Act by the Technical Regulator or an authorised officer for review of the decision to give the direction; or\n\t(d)\tthe Technical Regulator by a person affected by the decision for review of a decision of an authorised officer or a gas officer to disconnect a gas supply.\n\t(1a)\tAn application may not be made under subsection (1) in relation to a decision to issue an enforcement notice under Part 6 Division A3, or any matter associated with the requirements or enforcement of such a notice.\n\t(2)\tAn application for review must—\n\t(a)\tbe in writing; and\n\t(b)\tset out the decision to which the application relates; and\n\t(c)\tset out in detail the grounds on which the applicant seeks review and the decision sought on the review; and\n\t(d)\tbe accompanied by any information that the applicant considers should be taken into account by the Commission or the Technical Regulator on the review; and\n\t(e)\tbe lodged with the Commission or the Technical Regulator—\n\t(i)\tin the case of a decision relating to a licence or application for a licence—within 10 working days after written notice of the decision is given to the gas entity or applicant;\n\t(ii)\tin the case of a decision to give a direction—within 10 working days after the direction is given;\n\t(iii)\tin the case of a decision to disconnect a gas supply—within 10 working days after notice of the disconnection is given or, if notice is not given, within 10 working days after the supply is disconnected.\n\t(3)\tThe Commission or the Technical Regulator, as the case requires, may stay the operation of the decision to which the application relates.\n\t(4)\tA review must be decided within 4 weeks of the application being lodged.\n\t(5)\tIf a review is not decided within that period, the Commission or the Technical Regulator, as the case requires, is to be taken to have confirmed the decision.\n\t(6)\tAfter considering the application, the Commission or the Technical Regulator, as the case requires, may confirm, amend or substitute the decision.\n\t(7)\tThe Commission or the Technical Regulator must give the applicant written notice of the decision, and the reasons for the decision, on the review.\n72—Review by Tribunal\n\t(1)\tAn application may be made to the Tribunal by—\n\t(a)\tan applicant for review under section 71 who is dissatisfied with a decision as confirmed, amended or substituted by the Commission or the Technical Regulator on the review; or\n\t(b)\ta person to whom an enforcement notice has been issued under Part 6 Division A3,\nfor a review of the decision or notice under section 34 of the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013.\n\t(2)\tAn application for review must be made—\n\t(a)\tin the case of an application for review under subsection (1)(a)—within 10 working days after receipt of the written notice of the decision of the Commission or the Technical Regulator on the review under section 71 or, if the Commission or the Technical Regulator failed to make a decision on the review within the allowed period, within 10 working days after the end of that period; and\n\t(b)\tin the case of an application for review under subsection (1)(b)—within 10 working days after the notice is issued to the relevant person.\n\t(3)\tFor the purposes of proceedings before the Tribunal under this section, a panel of assessors must be established under section 22 of the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013 consisting of persons with knowledge of, or experience in, the gas supply industry or the fields of commerce or economics.\n\t(4)\tIn any proceedings under this section, the Tribunal will, if the President of the Tribunal so determines, sit with 1 or more assessors.\n\t(5)\tSection 37(1)(c)(i) of the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013 does not apply to a review by the Tribunal under subsection (1)(a).\n73—Minister's power to intervene\nThe Minister may intervene, personally or by counsel or other representative, in a review under this Part for the purpose of introducing evidence, or making submissions, on any question relevant to the public interest.\n","sortOrder":16},{"sectionNumber":"Part 8","sectionType":"part","heading":"Miscellaneous","content":"Part 8—Miscellaneous\n77—Power of exemption\n\t(1)\tThe Commission may, with the approval of the Minister, grant an exemption from Part 3 (other than Division 5), or specified provisions of Part 3 (other than Division 5), on terms and conditions the Commission considers appropriate.\n\t(1a)\tWithout limiting subsection (1), the power to exempt includes power to exempt a person from the application of a provision requiring the Commission to make a licence held by the person subject to a specified condition.\n\t(2)\tA person exempted from a requirement to hold a licence under Part 3 is, if the Commission has so determined by writing, to be treated as a gas entity for the purposes of specified provisions of this or another Act.\n\t(3)\tExcept as otherwise provided in the exemption, an exemption under subsection (1), or a determination under subsection (2), may be varied or revoked by the Commission by notice in writing.\n\t(4)\tThe Minister may grant an exemption from—\n\t(a)\tDivision 5 of Part 3, or specified provisions of that Division; or\n\t(b)\tPart 5A, or specified provisions of that Part,\non terms and conditions the Minister considers appropriate.\n\t(5)\tExcept as otherwise provided in the exemption, an exemption under subsection (4) may be varied or revoked by the Minister.\n\t(6)\tThe Technical Regulator may grant an exemption from Part 5, or specified provisions of that Part, on terms and conditions the Technical Regulator considers appropriate.\n\t(7)\tExcept as otherwise provided in the exemption, an exemption under subsection (6) may be varied or revoked by the Technical Regulator by notice in writing.\n77A—Register of exemptions\n\t(1)\tThe Commission and the Technical Regulator must each keep a register of exemptions granted by the Commission or the Technical Regulator (as the case may be) under this Act.\n\t(2)\tA register kept under this section must include the terms and conditions of each exemption recorded in it.\n\t(3)\tA person may, without payment of a fee, inspect a register kept under this section.\n78—Obligation to comply with conditions of exemption\nA person in whose favour an exemption is given must comply with the conditions of the exemption.\n78A—Delegation by Minister\n\t(1)\tThe Minister may delegate any of his or her functions or powers under this Act to a person or body of persons.\n\t(2)\tA delegation under this section—\n\t(a)\tmust be in writing; and\n\t(b)\tmay be conditional or unconditional; and\n\t(c)\tis revocable at will; and\n\t(d)\tdoes not prevent the Minister from acting in any matter.\n78B—Gas infrastructure and liability to council rates\n\t(1)\tA gas entity has no liability to pay rates under the Local Government Act 1999 in relation to land where gas infrastructure of the entity is situated unless the entity would, apart from this section, have such liability as holder of an estate in fee simple in the land or as lessee under a lease expressly granted by a person with an interest in the land.\n\t(2)\tIn this section—\ngas infrastructure has the meaning assigned to the term by section 4, but does not include a transmission pipeline.\n79—Application and issue of warrant\n\t(1)\tAn authorised officer or a gas officer may apply to a magistrate for a warrant to enter a place specified in the application.\n\t(2)\tA magistrate may issue a warrant if satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for issuing the warrant.\n\t(3)\tA warrant authorises the authorised officer or gas officer, with any assistance and by any force reasonably necessary—\n\t(a)\tto enter the place specified in the warrant; and\n\t(b)\tto do anything authorised by this Act,\nat any time, or within any period, specified in the warrant.\n\t(4)\tA gas officer must be accompanied by a member of the police force when entering a place under a warrant.\n\t(5)\tA warrant is to specify the date on which, and the time at which, the warrant ceases to have effect.\n80—Urgent situations\n\t(1)\tAn authorised officer or a gas officer may apply to a magistrate for a warrant by telephone, facsimile or other prescribed means if the officer considers the urgency of the situation requires it.\n\t(2)\tThe magistrate may complete and sign the warrant in the same terms as for a warrant applied for in person if satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for issuing the warrant urgently.\n\t(3)\tThe magistrate must—\n\t(a)\ttell the officer—\n\t(i)\tthe terms of the warrant; and\n\t(ii)\tthe date on which, and the time at which, the warrant was signed; and\n\t(iii)\tthe date on which, and the time at which, the warrant ceases to have effect; and\n\t(b)\trecord on the warrant the reasons for granting the warrant.\n\t(4)\tThe officer must—\n\t(a)\tcomplete a form of warrant in the same terms as the warrant signed by the magistrate; and\n\t(b)\twrite on the form—\n\t(i)\tthe name of the magistrate; and\n\t(ii)\tthe date on which, and the time at which, the warrant was signed; and\n\t(c)\tsend the magistrate the completed form of warrant not later than the day after the warrant is executed or ceases to have effect.\n\t(5)\tOn receipt of the form of warrant, the magistrate must attach it to the warrant the magistrate signed.\n\t(6)\tA form of warrant completed by an authorised officer or a gas officer under subsection (4) has the same force as a warrant signed by the magistrate under subsection (2).\n81—Unlawful interference with distribution system or gas installation\n\t(1)\tA person must not, without proper authority—\n\t(a)\tattach a gas installation or other thing, or make any connection, to a distribution system; or\n\t(b)\tdisconnect or interfere with a supply of gas from a distribution system; or\n\t(c)\tdamage or interfere with gas infrastructure or a gas installation in any other way.\nMaximum penalty: $20 000 or imprisonment for 2 years.\n\t(2)\tA person must not, without proper authority—\n\t(a)\tbe in an enclosure where gas infrastructure is situated; or\n\t(b)\tclimb structures that are part of gas infrastructure.\nMaximum penalty: $10 000 or imprisonment for 2 years.\n\t(3)\tA person must not discharge a firearm or throw or project an object or substance towards gas infrastructure or a gas installation if there is a risk of damage to the infrastructure or installation, or interruption of gas supply.\n\t(4)\tA person must not burn any material in proximity to gas infrastructure such that there is a risk of damage to the infrastructure, without the written authority of the person who owns or operates the infrastructure.\n82—Unlawful abstraction or diversion of gas\n\t(1)\tA person must not, without proper authority—\n\t(a)\tabstract or divert gas from a distribution system; or\n\t(b)\tinterfere with a meter or other device for measuring the consumption of gas supplied by a gas entity.\nMaximum penalty: $20 000 or imprisonment for 2 years.\n\t(2)\tA person must not install or maintain a pipe capable of conveying a gas supply beyond the boundaries of property occupied by the person unless—\n\t(a)\tthe person is a gas entity; or\n\t(b)\tthe person does so with the approval of a gas entity responsible for gas supply to the property; or\n\t(c)\tthe pipe is authorised under the regulations.\n\t(3)\tIf, in proceedings for an offence against subsection (1), it is proved that a device has been installed or any other act done, without proper authority, the apparent purpose of which is to abstract or divert gas to any particular land or place or to affect the proper measurement of gas supplied to any particular land or place, it will be presumed, in the absence of proof to the contrary, that the occupier of the land or place installed the device or did the other act with that purpose.\n\t(4)\tIf a gas entity suffers loss or damage as a result of a contravention of this section, the entity may recover compensation for the loss or damage from a person guilty of the contravention—\n\t(a)\ton application to a court convicting the person of an offence against this section; or\n\t(b)\tby action in a court of competent jurisdiction.\n83—Notice of work that may affect gas infrastructure\n\t(1)\tA person who proposes to do work near gas infrastructure must give the appropriate gas entity at least seven days' notice of the proposed work if—\n\t(a)\tthere is a risk of equipment or a structure coming into dangerous proximity to gas infrastructure; or\n\t(b)\tthe work may interfere with gas infrastructure in some other way.\nExpiation fee: $210.\n\t(2)\tIt is a defence to a charge of an offence against subsection (1) if, in the circumstances of an emergency, it is not practicable to give the notice required by subsection (1), and the notice is given as soon as practicable.\n\t(3)\tA person who does work near gas infrastructure must comply with—\n\t(a)\trequirements prescribed by regulation that are applicable to the work; and\n\t(b)\treasonable requirements made by the gas entity for the protection of the infrastructure or the safety of the persons carrying out the work.\nExpiation fee: $210.\n84—Impersonation of officials etc\nA person must not impersonate an authorised officer, a gas officer or anyone else with powers under this Act.\n85—Obstruction\n\t(1)\tA person must not, without reasonable excuse, obstruct an authorised officer, a gas officer, or anyone else engaged in the administration of this Act or the exercise of powers under this Act.\n\t(2)\tA person must not use abusive or intimidatory language to, or engage in offensive or intimidatory behaviour towards, an authorised officer, a gas officer, or anyone else engaged in the administration of this Act or the exercise of powers under this Act.\n86—False or misleading information\nA person must not make a statement that is false or misleading in a material particular (whether by reason of the inclusion or omission of any particular) in any information furnished under this Act.\nIf the person made the statement knowing that it was false or misleading—$10 000 or imprisonment for 2 years.\nIn any other case—$5 000.\n87—Statutory declarations\nIf a person is required by or under this Act to furnish information to the Minister, Commission or Technical Regulator, the Minister, Commission or Technical Regulator may require that the information be verified by statutory declaration and, in that event, the person will not be taken to have furnished the information as required unless it has been verified in accordance with the requirements of the Minister, Commission or Technical Regulator.\n87A—Offences\n\t(1)\tThe following persons are authorised to give expiation notices for an alleged offence against this Act (in addition to any person authorised under the Expiation of Offences Act 1996):\n\t(a)\tany authorised officer authorised in writing by the Technical Regulator;\n\t(b)\tany gas officer authorised in writing by the Technical Regulator.\n\t(2)\tAn authorisation under subsection (1) may be given subject to such conditions or limitations as the Technical Regulator thinks fit.\n\t(3)\tAn apparently genuine document purporting to be under the hand of the Technical Regulator and to give an authorisation under subsection (1) must be accepted, in the absence of proof to the contrary, as proof of the authorisation.\n88—General defence\n\t(1)\tIt is a defence to a charge of an offence against this Act if the defendant proves that the offence was not committed intentionally and did not result from any failure on the part of the defendant to take reasonable care to avoid the commission of the offence.\n\t(2)\tIt is a defence to a charge of an offence against this Act if the defendant proves that the act or omission constituting the offence was reasonably necessary in the circumstances in order to avert, eliminate or minimise danger to person or property.\n\t(2a)\tWhere a body corporate or other employer seeks to establish a defence provided by this section by proving the establishment of proper workplace systems and procedures designed to prevent a contravention of this Act, that proof must be accompanied by proof—\n\t(a)\tthat proper systems and procedures were also in place whereby any such contravention or risk of such contravention of this Act that came to the knowledge of a person at any level in the workforce was required to be reported promptly to the governing body of the body corporate or to the employer, or to a person or group with the right to report to the governing body or to the employer; and\n\t(b)\tthat the governing body of the body corporate or the employer actively and effectively promoted and enforced compliance with this Act and with all such systems and procedures within all relevant areas of the workforce.\n\t(3)\tSubsection (1) does not apply in relation to a person who is charged with an offence under section 89.\n89—Offences by bodies corporate\n\t(1)\tIf a body corporate is guilty of a prescribed offence, each director of the body corporate is guilty of an offence and liable to the same penalty as is prescribed for the principal offence unless the director proves that he or she could not by the exercise of due diligence have prevented the commission of the offence.\n\t(2)\tIf a body corporate is guilty of any other offence against this Act (other than an offence against the regulations), each director of the body corporate is guilty of an offence and liable to the same penalty as is prescribed for the principal offence if the prosecution proves that—\n\t(a)\tthe director knew, or ought reasonably to have known, that there was a significant risk that such an offence would be committed; and\n\t(b)\tthe director was in a position to influence the conduct of the body corporate in relation to the commission of such an offence; and\n\t(c)\tthe director failed to exercise due diligence to prevent the commission of the offence.\n\t(3)\tSubsection (2) does not apply if the principal offence is an offence against section 10, 34, 40, 44, 56, 57, 57A, 58, 68, 69, 70, 78, 81, 82, 83, 85 or 86.\n\t(4)\tThe regulations may make provision in relation to the criminal liability of a director of a body corporate that is guilty of an offence against the regulations.\nprescribed offence means an offence against section 19, 27, 37, 37A or 55.\n89A—Imputing conduct to bodies corporate\n\t(1)\tFor the purposes of proceedings for an offence against this Act, the conduct and state of mind of an officer, employee or agent of a body corporate acting within the scope of his or her actual, usual or ostensible authority will be imputed to the body corporate.\n\t(2)\tFor the purposes of this section, a reference to conduct or acting includes a reference to failure to act.\n90—Continuing offences\n\t(1)\tA person convicted of an offence against a provision of this Act in respect of a continuing act or omission—\n\t(a)\tis liable, in addition to the penalty otherwise applicable to the offence, to a penalty for each day during which the act or omission continued of not more than one-tenth of the maximum penalty prescribed for that offence; and\n\t(b)\tis, if the act or omission continues after the conviction, guilty of a further offence against the provision and liable, in addition to the penalty otherwise applicable to the further offence, to a penalty for each day during which the act or omission continued after the conviction of not more than one-fifth of the maximum penalty prescribed for the offence.\n\t(2)\tIf an offence consists of an omission to do something that is required to be done, the omission will be taken to continue for as long as the thing required to be done remains undone after the end of the period for compliance with the requirement.\n91—Order for payment of profit from contravention\nThe court convicting a person of an offence against this Act may order the convicted person to pay to the Crown an amount not exceeding the court's estimation of the amount of any monetary, financial or economic benefits acquired by the person, or accrued or accruing to the person, as a result of the commission of the offence.\n91A—Energy productivity shortfalls\n\t(1)\tSubject to this section, if the Commission is satisfied that a relevant gas retailer has an energy productivity shortfall (or relevant shortfall) with respect to a particular year, the Commission may recover an amount in respect of the shortfall (a shortfall penalty).\n\t(2)\tThe amount that the Commission may recover as a shortfall penalty from the relevant gas retailer in respect of a relevant shortfall will be—\n\t(a)\tthe prescribed base penalty; and\n\t(b)\tan additional amount, calculated in accordance with the regulations, to reflect the extent of the shortfall.\n\t(3)\tThe Commission may not proceed to recover a shortfall penalty from a relevant gas retailer under this section unless the Commission has served on the retailer a notice (a shortfall notice)—\n\t(a)\tstating that the retailer has a relevant shortfall and the grounds on which the shortfall has been determined; and\n\t(b)\tsetting out—\n\t(i)\tthe prescribed base penalty; and\n\t(ii)\tthe calculation used by the Commission to arrive at the amount payable under subsection (2)(b).\n\t(4)\tA shortfall notice must include, or be accompanied by, a statement advising that the relevant gas retailer may, by written notice to the Commission served within a period specified by the Commission, elect to be prosecuted in respect of the shortfall as an alternative to paying the shortfall penalty.\n\t(5)\tThe period specified by the Commission under subsection (4) must be at least 21 days from the date of service of the shortfall notice on the relevant gas retailer.\n\t(6)\tIf the relevant gas retailer elects to be prosecuted within the time specified under subsection (4), the Commission may not proceed to recover the shortfall penalty specified in the shortfall notice.\n\t(7)\tIf the relevant gas retailer does not elect to be prosecuted within the time specified under subsection (4), the Commission may proceed to recover the shortfall penalty specified in the shortfall notice.\n\t(8)\tThe Commission may, if it thinks fit, by subsequent notice—\n\t(a)\twithdraw a shortfall notice;\n\t(b)\tissue a new shortfall notice in place of an existing notice,\non account of recalculations undertaken by the Commission (and this section will apply to any new shortfall notice published under this subsection as if the original notice had not been issued).\n\t(9)\tSubject to subsection (10), nothing in this section prevents the commencement of criminal proceedings at any time in relation to a contravention of this Act but if such proceedings are commenced then the Commission may not commence or continue proceedings to recover a shortfall penalty under this section in respect of the conduct to which the criminal proceedings relate.\n\t(10)\tIf a shortfall penalty specified in a shortfall notice is paid by the relevant gas retailer (other than where the payment is made in response to an original shortfall notice after a new shortfall notice is served on the retailer), the retailer cannot be prosecuted in relation to the relevant contravention of the Act.\n\t(11)\tSubject to the preceding subsections, the Commission may recover the amount of any shortfall penalty as a debt from the relevant gas retailer.\n\t(12)\tIf an amount is recovered as a shortfall penalty under this section, it must be applied under a scheme established by the Commission for 1 or more of the following purposes:\n\t(a)\tto assist persons who may have failed to benefit from activities relating to energy productivity on account of any gas retailer's energy productivity shortfall;\n\t(b)\tto support other programs or activities to promote or support energy productivity or renewable energy initiatives within South Australian households.\n\t(13)\tFor the purposes of this section—\n\t(a)\ta relevant gas retailer has an energy productivity shortfall if the retailer has failed to engage, in accordance with and to the extent required by the regulations, in activities relating to energy productivity identified by the regulations for the purposes of this section; and\n\t(b)\tthe extent of an energy productivity shortfall is to be calculated in accordance with the regulations.\n\t(14)\tThis section extends to an energy efficiency shortfall occurring in 2009 (including a shortfall that is attributable to requirements arising before the commencement of this section).\nprescribed base penalty means an amount, not exceeding $100 000, prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this section;\nrelevant gas retailer means a regulated entity authorised to sell gas by retail (whether or not the entity is required to hold a licence under this Act) identified by the regulations for the purposes of this section.\n93—Evidence\n\t(1)\tIf, in any legal proceedings, a person is alleged to have held a specified appointment under this Act at a specified time, the allegation is taken to have been proved in the absence of proof to the contrary.\n\t(2)\tIn any legal proceedings, an apparently genuine document purporting to be a certificate of the Commission certifying—\n\t(a)\tthat a person was or was not the holder of a licence at a specified date or as to the particulars or conditions of a licence; or\n\t(b)\tas to the giving, issuing, receipt or contents of an order, direction, delegation, exemption, approval, authorisation, notice or assurance by the Commission,\nconstitutes proof of the matters so certified in the absence of proof to the contrary.\n\t(2a)\tAn apparently genuine document purporting to be a certificate of the Commission certifying as to a person's status as a small customer, or a customer of a prescribed class, in relation to a specified time and place constitutes proof of the matters so certified in the absence of proof to the contrary.\n\t(2b)\tIn any legal proceedings, an apparently genuine document purporting to be a certificate of the Technical Regulator certifying as to the giving, issuing, receipt or contents of a direction, requirement, delegation, exemption, approval, authorisation, notice or assurance by the Technical Regulator, constitutes proof of the matters so certified in the absence of proof to the contrary.\n\t(3)\tIn any legal proceedings, an apparently genuine document purporting to be a certificate of an authorised officer certifying as to the giving and contents of a direction by the officer under this Act, constitutes proof of the matters so certified in the absence of proof to the contrary.\n\t(4)\tIf, in any legal proceedings, a person is alleged to have acted without proper authority or a specified approval required under this Act, the absence of such authority or approval will be presumed in the absence of proof that such authority or approval in fact existed or had been given.\n94—Service\n\t(1)\tA notice or other document required or authorised to be given to or served on a person under this Act may be given or served—\n\t(a)\tby delivering it personally to the person or an agent of the person; or\n\t(b)\tby leaving it for the person at the person's place of residence or business with someone apparently over the age of 16 years; or\n\t(c)\tby posting it to the person or agent of the person at the person's or agent's last known place of residence or business; or\n\t(d)\tby transmitting to the person by email to the email address last provided to the Commission or Technical Regulator by the person for that purpose.\n\t(2)\tWithout limiting the effect of subsection (1), a notice or other document required or authorised to be given to or served on a person may, if the person is a body corporate, be given to or served on the person in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth.\n\t(3)\tIf a notice or other document is required or authorised to be given to or served on the holder of a licence under this Act and the licence is held by two or more persons, it is sufficient for the purposes of this Act if the notice or other document is given to or served on any one of those persons.\n95—Regulations\n\t(1)\tThe Governor may make such regulations as are contemplated by, or necessary or expedient for the purposes of, this Act.\n\t(2)\tWithout limiting subsection (1), the regulations may deal with the following matters:\n\t(a)\tthe distribution, sale and supply of gas; and\n\t(ab)\tmatters relating to the operation of a transmission pipeline insofar as the operation affects a gas retail market; and\n\t(b)\tthe construction, installation and positioning of gas infrastructure and gas installations; and\n\t(c)\ttechnical, operational and safety requirements and standards and monitoring and enforcing compliance with the prescribed requirements and standards; and\n\t(d)\tthe odourising of gas; and\n\t(e)\ttesting, approving and installation of meters; and\n\t(h)\tthe exemption (conditionally or unconditionally) of persons, things or operations from the application of this Act or specified provisions of this Act; and\n\t(i)\tfees to be paid in respect of any matter under this Act and the waiver or refund of such fees; and\n\t(j)\tpenalties not exceeding $10 000 for contravention of a regulation.\n\t(2a)\tIf the regulations grant an exemption from the requirement to hold a licence under Part 3, the regulations may require a person exempted from the requirement to be treated as a gas entity for the purposes of specified provisions of this Act.\n\t(3)\tThe regulations may—\n\t(a)\tbe of general application or limited in application according to the persons, areas, times or circumstances to which it is expressed to apply;\n\t(b)\tprovide that a matter or thing in respect of which regulations may be made is to be determined, regulated or prohibited according to the discretion of the Minister, Commission or the Technical Regulator;\n\t(c)\trefer to or incorporate, wholly or partially and with or without modification, any standard or other document prepared or published by a body referred to in the regulation, as is in force from time to time or as in force at a particular time.\n","sortOrder":17},{"sectionNumber":"Sch 1","sectionType":"schedule","heading":"Repeal and transitional provisions","content":"Schedule 1—Repeal and transitional provisions\n1—Repeal of Gas Act 1988\nThe Gas Act 1988 (the repealed Act) is repealed.\n2—Transitional provision—licensed supplier of reticulated gas under repealed Act\n\t(1)\tA person who is licensed to carry on a business of supplying reticulated gas under Part 2 of the repealed Act immediately before the commencement of this Act will be issued with a licence—\n\t(a)\tauthorising the operation of a distribution system; and\n\t(b)\tauthorising the retailing of gas,\nunder Division 1 of Part 3 of this Act for a period of not less than 12 months from the commencement of this Act until 30 September in any year, subject to terms and conditions specified by the Technical Regulator.\n\t(2)\tThe regulations may modify the application of the provisions of this Act with respect to the payment of licence fees in relation to a person referred to in subclause (1) and the initial licence period of not less than 12 months referred to in that subclause.\n\t(3)\tSubject to subclause (4), a person referred to in subclause (1) is not liable for loss or damage resulting from cutting off, or failing to supply, gas to any premises.\n\t(4)\tSubclause (3) applies only in relation to the supply of gas under a contract made before the commencement of this Act.\nLegislative history\nNotes\n\t•\tAmendments of this version that are uncommenced are not incorporated into the text.\n\t•\tPlease note—References in the legislation to other legislation or instruments or to titles of bodies or offices are not automatically updated as part of the program for the revision and publication of legislation and therefore may be obsolete.\n\t•\tEarlier versions of this Act (historical versions) are listed at the end of the legislative history.\n\t•\tFor further information relating to the Act and subordinate legislation made under the Act see the Index of South Australian Statutes or www.legislation.sa.gov.au.\nPrincipal Act and amendments\nNew entries appear in bold.\nYear\nNo\nTitle\nAssent\nCommencement\n Gas Act 1997\n10.4.1997\n1.7.1997 (Gazette 26.6.1997 p3052)\n Gas (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 1997\n18.12.1997 (Gazette 18.12.1997 p1644)\n Gas Pipelines Access (South Australia) Act 1997\n30.7.1998 (being the day on which the Gas Pipelines Access (Commonwealth) Act 1998 received the Royal Assent: Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No. GN 34, 26.8.1998): Gazette 2.4.1998 p1606\n District Court (Administrative and Disciplinary Division) Amendment Act 2000\n20.4.2000\nSch 1 cl 16—1.6.2000 (Gazette 18.5.2000 p2554)\n Gas (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2000\n29.6.2000\n30.6.2000 (Gazette 29.6.2000 p3414) except s 3 & Sch—1.7.2001: s 2(2)\n Statutes Amendment (Gas and Electricity) Act 2003\n12.6.2003\nPt 2 (ss 4—64)—1.7.2003 except s 36—1.11.2003 (Gazette 26.6.2003 p2812) and except new ss 26(1)(a), 26A(2)(a) & 26B(1)(a) (as inserted by s 19) and new ss 34B—34D (as inserted by s 29)—28.7.2004 (Gazette 22.7.2004 p2595) and except new s 33(1)(a) (as inserted by s 27) & new s 34A (as inserted by s 29)—19.8.2004 (Gazette 19.8.2004 p3280)\n Gas (Temporary Rationing) Amendment Act 2004\n3.6.2004\n15.1.2004: s 2(2) except ss 4, 6—8—19.8.2004 (Gazette 19.8.2004 p3278)\n Emergency Management Act 2004\n29.7.2004\nSch 1 (cl 3)—25.11.2004 (Gazette 25.11.2004 p4406)\n Statutes Amendment (Electricity and Gas) Act 2004\n5.8.2004\nPt 3 (ss 7—9)—19.8.2004 (Gazette 19.8.2004 p3279)\n Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005\n14.7.2005\nSch 6 (cl 9)—1.10.2005 (Gazette 29.9.2005 p3547)\n Statutes Amendment (Electricity and Gas) Act 2006\n5.10.2006\nPt 3 (ss 18—20) & Sch 2—1.9.2007 (Gazette 19.4.2007 p1233)\n Statutes Amendment (Energy Efficiency Shortfalls) Act 2009\n4.6.2009\nPt 3 (s 5)—3.9.2009 (Gazette 3.9.2009 p4368)\n Statutes Amendment (Public Health Incidents and Emergencies) Act 2009\nPt 6 (s 22)—25.6.2009\n Statutes Amendment (Australian Energy Market Operator) Act 2009\nPt 4 (s 31) & Sch 1 (cll 14, 19 & 28—30)—1.7.2009; ss 24—30 & 32 & Sch 1 (cll 15—18 & 20—27)—1.10.2009 (Gazette 25.6.2009 p3001)\n Statutes Amendment (Electricity and Gas—Information Management and Retailer of Last Resort) Act 2009\nPt 3 (s 6)—22.10.2009: s 2\n Statutes Amendment (Public Sector Consequential Amendments) Act 2009\n10.12.2009\nPt 67 (s 162)—1.2.2010 (Gazette 28.1.2010 p320)\n Statutes Amendment (Electricity and Gas—Price Determination Periods) Act 2010\nPt 3 (s 4)—5.8.2010\n Statutes Amendment (Personal Property Securities) Act 2011\n14.4.2011\nPt 10 (s 30)—16.6.2011 (Gazette 16.6.2011 p2610)\n South Australian Public Health Act 2011\nSch 1 (cl 8)—16.9.2012 (Gazette 30.8.2012 p3945)\n Electrical Products (Energy Products) Amendment Act 2011\n22.9.2011\nSch 1 (cll 1—6)—10.5.2012 (Gazette 10.5.2012 p1682)\n Statutes Amendment (National Energy Retail Law Implementation) Act 2012\n13.12.2012\nPt 4 (ss 24—29, 30(2)—(5), 31—36)—1.2.2013 (Gazette 31.1.2013 p157); s 30(1)—uncommenced\n Statutes Amendment (Directors' Liability) Act 2013\n23.5.2013\nPt 22 (ss 43—46)—17.6.2013 (Gazette 6.6.2013 p2498)\n Statutes Amendment (Boards and Committees—Abolition and Reform) Act 2015\n18.6.2015\nPt 16 (s 87)—1.7.2015 (Gazette 25.6.2015 p3076)\n Statutes Amendment (Electricity and Gas) Act 2017\n14.6.2017\nPt 3 (ss 44—76)—17.10.2017 (Gazette 17.10.2017 p4338)\n Statutes Amendment (SACAT No 2) Act 2017\n28.11.2017\nPt 19 (ss 100 to 106)—4.10.2018 (Gazette 28.6.2018 p2618)\nStatutes Amendment (Electricity and Gas) (Energy Productivity) Act 2020\n30.7.2020\nPt 3 (ss 6 & 7)—1.10.2020 (Gazette 10.9.2020 p4557)\nGas (Other Gases) Amendment Act 2023\n23.11.2023\n7.3.2024 (Gazette 7.3.2024 p371)\nProvisions amended\nNew entries appear in bold.\nEntries that relate to provisions that have been deleted appear in italics.\nProvision\nHow varied\nCommencement\nLong title\namended by 33/2011 Sch 1 cl 1\nPt 1\n\ns 2\nomitted under Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002\ns 3\namended by 21/2017 s 44\ns 4\n\ns 4(1)\ns 4 redesignated as s 4(1) by 73/1997 s 3(e)\nannual gas consumption level\ninserted by 9/2003 s 4(1)\nCommission\ninserted by 9/2003 s 4(2)\nconsumer\ndeleted by 9/2003 s 4(3)\ncouncil\namended by 9/2003 s 4(4)\ncustomer\ninserted by 9/2003 s 4(5)\ndisconnect\namended by 9/2003 s 4(6)\ndistribution system\nsubstituted by 73/1997 s 3(a)\n\namended by 9/2003 s 4(7)\ngas\namended by 33/2023 s 3\n7.3.2024\ngas infrastructure\namended by 73/1997 s 3(b)\ngas supply industry\nsubstituted by 55/2012 s 24(1)\nNational Energy Retail Rules\ninserted by 55/2012 s 24(2)\nNational Gas Procedures (South Australia)\ninserted by 32/2009 s 24(1)\nNational Gas Rules\ninserted by 55/2012 s 24(3)\nNERL retailer\ninserted by 55/2012 s 24(3)\nnon-contestable consumer\nsubstituted by 73/1997 s 3(c)\n\ndeleted by 9/2003 s 4(8)\nPricing Regulator\ndeleted by 9/2003 s 4(9)\nregulated entity\ninserted by 55/2012 s 24(4)\nretailing\nsubstituted by 73/1997 s 3(d)\nretail market administrator\n\ndeleted by 32/2009 s 24(2)\nretail market rules\n\ndeleted by 32/2009 s 24(2)\nsmall customer\nsupply\ndeleted by 73/1997 s 3(d)\ntransmission pipeline\ninserted by 9/2003 s 4(11)\nTribunal\ninserted by 51/2017 s 100\ns 4(2)\ninserted by 73/1997 s 3(e)\n\nsubstituted by 9/2003 s 4(12)\n\ndeleted by 32/2009 s 24(3)\ns 4(3)\ninserted by 9/2003 s 4(12)\n\ndeleted by 32/2009 s 24(3)\nPt 2\n\nPt 2 Div A1\ninserted by 9/2003 s 5\ns 6A\n\ns 6A(2)\namended by 55/2012 s 25(1)\ns 6A(3) and (4)\ninserted by 55/2012 s 25(2)\nPt 2 Div 1\n\ns 7\n\ns 7(2)\namended by 9/2003 s 6\ns 8\n\ns 8(1)\namended by 74/1997 s 51\n\namended by 9/2003 s 7(3)\n\n(a) deleted by 9/2003 s 7(1)\n\n(d) deleted by 9/2003 s 7(2)\n\namended by 33/2011 Sch 1 cl 2\n\namended by 21/2017 s 45\ns 8(2) and (3)\ndeleted by 9/2003 s 7(4)\ns 10\n\ns 10(1)\namended by 9/2003 s 8(1)\ns 10(2)\namended by 9/2003 s 8(2)\ns 10(3)\nsubstituted by 21/2017 s 46\ns 10(4)\ninserted by 21/2017 s 46\ns 11\n\ns 11(1)\namended by 9/2003 s 9(1)\ns 11(2)\namended by 74/1997 s 52\n\namended by 9/2003 s 9(2)\n\nsubstituted by 45/2009 s 6\nss 12 and 13\ndeleted by 9/2003 s 10\nPt 2 Div 2\namended by 74/1997 s 53\n\nsubstituted by 9/2003 s 11\ns 15\n\ns 15(1)\namended by 55/2012 s 26\ns 16\n\ns 16(1)\ns 16 redesignated as s 16(1) by 8/2015 s 87\ns 16(2)\ninserted by 8/2015 s 87\nPt 3\n\nPt 3 Div A1\ninserted by 9/2003 s 12\nPt 3 Div A2\ninserted by 55/2012 s 27\nPt 3 Div 1\n\ns 19\namended by 9/2003 s 13\n\n(ba) deleted by 32/2009 s 25\ns 20\n\ns 20(1)\namended by 9/2003 s 14(1), (2)\ns 20(2)\namended by 9/2003 s 14(2)\ns 20(3)\namended by 9/2003 s 14(2), (3)\ns 20(4)\namended by 9/2003 s 14(2)\ns 21\n\ns 21(1)\namended by 9/2003 s 15(1)\ns 21(2)\namended by 9/2003 s 15(2), (3)\n\n(ca) deleted by 32/2009 s 26\ns 21(3)\namended by 9/2003 s 15(4)\ns 21(4)\ninserted by 73/1997 s 4\n\nsubstituted by 9/2003 s 15(5)\ns 21A\ninserted by 9/2003 s 16\ns 23\nsubstituted by 9/2003 s 17\ns 24\n\ns 24(1)\namended by 9/2003 s 18(1), (2)\ns 24(2)\ns 24(3)\namended by 74/1997 s 54\n\nsubstituted by 29/2000 s 3\n\nsubstituted by 9/2003 s 18(3)\ns 24(4)\nsubstituted by 29/2000 s 3\n\ns 24(5) and (6)\ndeleted by 29/2000 s 3\ns 24(7)\ns 24(9)\n\nadministrative costs\ninserted by 9/2003 s 18(4)\ns 25\namended by 73/1997 s 5\n\nsubstituted by 9/2003 s 19\ns 26\nsubstituted by 9/2003 s 19\n1.7.2003 except s 26(1)(a)—28.7.2004\ns 26(1)\namended by 32/2009 s 27\n\namended by 21/2017 s 47(1), (2)\ns 26A\ninserted by 9/2003 s 19\n1.7.2003 except s 26A(2)(a)—28.7.2004\ns 26A(1)\ndeleted by 55/2012 s 28\ns 26A(2)\namended by 36/2004 s 7\n\namended by 32/2009 s 28\ns 26B\ninserted by 9/2003 s 19\n1.7.2003 except s 26B(1)(a)—28.7.2004\n\ndeleted by 32/2009 s 29\n\ninserted by 55/2012 s 29\ns 27\n\ns 27(1)\ns 27 amended and redesignated as s 27(1) by 9/2003 s 20(1), (2)\ns 27(2)\ninserted by 9/2003 s 20(2)\ns 28\ndeleted by 9/2003 s 21\ns 29\n\ns 29(1)\namended by 9/2003 s 22\ns 30\n\ns 30(1)\namended by 9/2003 s 23(1)\ns 30(2)\namended by 9/2003 s 23(2)\ns 30(3)—(6)\ninserted by 9/2003 s 23(3)\nss 30A and 30B\ninserted by 9/2003 s 24\ns 31\n\ns 31(1)—(3)\namended by 9/2003 s 25\ns 32\n\ns 32(1)\namended by 9/2003 s 26(1), (2)\ns 32(3)\namended by 9/2003 s 26(3)\ns 32A\ninserted by 11/2011 s 30\nPt 3 Div 2\namended by 29/2000 s 4\n\nsubstituted by 9/2003 s 27\n1.7.2003 except s 33(1)(a)—19.8.2004\ns 33\n\ns 33(1)\n(b), (c) deleted by 32/2009 s 30(1)\ns 33(2)\nmay expire by proclamation: s 33(5)\n\namended by 32/2009 s 30(2), (3)\ns 33(4)\namended by 51/2017 s 101\ns 33A\namended by 36/2004 s 8\n\ndeleted by 32/2009 s 31\n1.7.2009\nPt 3 Div 3\n\ns 34\n\ns 34(1)\namended by 9/2003 s 28(1)\ns 34(2)\namended by 9/2003 s 28(2)\ns 34(2a)\ninserted by 9/2003 s 28(3)\ns 34(3)\namended by 9/2003 s 28(4)—(6)\ns 34(4)\namended by 9/2003 s 28(7)\ns 34(5)\ninserted by 9/2003 s 28(8)\nPt 3 Div 3A\ninserted by 9/2003 s 29\n28.7.2004 except s 34A—19.8.2004\ns 34A\nmay expire by proclamation: s 34A(7)\n\ns 34A(1a)\ninserted by 55/2012 s 30(1)\nuncommenced—not incorporated\ns 34A(2)\namended by 55/2012 s 30(2)\ns 34A(3)\ndeleted by 55/2012 s 30(3)\ns 34A(4)\namended by 55/2012 s 30(4)\ns 34A(4a)\ninserted by 36/2004 s 9(1)\n\namended by 11/2010 s 4(1), (2)\ns 34A(6) before substitution by 55/2012\n\nstanding contract price\nsubstituted by 36/2004 s 9(2)\ns 34A(6)\nsubstituted by 55/2012 s 30(5)\nPt 3 Div 3B\ninserted by 9/2003 s 29\n28.7.2004\n\ndeleted by 55/2012 s 31\nPt 3 Div 5\n\ns 37\n\ns 37(1)\namended by 29/2000 s 5(a)—(c)\n\namended by 9/2003 s 30(1)\ns 37(2)\nsubstituted by 29/2000 s 5(d)\ns 37(2a)\ninserted by 29/2000 s 5(d)\ns 37(4)\nsubstituted by 9/2003 s 30(2)\ns 37(4a)\ninserted by 9/2003 s 30(2)\ns 37(5)\ninserted by 29/2000 s 5(e)\n\namended by 9/2003 s 30(3)\ns 37A\ninserted by 29/2000 s 6\ns 37A(1)\namended by 9/2003 s 31(1)\n\nsubstituted by 17/2004 s 4(1)\n\namended by 21/2017 s 48(1)\ns 37A(1a)\ninserted by 17/2004 s 4(1)\ns 37A(2)\namended by 9/2003 s 31(2)\n\namended by 17/2004 s 4(2), (3)\n\namended by 21/2017 s 48(2)\ns 37A(3)\ninserted by 17/2004 s 4(4)\nss 37AB—37AD\ninserted by 17/2004 s 5\n15.1.2004\nss 37B and 37C\ninserted by 29/2000 s 6\nPt 3 Div 6\n\ns 38\n\ns 38(1)—(3)\namended by 9/2003 s 32\nPt 3 Div 7\nheading substituted by 9/2003 s 33\ns 39\n\ns 39(1)\namended by 9/2003 s 34(1), (2)\ns 39(2) and (3)\namended by 9/2003 s 34(3)\ns 40\n\ns 40(1)\namended by 9/2003 s 35(1)\ns 40(4)\namended by 9/2003 s 35(2)\ns 40(5)\namended by 9/2003 s 35(3)\ns 40(6)\namended by 9/2003 s 35(4)\nPt 3 Div 8\ndeleted by 9/2003 s 36\n1.11.2003\nPt 4\n\nPt 4 Div 1\n\ns 42\n\ns 42(1)\namended by 9/2003 s 37\ns 44\n\ns 44(2)\namended by 9/2003 s 38(1)\ns 44(3)\namended by 9/2003 s 38(2)\nPt 4 Div 1A\ninserted by 21/2017 s 49\nPt 4 Div 2\n\ns 47\n\ns 47(11) and (12)\ndeleted by 9/2003 s 39\nPt 4 Div 3\n\ns  48\n\ns 48(2)\namended by 21/2017 s 50(1), (2)\nPt 4 Div 4\n\ns 54\namended by 30/2004 Sch 1 cl 3\n25.11.2004\n\namended by 40/2005 Sch 6 cl 9(1), (2)\n1.10.2005\n\namended by 21/2006 Sch 2\n\namended by 29/2009 s 22\n\namended by 21/2011 Sch 1 (cl 8)\n16.9.2012\n\namended by 55/2012 s 32(1), (2)\nPt 5\n\nPt 5 Div 1 heading\ndeleted by 33/2011 Sch 1 cl 3\ns 55\n\ns 55(1)\namended by 9/2003 s 40\n\nsubstituted by 21/2017 s 51\ns 55(1a) and (1b)\ninserted by 21/2017 s 51\ns 55A\ninserted by 21/2017 s 52\ns 56\n\ns 56(1)\namended by 29/2000 s 7(a)\n\n(c) deleted by 29/2000 s 7(b)\n\namended by 21/2017 s 53(1)\ns 56(2)\nsubstituted by 29/2000 s 7(c)\n\namended by 21/2017 s 53(2)\ns 56(3)\nsubstituted by 29/2000 s 7(c)\n\namended by 21/2017 s 53(3)\ns 56(4)\ninserted by 29/2000 s 7(c)\n\namended by 21/2017 s 53(4)\ns 56A\ninserted by 21/2017 s 54\ns 57\n\ns 57(1)\namended by 9/2003 s 41(1)\n\namended by 21/2017 s 55(1), (2)\ns 57(2)\namended by 9/2003 s 41(2)\n\namended by 21/2017 s 55(3)\ns 57(4)\namended by 9/2003 s 41(3)\n\nsubstituted by 21/2017 s 55(4)\ns 57A\ninserted by 9/2003 s 42\ns 57B\ninserted by 21/2006 s 18\ns 57B(3)\ninserted by 21/2017 s 56\ns 57C\ninserted by 21/2006 s 18\ns 57C(3)\ninserted by 21/2017 s 57\nPt 5A\n\ns 59AA\ninserted by 33/2023 s 4\n7.3.2024\nPt 5 Div 2 before deletion by 33/2011\n\ns 61\n\ns 61(1)\namended by 9/2003 s 43(1), (2)\ns 61(2)\namended by 9/2003 s 43(3), (4)\ns 61(5)\ninserted by 9/2003 s 43(5)\nss 61AA and 61AB\ninserted by 21/2006 s 19\nPt 5 Div 2\ndeleted by 33/2011 Sch 1 cl 4\nPt 5\n\ns 58\nsubstituted by 21/2017 s 58\nPt 5A\ninserted by 55/2012 s 33\ns 59A\n\ns 59A(1)\namended by 25/2020 s 6 \nPt 6\n\nPt 6 Div A1\ninserted by 9/2003 s 44\ns 61A before substitution by 21/2017\n\ns 61A(1)\namended by 55/2012 s 34(1)\ns 61A(2)\namended by 55/2012 s 34(2)\ns 61A\nsubstituted by 21/2017 s 59\ns 61AB\ninserted by 21/2017 s 59\nss 61BA and 61BB\ninserted by 21/2017 s 60\nPt 6 Div A2\ninserted by 9/2003 s 44\nPt 6 Div A3\ninserted by 21/2017 s 61\nPt 6 Div 1\n\ns 62\n\ns 62(1)\namended by 9/2003 s 45(1)\ns 62(3)\nsubstituted by 9/2003 s 45(2)\n\nsubstituted by 17/2004 s 6(1)\ns 62(4)\ninserted by 9/2003 s 45(2)\n\namended by 17/2004 s 6(2)\ns 63\n\ns 63(3) and (4)\namended by 9/2003 s 46\ns 64\n\ns 64(1)\namended by 9/2003 s 47(1)\ns 64(3)\namended by 9/2003 s 47(1), (2)\nPt 6 Div 2\n\ns 66\n\ns 66(4)\namended by 73/1997 s 6\ns 67 before substitution by 21/2017\n\ns 67(1)\namended by 33/2011 Sch 1 cl 5(1)—(3)\ns 67(2)\namended by 9/2003 s 48(1)\ns 67(4)\namended by 9/2003 s 48(2)\n\namended by 17/2004 s 7\ns 67\nsubstituted by 21/2017 s 62\ns 68\n\ns 68(3)\namended by 9/2003 s 49\n\namended by 21/2017 s 63(1), (2)\ns 69\n\ns 69(1)\namended by 21/2017 s 64(1), (2)\ns 69(2)\namended by 9/2003 s 50(1)\n\namended by 21/2017 s 64(3)\ns 69(4)\namended by 9/2003 s 50(2)\n\nsubstituted by 21/2017 s 64(4)\ns 69(5)—(7)\ninserted by 21/2017 s 64(4)\ns 70\n\ns 70(3)\namended by 9/2003 s 51\ns 70(4) and (5)\namended by 17/2004 s 8(1)\n\ndeleted by 21/2017 s 65\nPt 6 Div 3\ninserted by 21/2017 s 66\nPt 7\namended by 4/2000 s 9(1) (Sch 1 cl 16(a)—(e))\n1.6.2000\n\nsubstituted by 9/2003 s 52\nheading\namended by 51/2017 s 102\ns 71\n\ns 71(1)\namended by 21/2017 s 67(1)\ns 71(1a)\ninserted by 21/2017 s 67(2)\ns 72\nsubstituted by 21/2017 s 68\n\nsubstituted by 51/2017 s 103\ns 73\namended by 51/2017 s 104\nPt 8\n\ns 77\nsubstituted by 9/2003 s 53\ns 77(1a)\ninserted by 21/2006 s 20(1)\ns 77(2)\nsubstituted by 21/2006 s 20(1)\ns 77(3)\namended by 21/2006 s 20(2)\ns 77(4)\nsubstituted by 55/2012 s 35\ns 77A\ninserted by 9/2003 s 53\ns 78\namended by 9/2003 s 54\nss 78A and 78B\ninserted by 9/2003 s 55\ns 81\namended by 16/2013 s 43\ns 81(1)\ns 81 redesignated as s 81(1) by 21/2017 s 69\ns 81(2)—(4)\ninserted by 21/2017 s 69\ns 82\n\ns 82(1)\namended by 16/2013 s 44\ns 86\namended by 9/2003 s 56\ns 87\namended by 9/2003 s 57\ns 87A\ninserted by 21/2017 s 70\ns 88\n\ns 88(2a)\ninserted by 21/2017 s 71\ns 88(3)\ninserted by 16/2013 s 45\ns 89\nsubstituted by 16/2013 s 46\ns 89(3)\namended by 21/2017 s 72\ns 89A\ninserted by 21/2017 s 73\ns 90\n\ns 90(1)\namended by 9/2003 s 58\ns 91\nsubstituted by 29/2000 s 8\n\nsubstituted by 9/2003 s 59\ns 91A\ninserted by 19/2009 s 5\n3.9.2009\ns 91A(1)\namended by 25/2020 s 7(1)\ns 91A(2)\namended by 25/2020 s 7(2)\ns 91A(3)\namended by 25/2020 s 7(3)\ns 91A(12)\namended by 25/2020 s 7(4)\ns 91A(13)\namended by 25/2020 s 7(5)\ns 91A(15)\n\nrelevant gas retailer\nsubstituted by 55/2012 s 36\ns 92 before deletion by 84/2009\n\ns 92(1)\namended by 9/2003 s 60\ns 92\ndeleted by 84/2009 s 162\n1.2.2010\ns 93\n\ns 93(2)\nsubstituted by 9/2003 s 61\n\n(c) deleted by 32/2009 s 32\ns 93(2a) and (2b)\ninserted by 9/2003 s 61\ns 94\n\ns 94(1)\namended by 21/2017 s 74\ns 94(2)\namended by 9/2003 s 62\ns 95\n\ns 95(2)\namended by 9/2003 s 63(1)—(3)\n\n(f) and (g) deleted by 33/2011 Sch 1 cl 6\n\namended by 21/2017 s 75\ns 95(2a)\ninserted by 9/2003 s 63(4)\ns 95(3)\namended by 9/2003 s 63(5)\nSch 1\nSch redesignated as Sch 1 by 9/2003 s 64\nSch 2\ninserted by 9/2003 s 64\n\nexpired: proclamation (Gazette 19.8.2004 p3282)—omitted under Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002\n(1.7.2005) \nSch 3\ninserted by 9/2003 s 64\n\ndeleted by 51/2017 s 105\nTransitional etc provisions associated with Act or amendments\nGas (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2000, Sch\n1—Licence fees to remain payable\nNothing in this Act affects the liability of the holder of a licence issued under Part 3 of the principal Act to pay instalments (whether payable before or after the commencement of this Schedule) of an annual licence fee the first instalment of which has become payable before the commencement of this Schedule.\nStatutes Amendment (Gas and Electricity) Act 2003\n76—Provisions relating to Technical Regulator and ESC under Gas Act\n\t(1)\tThe Essential Services Commission may continue and complete any process commenced by the Technical Regulator under Part 3 of the Gas Act 1997 but not completed before the commencement of this section.\n\t(2)\tA reference to the Technical Regulator in an instrument or document that has been made or issued under, or relates to, Part 3 of the Gas Act 1997 is (where the context permits) to be read as a reference to the Essential Services Commission.\n\t(3)\tSubclause (2) does not apply to a reference to a safety or technical matter within the functions of the Technical Regulator.\n78—Acts Interpretation Act\nThe Acts Interpretation Act 1915 applies, except to the extent of any inconsistency with the provisions of this Part, to the amendments effected by this Act.\nGas (Temporary Rationing) Amendment Act 2004\n9—Provision relating to Gas Regulations 1997\nRegulation 22 of the Gas Regulations 1997 (as inserted by the Gas Variation Regulations 2004, Gazette 15.1.2004 p213) is to be taken to have been made under section 37AC of the Gas Act 1997 for the purposes of Part 3 Division 5 of that Act.\nStatutes Amendment (Australian Energy Market Operator) Act 2009, Sch 1\nPart 2—Transitional provisions—Gas market\nDivision 1—Preliminary\n14—Preliminary\nIn this Part, unless the contrary intention appears—\nAEMO means the Australian Energy Market Operator Limited (ACN 072 010 327);\nasset means tangible or intangible real or personal property of any description and includes—\n\t(a)\ta present, future or contingent legal or equitable interest in real or personal property;\n\t(b)\ta chose in action;\n\t(c)\ta right, power, privilege or immunity;\n\t(d)\tgoodwill;\n\t(e)\ta security;\n\t(f)\tmoney;\n\t(g)\tdocuments;\n\t(h)\tinformation (including data and records) in any form;\nliability means a monetary or non‑monetary obligation and includes a future or contingent obligation;\nprincipal Act means the Gas Act 1997;\nproperty includes intellectual property;\nrelevant day means a day appointed by the relevant Minister by notice in the Gazette as the relevant day for the purposes of the provision in which the term is used;\nrelevant Minister means the Minister responsible for the administration of the principal Act;\nREMCo means the Retail Energy Market Company Limited (ACN 103 318 556).\nDivision 2—Provision of information and assistance\n15—Provision of information and assistance to AEMO\n\t(1)\tDespite any other Act or law, REMCo is authorised, on its own initiative or at the request of AEMO—\n\t(a)\tto provide AEMO with such documents and other information (including data and records and including information given in confidence) in the possession or control of REMCo that is reasonably required by AEMO in connection with the performance or exercise of its functions or powers (whether under this Act or the principal Act or under any other Act or law); and\n\t(b)\tto provide AEMO with such other assistance as is reasonably required by AEMO to perform or exercise a function or power (whether under the principal Act or under any other Act or law).\n\t(2)\tDespite any other Act or law, REMCo or the relevant Minister may authorise AEMO to disclose information provided under subclause (1) even if the information was given to REMCo in confidence.\n16—Provision of information under a licence\nA reference in a licence under the principal Act relating to the provision of information by a gas entity to REMCo will, on the relevant day, be taken to be a reference to the provision of information to AEMO.\nDivision 3—Retail market administrator licence\n17—Retail market administrator licence\nAny licence in force under section 26B of the principal Act immediately before the relevant day is cancelled by force of this clause on the relevant day.\nDivision 4—Retail market rules\n18—Retail market rules\nThe REMCo Retail Market Rules, as published by REMCo, insofar as those rules apply in relation to South Australia, will no longer apply from the relevant day.\nDivision 5—Imposition of additional costs on service providers\n19—Imposition of additional costs on service providers\n\t(1)\tThis clause applies if—\n\t(a)\tAEMO changes the National Gas Procedures (South Australia); and\n\t(b)\tthe effect of the change is to alter the retail market obligations of a service provider in the State; and\n\t(c)\tthe service provider is able to satisfy AEMO—\n\t(i)\tthat the alteration imposes additional obligations on the service provider that result, or will result, in new costs being incurred by the service provider that are, or will be, fair and reasonable material costs; and\n\t(ii)\tthat the service provider is unable to recover those costs under existing pricing and access arrangements applying in the State with respect to services provided by the service provider (after taking into account reasonable accounting and regulatory cost recovery principles).\n\t(2)\tIn a case where this clause applies, the change referred to in subclause (1)(a) will not apply to or in relation to the relevant service provider unless or until—\n\t(a)\tthe service provider is able to recover the costs referred to in subclause (1)(c); or\n\t(b)\tAEMO implements steps that result in the service provider not having to incur the relevant costs.\n\t(3)\tThis clause will expire on the relevant day.\n\t(4)\tIn this clause—\nNational Gas Procedures (South Australia) means the National Gas Procedures under the National Gas Law that apply in, or in relation to, South Australia, as in force from time to time;\nservice provider means a service provider under the National Gas (South Australia) Law.\nNote—\nClause 19 expired on 1.7.2011: cl 19(3) (see—proclamation (Gazette 25.7.2009 p2876)).\nDivision 6—Transfer of assets and liabilities—REMCo\n20—Transfer of assets and liabilities—REMCo\n\t(1)\tThe relevant Minister may, by instrument in writing (an allocation order), transfer any of REMCo's assets or liabilities to AEMO (insofar as any such assets or liabilities relate to REMCO's activities or former activities in, or in relation to, South Australia).\n\t(2)\tThe Minister may, in connection with—\n\t(a)\tthe operation of an allocation order (whether or not as part of the allocation order); or\n\t(b)\tthe operation of any other instrument (whether or not executed under statute),\nby instrument in writing—\n\t(c)\tdivide any right, interest or liability of REMCo into distinct parts; or\n\t(d)\tdirect that a reference in any instrument or other document to REMCo will be taken to be a reference to some other entity; or\n\t(e)\ttake other steps to facilitate the transfer of any asset or liability of REMCo.\n\t(3)\tAn instrument under subclause (2) operates by force of this clause and despite the provisions of any other law or instrument.\n\t(4)\tAn instrument under subclause (1) or (2) takes effect from a date (which may be earlier than the date of the instrument) specified in the instrument.\n\t(5)\tIf it appears to the relevant Minister that assets or liabilities should not have been transferred to AEMO under this clause, the Minister may, by instrument in writing (a claw back order), transfer assets or liabilities transferred under this clause from AEMO to REMCo or to another person or entity specified by the relevant Minister.\n\t(6)\tA claw back order—\n\t(a)\tmust be made within 12 months after the date of the allocation order; and\n\t(b)\ttakes effect from a date (which may be earlier than the date of the order) specified in the order.\n\t(7)\tThe relevant Minister must, at least 20 business days before making a claw back order, give AEMO written notice of the relevant Minister's intention to make the order.\n\t(8)\tThe relevant Minister may make an allocation order, or a claw back order, in relation to assets or liabilities situated outside South Australia.\n\t(9)\tAn allocation order or a claw back order may be made on conditions specified in the order.\n\t(10)\tThe relevant Minister may only act under this clause at the request or with the concurrence of REMCo.\n21—Effect of transfer order\n\t(1)\tOn the relevant date, assets and liabilities vest in the transferee named in a transfer order in accordance with the order.\n\t(2)\tIf a transfer order provides for the transfer of the transferor's interest in an agreement—\n\t(a)\tthe transferee becomes on the relevant date a party to the agreement in place of the transferor; and\n\t(b)\ton and after the relevant date, the agreement has effect as if the transferee had always been a party to the agreement.\n\t(3)\tIn this clause—\nrelevant date means, in relation to an allocation order or a claw back order, the date specified in the order for the order to take effect;\ntransfer order means an allocation order or a claw back order under clause 20;\ntransferor means the person from whom assets or liabilities are transferred by a transfer order.\n22—Continued effect of certain acts by REMCo\nAnything done, or omitted to be done, by REMCo in relation to assets or liabilities transferred to AEMO under this Division is, if it continues to have effect as at the date of the transfer, taken to be AEMO's act or omission.\n23—Continuation of proceedings\nProceedings commenced before the date of transfer by or against REMCo in relation to an asset or liability transferred to AEMO under this Division may be continued and completed by or against AEMO.\n24—Evidence of transfer\nA written notice signed by the relevant Minister stating that a specific transfer of assets or liabilities has been made under this Division is conclusive evidence of the transfer.\n25—References\n\t(1)\tA reference in an instrument or other document to REMCo in connection with an asset or liability transferred to AEMO under this Division is, from the date of transfer, taken to be a reference to AEMO.\n\t(2)\tSubclause (1) does not apply to any instrument or document, or instrument or documents of a specified class, excluded from the operation of that subclause by the Minister by notice in the Gazette.\n26—Certain parties to transfer must do anything necessary to perfect transfer\n\t(1)\tAEMO must accept assets and liabilities transferred to it under this Division.\n\t(2)\tThe relevant Minister may direct AEMO's directors to accept, on AEMO's behalf, a transfer of assets or liabilities under this Division.\n\t(3)\tThe relevant parties must take necessary action to perfect a transfer of assets or liabilities under this Division.\n\t(4)\tThe relevant Minister may direct the directors of a relevant party to ensure that the relevant party complies with an obligation under subclause (3).\n\t(5)\tIn this clause—\nrelevant party means—\n\t(a)\tAEMO; or\n\t(b)\tREMCo.\n27—Agreements\n\t(1)\tAs from the relevant day, AEMO succeeds to REMCo's powers, rights, obligations and liabilities under any agreement or other instrument related to a gas market of which AEMO assumes the operation.\n\t(2)\tA reference in an agreement or other instrument within the ambit of subclause (1) continues to have effect in accordance with its terms and as if any reference to REMCo were a reference to AEMO and, as from the relevant day, the agreement or other instrument has effect as if AEMO had always been a party to the agreement or instrument.\nPart 3—Related matters\n28—Corporations Act displacement\nTo the extent that any provision of this Schedule is incapable of concurrent operation with a provision of the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth (a designated Commonwealth provision), the provision of this Schedule is declared to be a Corporations legislation displacement provision for the purposes of section 5G of that Act in relation to the designated Commonwealth provision.\nNote—\nSection 5G of the Corporations Act provides that if a State law declares a provision of a State law to be a Corporations legislation displacement provision, any provision of the Corporations legislation with which the State provision would otherwise be inconsistent does not apply to the extent necessary to avoid the inconsistency.\n29—Validity and effect of steps taken under Schedule\n\t(1)\tNothing done under this Schedule—\n\t(a)\tis to be regarded as placing any person in breach of contract or confidence or as otherwise making any person guilty of a civil wrong; or\n\t(b)\tis to be regarded as placing any person in breach of, or as constituting a default under, any Act or other law or obligation or any provision in any agreement, arrangement or understanding including, but not limited to, any provision or obligation prohibiting, restricting or regulating the assignment, transfer, sale or disposal of any property or the disclosure of any information; or\n\t(c)\tis to be regarded as fulfilling any condition that allows a person to exercise a power, right of remedy in respect of or to terminate any agreement or obligation; or\n\t(d)\tis to be regarded as giving rise to any remedy for a party to a contract or an instrument or as causing or permitting the termination of any contract or instrument because of a change in the beneficial or legal ownership of any relevant property; or\n\t(e)\tis to be regarded as causing any contract or instrument to be void or otherwise unenforceable; or\n\t(f)\tis to be regarded as frustrating any contract; or\n\t(g)\treleases any surety or other obligor wholly or in part from any obligation; or\n\t(h)\tgives rise to any right or entitlement to damages or compensation.\n\t(2)\tThe transfer of a liability of an entity under this Part releases the entity from the liability.\n\t(3)\tIf the books or records of an entity are transferred to AEMO under this Part, AEMO must—\n\t(a)\tpreserve the books and records for at least 7 years; and\n\t(b)\tallow—\n\t(i)\tthe entity and, if relevant, any director or former director of the entity; and\n\t(ii)\tany other person authorised by the relevant Minister,\nreasonable access to the books and records.\n\t(4)\tIn this clause—\nAEMO means the Australian Energy Market Operator Limited (ACN 072 010 327);\nrelevant Minister means the Minister responsible for the administration of the Electricity Act 1996.\n30—Exemption from taxes\nAny stamp duty or other tax imposed by or under a law of this State is not payable in relation to a transfer of assets or liabilities under this Schedule.\nStatutes Amendment (Electricity and Gas) Act 2017\n76—Transitional provisions\n\t(1)\tThe amendment to section 26 of the principal Act effected by section 47 of this Act applies to a licence granted under the principal Act, or the holder of a licence under the principal Act, whether the licence was granted before or after the commencement of section 47 of this Act (and any existing licence is taken to be modified accordingly).\n\t(2)\tIn particular, a reference to the Commission in a condition relating to section 26(1)(b)(ii) of the principal Act under a licence in force immediately before the commencement of section 47 of this Act will be taken, on the commencement of section 47, to be a reference to the Technical Regulator (but nothing in this subsection is to be taken to require a licence holder to obtain a fresh approval to an existing safety, reliability, maintenance and technical management plan).\n\t(3)\tFor the purposes of the preceding subsections, the Commission may, as it thinks fit, issue to the holder of a licence under the principal Act in force immediately before the commencement of section 47 of this Act a replacement copy of the licence in order to take account of the modifications effected by section 47.\n\t(4)\tIn this section—\nprincipal Act means the Gas Act 1997.\nStatutes Amendment (SACAT No 2) Act 2017, Pt 19\n106—Transitional provisions\n\t(1)\tA right of appeal to the District Court under section 72 of the principal Act in existence before the relevant day (but not exercised before that day) will be exercised as if this Part had been in operation before that right arose, so that the relevant proceedings may be commenced before the Tribunal rather than the Court.\n\t(2)\tNothing in this section affects any proceedings before the District Court commenced before the relevant day.\n\t(3)\tA member of the expert panel holding office immediately before the relevant day will cease to hold office on the relevant day and any contract of employment, agreement or arrangement relating to the office held by that member is terminated by force of this subsection at the same time (and no right of action will arise against a Minister or the State on account of that termination).\n\t(4)\tIn this section—\nexpert panel means the panel established under Schedule 3 of the principal Act as in force immediately before the relevant day;\nprincipal Act means the Gas Act 1997;\nrelevant day means the day on which this Part comes into operation;\nTribunal means the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal established under the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013.\nHistorical versions\nReprint No 1—18.12.1997\n\nReprint No 2—30.7.1998\n\nReprint No 3—1.6.2000\n\nReprint No 4—30.6.2000\n\nReprint No 5—1.7.2001\n\nReprint No 6—1.7.2003\n\nReprint No 7—1.11.2003\n\n15.1.2004\n\n28.7.2004\n\n25.11.2004\n\n1.10.2005\n\n25.6.2009 (electronic only)\n\n1.7.2009\n\n3.9.2009\n\n1.2.2010\n\n16.9.2012\n\n","sortOrder":18}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"summary":{"complexity_score":1,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Unable to assess scope — no legislative text was provided. The submission contained only a website error page from the SA legislation website, not the text of the Gas Act 1997."},"complexity_factors":["No legislative content was available for analysis — the source URL returned a 404 Page Not Found error","Only website navigation elements and an error message were provided","Complexity score of 1 reflects absence of content, not simplicity of the underlying Act"],"plain_english_summary":"## ⚠️ Content Unavailable\n\nThe actual text of the **Gas Act 1997 (SA)** could not be retrieved. The link provided returned a **'Page Not Found'** error from the South Australian legislation website, likely due to a URL change following a website update on 24 March 2026.\n\n**What we do know:**\n- This is a **South Australian state law** dealing with gas (likely the regulation of the gas industry, including supply, safety, and/or licensing).\n- The Act dates from **1997**, placing it in the era of major Australian energy market deregulation and privatisation.\n- To find the actual current text, visit [www.legislation.sa.gov.au](https://www.legislation.sa.gov.au) and search for 'Gas Act 1997' directly.\n\n**No meaningful legal analysis can be provided without the actual legislative text.**"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":8,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Act’s scope has evolved from a State-centric gas law to a hybrid regime aligned with national energy laws. Amendments and provisions now exclude or treat NERL retailers separately (s18C; Part 5A, ss59–59E), require regard to National Gas and National Retail Rules (s6A(4); s26B) and allow the Commission and Technical Regulator to exercise powers tied to national procedures. The legislative history and Schedule 1 show repeal of the 1988 Act and multiple amendments implementing national integration and new enforcement, safety and market obligations."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple institutional actors with overlapping roles (Essential Services Commission: s6A; Technical Regulator: ss7–11; Minister: ss37–37C) increasing coordination needs.","Layered licensing regime with detailed conditions, joint/transfer rules and fee structures (Part 3, ss19–32, 24).","Differential treatment of NERL retailers and integration with national instruments (exclusions: s18C; Part 5A; s26B limits duplication with National Gas/National Energy Retail laws).","Extensive enforcement toolbox combining civil orders, criminal offences, administrative penalties and recovery of costs (Part 6; ss61A–61D; 66–70; 91).","Broad delegated regulation-making power and incorporation of external standards (s95; regs may incorporate standards as in force).","Numerous offence provisions with varied penalties, continuing offences and director liability rules (e.g. ss55, 27, 89, 90).","Operational powers of entry, disconnection, seizure and emergency intervention that affect private property and business continuity (ss46–54; 66–70; 37).","Complex transitional and amendment history tying State provisions to Commonwealth and national frameworks (Schedule 1; Legislative history entries)."],"plain_english_summary":"This Act creates a regulatory framework for South Australia’s gas supply industry: licensing operators, setting safety and technical standards for pipelines, installations and fittings, regulating retail terms and prices, and providing enforcement powers. It applies to distribution companies, licensed retailers and owners/occupiers of gas installations, while NERL retailers are subject to specified parts and obligations. Licence-holders and certain retailers pay application, annual and administration fees and must meet licence and safety conditions; the Commission, the Technical Regulator and the Minister make licensing, pricing and emergency decisions."},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"kimi_summary":{"_metrics":{"completionTokens":786},"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":8,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Act has expanded significantly from its original 1997 scope. Originally focused on regulating traditional gas utilities, it has been amended to incorporate: (1) national energy market frameworks (NERL retailers, AEMO integration); (2) energy productivity/efficiency schemes; (3) expanded consumer protection including greenhouse gas disclosure requirements; (4) emergency gas rationing powers; and (5) complex transitional arrangements for market restructuring. The 2023 amendment also expanded the definition of 'gas' to include other gases beyond traditional hydrocarbons."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive cross-referencing with national energy legislation (National Gas Law, National Energy Retail Law) and other South Australian Acts","Multiple regulatory bodies with overlapping and distinct functions: Essential Services Commission, Technical Regulator, Minister, and authorised officers","Nested conditional logic for licensing requirements with different rules for distribution systems vs retailing vs NERL retailers","Detailed procedural requirements for enforcement actions including warning notices, assurances, enforcement notices, and injunctions with specific timeframes and conditions","Complex self-incrimination provisions with exceptions for safety-related matters","Multiple review pathways: internal review by Commission/Technical Regulator, then Tribunal review, with specific time limits and assessor requirements","Extensive delegated legislation framework with regulations prescribing technical standards, fees, penalties, and detailed operational requirements","Transitional provisions spanning multiple amendments with complex savings and continuation arrangements"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this Act does:**\n\nThis is South Australia's main law governing how gas is supplied to homes and businesses. It sets up a comprehensive regulatory system covering three key areas:\n\n**1. Industry Structure & Licensing**\n- Anyone operating gas pipelines (distribution systems) or selling gas to customers must hold a licence from the Essential Services Commission\n- Licences come with strict conditions about safety, financial capacity, customer service standards, and participation in dispute resolution schemes\n- The Commission can set prices for small customers and regulate how gas retailers contract with customers\n\n**2. Safety & Technical Standards**\n- A Technical Regulator oversees safety standards for gas pipelines, installations (the pipes and appliances in your home), and appliances\n- Gas entities must maintain approved safety and reliability plans\n- There are detailed rules about who can do gas fitting work, installation design standards, and what happens when unsafe equipment is found\n- The Technical Regulator can issue public warnings, ban unsafe components, and order rectification work\n\n**3. Enforcement Powers**\n- Authorised officers and gas officers have extensive powers to enter properties, inspect installations, disconnect unsafe supplies, and require information\n- The Act creates offences for interference with gas infrastructure, theft of gas, false information, and obstruction of officials\n- There are civil remedies including injunctions, enforcement notices, and orders to pay profits from contraventions\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- **Gas companies** — must be licensed and comply with extensive operational and safety conditions\n- **Customers** — protected by price regulation, disconnection safeguards, mandatory ombudsman schemes, and safety standards\n- **Tradespeople** — gas fitting work must comply with technical standards and notification requirements\n- **Landowners** — gas entities have powers to enter land for infrastructure work, with compensation for damage\n\n**Why it matters:**\nThe Act balances promoting competition in gas retailing with ensuring safe, reliable supply. It gives regulators strong tools to protect consumers from unsafe installations, unfair pricing, and poor service, while allowing the industry to operate efficiently. The framework integrates with national energy laws but maintains South Australian-specific protections."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/gas-act-1997","history":"/api/acts/gas-act-1997/history","analysis":"/api/acts/gas-act-1997/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/gas-act-1997/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/gas-act-1997/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/gas-act-1997/documents"}}