{"id":"melbourne-convention-and-exhibition-trust-act-1996","name":"Victorian Convention and Event Trust Act 1996","slug":"victorian-convention-and-event-trust-act-1996","collection":"act","jurisdiction":"vic","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":175091,"registerId":"vic-melbourne-convention-and-exhibition-trust-act-1996-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Victorian Convention and Event Trust Act 1996","content":"Version No. 012\n\n**Victorian Convention and Event Trust Act 1996**\n\n**No. 71 of 1996**\n\nVersion incorporating amendments as at  \n5 February 2025\n\n**table of provisions**\n\n*Section Page*\n\nPart 1—Preliminary 1\n\n1 Purposes 1\n\n2 Commencement 1\n\n3 Definitions 1\n\nPart 2—Victorian Convention and Event Trust 3\n\n4 Establishment of Trust 3\n\n5 Functions of Trust 3\n\n5A Minister may determine matters in relation to support of tourism or events industry 4\n\n6 Powers of Trust 5\n\n7 Ministerial directions 5\n\n8 Members of the Trust 6\n\n9 Terms and conditions of appointment 6\n\n10 Chairperson 7\n\n10A Deputy chairperson 7\n\n10B Acting chairperson 8\n\n11 Vacancies 8\n\n12 Temporary vacancies 9\n\n13 Trust may act despite vacancy etc. 10\n\n14 Pecuniary interest of members 10\n\n15 Meetings 12\n\n16 Staff 12\n\nPart 3—Particular powers of the Trust 13\n\nDivision 1—General powers 13\n\n17 Power to impose fees or charges 13\n\n18 Arrangements 13\n\n19 Reciprocal arrangements with public sector agencies 14\n\nDivision 2—Land 15\n\n20 Trust is an authority under the Land Act 1958 15\n\n21 Restrictions on certain dealings with land 15\n\nPart 4—Finances and reporting 16\n\n22 Borrowing and investment powers 16\n\n23 Corporate plan 16\n\n24 Statement of corporate intent—contents 17\n\n25 Trust to act in accordance with corporate plan 18\n\n26 Nothing void merely because of non-compliance 18\n\n27 Half-yearly reports 18\n\nPart 5—General 19\n\n28 Regulations 19\n\nPart 6—Transitional provisions—Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Amendment Act 2024 20\n\n29 Transitional provisions—Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Amendment Act 2024 20\n\nEndnotes 22\n\n1 General information 22\n\n2 Table of Amendments 24\n\n3 Explanatory details 25\n\n**Version No.** **012**\n\n**Victorian Convention and Event Trust Act 1996**\n\n**No. 71 of 1996**\n\nVersion incorporating amendments as at  \n5 February 2025\n\n**The Parliament of Victoria enacts as follows:**\n\nPart 1—Preliminary\n\n\t1 Purposes\n\nThe main purposes of this Act are—\n\nS. 1(a) amended by No. 38/2024 s. 5.\n\n(a) to establish a Victorian Convention and Event Trust to manage convention and exhibition facilities and services and to carry out certain other functions;\n\n(b) to abolish the Melbourne Exhibition Centre Trust;\n\n(c) to repeal the **Melbourne Exhibition Centre Act 1994**.\n\n\t2 Commencement\n\n(1) Section 1 and this section come into operation on the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent.\n\n(2) The remaining provisions of this Act come into operation on a day or days to be proclaimed.\n\n\t3 Definitions\n\nS. 3 def. of *acting chairperson* inserted by No. 38/2024 s. 6(a).\n\n***acting chairperson*** means a person appointed under section 10B;\n\nS. 3 def. of *chairperson* inserted by No. 38/2024 s. 6(a).\n\n***chairperson*** means a person appointed under section 10;\n\nS. 3 def. of *deputy chairperson* inserted by No. 38/2024 s. 6(a).\n\n***deputy chairperson*** means a person appointed under section 10A;\n\n***Exhibition land*** means the Exhibition land set out in the Schedule to the **Museums Act 1983**;\n\n***member*** in relation to the Trust, means a member of the Trust and includes the chairperson of the Trust;\n\n***Royal Exhibition Building*** means the Royal Exhibition Building on the Exhibition land;\n\nS. 3 def. of *Trust* substituted by No. 38/2024 s. 6(b).\n\n***Trust*** means the Victorian Convention and Event Trust established by this Act.\n\nPt 2 (Heading) amended by No. 38/2024 s. 7.\n\nPart 2—Victorian Convention and Event Trust\n\n\t4 Establishment of Trust\n\nS. 4(1) amended by No. 38/2024 s. 8.\n\n(1) There is established by this Act a Trust to be known as the Victorian Convention and Event Trust.\n\n(2) The Trust—\n\n(a) is a body corporate with perpetual succession; and\n\n(b) has a common seal; and\n\n(c) may sue or be sued in its corporate name; and\n\n(d) is capable of acquiring, holding and disposing of real and personal property; and\n\n(e) is capable of doing or suffering anything which by law bodies corporate may do or suffer.\n\n(3) The common seal of the Trust must be kept as directed by the Trust and must not be used except as authorised by the Trust.\n\n(4) All courts must take judicial notice of the common seal of the Trust affixed to a document and, until the contrary is proved, must presume that it was duly affixed.\n\n\t5 Functions of Trust\n\nThe functions of the Trust are to provide for—\n\nS. 5(a) amended by No. 66/2009 s. 9(1).\n\n(a) the development, promotion, management, operation and use of convention and exhibition facilities and services in Victoria, including the use of those facilities and services for entertainment purposes;\n\nS. 5(b) amended by No. 66/2009 s. 9(1).\n\n(b) with the approval of the Minister, the development, promotion, management, operation and use of tourism or hospitality facilities and services in Victoria, including the use of those facilities and services for entertainment purposes;\n\n(c) the development, promotion, management, operation and use of facilities and services for the parking of vehicles to be used in conjunction with any of the Trust's facilities;\n\nS. 5(d) amended by No. 66/2009 s. 9(2).\n\n(d) with the approval of the Minister and for such period as is approved by the Minister, the promotion, management, operation and use of—\n\n(i) the Royal Exhibition Building; and\n\n(ii) any part of the Exhibition land that the Trust reasonably requires in conjunction with the use of the Royal Exhibition Building—\n\nsubject to any agreement or arrangement between the Trust and the Museums Board of Victoria;\n\nS. 5(da) inserted by No. 38/2024 s. 9.\n\n(da) the support of Victoria's tourism or events industry in relation to any matter determined by the Minister under section 5A;\n\n(e) any other matter authorised by this Act.\n\nS. 5A inserted by No. 38/2024 s. 10.\n\n\t5A Minister may determine matters in relation to support of tourism or events industry\n\n(1) Without limiting section 7, for the purposes of section 5(da) the Minister may make a determination specifying any matter in relation to which the Trust has the function of providing for the support of Victoria's tourism or events industry.\n\n(2) A determination under subsection (1)—\n\n(a) must be published in the Government Gazette; and\n\n(b) takes effect on the day it is published in the Government Gazette or on such later date as specified in the determination.\n\n\t6 Powers of Trust\n\n(1) The Trust may do anything necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the performance of its functions.\n\n(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the Trust—\n\n(a) may acquire, hold and dispose of any real or personal property or any interest in that property;\n\n(b) may be appointed and act as a committee of management of any land reserved under the **Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978** for purposes that are consistent with the functions of the Trust;\n\n(c) may enter into contracts, agreements, arrangements, leases and licences;\n\n(d) may engage agents or contractors;\n\n(e) may act as agent of another person.\n\n(3) The Trust also has the powers in Part 3 and section 22 but these powers do not limit its general powers.\n\n\t7 Ministerial directions\n\n(1) The Minister may give to the Trust—\n\n(a) general directions; or\n\n(b) any specific direction in relation to—\n\n(i) the spending of any amount of the Trust's funds that is specified by the Minister for the promotion of Melbourne as a place for holding conferences, conventions or exhibitions or for any other purposes specified by the Minister; or\n\n(ii) any matter or class of matters specified in the direction.\n\n(2) The Trust must carry out its functions and duties and exercise its powers subject to—\n\n(a) the general direction and control of the Minister; and\n\n(b) any specific direction given by the Minister under this section.\n\nS. 8 amended by No. 38/2024 s. 11.\n\n\t8 Members of the Trust\n\nThe Trust consists of not less than 3, and not more than 9, part-time members appointed by the Governor in Council having regard to their capacity to carry out the functions of the Trust and having qualifications and experience that the Governor in Council considers appropriate.\n\n\t9 Terms and conditions of appointment\n\n(1) A member of the Trust may be appointed for any term not exceeding 3 years that is specified in the instrument of appointment, but is eligible for re‑appointment.\n\n(2) A member is entitled to be paid any remuneration or travelling or other allowances that are fixed for that member from time to time by the Governor in Council.\n\nS. 9(3) amended by No. 46/1998  \ns. 7(Sch. 1), substituted by Nos 108/2004 s. 117(1) (Sch. 3 item 129), 80/2006 s. 26(Sch. item 66).\n\n(3) The **Public Administration Act 2004** (other than Part 3 of that Act) applies to a member in respect of the office of member.\n\n(4) A member is appointed subject to any other terms and conditions that are specified in the instrument of appointment.\n\n\t10 Chairperson\n\n(1) The Minister must appoint one member to be chairperson of the Trust.\n\n(2) The chairperson may resign that office by notice in writing signed by the chairperson and delivered to the Minister.\n\nS. 10A inserted by No. 38/2024 s. 12.\n\n\t10A Deputy chairperson\n\n(1) The Minister may appoint one member to be deputy chairperson of the Trust.\n\n(2) The deputy chairperson must act as chairperson if—\n\n(a) the chairperson is absent or unable to perform duties as the chairperson for a period of not more than 3 months; and\n\n(b) there is no acting chairperson.\n\n(3) When acting as chairperson, the deputy chairperson—\n\n(a) has and may exercise all the powers of the chairperson; and\n\n(b) must perform all the functions and duties of the chairperson; and\n\n(c) is entitled to receive any remuneration or travelling or other allowances to which the chairperson would have been entitled.\n\n(4) The deputy chairperson may resign that office by written notice signed by the deputy chairperson and delivered to the Minister.\n\nS. 10B inserted by No. 38/2024 s. 12.\n\n\t10B Acting chairperson\n\n(1) If the chairperson is unable to perform the chairperson's duties for a period of not more than 3 months, the Minister may appoint a member to be acting chairperson of the Trust during that period.\n\n(2) A member appointed as acting chairperson under subsection (1) must act as chairperson.\n\n(3) When acting as chairperson, the acting chairperson—\n\n(a) has and may exercise all the powers of the chairperson; and\n\n(b) must perform all the functions and duties of the chairperson; and\n\n(c) is entitled to receive any remuneration or travelling or other allowances to which the chairperson would have been entitled.\n\n\t11 Vacancies\n\n(1) A member may resign by notice in writing signed by the member and delivered to the Minister.\n\n(2) The office of a member becomes vacant if the member—\n\nS. 11(2)(a) amended by No. 38/2024 s. 13(1).\n\n(a) becomes insolvent under administration; or\n\n(b) is convicted of an indictable offence or of an offence which, if committed in Victoria, would be an indictable offence; or\n\n(c) is absent from 3 consecutive meetings of the Trust without the prior leave of the Trust.\n\nS. 11(3) inserted by No. 38/2024 s. 13(2).\n\n(3) In the circumstances specified in subsection (4), on the recommendation of the Minister, the Governor in Council may—\n\n(a) suspend a member from the Trust for any period equal to or less than the remainder of the member's term of office; or\n\n(b) remove a member from the Trust.\n\nS. 11(4) inserted by No. 38/2024 s. 13(2).\n\n(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), the specified circumstances are that the member—\n\n(a) is convicted or found guilty of an offence relating to the performance of duties as a member; or\n\n(b) engages in improper conduct in performing duties as a member; or\n\n(c) is negligent in performing or failing to perform duties as a member; or\n\n(d) fails to disclose a conflict of interest; or\n\n(e) is absent or unable to perform duties as a member for a period of more than 3 months.\n\n\t12 Temporary vacancies\n\n(1) If—\n\n(a) the office of a member is vacant; or\n\n(b) a member is unable, whether because of illness or otherwise, to perform the duties of the office of member—\n\nthe Minister may appoint a person to act as a member while the office is vacant or during that period of inability.\n\nS. 12(2) substituted by No. 38/2024 s. 14.\n\n(2) While a person is acting as a member, the person—\n\n(a) has and may exercise all the powers of the member for whom the person acts; and\n\n(b) must perform all the functions and duties of that member; and\n\n(c) has the same voting rights as that member.\n\n(3) A person appointed to act as a member is entitled to receive any remuneration, travelling and other allowances fixed for an acting member by the Minister.\n\n\t13 Trust may act despite vacancy etc.\n\nAn act or decision of the Trust is not invalid only because—\n\n(a) of a defect or irregularity in or in connection with the appointment of a member; or\n\n(b) of a vacancy in the office of a member; or\n\n(c) in the case of an acting member, the occasion for the member acting has not arisen or had ceased.\n\n\t14 Pecuniary interest of members\n\n(1) If—\n\n(a) a member has a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in a matter being considered or about to be considered by the Trust; and\n\n(b) the interest could conflict with the proper performance of the member's duties in relation to the consideration of the matter—\n\nthe member, as soon as practicable after becoming aware of the relevant facts, must declare the nature of the interest to the Trust.\n\n(2) The Trust or the chairperson must cause a record of the declaration to be tabled and recorded in the minutes of the meeting or, if the declaration is not made at a meeting of the Trust, at the next meeting of the Trust.\n\n(3) A member who has a conflict of interest in a matter—\n\n(a) must not be present during any deliberations on the matter, unless the Trust directs otherwise; and\n\n(b) is not entitled to vote on the matter.\n\n(4) If a member votes on a matter in contravention of subsection (3)(b), the member's vote must be disallowed.\n\n(5) A member who has a conflict of interest in a matter must not be present during any deliberations leading to a direction, or take part in making a direction, under subsection (3)(a).\n\n(6) For the purposes of this section, a member is not to be regarded as having a conflict of interest—\n\n(a) in relation to the supply of goods or services to the member if the goods or services are, or are to be, available to members of the public on the same terms and conditions; or\n\n(b) in a contract or arrangement because that contract or arrangement may benefit a company or other body in which the member has a beneficial interest that does not exceed 1% of the total nominal value of beneficial interests in that company or body.\n\n\t15 Meetings\n\nS. 15(1) substituted by No. 38/2024 s. 15.\n\n(1) At any meeting of the Trust—\n\n(a) if the chairperson is present, the chairperson must preside; or\n\n(b) if the chairperson is not present and there is an acting chairperson, the acting chairperson must preside; or\n\n(c) if the chairperson is not present and there is no acting chairperson, the deputy chairperson must preside.\n\n(2) A question must not be determined at a meeting of the Trust unless a quorum consisting of a majority of its current membership is present.\n\n(3) A question arising at a meeting of the Trust shall be determined by a majority of the members present and voting on that question and, in the event of an equality of votes, the person presiding has a second or casting vote.\n\n(4) The Trust must meet at the times and places determined by it or, in the absence of a determination by the Trust, by the chairperson.\n\n\t16 Staff\n\n(1) The Trust may appoint an executive officer and may employ or engage any other officers, employees or persons that are necessary for the performance of its functions.\n\n(2) The executive officer holds office—\n\n(a) for the term not exceeding 5 years that is specified in the instrument of appointment but is eligible for re-appointment; and\n\n(b) on any other terms and conditions that are specified in the instrument of appointment.\n\nPart 3—Particular powers of the Trust\n\nDivision 1—General powers\n\n\t17 Power to impose fees or charges\n\nThe Trust has power to impose fees or charges for providing any facilities or services.\n\n\t18 Arrangements\n\nThe Trust, with the approval of the Minister, may do all or any of the following for the purposes of performing its functions under this Act—\n\n(a) form, or participate in the formation of, a corporation, trust, partnership or other body;\n\n(b) subscribe for, or otherwise acquire, and hold and dispose of shares in, or debentures or other securities of, a corporation;\n\n(c) subscribe for, or otherwise acquire, and hold and dispose of, units in a trust;\n\n(d) acquire and hold and dispose of an interest in a partnership or other body;\n\n(e) enter into any contract, agreement or arrangement with a person for the sharing of profits, a union of interest, co-operation, a joint venture, a reciprocal concession or otherwise.\n\n(2) Subsection (1) applies whether a person or body referred to in that subsection or a party to a contract, agreement or arrangement under subsection (1)(e) is formed in Victoria or elsewhere.\n\n(3) An approval under this section may be given for a particular case or a class of cases.\n\n\t19 Reciprocal arrangements with public sector agencies\n\n(1) With the consent of the Governor in Council given on the Minister's recommendation, the Trust may enter into an agreement or arrangement with a public sector agency concerning—\n\n(a) the performance or exercise by the Trust and the public sector agency of any of their respective functions or powers; or\n\n(b) the carrying out or providing by the Trust for the public sector agency, or by the public sector agency for the Trust, of any works or services; or\n\n(c) the use or joint use by the Trust and the public sector agency of their respective facilities or the services of their respective staff; or\n\n(d) the allocation of funds collected under the agreement or arrangement.\n\n(2) If the Trust proposes to enter into an agreement or arrangement providing for the allocation of funds to be collected under the agreement or arrangement, the Minister must consult the Treasurer about the proposal before making any recommendation under subsection (1).\n\n(3) In this section ***public sector agency*** means a Minister, government department, body established by or under an Act for a public purpose, municipal council or committee of management of Crown lands.\n\nDivision 2—Land\n\n\t20 Trust is an authority under the Land Act 1958\n\n(1) The Trust is an authority for the purposes of section 22A of the **Land Act 1958**.\n\n(2) The powers conferred on the Trust by section 22A of the **Land Act 1958** as applied by this section are in addition to and do not derogate from any of the Trust's other functions or powers and any other provisions of this Act.\n\n\t21 Restrictions on certain dealings with land\n\nThe Trust must not—\n\n(a) sell, mortgage or otherwise dispose of land in fee simple or any part of it; or\n\n(b) use or permit to be used any land vested in the Trust or managed or controlled by the Trust or any part of that land otherwise than for the purposes of the Trust—\n\nwithout the approval in writing of the Minister.\n\nPart 4—Finances and reporting\n\n\t22 Borrowing and investment powers\n\nThe Trust has the powers conferred on it by the **Borrowing and Investment Powers Act 1987**.\n\n\t23 Corporate plan\n\n(1) The Trust must prepare a corporate plan each year.\n\n(2) The Trust must give a copy of the proposed plan to the Minister on or before 31 May in each year.\n\n(3) The proposed corporate plan must be in or to the effect of a form approved by the Minister and must include—\n\n(a) a statement of corporate intent in accordance with section 24;\n\n(b) a business plan containing the information required by the Minister;\n\n(c) financial statements containing the information required by the Minister.\n\n(4) The Trust must consider any comments on the proposed plan that are made to it by the Minister within 2 months after the plan was submitted to the Minister.\n\n(5) The Trust must consult in good faith with the Minister following communication to it of the comments, must make such changes to the plan as are agreed between the Minister and the Trust and must deliver the completed plan to the Minister within 2 months after the commencement of the financial year.\n\n(6) The plan, or any part of the plan, must not be published or made available except for the purposes of this Part without the prior approval of the Trust and the Minister.\n\n(7) The plan may be modified at any time by the Trust with the agreement of the Minister.\n\n(8) If the Trust, by written notice to the Minister, proposes a modification of the plan the Trust may, within 14 days, make the modification unless the Minister, by written notice to the Trust, directs the Trust not to make it.\n\n(9) The Minister may, from time to time, by written notice to the Trust, direct the Trust to include in, or omit from, a statement of corporate intent, business plan or financial statement, any specified matters.\n\n(10) Before giving a direction under subsection (9), the Minister must consult with the Trust as to the matters to be referred to in the direction.\n\n(11) The Trust must comply with any direction under subsection (9).\n\n(12) At any particular time, the statement of corporate intent, the business plan or the financial statements for the Trust are the statements and plans last completed, with any modifications or deletions made in accordance with this Part.\n\n\t24 Statement of corporate intent—contents\n\nEach statement of corporate intent must specify for the Trust, in respect of the financial year to which it relates and each of the 2 following financial years, the following information—\n\n(a) the objectives of the Trust;\n\n(b) the main undertakings of the Trust;\n\n(c) the nature and scope of the activities to be undertaken by the Trust;\n\n(d) the accounting policies to be applied in the accounts;\n\n(e) the performance targets and other measures by which the performance of the Trust may be judged in relation to its stated objectives;\n\n(f) the kind of information to be provided to the Minister by the Trust during the course of those financial years, including the information to be included in each half-yearly report;\n\n(g) such other matters as may be agreed by the Minister and the Trust from time to time.\n\n\t25 Trust to act in accordance with corporate plan\n\nThe Trust must act only in accordance with its corporate plan, as existing from time to time, unless it has first obtained the written approval of the Minister to do otherwise.\n\n\t26 Nothing void merely because of non-compliance\n\nNothing done by the Trust is void or unenforceable merely because the Trust has failed to comply with this Part.\n\n\t27 Half-yearly reports\n\n(1) The Trust must give to the Minister a report of the operations of the Trust during the period of 6 months ending on the preceding 31 December and financial statements for that period.\n\n(2) The report must be given to the Minister in February in each year or at any other time that the Minister approves or requires.\n\n(3) If the Minister, by notice in writing given to the Trust, requires certain information to be included in a report, that information must be included in the report.\n\nPart 5—General\n\n\t28 Regulations\n\n(1) The Governor in Council may make regulations prescribing any matter or thing required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed or necessary to be prescribed to give effect to this Act.\n\n(2) The regulations are subject to disallowance by a House of the Parliament.\n\nPt 6 (Heading and ss 29–36) amended by No. 29/2011 s. 3(Sch. 1 item 59), substituted as Pt 6 (Heading and s. 29) by No. 38/2024 s. 16.\n\nPart 6—Transitional provisions—Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Amendment Act 2024\n\nS. 29 substituted by No. 38/2024 s. 16.\n\n\t29 Transitional provisions—Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Amendment Act 2024\n\nOn and from the commencement of Part 2 of the **Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Amendment Act 2024**—\n\n(a) the Trust continues to be the same body after that commencement as before that commencement, despite the change to its name made by section 8 of that Act, and that change does not affect any act, matter or thing; and\n\n(b) subject to this Act, a member of the Trust appointed under section 8 as in force immediately before the commencement of Part 2 of the **Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Amendment Act 2024** remains in office for the remainder of that member's term of office; and\n\n(c) a reference to the **Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Act 1996** in any Act, subordinate instrument or other document is taken to be a reference to the **Victorian Convention and Event Trust Act 1996**, unless the context otherwise requires; and\n\n(d) a reference to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust in any Act, subordinate instrument or other document is taken to be a reference to the Victorian Convention and Event Trust, unless the context otherwise requires.\n\n\n\nEndnotes\n\n1 General information\n\nSee [www.legislation.vic.gov.au](http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au) for Victorian Bills, Acts and current Versions of legislation and up-to-date legislative information.\n\n*Minister's second reading speech—*\n\n*Legislative Assembly: 14 November 1996*\n\n*Legislative Council: 5 December 1996*\n\nThe long title for the Bill for this Act was \"to establish a Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust to manage convention and exhibition facilities and services and to carry out certain other functions, to abolish the Melbourne Exhibition Centre Trust, to repeal the **Melbourne Exhibition Centre Act 1994** and for other purposes.\"\n\nThe **Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Act 1996** was assented to on 17 December 1996 and came into operation as follows:\n\nSections 1 and 2 on 17 December 1996: section 2(1); rest of Act on 5 February 1997: Special Gazette (No. 16) 5 February 1997 page 1.\n\nThe title of this Act was changed from the **Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Act 1996** to the **Victorian Convention and Event Trust Act 1996** by section 4 of the **Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Amendment Act 2024**, No. 38/2024.\n\nINTERPRETATION OF LEGISLATION ACT 1984 (ILA)\n\nStyle changes\n\nSection 54A of the ILA authorises the making of the style changes set out in Schedule 1 to that Act.\n\nReferences to ILA s. 39B\n\nSidenotes which cite ILA s. 39B refer to section 39B of the ILA which provides that where an undivided section or clause of a Schedule is amended by the insertion of one or more subsections or subclauses, the original section or clause becomes subsection or subclause (1) and is amended by the insertion of the expression \"(1)\" at the beginning of the original section or clause.\n\nInterpretation\n\nAs from 1 January 2001, amendments to section 36 of the ILA have the following effects:\n\n• Headings\n\nAll headings included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 form part of that Act. Any heading inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, forms part of that Act. This includes headings to Parts, Divisions or Subdivisions in a Schedule; sections; clauses; items; tables; columns; examples; diagrams; notes or forms. See section 36(1A)(2A).\n\n• Examples, diagrams or notes\n\nAll examples, diagrams or notes included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 form part of that Act. Any examples, diagrams or notes inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, form part of that Act. See section 36(3A).\n\n• Punctuation\n\nAll punctuation included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 forms part of that Act. Any punctuation inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, forms part of that Act. See section 36(3B).\n\n• Provision numbers\n\nAll provision numbers included in an Act form part of that Act, whether inserted in the Act before, on or after 1 January 2001. Provision numbers include section numbers, subsection numbers, paragraphs and subparagraphs. See section 36(3C).\n\n• Location of \"legislative items\"\n\nA \"legislative item\" is a penalty, an example or a note. As from 13 October 2004, a legislative item relating to a provision of an Act is taken to be at the foot of that provision even if it is preceded or followed by another legislative item that relates to that provision. For example, if a penalty at the foot of a provision is followed by a note, both of these legislative items will be regarded as being at the foot of that provision. See section 36B.\n\n• Other material\n\nAny explanatory memorandum, table of provisions, endnotes, index and other material printed after the Endnotes does not form part of an Act.  \nSee section 36(3)(3D)(3E).\n\n2 Table of Amendments\n\nThis publication incorporates amendments made to the **Victorian Convention and Event Trust Act 1996** by Acts and subordinate instruments.\n\n–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––\n\n**Public Sector Reform (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 1998, No. 46/1998**\n\n| Assent Date: | 26.5.98 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 7(Sch. 1) on 1.7.98: s. 2(2) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victorian Convention and Event Trust Act 1996** |\n\n\n**Public Administration Act 2004, No. 108/2004**\n\n| Assent Date: | 21.12.04 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 117(1)(Sch. 3 item 129) on 5.4.05: Government Gazette 31.3.05 p. 602 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victorian Convention and Event Trust Act 1996** |\n\n\n**Public Sector Acts (Further Workplace Protection and Other Matters) Act 2006, No. 80/2006**\n\n| Assent Date: | 10.10.06 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 26(Sch. item 66) on 11.10.06: s. 2(1) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victorian Convention and Event Trust Act 1996** |\n\n\n**Planning Legislation Amendment Act 2009, No. 66/2009**\n\n| Assent Date: | 17.11.09 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 9 on 18.11.09: s. 2 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victorian Convention and Event Trust Act 1996** |\n\n\n**Statute Law Revision Act 2011, No. 29/2011**\n\n| Assent Date: | 21.6.11 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 3(Sch. 1 item 59) on 22.6.11: s. 2(1) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victorian Convention and Event Trust Act 1996** |\n\n\n**Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Amendment Act 2024, No. 38/2024**\n\n| Assent Date: | 22.10.24 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | Ss 4–16 on 5.2.25: Special Gazette (No. 29) 4.2.25 p. 1 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victorian Convention and Event Trust Act 1996** |\n\n\n–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––\n\n3 Explanatory details\n\nNo entries at date of publication.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Act has been expanded from its original 1996 role of establishing a body to manage convention and exhibition facilities to a broader operational and commercial mandate. Notable scope changes in incorporated amendments include: (a) adding an express function to support Victoria's tourism and events industry and giving the Minister power to specify matters for that support by determination (s 5(da), s 5A); (b) expanded governance provisions (new deputy and acting chair roles and clearer grounds for suspension/removal) (ss 10A–10B, 11(3)–(4)); (c) clearer commercial powers to form or join corporations, trusts or partnerships with Minister approval (s 18); and (d) a name change and transitional continuity provisions (s 29). These changes broaden the Trust's remit from pure venue operation to active industry support and commercial participation, and increase Ministerial oversight and formal governance controls (see ss 5, 5A, 7, 18, 23)."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple substantive functions and powers across Parts 2–4 (establishment, commercial powers, land, finance and reporting).","About 7 defined terms added in the Interpretation section (acting chairperson, chairperson, deputy chairperson, Exhibition land, member, Royal Exhibition Building, Trust) (s 3).","Numerous cross‑references to other Acts: Land Act 1958 (s 20), Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 (s 6(2)(b)), Museums Act 1983 (s 3 definitions), Borrowing and Investment Powers Act 1987 (s 22), Public Administration Act 2004 (s 9(3)).","Several ministerial and Governor in Council approvals required across the Act (s 5(b),(d), s 5A, s 7, s 18, s 19, s 21, s 23(9)–(11)).","Conditional and procedural corporate plan and consultation rules with multiple time limits and modification paths (ss 23(2)–(11), 24, 25).","Governance complexity: layered chair roles (chair, deputy, acting chair) and detailed vacancy, suspension and removal grounds including newly inserted disciplinary provisions (ss 10–12, 11(3)–(4)).","Transitional and amendment history incorporated (notably 2024 amendments adding s 5A and governance changes), requiring attention to continuity rules (s 29).","Several administrative obligations and limits tied to land dealings (s 20–21) and restrictions on disposal requiring Minister approval."],"plain_english_summary":"**What this law does (in plain language)**\n\n- Creates a statutory body called the Victorian Convention and Event Trust (the Trust) to run, manage and promote convention, exhibition and related facilities and services in Victoria (for example, convention centres, exhibition spaces and associated parking) (see s 4, s 5).\n\n- Gives the Trust corporate powers to own property, enter contracts, hire staff, sue and be sued, borrow and invest under existing borrowing laws, and charge fees for use of its facilities or services (see ss 4, 6, 17, 22).\n\n- Allows the Trust, with Minister approval, to operate or support tourism and hospitality facilities, and—subject to arrangements with the Museums Board—manage the Royal Exhibition Building and parts of Exhibition land (see s 5(b), s 5(d), s 5(da)). The Minister can also specify particular tourism or events matters the Trust should support by a published determination (s 5A).\n\n- Permits the Trust, with Minister approval, to participate in or form corporations, trusts, partnerships and joint ventures and to hold shares, debentures or trust units (s 18). It can also enter reciprocal or shared-service arrangements with public sector agencies with Governor in Council consent on the Minister's recommendation (s 19).\n\n- Puts the Trust under the general direction and control of the Minister and allows the Minister to give specific directions about spending specified Trust funds (s 7). The Trust must carry out its functions subject to these directions (s 7(2)).\n\n- Sets out governance rules: a part‑time board of 3–9 members appointed by the Governor in Council (s 8); one member is appointed chair by the Minister (s 10); the Minister may appoint a deputy chair and an acting chair in certain short‑term circumstances (ss 10A–10B). Members serve terms up to 3 years and are covered by most of the Public Administration Act 2004 (s 9).\n\n- Imposes standard public‑governance obligations: disclosure and management of conflicts of interest (s 14), quorum and voting rules (s 15), rules for vacancies and removal (s 11–12), and staff appointment powers including an executive officer (s 16).\n\n- Requires an annual corporate plan and a statement of corporate intent, with prescribed contents and a formal process for Minister comment, agreed changes and the Trust's obligation to act in accordance with the plan unless the Minister approves otherwise (ss 23–25). The Trust must also provide half‑yearly reports and financial statements (s 27).\n\n- Treats the Trust as an authority under the Land Act 1958 for land management powers, but prevents the Trust from selling or otherwise dealing with land in fee simple (or using Trust‑vested land for non‑Trust purposes) without the Minister's written approval (ss 20–21).\n\n- Preserves continuity of existing appointments and acts after recent amendments that changed the Trust's name and some governance provisions (see transitional s 29).\n\nWhy it matters (mechanics and who is affected)\n\n- Who decides: the Minister has central control powers—general directions, specific spending directions, approval rights for some Trust activities and published determinations about tourism/event support. Some arrangements additionally require Governor in Council consent (s 7, s 5A, s 18, s 19).\n\n- Who pays: the Trust can raise revenue by charging users (s 17) and can borrow or invest under the relevant borrowing law (s 22). Where the Minister directs spending of Trust funds for promotion, those funds are spent according to Minister direction (s 7(1)(b)). Government funding or guarantees may be involved if the Trust borrows or the Government enters reciprocal arrangements (ss 19, 22).\n\n- Behaviour changes the law encourages: the Trust is structured and empowered to act commercially—entering joint ventures, owning assets, charging fees and operating facilities—while operating under Ministerial oversight and an approved corporate plan (ss 6, 17, 18, 23–25). The Trust can therefore compete in markets for event services and partner with private or public entities.\n\nPractical trade-offs, costs and implementation issues (linked to specific sections)\n\n- Concentrated benefits vs diffuse costs: the Trust's powers to manage and promote event facilities concentrate benefits on event users, venue operators and participating partners (ss 5, 17, 18). Costs are borne by the Trust (and ultimately users or taxpayers if Government funding is provided) through operating expenses, investments and any borrowing (ss 22, 23).\n\n- Ministerial control vs operational autonomy: multiple provisions require Minister approval or permit directions (s 7; approvals in ss 5(b), 5(d), 5A, 18, 21, 23(9)–(11)). That constrains the Trust's independent commercial decision‑making and creates points where political or administrative priorities can alter commercial choices.\n\n- Commercial engagement and competition effects: the Trust may form or join commercial entities and charge fees (ss 17–18). That gives it a market role which could affect private competitors; approvals and Minister involvement (s 18) are the mechanism that shapes how aggressively it can participate.\n\n- Compliance and administrative burden: the corporate plan process (ss 23–25) and half‑yearly reporting (s 27) impose ongoing compliance and consultation steps with the Minister that require administrative capacity and create timing constraints on changes to strategy.\n\n- Implementation risk: power to direct spending and to require Minister approvals for particular activities introduces discretionary decision points (s 7, s 5A, s 18). Where many activities require consent, delays or inconsistencies in approvals could hinder timely commercial responses.\n\nKey source sections: establishment and functions (ss 4–5, 5A), powers (ss 6, 17–19), Ministerial control (s 7), governance (ss 8–16), corporate planning and reporting (ss 22–27), land constraints (ss 20–21).\n\n(References in parentheses are to the section numbers in the Act.)"},"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"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The legislation has expanded beyond its original 1996 purpose. Originally established as the 'Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust' focused specifically on convention/exhibition facilities and abolishing the Melbourne Exhibition Centre Trust, the 2024 amendments broadened the scope significantly: (1) renamed the entity to 'Victorian Convention and Event Trust' to reflect statewide rather than Melbourne-specific focus; (2) added section 5A allowing the Minister to determine matters for supporting Victoria's tourism/events industry generally, not just facility management; and (3) added governance roles (deputy/acting chairperson) to support expanded operations. The Trust evolved from a venue manager to a broader economic development body for the events industry."},"complexity_factors":["Straightforward structure with 6 Parts and clear divisions","Only 9 defined terms in section 3 (acting chairperson, chairperson, deputy chairperson, Exhibition land, member, Royal Exhibition Building, Trust)","Minimal cross-referencing—primarily references to Land Act 1958, Borrowing and Investment Powers Act 1987, and Public Administration Act 2004","Recent 2024 amendments added deputy chairperson and acting chairperson roles (sections 10A, 10B) and ministerial determination powers (section 5A), but these are additive rather than complicating existing logic","Conditional logic is simple—mostly 'with ministerial approval' triggers rather than nested exceptions","No significant exceptions to exceptions; most provisions are permissive ('may') with ministerial oversight as the primary constraint","Length is moderate—29 sections plus transitional provisions, approximately 12 pages of substantive law"],"plain_english_summary":"This law creates and governs the **Victorian Convention and Event Trust**—a government body that runs convention centres, exhibition halls, and related facilities in Victoria.\n\n**What it does:**\n- **Establishes the Trust** as a legal entity (like a company) that can own property, sign contracts, and sue or be sued.\n- **Sets its job**: Managing convention and exhibition venues (like the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre), plus tourism and hospitality facilities with ministerial approval. It also manages the historic Royal Exhibition Building under an agreement with the Museums Board.\n- **New in 2024**: Added powers to support Victoria's broader tourism and events industry based on ministerial directions (Section 5A).\n- **Governance**: The Trust has 3–9 part-time board members appointed by the Governor in Council, including a chairperson, deputy chairperson, and acting chairperson roles. Members can be suspended or removed for misconduct, negligence, or conflicts of interest.\n- **Rules for members**: Strict conflict-of-interest rules—members must declare financial interests and can't vote on matters where they stand to profit.\n- **Powers**: Can charge fees, enter contracts, form joint ventures, borrow money, and deal with land (but can't sell land without ministerial approval).\n- **Accountability**: Must prepare annual corporate plans with business and financial details, submit to ministerial oversight, and provide half-yearly reports.\n- **Ministerial control**: The Minister can give general directions, approve specific spending, and modify the Trust's corporate plan.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- Event organisers, convention centres, tourism operators, and hospitality businesses using Trust facilities.\n- The Trust's board members and staff.\n- Government agencies working with the Trust on joint projects.\n\n**Why it matters:**\nThis law ensures major Victorian event infrastructure is run by a dedicated statutory body with clear accountability to the Minister, while allowing commercial flexibility to operate venues and support the state's events economy."},"summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Act was originally titled the 'Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Act 1996', indicating its original focus was specifically on the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The renamed 'Victorian Convention and Event Trust Act 1996' suggests the scope has been deliberately expanded to cover a broader range of events and venues across Victoria, not just a single convention and exhibition facility in Melbourne."},"complexity_factors":["Establishes a statutory body (Trust) with specific legal powers and obligations requiring understanding of corporate governance concepts","Involves intersection of public administration law, contract law, and property law","Accountability and financial reporting obligations tied to broader Victorian government frameworks","Amended over time (including title change), meaning the current version may differ meaningfully from the original Act, requiring version tracking","Limited publicly available detail in the provided extract makes full assessment difficult, but the subject matter is relatively contained and straightforward compared to complex regulatory schemes"],"plain_english_summary":"The Act creates a government Trust to own, operate and develop major convention, exhibition and event facilities in Victoria (notably the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre). It affects event organisers, venue staff, taxpayers and the tourism/hospitality sector by governing how venues are run, funded and held accountable to government. The Trust’s role shapes which large conferences and trade shows come to Victoria and how public resources support the events industry."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/victorian-convention-and-event-trust-act-1996","history":"/api/acts/victorian-convention-and-event-trust-act-1996/history","analysis":"/api/acts/victorian-convention-and-event-trust-act-1996/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/victorian-convention-and-event-trust-act-1996/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/victorian-convention-and-event-trust-act-1996/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/victorian-convention-and-event-trust-act-1996/documents"}}