An Act to establish the Australian Communications and Media Authority, and for related purposes
Part 1—Preliminary
1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005.
2 Commencement
(1) Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="width:355.55pt; border-collapse:collapse"><thead><tr><td colspan="3" style="width:344.85pt; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Commencement information</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-weight:bold">Column 1</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-weight:bold">Column 2</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-weight:bold">Column 3</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-weight:bold">Provision(s)</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-weight:bold">Commencement</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-weight:bold">Date/Details</span></p></td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>1.</span><span> </span><span>Sections</span><span> </span><span>1 and 2 and anything in this Act not elsewhere covered by this table</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>The day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>1</span><span> </span><span>April 2005</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>2.</span><span> </span><span>Sections</span><span> </span><span>3 to 68</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>A single day to be fixed by Proclamation.</span></p><p class="Tabletext"><span>However, if any of the provision(s) do not commence before 1</span><span> </span><span>July 2005, they commence on that day.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>1</span><span> </span><span>July 2005</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>
Note: This table relates only to the provisions of this Act as originally passed by the Parliament and assented to. It will not be expanded to deal with provisions inserted in this Act after assent.
(2) Column 3 of the table contains additional information that is not part of this Act. Information in this column may be added to or edited in any published version of this Act.
3 Definitions
In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
ACMA means the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
ACMA official means:
(a) a member; or
(b) an associate member; or
(c) a member of the ACMA staff; or
(d) a person whose services are made available to the ACMA under subsection 55(1).
ACMA staff means the staff described in section 54.
additional functions, in relation to the ACMA, has the meaning given by section 11.
appointer means:
(a) for a member—the Governor‑General; or
(b) for an associate member—the Minister.
associate member means an associate member of the ACMA.
authorised disclosure information means:
(a) information that was given in confidence to the ACMA in connection with the performance of any of the ACMA’s functions or the exercise of any of its powers; or
(b) information that was obtained by the ACMA as a result of the exercise of any of its powers under:
(i) Part 2, 5, 7, 8C, 9E or 13 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992; or
(ia) Part 3, 4 or 5 of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001; or
(ii) Chapter 3, 5 or 6 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992; or
(iii) Part 3, 6, 21, 26 or 27 of the Telecommunications Act 1997; or
(iv) Schedule 3A to the Telecommunications Act 1997; or
(v) Part 2 of the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999; or
(c) information that was obtained by the ACMA as a result of the exercise of powers under a provision that:
(i) allows the ACMA or an ACMA official to require a person to give information or to produce a document; and
(ii) is a provision of an Act or a legislative instrument; and
(iii) is not a provision described in paragraph (b); or
(d) information that was given in confidence to the ACMA by a government authority of a foreign country.
broadcasting, content and datacasting functions, in relation to the ACMA, has the meaning given by section 10.
carriage service provider has the same meaning as in the Telecommunications Act 1997.
carrier has the same meaning as in the Telecommunications Act 1997.
Chair means the Chair of the ACMA.
contract includes a deed.
Deputy Chair means the Deputy Chair of the ACMA.
Division means a Division as described in section 46.
ends, in relation to a hearing, inquiry or investigation, has the meaning given by section 4.
foreign country includes a region, where:
(a) the region is a colony, territory or protectorate of a foreign country; or
(b) the region is part of a foreign country; or
(c) the region is under the protection of a foreign country; or
(d) a foreign country exercises jurisdiction or control over the region; or
(e) a foreign country is responsible for the region’s international relations.
gambling service has the same meaning as in the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
hearing means a hearing held, or proposed to be held, by the ACMA under Part 13 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
inquiry means an inquiry held, or proposed to be held, by the ACMA under Part 25 of the Telecommunications Act 1997.
investigation means an investigation conducted, or proposed to be conducted, by the ACMA under:
(a) Part 26 of the Telecommunications Act 1997; or
(b) Part 11 or 13 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992; or
(c) Part 5 of Schedule 6 to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
listed carriage service has the same meaning as in the Telecommunications Act 1997.
member means a member of the ACMA, and does not include an associate member.
prohibited interactive gambling service has the same meaning as in the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
radiocommunications means:
(a) radiocommunications (within the meaning of the Radiocommunications Act 1992); or
(b) a transmission or radio emission covered by subsection 20(1) or section 21 or 22 of that Act.
radiocommunications community includes:
(a) users of radiocommunications; and
(b) persons who sell, hire, manufacture or import:
(i) radiocommunications transmitters (within the meaning of the Radiocommunications Act 1992); or
(ii) radiocommunications receivers (within the meaning of that Act).
regulated interactive gambling service has the same meaning as in the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
spectrum management functions, in relation to the ACMA, has the meaning given by section 9.
telecommunications means the carriage of communications (as defined in the in the Telecommunications Act 1997) by means of guided and/or unguided electromagnetic energy.
telecommunications functions, in relation to the ACMA, has the meaning given by section 8.
vacancy, in relation to the office of a member, has a meaning affected by section 5.
4 When does an inquiry, investigation or hearing end?
(1) This section defines when an inquiry, investigation or hearing ends for the purposes of this Act.
(2) An investigation under Part 26 of the Telecommunications Act 1997, or an inquiry or hearing, ends at the end of the day on which the ACMA completes the preparation of a report about the investigation, inquiry or hearing under whichever of the following provisions is applicable:
(a) section 495 or 516 of the Telecommunications Act 1997;
(c) section 199 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
(3) An investigation under any of the following provisions of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 ends (subject to subsection (4) of this section) at the end of the day the ACMA completes the investigation:
(a) Part 11 or 13;
(b) clause 38 of Schedule 6.
(4) If the ACMA decides to prepare a report under section 178 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 about an investigation under Part 13 of that Act, the investigation ends at the end of the day the ACMA completes the report.
5 When is there a vacancy?
For the purposes of a reference in:
(a) this Act to a vacancy in the office of a member; or
(b) the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 to a vacancy in the membership of a body;
there are taken to be 7 offices of members in addition to the Chair and Deputy Chair.
Part 2—ACMA’s establishment, functions, powers and liabilities
Division 1—Establishment
6 Establishment
(1) The Australian Communications and Media Authority is established by this section.
Note: The ACMA does not have a legal identity separate from the Commonwealth.
(2) For the purposes of the finance law (within the meaning of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013):
(a) the ACMA is a listed entity; and
(b) the Chair is the accountable authority of the ACMA; and
(c) the ACMA officials are officials of the ACMA; and
(d) the purposes of the ACMA include the functions of the ACMA referred to in Division 2 of Part 2.
Division 2—Functions
7 ACMA’s functions
The ACMA has the functions described in this Division.
8 ACMA’s telecommunications functions
(1) The ACMA’s telecommunications functions are as follows:
(a) to regulate telecommunications in accordance with the Telecommunications Act 1997 and the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999;
(b) to advise and assist the telecommunications industry;
(c) to report to and advise the Minister in relation to the telecommunications industry;
(d) to report to and advise the Minister in relation to matters affecting consumers, or proposed consumers, of carriage services;
(e) to manage Australia’s input into the setting of international standards for telecommunications (except so far as Standards Australia is responsible for managing that input);
(f) to monitor, and report to the Minister on, all significant matters relating to the licensing of carriers under the Telecommunications Act 1997;
(g) to make available to the public information about matters relating to the telecommunications industry;
(h) to conduct public educational programs about matters relating to the telecommunications industry;
(i) to give advice to the public about matters relating to the telecommunications industry;
(j) such other functions as are conferred on the ACMA by or under:
(i) the Spam Act 2003; or
(ia) the Do Not Call Register Act 2006; or
(ii) the Telecommunications Act 1997; or
(iii) the Telecommunications (Carrier Licence Charges) Act 1997; or
(iv) the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999; or
(iva) Chapter 4 or 5 of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979; or
(v) the Telecommunications (Numbering Charges) Act 1997; or
(vi) Part XIC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010; or
(vii) the SPF provisions (within the meaning of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010) if the ACMA is designated as a SPF sector regulator under subsection 58ED(1) of that Act;
(k) to monitor, and to report to the Minister on, the operation of each Act specified in paragraph (j), to the extent it is so specified;
(l) to do anything incidental to or conducive to the performance of any of the above functions.
(2) An expression used in this section that is also used in the Telecommunications Act 1997 has the same meaning in this section as it has in that Act.
9 ACMA’s spectrum management functions
The ACMA’s spectrum management functions are as follows:
(a) to manage the radiofrequency spectrum in accordance with the Radiocommunications Act 1992;
(b) to advise and assist the radiocommunications community;
(c) to report to and advise the Minister in relation to the radiocommunications community;
(d) to manage Australia’s input into the setting of international standards for radiocommunications (except so far as Standards Australia is responsible for managing that input);
(e) to make available to the public information about matters relating to the radiocommunications community;
(f) to conduct public educational programs about matters relating to the radiocommunications community;
(g) to give advice to the public about matters relating to the radiocommunications community;
(h) such other functions as are conferred on the ACMA by or under:
(i) the Radiocommunications Act 1992; or
(ii) the Radiocommunications (Receiver Licence Tax) Act 1983; or
(iii) the Radiocommunications (Spectrum Licence Tax) Act 1997; or
(iv) the Radiocommunications Taxes Collection Act 1983; or
(v) the Radiocommunications (Transmitter Licence Tax) Act 1983; or
(vi) Part 14AA of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992;
(i) to monitor, and to report to the Minister on, the operation of each Act specified in paragraph (h), to the extent it is so specified;
(j) to do anything incidental to or conducive to the performance of any of the above functions.
10 ACMA’s broadcasting, content and datacasting functions
(1) The ACMA’s broadcasting, content and datacasting functions are as follows:
(a) to regulate broadcasting services, broadcasting video on demand services, subscription video on demand services and datacasting services in accordance with the Broadcasting Services Act 1992;
(b) to plan the availability of segments of the broadcasting services bands on an area basis;
(c) to allocate, renew, suspend and cancel licences and to take other enforcement action under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992;
(d) to conduct investigations or hearings relating to the allocating of licences for community radio and community television services;
(e) to conduct investigations as directed by the Minister under section 171 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992;
(f) to design and administer price‑based systems for the allocation of commercial television broadcasting licences and commercial radio broadcasting licences;
(g) to collect any fees payable in respect of licences;
(h) to conduct or commission research into community attitudes on issues relating to programs and datacasting content;
(i) to assist broadcasting service providers and datacasting service providers to develop codes of practice that, as far as possible, are in accordance with community standards;
(j) to monitor compliance with those codes of practice;
(k) to develop program standards relating to broadcasting in Australia;
(l) to monitor compliance with those standards;
(la) to develop guidelines and make determinations about regulated television devices under Part 9E of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992;
(lb) to advise the Minister about regulated television services under Part 9E of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992;
(lc) to monitor compliance with the minimum prominence requirements;
(ld) to conduct investigations relating to compliance with the minimum prominence requirements;
(m) to monitor and investigate complaints concerning broadcasting services (including national broadcasting services) and datacasting services;
(ma) to monitor compliance with the online content service provider rules;
(n) to inform itself and advise the Minister on technological advances and service trends in the broadcasting industry, broadcasting video on demand industry, internet industry and datacasting industry;
(o) such other functions as are conferred on the ACMA by or under:
(i) the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983; or
(ii) the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (other than Part 14AA); or
(iii) the Interactive Gambling Act 2001; or
(iv) the National Self‑exclusion Register (Cost Recovery Levy) Act 2019; or
(v) the Special Broadcasting Service Act 1991;
(q) to report to, and advise, the Minister in relation to the broadcasting industry, broadcasting video on demand industry, internet industry and datacasting industry;
(r) to monitor, and to report to the Minister on, the operation of each Act specified in paragraph (o) or (p), to the extent it is so specified;
(s) to do anything incidental to or conducive to the performance of any of the above functions.
(2) An expression used in this section that is also used in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 has the same meaning in this section as it has in that Act.
11 ACMA’s additional functions
(1) The ACMA’s additional functions are as follows:
(a) if a written instruction issued by the Minister to do so is in force—to prepare to provide for the management of electronic addressing:
(i) of a kind specified in the instruction; and
(ii) relating to a kind of listed carriage service specified in the instruction;
(b) if an instruction under paragraph (a) and a written instruction issued by the Minister to do so are in force—to provide for the management of electronic addressing:
(i) of a kind specified in the instruction under this paragraph and covered by the instruction under paragraph (a); and
(ii) relating to a kind of listed carriage service specified in the instruction under this paragraph and covered by the instruction under paragraph (a);
(c) to provide services, or facilities, on behalf of the Commonwealth under a contract made by the Commonwealth, where:
(i) the services or facilities relate to radiocommunications or telecommunications; or
(ii) the provision of the services or facilities utilises the ACMA’s spare capacity; or
(iii) the provision of the services or facilities maintains or improves the specialised technical skills of the ACMA’s staff in relation to radiocommunications or telecommunications;
(d) such functions as are conferred on the ACMA by or under:
(i) this Act (other than section 8, 9 or 10); or
(ii) any other law (other than a law to the extent to which it confers functions described in section 8, 9 or 10);
(e) to do anything incidental to or conducive to the performance of any of the above functions.
(2) Paragraph (1)(c) does not authorise the ACMA to perform a function if the performance of the function would impede the ACMA’s capacity to perform its other functions.
Division 3—Powers
12 ACMA’s powers
The ACMA has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the performance of its functions.
Note: The Chair may enter into contracts and other arrangements on behalf of the Commonwealth. See section 23 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
Division 4—Requirements relating to these functions and powers
14 Minister may give directions to ACMA
(1) The Minister may give written directions to the ACMA in relation to the performance of its functions and the exercise of its powers.
(2) However, such a direction can only be of a general nature if it relates to:
(a) the ACMA’s broadcasting, content and datacasting functions; or
(b) the ACMA’s powers relating to those functions.
(3) A direction under subsection (1) must be published in the Gazette.
(4) The ACMA must perform its functions, and exercise its powers, in a manner consistent with any directions given by the Minister under subsection (1).
(5) This section does not affect the Minister’s powers under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 to give directions to the ACMA.
15 ACMA not otherwise subject to direction
Except as otherwise provided by or under this or any other Act, the ACMA is not subject to direction by or on behalf of the Commonwealth.
16 Consistency with CER Trade in Services Protocol
The ACMA must perform its broadcasting, content and datacasting functions, and exercise its powers relating to those functions, in a manner consistent with Australia’s obligations under the CER Trade in Services Protocol (as defined in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992).
17 ACMA to consult ACCC in relation to management of electronic addressing
The ACMA must consult the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission before carrying out an act:
(a) for the purpose of performing its functions under paragraph 11(1)(a) or (b); and
(b) that would, in the ACMA’s opinion, have a significant effect on competition or consumer protection.
Part 3—ACMA’s membership
Division 2—Membership
Subdivision A—Members
19 Membership
The ACMA consists of the following members:
(a) a Chair;
(b) a Deputy Chair;
(c) at least 1, and not more than 7, other members.
20 Appointment of members
(1) Each member is to be appointed by the Governor‑General by written instrument.
(2) The Chair and the Deputy Chair must be appointed as full‑time members.
(3) A member, other than the Chair or the Deputy Chair, may be appointed as a full‑time member or as a part‑time member.
(4) A part‑time member may be assigned by the Minister, acting on the ACMA’s advice, on a full‑time basis to an inquiry, investigation or hearing. Such an assignment must be in writing.
(5) For the purposes of this Act (except for subsection 31(2) and paragraph 34(5)(b)), a part‑time member so assigned is taken to be a full‑time member while the assignment is in force.
21 Period of appointment for members
Period of current appointment
(1) A member holds office for the period specified in his or her instrument of appointment. The period must not exceed 5 years.
Total appointments must not exceed 10 years
(2) A person can be appointed as a member more than once. However, a later appointment must not result in the sum of the person’s periods of appointment exceeding 10 years.
Extension to complete inquiry, investigation or hearing
(3) Despite subsections (1) and (2), if a member is conducting, or is part of the panel conducting, an inquiry, investigation or hearing for the ACMA, the Minister may, by writing, extend the member’s appointment until the end of the inquiry, investigation or hearing.
For 10 year rule, count associate membership and ABA and ACA membership and associate membership
(4) For the purposes of subsection (2), a period of appointment includes (in addition to any periods when the person was a member of the ACMA):
(a) a period when the person was an associate member of the ACMA; or
(b) a period before the commencement of section 6 when the person was a member, or associate member, of the Australian Broadcasting Authority that was established by the Broadcasting Services Act 1992; or
(c) a period:
(i) starting on or after 1 July 1997; and
(ii) ending before the commencement of section 6;
when the person was a member, or associate member, of the body corporate that was continued in existence by section 14 of the Australian Communications Authority Act 1997.
22 Acting Chair
The Deputy Chair is to act as the Chair:
(a) during a vacancy in the office of Chair (whether or not an appointment has previously been made to the office); or
(b) during any period, or during all periods, when the Chair:
(i) is absent from duty or from Australia; or
(ii) is, for any reason, unable to perform the duties of the office.
Note: For rules that apply to persons acting as the Chair, see section 33A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
23 Acting appointments—members other than the Chair
(1) The Minister may appoint a member to act as the Deputy Chair:
(a) during a vacancy in the office of Deputy Chair (whether or not an appointment has previously been made to the office); or
(b) during any period, or during all periods, when the Deputy Chair:
(i) is acting as the Chair; or
(ii) is absent from duty or from Australia; or
(iii) is, for any reason, unable to perform the duties of the office.
Note: For rules that apply to acting appointments, see section 33A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(2) The Minister may appoint a person to act as a member (other than as Chair or Deputy Chair):
(a) during a vacancy in the office of a member (whether or not an appointment has previously been made to the office); or
(b) during any period, or during all periods, when a member:
(i) is acting as the Deputy Chair; or
(ii) is absent from duty or from Australia; or
(iii) is, for any reason, unable to perform the duties of the office.
Note: For rules that apply to acting appointments, see section 33A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
Subdivision B—Associate members
24 Appointment of associate members
(1) The Minister may appoint as many associate members of the ACMA as he or she thinks fit.
(2) Each associate member is to be appointed by the Minister by written instrument.
(3) An associate member may be appointed as a full‑time associate member or as a part‑time associate member.
(4) An associate member’s instrument of appointment must contain a statement to the effect that the associate member’s appointment relates to 1 or more specified matters, being:
(a) an inquiry, investigation or hearing; or
(b) any other matter that relates to the performance of the ACMA’s functions or the exercise of the ACMA’s powers.
25 Period of appointment for associate members
Period specified in instrument of appointment
(1) An associate member holds office for the period specified in his or her instrument of appointment. The period must not exceed 5 years.
Total periods of appointment must not exceed 10 years
(2) A person can be appointed as an associate member more than once. However, a later appointment must not result in the sum of the person’s periods of appointment exceeding 10 years.
Reduction if specified inquiry, investigation or hearing ends earlier
(3) Despite subsection (1), if:
(a) an associate member’s instrument of appointment specifies that the appointment relates to a specified inquiry, investigation or hearing; and
(b) the inquiry, investigation or hearing ends before the end of the period described in subsection (1);
the associate member holds office until the end of the inquiry, investigation or hearing.
Extension to complete inquiry, investigation or hearing
(4) Despite subsections (1) and (2), if an associate member is conducting, or is part of the panel conducting, an inquiry, investigation or hearing for the ACMA, the Minister may, by writing, extend the associate member’s appointment until the end of the inquiry, investigation or hearing.
For 10 year rule, count membership and ABA and ACA membership and associate membership
(5) For the purposes of subsection (2), a period of appointment includes (in addition to any periods when the person was an associate member of the ACMA):
(a) a period when the person was a member of the ACMA; or
(b) a period before the commencement of section 6 when the person was a member, or associate member, of the Australian Broadcasting Authority that was established by the Broadcasting Services Act 1992; or
(c) a period:
(i) starting on or after 1 July 1997; and
(ii) ending before the commencement of section 6;
when the person was a member, or associate member, of the body corporate that was continued in existence by section 14 of the Australian Communications Authority Act 1997.
26 Acting appointments—associate members
The Minister may appoint a person to act as an associate member during any period, or during all periods, when an associate member:
(a) is acting as a member; or
(b) is absent from duty or from Australia; or
(c) is, for any reason, unable to perform the duties of the office.
Note: For rules that apply to acting appointments, see section 33A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
27 Associate members to be treated as members for certain purposes in other Acts
(1) For the purposes of a reference in an Act other than this Act to a member of the ACMA, an associate member is taken to be a member for all purposes in connection with any inquiry, investigation, hearing or other matter specified in his or her instrument of appointment.
(2) Subsection (1) is subject to a contrary intention in the other Act.
Division 3—Terms and conditions for members and associate members
28 Remuneration
(1) A member or associate member is to be paid the remuneration that is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal. If no determination of that remuneration by the Tribunal is in operation, the member or associate member is to be paid the remuneration that is prescribed in the regulations.
(2) A member or associate member is to be paid the allowances that are prescribed in the regulations.
(3) This section has effect subject to the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.
29 Disclosure of interests
(1) A disclosure by a member or associate member under section 29 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (which deals with the duty to disclose interests) must be made to the Minister.
(2) Subsection (1) applies in addition to any rules made for the purposes of that section.
(3) For the purposes of this Act and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, the member or associate member is taken not to have complied with section 29 of that Act if he or she does not comply with subsection (1) of this section.
(4) The Chair must inform the Minister if the members of the ACMA agree, in accordance with any rules made for the purposes of section 29 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, to a member or associate member doing something that, apart from that agreement, the member or associate member would be prevented by those rules from doing.
31 Outside employment
(1) The Chair must not engage in paid employment outside the duties of the Chair’s office without the Minister’s approval.
(2) The other full‑time members and the full‑time associate members must not engage in paid employment outside the duties of their offices without the Chair’s approval.
32 Leave of absence
(1) A full‑time member or full‑time associate member has the recreation leave entitlements that are determined by the Remuneration Tribunal.
(2) The Minister may grant the Chair leave of absence, other than recreation leave, on the terms and conditions as to remuneration or otherwise that the Minister determines.
(3) The Chair may grant another full‑time member or a full‑time associate member leave of absence, other than recreation leave, on the terms and conditions as to remuneration or otherwise that the Chair determines.
(4) The Chair may grant leave of absence to any part‑time member, or part‑time associate member, on the terms and conditions that the Chair determines.
33 Resignation
A member or associate member may resign his or her appointment by giving the appointer a written resignation.
34 Termination of appointment
(1) The appointer must terminate the appointment of a member or associate member if the Minister is of the opinion that the performance of the member or associate member has been unsatisfactory for a significant period of time.
(2) The Governor‑General must terminate the appointment of all of the members and associate members if the Minister is of the opinion that the ACMA’s performance has been unsatisfactory for a significant period of time.
(3) The appointer may terminate the appointment of a member or associate member for misbehaviour or physical or mental incapacity.
(4) The appointer may terminate the appointment of a member or associate member if:
(a) the member or associate member:
(i) becomes bankrupt; or
(ii) applies to take the benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors; or
(iii) compounds with his or her creditors; or
(iv) makes an assignment of his or her remuneration for the benefit of his or her creditors; or
(b) the member or associate member fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with section 29 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (which deals with the duty to disclose interests) or rules made for the purposes of that section.
(5) The appointer may terminate the appointment of a full‑time member or full‑time associate member if:
(a) the member or associate member is absent, except on leave of absence, for 14 consecutive days or for 28 days in any 12 consecutive months; or
(b) the member or associate member engages, without the approval required by section 31, in paid employment outside the duties of his or her office.
(6) The appointer may terminate the appointment of a part‑time member if the member is absent, except on leave of absence, from 3 consecutive meetings of the ACMA.
(7) The appointer may terminate the appointment of a part‑time associate member if the associate member is absent from 3 consecutive meetings of the ACMA except on leave of absence. However, the only meetings that are to be taken into account for this purpose are meetings:
(a) that the associate member was entitled to attend (see section 40); and
(b) about which reasonable efforts were made to inform the associate member (see paragraph 37(b)).
(8) If the Minister is of the opinion that the members have failed to comply with section 56 or 57, the Governor‑General may terminate the appointment of all members or particular members.
35 Other terms and conditions
A member or associate member holds office on the terms and conditions (if any) in relation to matters not covered by this Act that are determined by the appointer.
Part 4—Decision‑making and delegation by ACMA
Division 1—Meetings
36 Times and places of meetings
(1) The ACMA is to hold such meetings as are necessary for the efficient performance of its functions.
(2) Meetings are to be held at such times and places as the ACMA decides. This subsection has effect subject to subsections (3) and (4).
(3) The Chair may call a meeting at any time.
(4) The Chair must call a meeting if requested to do so in writing by:
(a) the Minister; or
(b) at least 2 other members.
37 Notice of meetings
Reasonable efforts must be made to inform the following people about proposed meetings of the ACMA:
(a) the members;
(b) if the agenda for the proposed meeting mentions a matter connected with an inquiry, investigation, hearing or other matter specified in 1 or more associate members’ instruments of appointment—that associate member, or each of those associate members.
38 Presiding at meetings
(1) The Chair presides at all meetings at which he or she is present.
(2) If the Chair is not present at a meeting, the Deputy Chair presides.
(3) If neither the Chair nor the Deputy Chair is present at a meeting, the members present must appoint 1 of themselves to preside.
39 Quorum
(1) At a meeting of the ACMA, a quorum is constituted by a majority of the members.
(2) However, if:
(a) rules made for the purposes of section 29 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 prevent a member from participating in the deliberations, or decisions, of the ACMA with respect to a particular matter; and
(b) when the member leaves the meeting concerned there is no longer a quorum present;
the remaining members at the meeting constitute a quorum for the purpose of any deliberation or decision at that meeting with respect to that matter.
40 Participation etc. by associate members at meetings
(1) An associate member is entitled to attend, and participate in discussions at, a meeting of the ACMA while the meeting is considering a matter connected with an inquiry, investigation, hearing or other matter specified in the associate member’s instrument of appointment.
(2) Subsection (1) has effect subject to rules made for the purposes of section 29 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
41 Voting at meetings etc.
(1) At a meeting of the ACMA, a question is decided by a majority of the votes of the following people present and voting:
(a) the members; and
(b) if the question relates to a matter connected with an inquiry, investigation, hearing or other matter specified in the instruments of appointment of 1 or more associate members—that associate member, or each of those associate members.
(2) The person presiding at a meeting has a deliberative vote and, if necessary, also a casting vote.
42 Conduct of meetings
The ACMA may, subject to this Division, regulate proceedings at its meetings as it considers appropriate.
Note: Section 33B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 provides for participation in meetings by telephone etc.
43 Minutes
The ACMA must keep minutes of its meetings.
Division 2—Decisions without meetings
44 Decisions without meetings
(1) A decision is taken to have been made at a meeting of the ACMA if:
(a) without meeting, a majority of the members indicate agreement with the proposed decision in accordance with the method determined by the ACMA under subsection (2); and
(b) all the members were informed of the proposed decision, or reasonable efforts were made to inform all the members of the proposed decision.
(2) Subsection (1) applies only if the ACMA:
(a) has determined that it applies; and
(b) has determined the method by which members are to indicate agreement with proposed decisions.
(3) Paragraph (1)(a) does not apply to a member who is prevented by rules made for the purposes of section 29 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 from deliberating on the proposed decision.
(4) For the purposes of a particular proposed decision, this section applies to an associate member as if the associate member were a member, if that proposed decision relates to a matter connected with an inquiry, investigation, hearing or other matter specified in the associate member’s instrument of appointment.
45 Record of decisions
The ACMA must keep a record of decisions made in accordance with section 44.
Division 3—Divisions
46 Divisions
(1) The ACMA may establish 1 or more Divisions. If the ACMA establishes a Division, the ACMA must:
(a) determine the kinds of matters the Division can deal with; and
(b) ensure such a determination is in force at all times while the Division continues to exist.
Note: A Division cannot perform any of the ACMA’s functions, or exercise any of the ACMA’s powers, other than those delegated to the Division under section 50.
(2) The ACMA may:
(a) dissolve a Division; or
(b) revoke, vary or substitute a determination under subsection (1).
(3) A Division must consist of at least 3 members as chosen from time to time by the ACMA. If the Chair is not chosen, the Chair may elect at any time to be in the Division.
(4) A Division can also include 1 or more associate members as chosen from time to time by the ACMA if, for that associate member, or for each of those associate members, the kinds of matters the Division can deal with include a matter connected with an inquiry, investigation, hearing or other matter specified in the associate member’s instrument of appointment.
(5) A member or associate member can be in more than 1 Division.
(6) Subject to the Chair’s right of election under subsection (3), the ACMA may remove a member or associate member from a Division.
(7) A Division can decide a matter:
(a) at a meeting of the Division (see section 47); or
(b) in accordance with section 48.
47 Meetings of a Division
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the following provisions apply in relation to meetings of a Division:
(a) a member in the Division may call a meeting by giving notice of the meeting to the other members in the Division;
(b) a quorum at a meeting is a majority of the members for the time being in the Division;
(c) if:
(i) rules made for the purposes of section 29 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 prevent a member in the Division from participating in the deliberations, or decisions, of the Division with respect to a particular matter; and
(ii) when the member leaves the meeting concerned there is no longer a quorum present;
the remaining members at the meeting constitute a quorum for the purpose of any deliberation or decision at that meeting with respect to that matter;
(d) the members present at a meeting must appoint 1 of themselves to preside at the meeting;
(e) a question at a meeting is decided by a majority of the following people in the Division present and voting:
(i) the members in the Division; and
(ii) if the question relates to a matter connected with an inquiry, investigation, hearing or other matter specified in the instruments of appointment of 1 or more associate members in the Division—that associate member, or each of those associate members;
(f) the person presiding at a meeting has a deliberative vote and, if necessary, also a casting vote.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), a Division may determine its own rules relating to meetings, including (for example) rules about the following:
(a) calling of meetings;
(b) notice of meetings;
(c) presiding at meetings;
(d) how decisions are made at meetings, including quorum requirements and voting entitlements and procedures.
The rules that the Division determines displace the rules that would otherwise apply under subsection (1), to the extent of any inconsistency.
(3) A Division cannot:
(a) determine rules that purport to exclude the operation of, or that are inconsistent with, rules made for the purposes of section 29 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, or any provision of this Act (other than subsection (1) of this section); or
(b) determine rules under which an associate member would be allowed to vote on a question that does not relate to a matter connected with an inquiry, investigation, hearing or other matter specified in the instrument of appointment of the associate member.
Note: Section 33B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 provides for participation in meetings by telephone etc.
48 Division can make decisions without meetings
(1) A decision is taken to have been made at a meeting of a Division if:
(a) without meeting, a majority of the members in the Division indicate agreement with the proposed decision in accordance with the method determined by the Division under subsection (2); and
(b) all the members in the Division were informed of the proposed decision, or reasonable efforts were made to inform all those members of the proposed decision.
(2) Subsection (1) applies only if the Division:
(a) has determined that it applies; and
(b) has determined the method by which the members in the Division are to indicate agreement with proposed decisions.
(3) Paragraph (1)(a) does not apply to a member who is prevented by rules made for the purposes of section 29 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 from deliberating on the proposed decision.
(4) For the purposes of a particular proposed decision, this section applies to an associate member in the Division as if the associate member were a member in the Division, if that proposed decision relates to a matter connected with an inquiry, investigation, hearing or other matter specified in the associate member’s instrument of appointment.
49 Minutes etc.
A Division must:
(a) keep minutes of its meetings; and
(b) keep a record of decisions made in accordance with section 48.
Division 4—Delegations
50 Delegations by ACMA to a Division
(1) The ACMA may, by writing, delegate to a Division any or all of the ACMA’s functions and powers so far as they relate to the kinds of matters the Division can deal with.
(2) A certificate:
(a) stating any matter with respect to the performance of a delegated function or exercise of a delegated power; and
(b) signed by:
(i) a member in the Division; or
(ii) an associate member who participated, or could have participated, in the making of the Division’s decision to perform the delegated function or exercise the delegated power;
is prima facie evidence of the matter.
(3) A document purporting to be a certificate mentioned in subsection (2) is taken to be such a certificate and to have been duly given unless the contrary is established.
51 Delegations by ACMA to others
(1) Subject to subsection (2) and section 53, the ACMA may, by writing, delegate any or all of its functions and powers to:
(a) a member; or
(b) an associate member, if the delegated function or power relates to a matter connected with an inquiry, investigation, hearing or other matter specified in the associate member’s instrument of appointment; or
(c) a member of the ACMA staff; or
(d) a person whose services are made available to the ACMA under subsection 55(1).
(2) The ACMA may only delegate a power to make, vary or revoke an instrument that is a legislative instrument to a person under this section if:
(a) the delegation is only for the purposes of one or both of the following:
(i) giving effect to a policy or a decision of the ACMA;
(ii) making changes of the kinds referred to in each paragraph of subsection 15X(2) of the Legislation Act 2003 (about editorial changes) to instruments made under that power; and
(b) if the delegation is for the purposes of giving effect to a policy or a decision of the ACMA—having regard to what would be required, necessary or convenient to give effect to the policy or decision, the ACMA is satisfied that it is appropriate for a delegate to exercise the power; and
(c) the person is:
(i) a member; or
(ii) an SES employee or an acting SES employee; or
(iii) a person holding, or performing the duties of, an office or position that is at a level equivalent to that of an SES employee.
Note: The expressions SES employee and acting SES employee are defined in section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
52 Delegations by a Division
(1) Subject to subsection (1A) and section 53, a Division may delegate all or any of the functions and powers delegated to it under section 50 to:
(a) a member; or
(b) an associate member, if the delegated function or power relates to a matter connected with an inquiry, investigation, hearing or other matter specified in the associate member’s instrument of appointment; or
(c) a member of the ACMA staff; or
(d) a person whose services are made available to the ACMA under subsection 55(1).
(1A) A Division may only delegate a power to make, vary or revoke an instrument that is a legislative instrument to a person under this section if:
(a) the delegation is only for the purposes of one or both of the following:
(i) giving effect to a policy or a decision of the Division;
(ii) making changes of the kinds referred to in each paragraph of subsection 15X(2) of the Legislation Act 2003 (about editorial changes) to instruments made under that power; and
(b) if the delegation is for the purposes of giving effect to a policy or a decision of the Division—having regard to what would be required, necessary or convenient to give effect to the policy or decision, the Division is satisfied that it is appropriate for a delegate to exercise the power; and
(c) the person is:
(i) a member; or
(ii) an SES employee or an acting SES employee; or
(iii) a person holding, or performing the duties of, an office or position that is at a level equivalent to that of an SES employee.
Note: The expressions SES employee and acting SES employee are defined in section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(2) The delegation continues in force despite a change in the membership of the Division.
(3) The delegation may be varied or revoked by the Division (whether or not there has been a change in the membership of the Division).
(4) A certificate:
(a) stating any matter with respect to a delegation under subsection (1); and
(b) signed by:
(i) a member in the Division; or
(ii) an associate member who participated, or could have participated, in the making of the Division’s decision to make the delegation;
is prima facie evidence of the matter.
(5) A document purporting to be a certificate mentioned in subsection (4) is taken to be such a certificate and to have been duly given unless the contrary is established.
(6) Sections 34AA, 34AB and 34A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 apply to a delegation under this section in the same way as they apply to the delegation under section 50 to the Division.
53 Limit on powers delegable to persons other than Divisions
(2) Sections 51 and 52 do not apply to a power to do any of the following under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992:
(a) cancel or suspend licences;
(b) decide that a person is not suitable to be allocated or to continue to hold a licence;
(c) impose, vary or revoke a condition on a licence (other than a timing condition on a temporary community broadcasting licence);
(d) determine, vary or revoke a program standard;
(g) prepare or vary licence area plans under section 26 of that Act;
(h) give an opinion under section 21 or 74 of that Act;
(i) approve or refuse to approve temporary breaches under section 67 of that Act;
(j) make, vary or revoke a determination under section 103L of that Act;
(ja) make, vary or revoke a determination about regulated television devices under subsection 130ZZI(2) or (3) of that Act;
(jb) make, vary or revoke an instrument about primary user interfaces under subsection 130ZZL(3) of that Act;
(jc) determine, vary or revoke guidelines about regulated television devices under section 130ZZM of that Act;
(l) refer a matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions;
(m) initiate a hearing.
(3) Subsection (2) does not limit the generality of subsection 51(2) or 52(1A).
Note: Subsections 51(2) and 52(1A) are additional limitations on the delegation of powers in relation to instruments.
Part 5—ACMA’s staff etc.
54 Staff
(1) The staff of the ACMA are to be persons engaged under the Public Service Act 1999.
(2) For the purposes of the Public Service Act 1999:
(a) the Chair and the ACMA staff together constitute a Statutory Agency; and
(b) the Chair is the Head of that Statutory Agency.
55 Arrangements with authorities of the Commonwealth
(1) The ACMA may make an arrangement with an authority of the Commonwealth:
(a) for the services of officers or employees of the authority to be made available for the purposes of the ACMA; or
(b) for the services of the ACMA staff to be made available for the purposes of the authority.
(2) In this section:
authority of the Commonwealth means:
(a) a Commonwealth entity within the meaning of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013; or
(b) a Commonwealth company within the meaning of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013; or
(c) any other body established for a public purpose by or under a law of the Commonwealth.
Part 6—Corporate planning and reporting by ACMA
56 Corporate plans
(1) A corporate plan prepared by the Chair under section 35 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 must include details of such other matters (if any) as the Minister requires.
(2) The Minister may give the Chair written guidelines that are to be used by the Chair in deciding whether a matter is covered by subsection (1).
57 Annual reports
The annual report prepared by the Chair and given to the Minister under section 46 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 for a period must include:
(a) a copy of each direction given to the ACMA under section 14 during the period; and
(aa) a report on the following matters:
(i) remuneration, and other employment‑related costs and expenses, in respect of APS employees whose duties relate to the performance of the eSafety Commissioner’s functions or the exercise of the eSafety Commissioner’s powers;
(ii) any other costs, expenses and other obligations incurred by the Commonwealth in connection with the performance of the eSafety Commissioner’s functions or the exercise of the eSafety Commissioner’s powers; and
(b) if:
(i) the ACMA gave an instrument to a carrier or to a carriage service provider under section 581 of the Telecommunications Act 1997 during the period; and
(ii) in the ACMA’s opinion, the instrument does not contain confidential information;
a copy of the instrument; and
(c) in relation to each instrument the ACMA gave as mentioned in subparagraph (b)(i) and that, in the ACMA’s opinion, contains confidential information:
(i) if, in the ACMA’s opinion, part of the instrument can be reproduced in the annual report without disclosing confidential information—a copy of that part; and
(ii) if subparagraph (i) does not apply—a statement specifying the instrument and the carrier or carriage service provider to which, and the day on which, it was given; and
(iii) a statement that, because of confidential information contained in the instrument, or in a part of it, as the case requires, the instrument or part is not reproduced in the annual report; and
(iv) a note summarising so much of the instrument as is not so reproduced, but without disclosing any information that, in the ACMA’s opinion, is confidential; and
(d) a report on:
(i) the number and types of complaints made under Part 26 of the Telecommunications Act 1997 during the period; and
(ii) the investigations conducted under Part 26 of that Act during the period as a result of complaints made under Part 26 of that Act; and
(iii) the results of those investigations; and
(e) a report on the operation of Part 6 of the Telecommunications Act 1997 during the period; and
(f) a report setting out statistical information relating to information or documents disclosed under Division 3 of Part 13 of the Telecommunications Act 1997, where the disclosure:
(i) occurred during the period; and
(ii) is covered by a report given to the ACMA under section 308 of the Telecommunications Act 1997; and
(g) a summary outline of the operation of subsection 28C(1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 during the period; and
(h) if a work program was applicable to the period under section 28E of the Radiocommunications Act 1992—a report on the extent to which the ACMA’s activities during the period gave effect to the work program.
Part 7—Advisory committees and the Consumer Consultative Forum
58 Advisory committees
(1) The ACMA may, by writing, establish advisory committees to assist it in performing any of its functions.
(2) An advisory committee consists of such persons as the ACMA from time to time appoints to the committee.
(3) The ACMA may revoke a person’s appointment to an advisory committee.
(4) The ACMA may give an advisory committee written directions as to:
(a) the way in which the committee is to carry out its functions; and
(b) procedures to be followed in relation to meetings.
(5) An appointment to an advisory committee is not a public office within the meaning of the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.
59 Consumer Consultative Forum
(1) The Consumer Consultative Forum established under the Australian Communications Authority Act 1997 continues in existence after the commencement of section 6 of this Act as if it were established by the ACMA, by writing, at that commencement.
(2) The Forum’s function is to assist the ACMA to perform the ACMA’s functions in relation to matters affecting consumers.
(3) The persons on the Forum are those the ACMA from time to time appoints to the Forum. The persons on the Forum immediately before the commencement of section 6 of this Act are taken to be appointed under this section at that commencement.
(4) The ACMA may revoke a person’s appointment to the Forum.
(5) The ACMA may give the Forum written directions as to:
(a) the way in which the Forum is to carry out its function; and
(b) procedures to be followed in relation to meetings.
(6) An appointment to the Forum is not a public office within the meaning of the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.
Part 7A—Disclosure of information
59A Disclosure to Ministers
(1) An ACMA official may disclose authorised disclosure information to the Minister.
(2) An ACMA official may disclose to a Minister authorised disclosure information that relates to a matter arising under a provision of an Act that is administered by that Minister.
(3) Subsection (2) does not limit subsection (1).
59B Disclosure to public servants for advising their Ministers
(1) For the purpose of advising the Minister, an ACMA official may disclose authorised disclosure information to:
(a) the Secretary of the Department; or
(b) an APS employee in the Department who is authorised, in writing, by the Secretary of the Department for the purposes of this subsection.
(1A) For the purpose of advising the Minister, an ACMA official must, if requested to do so by:
(a) the Secretary of the Department; or
(b) an APS employee in the Department who is authorised, in writing, by the Secretary of the Department for the purposes of this subsection;
disclose authorised disclosure information to the Secretary of the Department or the APS employee, as the case requires.
(2) For the purpose of advising a Minister administering a particular provision of an Act, an ACMA official may disclose authorised disclosure information relating to a matter arising under that provision to:
(a) the Secretary of the Department that is administered by that Minister; or
(b) an APS employee in that Department who is authorised, in writing, by the Secretary of that Department for the purposes of this subsection.
(3) Subsection (2) does not limit subsection (1) or (1A).
59C Disclosure to Royal Commissions
(1) An ACMA official may disclose authorised disclosure information to a Royal Commission (within the meaning of the Royal Commissions Act 1902).
(2) The Chair may, by writing, impose conditions to be complied with in relation to authorised disclosure information disclosed under subsection (1).
(3) An instrument made under subsection (2) that imposes conditions relating to one particular disclosure identified in the instrument is not a legislative instrument.
(4) Otherwise, an instrument made under subsection (2) is a legislative instrument.
59D Disclosure to certain authorities
(1) An ACMA official authorised by the Chair, in writing, for the purposes of this section may disclose authorised disclosure information to any of the following authorities if the Chair is satisfied that the information will enable or assist the authority to perform or exercise any of its functions or powers:
(a) the Australian Bureau of Statistics;
(b) the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission;
(c) the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority;
(d) the Australian Securities and Investments Commission;
(e) the Commissioner of Taxation;
(f) the Secretary of the Department administered by the Minister administering the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 or an APS employee in that Department whose duties relate to that Act;
(g) the Secretary of the Department administered by the Minister administering the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 or an APS employee in that Department whose duties relate to that Act;
(ga) the Secretary of the Department administered by the Minister administering the Migration Act 1958 or an APS employee in that Department whose duties relate to that Act;
(h) the Secretary of the Department administered by the Minister administering the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 or an APS employee in that Department whose duties relate to telecommunications or law enforcement;
(i) the Australian Federal Police;
(j) the Director of Public Prosecutions;
(k) the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation;
(ka) the Australian Signals Directorate;
(l) an authority of a State or Territory responsible for enforcing one or more laws of the State or Territory;
(la) the eSafety Commissioner;
(m) the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee;
(n) the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman;
(na) the Secretary of the Department administered by the Minister administering Part 2 of the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 or an APS employee in that Department whose duties relate to that Part;
(o) an authority of a foreign country responsible for regulating matters relating to communications or media (including, for example, matters relating to broadcasting or the internet);
(p) an authority of a foreign country responsible for regulating matters relating to the provision of gambling services;
(q) a non‑corporate Commonwealth entity (within the meaning of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013) not otherwise covered by this subsection that is responsible for enforcing one or more laws of the Commonwealth.
(1A) Subsection (1) does not authorise the disclosure of information to an authority mentioned in paragraph (1)(ga) or (p) unless the information relates to:
(a) a prohibited interactive gambling service; or
(b) a regulated interactive gambling service.
(2) The Chair may, by writing, impose conditions to be complied with in relation to authorised disclosure information disclosed under subsection (1).
(3) An instrument made under subsection (2) that imposes conditions relating to one particular disclosure identified in the instrument is not a legislative instrument.
(4) Otherwise, an instrument made under subsection (2) is a legislative instrument.
59DA Disclosure of information that relates to the affairs of a carrier or carriage service provider
(1) An ACMA official authorised by the Chair, in writing, for the purposes of this section may disclose authorised disclosure information if:
(a) the authorised disclosure information relates to the affairs of a carrier or carriage service provider; and
(b) the authorised disclosure information relates to any of the following matters:
(i) customer complaints;
(ii) customers experiencing financial hardship;
(iii) customer service;
(iv) faults and service difficulties;
(v) rectification of faults and service difficulties;
(vi) service activation and provisioning;
(vii) service connection;
(viii) performance characteristics of services;
(ix) customer appointment keeping;
(x) a matter determined under subsection (4).
(2) An ACMA official authorised by the Chair, in writing, for the purposes of this section may disclose summaries of authorised disclosure information if:
(a) the authorised disclosure information relates to the affairs of a carrier or carriage service provider; and
(b) the summaries relate to any of the following matters:
(i) customer complaints;
(ii) customers experiencing financial hardship;
(iii) customer service;
(iv) faults and service difficulties;
(v) rectification of faults and service difficulties;
(vi) service activation and provisioning;
(vii) service connection;
(viii) performance characteristics of services;
(ix) customer appointment keeping;
(x) a matter determined under subsection (4).
(3) An ACMA official authorised by the Chair, in writing, for the purposes of this section may disclose statistics derived from authorised disclosure information if:
(a) the authorised disclosure information relates to the affairs of a carrier or carriage service provider; and
(b) the statistics relate to any of the following matters:
(i) customer complaints;
(ii) customers experiencing financial hardship;
(iii) customer service;
(iv) faults and service difficulties;
(v) rectification of faults and service difficulties;
(vi) service activation and provisioning;
(vii) service connection;
(viii) performance characteristics of services;
(ix) customer appointment keeping;
(x) a matter determined under subsection (4).
(4) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine one or more matters for the purposes of subparagraphs (1)(b)(x), (2)(b)(x) and (3)(b)(x).
Note: For variation and revocation, see subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(5) A disclosure under subsection (1), (2) or (3) may involve disclosing the identity of a carrier or carriage service provider.
(6) Subsection (5) does not, by implication, limit what can be disclosed under a provision of this Part other than this section.
(7) Subsections (1), (2) and (3) do not authorise the disclosure of anything that is likely to enable the identification of an end‑user of a carriage service.
(8) For the purposes of this section:
(a) an ACMA official authorised by the Chair, in writing, for the purposes of this section is taken to disclose information if the information is published by the ACMA:
(i) on the ACMA’s website; or
(ii) in any other way; and
(b) an ACMA official authorised by the Chair, in writing, for the purposes of this section is taken to disclose summaries or statistics if the summaries or statistics are published by the ACMA:
(i) on the ACMA’s website; or
(ii) in any other way.
(9) Subsection (8) is enacted for the avoidance of doubt.
(10) For the purposes of this section, customer includes prospective customer.
59DB Disclosure of information that relates to the Scams Prevention Framework
An ACMA official authorised by the Chair, in writing, for the purposes of this section may disclose authorised disclosure information if the disclosure:
(a) is to:
(i) an SPF regulator (within the meaning of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010); or
(ii) the operator of an SPF EDR scheme (within the meaning of that Act); and
(b) is for the purposes of the operation (including enforcement) of the SPF provisions (within the meaning of that Act).
59E Disclosure with consent
(1) An ACMA official may disclose authorised disclosure information that relates to the affairs of a person if:
(a) the person has consented to the disclosure; and
(b) the disclosure is in accordance with that consent.
(2) For the purposes of this section, an ACMA official is taken to disclose information if the information is published by the ACMA:
(a) on the ACMA’s website; or
(b) in any other way.
(3) Subsection (2) is enacted for the avoidance of doubt.
59F Disclosure of publicly available information
(1) An ACMA official may disclose authorised disclosure information if it is already publicly available.
(2) For the purposes of this section, an ACMA official is taken to disclose information if the information is published by the ACMA:
(a) on the ACMA’s website; or
(b) in any other way.
(3) Subsection (2) is enacted for the avoidance of doubt.
59G Disclosure of summaries and statistics
(1) An ACMA official may disclose:
(a) summaries of authorised disclosure information that are not likely to enable the identification of a person; and
(b) statistics derived from authorised disclosure information that are not likely to enable the identification of a person.
(2) For the purposes of this section, an ACMA official is taken to disclose summaries or statistics if the summaries or statistics are published by the ACMA:
(a) on the ACMA’s website; or
(b) in any other way.
(3) Subsection (2) is enacted for the avoidance of doubt.
59H Disclosure authorised by regulations
(1) The regulations may:
(a) authorise an ACMA official to disclose authorised disclosure information in specified circumstances; and
(b) provide that the Chair may, by writing, impose conditions to be complied with in relation to the disclosure of authorised disclosure information in those circumstances.
(2) An instrument made under regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (1)(b) that imposes conditions relating to one particular disclosure identified in the instrument is not a legislative instrument.
(3) Otherwise, an instrument made under regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (1)(b) is a legislative instrument.
59J This Part does not limit disclosure by ACMA official
This Part does not limit the circumstances in which an ACMA official is authorised to disclose information.
59K Relationship with Part 13 of the Telecommunications Act 1997
This Part does not authorise a disclosure of information that is prohibited by Part 13 of the Telecommunications Act 1997.
Note: Subsection 299(1) (in Part 13) of the Telecommunications Act 1997 prohibits an ACMA official who has received information as described in that subsection from disclosing the information, except in certain circumstances.
59KA Relationship with Part 7B of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001
This Part does not authorise a disclosure of information that is prohibited by Part 7B of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
59L Delegation of Chair’s powers under this Part
(1) The Chair may, by writing, delegate to a member any or all of the Chair’s functions and powers under:
(a) this Part; or
(b) regulations made for the purposes of section 59H.
(2) In performing a function, or exercising a power, delegated under subsection (1), the delegate must comply with any directions of the Chair.
Part 8—Other matters
60 Charges relating to ACMA’s expenses
(1) The ACMA may, by written instrument, make determinations fixing charges for:
(a) services provided by the ACMA; and
(b) any matter in relation to which expenses are incurred by the ACMA under:
(i) this Act; or
(ii) the Telecommunications Act 1997; or
(iii) the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999; or
(iv) the Radiocommunications Act 1992; or
(v) the Broadcasting Services Act 1992; or
(vi) an instrument made under an Act referred to in subparagraph (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v);
and specifying the persons by whom, and the times when, the charges are payable.
(2) A charge fixed under subsection (1) must not be such as to amount to taxation.
(3) For the purposes of recovering all or part of the ACMA’s expenses relating to the performance of its functions under paragraph 11(1)(a) or (b), the ACMA may charge a person an amount that has been:
(a) agreed with the person; or
(b) worked out under an agreement with the person.
Note 1: Paragraph 11(1)(a) is about the ACMA preparing to provide for the management of electronic addressing, and paragraph 11(1)(b) is about the ACMA providing for the management of electronic addressing.
Note 2: Subsection (3) lets the ACMA charge a consenting person for things done by the ACMA in performing those functions, even though the charge would be a tax if it were imposed on the person without his or her consent.
(4) Subsection (3) does not limit subsection (1).
Note: The ACMA need not obtain a person’s agreement to a charge that relates to the ACMA’s expenses in performing its functions mentioned in subsection (3) and does not amount to taxation (either because the charge is a fee for the ACMA providing the person with services or facilities or for another reason).
(5) This section does not apply to services or facilities provided under contract.
61 Charges are payable to the Commonwealth
If section 60, or a provision of another Act, authorises the ACMA to fix a charge (however described), that charge is payable to the Commonwealth.
62 ACMA’s expenses include related Commonwealth expenses
A reference in section 60, or a provision of another Act, to an expense (however described) incurred by the ACMA in relation to a thing, includes a reference to an expense incurred by the Commonwealth in relation to the thing.
62A Proceedings in the name of the ACMA
(1) Proceedings brought by the Commonwealth in relation to the functions or powers of the ACMA may be brought in the name of the ACMA.
Note: This subsection does not authorise ACMA to bring proceedings against the Commonwealth: see also subsection 62B(2).
(2) Proceedings brought against the Commonwealth in relation to the functions or powers of the ACMA may be brought against the Commonwealth in the name of the ACMA.
62B Decisions relating to the Commonwealth etc.
(1) The fact that the ACMA does not have a legal identity separate from the Commonwealth does not affect the performance of the ACMA’s functions in making, or the exercise of the ACMA’s powers to make, decisions relating to:
(a) the Commonwealth; or
(b) any authority of the Commonwealth that is not a body corporate.
(2) This section does not apply to decisions relating to bringing proceedings against the Commonwealth or such an authority.
63 Chair not subject to direction by ACMA on certain matters
The Chair is not subject to direction by the ACMA in relation to the Chair’s performance of functions, or exercise of powers, under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 or the Public Service Act 1999.
64 Definitions determination
(1) The ACMA may make a written determination defining 1 or more expressions used in specified instruments, being instruments that are made by the ACMA under 1 or more specified laws of the Commonwealth.
(2) If the Minister is authorised to make an instrument under a law specified in a determination under subsection (1), the instrument may make provision for or in relation to a matter by applying, adopting or incorporating, with or without modification, the provisions of a determination under subsection (1) as in force from time to time.
65 Determinations may define expressions by reference to other instruments
(1) Without limiting the powers of the ACMA to make determinations under subsection 64(1), a determination under that subsection may define an expression used in a specified instrument by applying, adopting or incorporating (with or without modifications) matter contained in any other instrument or writing whatever:
(a) as in force or existing at a particular time; or
(b) as in force or existing from time to time;
even if the other instrument or writing does not yet exist when the determination is made.
(2) A reference in subsection (1) to any other instrument or writing includes a reference to an instrument or writing:
(a) made by any person or body in Australia or elsewhere (including, for example, the Commonwealth, a State or Territory, an officer or authority of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory or an overseas entity); and
(b) whether of a legislative, administrative or other official nature or of any other nature; and
(c) whether or not having any legal force or effect;
for example:
(d) regulations or rules under an Act; or
(e) a State Act, a law of a Territory, or regulations or any other instrument made under such an Act or law; or
(f) an international technical standard or performance indicator; or
(g) a written agreement or arrangement or an instrument or writing made unilaterally.
(3) Nothing in this section limits the generality of anything else in it.
(4) Subsection (1) has effect despite anything in the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
66 Person not to use protected name or protected symbol
(1) A person commits an offence if the person:
(a) uses in relation to a business, trade, profession or occupation; or
(b) uses as the name, or as part of the name, of any firm, body corporate, institution, premises, vehicle, ship or craft (including aircraft); or
(c) applies, as a trade mark or otherwise, to goods imported, manufactured, produced, sold, offered for sale or let on hire; or
(d) uses in relation to:
(i) goods or services; or
(ii) the promotion, by any means, of the supply or use of goods or services;
either:
(e) a protected name, or a name so closely resembling a protected name as to be likely to be mistaken for it; or
(f) a protected symbol, or a symbol so closely resembling a protected symbol as to be likely to be mistaken for it.
Penalty: 30 penalty units.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the ACMA consents in writing to the use or application of the name or symbol.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).
(3) Nothing in subsection (1), so far as it applies in relation to a protected name or in relation to a protected symbol, affects rights conferred by law on a person in relation to:
(a) a trade mark that is registered under the Trade Marks Act 1995; or
(b) a design that is registered under the Designs Act 2003;
and was registered under the Trade Marks Act 1995 or the Designs Act 1906 immediately before 11 May 2004 in relation to the name or symbol.
(4) Nothing in this section, so far as it applies to a protected name or in relation to a protected symbol, affects the use, or rights conferred by law relating to the use, of the name or symbol by a person in a particular manner if, immediately before 11 May 2004, the person:
(a) was using the name or the symbol in good faith in that manner; or
(b) would have been entitled to prevent another person from passing off, by means of the use of the name or the symbol or a similar name or symbol, goods or services as the goods or services of the first‑mentioned person.
(5) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who uses or applies a protected name or a protected symbol for the purpose of labelling customer equipment or customer cabling in accordance with section 407 of the Telecommunications Act 1997 or equipment rules made under the Radiocommunications Act 1992.
(6) The prosecution bears the evidential burden, and the legal burden, in relation to the matters in subsections (3), (4) and (5) (despite subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).
(7) In this section:
customer cabling has the same meaning as in the Telecommunications Act 1997.
customer equipment has the same meaning as in the Telecommunications Act 1997.
protected name means:
(a) “ACMA”; or
(b) “Australian Communications and Media Authority”.
protected symbol means an official symbol of the ACMA, the design of which is prescribed in the regulations.
67 ACMA to maintain Register of policy notifications and Ministerial directions
(1) The ACMA is to maintain a Register in which the ACMA includes:
(a) all directions given to the ACMA under this Act or any other Act; and
(b) the contents, immediately before the commencement of section 6 of this Act, of the register maintained under section 56 of the Australian Communications Authority Act 1997.
(2) The Register may be maintained by electronic means.
(3) A person may, on payment of the charge (if any) fixed by a determination under section 60:
(a) inspect the Register; and
(b) make a copy of, or take extracts from, the Register.
(4) For the purposes of this section, if the Register is maintained by electronic means, a person is taken to have made a copy of, or taken an extract from, the Register if the ACMA gives the person a printout of, or of the relevant parts of, the Register.
(5) If a person requests that a copy be provided in an electronic form, the ACMA may provide the relevant information:
(a) on a data processing device; or
(b) by way of electronic transmission.
(6) In this section:
data processing device means any article or material (for example, a disk) from which information is capable of being reproduced, with or without the aid of any other article or device.
67A Liability for damages—public warning notices
None of the following:
(a) the Commonwealth;
(b) the ACMA;
(c) an ACMA official;
is liable to an action or other proceeding for damages for, or in relation to, an act or matter done in good faith in the exercise, or purported exercise, of the ACMA’s power under section 284N of the Radiocommunications Act 1992.
Note: Section 284N of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 deals with public warning notices.
68 Regulations
The Governor‑General may make regulations prescribing matters:
(a) required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed; or
(b) necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to this Act.