1Instruments Act 1958

Version No. 123 **Instruments Act 1958** **No. 6279 of 1958** Version incorporating amendments as at 6 September 2023 **table of provisions** *Section Page* 1 Short title and commencement 1 2 Repeal and savings 1 Part I—Summary proceedings on bills of exchange 4 3 Definitions 4 4 Commencement of proceedings in the Supreme Court 4 5 Appearance may be entered 6 6 Court may allow proceeding to be defended after judgment 7 7 Bill to be deposited in court and plaintiff to give security for costs 7 8 Expenses of noting may be recovered with the bill 7 9 One writ may be issued against all the parties to a bill 7 10 Practice in actions to apply 8 11 Limitation of costs where amount recovered does not exceed $2000 8 12 This Part to apply to actions on bills in County Court and Magistrates' Courts 8 13 Leave of judge necessary for more than one action on two or more matured bills 8 Part II—Instruments connected with gaming, etc., transactions 10 14 Certain instruments deemed to have been given for an illegal consideration 10 Part III—Policies and contracts of insurance 11 Division 1—Marine policies 11 15 No assurance to be made on ships etc. 11 16 Re-assurance of sea risks allowed 11 17 Plaintiff to declare within fifteen days what sums he had assured 11 18 No policy to be made on any ship without inserting the name of one or more persons interested 12 19 Policies made contrary to this Act void 12 20 Policies covered by Commonwealth Act excluded 12 Division 2—Life and other policies 13 21 No insurance to be made unless insurer has interest 13 22 No policy without inserting names 13 23 How much may be recovered 13 24 Not to extend to ships etc. 13 Division 3—Other provisions relating to insurance contracts 14 25 Insurance contracts other than life insurance contracts 14 26 Life insurance contracts 14 27 Maintenance of proceedings under insurance contracts 14 28 Arbitration 15 29 Division to apply to all contracts of insurance 15 Part IV—Bonds 17 30 Actions on bonds etc. 17 Part V—Public contracts 19 31 Effect of public contracts of Ministers or officers 19 Part VA—Corporate bodies contracts 20 31A Formalities of making, varying or discharging a contract 20 Part XII—Miscellaneous promises etc. required to be in writing 24 126 Certain agreements to be in writing 24 128 Representations of character 24 129 Consideration for guarantee need not appear in writing 25 130 Liability of members of unregistered companies 25 Part XIII—Contracts relating to the carriage of passengers by water 26 131 Definitions 26 132 Contracts for carriage of passengers by water 26 133 Contracting out not allowed 27 134 Construction and jurisdiction 27 135 Owners of ships not to insert illegal conditions in contracts 28 Part XIV—Supplementary 29 136 Validation of certain transactions in banking shares 29 137 Abolition of warrants of attorney 29 138 Power to Registrar-General to destroy or dispose of documents 29 138A Transitional provision 30 139 Fees, searches and regulations 30 Part XV—Savings and transitional provisions—Personal Property Securities (Statute Law Revision and Implementation) Act 2010 31 Division 1—Definitions 31 141 Definitions 31 Division 2—Liens on crops 32 142 Effect of repeal on existing liens 32 Division 3—Liens on wool and mortgages of stock 32 143 Effect of repeal on existing liens 32 144 Effect of repeal on existing mortgages 33 Schedules 35 First Schedule 35 Second Schedule 37 Schedule 12—General power of attorney 40 Endnotes 41 1 General information 41 2 Table of Amendments 43 3 Explanatory details 49 **Version No.** **123** **Instruments Act 1958** **No. 6279 of 1958** Version incorporating amendments as at 6 September 2023 An Act to consolidate the Law relating to Instruments and Securities. **BE IT ENACTED by the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly of Victoria in this present Parliament assembled and by the authority of the same as follows (that is to say):** S. 1 amended by Nos 6531 s. 1(5)(a), 7547 s. 2(a), 9421 s. 4, 9650 s. 27(1)(a), 41/1987 s. 103(Sch. 4 item 38.1). 1 Short title and commencement This Act may be cited as the **Instruments Act 1958**, and shall come into operation on a day to be fixed by proclamation of the Governor in Council published in the Government Gazette. 2 Repeal and savings (1) The Acts mentioned in the First Schedule to the extent thereby expressed to be repealed are hereby repealed accordingly. (2) Except as in this Act expressly or by necessary implication provided— (a) all persons things and circumstances appointed or created by or under any of the repealed Acts or existing or continuing under any of such Acts immediately before the commencement of this Act shall under and subject to this Act continue to have the same status operation and effect as they respectively would have had if such Acts had not been so repealed; (b) in particular and without affecting the generality of the foregoing paragraph, such repeal shall not disturb the continuity of status operation or effect of any mortgage lien pledge bill of exchange or sale bond guarantee security contract agreement policy promise representation assurance assignment transfer sale power of attorney writ judgment proceeding claim notice registration filing caveat or instrument condition fee liability or right made effected issued granted given presented passed fixed accrued incurred or acquired or existing or continuing by or under any of such Acts before the commencement of this Act; nor shall such repeal make applicable to any bill of sale assignment transfer lien mortgage deed power of attorney or contract agreement or token of sale and purchase any provision of this Act to which the corresponding previous enactment was inapplicable immediately before the commencement of this Act. (3) The following Acts and enactment namely— **Instruments (Insurance Contracts) Act 1936**; Part III of the **Companies Act 1938**; **Industrial Life Assurance Act 1938**; **Instruments (Insurance Contracts) Act 1939**; **Ordinary Life Assurance Act 1940**; **Industrial Life Assurance Act 1940**; **Instruments (Insurance Contracts) Act 1943**— shall, notwithstanding the repeal thereof by this Act or otherwise, nevertheless continue in operation so that the rights powers and privileges under any such Act or enactment of the owner or persons entitled to the benefit of any policy issued thereunder prior to the commencement of the Commonwealth Act known as the Life Insurance Act 1945 shall not be prejudicially affected. Part I—Summary proceedings on bills of exchange No. 3706 s. 3. 3 Definitions In this Part unless inconsistent with the context or subject-matter— S. 3 def. of *action* inserted by No. 9947 s. 2, amended by Nos 110/1986 s. 134(a), 19/1989 s. 16(Sch. item 29.1), 57/1989 s. 3(Sch. item 102.1). ***action*** means and includes proceeding in the Supreme Court or in the County Court or complaint in the Magistrates' Court; ***bill*** means bill of exchange (including cheque) or promissory note; ***holder*** means the payee or indorsee of a bill who is in possession of it or the bearer thereof; S. 3 def. of *legal practitioner* inserted by No. 18/2005 s. 18(Sch. 1 item 51), amended by No. 17/2014 s. 160(Sch. 2 item 51). ***legal practitioner*** means an Australian legal practitioner. No. 3706 s. 4. S. 4 amended by Nos 7852 s. 2(a)(i)(ii), 110/1986 s. 134(b)(i) (ii)(iv), 35/1996 s. 453(Sch. 1 item 40.1). 4 Commencement of proceedings in the Supreme Court Any proceeding in the Supreme Court upon a bill after the same has become due may be by writ in the form contained in the Second Schedule to this Act and indorsed as therein mentioned. And it shall be lawful for the plaintiff on filing an affidavit— S. 4(a) amended by Nos 110/1986 s. 134(b)(iii), 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 65.1(a)). (a) where the defendant is a natural person, of personal service of such writ upon him or, where the Court makes an order for substituted service, of service in accordance with that order; or S. 4(aa) inserted by No. 8565 s. 24(9), substituted by No. 9699 s. 23, repealed by No. 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 65.1(b)). * * * * * S. 4(b) substituted by Nos 9699 s. 23, 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 65.1(b)). (b) where the defendant is a company within the meaning of the Corporations Act, of service of such writ on the company in accordance with section 109X of that Act; or S. 4(c) substituted by Nos 9699 s. 23, 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 65.1(b)). (c) where the defendant is a registered body within the meaning of the Corporations Act, of service of such writ on the registered body in accordance with section 601CX of that Act— and a copy of the writ and the indorsements thereon, in case the defendant has not obtained leave to appear and appeared to such writ according to the exigency thereof, at once to enter final judgment for any sum not exceeding the sum indorsed on the writ together with the interest at the rate specified (if any) to the date of the judgment, and such sum as is from time to time specified in the Rules of the Supreme Court for costs unless the plaintiff claims more than such sum, in which case the costs shall be assessed in the ordinary way; and the plaintiff may upon such judgment issue execution forthwith. S. 5 amended by S.R. No. 375/1973 reg. 2(a), No. 9947 s. 3(a)(b), substituted by No. 16/1986 s. 32(a). 5 Appearance may be entered S. 5(1) amended by No. 110/1986 s. 134(c)(i)(ii). (1) The defendant may, within the relevant period after the service of a writ under section 4, enter an appearance to the writ if the defendant has made application to the Supreme Court and— (a) paid into court the sum endorsed on the writ; or S. 5(1)(b) amended by No. 110/1986 s. 134(c)(i). (b) filed affidavits satisfactory to the Court which disclose— (i) a defence; or (ii) such facts as would make it incumbent on the holder to prove consideration; or S. 5(1)(b)(iii) amended by No. 110/1986 s. 134(c)(i). (iii) such other facts as the Court deems sufficient to support the application— and the Court has given leave to appear to the writ and defend the action upon such terms as to security or otherwise as to the Court seems fit. (2) In subsection (1) ***relevant period*** means— (a) if the defendant resides within 80 kilometres of the post office corner of Bourke and Elizabeth Streets Melbourne—16 days; and (b) if the defendant resides beyond that distance—21 days. No. 3706 s. 6. S. 6 amended by No. 110/1986 s. 134(d) (i)–(iii). 6 Court may allow proceeding to be defended after judgment After judgment the court may under special circumstances set aside the judgment and if necessary stay or set aside execution and may give leave to appear to the writ and to defend the proceeding if it appears to be reasonable to the court so to do, and on such terms as to the court seem just. No. 3706 s. 7. S. 7 amended by No. 110/1986 s. 134(e). 7 Bill to be deposited in court and plaintiff to give security for costs In any proceedings under this Part it shall be competent to the court to order the bill sought to be proceeded upon to be forthwith deposited with an officer of the court; and further to order that all proceedings shall be stayed until the plaintiff has given security for the costs thereof. No. 3706 s. 8. 8 Expenses of noting may be recovered with the bill The holder of every dishonoured bill shall have the same remedies for the recovery of the expenses incurred in noting the same for non‑acceptance or non-payment or otherwise by reason of such dishonour, as he has under this Part for the recovery of the amount of such bill. No. 3706 s. 9. S. 9 amended by No. 110/1986 s. 134(f)(i)(ii). 9 One writ may be issued against all the parties to a bill The holder of any bill may if he thinks fit issue one writ according to this Part against all or any number of the parties to such bill; and such writ shall be the commencement of a proceeding or proceedings against the parties therein named respectively; and all subsequent proceedings against such respective parties shall be in like manner (so far as may be) as if separate writs had been issued. No. 3706 s. 10. 10 Practice in actions to apply The practice and procedure for the time being applicable to and regulating actions at law shall (so far as the same are not inconsistent herewith) extend and apply to all proceedings taken under this Part. No. 3706 s. 11. S. 11 amended by Nos 7852 s. 3, 110/1986 s. 134(g)(i)(ii), 57/1989 s. 3(Sch. item 102.2). 11 Limitation of costs where amount recovered does not exceed $2000 In any proceeding in the Supreme Court on a bill in which the amount (exclusive of costs) recovered by judgment or otherwise does not exceed $2000 the costs to be allowed to the plaintiff shall not exceed what would have been allowed if the proceeding had been brought in the County Court unless the court otherwise orders. No. 3706 s. 12. S. 12 amended by No. 7852 s. 2(b), substituted by No. 9947 s. 4. 12 This Part to apply to actions on bills in County Court and Magistrates' Courts S. 12(1) amended by No. 57/1989 s. 3(Sch. item 102.3(a)). (1) The provisions of sections 3 to 10 shall apply with such adaptations as are necessary to all actions on bills in the County Court and the Magistrates' Court. S. 12(2) amended by No. 57/1989 s. 3(Sch. item 102.3(b)). (2) An action referred to in subsection (1) shall be conducted in accordance with the rules made for the purposes of this section under the **County Court Act 1958** or the **Magistrates' Court Act 1989** (as the case may be). No. 3706 s. 13. 13 Leave of judge necessary for more than one action on two or more matured bills S. 13(1) amended by No. 57/1989 s. 3(Sch. item 102.4). (1) The bearer or holder of two or more matured bills shall not except by leave of the Supreme Court or County Court commence more than one action in respect thereof against the same person. S. 13(2) amended by No. 8181 s. 2(1)(Sch. item 73), repealed by No. 9947 s. 5. * * * * * Part II—Instruments connected with gaming, etc., transactions Nos 3706 s. 14, 5741 s. 17(1). 14 Certain instruments deemed to have been given for an illegal consideration All bills notes cheques or mortgages drawn accepted made given granted or entered into or executed by any person or persons whomsoever where the whole or any part of the consideration is for any money or other valuable thing whatsoever won by gaming or playing at cards dice tables tennis bowls or other game or games whatsoever or by betting on the sides or hands of those who game at any of the games aforesaid or for the reimbursing or repaying any money knowingly lent or advanced for such gaming or betting as aforesaid or lent or advanced at the time and place of such play to any person or persons so gaming or betting as aforesaid or that during such play so play or bet shall be deemed and taken to have been drawn accepted made given granted or entered into or executed for an illegal consideration: S. 14 (Proviso) substituted by No. 73/2008 s. 31. Provided that this section does not apply to any bill, note, cheque or mortgage where the whole or part of the consideration is for money won by betting by or with a bookmaker in accordance with section 4 of the **Racing Act 1958**. Part III—Policies and contracts of insurance Division 1—Marine policies No. 3706 s. 15. S. 15 amended by No. 25/2023 s. 7(Sch. 1 item 16.1). 15 No assurance to be made on ships etc. No assurance or assurances shall be made by any person or persons bodies corporate or politic, on any ship or ships belonging to His Majesty or any of his subjects or any goods merchandises or effects laden or to be laden on board of any such ship or ships, interest or no interest or without further proof of interest than the policy or by way of gaming or wagering or without benefit of salvage to the assurer. No. 3706 s. 16. 16 Re-assurance of sea risks allowed Notwithstanding anything contained in this Division, it shall be lawful to make re-assurance upon any ship or vessel or upon any goods merchandises or other property on board of any ship or vessel or upon the freight of any ship or vessel or upon any other interest in or relating to any ship or vessel which may lawfully be insured. No. 3706 s. 17. S. 17 amended by No. 35/1996 s. 453(Sch. 1 item 40.2). 17 Plaintiff to declare within fifteen days what sums he had assured In all actions or suits brought or commenced by the assured upon any policy of assurance, the plaintiff in such action or suit or his legal practitioner or agent shall, within fifteen days after he is required so to do in writing by the defendant or his legal practitioner or agent, declare in writing what sum or sums he had assured or caused to be assured in the whole; and what sums he hath borrowed at respondentia or bottomry for the voyage or any part of the voyage in question in such suit or action. No. 3706 s. 18. 18 No policy to be made on any ship without inserting the name of one or more persons interested It shall not be lawful for any person or persons to make or effect or cause to be made or effected any policy or policies of assurance upon any ship or ships vessel or vessels or upon any goods merchandises effects or other property whatsoever, without first inserting or causing to be inserted in such policy or policies of assurance the name or names or the usual style and firm of dealing of one or more of the persons interested in such insurance; or without instead first inserting or causing to be inserted in such policy or policies of assurance the name or names or the usual style and firm of dealing of the consignor or consignors consignee or consignees of the goods merchandises effects or property so to be insured or the name or names or the usual style and firm of dealing of the person or persons residing in Victoria who receive the order for and effect such policy or policies of assurance or of the person or persons who give the order or direction to the agent or agents immediately employed to negotiate or effect such policy or policies of assurance. No. 3706 s. 19. 19 Policies made contrary to this Act void Every policy and policies of assurance made or underwritten contrary to any provision of this Division shall be null and void to all intents and purposes whatsoever. No. 3706 s. 20. 20 Policies covered by Commonwealth Act excluded This Division shall not apply to any contract or policy of Marine Insurance to which the Commonwealth Act known as the **Marine Insurance Act 1909** applies. Division 2—Life and other policies No. 3706 s. 21. 21 No insurance to be made unless insurer has interest No insurance shall be made by any person or persons bodies politic or corporate on the life or lives of any person or persons or on any other event or events whatsoever wherein the person or persons for whose use benefit or on whose account the policy or policies are made shall have no interest or by gaming or wagering; and every assurance made contrary to the true intent and meaning hereof shall be null and void to all intents and purposes whatsoever. No. 3706 s. 22. 22 No policy without inserting names It shall not be lawful to make any policy or policies on the life or lives of any person or persons or other event or events without inserting in such policy or policies the name or names of the person or persons interested therein or for whose use benefit or on whose account such policy is so made or underwritten. No. 3706 s. 23. 23 How much may be recovered In all cases where the insured has interest in such life or lives event or events, no greater sum shall be recovered or received from the insurer or insurers than the amount or value of the interest of the insured in such life or lives or other event or events. No. 3706 s. 24. 24 Not to extend to ships etc. Nothing in this Division shall extend or be construed to extend to insurance bona fide made by any person or persons on ships goods or merchandises; but every such insurance shall be as valid and effectual in the law as if this Division had not been made. Division 3—Other provisions relating to insurance contracts No. 4464 s. 2(1). 25 Insurance contracts other than life insurance contracts No contract of insurance (other than a contract of life insurance) shall be avoided by reason only of any incorrect statement made by the proponent in any proposal or other document on the faith of which such contract was entered into revived or renewed by the insurer unless the statement so made was fraudulently untrue or material in relation to the risk of the insurer under the contract. No. 4660 s. 2. 26 Life insurance contracts A contract of life insurance upon the life of any person, whether entered into before or after the commencement of this Act, shall not be void or voidable merely on the ground that such person after the commencement of the **Instruments (Insurance Contracts) Act 1939** died by his own hand or act, if upon the true construction of the contract the insurer has thereby agreed to pay the sum assured in the events that have happened. No. 4464 s. 3. S. 27 amended by No. 50/2011 s. 46(Sch. item 10.1). 27 Maintenance of proceedings under insurance contracts If by reason of accident mistake or other reasonable cause any insured fails to give any notice or make any claim in the manner and within the time required by the contract of insurance such failure shall not be a bar to the maintenance of any proceedings (whether legal proceedings or arbitration proceedings) upon the contract by the insured unless the court or the arbitral tribunal (as the case may be) considers that the insurer has been so prejudiced by such failure that it would be inequitable if such failure were not a bar to the maintenance of such proceedings. Nos 4464 s. 4, 4490 s. 2. 28 Arbitration S. 28(1) amended by Nos 10167 s. 3(1), 50/2011 s. 46(Sch. item 10.2). (1) Where any provision in any contract of insurance makes provision with respect to the settlement of disputes by arbitration that provision shall be deemed to be an arbitration agreement within the meaning of the **Commercial Arbitration Act 2011** and the provisions of that Act shall notwithstanding anything in the contract apply accordingly. (2) The arbitration of any claim upon a contract of insurance by an insured or by any person claiming through or under an insured shall not be a condition precedent to the institution of proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction by the insured or any such person upon such contract, and where any such proceedings are so instituted— S. 28(2)(a) amended by No. 57/1989 s. 3(Sch. item 102.5), repealed by No. 50/2011 s. 46(Sch. item 10.3). * * * * * (b) no action shall lie against the insured or any such person as aforesaid for breach of any provision of the contract relating to the settlement of disputes by arbitration. No. 4464 s. 5. 29 Division to apply to all contracts of insurance (1) The provisions of this Division shall— (a) apply with respect to every contract of insurance whether made before or after the commencement of this Act; and (b) take effect notwithstanding anything in any contract of insurance or other agreement whether made before or after the commencement of this Act: Provided that the provisions of this Division shall not apply with respect to any contract of insurance so far as relates to any claim which arose out of any event which occurred before the commencement of the **Instruments (Insurance Contracts) Act 1936**. (2) The foregoing provisions of this section shall not apply with respect to section twenty-six of this Act. (3) This Division shall be read and construed subject to the Commonwealth Act known as the Life Insurance Act 1945–1953 and any amendment thereof. Part IV—Bonds No. 3706 s. 25. 30 Actions on bonds etc. (1) In any action on any bond or on any penal sum for non-performance of any covenant or agreement in any indenture deed or writing the plaintiff may assign as many breaches as he thinks fit and may recover not only such damages as have been usually awarded in such cases, but also damages for such of the said breaches so assigned as the plaintiff proves to have occurred; and judgment may be entered as nearly as may be as heretofore has been usually done in such actions. (2) If interlocutory judgment in any case is given for the plaintiff by confession or in default of appearance or of pleading, the plaintiff may suggest as many breaches of the covenants and agreements as he thinks fit and may on proof of such breaches recover damages accordingly. S. 30(3) amended by No. 57/1989 s. 3(Sch. item 102.6(a)(b)). (3) If the defendant after judgment and before execution pays into the court where the action is brought to the use of the plaintiff such damages together with the costs of the action, or if by reason of any execution the plaintiff is fully paid or satisfied all such damages together with his costs of the action and all reasonable charges and expenses for the said execution, further proceedings in the said judgment shall be stayed. But notwithstanding in each case such judgment shall remain as a further security to answer to the plaintiff such damages as are sustained for further breach of any covenant or agreement in the same indenture deed or writing contained, and upon any such breach the plaintiff may summon the defendant or his executors or administrators to show cause before the court why execution should not be had or awarded upon the said judgment, upon which there shall be the like proceeding or such other proceeding as the court may order for inquiry as to such breaches and assessing damages thereon; and upon payment or satisfaction in manner as aforesaid of such future damages costs charges and expenses as aforesaid all further proceedings on the said judgment shall to the like extent again be stayed. (4) Where an action is brought upon any bond which has a condition or defeasance to make void the same upon payment of a lesser sum at a day or place certain, if the obligor has before the action brought paid to the obligee the principal and interest due by the defeasance or condition of such bond, though such payment was not made strictly according to the condition or defeasance, yet it may nevertheless be pleaded in bar of such action; and shall be as effectual a bar thereof as if the money had been paid at the day and place according to the condition or defeasance and had been so pleaded. (5) If at any time pending an action upon any such bond with a penalty the defendant brings into court all the principal money and interest due on such bond and also all costs properly chargeable by the plaintiff against the defendant in respect of any actions or suits upon such bond, the said money so brought in shall be deemed and taken to be in full satisfaction and discharge of the said bond; and the court shall give judgment to discharge every such defendant of and from the same accordingly. Part V—Public contracts No. 3706 s. 26. S. 31 amended by No. 25/2023 s. 7(Sch. 1 item 16.2). 31 Effect of public contracts of Ministers or officers Whenever any contract, agreement, bond, mortgage, security, deed, or instrument of any kind whatsoever made entered into or given either before or after the commencement of this Act by with or to a Responsible Minister of the Crown administering any department or by with or to an officer in the service of His Majesty, is expressed to be made entered into or given by with or to such Minister or officer and his successors in office or is either expressly or impliedly made entered into or given by with or to such Minister or officer in his capacity as such Minister or officer or whatever the form thereof is in fact made entered into or given for or in connexion with any public purpose, such contract, agreement, bond, mortgage, security, deed, or instrument shall be deemed to be made entered into or given by with or to any Minister for the time being administering such department or (as the case may be) by with or to any officer for the time being performing the duties of the office held by such first-mentioned officer at the time the contract, agreement, bond, mortgage, security, deed, or instrument was made entered into or given. Pt 5A (Heading and s. 31A) inserted by No. 7547 s. 2(b). Part VA—Corporate bodies contracts S. 31A inserted by No. 7547 s. 2(b). 31A Formalities of making, varying or discharging a contract (1) So far as the formalities of making varying or discharging a contract are concerned, any person acting under the authority express or implied of a body corporate may make, vary or discharge any contract in the name or on behalf of the body corporate in the same manner as if that contract were made, varied or discharged by a natural person. (2) The making variation or discharge of a contract according to this section shall be effectual in law and shall bind the body corporate and its successors and all other parties thereto. (3) Nothing in this section shall be taken as preventing a body corporate from making, varying or discharging a contract under its common seal. (4) This section shall not apply to the making variation or discharge of a contract before the commencement of the **Instruments (Corporate Bodies Contracts) Act 1967** but shall apply whether the body corporate gave its authority before or after the commencement of the **Instruments (Corporate Bodies Contracts) Act 1967**. (5) Nothing in this section shall limit the operation or effect of any enactment which requires any sanction or consent to be obtained or any procedure to be complied with either before or after any contract is made, varied or discharged. S. 31A(6) amended by Nos 9699 s. 23, 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 65.2). (6) This section shall apply to a body corporate wherever incorporated but shall not apply to any company within the meaning of the Corporations Act. Pt 6 (Heading and ss 32–58) amended by Nos 6438 ss 2, 3(a)(b), 4, 5(1), 6–9, 7941 s. 2, 8181 s. 2(1)(Sch. item 74), 8198 ss 3–15, repealed by No. 9650 s. 27(1)(b). * * * * * Pt 7 (Heading and ss 59–68) amended by Nos 8181 s. 2(1)(Sch. items 71, 73), 9554 s. 2(2)(Sch. 2 item 101), 9650 s. 27(1)(c), 16/1986 s. 30, 15/1987 s. 31(2)(a), 41/1987 s. 103(Sch. 4 item 38.2), 57/1989 s. 3(Sch. items 102.7, 102.8), 49/1994 s. 9(2), 69/2009 s. 54(Sch. Pt 2 item 28), repealed by No. 74/2010 s. 15(1). * * * * * Pt 8 (Heading and ss 69–82) amended by Nos 6505 s. 2, 8181 s. 2(1)(Sch. item 75), 9576 s. 11(1), 9650 s. 27(1)(d), 15/1987 s. 31(2)(b), 57/1989 s. 3(Sch. item 102.9), 84/2001 s. 6, 69/2009 s. 54(Sch. Pt 2 item 28), repealed by No. 74/2010 s. 15(3). * * * * * Pt 9 (Heading and ss 83–96) amended by Nos 6867 s. 2(Sch. 1), 8181 s. 2(1)(Sch. item 72), 19/1989 s. 16 (Sch. items 29.2(a)(b), 29.3(a)(b), 29.4(a)(b), 29.5(a)–(c)), 57/1989 s. 3 (Sch. items 102.10, 102.11), repealed by No. 84/1997 s. 48(1). * * * * * Pt 10 (Heading and ss 97–103) repealed by No. 6531 s. 1(5)(b). * * * * * Pt 11 (Heading and ss 104–125) amended by Nos 6505 s. 2, 9075 s. 5(1), substituted as Pt 11 (Heading and ss 104-113) by No. 9421 s. 2, amended by Nos 9691 ss 2, 3, 9699 s. 23, 58/1986 s. 87, 7/1990 s. 11, 52/1998 s. 311(Sch. 1 items 43.1, 43.2), 35/1996 s. 453(Sch. 1 item 40.2), 52/2001 s. 13(3), 9/2002 s. 3(Sch. item 9), 75/2003 s. 3, repealed by No. 57/2014 s. 144(1). * * * * * Pt 11A (Heading and ss 114–125ZP) inserted by No. 75/2003 s. 4, amended by Nos 4/2008 s. 32(Sch. item 16), 29/2011 s. 3(Sch. 1 item 46), repealed by No. 57/2014 s. 144(2). * * * * * Part XII—Miscellaneous promises etc. required to be in writing No. 3706 s. 128. S. 126 substituted by No. 35/1987 s. 8, amended by No. 23/2004 s. 9 (ILA s. 39B(1)). 126 Certain agreements to be in writing (1) An action must not be brought to charge a person upon a special promise to answer for the debt, default or miscarriage of another person or upon a contract for the sale or other disposition of an interest in land unless the agreement on which the action is brought, or a memorandum or note of the agreement, is in writing signed by the person to be charged or by a person lawfully authorised in writing by that person to sign such an agreement, memorandum or note. S. 126(2) inserted by No. 23/2004 s. 9. (2) It is declared that the requirements of subsection (1) may be met in accordance with the **Electronic Transactions (Victoria) Act 2000**. S. 127 repealed by No. 35/1987 s. 8. * * * * * No. 3706 s. 130. 128 Representations of character No action shall be brought whereby to charge any person upon or by reason of any representation or assurance made or given concerning or relating to the character conduct credit ability trade or dealings of any other person to the intent or purpose that such other person may obtain credit money or goods thereupon, unless such representation or assurance is made in writing signed by the party to be charged therewith. No. 3706 s. 131. S. 129 amended by No. 19/1989 s. 16(Sch. item 29.6). 129 Consideration for guarantee need not appear in writing No special promise by any person to answer for the debt default or miscarriage of another person, being in writing and signed by the party to be charged therewith or some other person by him thereunto lawfully authorized, shall be deemed invalid to support an action to charge the person by whom such promise has been made, by reason only that the consideration for such promise does not appear in writing or by necessary inference from a written document. No. 3706 s. 132. 130 Liability of members of unregistered companies No action shall be brought whereby to charge any member of an unincorporated partnership or co-adventure established for mining purposes upon any simple contract made by or with any other member of such partnership or co-adventure on behalf of the same, unless such contract or some memorandum or note thereof is made or contained by or in some writing to be signed by the defendant in such action. Part XIII—Contracts relating to the carriage of passengers by water No. 3706 s. 134. 131 Definitions (1) In this Part unless inconsistent with the context or subject-matter— ***condition*** includes any statement notice declaration by-law rule regulation advertisement clause covenant stipulation or agreement relating to a contract within the meaning of this Part or affecting in any way the terms of such a contract; ***contract*** means contract made in Victoria for the carriage of any passenger by water from one place to another in Victoria; and includes any such contract oral or in writing or under seal and any token ticket or other evidence of such a contract; ***owner*** includes the charterer master hirer lessee or agent of any ship; ***ship*** includes boat or vessel or any means of conveyance or transit by water. (2) The construction of this Part shall not be affected by reason of the fact that it is included in an Act relating to instruments and securities. 132 Contracts for carriage of passengers by water Where any contract within the meaning of this Part contains any condition (whether expressed or implied therein or incorporated therewith by notice declaration advertisement or otherwise) whereby— (a) the owner of any ship or the ship itself is relieved from liability for loss or damage to any passenger arising from the harmful or improper condition of the ship or arising from the negligence fault or failure of the owner or the negligence fault or failure of his agents officers or servants in the management of the ship or in any matter incidental thereto; or (b) the obligations of the owner to exercise due diligence and to properly man manage equip and supply the ship and to make and keep the same reasonably fit for the carriage of passengers are in any wise lessened weakened or avoided— that condition shall be illegal null and void and of no effect. No. 3706 s. 136. 133 Contracting out not allowed (1) Any agreement contrary to this Part or purporting to lessen its effect in respect of any contract within the meaning of this Part or the incidents or evidence thereof shall be illegal null and void and of no effect. (2) Any condition requiring any person to waive and any agreement to waive compliance with this Part shall be illegal null and void and of no effect. No. 3706 s. 137. 134 Construction and jurisdiction All parties to any contract within the meaning of this Part shall be deemed to have intended to contract according to the laws in force in Victoria and any stipulation or agreement to the contrary or purporting to oust or lessen the jurisdiction of any court in respect of the contract or the incidents or evidence thereof shall be illegal null and void and of no effect. No. 3706 s. 138. 135 Owners of ships not to insert illegal conditions in contracts (1) The owner of a ship shall not expressly or otherwise— (a) insert in or incorporate with any contract within the meaning of this Part any condition declared by this Part to be illegal; or (b) make or sign or execute any such contract or sell or supply or issue any ticket token or other evidence of such a contract containing incorporating or implying any condition declared by this Part to be illegal. S. 135(2) amended by No. 9554 s. 2(2)(Sch. 2 item 102). (2) Every person guilty of a contravention of any of the provisions of this section shall be liable to a penalty of not more than 10 penalty units. Part XIV—Supplementary No. 6013 s. 7(1). 136 Validation of certain transactions in banking shares All contracts agreements and tokens of sale and purchase made or entered into before the commencement of the **Instruments (Amendment) Act 1956** for the sale or transfer or purporting to be for the sale or transfer of any share or shares or of any stock or other interest in a banking company shall notwithstanding any non-compliance with the provisions of Part XIII of the **Instruments Act 1928** or any corresponding previous enactment have and be deemed to always have had the same operation and effect as they would have had if such Part or corresponding previous enactment had not been enacted. No. 6013 s. 6. 137 Abolition of warrants of attorney Any warrant of attorney to confess judgment in any personal action or cognovit actionem shall be void and of no effect. No. 6013 s. 3. 138 Power to Registrar-General to destroy or dispose of documents The Registrar-General may from time to time destroy or otherwise dispose of any instruments or documents, including copies of any instruments or documents, which under this Act or any corresponding previous enactment were required or authorized to be lodged left filed or deposited with the Registrar-General and which have by satisfaction or lapse of time or failure of renewal or otherwise ceased to be of any further force or effect for a period of not less than fifteen years. S. 138A inserted by No. 84/1997 s. 49. 138A Transitional provision Despite section 14 of the **Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984**, any assignment or transfer of book debts existing at the commencement of Part 9 of the **Law and Justice Legislation (Further Amendment) Act 1997** which, before that commencement, was invalid only because it was not registered in accordance with Part IX of the **Instruments Act 1958** is deemed to have been registered under Part IX of that Act immediately before that commencement. No. 6013 s. 4. 139 Fees, searches and regulations (1) There shall be paid to the Registrar-General upon the lodging filing or registration of any document under this Act such fee as is prescribed. (2) Upon the payment of the prescribed fee any person may search any register book index or documents kept or filed pursuant to the provisions of this Act. S. 139(3) amended by No. 8198 s. 16. (3) The Governor in Council may make regulations for or with respect to prescribing fees to be paid to the Registrar-General on the lodging filing registration or searching of any document under this Act. S. 139(4) repealed by No. 6886 s. 3. * * * * * Pt 15 (Heading and ss 141–144) inserted by No. 74/2010 s. 16. Part XV—Savings and transitional provisions—Personal Property Securities (Statute Law Revision and Implementation) Act 2010 Division 1—Definitions S. 141 inserted by No. 74/2010 s. 16. 141 Definitions In this Part— ***2010 Act*** means the **Personal Property Securities (Statute Law Revision and Implementation) Act 2010**; ***commencement time*** means the commencement of section 15 of the 2010 Act; ***current crop lien*** means an agreement to which section 61 applies that, immediately before the commencement time, was registered in accordance with that section; ***current stock mortgage*** means a mortgage to which section 72 applies that, immediately before the commencement time, was registered in accordance with that section; ***current wool lien*** means an agreement to which section 70 applies that, immediately before the commencement time, was registered in accordance with that section; ***Registrar of Personal Property Securities*** has the same meaning as it has in the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 of the Commonwealth. Division 2—Liens on crops S. 142 inserted by No. 74/2010 s. 16. 142 Effect of repeal on existing liens (1) Despite the commencement of section 15 of the 2010 Act, the provisions of Part VII of the **Instruments Act 1958** (other than the part of section 62 beginning with the words "After such agreement as aforesaid" and ending with the words "as against the original proprietor thereof who granted such lien."), as in force immediately before that commencement, are taken to continue to apply to a current crop lien until, in accordance with section 66— (a) the lien is removed from the records of the Registrar-General; or (b) satisfaction of the lien is entered on the records of the Registrar-General— whichever occurs first. **Note** Chapter 9 of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 of the Commonwealth provides for transitional arrangements for liens on crops relating to the priority of these interests. (2) An agreement executed before the commencement time that has not been (but could have been) registered in the office of the Registrar-General in accordance with section 61 immediately before the commencement time is taken to have effect as an agreement to which that section applies immediately before that time. Division 3—Liens on wool and mortgages of stock S. 143 inserted by No. 74/2010 s. 16. 143 Effect of repeal on existing liens Despite the commencement of section 15 of the 2010 Act, the provisions of Part VIII of the **Instruments Act 1958** (other than section 71), as in force immediately before that commencement, are taken to continue to apply to a current wool lien until, in accordance with section 79— (a) the lien is removed from the records of the Registrar-General; or (b) satisfaction of the lien is entered on the records of the Registrar-General— whichever occurs first. **Note** Chapter 9 of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 of the Commonwealth provides for transitional arrangements for liens on wool relating to the priority of these interests. (2) An agreement executed before the commencement time that has not been (but could have been) registered in the office of the Registrar-General in accordance with section 70 immediately before the commencement time is taken to have effect as an agreement to which that section applies immediately before that time. S. 144 inserted by No. 74/2010 s. 16. 144 Effect of repeal on existing mortgages (1) Despite the commencement of section 15 of the 2010 Act, the provisions of Part VIII of the **Instruments Act 1958** (other than section 76), as in force immediately before that commencement, are taken to continue to apply to a current stock mortgage until the amount due or secured by the mortgage is paid or satisfied to the person entitled to receive or give a discharge for the mortgage. **Note** Chapter 9 of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 of the Commonwealth provides for transitional arrangements for stock mortgages. An amendment demand under Part 5.6 of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 of the Commonwealth may be used to cause a migrated stock mortgage that has been discharged to be removed from the Personal Property Securities Register. (2) If a registered stock mortgage becomes a migrated security interest within the meaning of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 of the Commonwealth, the date (if any) recorded in the Personal Property Securities Register established under Chapter 5 of that Act as the date on which the interest was originally registered is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, taken to be the date on which the interest was originally registered under this Act. (3) An agreement executed before the commencement time that has not been (but could have been) registered in the office of the Registrar-General in accordance with section 72 immediately before the commencement time is taken to have effect as an agreement to which that section applies immediately before that time. Schedules Section 2. First Schedule | *Number of Act* | *Title of Act* | *Extent of Repeal* | | --- | --- | --- | | 3706 | **Instruments Act 1928** | So much as is not already repealed. | | 3943 | **Statute Law Revision Act 1930** | Item in Schedule referring to **Instruments Act 1928**. | | 3998 | **Instruments Act 1931** | The whole. | | 4191 | **Statute Law Revision Act 1933** | Item in Schedule referring to **Instruments Act 1928**. | | 4370 | **Instruments Act 1936** | The whole. | | 4428 | **Hire-Purchase Agreements Act 1936** | The whole. | | 4464 | **Instruments (Insurance Contracts) Act 1936** | The whole. | | 4485 | **Statute Law Revision Act 1937** | Item in Schedule referring to **Instruments (Insurance Contracts) Act 1936**. | | 4608 | **Industrial Life Assurance Act 1938** | The whole. | | 4636 | **Statute Law Revision Act 1939** | Item in Schedule referring to **Industrial Life Assurance Act 1938**. | | 4660 | **Instruments (Insurance Contracts) Act 1939** | The whole. | | 4747 | **Ordinary Life Assurance Act 1940** | The whole. | | 4773 | **Industrial Life Assurance Act 1940** | The whole. | | 4840 | **Statute Law Revision Act 1941** | Item in Schedule referring to **Industrial Life Assurance Act 1940**. | | 4848 | **Powers of Attorney (War Service) Act 1941** | The whole. | | 4990 | **Instruments (Insurance Contracts) Act 1943** | The whole. | | 5741 | **Bookmakers Act 1953** | Section 17. | | 5757 | **Statutes Amendment Act 1953** | Section 7. | | 6013 | **Instruments (Amendment) Act 1956** | The whole. | Section 4. Sch. 2 amended by S.R. No. 375/1973 reg. 2(b), Nos 9279 s. 2, 16/1986 s. 32(b)(i)(ii), substituted by No. 110/1986 s. 134(h), amended by Nos 35/1996 s. 453(Sch. 1 items 40.2, 40.3), 84/1997 s. 50, 24/2008 s. 79, 78/2008 s. 26. Second Schedule TO THE DEFENDANT TAKE NOTICE that this proceeding has been brought against you by the plaintiff for the claim set out in this writ. IF YOU INTEND TO DEFEND the proceeding YOU MUST GIVE NOTICE of your intention by first obtaining the leave of the Court to file an appearance and then filing an appearance within the proper time for appearance stated below. YOU OR YOUR LEGAL PRACTITIONER may file the appearance. An appearance is filed by— (a) filing a "Notice of Appearance" in the Prothonotary's office in the Law Courts, William Street, Melbourne, or, where the writ has been filed in the office of a Deputy Prothonotary, in the office of that Deputy Prothonotary; and (b) on the day you file the Notice, serving a copy, sealed by the Court, at the plaintiff's address for service, which is set out at the end of this writ. IF YOU FAIL to obtain the leave of the Court to file an appearance within the proper time and to file an appearance within that time, the plaintiff may ENTER JUDGMENT AGAINST YOU on the claim without further notice. THE PROPER TIME FOR OBTAINING LEAVE TO FILE AN APPEARANCE AND FOR FILING AN APPEARANCE is as follows— (a) where you reside within 80 kilometres of the post office corner of Bourke and Elizabeth Streets Melbourne, within 16 days after service; (b) where you reside beyond that distance, within 21 days after service. IF you pay the amount claimed, namely, $ and $ for legal costs to the plaintiff or his legal practitioner within the proper time stated above, this proceeding will come to an end. Notwithstanding the payment you may have the costs assessed by the Costs Court. APPLICATION FOR LEAVE TO DEFEND must be made within the proper time stated above to an Associate Judge of the Court, Law Courts, William Street, Melbourne. It is not necessary to give notice of the application to the plaintiff. THE COURT MAY GIVE LEAVE TO DEFEND if you— (a) pay into Court the amount claimed, namely, $ ; or (b) file affidavits satisfactory to the Court which disclose— (i) facts which disclose a defence; or (ii) such facts as would make it incumbent on the holder to prove consideration; or (iii) such other facts as the Court considers sufficient to support the application. FILED [*e.g.* 15 June, 19 ]. Prothonotary THIS WRIT is to be served within one year from the date it is filed or within such further period as the Court orders. INDORSEMENT OF CLAIM The plaintiff claims $ principal and interest [*or* $ balance of principal and interest] due to the plaintiff as the payee [indorsee *or* bearer] of a bill of exchange [promissory note *or* order for the payment of money] of which the following is a copy: [*Here copy bill and all indorsements on it*] Complete as follows: 1. Place of trial— (if no place of trial is specified, trial will be in Melbourne.) 2. Mode of trial— (if trial before a Judge and jury is not specified, trial will be before a Judge sitting alone.) 3. *This writ was filed— (a) by the plaintiff in person; (b) for the plaintiff by [*name or firm of legal practitioner*], legal practitioner, of [*business address of legal practitioner*]; (c) for the plaintiff by [*name or firm of legal practitioner*], legal practitioner, of [*business address of legal practitioner*] as agent for [*name or firm of principal legal practitioner*], legal practitioner, of [*business address of principal*]. 4. The address of the plaintiff is— 5. The address for service of the plaintiff is— [*Where the plaintiff sues by a legal practitioner, the address for service is the business address of the legal practitioner or, where the legal practitioner acts by an agent, the business address of the agent. Where the plaintiff sues without a legal practitioner, the address for service is stated in 4, but, where that address is outside Victoria, the plaintiff must state an address for service within Victoria.*] 6. The address of the defendant is— *[Complete or strike out as appropriate.] Sch. 3 repealed by No. 110/1986 s. 134(i). * * * * * Schs 4, 5 repealed by No. 9650 s. 27(1)(e). * * * * * Sch. 6 amended by S.R. No. 375/1973 reg. 2(c), repealed by No. 74/2010 s. 15(2). * * * * * Sch. 7 repealed by No. 74/2010 s. 15(4). * * * * * Sch. 8 repealed by No. 74/2010 s. 15(5). * * * * * Schs 9–11 repealed by No. 84/1997 s. 48(2). * * * * * Section 107 (1). Sch. 12 substituted by No. 9421 s. 3. Schedule 12—General power of attorney THIS GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY is made on the day of , 19 , by A.B. of in pursuance of section 107(1) of the **Instruments Act 1958**. 1. I APPOINT C.D. of (or C.R. of and E.F. of jointly (or jointly and severally)) to be my attorney(s). 2. I AUTHORIZE my attorney(s) to do on my behalf any thing that I may lawfully authorize an attorney to do. SIGNED SEALED AND DELIVERED by . Sch. 13 repealed by No. 9421 s. 3, new Sch. 13 inserted by No. 9691 s. 4, repealed by No. 75/2003 s. 5. * * * * * Schs 14, 15 repealed by No. 9421 s. 3. * * * * * Sch. 16 inserted by No. 6438 s. 10, repealed by No. 9650 s. 27(1)(e). * * * * * Endnotes 1 General information See [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. The **Instruments Act 1958** was assented to on 30 September 1958 and came into operation on 1 April 1959: Government Gazette 30 March 1959 p. 892. INTERPRETATION OF LEGISLATION ACT 1984 (ILA) Style changes Section 54A of the ILA authorises the making of the style changes set out in Schedule 1 to that Act. References to ILA s. 39B Sidenotes 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. Interpretation As from 1 January 2001, amendments to section 36 of the ILA have the following effects: • Headings All 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). • Examples, diagrams or notes All 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). • Punctuation All 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). • Provision numbers All 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). • Location of "legislative items" A "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. • Other material Any explanatory memorandum, table of provisions, endnotes, index and other material printed after the Endnotes does not form part of an Act. See section 36(3)(3D)(3E). 2 Table of Amendments This publication incorporates amendments made to the **Instruments Act 1958** by Acts and subordinate instruments. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– **Instruments (Bills of Sale) Act 1958, No. 6438/1958** | Assent Date: | 5.11.58 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 1.4.59: Government Gazette 18.3.59 p. 896 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Statute Law Revision Act 1959, No. 6505/1959** | Assent Date: | 5.5.59 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 1.4.59: s. 1(2) | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Hire-Purchase Act 1959, No. 6531/1959** | Assent Date: | 12.5.59 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 1.7.59: Government Gazette 19.6.59 p. 1763 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Statute Law Revision Act 1962, No. 6867/1962** | Assent Date: | 16.4.62 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 16.4.62 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Subordinate Legislation Act 1962, No. 6886/1962** | Assent Date: | 8.5.62 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 1.8.62: Government Gazette 4.7.62 p. 2314 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Instruments (Corporate Bodies Contracts) Act 1967, No. 7547/1967** | Assent Date: | 17.3.67 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 1.7.67: Government Gazette 21.6.67 p. 2027 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Instruments (Bills of Exchange Amendment) Act 1969, No. 7852/1969** | Assent Date: | 14.10.69 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 1.3.71: Government Gazette 27.1.71 p. 201 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Instruments (Amendment) Act 1970, No. 7941/1970** | Assent Date: | 24.3.70 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 24.3.70 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Statute Law Revision Act 1971, No. 8181/1971** | Assent Date: | 23.11.71 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 23.11.71 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Instruments (Amendment) Act 1971, No. 8198/1971** | Assent Date: | 30.11.71 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 1.6.72: Government Gazette 19.4.72 p. 963 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Companies (Interstate Corporate Affairs Commission) Act 1974, No. 8565/1974** | Assent Date: | 14.5.74 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 1.7.74: Government Gazette 29.5.74 p. 1869 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Age of Majority Act 1977, No. 9075/1977** | Assent Date: | 6.12.77 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 1.2.78: Government Gazette 11.1.78 p. 97 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Instruments (Writs) Act 1979, No. 9279/1979** | Assent Date: | 10.7.79 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 10.7.79 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Instruments (Powers of Attorney) Act 1980, No. 9421/1980** (as amended by No. 9549) | Assent Date: | 20.5.80 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 1.7.80: Government Gazette 25.6.80 p. 2123 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Penalties and Sentences Act 1981, No. 9554/1981** | Assent Date: | 19.5.81 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 44 on 26.9.80 (but note ss 4, 9 of Act No. 9945): s. 1(3); ss 1, 36–46 on 3.6.81: Government Gazette 3.6.81 p. 1778; rest of Act on 1.9.81: Government Gazette 26.8.81 p. 2799 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Crimes (Classification of Offences) Act 1981, No. 9576/1981** | Assent Date: | 26.5.81 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 1.9.81: Government Gazette 26.8.81 p. 2799 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Chattel Securities Act 1981, No. 9650/1981** | Assent Date: | 15.12.81 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | Ss 1, 2(1)(2)(6), 13–21, 21A, 21B, 26 on 28.3.84; rest of Act on 2.4.84: Government Gazette 28.3.84 p. 941 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Instruments (Enduring Powers of Attorney) Act 1981, No. 9691/1981** | Assent Date: | 5.1.82 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 3.3.82: Government Gazette 3.3.82 p. 604 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Companies (Consequential Amendments) Act 1981, No. 9699/1981** | Assent Date: | 5.1.82 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | Ss 9, 14, 18 on 1.7.81: s. 2(2); s. 19 on 1.10.81: s. 2(3); s. 22 on 5.1.82: s. 2(4); rest of Act on 1.7.82: s. 2(1) | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Instruments (Bills of Exchange) Act 1983, No. 9947/1983** | Assent Date: | 27.9.83 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 27.9.83 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Commercial Arbitration Act 1984, No. 10167/1984** | Assent Date: | 20.11.84 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 1.4.85: Government Gazette 20.2.85 p. 372 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Courts Amendment Act 1986, No. 16/1986** | Assent Date: | 22.4.86 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | Ss 1–11, 13–27, 29–34 on 1.7.86: Government Gazette 25.6.86 p. 2180; s. 28 on 1.9.86: Government Gazette 27.8.86 p. 3201; s. 12 on 1.1.88: Government Gazette 7.10.87 p. 2701 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Guardianship and Administration Board Act 1986, No. 58/1986** | Assent Date: | 3.6.86 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 14 on 8.7.86: Government Gazette 25.6.86 p. 2179; Pt 1, ss 5, 6, 15–18, 75–82, Schs 1, 3 on 1.4.87: Government Gazette 25.3.87 p. 695; s. 58 on 1.4.87: Government Gazette 1.4.87 p. 778; rest of Act on 14.7.87: Government Gazette 8.7.87 p. 1792 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Supreme Court Act 1986, No. 110/1986** | Assent Date: | 16.12.86 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 1.1.87: s. 2 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Chattel Securities Act 1987, No. 15/1987** | Assent Date: | 12.5.87 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 1.8.87: Government Gazette 29.7.87 p. 1992 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Sale of Goods (Vienna Convention) Act 1987, No. 35/1987** | Assent Date: | 12.5.87 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | Pts 1, 3 on 12.5.87: s. 2(1); Pt 2 on 1.4.89: Government Gazette 22.3.89 p. 652 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987, No. 41/1987** | Assent Date: | 19.5.87 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 103(Sch. 4 items 38.1, 38.2) on 1.7.87: Government Gazette 24.6.87 p. 1694 | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Instruments Act 1958** | **County Court (Amendment) Act 1989, No. 19/1989** | Assent Date: | 16.5.89 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 1.8.89: Government Gazette 26.7.89 p. 1858 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Magistrates' Court (Consequential Amendments) Act 1989, No. 57/1989** | Assent Date: | 14.6.89 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 4(1)(a)–(e)(2) on 1.9.89: Government Gazette 30.8.89 p. 2210; rest of Act on 1.9.90: Government Gazette 25.7.90 p. 2217 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Medical Treatment (Enduring Power of Attorney) Act 1990, No. 7/1990** | Assent Date: | 10.4.90 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 6.8.90: Government Gazette 1.8.90 p. 2288 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Water (Further Amendment) Act 1994, No. 49/1994** | Assent Date: | 7.6.94 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | Ss 1, 2 on 7.6.94: s. 2(1); s. 8 (*except* s. 8(a)(c)) on 1.7.92: s. 2(2); rest of Act on 1.7.94: s. 2(4) | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Legal Practice Act 1996, No. 35/1996** | Assent Date: | 6.11.96 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 453(Sch. 1 item 40.1–40.3) on 1.1.97: s. 2(3) | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Instruments Act 1958** | **Law and Justice Legislation (Further Amendment) Act 1997, No. 84/1997** | Assent Date: | 2.12.97 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | Ss 48–50 on 2.12.97: s. 2(1) | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Instruments Act 1958** | **Tribunals and Licensing Authorities (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 1998, No. 52/1998** | Assent Date: | 2.6.98 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 311(Sch. 1 item 43) on 1.7.98: Government Gazette 18.6.98 p. 1512 | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Instruments Act 1958** | **Corporations (Consequential Amendments) Act 2001, No. 44/2001** | Assent Date: | 27.6.01 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 3(Sch. item 65) on 15.7.01: s. 2 | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Instruments Act 1958** | **Public Notaries Act 2001, No. 52/2001** | Assent Date: | 25.9.01 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 13(3) on 6.6.02: Government Gazette 30.5.02 p. 1118 | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Instruments Act 1958** | **Auction Sales (Repeal) Act 2001, No. 84/2001** | Assent Date: | 11.12.01 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 6 on 1.1.03: s. 2(4) | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Instruments Act 1958** | **Corporations (Financial Services Reform Amendments) Act 2002, No. 9/2002** | Assent Date: | 23.4.02 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 3(Sch. item 9) on 23.4.02: s. 2 | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Instruments Act 1958** | **Instruments (Enduring Powers of Attorney) Act 2003, No. 75/2003** | Assent Date: | 21.10.03 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | Ss 3–5 on 1.4.04: Government Gazette 19.2.04 p. 333 | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Instruments Act 1958** | **Transfer of Land (Electronic Transactions) Act 2004, No. 23/2004** | Assent Date: | 18.5.04 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 9 on 19.5.04: s. 2 | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Instruments Act 1958** | **Legal Profession (Consequential Amendments) Act 2005, No. 18/2005** | Assent Date: | 24.5.05 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 18(Sch. 1 item 51) on 12.12.05: Government Gazette 1.12.05 p. 2781 | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Instruments Act 1958** | **Motor Car Traders Amendment Act 2008, No. 4/2008** | Assent Date: | 4.3.08 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 32(Sch. item 16) on 1.12.08: s. 2(2) | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Instruments Act 1958** | **Courts Legislation Amendment (Associate Judges) Act 2008, No. 24/2008** | Assent Date: | 3.6.08 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 79 on 17.12.08: Special Gazette (No. 377) 16.12.08 p. 1 | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Instruments Act 1958** | **Racing and Gambling Legislation Amendment Act 2008, No. 73/2008** | Assent Date: | 25.11.08 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 31 on 1.1.09: Government Gazette 18.12.08 p. 2998 | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Instruments Act 1958** | **Courts Legislation Amendment (Costs Court and Other Matters) Act 2008, No. 78/2008** | Assent Date: | 11.12.08 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 26 on 31.12.09: s. 2(3) | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Instruments Act 1958** | **Statute Law Amendment (Evidence Consequential Provisions) Act 2009, No. 69/2009** | Assent Date: | 24.11.09 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 54(Sch. Pt 2 item 28) on 1.1.10: s. 2(2) | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Instruments Act 1958** | Personal Property Securities (Statute Law Revision and Implementation) Act 2010, No. 74/2010 | Assent Date: | 19.10.10 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | Ss 15, 16 on 30.1.12: Special Gazette (No. 423) 21.12.11 p. 3 | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Instruments Act 1958** | **Statute Law Revision Act 2011, No. 29/2011** | Assent Date: | 21.6.11 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 3(Sch. 1 item 46) on 22.6.11: s. 2(1) | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Instruments Act 1958** | Commercial Arbitration Act 2011, No. 50/2011 | Assent Date: | 18.10.11 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 46(Sch. item 10) on 17.11.11: Special Gazette (No. 369) 15.11.11 p. 1 | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Instruments Act 1958** | **Legal Profession Uniform Law Application Act 2014, No. 17/2014** | Assent Date: | 25.3.14 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 160(Sch. 2 item 51) on 1.7.15: Special Gazette (No. 151) 16.6.15 p. 1 | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Instruments Act 1958** | **Powers of Attorney Act 2014, No. 57/2014** | *Assent Date:* | 26.8.14 | | --- | --- | | *Commencement Date:* | S. 144 on 1.9.15: s. 2(2) | | *Current State:* | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Instruments Act 1958** | **Statute Law Amendment (References to the Sovereign) Act 2023, No. 25/2023** | Assent Date: | 5.9.23 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 7(Sch. 1 item 16) on 6.9.23: s. 2 | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Instruments Act 1958** | ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Metric Conversion (Instruments Act) Regulations 1973, S.R. No. 375/1973 | Date of Making: | 18.12.73 | | --- | --- | | Date of Commencement: | 1.2.74: reg. 1 | ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 3 Explanatory details No entries at date of publication.