An Act to establish the International Air Services Commission, and for related purposes
Part 1—Preliminary
1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the International Air Services Commission Act 1992.
2 Commencement
This Act commences on 1 July 1992.
3 Object of Act
The object of this Act is to enhance the welfare of Australians by promoting economic efficiency through competition in the provision of international air services, resulting in:
(a) increased responsiveness by airlines to the needs of consumers, including an increased range of choices and benefits; and
(b) growth in Australian tourism and trade; and
(c) the maintenance of Australian carriers capable of competing effectively with airlines of foreign countries.
4 Interpretation
(1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
another country includes any region:
(a) that is part of a foreign country; or
(b) that is under the protection of a foreign country; or
(c) for whose international relations a foreign country is responsible.
Australian carrier, in relation to particular capacity, means a person who:
(a) conducts, or proposes to conduct, an international airline service to and from Australia; and
(b) under the bilateral arrangement to which the capacity relates, may be permitted to carry passengers or freight, or both passengers and freight, under that arrangement as an airline designated, nominated or otherwise similarly authorised by Australia.
available capacity has the meaning given in subsection 5(1).
bilateral arrangement means an agreement or arrangement between:
(a) Australia, or an entity or organisation nominated or otherwise similarly authorised by Australia to enter into the agreement or arrangement; and
(b) another country;
under which the carriage by air of passengers or freight (or both) is permitted.
blocked space arrangements means arrangements under which capacity is acquired by a carrier for the carriage of passengers or freight on an aircraft of another carrier.
capacity means an amount of space (however worked out or described) for the carriage of passengers or freight (or both) by persons designated, nominated or otherwise similarly authorised by Australia, being carriage permitted under a bilateral arrangement, or a combination of bilateral arrangements.
Chairperson means the Chairperson of the Commission.
code sharing means an arrangement under which a carrier sells capacity under its own designator code on a flight operated by another airline.
Commission means the International Air Services Commission established by section 6.
determination means a determination made by the Commission under section 7 or 8 concerning the allocation of capacity.
interim determination means a determination that includes a statement, under paragraph 15(2)(b), 19(1)(b) or 54(4)(a), to the effect that it is an interim determination.
joint international air services includes, but is not limited to, the provision of international air services by an Australian carrier involving code sharing, blocked space arrangements, joint pricing, revenue and cost sharing, revenue and cost pooling, or the sale of capacity to another airline.
member means a member of the Commission.
operational decision, in relation to particular capacity, means a decision (including the granting of any licence or the giving of any approval) under the Air Navigation Act 1920, or the regulations made under that Act, that must be made if an Australian carrier is to be permitted to operate an international airline service using that capacity.
reduce, in relation to capacity, includes reduce to nil.
renewal means renewal of a determination under section 8.
review means review of a determination under section 10.
Secretary means the Secretary of the Department.
transfer application means an application, by an Australian carrier to whom a determination allocates capacity, for one or both of the following:
(a) a variation of the determination in a way that allocates, or has the effect of allocating, that capacity to another Australian carrier;
(b) a variation of the determination that varies, or has the effect of varying, one or more conditions of a kind referred to in paragraph 15(2)(d), (e) or (f).
wholly‑owned subsidiary has the same meaning as in the Corporations Act 2001.
(2) A reference in this Act to an allocation of capacity is a reference to a finding, included in a determination, that a specified Australian carrier should be permitted to use that capacity.
(3) A reference in this Act to the benefit to the public in relation to an allocation of capacity is a reference to the benefit to the public that would occur if the Australian carrier to whom the capacity is allocated were permitted to use that capacity.
(4) A reference in this Act to use of capacity is a reference to the operation of an international air service to provide the carriage of passengers or freight, or both passengers and freight, to which the capacity relates.
5 Available capacity
(1) Subject to subsection (2) of this section and subsection 9(2A), capacity is taken to be available capacity for the purposes of this Act if operational decisions are not in force in relation to that capacity.
(2) If the Commission makes a determination, the capacity to which it relates is taken not to be available capacity during the period beginning when the determination is made and ending when the Secretary advises the Commission under section 50 in relation to the capacity.
5A Application of the Criminal Code
Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code applies to all offences created by this Act.
Note: Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.
Part 2—Key provisions
6 The International Air Services Commission
(1) The International Air Services Commission is established.
(2) The functions of the Commission are:
(a) to make determinations under sections 7 and 8; and
(b) to conduct reviews of those determinations; and
(c) to provide advice to the Minister about any matter referred to the Commission by the Minister concerning international air operations.
(2A) To remove any doubt, it is declared that the Commission may, at the same time, consider and decide more than one matter in relation to particular capacity.
(3) In performing its functions, the Commission must:
(a) comply with any applicable policy statements made by the Minister under section 11; and
(b) have regard to Australia’s international obligations concerning the operation of international air services.
(4) The Commission has the power to do everything necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the performance of its functions.
Note: Part 4 is about the Commission’s procedure. Par t 5 is about the membership of the Commission.
7 Determinations allocating capacity
(1) The Commission may make a determination allocating available capacity.
(2) The determination:
(a) must not allocate available capacity unless the Commission is satisfied that the allocation would be of benefit to the public; and
(aa) must not allocate available capacity contrary to any restrictions on capacity contained in a bilateral arrangement, or a combination of bilateral arrangements, permitting the carriage to which the capacity relates; and
(b) if more than one application was made under Division 1 of Part 3 relating to the allocation—must make the allocation that the Commission is satisfied, having regard to the applications made, would be of the greatest benefit to the public.
(3) In assessing the benefit to the public of an allocation of capacity, the Commission must apply the criteria set out for that purpose in the policy statements made by the Minister under section 11.
Note: Division 1 of Part 3 is about making determinations. Part 4 is about the Commission’s procedure.
8 Renewal of determinations
(1) The Commission may, at any time while a determination is in force, make a fresh determination allocating the capacity to which the original determination relates.
(2) The fresh determination:
(a) must make the same allocation of capacity as the original determination unless:
(i) the Commission is satisfied that that allocation is no longer of benefit to the public; or
(ii) the original determination is an interim determination; and
(b) comes into force immediately after the end of the period during which the original determination was in force.
(3) If the fresh determination does not make the same allocation of capacity as the original determination, it must not make a different allocation of capacity unless the Commission is satisfied that that allocation would be of benefit to the public.
(4) In assessing the benefit to the public of an allocation of capacity, the Commission must apply the criteria set out for that purpose in any policy statements made by the Minister under section 11.
Note: Division 2 of Part 3 is about renewing determinations. Part 4 is about the Commission’s procedure.
9 Effect of determinations on the making of operational decisions
(1) The Secretary must not make an operational decision in relation to capacity that is inconsistent with a determination relating to the allocation of that capacity.
(2) The Secretary must not make an operational decision in relation to capacity that comes into existence on or after 1 July 1992 unless:
(a) a determination is in force relating to the allocation of that capacity; or
(b) the capacity relates to a non‑scheduled flight within the meaning of the Air Navigation Act 1920; or
(c) the decision is made in other circumstances prescribed by the regulations.
(2A) An operational decision made in relation to capacity as mentioned in paragraph (2)(c) is not taken to be an operational decision for the purposes of subsection 5(1).
(3) Nothing in this Act obliges the Secretary to make an operational decision implementing a determination.
Note: Section 50 imposes notification requirements on the Secretary.
10 Review of determinations
(1) The Commission may, at any time, conduct a review of a determination if it believes that there may be grounds for varying, suspending or revoking the determination.
(2) The Commission must conduct a review of a determination if an Australian carrier to whom the determination allocates capacity applies to the Commission under section 21 for the determination to be varied.
Note: Division 3 of Part 3 is about reviewing determinations. Part 4 is about the Commission’s procedure.
11 Policy statements
(1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make policy statements about the way in which the Commission is to perform its functions.
(2) In particular, the policy statements may set out:
(a) the criteria to be applied by the Commission in assessing the benefit to the public of allocations of capacity; and
(b) how the Commission is to fix the periods during which determinations are to be in force; and
(c) matters relating to the Commission’s consideration of whether determinations should be interim determinations; and
(d) matters relating to the inclusion of conditions in determinations and the variation or revocation of such conditions.
(3) Without limiting the criteria that, under paragraph (2)(a), may be set out in the policy statements, the policy statements may set out:
(a) criteria that relate to the matters referred to in section 3; and
(b) criteria that apply in relation to particular circumstances, including where:
(i) capacity is not limited under bilateral arrangements; or
(ii) only one application has been made for the allocation of capacity; or
(iii) no submissions are received opposing allocation of capacity to an applicant; or
(iv) an application for the allocation of capacity is opposed on particular grounds.
(4) A policy statement:
(a) must not deal with the making of a particular determination or decision by the Commission; and
(b) is invalid to the extent that it purports to deal with such a matter.
Part 3—Allocation of available capacity
Division 1—Determinations allocating capacity
Note: This Division is about making determinations under section 7.
12 Applications relating to available capacity
(1) Before making a determination allocating available capacity, the Commission must, by notice, invite:
(a) applications for a determination allocating the capacity; and
(b) if the regulations so require—submissions about the allocation of the capacity.
Note: Section 52 is about publication of notices.
(2) Without limiting the matters that may be included in the notice, the notice must:
(a) set out the matters that the regulations require to be set out in the notice; and
(b) specify the period within which applications are required to be made; and
(c) may include guidance as to:
(i) any matters that the Commission considers to be particularly important in making its determination in relation to that available capacity; and
(ii) the weight that the Commission is likely to give to such matters.
(3) Any person may apply to the Commission for a determination allocating the capacity.
14 Requirements of applications
(1) An application under this Division:
(a) must be in writing; and
(b) must be delivered at the address specified in the regulations as the Commission’s address for receiving applications; and
(c) must be so delivered within the period referred to in paragraph 12(2)(b).
(3) The Commission may reject an application without considering it further if it does not comply with subsection (1).
15 Content of determinations
(1) A determination may include such terms and conditions as the Commission thinks fit.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the determination:
(a) must specify the period, under subsection (3), during which the determination is to be in force; and
(b) may include a statement to the effect that the determination is an interim determination; and
(c) must include a condition that the capacity be fully used, except so far as:
(i) the determination provides otherwise in relation to a specified period commencing when the determination comes into force; or
(ii) the regulations otherwise permit; and
(d) must include a condition that, except to the extent permitted by the condition referred to in paragraphs (e) and (ea), the available capacity in question is only to be used by the one or more Australian carriers to whom the capacity is allocated; and
(e) must include a condition stating the extent (if any) to which any such carrier may use that capacity by providing joint international air services with another Australian carrier or any other person; and
(ea) may include a condition that, to the extent that any of the capacity is allocated to a particular Australian carrier, it may be used in whole or in part by any one or more of the following:
(i) the carrier;
(ii) a wholly‑owned subsidiary of the carrier;
(iii) if the carrier is a wholly‑owned subsidiary of another Australian carrier—that other carrier; and
(f) must include a condition stating the extent to which changes in the ownership or control of any such carrier are permitted while the determination is in force.
(2A) If a determination includes a condition of a kind mentioned in paragraph (2)(ea), the determination may include conditions that are applicable to all, or some only, of the persons who are permitted to use the capacity concerned.
(2B) If:
(a) a carrier is a wholly‑owned subsidiary of another Australian carrier; and
(b) that other carrier would, apart from any condition included under this subsection in a determination, be permitted by a condition referred to in paragraph (2)(ea) to use any capacity allocated to the subsidiary;
the determination must include a condition stating the extent to which changes in the ownership or control of that other carrier are permitted if that other carrier is to continue to be permitted to use that capacity while the determination is in force.
(3) The period referred to in paragraph (2)(a) is:
(a) if the policy statements made by the Minister under section 11 set out how the period is to be fixed—the period as so fixed; or
(b) in any other case:
(i) if the determination is an interim determination—3 years; or
(ii) if the determination is not an interim determination—5 years.
16 Notification of determinations
As soon as practicable after the making of a determination, the Commission must:
(a) make copies of the determination and its reasons for the determination available to the public; and
(b) publish, in such manner as it thinks appropriate, a notice stating:
(i) that the determination has been made; and
(ii) where copies of the determination and reasons may be obtained.
Division 2—Renewal of determinations
Note: This Division is about renewing determinations under section 8.
17 Consideration of renewals
(1) The Commission must start its consideration of the renewal of a determination (other than an interim determination) at least 12 months before the end of the period during which the determination is in force.
(2) Sections 12 and 14 apply in relation to the renewal of a determination in the same way they apply in relation to the making of a determination allocating available capacity.
18 Renewal of interim determinations
(1) The Commission must start its consideration of the renewal of an interim determination as soon as practicable after the determination is made.
(2) Sections 12 and 14 apply in relation to the renewal of an interim determination in the same way they apply in relation to the making of a determination under section 7 allocating available capacity.
(3) If no applications are made under subsection 12(3) (as it applies by virtue of subsection (2) of this section) in relation to the interim determination, the Commission must issue a notice stating that:
(a) no such applications were made; and
(b) the determination is no longer to be treated as an interim determination.
Note: Section 52 is about publication of notices.
(4) If such a notice is issued, this Act (including paragraph 15(3)(b) or 19(2)(b), as the case requires) has effect in relation to the determination as if it is no longer an interim determination.
19 Content of determinations
(1) A determination under section 8:
(a) must specify the period, under subsection (2), during which the determination is to be in force; and
(b) may include a statement to the effect that the determination is an interim determination; and
(c) subject to subsection (3), must include the same terms and conditions as the original determination to which it relates.
(2) The period referred to in paragraph (1)(a) is:
(a) if the policy statements made by the Minister under section 11 set out how the period is to be fixed—the period as so fixed; or
(b) in any other case:
(i) if the determination is an interim determination—3 years; or
(ii) if the determination is not an interim determination—5 years.
(3) In including terms and conditions in the determination, the Commission may make such changes (if any) to the terms and conditions included in the original determination (including adding or deleting terms and conditions) as it is satisfied are warranted because of changes in circumstances since the original determination was made.
20 Notification of renewals
As soon as practicable after the making of a determination, the Commission must:
(a) make copies of the determination and its reasons for the determination available to the public; and
(b) publish, in such manner as it thinks appropriate, a notice stating:
(i) that the determination has been made; and
(ii) where copies of the determination and reasons may be obtained.
Division 3—Review of determinations
Note: This Division is about reviewing determinations under section 10.
21 Applications for variation of determinations
(1) An Australian carrier to whom a determination allocates capacity may, at any time, apply to the Commission for the determination to be varied.
(2) The application:
(a) must be in writing; and
(b) must specify the variation being requested; and
(c) must be delivered at the address specified in the regulations as the Commission’s address for receiving applications.
22 Submissions about reviews
(1) Before conducting a review under section 10, the Commission must, by notice, invite submissions about the review of the determination.
Note: Section 52 is about publication of notices.
(1A) Subsection (1) does not apply to a review of a determination that allocates capacity if:
(a) the review is made as a result of an application (other than a transfer application) by the carrier to which the capacity was allocated requesting a variation of the determination; and
(b) the only effect of the variation would be to reduce the capacity allocated to the carrier.
(2) Any person may make submissions to the Commission about the review of the determination.
23 Decisions on review for cause
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the Commission must, having conducted a review under subsection 10(1) in relation to a determination, make a decision:
(a) confirming the determination; or
(b) varying the determination; or
(c) suspending the determination; or
(d) revoking the determination.
(2) The Commission may only make a decision varying, suspending or revoking the determination if it is satisfied that:
(a) a term or condition of the determination has been breached; or
(b) due to a change of circumstances, it is inevitable that a breach of such a term or condition will occur; or
(c) an Australian carrier that, under the determination, is to use capacity to which the determination relates no longer intends to use fully that capacity.
(3) The Commission must not make a decision varying the determination in a way that varies, or has the effect of varying, an allocation of capacity unless the Commission is satisfied that the allocation, as so varied, would be of benefit to the public.
24 Decisions on applications for variation
(1) Subject to this section, the Commission must, having conducted a review to decide an application (other than a transfer application) for a determination to be varied, make a decision:
(a) confirming the determination; or
(b) varying the determination in a way that gives effect to the variation requested in the application.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), the Commission must not make a decision varying the determination in a way that varies, or has the effect of varying, an allocation of capacity unless the Commission is satisfied that the allocation, as so varied, would be of benefit to the public.
(3) If:
(a) an Australian carrier to which a determination allocates capacity applies in accordance with section 21 for the determination to be varied; and
(b) the only effect of the variation would be to reduce the capacity allocated to the carrier;
the Commission must vary the determination as requested in the application.
25 Decisions on transfer applications
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the Commission must, having conducted a review to decide a transfer application, make a decision varying the determination concerned in a way that gives effect to the variation requested in the transfer application.
(2) The Commission must not make a decision varying the determination in a way that varies, or has the effect of varying, an allocation of capacity if the Commission is satisfied that the allocation, as so varied, would not be of benefit to the public.
26 Assessments of public benefit
In assessing the benefit to the public of a variation of an allocation of capacity, the Commission must apply the criteria set out for that purpose in any policy statements made by the Minister under section 11.
27 Notification of decisions
As soon as practicable after the making of a decision on a review of a determination, the Commission must:
(a) make copies of the decision and its reasons for the decision available to the public; and
(b) publish a notice stating:
(i) that the decision has been made; and
(ii) where copies of the decision and reasons may be obtained.
Division 4—Surrender of allocated capacity
27AA Surrender of allocated capacity
(1) An Australian carrier to whom a determination allocates capacity may at any time request the Commission to revoke the determination.
(2) The request must:
(a) be in writing and contain the prescribed particulars; and
(b) be delivered at the address specified in the regulations as the Commission’s address for receiving applications.
(3) On receipt of a request in relation to a determination, the Commission must make a decision revoking the determination.
(4) As soon as practicable after making a decision revoking a determination under this section, the Commission must:
(a) make copies of the decision available to the public; and
(b) publish a notice stating that the decision has been made and where copies of it may be obtained.
Part 3A—Delegation of Commission’s powers and functions
27AB Delegation of powers and functions
(1) Subject to this section, the Commission may delegate, to an APS employee in the Department, the Commission’s powers or functions under any one or more of the following provisions:
(a) section 7, 8, 16, 20, 27 or 27AA;
(b) subsection 10(2), 12(1), 14(3), 17(1) or (2), 18(1), (2) or (3) or 22(1).
(2) The delegation must be in writing and may only be made with the written agreement of the Secretary.
(3) The regulations may provide that the Commission may only delegate a power or a function in specified circumstances.
(4) If a delegate conducts the review of a determination under subsection 10(2), sections 24, 25 and 26 apply to the delegate in relation to the review in the same way as those sections would have applied to the Commission if the Commission had conducted the review.
(5) If a delegate conducting the review of a determination under subsection 10(2) requests the Commission to conduct the review, the Commission, instead of the delegate, must conduct the review.
Part 4—The Commission’s procedure
Division 1—General
27A Meetings of Commission
(1) Subject to subsection (2), meetings of the Commission are to be held at such times and places as the Commission from time to time determines.
(2) The Chairperson may at any time convene a meeting.
(3) The Chairperson is to preside at any meeting at which he or she is present.
(4) If the Chairperson is not present at a meeting, the members present are to appoint one of them to preside at the meeting.
(5) At a meeting:
(a) 2 members form a quorum; and
(b) a question is to be decided by a majority of the votes of the members present and voting; and
(c) the member presiding has a deliberative vote but does not have a casting vote.
(6) The preceding provisions of this section apply to a hearing held by the Commission as if the hearing were a meeting of the Commission.
(7) The Commission must cause minutes of its meetings to be kept.
28 Commission to act informally etc.
In performing its functions, the Commission:
(a) must act with as little formality as possible; and
(b) must act as quickly as is appropriate given the requirements of this Part and the need properly to consider a matter before it; and
(c) may decide a matter before it without holding a hearing; and
(d) is not bound by the rules of evidence; and
(e) may inform itself on anything relevant to a matter before it in any way it thinks fit; and
(f) may receive information or submissions orally or by written statements; and
(g) may, in respect of a matter before it, consult such persons as it thinks fit.
Division 2—Hearings
30 Commission may hold hearings
(1) For the purposes of the performance of its functions, the Commission may hold hearings.
(2) This Division applies to any hearing held by the Commission for the purpose of considering a matter or matters before it.
31 Evidence on oath etc.
The Commission may take evidence at the hearing on oath or affirmation, and any member may administer an oath or affirmation for that purpose.
32 Representation
(1) If a party to the proceedings is a body corporate, the party may be represented at the hearing by an employee or an officer of the body corporate or, if the Commission permits, by another person.
(2) A party to the proceedings (other than a party referred to in subsection (1)) may, if the Commission permits, be represented at the hearing by another person.
33 Hearings to be public except in special circumstances
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the hearing is to be conducted in public.
(2) If the Commission is satisfied that:
(a) it is desirable because of the confidential nature of any evidence or matter; or
(b) it is, for any other reason, in the public interest;
the Commission may:
(c) decide that a hearing or part of a hearing take place in private and decide which persons may be present; or
(d) give directions prohibiting or restricting publication or disclosure:
(i) of evidence given at a hearing, whether in public or in private; or
(ii) of any matters contained in documents received in evidence or otherwise obtained by the Commission.
(3) A person must not contravene a direction under paragraph (2)(d).
Penalty for a contravention of this subsection: 50 penalty units.
34 Summons to give evidence
A member may summon a person to appear at the hearing:
(a) to give evidence to the Commission; and
(b) to produce such documents as are referred to in the summons.
35 Failure of witness to attend
(1) A person summoned to appear as a witness before the Commission must not:
(a) fail to attend as required by the summons; or
(b) fail to appear and report from day to day.
Penalty: 30 penalty units.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person has a reasonable excuse.
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) An offence under paragraph (1)(a) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(4) Paragraph (1)(b) does not apply if the person is excused or released from further attendance by a member of the Commission.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (4) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).
36 False information
A person appearing as a witness before the Commission must not provide false or misleading information to the Commission.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months.
37 Refusal to provide information etc.
(1) A person summoned to appear as a witness before the Commission must not fail:
(a) to answer a question or provide information as required by a member of the Commission; or
(b) to produce a document as required by a summons served under section 34.
Penalty: 50 penalty units.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person has a reasonable excuse.
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) An offence under subsection (1) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
38 Allowances to witnesses
A person summoned to appear as a witness before the Commission is entitled to be paid:
(a) if the witness was summoned on the application of a party to the proceedings—by that party; or
(b) in any other case—by the Commonwealth;
such allowances for travelling and other expenses in relation to his or her attendance as are prescribed.
Part 5—Membership of the Commission
39 Constitution of Commission
(1) The Commission consists of the following members:
(a) a Chairperson;
(b) 2 other members.
(2) The performance of a function or the exercise of a power by the Commission is not affected by a vacancy in the membership of the Commission.
40 Appointment of members
(1) The members of the Commission are to be appointed by the Governor‑General.
(2) A member may be appointed on a full‑time or a part‑time basis.
(3) A member holds office on such terms and conditions (if any) in respect of matters not provided for by this Act as the Minister determines.
41 Qualification of members
The Governor‑General must not appoint a person to the Commission unless the Governor‑General is satisfied that the person is suitably qualified for appointment because of substantial experience or expertise in one or more of the following fields:
(a) law;
(b) commerce;
(c) business;
(d) economics;
(e) public administration.
42 Term of appointment
(1) A member is to be appointed for the period, not exceeding 5 years, as specified in the instrument of appointment.
(2) A member is eligible for re‑appointment.
43 Remuneration and allowances
(1) The members are to be paid such remuneration as the Remuneration Tribunal determines.
(2) The members are to be paid such allowances as are prescribed.
(3) This section has effect subject to the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.
44 Leave of absence
(1) If a member is appointed on a full‑time basis, the member has such recreation leave entitlements as the Remuneration Tribunal determines.
(2) The Minister may grant the Chairperson leave of absence, other than recreation leave, on such terms and conditions as to remuneration or otherwise as the Minister determines in writing.
(3) The Chairperson may grant leave of absence to any other member on such terms and conditions as the Chairperson determines.
45 Resignation
A member may resign from office by writing signed and delivered to the Governor‑General.
46 Termination of appointment
(1) The Governor‑General may terminate the appointment of a member for misbehaviour or physical or mental incapacity.
(2) The Governor‑General may terminate the appointment of a member if the member:
(a) becomes bankrupt, applies to take the benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors, compounds with creditors or makes an assignment of remuneration for their benefit; or
(b) is absent from duty, except on leave of absence, for 14 consecutive days or for 28 days in any 12 months; or
(c) fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with his or her obligations under section 47.
47 Disclosure of interests
(1) If a member has or acquires any interest, whether monetary or otherwise, that could conflict with the proper performance of his or her functions in relation to proceedings conducted by the Commission:
(a) the member must disclose the interest to the other members and to any parties to the proceedings; and
(b) except with the consent of the other members and the parties (if any), the member must not take part, or any further part, as the case may be, in the proceedings.
(2) If:
(a) a member becomes aware that another member has, in relation to proceedings conducted by the Commission, an interest of a kind referred to in subsection (1); and
(b) the other member has not disclosed the interest as required by paragraph (1)(a);
then:
(c) the first‑mentioned member must tell the other member that he or she has become aware that the other member has the interest; and
(d) if the other member does not then disclose the interest as required by paragraph (1)(a), the first‑mentioned member must disclose the interest to the remaining member (if any) and the parties (if any) to the proceedings; and
(e) except with the consent of the other members and the parties (if any), the member who has the interest must not take part, or any further part, as the case may be, in the proceedings.
48 Acting appointments
(1) The Minister may appoint a person to act as Chairperson:
(a) during a vacancy in the office of Chairperson, whether or not an appointment has previously been made to the office; or
(b) during any period, or during all periods, when the Chairperson is absent from duty or from Australia, or is for any other reason unable to perform the functions 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 other than the Chairperson to act as a member:
(a) during a vacancy in the office of that member, whether or not an appointment has previously been made to the office; or
(b) during any period, or during all periods, when that member is absent from Australia or 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.
Part 6—Miscellaneous
49 Register of available capacity
(1) The Secretary must cause a register of all available capacity to be prepared and kept up to date.
(3) The Secretary must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the register is available for inspection by any person without charge.
50 Secretary to notify Commission of making etc. of operational decisions
If:
(a) a determination of the Commission allocating particular capacity is in force; and
(b) the Secretary makes, or decides not to make, an operational decision relating to that capacity;
the Secretary must give written notice to the Commission of the operational decision or of the decision not to make the operational decision.
51 Protection of members etc.
(1) A member has, in the performance of his or her duty as a member, the same protection and immunity as a Justice of the High Court.
(2) A legal practitioner or other person appearing before the Commission has the same protection and immunity as a barrister has in appearing for a party in proceedings in the High Court.
(3) A person summoned to attend before or appearing before the Commission as a witness has the same protection, and is, in addition to the penalties provided by this Act, subject to the same liabilities, as a witness in proceedings in the High Court.
52 Publication of notices
Notices issued under subsection 12(1), section 16, subsection 17(2) or 18(3), section 20, subsection 22(1), section 27 or 27AA must be published:
(a) in the way provided for in the regulations; or
(b) if the regulations do not so provide—in the way the Commission thinks appropriate.
53 Annual report
(1) The Commission must, as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year, prepare and give to the Minister a report of its operations during the financial year.
(2) The Minister must cause a copy of each such report to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the Minister received the report.
54 Pre‑existing capacity
(1) In this section:
pre‑existing capacity means capacity that came into existence before the commencement of this Act.
(2) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, declare that this Act applies to the pre‑existing capacity specified in the instrument as if, immediately after the commencement of this Act, the Commission had made a determination in the terms set out in the instrument.
(3) Subject to subsection (5), this Act (other than section 7 and Division 1 of Part 3) has effect in relation to that capacity as if the Commission had made a determination accordingly.
(4) The terms set out in the instrument as the terms and conditions of the determination:
(a) subject to subsection (5), may include a statement to the effect that the determination is an interim determination; and
(b) must specify as the period during which the determination is to be in force:
(i) if the determination is an interim determination—the period of 3 years starting on 1 July 1992; or
(ii) if the determination is not an interim determination—the period of 5 years starting on 1 July 1992.
(5) A statement may not be included under paragraph (4)(a) in relation to capacity in relation to which operational decisions were in force on 26 February 1992.
54A Pre‑existing capacity under special bilateral arrangement
(1) In this section:
pre‑existing capacity means capacity:
(a) that came into existence before the commencement of this section; and
(b) to which an agreement or arrangement entered into between:
(i) an entity or organisation nominated or otherwise similarly authorised by Australia; and
(ii) another country;
relates.
(2) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, declare that this Act applies to the pre‑existing capacity referred to in the declaration as if, immediately after the commencement of this section, the Commission had made a determination in the terms set out in the declaration.
(3) This Act (other than section 7 and Division 1 of Part 3) has effect in relation to that capacity as if the Commission had made a determination accordingly.
(4) The terms set out in the declaration as the terms and conditions of the determination:
(a) may include a statement to the effect that the determination is an interim determination; and
(b) must state as the period during which the determination is to be in force:
(i) if the determination is an interim determination—the period of 3 years starting on the date of commencement of this section; or
(ii) otherwise—the period of 5 years starting on that date.
54B Pre‑existing capacity
(1) In this section:
pre‑existing capacity means capacity that came into existence before the commencement of this section, other than pre‑existing capacity to which section 54 or 54A applies.
(2) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, declare that this Act applies to the pre‑existing capacity specified in the instrument as if, immediately after the commencement of this section, the Commission had made a determination in the terms set out in the instrument.
(3) This Act (other than section 7 and Division 1 of Part 3) has effect in relation to that capacity as if the Commission had made a determination accordingly.
(4) The terms set out in the instrument as the terms and conditions of the determination must state that the determination is to be in force for the period of 5 years starting on the date of commencement of this section.
55 Regulations
(1) 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.
(2) In particular, the Governor‑General may make regulations providing for procedures to be followed by the Commission in performing its functions, including time limits within which such procedures must be completed.