State Owned Enterprises Act 1992 (Victoria)

Version No. 041

State Owned Enterprises Act 1992

No. 90 of 1992

Version incorporating amendments as at
1 July 2022

table of provisions

Section Page

Part 1—Preliminary 1

1 Purposes 1

2 Commencement 1

3 Definitions 1

4 Subsidiary 5

5 Act to prevail 6

6 Act to bind Crown 6

Part 2—Statutory corporations—reorganisation and establishment of State bodies 7

Division 1—Reorganising bodies 7

7 Declaration of statutory corporation as reorganising body 7

8 Boards of reorganising body 7

8A Functions may be altered or varied 8

9 Reorganisation directed by Treasurer 8

10 Determination of initial capital 9

11 Capital 10

12 Repayment of capital 10

13 Dividends 10

13A Reports 11

Division 2—State bodies 11

14 Establishment of State body 11

14A Borrowing and investment powers 13

15 Shares 13

16 Variation of Order in Council 13

16A Repayment of capital 13

16B Dividends 13

16C Directions 14

Part 3—State business corporations 15

17 Declaration of State business corporation 15

18 Objective 15

19 Functions 15

20 Powers 16

21 Functions and powers may be carried on outside Victoria 16

22 Delegation 16

23 Board of directors 17

24 Constitution of board 17

25 Appointment of directors 17

26 Terms and conditions of appointment 17

27 Acting chairman 18

28 Acting deputy chairman 18

29 Acting general director 19

30 Vacancies, resignations, removal from office 19

31 Validity of decisions 20

32 Proceedings of a board 21

33 Resolutions without meetings 21

34 Delegation by board 22

35 Disclosure of interests 22

36 Duties of directors 23

37 Minister may bring proceedings 24

38 State business corporation not to make loans to directors 25

39 Indemnity 25

40 Chief executive officer and deputy 26

41 Corporate plan 26

42 Statement of corporate intent: contents 28

43 State business corporation to act in accordance with corporate plan 29

44 Nothing void merely because of non-compliance 29

45 Non-commercial functions 29

46 Determination of initial capital 30

47 Capital 30

48 Repayment of capital 31

49 Dividends 31

51 Continuing guarantees 31

52 Appropriation for guarantee etc. 32

53 Reports to Treasurer 32

54 Board to notify relevant Minister and Treasurer of significant affecting events etc. 32

55 Half-yearly reports 33

Part 4—Conversion to State owned company 34

59 Declaration of statutory corporation as converting body 34

60 Reservation of name under Corporations Act 34

61 Memorandum and articles 34

62 Capital structure of converting body 35

63 Issue of shares in converting body 35

64 Application for registration as a company 36

65 Status and continuity 36

Part 5—State owned companies 38

Division 1—Declaration 38

66 Declaration by Governor in Council 38

Division 2—Formation of company 38

67 Treasurer may form or participate in formation of company 38

68 Transfer of assets and liabilities 39

Division 3—Operation of State owned companies 39

69 Principal objective 39

70 Status 39

71 Memorandum and articles 40

72 Non-commercial activities 40

73 Audit by Auditor-General 41

74 Further accounts and reports 41

75 Treasurer to present accounts and reports to Parliament 42

Part 6—Prescribed bodies—special investigations 43

76 Definition 43

77 Appointment of special investigators 43

78 Powers 44

79 Copies of documents 44

80 Immunity 44

81 Publication 45

82 Reports 45

83 Expenses of investigation 45

84 Offences 46

85 Power to refer matters to police etc. 46

Part 7—General 47

86 Competition and Consumer Act 2010 of the Commonwealth 47

86A Competition policy authorisation—VicForests 47

87 Subsidiaries 48

88 Tax equivalent 49

88AA Application of section 88 to certain bodies 52

88A Application of tax equivalents to other bodies 53

88B State owned enterprises to make certain payments 54

89 Non-application of State taxation 55

90 Application of certain other Acts 56

91 Supreme Court—limitation of jurisdiction 57

92 Regulations 57

Schedule 1—Provisions to be included in memorandum and articles of association of state owned companies 58

Endnotes 61

1 General information 61

2 Table of Amendments 63

3 Explanatory details 66

Version No. 041

State Owned Enterprises Act 1992

No. 90 of 1992

Version incorporating amendments as at
1 July 2022

The Parliament of Victoria enacts as follows:

Part 1—Preliminary

1 Purposes

The purposes of this Act are—

(a) to provide for the reorganisation of certain statutory corporations;

(b) to provide that certain businesses conducted by the State be operated by—

(i) State business corporations; or

(ii) State owned companies;

2 Commencement

(1) Parts 1 and 6 come into operation on the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent.

(2) The remaining provisions of this Act come into operation on a day or days to be proclaimed.

3 Definitions

In this Act—

S. 3 def. of ASC substituted as ASIC by No. 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 104.1(a)).

ASIC means the Australian Securities and Investments Commission;

articles means articles of association and, in relation to the Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria, includes the Articles of Association contained in the Second Schedule to the Gas and Fuel Corporation Act 1958;

board, in relation to a statutory corporation or company, means the board of directors or governing body, by whatever name called, of the statutory corporation or company;

S. 3 def. of company substituted by No. 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 104.1(b)).

company means a company within the meaning of the Corporations Act that is taken to be registered in Victoria;

constituting Act—

(a) in relation to a statutory corporation, means the Act under which the statutory corporation is incorporated;

(b) in relation to a State body means the Order in Council under which it was established;

S. 3 def. of conversion amended by No. 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 104.1(c)).

conversion means the conversion of a converting body into a company on registration under section 118 of the Corporations Act;

converting body means a statutory corporation declared by Order in Council under section 59 to be a converting body;

declared subsidiary means a subsidiary in respect of which a declaration under section 87 is in force;

director, in relation to a State business corporation, means chairman, deputy chairman, preference director or general director;

existing capital, in relation to a converting body, means an amount equal to the excess of assets over liabilities of the converting body or, if there is no such excess, $5;

financial accommodation means a financial benefit or assistance to obtain a financial benefit arising from or as a result of—

(a) a loan;

(b) issuing, endorsing or otherwise dealing in promissory notes;

(d) issuing, purchasing or otherwise dealing in securities;

(e) granting or taking a lease of any real or personal property for financing but not for operating purposes;

(f) any other arrangement that the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Treasurer approves;

general director, in relation to a State business corporation, means a director, other than the chairman or deputy chairman or a preference director;

lease means—

(a) any lease, licence, charter or hiring arrangement of any real or personal property; or

(b) any arrangement under which a right to use, operate, manage or provide services in respect of any real or personal property is granted by the owner to another person;

memorandum means memorandum of association;

preference director means a director of the Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria appointed or elected by or on behalf of preference shareholders of the Corporation under its articles;

S. 3 def. of relevant Minister amended by Nos 56/1995
s. 57, 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 104.1(d)).

relevant Minister—

(a) in relation to a statutory corporation, means the Minister administering the constituting Act of the corporation; and

(b) in relation to a State owned company, the Minister specified in the company's constitution; and

(c) in relation to a State body, means the Minister designated as the relevant Minister in the Order establishing the State body or, if no Minister is so designated, the Treasurer;

reorganising body means a statutory corporation declared by Order in Council under section 7 to be a reorganising body;

security includes inscribed stock and debenture, bond, debenture stock, notes or any other document creating, evidencing or acknowledging indebtedness in respect of financial accommodation whether constituting a charge on property or not;

State body means a body corporate established under section 14;

State business corporation means a statutory corporation declared by Order in Council under section 17 to be a State business corporation;

State owned company means a company declared by Order in Council under section 66 to be a State owned company;

State owned enterprise means—

(a) State business corporation;

(b) State owned company;

S. 3 def. of statutory corporation amended by Nos 92/1993
s. 4(a), 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 104.1(e)).

statutory corporation means—

(a) a body corporate incorporated under an Act; or

(b) a State body—

and includes a reorganising body but does not include a body corporate incorporated, or taken to be incorporated, under the Corporations Act;

subsidiary includes a body declared by this Act to be a subsidiary;

wholly owned subsidiary in relation to a reorganising body, means a subsidiary that is wholly owned by the body.

4 Subsidiary

S. 4(1) amended by Nos 92/1993
s. 4(b), 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 104.2(a)).

(1) For the purposes of this Act, the question whether a body corporate is a subsidiary (other than a declared subsidiary) of a State business corporation or a reorganising body shall be determined in the same manner as the question would be determined under the Corporations Act if the State business corporation or a reorganising body and the body corporate were corporations within the meaning of that Act.

S. 4(2) amended by No. 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 104.2(b)).

(2) The question whether a body corporate is a subsidiary of a State owned company shall be determined in accordance with the Corporations Act.

S. 5
amended by No. 92/1993 s. 5(a)(b).

5 Act to prevail

If a provision of this Act or of an Order under this Act is inconsistent with a provision of the constituting Act of a statutory corporation or State body, or of any other Act conferring functions or powers on a statutory corporation, the provision of this Act or of the Order prevails.

6 Act to bind Crown

This Act binds the Crown, not only in right of the State of Victoria, but also, so far as the legislative power of the Parliament permits, the Crown in all its other capacities.

Part 2—Statutory corporations—reorganisation and establishment of State bodies

Division 1—Reorganising bodies

7 Declaration of statutory corporation as reorganising body

(1) The Governor in Council, by Order published in the Government Gazette, may declare a statutory corporation to be a reorganising body.

(2) A declaration under this section may be made for the purpose of the statutory corporation becoming a State business corporation or a State owned company, or for any other reason.

8 Boards of reorganising body

(1) The Governor in Council, by Order published in the Government Gazette, may declare that the constitution of the board of a reorganising body is changed as specified in the Order.

(2) The Governor in Council may in the Order do any one or more of the following:

(a) Change the number of members of the board;

(b) Determine the qualifications of persons for, or terms and conditions of, appointment to the board;

(d) Make such other changes to the constitution of the board as the Governor in Council determines.

(3) The Governor in Council may appoint persons as members of the board of a reorganising body, whether or not the board has been reconstituted under this section.

(4) The Governor in Council may remove members of the board of a reorganising body, whether or not the board has been reconstituted under this section.

(5) A member of a board of a reorganising body removed from office under this section is not entitled to any remuneration or compensation for loss of office.

S. 8A
inserted by No. 92/1993 s. 6.

8A Functions may be altered or varied

The Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Treasurer after consultation with the relevant Minister, may, by Order published in the Government Gazette, alter or vary the functions of a reorganising body.

9 Reorganisation directed by Treasurer

(1) The Treasurer, after consultation with the relevant Minister, may direct a reorganising body to do any one or more of the following:

S. 9(1)(a) substituted by No. 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 104.3).

(a) To form or acquire a company within the meaning of the Corporations Act that is taken to be registered in Victoria and that is a wholly owned subsidiary;

(b) To transfer to a wholly owned subsidiary or State body specified assets, liabilities or undertakings, in exchange for the issue of shares to the reorganising body, or otherwise;

(c) Transfer to a State owned enterprise or to another statutory corporation or to the State certain assets, liabilities or undertakings;

(d) To guarantee a particular liability, or the liabilities generally, of a wholly owned subsidiary or a State body;

(e) To sell assets, including its shares in a wholly owned subsidiary;

(f) To reorganise its affairs in anticipation of the reorganising body becoming a State business corporation or State owned company.

(2) Despite anything to the contrary in its constituting Act or in any other Act conferring functions or powers on it, a reorganising body may, under the authority of this Act, do all things necessary to comply with, and must comply with, a direction under subsection (1).

10 Determination of initial capital

(1) The Treasurer, after a statutory corporation is declared to be a reorganising body and after consultation with the board, may determine the amount of initial capital of the reorganising body for the purposes of this Act.

(2) In making the determination, the Treasurer shall have regard to any relevant advice that the board has given to the Treasurer.

(3) The determination shall be made in writing.

(4) The value of the capital is the value specified in the determination or, if the Treasurer and the board agree that the value so specified does not correctly represent the value, the value agreed by the Treasurer and the board.

11 Capital

(1) The capital of each reorganising body is equal to the sum of—

(a) the amount of the body's initial capital under this Act in accordance with section 10(1);

(b) any part of the body's liabilities that is converted into capital at the direction of the Treasurer;

(d) any part of the body's reserves that is converted into capital at the direction of the Treasurer after consultation with the board—

less any amounts of capital repaid under section 12.

(2) Interest is not payable to the State on a reorganising body's capital.

12 Repayment of capital

S. 12(1) amended by No. 92/1993
s. 7.

(1) The capital of a reorganising body is repayable to the State at such times, and in such amounts, as the Treasurer, after consultation with the relevant Minister directs in writing after consultation with the board.

(2) In giving a direction under this section, the Treasurer shall have regard to any advice that the board has given to the Treasurer in relation to the reorganising body's affairs.

13 Dividends

Each reorganising body must pay to the State such dividend, at such time and in such manner, as is determined by the Treasurer after consultation with the board and the relevant Minister.

S. 13A inserted by No. 56/1995
s. 58.

13A Reports

The Treasurer may require a reorganising body to prepare and deliver, at a time and in a manner specified by the Treasurer—

(a) such financial information as the Treasurer requires;

(b) a business plan in a form specified by the Treasurer;

(d) a report on such matters as are specified by the Treasurer.

Division 2—State bodies

14 Establishment of State body

(1) The Governor in Council, by Order published in the Government Gazette, may establish, for the purposes of this Act, a State body by a name specified in the Order.

(2) The Order—

(a) must state the particular purpose of establishing the State body; and

(b) must state the functions and powers of the State body;

(c) if the State body is to be a subsidiary of a statutory corporation, must so state and name the particular statutory corporation;

(d) if the State body is to have a share capital, must state particulars of the share capital;

S. 14(2)(e) amended by No. 92/1993
s. 8(1)(a).

(e) must contain particulars of the constitution of the board of the State body;

S. 14(2)(ea) inserted by No. 92/1993
s. 8(1)(b).

(ea) may include provision for the appointment of directors by the Governor in Council;

S. 14(2)(eb) inserted by No. 56/1995
s. 59.

(eb) may designate a Minister as the relevant Minister for the purposes of this Act in relation to the State body;

(f) may include such other particulars relating to the establishing or operation of the State body as the Governor in Council determines.

(3) A State body established under this section—

(a) is a body corporate with perpetual succession;

(b) shall have an official seal;

(d) may acquire, hold and dispose of real and personal property;

(e) may do and suffer all things that a body corporate may by law do and suffer.

(4) All courts must take judicial notice of the seal of a State body affixed to a document and, until the contrary is proved, must presume that it was duly affixed.

(5) The official seal must be kept in such custody as the State body directs and must not be used except as authorised by the State body.

S. 14A inserted by No. 45/1997
s. 35, amended by No. 23/2022 s. 10.

14A Borrowing and investment powers

A State body has such powers under the Borrowing and Investment Powers Act 1987 as are specified in accordance with regulations under that Act.

15 Shares

Shares in a State body must not be issued or dealt with except in accordance with an Order of the Governor in Council under this Division.

S. 16 amended by No. 92/1993
s. 8(2).

16 Variation of Order in Council

The Governor in Council by Order published in the Government Gazette may alter or vary an Order made under this Part and make changes to the constitution, functions and powers and other matters affecting a State body (whether or not it has been declared under Part 3 to be a State business corporation).

S. 16A inserted by No. 92/1993
s. 9.

16A Repayment of capital

(1) The capital of a State body is repayable to the State at such times, and in such amounts, as the Treasurer directs in writing after consultation with the relevant Minister and the board of the State body.

(2) In giving a direction under this section, the Treasurer shall have regard to any advice that the board has given to the Treasurer in relation to the State body's affairs.

S. 16B inserted by No. 92/1993
s. 9.

16B Dividends

Each State body must pay to the State such dividend, at such times and in such manner, as is determined by the Treasurer after consultation with the board and the relevant Minister.

S. 16C inserted by No. 92/1993
s. 9.

16C Directions

After consultation between the Treasurer and the relevant Minister, the Treasurer or relevant Minister may, from time to time, by written notice to the board, give such directions to the board as the Treasurer or relevant Minister thinks fit.

Part 3—State business corporations

17 Declaration of State business corporation

The Governor in Council, by Order published in the Government Gazette, may declare a statutory corporation to be a State business corporation.

18 Objective

The principal objective of each State business corporation is to perform its functions for the public benefit by—

(a) operating its business or pursuing its undertaking as efficiently as possible consistent with prudent commercial practice; and

(b) maximising its contribution to the economy and well being of the State.

S. 19 amended by No. 92/1993
s. 10(1)(a)(b).

19 Functions

(1) The functions of a State business corporation are—

S. 19(1)(a) amended by No. 92/1993
s. 10(1)(b).

(a) subject to this Act, the functions conferred on it by or under its constituting Act or an Act other than this Act; and

S. 19(1)(b) amended by No. 92/1993
s. 10(1)(b).

(b) the functions conferred on it by or under this Act.

S. 19(2) inserted by No. 92/1993
s. 10(2).

(2) The Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Treasurer after consultation with the relevant Minister, by Order published in the Government Gazette, may alter or vary the functions of a State business corporation.

S. 20 amended by No. 92/1993
s. 11.

20 Powers

A State business corporation has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, or incidental to, the performance of its functions.

21 Functions and powers may be carried on outside Victoria

A State business corporation may carry on its functions and exercise powers within or outside Victoria and outside Australia.

22 Delegation

A State business corporation may, by instrument under its common or official seal, delegate to—

S. 22(a) amended by No. 92/1993
s. 12.

(a) the board or 2 or more directors; or

(b) an officer of the corporation by name or the holder of an office within the corporation; or

(d) with the consent of the relevant Minister, any other person—

any power of the corporation, other than—

(e) this power of delegation; and

(f) any power to make by-laws; and

(g) any power to set a tariff or make or levy rates; and

(h) any other power that is prescribed for the purposes of this section.

23 Board of directors

There shall be a board of directors of each State business corporation consisting of not less than 4, and not more than 9, directors appointed in accordance with this Part.

24 Constitution of board

(1) A board of directors of a State business corporation shall consist of—

(a) a chairman;

(b) a deputy chairman;

(2) If the Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria is a State business corporation, the relevant Minister and the Treasurer must determine that there is a number of preference directors that exceeds by one the number of general directors.

25 Appointment of directors

(1) The directors of a State business corporation, (other than preference directors), shall be appointed by the Governor in Council having regard to the expertise necessary for the corporation to achieve its objectives.

(2) If Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria is a State business corporation, the preference directors shall be elected or appointed in accordance with the articles of the Corporation.

26 Terms and conditions of appointment

(1) A director of a State business corporation, other than a preference director, shall be appointed for such term, not exceeding 3 years, as is specified in the instrument of appointment, but is eligible for re-appointment.

(2) A director of a State business corporation, other than a preference director, holds office, subject to this Act, on such terms and conditions as are determined by the relevant Minister and the Treasurer.

(3) If the Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria is a State business corporation, each preference director holds office in accordance with the articles of the Corporation.

S. 26(4) repealed by No. 42/1995
s. 224(Sch. 2 item 37).

27 Acting chairman

(1) When—

(a) the office of chairman is vacant; or

(b) the chairman is absent from Victoria or is, for any reason, unable to attend meetings of the board or otherwise unable to perform the duties of the office—

the deputy chairman of the State business corporation must act as chairman.

(2) While the deputy chairman is acting as chairman, the deputy chairman has and may exercise all the powers, and must perform all the duties, of the chairman.

28 Acting deputy chairman

The relevant Minister may appoint a director of a State business corporation to act as deputy chairman—

(a) during a vacancy in the office of deputy chairman; or

(b) during any period, or during all periods, when the deputy chairman is acting as chairman or is unable, for any reason, to attend meetings of the board.

29 Acting general director

The relevant Minister may appoint a person to act as a general director of a State business corporation—

(a) during a vacancy in the office of a general director; or

(b) during any period, or during all periods, when a general director is acting as deputy chairman or is unable, for any reason, to attend meetings of the board.

30 Vacancies, resignations, removal from office

(1) The office of a director of a State business corporation becomes vacant if the director—

(a) without the board's approval, fails to attend 3 consecutive meetings of the board; or

(b) attains the age of 72; or

(c) becomes bankrupt, applies to take the benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors, compounds with his or her creditors or makes an assignment of his or her remuneration for their benefit; or

(d) is convicted of an indictable offence or an offence which, if committed in Victoria, would be an indictable offence.

(2) A director appointed under section 25 may resign by writing delivered to the relevant Minister.

(3) The Governor in Council may remove a director, or all directors, from office, other than a preference director.

(4) If the Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria is a State business corporation, a preference director may be removed from office in accordance with the Corporation's articles.

(5) If a director of a State business corporation—

(a) is convicted of an offence relating to his or her duties as a director; or

(b) fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with section 35—

the director must be removed from office by—

(d) in the case of a preference director, the preference shareholders of the Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria in accordance with the Corporation's articles.

31 Validity of decisions

(1) An act or decision of a board of a State business corporation is not invalid merely because of—

(a) a defect or irregularity in, or in connection with, the appointment of a director; or

(b) a vacancy in the membership of the board, including a vacancy arising from the failure to appoint an original director.

(2) Anything done by or in relation to a person purporting to act as chairman or as deputy chairman or as a director is not invalid merely because—

(a) the occasion for the appointment has not arisen; or

(b) there was a defect or irregularity in relation to the appointment; or

(d) the occasion for the person to act had not arisen or had ceased.

32 Proceedings of a board

(1) Subject to subsection (2), meetings of a board of a State business corporation shall be held at such times and places as the board determines.

(2) The chairman may at any time convene a meeting but must do so when requested by a director.

(3) The chairman, or in his or her absence, the deputy chairman, or in the absence of both the chairman and the deputy chairman, a director appointed by the board, shall preside at a meeting of the board.

(4) A majority of the directors for the time being constitutes a quorum of a board.

(5) A question arising at a meeting shall be determined by a majority of votes of directors present and voting on that question and, if voting is equal, the person presiding has a casting, as well as a deliberative, vote.

(6) A board must ensure that minutes are kept of each of its meetings.

(7) Subject to this Act, a board may regulate its own proceedings.

33 Resolutions without meetings

(1) If the directors of a State business corporation for the time being (other than a director who is absent from Australia when the other directors sign) sign a document containing a statement that those directors are in favour of a resolution in terms set out in the document, a resolution in those terms shall be taken to have been passed at a meeting of the board held on the day on which the document is signed or, if the directors do not sign it on the same day, on the day on which the last director to sign signs the document.

(2) If a resolution is, under subsection (1), taken to have been passed at a meeting of the board, each director must be advised as soon as practicable and given a copy of the terms of the resolution.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (1), two or more separate documents containing a statement in identical terms, each of which is signed by one or more directors, shall be taken to constitute one document.

34 Delegation by board

The board of a State business corporation may, in writing, delegate to 2 or more directors any of the Board's powers under this Act or the corporation's constituting Act, other than this power of delegation.

35 Disclosure of interests

(1) If—

(a) a director of a State business corporation has a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in a matter being considered, or about to be considered, by the board; and

(b) the interest could conflict with the proper performance of the director's duties in relation to the consideration of the matter—

the director, as soon as practicable after the relevant facts come to the director's knowledge, must disclose the nature of the interest at a meeting of the board.

(2) A disclosure under subsection (1) must be recorded in the minutes of the meeting and, unless the relevant Minister or the board otherwise determines, the director—

(a) must not be present during any deliberation of the board in relation to the matter; and

(b) must not take part in any decision of the board in relation to the matter.

(3) For the purpose of the making of a determination by the board under subsection (2) in relation to a director who has made a disclosure under subsection (1), a director who has a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the matter to which the disclosure relates—

(a) must not be present during any deliberation of the board for the purpose of making the determination; and

(b) must not take part in the making by the board of the determination.

S. 35(4) amended by No. 92/1993
s. 13.

(4) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to a matter relating to the supply of goods or services to the director if the goods or services are, or are to be, available to members of the public on the same terms and conditions.

36 Duties of directors

(1) A director of a State business corporation must at all times act honestly in the performance of the functions of his or her office, whether within or outside the State.

(2) A director must at all times exercise a reasonable degree of care and diligence in the performance of his or her functions, whether within or outside the State.

(3) A director, or former director, must not, whether within or outside the State, make improper use of information acquired by virtue of his or her position as a director to gain, directly or indirectly, an advantage for himself or herself or for any other person or to cause detriment to the State business corporation.

S. 36(4) amended by No. 74/2000 s. 3(Sch. 1 item 116.1).

(4) A director must not, whether within or outside the State, make improper use of his or her position as a director to gain, directly or indirectly, an advantage for himself or herself or for any other person or to cause detriment to the State business corporation.

(5) This section has effect in addition to, and not in derogation of, any Act or law relating to the criminal or civil liability of a member of the governing body of a corporation and does not prevent the institution of any criminal or civil proceedings in respect of such a liability.

37 Minister may bring proceedings

If a person contravenes section 36 in relation to a State business corporation, the relevant Minister, in the name of the corporation, may recover from the person as a debt due to the corporation by action in a court of competent jurisdiction either or both of the following:

(a) If that person, or any other person, made a profit as a result of the contravention, an amount equal to that profit;

(b) If the corporation has suffered loss or damage as a result of the contravention, an amount equal to that loss or damage.

38 State business corporation not to make loans to directors

(1) The powers of a State business corporation do not include a power, whether directly or indirectly—

S. 38(1)(a) amended by No. 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 104.4).

(a) to make a loan to a director of the State business corporation, a spouse of such a director, or a relative (as defined in the Corporations Act) of such a director or spouse; or

(b) to give a guarantee or provide security in connection with a loan made or to be made by another person to a director, spouse or relative referred to in paragraph (a).

(2) Nothing in subsection (1) prohibits a State business corporation entering into an agreement or arrangement with a person referred to in subsection (1) if similar agreements or arrangements are entered into by the State business corporation with members of the public on the same terms and conditions.

S. 39 amended by No. 56/1995
s. 60(a)(b).

39 Indemnity

The powers of a State business corporation do not include a power to exempt, whether directly or indirectly, a director of the corporation from, or to indemnify (whether by paying a premium in respect of a contract of insurance or otherwise) a director of the corporation against, any liability that by law would otherwise attach to the director in respect of a wilful breach of duty or breach of trust of which the director may be guilty in relation to the corporation.

40 Chief executive officer and deputy

(1) A chief executive officer, or deputy chief executive officer, of a State business corporation holds office, subject to this Act, on a full-time basis and on such other terms and conditions as are approved by the relevant Minister on the recommendation of the board and specified in the instrument of appointment.

(2) The board of a State business corporation may remove the chief executive officer, or deputy chief executive officer, from office.

(3) A director of a State business corporation is not eligible to be appointed as, or to act as, chief executive officer or deputy chief executive officer of the corporation, except with the approval of the relevant Minister.

41 Corporate plan

(1) The board of a State business corporation must prepare a corporate plan each year.

(2) The board must give a copy of the proposed plan to the relevant Minister and the Treasurer on or before 31 May in each year.

(3) The proposed corporate plan must be in or to the effect of a form approved by the relevant Minister and the Treasurer and must include—

(a) a statement of corporate intent in accordance with section 42;

S. 41(3)(b) substituted by No. 56/1995
s. 61.

(b) a business plan containing such information as the Treasurer or the relevant Minister requires;

S. 41(3)(c) substituted by No. 56/1995
s. 61.

(4) The board must consider any comments on the proposed plan that are made to it by the Treasurer or the relevant Minister within 2 months after the plan was submitted to the Treasurer and relevant Minister.

(5) The board must consult in good faith with the Treasurer and the relevant Minister following communication to it of the comments, must make such changes to the plan as are agreed between the Treasurer, the relevant Minister and the board and must deliver the completed plan to the Treasurer and relevant Minister within 2 months after the commencement of the financial year.

(6) The plan, or any part of the plan, must not be published or made available except for the purposes of this Part without the prior approval of the board, the Treasurer and the relevant Minister.

(7) The plan may be modified at any time by the board with the agreement of the Treasurer and the relevant Minister.

(8) If the board, by written notice to the Treasurer and relevant Minister, proposes a modification of the plan, the board may, within 14 days, make the modification unless the Treasurer or relevant Minister, by written notice to the board, directs the board not to make it.

(9) The Treasurer or relevant Minister may, from time to time, by written notice to the board, direct the board to include in, or omit from, a statement of corporate intent, a business plan or a prescribed financial statement, any specified matters.

(10) Before giving the direction under this section, the Treasurer and relevant Minister must consult with the board as to the matters to be referred to in the notice.

(11) The State business corporation must comply with a direction under this section.

(12) At any particular time, the statement of corporate intent, the business plan or the financial statements for the State business corporation are the statements and plan last completed, with any modifications or deletions made in accordance with this Part.

42 Statement of corporate intent: contents

Each statement of corporate intent must specify for a State business corporation and its subsidiaries, in respect of the financial year to which it relates and each of the 2 following financial years, the following information:

(a) The objectives of the corporation and of its subsidiaries;

(b) The main undertakings of the corporation and of its subsidiaries;

(d) The accounting policies to be applied in the accounts;

(e) The performance targets and other measures by which the performance of the corporation and of its subsidiaries may be judged in relation to their stated objectives;

(f) The kind of information to be provided to the Treasurer and the relevant Minister by the corporation during the course of those financial years, including the information to be included in each half-yearly report;

(g) Such other matters as may be agreed on by the Treasurer, the relevant Minister and the board from time to time.

43 State business corporation to act in accordance with corporate plan

A State business corporation must act only in accordance with its corporate plan, as existing from time to time, unless it has first obtained the written approval of the relevant Minister and the Treasurer to do otherwise.

44 Nothing void merely because of non-compliance

Nothing done by a State business corporation is void or unenforceable merely because the corporation has failed to comply with this Part.

45 Non-commercial functions

(1) The relevant Minister, with the approval of the Treasurer, may in writing direct the board of a State business corporation—

S. 45(1)(a) amended by No. 92/1993
s. 14.

(a) to perform certain functions that the relevant Minister considers to be in the public interest but that may cause the State business corporation to suffer financial detriment; or

(b) to cease to perform functions of a kind referred to in paragraph (a); or

(2) The board must comply with a direction given under subsection (1).

S. 45(3) amended by No. 18/1994
s. 66(Sch. 2 item 23.1).

(3) If a State business corporation satisfies the relevant Minister that it has suffered financial detriment as a result of complying with a direction given by the Minister under subsection (1), the corporation, if the Minister so directs, may be reimbursed by the State the amount that the Minister determines, with the approval of the Minister administering Part 2 of the Financial Management Act 1994 and after consultation with the board of the corporation, to be the amount of the financial detriment.

(4) The reference in this section to suffering financial detriment includes a reference to incurring net costs that are greater than would have been incurred if the direction were not complied with.

46 Determination of initial capital

(1) The Treasurer shall, as soon as practicable after a statutory corporation is declared to be a State business corporation and after consultation with the board, determine the amount of initial capital of the corporation for the purposes of this Act.

(2) In making the determination, the Treasurer shall have regard to any relevant advice that the board has given to the Treasurer.

(3) The determination shall be made in writing.

47 Capital

(1) The capital of each State business corporation is equal to the sum of—

(a) the amount of the corporation's initial capital under this Act (in accordance with section 46(1));

(b) any part of the corporation's liabilities that is converted into capital at the direction of the Treasurer;

(c) any amounts paid to the corporation out of money appropriated by the Parliament for the purpose of providing capital; and

(d) any part of the corporation's reserves that is converted into capital at the direction of the Treasurer after consultation with the board—

less any amounts of capital repaid under section 48.

(2) Interest is not payable to the State on a State business corporation's capital.

48 Repayment of capital

S. 48(1) amended by No. 92/1993
s. 15(a).

(1) The capital of a State business corporation is repayable to the State at such times, and in such amounts, as the Treasurer, after consultation with the relevant Minister, directs in writing after consultation with the board.

(2) In giving such a direction, the Treasurer shall have regard to any advice that the board has given to the Treasurer in relation to the State business corporation's financial affairs.

S. 49 amended by No. 92/1993
s. 15(b).

49 Dividends

Each State business corporation must pay to the State such dividend, at such times and in such manner, as is determined by the Treasurer after consultation with the board and the relevant Minister.

S. 50
repealed by No. 92/1993
s. 15(c).

51 Continuing guarantees

(1) Despite a statutory corporation being declared to be a State business corporation, a guarantee or indemnity given by the Treasurer or the Government of Victoria by or under an Act or otherwise before the date of the declaration in respect of the performance, satisfaction or discharge of obligations or liabilities of the statutory corporation under an instrument issued or entered into by the corporation before the date of that declaration, continues as a like guarantee or indemnity.

(2) A guarantee that continues by reason of this section may be enforced under Part II of the Crown Proceedings Act 1958.

52 Appropriation for guarantee etc.

(1) Any sums required by the Treasurer in fulfilling any liability arising under a guarantee under this Part shall be paid out of the Consolidated Fund which is hereby to the necessary extent appropriated accordingly.

(2) Any sums received or recovered by the Treasurer from a State business corporation or otherwise in respect of sums paid by the Treasurer under a guarantee under this Part shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund.

53 Reports to Treasurer

The Treasurer may, in writing, require the Board of directors of a State business corporation to give the Treasurer such information as the Treasurer considers necessary.

54 Board to notify relevant Minister and Treasurer of significant affecting events etc.

If the board of a State business corporation forms the opinion that matters have arisen—

(a) that may prevent, or significantly affect, achievement of the objectives of the corporation and its subsidiaries under the corporate plan; or

(b) that may prevent, or significantly affect, achievement of the targets under the plan—

the board must immediately notify the relevant Minister and the Treasurer of its opinion and the reasons for the opinion.

55 Half-yearly reports

S. 55(1) amended by No. 92/1993
s. 16.

(1) In January or February in each year or at such other time as the relevant Minister approves, the board of each State business corporation must give to the relevant Minister and the Treasurer a report of the operations of the corporation during the period of 6 months ending on the preceding 31 December and prescribed financial statements for that period.

(2) If the relevant Minister, by notice in writing given to the State business corporation, requires certain information to be included in a report, that information must be included in the report.

S. 56
repealed by No. 31/1994
s. 4(Sch. 2 item 83).

S. 57 amended by No. 92/1993
s. 17(a)(b), repealed by No. 31/1994
s. 4(Sch. 2 item 83).

S. 58
repealed by No. 31/1994
s. 4(Sch. 2 item 83).

Part 4—Conversion to State owned company

59 Declaration of statutory corporation as converting body

The Governor in Council, by Order published in the Government Gazette, may declare a statutory corporation to be a converting body.

S. 60 (Heading) inserted by No. 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 104.5).

60 Reservation of name under Corporations Act

S. 60(1) substituted by No. 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 104.6).

(1) As soon as possible after the making of an Order under section 59, the converting body to which the Order applies must lodge an application with ASIC under section 152 of the Corporations Act for the reservation of the name specified in the Order.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the converting body has already reserved the name.

S. 60(3) amended by No. 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 104.7).

(3) If the name is not available to the converting body, the converting body must lodge an application as soon as possible with ASIC for the reservation of a name that—

(a) is substantially similar to the name that is not available; and

(b) is approved by the Treasurer.

61 Memorandum and articles

A converting body must adopt a memorandum and articles that—

(a) include the provisions referred to in section 71; and

(b) otherwise comply with the provisions of Part 5; and

62 Capital structure of converting body

(1) A converting body has a share capital divided into shares of $1 each.

(2) The Treasurer—

(a) must make a declaration specifying the amount of the nominal share capital of the converting body; and

(b) may declare that the nominal share capital is divided into classes of shares.

63 Issue of shares in converting body

S. 63(1) amended by No. 55/1997
s. 23.

(1) The Treasurer must make a declaration in writing that the existing capital of a converting body, as at a date specified in the declaration, is to be dealt with in either or both of the following ways:

(a) Applied to paying up in full shares in the converting body;

(b) Converted into debt owed to the State by the converting body on such terms as the Treasurer specifies in the declaration.

(2) As soon as practicable after the Treasurer's declaration under subsection (1), the converting body must issue the shares paid up in full to—

(a) the State;

(b) nominees of the State;

(d) a State owned company—

as the Treasurer directs in writing.

(3) The issue of shares under subsection (2) discharges, to the extent of the nominal value of those shares, any obligation of the converting body existing before the conversion to repay the existing capital to the State.

(4) The shares issued in accordance with subsection (2) are taken to have been issued for valuable consideration other than cash, being the discharge effected by subsection (3).

64 Application for registration as a company

S. 64(1) substituted by No. 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 104.8).

(1) Immediately after issue of the shares in accordance with section 63, a converting body must lodge an application with ASIC under section 117 of the Corporations Act to be registered as a company limited by shares that is taken to be registered in Victoria.

S. 64(2) amended by No. 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 104.9).

(2) The constitution of the converting body for the purposes of Part 2B.4 of the Corporations Act is its memorandum and articles in accordance with this Act which—

(a) must include provisions to the effect of the provisions specified in Schedule 1; and

(b) must otherwise be as approved by the Treasurer.

65 Status and continuity

S. 65(1) amended by No. 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 104.10).

(1) Upon registration under section 118 of the Corporations Act of a converting body as a company, the converting body continues in existence as a company.

(2) The constituting Act of a statutory corporation that is declared to be a converting body continues to apply to the carrying out of functions and exercise of powers by the body on and after its registration as a company.

(3) On and after the registration of a converting body as a company, a reference in any other Act, and in any instrument made under an Act, and in any other document of any kind to the converting body is to be taken to be, or to include, as the case requires, a reference to the company.

(4) Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply to the extent that they are inconsistent with the memorandum or articles of the company.

Part 5—State owned companies

Division 1—Declaration

S. 66 substituted by No. 92/1993
s. 18, amended by No. 121/1994 s. 209(1).

66 Declaration by Governor in Council

(1) The Governor in Council, by Order published in the Government Gazette, may declare a company to be a State owned company if the shares in the company are held only by one or more of the State, a nominee of the State, a statutory corporation, a nominee of a statutory corporation, a State owned company or a nominee of a State owned company.

S. 66(2) inserted by No. 121/1994 s. 209(2).

(2) A company to which an Order under subsection (1) applies ceases to be a State owned company on the revocation of the Order.

Division 2—Formation of company

67 Treasurer may form or participate in formation of company

For the purposes of this Act, the Treasurer may form, or participate in the formation or acquisition of, and be a member of, a company limited by shares that are issued only to—

(a) the State;

(b) nominees of the State;

S. 67(ca) inserted by No. 92/1993
s. 19(a).

(ca) nominees of a statutory corporation;

(d) a State owned company;

S. 67(e) inserted by No. 92/1993
s. 19(b).

(e) nominees of a State owned company—

as the Treasurer directs in writing.

68 Transfer of assets and liabilities

The Treasurer and a company referred to in section 67 may enter into an agreement for the transfer of assets and liabilities of the State or of a statutory corporation to the company for an agreed consideration, whether by assumption of liabilities or otherwise.

Division 3—Operation of State owned companies

69 Principal objective

The principal objective of each State owned company is to perform its functions for the public benefit by—

(a) operating its business and pursuing its undertaking as efficiently as possible consistent with prudent commercial practice; and

(b) maximising its contribution to the economy and well being of the State.

70 Status

A State owned company or a subsidiary of a State owned company—

(a) is not, and does not represent, the State;

S. 70(b) amended by No. 92/1993
s. 20.

(b) is not exempt from any rate, tax, duty or other impost imposed by or under any law of the State, merely because it is a State owned company or a subsidiary of a State owned company;

(c) cannot render the State liable for any debts, liabilities or obligations of the company or a subsidiary of a State owned company—

unless this or any other Act expressly so provides.

71 Memorandum and articles

(1) The memorandum of each State owned company must include—

(a) provisions to the effect of those set out in Part A of Schedule 1; and

(b) the principal objective of the company; and

(2) The articles of each State owned company must include provisions to the effect of those set out in Part B of Schedule 1.

(3) Other provisions of the memorandum and articles of a State owned company or a declared subsidiary of a State owned company—

(a) must not be inconsistent with the provisions referred to in subsection (1) or (2); and

(b) must not be inconsistent with this Act.

72 Non-commercial activities

(1) The relevant Minister, with the approval of the Treasurer, and a State owned company may enter into an agreement under which the company, in accordance with its memorandum and articles, agrees to perform, or to cease to perform, activities in circumstances where the board considers that it is not in the commercial interests of the company to do so.

S. 72(2) amended by No. 18/1994
s. 66(Sch. 2 item 23.2).

(2) The terms and conditions of an agreement under subsection (1) may include provision for reimbursement to the company by the Minister administering Part 2 of the Financial Management Act 1994 for the net cost to the company of complying with the agreement.

73 Audit by Auditor-General

(1) The Auditor-General may, and if the articles of a State owned company so provide, must, act as auditor of a State owned company.

S. 73(2) amended by No. 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 104.11).

(2) The Auditor-General, and any person authorised by the Auditor-General, has in respect of an audit of a State owned company all the powers of an auditor under the Corporations Act.

(3) A State owned company must pay to the Treasurer for payment to the Consolidated Fund, an amount to be determined by the Auditor-General to defray the costs and expenses of an audit under powers conferred on the Auditor-General under this section.

74 Further accounts and reports

The Treasurer may require a State owned company to prepare and deliver, at a time and in a manner specified by the Treasurer—

(a) further financial information in a form specified by the Treasurer;

(b) a business plan in a form specified by the Treasurer;

S. 74(c) amended by No. 92/1993
s. 21.

(d) a report on such matters as are specified by the Treasurer.

75 Treasurer to present accounts and reports to Parliament

The Treasurer must cause to be laid before each House of the Parliament as soon as practicable after the Treasurer receives them, copies of—

(a) the memorandum and articles of each State owned company and any amendments to those memorandum or articles;

S. 75(b) amended by No. 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 104.12).

(b) financial reports, directors' reports and the auditor's report for each State owned company as required by the Corporations Act;

Part 6—Prescribed bodies—special investigations

S. 76 amended by No. 92/1993
s. 22.

76 Definition

In this Part, prescribed body means a statutory corporation or State business corporation that is declared by Order of the Governor in Council published in the Government Gazette to be a prescribed body for the purposes of this Part.

77 Appointment of special investigators

(1) The Treasurer may appoint persons as special investigators, on such terms and conditions as are specified in the instrument of appointment or as varied by a later instrument.

(2) The function of a special investigator is to investigate a prescribed body generally, or in relation to specific matters or affairs of the prescribed body, as directed by the Treasurer from time to time.

S. 77(3) amended by No. 74/2000 s. 3(Sch. 1 item 116.2).

(3) The powers of a special investigator extend not only to the matters or affairs specified in the Treasurer's direction but also to any other matter of which the investigator becomes aware and which the investigator considers should be brought to the attention of the Treasurer or any other person.

(4) If 2 or more special investigators have been appointed under this Part to investigate particular matters, each of those investigators may exercise powers or perform duties under this Part independently of the other.

(5) A special investigator may, with the consent of the Treasurer, delegate any of the powers of a special investigator under this Part, except this power of delegation, to a person approved by the Treasurer.

78 Powers

A special investigator may, by notice in writing, require a prescribed body or an officer of a prescribed body—

(a) to produce to the investigator such documents relating to a matter to which the investigation relates as are in the custody or under the control of the officer;

(b) to give to the investigator all possible and reasonable assistance in connection with the investigation;

79 Copies of documents

A special investigator may make copies of, or take extracts from, documents produced under section 78.

80 Immunity

(1) A special investigator or person acting under the authority of a special investigator incurs no civil or criminal liability for an act or omission in good faith in the exercise or purported exercise of a power under this Part.

(2) A person incurs no civil or criminal liability for anything done in good faith in compliance or purported compliance with a requirement of a special investigator or person acting under the authority of a special investigator.

81 Publication

A special investigator may, subject to any directions of the Treasurer, make public statements as to the nature and conduct of an investigation and may invite and receive information or submissions as to any matter relevant to the investigation from such persons as the investigator thinks fit.

82 Reports

(1) A special investigator may make written or oral reports to the Treasurer in the course of an investigation.

(2) The final report to the Treasurer may include such recommendations as the special investigator thinks fit.

(3) A special investigator is not, in the absence of malice, liable to an action for defamation at the suit of any person in respect of any statement made, whether orally or in writing, in the course of carrying out the functions of special investigator.

83 Expenses of investigation

(1) The expenses of and incidental to an investigation shall be paid by the Treasurer.

(2) If the Treasurer is of the opinion that the whole or any part of the expenses of or incidental to an investigation under this Part should be paid by the prescribed body the affairs of which were investigated, the Treasurer may in writing direct the body to pay such amount, within the time and in the manner specified.

(3) The expenses referred to in subsection (2) may include the remuneration of the special investigator and expenses incurred by the Treasurer in bringing proceedings arising out of the investigation.

S. 83(4) amended by No. 74/2000 s. 3(Sch. 1 item 116.3).

(4) Any sums required by the Treasurer in fulfilling any liability under this section shall be paid out of the Consolidated Fund which is hereby to the necessary extent appropriated accordingly.

84 Offences

(1) A person must not—

(a) fail to comply with a lawful direction of a special investigator;

(b) refuse or fail to produce documents or answer questions sought or asked by a special investigator;

(d) destroy documents or any other thing relevant to an investigation.

5 penalty units.

(2) A person is not excused from answering a question put by a special investigator on the ground that the answer might incriminate the person but, if the person claims, before answering the question, that the answer might tend to incriminate the person, the answer is not admissible in evidence against the person in criminal proceedings, other than proceedings under this section or other proceedings in respect of the falsity of the answer.

85 Power to refer matters to police etc.

A special investigator may with the consent of the Treasurer and the relevant Minister, refer any matter arising in an investigation to the Chief Commissioner of Police.

Part 7—General

S. 86 (Heading) amended by No. 21/2012 s. 239(Sch. 6 item 43.1).

S. 86 amended by Nos 72/2005 s. 4, 21/2012 s. 239(Sch. 6 item 43.2).

86 Competition and Consumer Act 2010 of the Commonwealth

The regulations may provide that any act or thing or kind of act or thing of or relating to a particular State owned enterprise or a subsidiary of a State owned enterprise is authorised for a particular period for the purposes of Part IV of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 of the Commonwealth and the Competition Code.

S. 86A inserted by No. 72/2005 s. 5.

86A Competition policy authorisation—VicForests

S. 86A(1) amended by No. 21/2012 s. 239(Sch. 6 item 43.3).

(1) For the purposes of Part IV of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 of the Commonwealth and the Competition Code, any act or thing done by or in relation to VicForests, or any director or officer on behalf of VicForests, that is specified in subsection (2) as an act or thing or kind of act or thing to which this section applies, is specifically authorised if the act or thing or kind of act or thing is done with the consent of the Treasurer.

(2) This section applies to the following acts or things or kinds of acts or things—

(a) tendering or auction processes for the allocation and sale of timber resources;

(b) a contract, arrangement or understanding entered into in connection with the allocation or sale of timber resources;

(d) any thing done in connection with a process, contract, arrangement or understanding of the kind referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c).

(3) This section does not apply to anything done, or conduct engaged in, on or after 1 July 2015.

(4) In this section—

director means a director of VicForests;

officer means an officer of VicForests;

VicForests means the body known as "VicForests" that was established as a State body under section 14 and declared to be a State business corporation under section 17 by Orders in Council dated 28 October 2003 published in the Government Gazette on that day.

87 Subsidiaries

(1) The Treasurer may, by Order published in the Government Gazette declare that a provision of this Act applies to a subsidiary of a State business corporation or of a State owned company with such modifications as the circumstances require.

(2) A State business corporation and a State owned company must take such action in relation to the constituent documents and management of each of its declared subsidiaries as are necessary to ensure that the businesses, activities and other affairs of the subsidiary are carried out in accordance with the provisions of this Act that apply to it by reason of subsection (1).

S. 87A inserted by No. 92/1993
s. 23,
repealed by No. 43/1995
s. 10.

S. 88 substituted by No. 92/1993
s. 24.

88 Tax equivalent

(1) If the Treasurer directs a State owned enterprise to comply with this section in respect of a financial year or other period, the State owned enterprise must, in respect of that year or period, pay to the Treasurer, in such manner and at such times as the Treasurer determines in accordance with the Treasurer's instructions, for payment into the Consolidated Fund—

S. 88(1)(a) amended by No. 24/2001 s. 3(1)(a)(i)(ii).

(a) such amounts as are determined by the Treasurer in accordance with the Treasurer's instructions, not exceeding the amount that would be payable by the State owned enterprise under the law of the Commonwealth (other than a GST law) if it were liable to pay taxes under that law;

S. 88(1)(b) repealed by No. 24/2001 s. 3(1)(a)(iii).

S. 88(2) amended by No. 24/2001 s. 3(1)(b).

(2) A State owned enterprise is not required to make payments under subsection (1) to the extent that it is, or becomes, liable to pay the Commonwealth taxes referred to in subsection 1(a).

(3) All relevant determinations, whether by way of interpretation, extension, penalty, refund or otherwise that the Commonwealth Commissioner of Taxation would be empowered to make if the laws of the Commonwealth applied may be made, in accordance with the Treasurer's instructions, by the Treasurer.

S. 88(3A) inserted by No. 56/1995
s. 62(1).

(3A) A State owned enterprise may request the Treasurer to review a determination made in respect of it under this section.

S. 88(3B) inserted by No. 56/1995
s. 62(1).

(3B) A State owned enterprise that makes a request under subsection (3A)—

(a) must pay to the Treasurer such fee (if any) as is determined by the Treasurer in respect of the review; and

(b) must pay to the Treasurer an amount equal to the cost of the review, including the cost of obtaining advice from other persons, or such part of those costs as the Treasurer determines.

S. 88(3C) inserted by No. 56/1995
s. 62(1).

(3C) If, as a result of the review of a determination, the Treasurer amends the determination, the Treasurer may refund to the State owned enterprise such part of any fee and amounts paid by it under subsection (3B).

S. 88(3D) inserted by No. 24/2001 s. 3(2).

(3D) The Treasurer may at any time direct a State owned enterprise—

(a) to enter the NTER; or

(b) to withdraw from the NTER.

S. 88(3E) inserted by No. 24/2001 s. 3(2).

(3E) Subsection (3A) does not apply to a State owned enterprise that is the subject of a direction under subsection (3D)(a).

S. 88(4) substituted by No. 24/2001 s. 3(3).

(4) The Treasurer may, by instrument, delegate to—

(a) any person or class of persons employed in the administration of this Act, any power of the Treasurer under this section, other than this power of delegation;

(b) any person or class of persons employed or engaged in the administration of the NTER, any power of the Treasurer under this section in relation to a State owned enterprise that is the subject of a direction under subsection (3D)(a), other than—

(i) this power of delegation; or

(ii) the power in subsection (1) to direct a State owned enterprise to comply with this section; or

(iii) the power to make a direction under subsection (3D).

(5) A State owned enterprise (within the meaning of section 3) is not exempt from tax under any Act by reason only that it is an instrumentality of the State.

S. 88(5A) inserted by No. 56/1995
s. 62(2).

(5A) The Consolidated Fund is hereby appropriated to the extent necessary to enable the Treasurer to make refunds in accordance with this section.

(6) In this section—

S. 88(6) def. of GST law inserted by No. 24/2001 s. 3(4).

GST law means any of the following Acts of the Commonwealth—

(a) A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999;

(b) A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax Imposition—Customs) Act 1999;

(d) A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax Imposition—General) Act 1999;

S. 88(6) def. of NTER inserted by No. 24/2001 s. 3(4).

NTER means the National Tax Equivalent Regime referred to in clause 24 of the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Reform of Commonwealth-State Financial Relations set out in the Schedule to the National Taxation Reform (Consequential Provisions) Act 2000;

State owned enterprise includes a statutory corporation in respect of which a declaration under section 88A is in force;

Treasurer's instructions means written guidelines issued from time to time by the Treasurer for the purposes of this section.

S. 88AA inserted by No. 55/1997
s. 24.

88AA Application of section 88 to certain bodies

(1) Despite anything to the contrary in section 88, the Treasurer may give a direction under subsection (1) of that section to a State body in respect of a financial year beginning on 1 July 1994 or any later period.

(2) If a direction is given to a State body in respect of a period referred to in subsection (1), the State body must comply with section 88 in respect of that period.

(3) In this section—

State body means—

(a) a State owned enterprise; or

(b) a statutory corporation in respect of which a declaration under section 88A is in force—

being a body that, before 1 July 1994—

(c) was liable to pay income tax to the Commonwealth but that ceased to be so liable on that date by reason of being an STB within the meaning of Division 1AB in Part III of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 of the Commonwealth; or

(d) was liable to pay sales tax under the law of the Commonwealth in respect of goods supplied to it but that ceased to be so liable on that date by reason of being an STB within the meaning of item 126A of Schedule 1 of the Sales Tax (Exemptions and Classifications) Act 1992 of the Commonwealth.

S. 88A inserted by No. 92/1993
s. 24.

88A Application of tax equivalents to other bodies

(1) The Governor in Council, by Order published in the Government Gazette, may declare a statutory corporation that is not a State owned enterprise to be a statutory corporation to which section 88 applies.

(2) If an Order is in force under subsection (1) in respect of a statutory corporation, the requirements under section 88 are in lieu of the requirements (if any) of any other Act under which the statutory corporation makes payments of a similar kind.

S. 88A(3) inserted by No. 53/1994
s. 33, amended by No. 110/1994 s. 40, substituted by No. 56/1995
s. 63, amended by Nos 91/1997
s. 51, 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 104.13).

(3) In this section statutory corporation includes a company within the meaning of the Corporations Act that is taken to be registered in Victoria, all the shares in which are held by or on behalf of the State or by a statutory corporation or by such a company all the shares in which are held by or on behalf of the State or a statutory corporation.

S. 88B inserted by No. 45/1997
s. 36.

88B State owned enterprises to make certain payments

(1) A declared business enterprise which is the owner of land (not being land that is used exclusively as a public open space or a park) that, by reason of section 154 of the Local Government Act 1989 or any other Act or law is not rateable land, must pay to the Treasurer, in such manner and at such times as the Treasurer determines, for payment into the Consolidated Fund, an amount determined by the Treasurer as an annual charge in respect of that land.

(2) The annual charge payable in respect of land by a declared business enterprise under this section must not exceed the amount that would be payable by the declared business enterprise under the Local Government Act 1989 if the land were rateable land.

(3) A declared business enterprise may request the Treasurer to review a determination made in respect of it under this section.

(4) A declared business enterprise that makes a request under subsection (3)—

(a) must pay to the Treasurer such fee (if any) as is determined by the Treasurer in respect of the review; and

(b) must pay to the Treasurer an amount equal to the cost of the review, including the cost of obtaining advice from other persons, or such part of those costs as the Treasurer determines.

(5) If, as a result of the review of a determination, the Treasurer amends the determination, the Treasurer may refund to the declared business enterprise such part of any fee and amounts paid by it under subsection (4).

(6) The Treasurer may, by instrument, delegate to any person or class of persons employed in the administration of this Act any power of the Treasurer under this section, other than this power of delegation.

(7) The Consolidated Fund is hereby appropriated to the extent necessary to enable the Treasurer to make refunds in accordance with this section.

(8) The Governor in Council, by Order published in the Government Gazette, may declare a statutory corporation to be a declared business enterprise for the purposes of this section.

(9) In this section, declared business enterprise means a statutory corporation in respect of which a declaration under subsection (8) is in force.

89 Non-application of State taxation

(1) In this section—

exempt transaction means—

(a) the acquisition of shares in a company in anticipation of the creation of a State owned company; or

(b) the transfer of shares of a State owned company or any of its subsidiaries to the State, a nominee of the State or another State owned company; or

tax includes stamp duty and any other tax, duty, fee, levy or charge, but does not include amounts under section 88(1), (2) or (3).

(2) Tax is not payable in relation to—

(a) an exempt transaction; or

(b) anything done including, without limitation, a transaction entered into or a document executed, because of, or for a purpose connected with or arising out of, an exempt transaction.

(3) The Treasurer may by instrument in writing certify that—

(a) a specified matter is an exempt transaction; or

(b) a specified thing was done because of, or for a purpose connected with or arising out of, an exempt transaction.

90 Application of certain other Acts

(1) A State owned enterprise—

(a) that, but for this subsection, would be a prescribed authority within the meaning of the Freedom of Information Act 1982; and

(b) that is prescribed for the purposes of this subsection—

is to be taken not to be a prescribed authority within the meaning of that Act.

S. 90(2) amended by No. 56/1995
s. 64.

(2) A State owned enterprise—

S. 90(2)(a) amended by No. 56/1995
s. 64.

(a) that, but for this subsection, would be a Public Statutory Body within the meaning of the Ombudsman Act 1973; and

(b) that is prescribed for the purposes of this subsection—

is to be taken not to be a Public Statutory Body within the meaning of the Ombudsman Act 1973*.*

S. 90(3) amended by No. 78/2010 s. 24(Sch. 1 item 29).

(3) If an Act under which a State owned enterprise is constituted, or under which functions or powers are conferred on a State owned enterprise, is prescribed for the purposes of this subsection, a statutory rule proposed to be made under a prescribed provision of that Act is to be taken to be a proposed statutory rule to which section 11 of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1994 does not apply.

(4) A State owned enterprise that is referred to in the definition of public authority in section 4(1) of the Public Authorities (Dividends) Act 1983 that is prescribed for the purposes of this subsection is to be taken not to be a public authority within the meaning of that Act on or after the prescribed date.

91 Supreme Court—limitation of jurisdiction

It is the intention of this section to alter or vary the Constitution Act 1975 to the extent necessary to prevent the bringing before the Supreme Court of an action of a kind referred to in section 80.

92 Regulations

The Governor in Council may make regulations for or with respect to any matter or thing required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed or necessary to be prescribed to give effect to this Act.

Sch. 1 amended by No. 44/2001 s. 3(Sch. item 104.14).

Schedule 1—Provisions to be included in memorandum and articles of association of state owned companies

Part A—Memorandum of association

1 Entrenchment

The memorandum and articles of association must not be altered or added to in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of the State Owned Enterprises Act 1992 for so long as it applies to the company.

2 State Owned Enterprises Act 1992 to prevail

The State Owned Enterprises Act 1992 prevails over any inconsistent provisions of this memorandum or the articles of association.

Part B—Articles of association

1 Interpretation

Words and phrases used in these articles have the same meanings as in the State Owned Enterprises Act 1992 and, unless inconsistent with that Act, the Corporations Act.

2 Powers and duties of directors

Subject to the Corporations Act and to any other provision of these articles, the business of the company must be managed by the directors, who may pay all expenses incurred in promoting and forming the company, and may exercise all such powers of the company as are not, by the Corporations Act or by these articles, required to be exercised by the shareholders.

3 Shareholder approval for non-pro rata share issue

The company must not offer shares for subscription, invite persons to subscribe for shares, or allot or issue shares in the company on a basis other than to existing shareholders pro rata to their existing shareholding, unless approved by a special resolution.

4 Shareholder approval for sale or disposal of main undertakings

The company must not sell or dispose of the main undertaking as specified by the shareholders of the company or of any of its subsidiaries unless approved by a special resolution.

5 Shareholder approval for matters relating to ownership of subsidiaries

The company must not form or acquire or participate in the formation or acquisition of a subsidiary or dispose of shares in a subsidiary or enter any transaction which may result in a subsidiary ceasing to be a subsidiary, unless approved by special resolution.

6 Shareholder approval for amendment of memorandum or articles of a subsidiary

The company must not approve or effect an amendment to the memorandum or articles of a subsidiary unless such amendment is approved by a special resolution of the company.

7 Dividends

Subject to the Corporations Act, the amount of each dividend (if any) to be paid by the Company to its shareholders is the amount determined by resolution of the shareholders, after consultation with its board.

8 Limit on borrowing powers

(1) Except to the extent that it does so with the approval of the Treasurer, the company must not exercise its powers to borrow or raise money, to issue debentures, to obtain financial accommodation or to incur a financial obligation.

(2) Financial accommodation in subclause (1) has the same meaning as in the Borrowing and Investment Powers Act 1987.

9 Limit on encumbrance of assets

Except to the extent that it does so with the approval of the Treasurer, the company must not create a charge over, or otherwise encumber, its assets or undertakings.

Endnotes

1 General information

See www.legislation.vic.gov.au for Victorian Bills, Acts and current Versions of legislation and up-to-date legislative information.

Minister's second reading speech—

Legislative Assembly: 10 November 1992

Legislative Council: 17 November 1992

The long title for the Bill for this Act was "A Bill to provide for the establishment and operation of State owned enterprises and for other purposes".

Constitution Act 1975:

Section 85(5) statement:

Legislative Assembly: 10 November 1992

Legislative Council: 17 November 1992

Absolute majorities:

Legislative Assembly: 13 November 1992

Legislative Council: 17 November 1992

The State Owned Enterprises Act 1992 was assented to on 26 November 1992 and came into operation as follows:

Parts 1 (sections 1–6), 6 (sections 76–85) on 26 November 1992: section 2(1); rest of Act on 2 December 1992: Government Gazette 2 December 1992 page 3574.

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 State Owned Enterprises Act 1992 by Acts and subordinate instruments.

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State Owned Enterprises (Amendment) Act 1993, No. 92/1993

Assent Date:	16.11.93
Commencement Date:	16.11.93
Current State:	All of Act in operation

Financial Management Act 1994, No. 18/1994

Assent Date:	10.5.94
Commencement Date:	Pt 1 (ss 1–8), ss 60, 61 on 10.5.94: s. 2(1); rest of Act on 1.7.94: s. 2(2)
Current State:	All of Act in operation

Financial Management (Consequential Amendments) Act 1994, No. 31/1994

Assent Date:	31.5.94
Commencement Date:	S. 4(Sch. 2 item 83) on 1.1.95: Government Gazette 28.7.94 p. 2055
Current State:	This information relates only to the provision/s amending the State Owned Enterprises Act 1992

Electricity Industry (Amendment) Act 1994, No. 53/1994

Assent Date:	15.6.94
Commencement Date:	S. 33 on 3.10.94: Special Gazette (No. 64) 27.9.94 p. 1
Current State:	This information relates only to the provision/s amending the State Owned Enterprises Act 1992

Electricity Industry (Further Amendment) Act 1994, No. 110/1994 (as amended by Nos 29/1995, 56/1995)

Assent Date:	20.12.94
Commencement Date:	S. 40 on 20.12.94: Special Gazette (No. 100) 20.12.94 p. 1
Current State:	This information relates only to the provision/s amending the State Owned Enterprises Act 1992

Water Industry Act 1994, No. 121/1994

Assent Date:	20.12.94
Commencement Date:	Ss 1, 2 on 20.12.94: s. 2(1); rest of Act on 1.1.95: Special Gazette (No. 105) 23.12.94 p. 1
Current State:	All of Act in operation

Equal Opportunity Act 1995, No. 42/1995

Assent Date:	14.6.95
Commencement Date:	S. 224 on 5.10.95: Government Gazette 28.9.95 p. 2731; Sch. 2 item 37 on 1.1.96: Government Gazette 21.12.95 p. 3571
Current State:	This information relates only to the provision/s amending the State Owned Enterprises Act 1992

Financial Management and Audit Acts (Amendment) Act 1995, No. 43/1995

Assent Date:	14.6.95
Commencement Date:	S. 7(2) on 10.5.94: s. 2(1); s. 19(1) on 31.5.94: s. 2(2); s. 22 on 1.7.94: s. 2(3); s. 23 on 13.12.94: s. 2(4); s. 19(2) on 1.1.95: s. 2(5); rest of Act on 14.6.95: s. 2(6)
Current State:	All of Act in operation

Electricity Industry (Amendment) Act 1995, No. 56/1995 (as amended by No. 79/1995)

Assent Date:	20.6.95
Commencement Date:	Ss 57–64 on 20.6.95: Special Gazette (No. 52) 20.6.95 p. 1
Current State:	This information relates only to the provision/s amending the State Owned Enterprises Act 1992

Miscellaneous Acts (Omnibus No. 3) Act 1997, No. 45/1997

Assent Date:	11.6.97
Commencement Date:	Ss 35, 36 on 11.6.97: s. 2(1)
Current State:	This information relates only to the provision/s amending the State Owned Enterprises Act 1992

Electricity Industry (Further Miscellaneous Amendment) Act 1997, No. 55/1997

Assent Date:	21.10.97
Commencement Date:	Ss 23, 24 on 21.10.97: s. 2(1)
Current State:	This information relates only to the provision/s amending the State Owned Enterprises Act 1992

Gas Industry (Further Amendment) Act 1997, No. 91/1997

Assent Date:	9.12.97
Commencement Date:	S. 51 on 11.12.97: Special Gazette (No. 155) 9.12.97 p. 1
Current State:	This information relates only to the provision/s amending the State Owned Enterprises Act 1992

Statute Law Revision Act 2000, No. 74/2000

Assent Date:	21.11.00
Commencement Date:	S. 3(Sch. 1 item 116) on 22.11.00: s. 2(1)
Current State:	This information relates only to the provision/s amending the State Owned Enterprises Act 1992

State Owned Enterprises (Amendment) Act 2001, No. 24/2001

Assent Date:	29.5.01
Commencement Date:	30.5.01: s. 2
Current State:	All of Act in operation

Corporations (Consequential Amendments) Act 2001, No. 44/2001

Assent Date:	27.6.01
Commencement Date:	S. 3(Sch. item 104) on 15.7.01: s. 2
Current State:	This information relates only to the provision/s amending the State Owned Enterprises Act 1992

Treasury Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2005, No. 72/2005

Assent Date:	25.10.05
Commencement Date:	Ss 4, 5 on 26.10.05: s. 2
Current State:	This information relates only to the provision/s amending the State Owned Enterprises Act 1992

Subordinate Legislation Amendment Act 2010, No. 78/2010

Assent Date:	19.10.10
Commencement Date:	S. 24(Sch. 1 item 29) on 1.1.11: s. 2(1)
Current State:	This information relates only to the provision/s amending the State Owned Enterprises Act 1992

Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012, No. 21/2012

Assent Date:	8.5.12
Commencement Date:	S. 239(Sch. 6 item 43) on 1.7.12: Special Gazette (No. 214) 28.6.12 p. 1
Current State:	This information relates only to the provision/s amending the State Owned Enterprises Act 1992

State Taxation and Treasury Legislation Amendment Act 2022, No. 23/2022

Assent Date:	15.6.22
Commencement Date:	S. 10 on 1.7.22: s. 2(2)
Current State:	This information relates only to the provision/s amending the State Owned Enterprises Act 1992

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3 Explanatory details

No entries at date of publication.

State Owned Enterprises Act 1992

Plain English Summary

Deep Dive

What it does

Main concepts

Current sections

State Owned Enterprises Act 1992

Source text: opening excerpt

1 State Owned Enterprises Act 1992

Who it affects

Key obligations

Part 2: Reorganising bodies and State bodies

Part 3: State business corporations

Part 4 and 5: Conversion to State owned companies

Part 6: Special investigations

Powers and discretions

Penalties and enforcement

Process and timelines

Interactions with other law

Gotchas

Practical examples