2004

THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

(As presented)

(Attorney-General)

2004

THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

(As presented)

(Attorney-General)

An Act to amend the Civil Law (Wrongs) Act 2002

The Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory enacts as follows:

This Act is the Civil Law (Wrongs) (Proportionate Liability and Professional Standards) Amendment Act 2004.

This Act commences on a day fixed by the Minister by written notice.

Note 1 The naming and commencement provisions automatically commence on the notification day (see Legislation Act, s 75 (1)).

Note 2 A single day or time may be fixed, or different days or times may be fixed, for the commencement of different provisions (see Legislation Act, s 77 (1)).

Note 3 If a provision has not commenced within 6 months beginning on the notification day, it automatically commences on the first day after that period (see Legislation Act, s 79).

This Act amends the Civil Law (Wrongs) Act 2002.

In this chapter:

apportionable claim—see section 107B.

concurrent wrongdoer—see section 107D.

defendant, in a proceeding, includes anyone joined as a defendant or other party in the proceeding (other than as a claimant), whether joined under this chapter, under rules of court or otherwise.

(1) This chapter applies to apportionable claims.

(2) An apportionable claim is—

(a) a claim for economic loss or damage to property in an action for damages (whether in tort, under contract or otherwise) arising from a failure to take reasonable care; or

(b) a claim for economic loss or damage to property in an action for damages under the Fair Trading Act 1992, section 46 for a contravention of that Act, part 2 (Unfair practices).

(3) However, none of the following is an apportionable claim:

(a) a claim arising out of personal injury;

(b) a consumer claim;

(c) a claim prescribed under the regulations for this paragraph.

(4) Also, without limiting subsection (3), none of the following is an apportionable claim:

(a) a claim under the Discrimination Act 1991;

(b) a claim to which the Road Transport (General) Act 1999, part 10 (Compulsory vehicle insurance) applies;

(c) a claim under the Workers Compensation Act 1951.

(5) Regulations made for subsection (3) (c) may make provision in relation to their application to claims arising from acts or omissions that happened before the regulations were notified.

(6) For this chapter, there is a single apportionable claim in a proceeding in relation to the same loss or damage even if the claim for the loss or damage is based on more than 1 cause of action (whether or not of the same or a different kind).

(1) A consumer claim is a claim by an individual (the claimant) relating to—

(a) goods or services acquired by the claimant from a defendant, or the supply of goods or services to the claimant by a defendant, for the claimant’s personal, domestic or household use or consumption; or

(b) personal financial advice supplied to the claimant by a defendant.

(2) However, a claim relating to goods or services is not a consumer claim if, in the course of business, the claimant holds himself or herself out as acquiring the goods or services from the defendant for the purpose of—

(a) resupplying them; or

(b) using them up or transforming them in or in relation to a process of manufacture or production; or

(c) repairing or treating other goods or fixtures on land.

(3) In this section:

acquire—see the Fair Trading Act 1992, section 5 (1) and section 7.

business—see the Fair Trading Act 1992, section 5 (1).

goods—see the Fair Trading Act 1992, section 5 (1).

resupply—see the Fair Trading Act 1992, section 7 (1).

services—see the Fair Trading Act 1992, section 5 (1).

supply—see the Fair Trading Act 1992, section 5 (1) and section 7 (1).

(1) For this chapter, a concurrent wrongdoer, for a claim, is 1 of 2 or more people whose acts or omissions (or act or omission) caused, independently of each other or jointly, the loss or damage the subject of the claim.

(2) For this chapter, it does not matter that a concurrent wrongdoer is insolvent, is being wound up or has ceased to exist or died.

(1) This chapter does not limit the liability of a concurrent wrongdoer (an excluded concurrent wrongdoer) in a proceeding involving an apportionable claim if the concurrent wrongdoer intended to cause, or fraudulently caused, the economic loss or damage to property the subject of the claim.

(2) The liability of an excluded concurrent wrongdoer must be decided in accordance with the legal rules (if any) that, apart from this chapter, are relevant.

(3) The liability of any other concurrent wrongdoer is to be decided in accordance with this chapter.

(1) In a proceeding involving an apportionable claim—

(a) the liability of a defendant who is a concurrent wrongdoer for the claim is limited to an amount reflecting the proportion of the loss or damage claimed that the court considers just, having regard to the extent of the defendant’s responsibility for the loss or damage; and

(b) the court must not give judgment against the defendant for more than that amount.

(2) In apportioning responsibility between defendants in the proceeding—

(a) the court must exclude the proportion of the loss or damage in relation to which the claimant is contributorily negligent under any relevant law; and

(b) the court may consider the comparative responsibility of any concurrent wrongdoer who is not a party to the proceeding.

(3) If the proceeding involves an apportionable claim and a claim that is not an apportionable claim—

(a) liability for the apportionable claim must be decided in accordance with this chapter; and

(b) liability for the other claim must be decided in accordance with the legal rules (if any) that, apart from this chapter, are relevant.

(4) This chapter applies in a proceeding involving an apportionable claim whether or not all concurrent wrongdoers are parties to the proceeding.

(1) This section applies if—

(a) a defendant in a proceeding involving an apportionable claim has reasonable grounds to believe that a particular person (the other person) may be a concurrent wrongdoer for the claim; and

(b) the defendant does not give the claimant, as soon as practicable, written notice of the information the defendant has about—

(i) the identity of the other person; and

(ii) the circumstances that may make the other person a concurrent wrongdoer for the claim; and

(c) the claimant unnecessarily incurs costs in the proceeding because the claimant did not know that the other person may be a concurrent wrongdoer for the claim.

(2) The court hearing the proceeding may order that the defendant pay all or any of the claimant’s costs.

(3) The court may order that the costs to be paid by the defendant be assessed on an indemnity basis or otherwise.

A defendant against whom judgment is given under this chapter as a concurrent wrongdoer for an apportionable claim cannot be required to—

(a) contribute to any damages or contribution recovered from another concurrent wrongdoer for the claim (whether or not the damages or contribution are recovered in the same proceeding in which judgment is given against the defendant); or

(b) indemnify another concurrent wrongdoer for the claim.

(1) This chapter (or any other law) does not prevent a claimant for an apportionable claim who has recovered judgment against a concurrent wrongdoer for an apportionable part of any loss or damage from bringing a subsequent proceeding against any other concurrent wrongdoer for the loss or damage.

(2) However, in any subsequent proceeding the claimant cannot recover an amount of damages that, having regard to any damages previously recovered by the claimant for the loss or damage, would result in the claimant receiving compensation for loss or damage that is more than the loss or damage actually sustained by the claimant.

(1) In a proceeding involving an apportionable claim, the court may give leave for any number of people to be joined as defendants.

(2) However, the court must not give leave for the joinder of anyone who was a party to a previously concluded proceeding in relation to the claim.

This chapter does not—

(a) prevent a person from being held vicariously liable for a proportion of an apportionable claim for which someone else is liable; or

(b) prevent a person from being held jointly and severally liable for the damages awarded against someone else as agent of the person; or

(c) prevent a partner from being held severally liable with another partner for the proportion of an apportionable claim for which the other partner is liable; or

(d) affect the operation of any other Act to the extent that the other Act imposes several liability on anyone for what would otherwise be an apportionable claim.

(1) The Minister may, in writing, determine fees for this Act.

Note The Legislation Act contains provisions about the making of determinations and regulations relating to fees (see pt 6.3).

(2) A determination is a disallowable instrument.

Note A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.

The Executive

(1) The Executive

(2) The regulations may prescribe offences for contraventions of the regulations and prescribe maximum penalties of not more than 20 penalty units for offences against the regulations.

The objects of this schedule are—

(a) to enable the creation of schemes to limit the civil liability of professionals and others; and

(b) to facilitate the improvement of occupational standards of professionals and others; and

(c) to protect consumers of the services provided by professionals and others; and

(d) to establish a council to supervise the preparation and application of schemes and to assist in the improvement of occupational standards and protection of consumers.

In this schedule:

business assets, of a person, means the property of the person that is used to perform the person’s occupation and that can be taken in proceedings to enforce a judgment of a court.

council—see section 36.

court includes a tribunal and an arbitrator.

damages means damages awarded in relation to a claim or counterclaim or by way of set-off, and includes—

(a) interest payable on an amount awarded as damages; and

(b) legal costs and expenses ordered to be paid in relation to an award of damages (other than legal costs and expenses incurred in enforcing a judgment or incurred on an appeal made by a defendant).

judgment includes—

(a) a judgment given by consent; and

(b) a decision of a tribunal; and

(c) an award of an arbitrator.

occupational association means a corporation—

(a) that represents the interests of people who are members of the same occupational group; and

(b) the membership of which is limited mainly to members of the occupational group.

occupational group includes a professional group and a trade group.

occupational liability means civil liability arising (in tort, contract or otherwise) directly or vicariously from anything done or omitted to be done by a member of an occupational association acting in the performance of the member’s occupation.

scheme means a scheme for limiting the occupational liability of members of an occupational association.

(1) This schedule does not apply to liability for damages arising from any of the following:

(a) personal injury to a person;

(b) anything done or omitted to be done by a lawyer in acting for a client in a personal injury claim;

(c) a breach of trust;

(d) fraud or dishonesty.

(2) This schedule does not apply to liability that may be the subject of a proceeding under the Land Titles Act 1925, part 16 (Civil rights and remedies).

(1) An occupational association may prepare a scheme.

(2) The council may, on the application of an occupational association, prepare a scheme.

(3) The council may, on the application of an occupational association, recommend a scheme prepared under this section to the Minister for approval.

Before recommending a scheme, the council must publish a notice in a daily newspaper circulating in the ACT—

(a) explaining the nature and significance of the scheme; and

(b) stating where a copy of the scheme can be obtained or inspected; and

(c) inviting comments and submissions within a stated time, but at least 21 days after the day the notice is published.

(1) Anyone may make a comment or submission to the council about a scheme for which notice has been published under section 5.

(2) A comment or submission must be made within the period stated in the notice or within any longer time the council allows.

(1) Before recommending a scheme in relation to an occupational association, the council must consider the following:

(a) all comments and submissions made to it in accordance with section 6;

(b) the position of people who may be affected by limiting the occupational liability of members of the occupational association;

(c) the nature and level of claims relating to occupational liability made against members of the occupational association;

(d) the risk management strategies of the occupational association;

(e) how those strategies are intended to be implemented;

(f) the cost and availability of insurance against occupational liability for members of the occupational association;

(g) the standards (mentioned in section  23) decided by the occupational association in relation to insurance policies.

(h) the provisions in the proposed scheme for making and deciding complaints, and imposing and enforcing disciplinary measures against members of the occupational association.

(2) Subsection (1) does not limit the matters the council may consider.

(1) The council may conduct a public hearing about a scheme if the council considers it appropriate.

(2) A public hearing may be conducted in the way the council decides.

The council may submit a scheme it recommends to the Minister for approval.

(1) The Minister may, in writing, approve a scheme submitted by the council.

(2) An approved scheme is a disallowable instrument.

Note A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.

(1) A scheme approved by the Minister commences—

(a) on the date or time (after its notification day) provided for in the approval; or

(b) if a date or time is not provided for in the approval— 2 months after its notification day.

(2) This section is subject to any order of the Supreme Court under section 12 (2).

(1) A person who is, or is reasonably likely to be, affected by a scheme approved by the Minister, may, at any time before the scheme commences, apply to the Supreme Court for an order that the scheme is void for noncompliance with this schedule.

(2) The Supreme Court may, on the making of the application or at any time before the scheme commences, order that the commencement of the scheme is stayed until further order of the court.

(3) The Supreme Court may, in relation to the application—

(a) make or decline to make an order that the scheme is void for noncompliance with this schedule; or

(b) if the court has stayed the commencement of the scheme— give directions about the things that must be done so that the scheme may commence; or

(c) make any other order it considers appropriate.

(1) The Minister may direct the council to review the operation of a scheme.

(2) The council must comply with a direction under subsection (1), but may on its own initiative review the operation of a scheme at any time (whether before or after the scheme ceases to have effect).

(3) A review may, but need not, be conducted to decide whether a scheme should be amended or revoked or whether a new scheme should be made.

(1) An occupational association may prepare an amendment or revocation of a scheme that relates to its members.

(2) The council may, on the application of an occupational association, prepare an amendment or revocation of a scheme that relates to the members of the association.

(3) The Minister may direct the council to prepare an amendment or revocation of a scheme.

(4) The council must comply with a direction but may on its own initiative prepare an amendment or revocation of a scheme at any time while the scheme remains in force.

(5) Sections 4 to 12 apply, with any necessary changes, to the amendment or revocation of a scheme.

(1) A scheme may provide that it applies to—

(a) everyone within an occupational association; or

(b) a stated class or classes of people within an occupational association.

(2) A scheme applying in relation to an occupational association may provide that the occupational association may, on application by a person, exempt the person from the scheme.

(3) A scheme ceases to apply to a person exempted under subsection (2)—

(a) on the date the exemption is granted; or

(b) if the exemption provides for a later date—the later date.

(4) Subsection (2) does not apply to a person to whom a scheme applies because of section 16.

(1) If a scheme applies to a person, the scheme also applies to—

(a) each partner of the person; and

(b) each employee of the person; and

(c) if the person is a corporation, each officer of the corporation; and

(d) each person who is, under the regulations made for section 25 (Limitation of amount of damages), associated with the person.

(2) If the partner, employee or officer of the person is entitled to be a member of the same occupational association as the person but is not a member, the scheme does not apply to the partner, employee or officer.

(3) In this section:

officer—

(a) in relation to a corporation within the meaning of the Corporations Act—see the Corporations Act, section 82A (Officers of bodies corporate and other entities); and

(b) in relation to any other corporation—means anyone (by whatever name called) who is concerned in or takes part in the management of the corporation.

A person to whom a scheme applies, and against whom a proceeding relating to occupational liability is brought, is not liable in damages in relation to the cause of action above the monetary ceiling if the person can satisfy the court that the person has the benefit of an insurance policy—

(a) insuring the person against the occupational liability; and

(b) under which the amount payable in relation to the occupational liability relating to the cause of action (including any amount payable by the person as an excess under or in relation to the policy) is at least the monetary ceiling stated in the scheme in relation to the class of person and the kind of work to which the cause of action relates when the act or omission giving rise to the cause of action happened.

A person to whom a scheme applies, and against whom a proceeding relating to occupational liability is brought, is not liable in damages for the cause of action above the monetary ceiling if the person can satisfy the court—

(a) that the person has business assets with a net current market value of at least the monetary ceiling stated in the scheme in relation to the class of person and the kind of work to which the cause of action relates when the act or omission giving rise to the cause of action happened; or

(b) that—

(i) the person has business assets and the benefit of an insurance policy insuring the person against the occupational liability; and

(ii) the net current market value of the assets and the amount payable under the insurance policy in relation to the occupational liability relating to the cause of action (including any amount payable by the person as an excess under or in relation to the policy), if combined, would total an amount that is at least the monetary ceiling stated in the scheme in relation to the class of person and the kind of work to which the cause of action relates when the act or omission giving rise to the cause of action happened.

(1) A person to whom a scheme applies, and against whom a proceeding relating to occupational liability is brought, is not liable in damages in relation to the cause of action above the limitation amount if the person can satisfy the court—

(a) that the person has the benefit of an insurance policy—

(i) insuring the person against that occupational liability; and

(ii) under which the amount payable in relation to the occupational liability relating to the cause of action (including any amount payable by the person as an excess under or in relation to the policy) is at least an amount (the limitation amount), that is a reasonable charge for the services provided by the person, or that the person failed to provide, and to which the cause of action relates, multiplied by the multiple stated in the scheme in relation to the cause of action and the kind of work to which the cause of action relates when the act or omission giving rise to the cause of action happened; or

(b) that the person has business assets with a net current market value of at least the limitation amount; or

(c) that—

(i) the person has business assets and the benefit of an insurance policy insuring the person against the occupational liability; and

(ii) the net current market value of the assets and the amount payable under the insurance policy in relation to the occupational liability relating to the cause of action (including any amount payable by the person as an excess under or in relation to the policy), if combined, would total an amount that is at least the limitation amount.

(2) In deciding what is a reasonable charge for a provision mentioned in subsection (1), the court must consider—

(a) the amount charged; and

(b) the amount that would ordinarily be charged in accordance with a scale of charges (a relevant scale) accepted by the occupational association of which the person is a member; or

(c) if there is not a relevant scale—the amount that a competent person with the same qualifications and experience as the person would be likely to charge in the same circumstances.

(3) This section does not limit an amount of damages for which a person is liable if the amount is less than the amount stated for the purpose in the scheme in relation to the class of person and the kind of work concerned.

(1) A scheme may provide for—

(a) the same maximum amount of liability for all cases to which the scheme applies; or

(b) different maximum amounts of liability for different cases or classes of case to which the scheme applies; or

(c) different maximum amounts of liability for the same class of case to which the scheme applies for different purposes.

(2) A scheme may give an occupational association a discretionary authority, on application by a person to whom the scheme applies, to state in relation to the person a higher maximum amount of liability than would otherwise apply under the scheme in relation to the person, either in all cases, in any stated case or class of case, or for different purposes.

(1) This section applies if, in a scheme, provisions of the kind mentioned in section 19, and provisions (the additional provisions) of the kind mentioned in section 17 or section 18 (or both), apply to a person at the same time in relation to the same occupation.

(2) The scheme must provide that the damages awarded against the person are to be decided under section 19 but must not exceed the monetary ceiling provided in relation to the person under the additional provisions.

(1) A scheme may affect the liability for damages arising from a single cause of action only to the extent that the liability results in damages exceeding an amount (at least $500 000) decided by the council and stated in the scheme.

(2) In making a decision, the council must consider—

(a) the number and amounts of claims made against people within the occupational association concerned; and

(b) the need to adequately protect consumers.

(3) A council decision—

(a) takes effect when an amendment of the scheme giving effect to the decision takes effect; and

(b) applies only to a cause of action that arises after the decision takes effect.

For a scheme, an insurance policy must comply with standards decided by the occupational association whose members may be insured under the policy.

(1) To the extent provided under this schedule and the provisions of the scheme, a scheme limits the occupational liability of a person in relation to a cause of action based on an act or omission if the scheme applied to the person when the act or omission happened.

(2) The limitation of liability applying to the cause of action is the limitation provided under the scheme when the act or omission happened.

(3) A limitation of liability that, under this section, applies in relation to an act or omission applies to every cause of action based on the act or omission, irrespective of when the cause of action arises or proceedings are begun in relation to it, even if the scheme has been amended or, under section 28 (Duration of scheme), has ceased to be in force.

(4) A person to whom a scheme applies cannot choose not to be subject to the scheme unless exempt under provisions included in the scheme under section 15 (2) (People to whom scheme applies).

(1) A limitation under a scheme of an amount of damages is a limitation of the amount of damages that may be awarded for a single claim and is not a limitation of the amount of damages that may be awarded for all claims arising out of the same act or omission.

(2) Separate claims by 2 or more people who have a joint interest in a cause of action based on the same act or omission are to be treated as a single claim for this schedule.

(3) Two or more claims by the same person arising out of the same act or omission against people who are associated are to be treated as a single claim for this schedule.

(4) People are associated if they are—

(a) officers of the same corporation (within the meaning of section 16); or

(b) partners, employees of the same employer or in the relationship of employer and employee; or

(c) prescribed under the regulations for this subsection.

A scheme does not limit the liability of a person who is a party to a proceeding if the scheme does not apply to the person.

A scheme in force under this schedule applies to proceedings relating to acts or omissions that happened after the commencement of the scheme.

(1) A scheme remains in force for the period (not longer than 5 years) decided by the council unless, before the end of the period decided—

(a) it is revoked; or

(b) its operation is extended by notice under this section; or

(c) its operation ceases because of the operation of another Act.

(2) The Minister may, in writing, extend the period for which the scheme is in force.

(3) An instrument under subsection (2) is a notifiable instrument.

Note A notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation Act.

(4) An instrument under subsection (2) is effective to extend the period for which a scheme is in force only if it is notified under the Legislation Act before the day the period ends.

(5) The period for which a scheme is in force may be extended only once, and for not longer than 12 months.

(1) A person commits an offence if—

(a) the person’s occupational liability is limited under this schedule; and

(b) the person gives a document to a client or prospective client; and

(c) the document promotes or advertises the person or the person’s occupation; and

(d) the document does not carry a statement that the person’s liability is limited.

Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.

(2) A person commits an offence if—

(a) the person’s occupational liability is limited under this schedule; and

(b) a client, or a prospective client, requests a copy of the scheme limiting the person’s occupational liability; and

(c) the person fails to give a copy of the scheme to the client or prospective client.

Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.

(3) An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.

(4) The regulations may prescribe a form of statement for this section.

(5) A person does not commit an offence against subsection (1) in relation to a document if the document carries a statement in the prescribed form.

(6) In this section:

document includes an item of official correspondence ordinarily used by the person in the performance of the person’s occupation and a similar document, but does not include a business card.

(1) An occupational association may require its members to hold insurance against occupational liability.

(2) A requirement under subsection (1) may be imposed as a condition of membership or otherwise.

(3) The occupational association may set the standards with which the insurance must comply.

The occupational association may set the amount of the insurance.

Note An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears (see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).

(4) The occupational association may set different standards of insurance for different classes of members.

(5) The standards are in addition to other statutory requirements and must not be inconsistent with them.

(1) An occupational association may establish a committee, or 2 or more occupational associations may establish a common committee, for monitoring and analysing claims made against members for occupational liability.

(2) Not all committee members need to be members of the occupational association or associations concerned.

An insurer representative may be a committee member.

Note An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears (see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).

(3) An occupational association may, through the committee or otherwise, issue practice advice to its members to minimise claims for occupational liability.

(4) A committee may ask an insurer to give it any information or a copy of any document that the committee considers will assist it in carrying out its function.

(1) If an occupational association seeks the council’s recommendation for a scheme under section 4 (Preparation of schemes and recommendation by council), it must give the council—

(a) a detailed list of the risk management strategies it intends to implement for its members; and

(b) information about how it intends to implement the strategies.

(2) The method of implementation may be imposed as a condition of membership or otherwise.

(3) The strategies are to apply in addition to, and must not be inconsistent with, other statutory requirements.

(1) An occupational association must give the council the information the council asks for about the association’s risk management strategies.

(2) An occupational association must give an annual report to the council about the implementation and monitoring of its risk management strategies, the effect of the strategies and any changes made or proposed to be made to them.

(3) The occupational association’s annual report must include details of any findings made, or conclusions drawn, by a committee established by it (whether solely or jointly with other associations) under section 31 (Monitoring claims by occupational associations).

(4) The occupational association’s annual report must be incorporated into the council’s annual report in a form decided by the council.

(1) An audit of the compliance of members (a compliance audit), or of specified members or a specified class or classes of members, of an occupational association with the association’s risk management strategies—

(a) may be conducted at any time by the council or the association; or

(b) must be conducted by the association if the council requests it.

(2) If a compliance audit is conducted by the council—

(a) the occupational association must give, and ensure that its members give, the council any information or a copy of any document that the council reasonably asks for, relating to the conduct of the audit; and

(b) the council must give a copy of a report of the audit to the association.

(3) If the occupational association conducts a compliance audit, it must give a copy of a report of the audit to the council.

(1) A scheme may adopt the provisions of the model code set out in schedule 5 with any changes recommended by the council.

(2) The changes may include provisions for the making and deciding of complaints and the imposition and enforcement of disciplinary measures against members of an occupational association, including (but not limited to) the following:

(a) the establishment of committees for implementing the model code or any of its provisions;

(b) the procedure at committee meetings;

(c) whether a committee may administer an oath;

(d) the application or exclusion of the rules of, and practice relating to, evidence;

(e) the grounds on which a complaint may be made;

(f) the verification of complaints by statutory declaration;

(g) the suspension of members from membership or from practice;

(h) the imposition of fines;

(i) the making of appeals;

(j) the exchange of information with other occupational associations (within or outside the ACT).

(3) The provisions are in addition to other relevant statutory schemes and must not be inconsistent with them.

(1) The Professional Standards Council (the council) is established.

(2) The council—

(a) is a corporation; and

(b) must have a seal.

(1) The council has the following functions:

(a) to give advice to the Minister about—

(i) the approval of schemes, and their amendment and revocation, by the Minister; and

(ii) the operation of this schedule; and

(iii) anything else relating to the occupational liability of members of occupational associations;

(b) to give advice to occupational associations about policies of insurance for part 4.2 (Limitation of liability);

(c) to encourage and assist in the improvement of occupational standards of members of occupational associations;

(d) to encourage and assist in the development of self-regulation of occupational associations, including giving advice and assistance about the following:

(i) codes of ethics;

(ii) codes of practice;

(iii) quality management;

(iv) risk management;

(v) resolution of complaints by clients;

(vi) voluntary mediation services;

(vii) membership requirements;

(viii) discipline of members;

(ix) continuing occupational education;

(e) to monitor the occupational standards of members of occupational groups;

(f) to monitor the compliance by an occupational association with its risk management strategies;

(g) to publish advice and information about the matters mentioned in this subsection;

(h) to conduct forums, approved by the Minister, on issues of interest to members of occupational groups;

(i) to collect, analyse and provide the Minister with information on issues and policies about the standards of occupational groups;

(j) any other functions given to it under this schedule or any other Territory law.

(2) The council is not authorised to give advice about occupational standards prescribed under another Act or statutory instrument.

(3) Any advice given to the Minister by the council may be given with or without a request of the Minister.

The council is to consist of 11 people appointed by the Minister who have the experience, skills and qualifications the Minister considers appropriate to enable them to make a contribution to the work of the council.

Note 1 For the making of appointments (including acting appointments), see Legislation Act, pt 19.3.

Note 2 In particular, a person may be appointed for a particular provision of a law (see Legislation Act, s 7 (3)) and an appointment may be made by naming a person or nominating the occupant of a position (see s 207).

Note 3 Certain Ministerial appointments require consultation with an Assembly committee and are disallowable (see Legislation Act, div 19.3.3).

(1) Two of the members of the council are to be appointed as chairperson and deputy chairperson of the council, respectively.

Note 1 For the making of appointments (including acting appointments), see Legislation Act, pt 19.3.

Note 2 In particular, a person may be appointed for a particular provision of a law (see Legislation Act, s 7 (3)) and an appointment may be made by naming a person or nominating the occupant of a position (see s 207).

Note 3 Certain Ministerial appointments require consultation with an Assembly committee and are disallowable (see Legislation Act, div 19.3.3).

(2) The Minister may remove a member from the office of chairperson or deputy chairperson of the council at any time.

(3) A person holding office as chairperson or deputy chairperson of the council vacates the office if the person—

(a) is removed from the office by the Minister; or

(b) ceases to be a member.

Note A person’s appointment also ends if the person resigns (see Legislation Act, s 210).

(1) The Minister may appoint a person to be the deputy of a member.

(2) In the absence of a member, the member’s deputy—

(a) is, if available, to act in the place of the member; and

(b) while so acting, has all the functions of the member and is taken to be a member.

(3) The deputy of a member who is chairperson or deputy chairperson of the council does not (because of this section) have the member’s functions as chairperson or deputy chairperson.

(4) A person acting in the place of a member is entitled to be paid the allowances decided by the Minister.

A member is to be appointed for not longer than 3 years.

A member is entitled to be paid the allowances decided by the Minister.

(1) The office of a member becomes vacant if the member—

(a) dies; or

(b) completes a term of office and is not re-appointed; or

(c) is removed from office by the Minister; or

(d) is absent from 4 consecutive meetings of the council of which reasonable notice has been given to the member personally or in the ordinary course of post, except on leave granted by the council or unless, before the end of 4 weeks after the day of the last of those meetings, the member is excused by the council for having been absent from those meetings; or

(e) 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 the benefit of creditors; or

(f) is convicted in the ACT of an offence punishable by imprisonment for 12 months or more or is convicted elsewhere of an offence that, if committed in the ACT, would be an offence so punishable.

Note A person’s appointment also ends if the person resigns (see Legislation Act, s 210).

(2) The Minister may remove a member from office for—

(a) incompetence or misbehaviour; or

(b) mental or physical incapacity to carry out the duties of office satisfactorily.

If the office of a member becomes vacant, a person may be appointed to fill the vacancy.

(1) A member, a deputy of a member, or anyone acting under the direction of the council, a member or a deputy member, is not personally liable for anything done or omitted to be done honestly—

(a) in the exercise of a function under this schedule; or

(b) in the reasonable belief that the act or omission was in the exercise of a function under this schedule.

(2) Any liability that, apart from subsection (1), would attach to a person attaches instead to the council.

(1) The procedure for the calling of meetings of the council and for the conduct of business at those meetings is, subject to this schedule and the regulations, to be as decided by the council.

(2) However, the chairperson of the council is to call the first meeting of the council in the way the chairperson considers appropriate.

(3) Subsection (2) and this subsection expire 6 months after the day this section commences.

The quorum for a meeting of the council is a majority of its members for the time being.

(1) The chairperson of the council or, in the absence of the chairperson, the deputy chairperson of the council or, in the absence of both, another member elected to chair the meeting by the members present is to preside at a meeting of the council.

(2) The person presiding at any meeting of the council has a deliberative vote and, if the votes are equal, has a second or casting vote.

A decision supported by a majority of the votes cast at a meeting of the council at which a quorum is present is the decision of the council.

(1) The council may, by written notice, require an occupational association—

(a) whose members are subject to a scheme in force under this schedule; or

(b) that seeks the council’s recommendation under section 4 for a scheme, or an amendment or revocation of a scheme;

to give it the information it reasonably requires to exercise its functions.

(2) An occupational association commits an offence if it does not comply with a notice under this section.

Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units.

(3) An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.

(1) An occupational association may refer to the council any complaint or other evidence received by it that a member or former member of the association has committed an offence against section 29 (Notification of limitation of liability) or an offence against the regulations.

(2) An occupational association must give information to the council about—

(a) any complaint or other evidence covered by subsection (1) that it did not refer to the council; and

(b) particulars of any action taken by it on the complaint or other evidence and of the outcome of the action.

(3) An occupational association, member of an association’s executive body, or anyone acting under the direction of an association or its executive body, is not personally liable for anything done or omitted to be done honestly—

(a) in the exercise of a function under this section; or

(b) in the reasonable belief that the act or omission was in the exercise of a function under this section.

(4) Any liability that, apart from subsection (3), would attach to a person attaches instead to the occupational association.

(1) The council may, with the Minister’s approval, establish committees to assist in the exercise of its functions.

(2) Committee members need not be members of the council.

(3) The procedure for calling committee meetings and for the conduct of business at those meetings is to be decided by the council or (subject to any decision of the council) by the committee.

The council may, with the approval of the Minister, arrange for the use of government staff or facilities.

The council, or a committee established under section 52, may engage consultants with suitable qualifications and experience, either in an honorary capacity or for remuneration.

(1) The council must exercise its functions subject to—

(a) the general direction and control of the Minister; and

(b) any specific written directions given by the Minister.

(2) Without limiting subsection (1) (b), a direction may require the council to give the Minister information, or give access to information, in its possession or control about anything stated in the direction.

(1) The council must prepare a report on the council’s work and activities during each financial year.

(2) The council must give the report for a financial year to the Minister before 1 October in the next financial year.

(3) The Minister must present a copy of the annual report to the Legislative Assembly within 6 sitting days after the day the Minister receives it.

The provisions of this schedule are to be regarded as part of the substantive law of the ACT.

This schedule applies to a person to whom a scheme in force under this schedule applies despite any contract to the contrary, whether the contract was made before, on or after the day the person became a person to whom the scheme applies.

This schedule does not limit the insurance arrangements a person may make apart from those made for this schedule.

(1) The Minister must review this schedule as soon as possible after the end of its 5th year of operation.

(2) The review must examine whether the policy objectives of this schedule remain valid and whether the terms of the schedule remain appropriate for securing those objectives.

(3) A report of the outcome of the review is to be presented to the Legislative Assembly within 12 months after the end of the 5 years.

(4) This section expires 7 years after the day it commences.

This code is the Occupational Associations (Complaints and Discipline) Code.

In this code:

council means the Professional Standards Council established under the Civil Law (Wrongs) Act 2002, schedule 4.

(1) A complaint may be made that a member of the occupational association has acted (or has failed to act) in such a way as to justify the taking of disciplinary action against the member under this code.

(2) A complaint may be made and dealt with even though the person about whom it is made has ceased to be a member.

Any person may make a complaint (including the occupational association and the council).

(1) A complaint may be made to the occupational association.

(2) The complaint must be in writing and contain the particulars of the allegations on which it is founded.

(3) The occupational association must notify the council of each complaint made to it (other than a complaint made by the council).

(1) The occupational association must consider a complaint as soon as practicable after the complaint is made to it or notified to it by the council.

(2) The association may do any 1 or more of the following:

(a) require the complainant to provide further particulars of the complaint;

(b) carry out an investigation into the complaint;

(c) attempt to resolve the complaint by conciliation;

(d) decline to consider the complaint (because, for example, the complaint is frivolous, vexatious, misconceived or lacking in substance);

(e) conduct a hearing into the complaint.

Note An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears (see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).

(3) The occupational association is bound by the rules of natural justice in conducting a hearing into the complaint.

(1) After an occupational association has conducted a hearing into a complaint against a person, it may, if it finds the complaint substantiated, do any 1 or more of the following:

(a) caution or reprimand the person;

(b) impose conditions relating to the carrying out of the person’s occupation;

(c) require the person to complete specified courses of training or instruction;

(d) require the person to report about the carrying out of the person’s occupation at the times, in the way and to the people specified by the association;

(e) order the person to obtain advice about the carrying out of the person’s occupation from the people specified by the association;

(f) expel the person from membership of the association.

(2) If the association does not find the complaint substantiated, it must dismiss the complaint.

(3) The association is not entitled to make an award of compensation.

(1) Within 30 days after the day a decision is made by an occupational association about a complaint, the complainant and the person against whom the complaint is made must be given a written statement of the decision.

(2) The statement must include the reasons for the decision.

The complainant and the person about whom the complaint is made are not entitled to legal representation during attempts to resolve the complaint by conciliation but are entitled to legal representation during a hearing into the complaint.

A function of an occupational association under this code may, in accordance with a resolution of the association, be exercised by the executive body of the association or by a person or people appointed for the purpose by the executive body.

(1) A member of the executive body of an occupational association, or anyone acting in accordance with a resolution of the association, is not personally liable for anything done or omitted to be done honestly—

(a) in the exercise of a function under this schedule; or

(b) in the reasonable belief that the act or omission was in the exercise of a function under this schedule.

(2) Any liability that, apart from subsection (1), would attach to a person attaches instead to the council.

apportionable claim, for chapter 7A (Proportionate liability)—see section 107B.

business assets, for schedule 4 (Professional standards)—see schedule 4, section 2.

(a) for chapter 5 (Personal injuries claims—pre-court procedures)—see section 49; and

(b) for chapter 7A (Proportionate liability)—see section 107C.

concurrent wrongdoer, for chapter 7A (Proportionate liability)—see section 107D.

consumer claim, for chapter 7A (Proportionate liability)—see section 107C.

(a) for schedule 4 (Professional standards)—see schedule 4, section 36; and

(b) for schedule 5 (Occupational associations—model code)—see schedule 5, section 2.

(h) for part 14.2 (Costs in damages claims if no reasonable prospects of success)—see section 186; and

(i) for schedule 4 (Professional standards)—see schedule 4, section 2.

damages, for schedule 4 (Professional standards)—see schedule 4, section 2.

defendant, for chapter 7A (Proportionate liability)—see section 107A.

judgment, for schedule 4 (Professional standards)—see schedule 4, section 2.

occupational association, for schedule 4 (Professional standards)—see schedule 4, section 2.

occupational group, for schedule 4 (Professional standards)—see schedule 4, section 2.

occupational liability, for schedule 4 (Professional standards)—see schedule 4, section 2.

scheme, for schedule 4 (Professional standards)—see schedule 4, section 2.

Presentation speech made in the Legislative Assembly on 2004.

Notified under the Legislation Act on 2004.

For the latest republication of amended laws, see www.legislation.act.gov.au.