GOVERNANCE REVIEW IMPLEMENTATION (AASB AND AUASB) BILL 2008

2008

The Parliament of the
Commonwealth of Australia

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Presented and read a first time

Governance Review Implementation (AASB and AUASB) Bill 2008

No. , 2008

(Treasury)

A Bill for an Act to amend the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001, and for related purposes

Governance Review Implementation (AASB and AUASB) Bill 2008 No. , 2008

Governance Review Implementation (AASB and AUASB) Bill 2008 No. , 2008
Contents

1 Short title 1

2 Commencement 1

3 Schedule(s) 2
Schedule 1--Amendments 3
Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 3
Schedule 2--Transitional provisions 17
Part 1--Definitions 17
Part 2--Assets, liabilities and legal proceedings 19
Part 3--Reference to, and things done by or in relation to, the AASB or the AUASB 22
Part 4--Staff and consultants 28
Part 5--Other matters 30

Schedule 2 Transitional provisions
Part 5 Other matters

Transitional provisions Schedule 2
Other matters Part 5

Governance Review Implementation (AASB and AUASB) Bill 2008 No. , 2008

Governance Review Implementation (AASB and AUASB) Bill 2008 No. , 2008

Governance Review Implementation (AASB and AUASB) Bill 2008 No. , 2008
A Bill for an Act to amend the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001, and for related purposes
The Parliament of Australia enacts:

1 Short title

This Act may be cited as the Governance Review Implementation (AASB and AUASB) Act 2008.

2 Commencement

This Act commences on the first 1 July occurring on or after the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent.

3 Schedule(s)

Each Act that is specified in a Schedule to this Act is amended or repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this Act has effect according to its terms.

Schedule 1--Amendments

Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001

1 Subsection 5(1)
Insert:

Office of the AASB means the Office of the Australian Accounting Standards Board.

2 Subsection 5(1)
Insert:

Office of the AUASB means the Office of the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board.

3 Before section 225
Insert:

Subdivision A--The Financial Reporting Council

4 Paragraph 225(2)(b)
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

(b) giving the AASB advice or feedback on the AASB's:

(i) priorities; and

(ii) business plans; and

(iii) procedures; and

(ba) giving the Office of the AASB advice or feedback on the Office's:

(i) budgets; and

(ii) staffing arrangements (including level, structure and composition of staffing); and

5 Paragraph 225(2)(d)
Repeal the paragraph.

6 Paragraph 225(2)(j)
Omit "and periodically reviewing".

7 Paragraph 225(2)(j)
Omit "the AASB", substitute "those processes".

8 Paragraph 225(2A)(b)
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

(b) giving the AUASB advice or feedback on the AUASB's:

(i) priorities; and

(ii) business plans; and

(iii) procedures; and

(ba) giving the Office of the AUASB advice or feedback on the Office's:

(i) budgets; and

(ii) staffing arrangements (including level, structure and composition of staffing); and

9 Paragraph 225(2A)(d)
Repeal the paragraph.

10 Paragraph 225(2A)(j)
Omit "and periodically reviewing".

11 Paragraph 225(2A)(j)
Omit "the AUASB", substitute "those processes".

12 Section 226
Repeal the section, substitute:

Subdivision B--The Australian Accounting Standards Board and the Office of the Australian Accounting Standards Board

226 The Office of the Australian Accounting Standards Board

(1) The Office of the Australian Accounting Standards Board is established.

(2) The Office of the AASB consists of:

(a) the Chair of the AASB; and

(b) the other members of the AASB; and

Note: The Office of the AASB does not have a legal identity separate from the Commonwealth.

226A Office of the AASB's functions and powers

(1) The Office of the AASB has the following functions:

(a) to make such arrangements as are necessary to give effect to the decisions of the AASB;

(b) to provide technical services to the AASB;

(d) to provide information to the AASB;

(e) to advise the AASB about the performance of any of the AASB's functions;

(f) to make resources and facilities (including meeting facilities, communication facilities and secretariat services) available to the AASB;

(g) such other functions as are conferred on the Office by this Act;

(h) to do anything incidental to, or conducive to, the performance of any of the above functions.

(2) The Office of the AASB has power to:

(a) establish committees, advisory panels and consultative groups; and

(b) receive money contributed towards its or the AASB's operating costs; and

13 Subsection 227(1) (notes 1 and 2)
Repeal the notes, substitute:

Note 1: The AASB was established by subsection 226(1) of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 1989 and is continued in existence by section 261 of this Act.

Note 2: The standards made under paragraph (b) are given legal effect by the Corporations Act. The standards formulated under paragraph (c) do not have legal effect under the Corporations Act itself but may be applied or adopted by some other authority.

Note 3: See section 224 and sections 228 to 233 for the framework within which the AASB is to formulate and make accounting standards.

14 Subsection 227(3)
Repeal the subsection, substitute:

Power to establish committees etc.

(3) The AASB has power to establish committees, advisory panels and consultative groups.

15 After section 227
Insert:

Subdivision C--The Auditing and Assurance Standards Board and the Office of the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board

227AA The Office of the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board

(1) The Office of the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board is established.

(2) The Office of the AUASB consists of:

(a) the Chair of the AUASB; and

(b) the other members of the AUASB; and

Note: The Office of the AUASB does not have a legal identity separate from the Commonwealth.

227AB Office of the AUASB's functions and powers

(1) The Office of the AUASB has the following functions:

(a) to make such arrangements as are necessary to give effect to the decisions of the AUASB;

(b) to provide technical services to the AUASB;

(d) to provide information to the AUASB;

(e) to advise the AUASB about the performance of any of the AUASB's functions;

(f) to make resources and facilities (including meeting facilities, communication facilities and secretariat services) available to the AUASB;

(g) such other functions as are conferred on the Office by this Act;

(h) to do anything incidental to, or conducive to, the performance of any of the above functions.

(2) The Office of the AUASB has power to:

(a) establish committees, advisory panels and consultative groups; and

(b) receive money contributed towards its or the AUASB's operating costs; and

16 Subsection 227A(1)
Omit "(1)".

17 Subsections 227A(2) and (3)
Repeal the subsections.

18 Subsection 227B(2)
Repeal the subsection, substitute:

Power to establish committees etc.

(2) The AUASB has power to establish committees, advisory panels and consultative groups.

19 Subsection 231(1) (note)
Omit "227(3)", substitute "227(4)".

20 Section 232
Repeal the section, substitute:

232 FRC views

In performing its functions, the AASB must follow the broad strategic direction determined by the FRC under paragraph 225(2)(c).

21 Section 234C
Repeal the section, substitute:

234C FRC views

In performing its functions, the AUASB must follow the broad strategic direction determined by the FRC under paragraph 225(2A)(c).

22 Paragraph 235B(1)(a)
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

(a) the operations of the FRC and its committees and advisory groups; and

23 Subsections 235B(2) and (2A)
Repeal the subsections, substitute:

(2) The report must include details of any advice or feedback that the FRC gave under paragraph 225(2)(b) or (ba) or (2A)(b) or (ba) during the year that ended on that 30 June.

24 After Subdivision A of Division 3 of Part 12
Insert:

Subdivision AA--The Office of the AASB

235D Duties of the Chair of the AASB

(1) The Chair of the AASB, under the Minister, is responsible for managing the Office of the AASB.

(2) In particular, the Chair of the AASB is responsible for approving:

(a) the AASB's priorities, business plans and procedures; and

(b) the Office of the AASB's budgets and staffing arrangements (including level, structure and composition of staffing).

(3) If the Chair of the AASB takes action that is inconsistent with any advice the FRC has given under paragraph 225(2)(b) or (ba), he or she must:

(a) make a written record of his or her reasons for not following the advice; and

(b) give a copy of the advice and of his or her reasons to the Minister; and

235E Staff of the Office of the AASB
Employment of staff

(1) The Chair of the AASB may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, employ such staff under written agreements as the Chair thinks necessary to employ to assist the Office of the AASB in the performance of its functions and the exercise of its powers.

(2) The terms and conditions of staff employed under subsection (1) are as determined in writing by the Chair.

Note: For variation and revocation, see subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

Office of the AASB Code of Conduct

(3) The Chair of the AASB must determine, in writing, the Office of the AASB Code of Conduct.

Note: For variation and revocation, see subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

(4) The Office of the AASB Code of Conduct applies to the Chair of the AASB and staff appointed under subsection (1).

(5) An instrument made under subsection (3) is not a legislative instrument.

Engagement of staff under the Public Service Act 1999

(6) Without limiting subsections (1) and (2), staff of the Office of the AASB may be engaged under the Public Service Act 1999.

(7) For the purposes of the Public Service Act 1999:

(a) the Chair of the AASB and the staff of the Office of the AASB referred to in subsection (6) together constitute a Statutory Agency; and

(b) the Chair of the AASB is the Head of that Statutory Agency.

235F Consultants and persons seconded to the Office of the AASB

(1) The Chair of the AASB may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, engage consultants to perform services for the Office of the AASB in connection with the performance of any of its functions.

(2) The terms and conditions of engagement are as determined in writing by the Chair.

Note: For variation and revocation, see subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

(3) The Office of the AASB may also be assisted:

(a) by employees of Agencies (within the meaning of the Public Service Act 1999); and

(b) by officers and employees of authorities of the Commonwealth; and

(c) by employees of Commonwealth companies (within the meaning of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997);
whose services are made available to the Office of the AASB in connection with the performance of any of its functions.

235G Office of the AASB to have regard to FRC's advice etc.

The Office of the AASB must have regard to the advice and feedback about its budgets and staffing arrangements that the FRC gives under paragraph 225(2)(ba).

235H Chair not subject to direction by the AASB on certain matters

To avoid doubt, the Chair of the AASB is not subject to direction by the AASB in relation to the Chair's performance of functions, or exercise of powers, under the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 or the Public Service Act 1999 in relation to the Office of the AASB.

235J Annual report

The Chair of the AASB must, as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year, prepare and give to the Minister, for presentation to the Parliament, a report of the operations of the AASB and the Office of the AASB during the financial year.

25 Subsection 236A(3)
Repeal the subsection.

26 After section 236A
Insert:

236AA AASB to have regard to FRC's advice etc.

The AASB must have regard to the advice and feedback about its priorities, business plans and procedures that the FRC gives under paragraph 225(2)(b).

27 At the end of Subdivision B of Division 3 of Part 12
Add:

236DA Disclosure of interests
Disclosure to Minister or Chair of AASB

(1) If a member of the AASB has or acquires any direct or indirect pecuniary interest that conflicts or could conflict with the proper performance of the member's functions, the member must:

(a) if the member is the Chair of the AASB--give written notice of the interest to the Minister; or

(b) if the member is not the Chair of the AASB--give written notice of the interest to the Chair of the AASB.

Disclosure to AASB

(2) A member of the AASB who has a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in a matter being considered or about to be considered by the AASB must disclose the nature of the interest to a meeting of the AASB.

(3) The disclosure under subsection (2) must be made as soon as possible after the relevant facts have come to the member's knowledge.

(4) The disclosure under subsection (2) must be recorded in the minutes of the meeting of the AASB.

(5) The member:

(a) must not be present during any deliberation by the AASB on the matter; and

(b) must not take part in any decision of the AASB with respect to the matter;
unless the Minister (if the member is the Chair of the AASB) or the Chair of the AASB (if the member is not the Chair of the AASB) otherwise determines.

28 After Subdivision B of Division 3 of Part 12
Insert:

Subdivision BAA--The Office of the AUASB

236DB Duties of the Chair of the AUASB

(1) The Chair of the AUASB, under the Minister, is responsible for managing the Office of the AUASB.

(2) In particular, the Chair of the AUASB is responsible for approving:

(a) the AUASB's priorities, business plans and procedures; and

(b) the Office of the AUASB's budgets and staffing arrangements (including level, structure and composition of staffing).

(3) If the Chair of the AUASB takes action that is inconsistent with any advice the FRC has given under paragraph 225(2A)(b) or (ba), he or she must:

(a) make a written record of his or her reasons for not following the advice; and

(b) give a copy of the advice and of his or her reasons to the Minister; and

236DC Staff of the Office of the AUASB
Employment of staff

(1) The Chair of the AUASB may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, employ such staff under written agreements as the Chair thinks necessary to employ to assist the Office of the AUASB in the performance of its functions and the exercise of its powers.

(2) The terms and conditions of staff employed under subsection (1) are as determined in writing by the Chair.

Note: For variation and revocation, see subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

Office of the AUASB Code of Conduct

(3) The Chair of the AUASB must determine, in writing, the Office of the AUASB Code of Conduct.

Note: For variation and revocation, see subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

(4) The Office of the AUASB Code of Conduct applies to the Chair of the AUASB and staff appointed under subsection (1).

(5) An instrument made under subsection (3) is not a legislative instrument.

Engagement of staff under the Public Service Act 1999

(6) Without limiting subsections (1) and (2), staff of the Office of the AUASB may be engaged under the Public Service Act 1999.

(7) For the purposes of the Public Service Act 1999:

(a) the Chair of the AUASB and the staff of the Office of the AUASB referred to in subsection (6) together constitute a Statutory Agency; and

(b) the Chair of the AUASB is the Head of that Statutory Agency.

236DD Consultants and persons seconded to the Office of the AUASB

(1) The Chair of the AUASB may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, engage consultants to perform services for the Office of the AUASB in connection with the performance of any of its functions.

(2) The terms and conditions of engagement are as determined in writing by the Chair.

Note: For variation and revocation, see subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

(3) The Office of the AUASB may also be assisted:

(a) by officers and employees of Agencies (within the meaning of the Public Service Act 1999); and

(b) by officers and employees of authorities of the Commonwealth; and

(c) by employees of Commonwealth companies (within the meaning of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997);
whose services are made available to the Office of the AUASB in connection with the performance of any of its functions.

236DE Office of the AUASB to have regard to FRC's advice etc.

The Office of the AUASB must have regard to the advice and feedback about its budgets and staffing arrangements that the FRC gives under paragraph 225(2A)(ba).

236DF Chair not subject to direction by the AUASB on certain matters

To avoid doubt, the Chair of the AUASB is not subject to direction by the AUASB in relation to the Chair's performance of functions, or exercise of powers, under the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 or the Public Service Act 1999 in relation to the Office of the AUASB.

236DG Annual report

The Chair of the AUASB must, as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year, prepare and give to the Minister, for presentation to the Parliament, a report of the operations of the AUASB and the Office of the AUASB during the financial year.

29 Subsection 236E(3)
Repeal the subsection.

30 After section 236E
Insert:

236EA AUASB to have regard to FRC's advice etc.

The AUASB must have regard to the advice and feedback about its priorities, business plans and procedures that the FRC gives under paragraph 225(2A)(b).

31 At the end of Subdivision BA of Division 3 of Part 12
Add:

236J Disclosure of interests
Disclosure to Minister or Chair of AUASB

(1) If a member of the AUASB has or acquires any direct or indirect pecuniary interest that conflicts or could conflict with the proper performance of the member's functions, the member must:

(a) if the member is the Chair of the AUASB--give written notice of the interest to the Minister; or

(b) if the member is not the Chair of the AUASB--give written notice of the interest to the Chair of the AUASB.

Disclosure to AUASB

(2) A member of the AUASB who has a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in a matter being considered or about to be considered by the AUASB must disclose the nature of the interest to a meeting of the AUASB.

(3) The disclosure under subsection (2) must be made as soon as possible after the relevant facts have come to the member's knowledge.

(4) The disclosure under subsection (2) must be recorded in the minutes of the meeting of the AUASB.

(5) The member:

(a) must not be present during any deliberation by the AUASB on the matter; and

(b) must not take part in any decision of the AUASB with respect to the matter;
unless the Minister (if the member is the Chair of the AUASB) or the Chair of the AUASB (if the member is not the Chair of the AUASB) otherwise determines.

32 Subsection 237(1)
Omit "and the AUASB", substitute ", the Office of the AASB, the AUASB and the Office of the AUASB".

33 Paragraph 237(2)(b)
Omit "or the AUASB's", substitute ", the Office of the AASB's, the AUASB's or the Office of the AUASB's".

34 Subdivision D of Division 3 of Part 12
Repeal the Subdivision.

35 Paragraphs 246(1)(i) and (j)
Repeal the paragraphs, substitute:

(i) a person who is:

(i) a member of staff of the Office of the AASB engaged under section 235E; or

(ii) a consultant to the Office of the AASB engaged under section 235F; or

(iii) a person assisting the Office of the AASB under subsection 235F(3);

(j) a person who is:

(i) a member of staff of the Office of the AUASB engaged under section 236DC; or

(ii) a consultant to the Office of the AUASB engaged under section 236DD; or

(iii) a person assisting the Office of the AUASB under subsection 236DD(3);

36 At the end of paragraph 246(2)(c)
Add "or by the Office of the AASB".

37 At the end of paragraph 246(2)(d)
Add "or by the Office of the AUASB".

Schedule 2--Transitional provisions
Part 1--Definitions

1 Definitions
In this Schedule:

amend includes repeal and remake.

asset means:

(a) any legal or equitable estate or interest in real or personal property, whether actual, contingent or prospective; or

(b) any right, power, privilege or immunity, whether actual, contingent or prospective.

assets official, in relation to an asset other than land, means the person or authority who, under a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory, under a trust instrument or otherwise, has responsibility for keeping a register in relation to assets of the kind concerned.

commencement time means the time when this Schedule commences.

guidance means guidance formulated under paragraph 227B(1)(c) of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001.

instrument:

(a) includes:

(i) a contract, deed, undertaking or agreement; and

(ii) a notice, authority, order or instruction; and

(iii) an instrument made under an Act or regulations; and

(iv) regulations; but

(b) does not include an Act.

land means any legal or equitable estate or interest in real property, whether actual, contingent or prospective.

land registration official, in relation to land, means the Registrar of Titles or other proper officer of the State or Territory in which the land is situated.

liability means any liability, duty or obligation, whether actual, contingent or prospective.

new law means the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 as in force immediately after the commencement time.

old law means the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 as in force immediately before the commencement time.

standard means:

(a) an accounting standard made under section 334 of the Corporations Act 2001; or

(b) an auditing standard made under section 336 of that Act; or

(i) deals with the interpretation of such an accounting standard; and

(ii) such an accounting standard requires to be applied; or

(d) an accounting standard formulated under paragraph 227(1)(c) of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001; or

(e) an auditing standard or assurance standard formulated under paragraph 227B(1)(b) of that Act.

Part 2--Assets, liabilities and legal proceedings

2 Vesting of AASB's assets and liabilities
(1) At the commencement time, the assets of the AASB immediately before the commencement time:

(a) cease to be the assets of the AASB; and

(b) become assets of the Commonwealth without any conveyance, transfer or assignment; and

The Commonwealth becomes the successor in law in relation to these assets.

(2) At the commencement time, the liabilities of the AASB immediately before the commencement time:

(a) cease to be the liabilities of the AASB; and

(b) become liabilities of the Commonwealth without any conveyance, transfer or assignment.

The Commonwealth becomes the successor in law in relation to these liabilities.

3 Vesting of AUASB's assets and liabilities
(1) At the commencement time, the assets of the AUASB immediately before the commencement time:

(a) cease to be the assets of the AUASB; and

(b) become assets of the Commonwealth without any conveyance, transfer or assignment; and

The Commonwealth becomes the successor in law in relation to these assets.

(2) At the commencement time, the liabilities of the AUASB immediately before the commencement time:

(a) cease to be the liabilities of the AUASB; and

(b) become liabilities of the Commonwealth without any conveyance, transfer or assignment.

The Commonwealth becomes the successor in law in relation to these liabilities.

4 Certificates relating to vesting of land
If:

(a) land vests in the Commonwealth under this Schedule; and

(b) there is lodged with a land registration official a certificate that:

(i) is signed by the Minister; and

(ii) identifies the land, whether by reference to a map or otherwise; and

(iii) states that the land has become vested in the Commonwealth under this Schedule;
the land registration official may:

(c) register the matter in a way that is the same as, or similar to, the way in which dealings in land of that kind are registered; and

(d) deal with, and give effect to, the certificate.

Note: Certificates under paragraph (b) are presumed to be authentic: see item 22 of this Schedule.

5 Certificates relating to vesting of assets other than land
If:

(a) any asset other than land vests in the Commonwealth under this Schedule; and

(b) there is lodged with an assets official a certificate that:

(i) is signed by the Minister; and

(ii) identifies the asset; and

(iii) states that the asset has become vested in the Commonwealth under this Schedule;
the assets official may:

(c) deal with, and give effect to, the certificate as if it were a proper and appropriate instrument for transactions in relation to assets of that kind; and

(d) make such entries in a register as are necessary having regard to the effect of this Part.

Note: Certificates under paragraph (b) are presumed to be authentic: see item 22 of this Schedule.

6 Substitution of Commonwealth as a party to pending proceedings
If any proceedings to which the AASB or AUASB was a party were pending in any court or tribunal immediately before the commencement time, the Commonwealth is substituted for the AASB or AUASB, from the commencement time, as a party to the proceedings.

7 Transfer of custody of AASB and AUASB records
(1) Any records or documents that, immediately before the commencement time, were in the custody of the AASB are to be transferred into the custody of the Office of the AASB at or after the commencement time.

(2) Any records or documents that, immediately before the commencement time, were in the custody of the AUASB are to be transferred into the custody of the Office of the AUASB at or after the commencement time.

Part 3--Reference to, and things done by or in relation to, the AASB or the AUASB

8 References in instruments
References to AASB or AUASB
(1) If:

(a) an instrument (other than a standard or guidance) is in force immediately before the commencement time; and

(b) the instrument contains a reference to the AASB;
the instrument has effect from the commencement time as if the reference were a reference to the Office of the AASB.

(2) If:

(a) an instrument (other than a standard or guidance) is in force immediately before the commencement time; and

(b) the instrument contains a reference to the AUASB;
the instrument has effect from the commencement time as if the reference were a reference to the Office of the AUASB.

(3) However, if:

(a) an instrument (other than a standard or guidance) is in force immediately before the commencement time; and

(b) the instrument relates to assets or liabilities covered by item 2 or 3 of this Schedule; and

(c) the instrument refers to the AASB or the AUASB;
the reference is to be read as a reference to the Commonwealth as necessary to give effect to item 2 or 3 of this Schedule, as the case requires.

Minister and regulations may provide otherwise
(4) The Minister may, by writing, determine that subitem (1), (2) or (3):

(a) does not apply in relation to a specified reference; or

(b) applies as if:

(i) in the case of subitem (1)--the reference in that subitem to the Office of the AASB were a reference to the Commonwealth; or

(ii) in the case of subitem (2)--the reference in that subitem to the Office of the AUASB were a reference to the Commonwealth; or

(iii) in the case of subitem (3)--the reference in that subitem to the Commonwealth were a reference to the Office of the AASB or the Office of the AUASB (as the case requires).

A determination under this subitem has effect accordingly.

(5) The regulations may provide that an instrument (other than a standard or guidance) containing a reference specified in a determination under paragraph (4)(a) has effect from the commencement time as if:

(a) in the case of an instrument covered by subitem (1)--the reference were a reference to a specified person or body, other than the AASB or the Office of the AASB; or

(b) in the case of an instrument covered by subitem (2)--the reference were a reference to a specified person or body, other than the AUASB or the Office of the AUASB; or

(c) in the case of an instrument covered by subitem (3)--the reference were a reference to a specified person or body, other than the Commonwealth or:

(i) the AASB or the Office of the AASB; or

(ii) the AUASB or the Office of the AUASB;

as the case requires.

Determinations are not legislative instruments
(6) A determination under subitem (4) is not a legislative instrument.

9 Operation of laws
Things done by AASB or AUASB
(1) If, before the commencement time, a thing was done by, or in relation to, the AASB, then, for the purposes of the operation of any law of the Commonwealth after the commencement time, the thing is taken to have been done by, or in relation to, the Commonwealth.

(2) If, before the commencement time, a thing was done by, or in relation to, the AUASB, then, for the purposes of the operation of any law of the Commonwealth after the commencement time, the thing is taken to have been done by, or in relation to, the Commonwealth.

(3) For the purposes of subitems (1) and (2), a thing done before the commencement time under a provision that is amended by this Act has effect from that time as if it were done under that provision as amended. However, this is not taken to change the time at which the thing was actually done.

Minister and regulations may provide otherwise
(4) The Minister may, by writing, determine that subitem (1) or (2):

(a) does not apply in relation to a specified thing done by, or in relation to, the AASB or the AUASB (as the case requires); or

(b) applies as if the reference in that subitem to the Commonwealth were a reference to the Office of the AASB or the Office of the AUASB (as the case requires).

A determination under this subitem has effect accordingly.

(5) The regulations may provide for a thing specified in a determination under paragraph (4)(a) to be taken to have been done by, or in relation to, a specified person or body other than the Commonwealth or the Office of the AASB or Office of the AUASB (as the case requires).

Meaning of doing
(6) For the purposes of this item, doing a thing includes making an instrument, but does not include making a standard or formulating guidance.

Determinations are not legislative instruments
(7) A determination made under subitem (4) is not a legislative instrument.

10 Reporting requirements of the AASB etc.

Future reporting requirements
(1) If:

(a) immediately before the commencement time, a law required the AASB, the Chair of the AASB or the members of the AASB to provide a report (whether financial statements or otherwise) for a period; and

(b) the period ends after the commencement time;
the Chair of the AASB must provide the report, as required, for so much of the period as occurs before the commencement time.

(2) If:

(a) under subitem (1), the Chair of the AASB is required to provide a report for a part of a period; and

(b) the Chair of the AASB is also required to provide a similar report for the remainder of the period;
the Chair of the AASB may meet the requirements in a single report for the period.

Outstanding reporting requirements
(3) If:

(a) a law required the AASB, the Chair of the AASB or the members of the AASB to provide a report (whether financial statements or otherwise) for a period that ended before the commencement time; and

(b) the report has not been provided by the commencement time;
the Chair of the AASB must provide the report as required.

Application of law to Chair of the AASB
(4) To avoid doubt, if, under this item, the Chair of the AASB is required to provide a report under a law, the law applies to the Chair of the AASB in respect of the report in the same way as the law would have applied to the AASB, the Chair of the AASB or the members of the AASB in respect of the report.

11 Reporting requirements of the AUASB etc.

Future reporting requirements
(1) If:

(a) immediately before the commencement time, a law required the AUASB, the Chair of the AUASB or the members of the AUASB to provide a report (whether financial statements or otherwise) for a period; and

(b) the period ends after the commencement time;
the Chair of the AUASB must provide the report, as required, for so much of the period as occurs before the commencement time.

(2) If:

(a) under subitem (1), the Chair of the AUASB is required to provide a report for a part of a period; and

(b) the Chair of the AUASB is also required to provide a similar report for the remainder of the period;
the Chair of the AUASB may meet the requirements in a single report for the period.

Outstanding reporting requirements
(3) If:

(a) a law required the AUASB, the Chair of the AUASB or the members of the AUASB to provide a report (whether financial statements or otherwise) for a period that ended before the commencement time; and

(b) the report has not been provided by the commencement time;
the Chair of the AUASB must provide the report as required.

Application of law to Chair of the AUASB
(4) To avoid doubt, if, under this item, the Chair of the AUASB is required to provide a report under a law, the law applies to the Chair of the AUASB in respect of the report in the same way as the law would have applied to the AUASB, the Chair of the AUASB or the members of the AUASB in respect of the report.

12 Reporting requirements of the FRC etc.

Future reporting requirements
(1) If:

(a) immediately before the commencement time, a law required the FRC, the Chair of the FRC or the members of the FRC to provide a report (whether financial statements or otherwise) relating to the AASB or the AUASB for a period; and

(b) the period ends after the commencement time;
the FRC must provide the report, as required, for so much of the period as occurs before the commencement time.

(2) If:

(a) under subitem (1), the FRC is required to provide a report for a part of a period; and

(b) the FRC is also required to provide a similar report for the remainder of the period;
the FRC may meet the requirements in a single report for the period.

Outstanding reporting requirements
(3) If:

(a) a law required the FRC, the Chair of the FRC or the members of the FRC to provide a report (whether financial statements or otherwise) relating to the AASB or the AUASB for a period that ended before the commencement time; and

(b) the report has not been provided by the commencement time;
the FRC must provide the report as required.

Application of law to Chair of the FRC
(4) To avoid doubt, if, under this item, the FRC is required to provide a report under a law, the law applies to the FRC in respect of the report in the same way as the law would have applied to the FRC, the Chair of the FRC or the members of the FRC in respect of the report.

13 Continuing obligation to keep records
(1) Section 20 of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 (as in force from time to time) continues to apply after the commencement time in relation to the accounting records kept by the AASB under that section before that time as if the Office of the AASB were subject to that Act in place of the AASB.

(2) Section 20 of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 (as in force from time to time) continues to apply after the commencement time in relation to the accounting records kept by the AUASB under that section before that time as if the Office of the AUASB were subject to that Act in place of the AUASB.

Part 4--Staff and consultants

14 Staff of the AASB
(1) A person who was a member of the staff of the AASB immediately before the commencement time is taken, at the commencement time, to have been engaged by the Chair of the AASB as a member of the staff of the Office of the AASB.

(2) The person is taken:

(a) to have been engaged on the same terms and conditions as applied to the person immediately before the commencement time; and

(b) to have an entitlement to benefits, in connection with that engagement by the Chair of the AASB, that is equivalent to the person's entitlement, as a member of the staff of the AASB, immediately before the commencement time.

(3) The service of the person as a member of the staff of the Office of the AASB is taken, for all purposes, to have been continuous with the service, immediately before the commencement time, of the employee as a member of the staff of the AASB.

(4) The person is not entitled to receive any payment or other benefit merely because he or she stopped being a member of the staff of the AASB as a result of this Act.

(5) This item does not prevent the terms and conditions referred to in paragraph (2)(a) being varied after the commencement time.

15 Staff of the AUASB
(1) A person who was a member of the staff of the AUASB immediately before the commencement time is taken, at the commencement time, to have been engaged by the Chair of the AUASB as a member of the staff of the Office of the AUASB.

(2) The person is taken:

(a) to have been engaged on the same terms and conditions as applied to the person immediately before the commencement time; and

(b) to have an entitlement to benefits, in connection with that engagement by the Chair of the AUASB, that is equivalent to the person's entitlement, as a member of the staff of the AUASB, immediately before the commencement time.

(3) The service of the person as a member of the staff of the Office of the AUASB is taken, for all purposes, to have been continuous with the service, immediately before the commencement time, of the employee as a member of the staff of the AUASB.

(4) The person is not entitled to receive any payment or other benefit merely because he or she stopped being a member of the staff of the AUASB as a result of this Act.

(5) This item does not prevent the terms and conditions referred to in paragraph (2)(a) being varied after the commencement time.

16 Consultants
(1) A person in respect of whom an engagement as a consultant was in force under paragraph 227(3)(a) or 227B(2)(a) of the old law immediately before the commencement time is taken, at the commencement time, to have been engaged as a consultant under subsection 235F(1) or 236DD(1) (as the case requires) of the new law.

(2) The person is taken to have been engaged on the same terms and conditions as applied to the person immediately before the commencement time.

(3) This item does not prevent those terms and conditions being varied after the commencement time.

Part 5--Other matters

17 Accounting standards and auditing standards etc. unaffected
To avoid doubt, this Act does not affect:

(a) the validity of accounting standards made or formulated by the AASB before the commencement time; or

(b) the validity of auditing standards or guidance made or formulated by the AUASB before the commencement time.

18 Membership of AASB and AUASB unaffected
To avoid doubt, if, immediately before the commencement time, a person's appointment as a member of the AASB or AUASB is in force, this Act does not affect the continuation of the person's appointment after the commencement time.

19 Liability for damages
If:

(a) section 246 of the old law applied to a person in relation to an act done or omitted before the commencement time; and

(b) section 246 of the new law would not (but for this item) apply to the person;
section 246 of the new law is taken to apply to the person in relation to the act or omission.

20 Exemption from stamp duty and other State or Territory taxes
No stamp duty or other tax is payable under a law of a State or Territory in respect of, or in respect of anything connected with:

(a) the transfer of an asset or liability under this Schedule; or

(b) the operation of this Schedule in any other respect.

21 Constitutional safety net--acquisition of property
(1) If the operation of this Schedule would result in an acquisition of property from a person otherwise than on just terms, the Commonwealth is liable to pay a reasonable amount of compensation to the person.

(2) If the Commonwealth and the person do not agree on the amount of the compensation, the person may institute proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction for the recovery from the Commonwealth of such reasonable amount of compensation as the court determines.

(3) In this item:

acquisition of property has the same meaning as in paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution.

just terms has the same meaning as in paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution.

22 Certificates taken to be authentic
A document that appears to be a certificate made or issued under a particular provision of this Schedule:

(a) is taken to be such a certificate; and

(b) is taken to have been properly given;
unless the contrary is established.

23 Delegation by Minister
(1) The Minister may, by writing, delegate all or any of his or her powers and functions under this Schedule relating to the AASB or the Office of the AASB to:

(a) the Chair of the AASB; or

(b) the Secretary of the Department; or

(2) The Minister may, by writing, delegate all or any of his or her powers and functions under this Schedule relating to the AUASB or the Office of the AUASB to:

(a) the Chair of the AUASB; or

(b) the Secretary of the Department; or

(3) In exercising powers or performing functions under a delegation under this item, the delegate must comply with any directions of the Minister.

24 Regulations
(1) The Governor-General may make regulations prescribing matters:

(a) required or permitted by this Schedule to be prescribed; or

(b) necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to this Schedule.

(2) The Governor-General may make regulations prescribing matters of a transitional nature (including prescribing any saving or application provisions) relating to the amendments or repeals made by Schedule 1 to this Act.

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Commonwealth of Australia Bills

GOVERNANCE REVIEW IMPLEMENTATION (AASB AND AUASB) BILL 2008