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TELECOMMUNICATIONS LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (DEREGULATION) BILL 2014

 

 

 

2013-2014 

 

The Parliament of the 

Commonwealth of Australia 

 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

 

 

 

 

Presented and read a first time 

 

 

 

 

Telecommunications Legislation 

Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014 

 

No.      , 2014 

 

(Communications) 

 

 

 

A Bill for an Act to amend legislation relating to 

telecommunications, and for other purposes 

   

   

 

 

No.      , 2014 

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014 

i 

 

Contents 

Short title ........................................................................................... 1

 

Commencement ................................................................................. 1

 

Schedules ........................................................................................... 2

 

Schedule 1--Public interest telecommunications services

 

3

 

Part 1--Amendments commencing on the day after Royal 

Assent

 

3

 

Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency Act 2012

 

3

 

Part 2--Repeals

 

4

 

Telecommunications (Universal Service Levy) Act 1997

 

4

 

Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency Act 2012

 

4

 

Part 3--General amendments

 

5

 

Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005

 

5

 

Competition and Consumer Act 2010

 

5

 

Criminal Code Act 1995

 

6

 

Sea Installations Act 1987

 

6

 

Telecommunications Act 1997

 

6

 

Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) 

Act 1999

 

13

 

Part 4--Application and transitional provisions

 

65

 

Division 1--Preliminary

 

65

 

Division 2--Abolition of TUSMA

 

65

 

Division 3--Investigations and enforcement

 

68

 

Division 4--Industry levy

 

69

 

Division 5--Information management

 

71

 

Division 6--ACCC's reporting obligations

 

75

 

Division 7--Miscellaneous

 

75

 

Schedule 2--Telephone sex services

 

77

 

Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005

 

77

 

Export Market Development Grants Act 1997

 

77

 

 

 

ii 

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014 

No.      , 2014 

 

Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) 

Act 1999

 

78

 

Schedule 3--Do Not Call Register

 

79

 

Do Not Call Register Act 2006

 

79

 

Schedule 4--E-marketing

 

80

 

Telecommunications Act 1997

 

80

 

Schedule 5--Record-keeping requirements

 

83

 

Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005

 

83

 

Telecommunications Act 1997

 

83

 

Schedule 6--Pre-selection

 

84

 

Telecommunications Act 1997

 

84

 

Schedule 7--Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman

 

93

 

Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) 

Act 1999

 

93

 

Schedule 8--Customer service guarantee

 

95

 

Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) 

Act 1999

 

95

 

 

 

 

 

No.      , 2014 

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014 

1 

 

A Bill for an Act to amend legislation relating to 

telecommunications, and for other purposes 

The Parliament of Australia enacts: 

1  Short title 

 

  This Act may be cited as the Telecommunications Legislation 

Amendment (Deregulation) Act 2014

2  Commencement 

 

(1)  Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table 

commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with 

column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect 

10 

according to its terms. 

11 

 

12 

   

   

 

 

2 

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014 

No.      , 2014 

 

Commencement information 

Column 1 

Column 2 

Column 3 

Provisions 

Commencement 

Date/Details 

1.  Sections 1 to 3 

and anything in 

this Act not 

elsewhere covered 

by this table 

The day this Act receives the Royal Assent. 

 

2.  Schedule 1, 

Part 1 

The day after this Act receives the Royal 

Assent. 

 

3.  Schedule 1, 

Parts 2, 3 and 4 

The later of: 

(a) immediately after the commencement of 

Part 8 of Schedule 2 to the Omnibus 

Repeal Day (Autumn 2014) Act 2014

and 

(b) the start of 1 July 2015. 

 

4. Schedule  2 

The day after this Act receives the Royal 

Assent. 

 

5. Schedule  3 

The 14th day after this Act receives the 

Royal Assent. 

 

6.  Schedules 4 to 

The day after this Act receives the Royal 

Assent. 

 

Note: 

This table relates only to the provisions of this Act as originally 

enacted. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of 

this Act. 

 

(2)  Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this Act. 

Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it 

may be edited, in any published version of this Act. 

3  Schedules 

 

  Legislation 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 

10 

according to its terms. 

11 

Public interest telecommunications services  Schedule 1 

Amendments commencing on the day after Royal Assent  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2014 

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014 

3 

 

Schedule 1

--Public interest 

telecommunications services 

Part 1

--Amendments commencing on the day after 

Royal Assent 

Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency 

Act 2012 

1  Section 89 

Repeal the section. 

Schedule 1  Public interest telecommunications services 

Part 2  Repeals 

 

 

4 

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014 

No.      , 2014 

 

Part 2

--Repeals 

Telecommunications (Universal Service Levy) Act 1997 

2  The whole of the Act 

Repeal the Act. 

Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency 

Act 2012 

3  The whole of the Act 

Repeal the Act. 

Public interest telecommunications services  Schedule 1 

General amendments  Part 3 

 

 

No.      , 2014 

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014 

5 

 

Part 3

--General amendments 

Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005 

4  Section 3 (subparagraph (b)(vi) of the definition of 

authorised disclosure information

Repeal the subparagraph. 

5  Subparagraph 8(1)(j)(va) 

Repeal the subparagraph. 

6  Paragraph 59D(1)(na) 

Repeal the paragraph, substitute: 

 

(na)  the Secretary of the Department administered by the Minister 

10 

administering Part 2 of the Telecommunications (Consumer 

11 

Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 or an APS 

12 

employee in that Department whose duties relate to that Part; 

13 

Competition and Consumer Act 2010 

14 

7  Paragraph 151CM(1)(b) 

15 

Omit "Telstra); and", substitute "Telstra).". 

16 

8  Paragraph 151CM(1)(c) 

17 

Repeal the paragraph. 

18 

9  Subsection 151CM(5) (definition of universal service 

19 

provider

20 

Repeal the definition. 

21 

10  Paragraph 155AAA(12)(ka) 

22 

Repeal the paragraph. 

23 

Schedule 1  Public interest telecommunications services 

Part 3  General amendments 

 

 

6 

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014 

No.      , 2014 

 

Criminal Code Act 1995 

11  Section 473.1 of the Criminal Code (definition of National 

Relay Service

Omit "Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency Act 

2012", substitute "Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and 

Service Standards) Act 1999". 

12  Section 473.1 of the Criminal Code (subparagraphs (a)(i) 

and (b)(i) of the definition of NRS provider

Omit "Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency Act 

2012", substitute "Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and 

10 

Service Standards) Act 1999". 

11 

Sea Installations Act 1987 

12 

13  Schedule 

13 

Omit "Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency Act 

14 

2012". 

15 

Telecommunications Act 1997 

16 

14  Section 7 (paragraph (baa) of the definition of ACMA

's 

17 

telecommunications powers

18 

Repeal the paragraph. 

19 

15  Section 7 (definition of TUSMA

20 

Repeal the definition. 

21 

16  Section 7 (definition of universal service levy

22 

Repeal the definition. 

23 

17  Section 7 (definition of universal service provider

24 

Repeal the definition. 

25 

18  Subsection 57(2) (definition of this Act

26 

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

27 

Public interest telecommunications services  Schedule 1 

General amendments  Part 3 

 

 

No.      , 2014 

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014 

7 

 

this Act includes the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection 

and Service Standards) Act 1999 and regulations under that Act. 

19  Paragraphs 58(2)(a) and (b) 

Omit ", (2)". 

20  Subsection 58(4) 

Repeal the subsection. 

21  Paragraph 58(5)(a) 

Omit ", (2)". 

22  Subsection 67(3) (definition of this Act

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

10 

this Act includes the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection 

11 

and Service Standards) Act 1999 and regulations under that Act. 

12 

23  Subsection 72(2) 

13 

Repeal the subsection. 

14 

24  Subsection 78(2) (definition of this Act

15 

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

16 

this Act includes the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection 

17 

and Service Standards) Act 1999 and regulations under that Act. 

18 

25  Subsection 81(5) (definition of this Act

19 

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

20 

this Act includes the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection 

21 

and Service Standards) Act 1999 and regulations under that Act. 

22 

26  Subsection 81A(3) (definition of this Act

23 

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

24 

Schedule 1  Public interest telecommunications services 

Part 3  General amendments 

 

 

8 

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014 

No.      , 2014 

 

this Act includes the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection 

and Service Standards) Act 1999 and regulations under that Act. 

27  Subsection 83(8) (definition of this Act

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

this Act includes the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection 

and Service Standards) Act 1999 and regulations under that Act. 

28  Paragraphs 105(3)(eb) and (ec) 

Repeal the paragraphs. 

29  Section 284 (heading) 

Repeal the heading, substitute: 

10 

284  Assisting the ACMA, the ACCC or the Telecommunications 

11 

Industry Ombudsman 

12 

30  Subsection 284(4) 

13 

Repeal the subsection. 

14 

31  Section 299 (heading) 

15 

Repeal the heading, substitute: 

16 

299  Assisting the ACMA, the ACCC or the Telecommunications 

17 

Industry Ombudsman 

18 

32  Subsection 299(4) 

19 

Repeal the subsection (not including the note). 

20 

33  Section 299 (note) 

21 

Repeal the note, substitute: 

22 

Note: 

Section 284 deals with the disclosure or use of information or 

23 

documents to assist the ACMA, the ACCC or the 

24 

Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman. 

25 

34  Subsection 492(5) (paragraph (aa) of the definition of this 

26 

Act

27 

Repeal the paragraph. 

28 

Public interest telecommunications services  Schedule 1 

General amendments  Part 3 

 

 

No.      , 2014 

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014 

9 

 

35  Subsection 502(5) (paragraph (aa) of the definition of this 

Act

Repeal the paragraph. 

36  Paragraph 508(aaa) 

Repeal the paragraph. 

37  Paragraph 510(1)(aaa) 

Repeal the paragraph. 

38  Subsection 512(7) 

Repeal the subsection. 

39  Subsection 513(3) 

10 

Repeal the subsection. 

11 

40  Subsection 551(3) (definition of this Act

12 

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

13 

this Act includes the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection 

14 

and Service Standards) Act 1999 and regulations under that Act. 

15 

41  Section 563 

16 

Omit: 

17 

•  

The Federal Court may grant injunctions in relation to 

18 

contraventions of: 

19 

 

(a) 

this Act; or 

20 

 

(b) 

the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and 

21 

Service Standards) Act 1999; or 

22 

 

(c) 

regulations under that Act; or 

23 

 

(d) 

Part 6 of the Telecommunications Universal Service 

24 

Management Agency Act 2012

25 

substitute: 

26 

•  

The Federal Court may grant injunctions in relation to 

27 

contraventions of: 

28 

Schedule 1  Public interest telecommunications services 

Part 3  General amendments 

 

 

10 

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014 

No.      , 2014 

 

 

(a) 

this Act; or 

 

(b) 

the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and 

Service Standards) Act 1999; or 

 

(c) 

regulations under that Act. 

42  Subsection 564(4) (definition of this Act

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

this Act includes the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection 

and Service Standards) Act 1999 and regulations under that Act. 

43  Subsection 570(7) (definition of this Act

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

10 

this Act includes the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection 

11 

and Service Standards) Act 1999 and regulations under that Act. 

12 

44  Subsection 572B(6) (paragraph (aa) of the definition of 

13 

this Act

14 

Repeal the paragraph. 

15 

45  Subsection 572E(9) (paragraph (aa) of the definition of this 

16 

Act

17 

Repeal the paragraph. 

18 

46  Section 574A (paragraph (aa) of the definition of this Act

19 

Repeal the paragraph. 

20 

47  Section 582 

21 

Omit ", regulations under the Telecommunications (Consumer 

22 

Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 and the 

23 

Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency Act 2012

24 

(first occurring), substitute "and regulations under the 

25 

Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 

26 

1999". 

27 

Public interest telecommunications services  Schedule 1 

General amendments  Part 3 

 

 

No.      , 2014 

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014 

11 

 

48  Section 582 

Omit ", the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service 

Standards) Act 1999 or the Telecommunications Universal Service 

Management Agency Act 2012", substitute "or the Telecommunications 

(Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999". 

49  Section 582 

Omit ", regulations under the Telecommunications (Consumer 

Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 and the 

Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency Act 2012

(last occurring), substitute "and regulations under the 

10 

Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 

11 

1999". 

12 

50  Subsection 583(3) (definition of this Act

13 

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

14 

this Act includes the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection 

15 

and Service Standards) Act 1999 and regulations under that Act. 

16 

51  Subsection 585(2) (paragraph (aa) of the definition of this 

17 

Act

18 

Repeal the paragraph. 

19 

52  Subsection 586(2) (paragraph (aa) of the definition of this 

20 

Act

21 

Repeal the paragraph. 

22 

53  Subsection 587(4) (paragraph (aa) of the definition of this 

23 

Act

24 

Repeal the paragraph. 

25 

54  Subsection 588(4) (definition of this Act

26 

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

27 

Schedule 1  Public interest telecommunications services 

Part 3  General amendments 

 

 

12 

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014 

No.      , 2014 

 

this Act includes the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection 

and Service Standards) Act 1999 and regulations under that Act. 

55  Subsection 589(6) (paragraph (aa) of the definition of this 

Act

Repeal the paragraph. 

56  Subsection 592(2) (paragraph (aa) of the definition of this 

Act

Repeal the paragraph. 

57  Subclause 1(2) of Schedule 1 (definition of this Act

Omit ", Part 6 of the Telecommunications Universal Service 

10 

Management Agency Act 2012". 

11 

58  Subclause 1(2) of Schedule 2 (definition of this Act

12 

Omit ", Part 6 of the Telecommunications Universal Service 

13 

Management Agency Act 2012". 

14 

59  Subparagraphs 27(5)(e)(ii) and (iii) of Schedule 3 

15 

Repeal the subparagraphs, substitute: 

16 

 

(ii)  the compliance by the applicant with the obligations 

17 

under a contract entered into under section 14 of the 

18 

Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service 

19 

Standards) Act 1999 for a purpose relating to the 

20 

achievement of a policy objective set out in 

21 

paragraph 13(1)(a) or (b) of that Act; or 

22 

 

(iii)  the compliance by the applicant with the terms and 

23 

conditions of a grant made under section 14 of the 

24 

Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service 

25 

Standards) Act 1999 for a purpose relating to the 

26 

achievement of a policy objective set out in 

27 

paragraph 13(1)(a) or (b) of that Act; 

28 

60  Paragraph 1(ja) of Schedule 4 

29 

Repeal the paragraph, substitute: 

30 

 

(ja)  a decision of a kind referred to in subsection 70(3) (which 

31 

deals with remission of late payment penalty) of the 

32 

Public interest telecommunications services  Schedule 1 

General amendments  Part 3 

 

 

No.      , 2014 

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014 

13 

 

Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service 

Standards) Act 1999

61  Paragraph 1(jc) of Schedule 4 

Repeal the paragraph. 

Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service 

Standards) Act 1999 

62  Section 4 

Omit: 

 

The universal service regime established by this Act is to be 

phased out and replaced by alternative contractual 

10 

arrangements under the Telecommunications Universal 

11 

Service Management Agency Act 2012

12 

substitute: 

13 

 

The universal service regime established by this Act is to be 

14 

phased out and replaced by alternative contractual 

15 

arrangements. 

16 

•  

The Secretary is responsible for entering into contracts, and 

17 

making grants, to support the provision of public interest 

18 

telecommunications services. 

19 

•  

Public interest telecommunication services include: 

20 

 

(a) 

standard telephone services; and 

21 

 

(b) 

payphones; and 

22 

 

(c) 

emergency call services; and 

23 

 

(d) 

the National Relay Service. 

24 

•  

The ACMA will assess and collect the levy imposed on 

25 

carriers by the Telecommunications (Industry Levy) Act 2012

26 

•  

The proceeds of the levy will be used to: 

27 

 

(a) 

pay contractors and grant recipients; and 

28 

 

(b) 

pay eligible administrative costs. 

29 

Schedule 1  Public interest telecommunications services 

Part 3  General amendments 

 

 

14 

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014 

No.      , 2014 

 

63  Subsection 5(2) (definition of alternative 

telecommunications services) 

Repeal the definition. 

64  Subsection 5(2) 

Insert: 

Appropriation Act means an Act appropriating money for 

expenditure out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund in relation to a 

particular financial year. 

65  Subsection 5(2) (definition of claim period) 

Repeal the definition. 

10 

66  Subsection 5(2) 

11 

Insert: 

12 

contractor has the meaning given by section 14. 

13 

data call has the meaning generally accepted within the 

14 

telecommunications industry. 

15 

67  Subsection 5(2) 

16 

Repeal the following definitions: 

17 

 

(a)  definition of default arrangements

18 

 

(b)  definition of designated STS area

19 

68  Subsection 5(2) 

20 

Insert: 

21 

eligible administrative costs of the Commonwealth means: 

22 

 

(a)  remuneration, and other employment-related costs and 

23 

expenses, in respect of APS employees whose duties relate to 

24 

the performance of the Secretary's functions, or the exercise 

25 

of the Secretary's powers, under Division 3 of Part 2; or 

26 

 

(b)  any other costs, expenses and other obligations incurred by 

27 

the Commonwealth in connection with the performance of 

28 

the Secretary's functions, or the exercise of the Secretary's 

29 

powers, under Division 3 of Part 2; 

30 

but does not include: 

31 

Public interest telecommunications services  Schedule 1 

General amendments  Part 3 

 

 

No.      , 2014 

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014 

15 

 

 

(c)  amounts incurred under contracts made under section 14; and 

 

(d)  amounts incurred by way of grants made under section 14. 

eligible levy period means: 

 

(a)  the 2014-15 financial year; or 

 

(b)  a later financial year. 

69  Subsection 5(2) (definition of eligible revenue

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

eligible revenue for an eligible levy period has the meaning given 

by section 45. 

70  Subsection 5(2) (definition of eligible revenue period

10 

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

11 

eligible revenue period means: 

12 

 

(a)  the 2013-14 financial year; or 

13 

 

(b)  a later financial year. 

14 

71  Subsection 5(2) 

15 

Insert: 

16 

eligible revenue return means a return under section 43. 

17 

engage in conduct means: 

18 

 

(a)  do an act; or 

19 

 

(b)  omit to perform an act. 

20 

grant recipient has the meaning given by section 14. 

21 

72  Subsection 5(2) (definition of levy

22 

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

23 

levy means levy imposed by section 4C of the Telecommunications 

24 

(Industry Levy) Act 2012

25 

73  Subsection 5(2) 

26 

Insert: 

27 

levy amount has the meaning given by section 50. 

28 

Schedule 1  Public interest telecommunications services 

Part 3  General amendments 

 

 

16 

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014 

No.      , 2014 

 

74  Subsection 5(2) (definition of levy contribution factor

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

levy contribution factor has the meaning given by section 49. 

75  Subsection 5(2) 

Repeal the following definitions: 

 

(a)  definition of levy credit

 

(b)  definition of levy debit

76  Subsection 5(2) 

Insert: 

national broadband network has the same meaning as in the 

10 

National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011

11 

National Relay Service means a service that provides persons who: 

12 

 

(a)  are deaf; or 

13 

 

(b)  have a hearing and/or speech impairment; 

14 

with access to a standard telephone service on terms, and in 

15 

circumstances, that are comparable to those on which other 

16 

Australians have access to a standard telephone service. 

17 

overall levy target amount has the meaning given by section 41. 

18 

77  Subsection 5(2) (definition of participating person

19 

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

20 

participating person for an eligible revenue period has the 

21 

meaning given by section 44. 

22 

78  Subsection 5(2) 

23 

Insert: 

24 

Public Interest Telecommunications Services Special Account 

25 

means the Public Interest Telecommunications Services Special 

26 

Account established by section 37. 

27 

Secretary means the Secretary of the Department. 

28 

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79  Subsection 5(2) (definition of service area

Repeal the definition. 

80  Subsection 5(2) 

Insert: 

SMS relay service means a service that allows users of the 

National Relay Service to communicate using SMS. 

Note: 

SMS is short for short message service. 

81  Subsection 5(2) 

Repeal the following definitions: 

 

(a)  definition of universal service area

10 

 

(b)  definition of universal service charge

11 

 

(c)  definition of universal service contractor

12 

 

(d)  definition of universal service grant recipient

13 

82  Subsection 5(2) (definition of universal service provider

14 

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

15 

universal service provider means a primary universal service 

16 

provider. 

17 

83  Subsection 5(2) (definition of universal service subsidy

18 

Repeal the definition. 

19 

84  Subsection 5(2) 

20 

Insert: 

21 

video relay service means a service that allows persons who: 

22 

 

(a)  are deaf: or 

23 

 

(b)  have a hearing and/or speech impairment; 

24 

to communicate with other persons using video as well as voice. 

25 

85  Paragraph 6(4)(a) 

26 

Omit "universal service contractors or universal service grant 

27 

recipients", substitute "contractors or grant recipients". 

28 

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86  Subsection 6(6) (definition of this Act

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

this Act includes the Telecommunications Act 1997

87  Section 6A 

Repeal the section. 

88  Part 2 (heading) 

Repeal the heading, substitute: 

Part 2--Public interest telecommunications services 

89  Section 8 

Repeal the section, substitute: 

10 

8  Simplified outline of this Part 

11 

 

This Part establishes a universal service regime. 

12 

 

The main object of the universal service regime is to ensure 

13 

that all people in Australia, wherever they reside or carry on 

14 

business, should have reasonable access, on an equitable basis, 

15 

to: 

16 

 

(a) 

standard telephone services; and 

17 

 

(b) 

payphones. 

18 

 

The universal service regime is to be phased out and replaced 

19 

by alternative contractual arrangements. 

20 

•  

The Secretary is responsible for entering into contracts, and 

21 

making grants, to support the provision of public interest 

22 

telecommunications services. 

23 

•  

Public interest telecommunication services include: 

24 

 

(a) 

standard telephone services; and 

25 

 

(b) 

payphones; and 

26 

 

(c) 

emergency call services; and 

27 

 

(d) 

the National Relay Service. 

28 

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•  

The Secretary will monitor the performance of contractors and 

grant recipients. 

•  

The ACMA will assess and collect the levy imposed on 

carriers by the Telecommunications (Industry Levy) Act 2012

•  

The proceeds of the levy will be used to: 

 

(a) 

pay contractors and grant recipients; and 

 

(b) 

pay eligible administrative costs. 

90  Sections 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, 8G and 8H 

Repeal the sections. 

91  Sections 8J and 8K 

10 

Repeal the sections, substitute: 

11 

8J  Declaration about alternative contractual arrangements relating 

12 

to standard telephone services 

13 

Initial declaration 

14 

 

(1)  During the period of 24 months that began at the commencement 

15 

of this section, the Minister must make either of the following 

16 

declarations: 

17 

 

(a)  a declaration that, in his or her opinion, there are satisfactory 

18 

alternative contractual arrangements relating to standard 

19 

telephone services; 

20 

 

(b)  a declaration that the 24-month period starting immediately 

21 

after the declaration is made is the declaration deferral 

22 

period for the purposes of this section. 

23 

 

(2)  If: 

24 

 

(a)  a declaration is made under paragraph (1)(a) or (b); and 

25 

 

(b)  the declaration is not in force as at the later of the following 

26 

times: 

27 

 

(i)  the end of the period of 26 months that began at the 

28 

commencement of this section; 

29 

 

(ii)  the start of the day immediately after the last day on 

30 

which a resolution referred to in subsection 42(1) of the 

31 

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No.      , 2014 

 

Legislative Instruments Act 2003 disallowing the 

declaration could be passed; 

the 24-month period starting immediately after the declaration was 

made is the declaration deferral period for the purposes of this 

section. 

Subsequent declarations 

 

(3)  Before the end of the declaration deferral period, the Minister must 

make either of the following declarations: 

 

(a)  a declaration that, in his or her opinion, there are satisfactory 

alternative contractual arrangements relating to standard 

10 

telephone services; 

11 

 

(b)  a declaration that, in his or her opinion, there are not 

12 

satisfactory alternative contractual arrangements relating to 

13 

standard telephone services. 

14 

Criteria for making declaration 

15 

 

(4)  The Minister must not make a declaration under paragraph (1)(a) 

16 

or (3)(a) unless: 

17 

 

(a)  Telstra has entered into a contract under section 14; and 

18 

 

(b)  the contract was entered into for a purpose relating to the 

19 

achievement of the policy objective set out in 

20 

paragraph 13(1)(a); and 

21 

 

(c)  the contract is in force; and 

22 

 

(d)  neither party to the contract has given notice of termination 

23 

of the contract; and 

24 

 

(e)  the Minister is satisfied that Telstra is likely to substantially 

25 

comply with the contract, having regard to: 

26 

 

(i)  Telstra's record of compliance with its obligations 

27 

under the contract; and 

28 

 

(ii)  the nature of Telstra's obligations under the contract; 

29 

and 

30 

 

(iii)  Telstra's record of compliance with its obligations 

31 

under this Part, to the extent that the obligations relate 

32 

to the service obligation mentioned in 

33 

paragraph 9(1)(a); and 

34 

 

(iv)  Telstra's record of compliance with its obligations 

35 

under Part 5; and 

36 

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(v)  such other matters (if any) as the Minister considers 

relevant; and 

 

(f)  the Minister has obtained advice from: 

 

(i)  the ACMA; and 

 

(ii)  the Secretary; 

 

  about the making of the declaration. 

 

(5)  Subparagraphs (4)(e)(iii) and (iv) do not apply to an act, omission, 

matter or thing that occurs before the commencement of this 

section. 

 

(6)  Subsection (4) does not limit the matters to which the Minister may 

10 

have regard in making a declaration under this section. 

11 

Declarations 

12 

 

(7)  A declaration under this section cannot be varied or revoked. 

13 

 

(8)  A declaration under this section is a legislative instrument. 

14 

8K  Declaration about alternative contractual arrangements relating 

15 

to payphones 

16 

Initial declaration 

17 

 

(1)  During the period of 24 months that began at the commencement 

18 

of this section, the Minister must make either of the following 

19 

declarations: 

20 

 

(a)  a declaration that, in his or her opinion, there are satisfactory 

21 

alternative contractual arrangements relating to payphones; 

22 

 

(b)  a declaration that the 24-month period starting immediately 

23 

after the declaration is made is the declaration deferral 

24 

period for the purposes of this section. 

25 

 

(2)  If: 

26 

 

(a)  a declaration is made under paragraph (1)(a) or (b); and 

27 

 

(b)  the declaration is not in force as at the later of the following 

28 

times: 

29 

 

(i)  the end of the period of 26 months that began at the 

30 

commencement of this section; 

31 

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(ii)  the start of the day immediately after the last day on 

which a resolution referred to in subsection 42(1) of the 

Legislative Instruments Act 2003 disallowing the 

declaration could be passed; 

the 24-month period starting immediately after the declaration was 

made is the declaration deferral period for the purposes of this 

section. 

Subsequent declarations 

 

(3)  Before the end of the declaration deferral period, the Minister must 

make either of the following declarations: 

10 

 

(a)  a declaration that, in his or her opinion, there are satisfactory 

11 

alternative contractual arrangements relating to payphones; 

12 

 

(b)  a declaration that, in his or her opinion, there are not 

13 

satisfactory alternative contractual arrangements relating to 

14 

payphones. 

15 

Criteria for making declaration 

16 

 

(4)  The Minister must not make a declaration under paragraph (1)(a) 

17 

or (3)(a) unless: 

18 

 

(a)  Telstra has entered into a contract under section 14; and 

19 

 

(b)  the contract was entered into for a purpose relating to the 

20 

achievement of the policy objective set out in 

21 

paragraph 13(1)(b); and 

22 

 

(c)  the contract is in force; and 

23 

 

(d)  neither party to the contract has given notice of termination 

24 

of the contract; and 

25 

 

(e)  the Minister is satisfied that Telstra is likely to substantially 

26 

comply with the contract, having regard to: 

27 

 

(i)  Telstra's record of compliance with its obligations 

28 

under the contract; and 

29 

 

(ii)  the nature of Telstra's obligations under the contract; 

30 

and 

31 

 

(iii)  Telstra's record of compliance with its obligations 

32 

under this Part, to the extent that the obligations relate 

33 

to the service obligation mentioned in 

34 

paragraph 9(1)(b); and 

35 

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(iv)  such other matters (if any) as the Minister considers 

relevant; and 

 

(f)  the Minister has obtained advice from: 

 

(i)  the ACMA; and 

 

(ii)  the Secretary; 

 

  about the making of the declaration. 

 

(5)  Subparagraph (4)(e)(iii) does not apply to an act, omission, matter 

or thing that occurs before the commencement of this section. 

 

(6)  Subsection (4) does not limit the matters to which the Minister may 

have regard in making a declaration under this section. 

10 

Declarations 

11 

 

(7)  A declaration under this section cannot be varied or revoked. 

12 

 

(8)  A declaration under this section is a legislative instrument. 

13 

92  Paragraph 9(1)(a) 

14 

Omit "(other than people in designated STS areas)". 

15 

93  Subsection 9(2) 

16 

Omit "(other than people in designated STS areas)". 

17 

94  After subsection 9(2A) 

18 

Insert: 

19 

 

(2AAA)  If: 

20 

 

(a)  the Minister makes a declaration under section 8J that, in the 

21 

Minister's opinion, there are satisfactory alternative 

22 

contractual arrangements relating to standard telephone 

23 

services; and 

24 

 

(b)  neither House of the Parliament passes a resolution under 

25 

section 42 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 

26 

disallowing the declaration; 

27 

an obligation does not arise under paragraph (1)(a) or 

28 

subsection (2) of this section after the last day on which such a 

29 

resolution could have been passed by a House of the Parliament. 

30 

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No.      , 2014 

 

95  At the end of section 9E 

Add: 

 

(3)  For the purposes of this section, supply, in relation to customer 

equipment or other goods, includes supply by way of hire. 

 

(4)  For the purposes of this section, disability has the same meaning as 

in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992

96  Subdivision B of Division 2 of Part 2 

Repeal the Subdivision. 

97  Division 4 of Part 2 

Repeal the Division. 

10 

98  Division 5 of Part 2 (heading) 

11 

Repeal the heading. 

12 

99  Subdivision A of Division 5 of Part 2 

13 

Repeal the Subdivision. 

14 

100  Subdivision B of Division 5 of Part 2 (heading) 

15 

Repeal the heading. 

16 

101  Before section 12A 

17 

Insert: 

18 

Subdivision B--Primary universal service provider 

19 

102  Subsection 12A(1) 

20 

Omit "for a universal service area". 

21 

103  Paragraph 12A(2)(a) 

22 

Omit "for the same universal service area". 

23 

104  Paragraph 12A(2)(b) 

24 

Omit "for one or more universal service areas". 

25 

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105  Subsection 12A(3) 

Omit ", for each universal service area". 

106  Section 12A (note) 

Omit "or 12E". 

107  Section 12A (note) 

Omit "subsections 12D(2) and 12E(6)", substitute "subsection 12D(2)". 

108  Subsection 12B(1) 

Omit "That day must not be before the day on which notice of the 

determination is published in the Gazette.". 

109  Subsection 12B(3) 

10 

Omit "That day must not be before notice of the instrument is published 

11 

in the Gazette.". 

12 

110  Subsection 12B(5) 

13 

Repeal the subsection. 

14 

111  Section 12C 

15 

Omit "for a universal service area". 

16 

112  Section 12C 

17 

Omit ", so far as it relates to that area". 

18 

113  Section 12D 

19 

Repeal the section, substitute: 

20 

12D  Transitional: when Telstra is taken to be a primary universal 

21 

service provider 

22 

 

  Until a determination of a primary universal service provider under 

23 

section 12A takes effect for the first time in respect of a service 

24 

obligation, the Minister is taken to have made a determination 

25 

under section 12A that Telstra is the primary universal service 

26 

provider in respect of that service obligation. 

27 

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Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014 

No.      , 2014 

 

114  Sections 12E and 12EA 

Repeal the sections, substitute: 

12E  Former universal service provider may be required to provide 

information to current universal service provider 

Scope 

 

(1)  This section applies if: 

 

(a)  the Minister determines under section 12A that a carrier or 

carriage service provider (the current provider) is the 

primary universal service provider in respect of a service 

obligation; and 

10 

 

(b)  another person, who is or was a universal service provider in 

11 

respect of the obligation, is determined to be a former 

12 

provider under subsection (4). 

13 

 

(2)  This section also applies if: 

14 

 

(a)  either: 

15 

 

(i)  the Minister revokes or varies a determination under 

16 

section 12A so that a person (the former provider

17 

ceases to be a universal service provider in respect of a 

18 

service obligation; or 

19 

 

(ii)  a person (the former provider) otherwise ceases to be a 

20 

universal service provider in respect of a service 

21 

obligation; and 

22 

 

(b)  another person (the current provider), who was also a 

23 

universal service provider in respect of the service obligation, 

24 

continues to be a universal service provider in respect of that 

25 

obligation: 

26 

 

(i)  if subparagraph (a)(i) applies--after the revocation or 

27 

variation; or 

28 

 

(ii)  if subparagraph (a)(ii) applies--after the cessation. 

29 

 

(3)  Subsections (1) and (2) can apply before the determination, 

30 

revocation or variation under section 12A takes effect. 

31 

Former provider 

32 

 

(4)  The Minister may determine in writing that a person is a former 

33 

provider for the purposes of this section. 

34 

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Requirement to give information 

 

(5)  The current provider may, by written notice given to the former 

provider, require the former provider to give to the current provider 

specified information of the kind referred to in subsection (6). A 

notice of this kind cannot be given more than 6 months after: 

 

(a)  if subsection (1) applies--the later of the following days: 

 

(i)  the day on which the current provider became a 

universal service provider; 

 

(ii)  the day on which the determination under section 12A 

was made in respect of the current provider; or 

10 

 

(b)  if subsection (2) applies--the day on which the former 

11 

provider ceases to be a universal service provider. 

12 

 

(6)  The information that may be required to be given must be 

13 

information that will assist the current provider in doing something 

14 

that the current provider is or will be required or permitted to do by 

15 

or under a provision of this Part. The notice must identify the doing 

16 

of that thing as the purpose for which the information is required. 

17 

Note 1: 

If, for example, information about service location and customer 

18 

contact details will assist the current provider in fulfilling its 

19 

obligation under section 12C, the former provider may be required to 

20 

provide that kind of information. 

21 

Note 2: 

See also subsection (8), which allows the Minister to determine that a 

22 

specified kind of information is information referred to in this 

23 

subsection. 

24 

 

(7)  If a requirement made by a notice under subsection (5) is 

25 

reasonable, the former provider must comply with the requirement 

26 

as soon as practicable after receiving the notice. However, if the 

27 

requirement is unreasonable, the former provider does not have to 

28 

comply with it. 

29 

 

(8)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make a determination 

30 

to the effect that, either generally or in a particular case, 

31 

information of a kind specified in the determination is taken to be 

32 

information that will assist a person in doing a specified thing that 

33 

the person is or will be required or permitted to do by or under a 

34 

provision of this Part. 

35 

 

(9)  If a former provider has been given notice of a requirement under 

36 

subsection (5), the ACMA may, in writing, direct the former 

37 

provider to comply with the requirement or with specified aspects 

38 

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of the requirement. The former provider must comply with the 

direction. 

 

(10)  In deciding whether to give a direction under subsection (9), the 

ACMA must consider whether the requirement under 

subsection (5) is reasonable. 

115  Subdivision BA of Division 5 of Part 2 (heading) 

Repeal the heading. 

116  Before section 12EB 

Insert: 

Subdivision C--USO standards and rules 

10 

117  Section 12EB (heading) 

11 

Repeal the heading, substitute: 

12 

12EB  Performance standards--standard telephone service 

13 

118  Subsection 12EB(6) (note) 

14 

Repeal the note. 

15 

119  Section 12EC (heading) 

16 

Repeal the heading, substitute: 

17 

12EC  Performance benchmarks--standard telephone service 

18 

120  Subdivision BB of Division 5 of Part 2 (heading) 

19 

Repeal the heading. 

20 

121  Section 12ED (heading) 

21 

Repeal the heading, substitute: 

22 

12ED  Performance standards--payphones 

23 

122  Section 12EE (heading) 

24 

Repeal the heading, substitute: 

25 

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12EE  Performance benchmarks--payphones 

123  Divisions 7 to 16 of Part 2 

Repeal the Divisions, substitute: 

Division 3--Public interest telecommunications service 

contracts and grants 

Subdivision A--Policy objectives 

13  Policy objectives 

 

(1)  The policy objectives of this Division are: 

 

(a)  that standard telephone services are to: 

 

(i)  be reasonably accessible to all people in Australia on an 

10 

equitable basis, wherever they reside or carry on 

11 

business; and 

12 

 

(ii)  be supplied to people in Australia on request; and 

13 

 

(b)  that payphones are to: 

14 

 

(i)  be reasonably accessible to all people in Australia on an 

15 

equitable basis, wherever they reside or carry on 

16 

business; and 

17 

 

(ii)  be supplied, installed and maintained in Australia; and 

18 

 

(c)  that end-users of standard telephone services in Australia are 

19 

to have access, free of charge, to an emergency call service; 

20 

and 

21 

 

(d)  that the National Relay Service is to be reasonably accessible 

22 

to all persons in Australia who: 

23 

 

(i)  are deaf; or 

24 

 

(ii)  have a hearing and/or speech impairment; 

25 

 

  wherever they reside or carry on business; and 

26 

 

(e)  that there are to be such: 

27 

 

(i)  customer information programs; and 

28 

 

(ii)  customer cabling installation programs; and 

29 

 

(iii)  carriage service development programs; and 

30 

 

(iv)  other measures (if any) as are specified in the 

31 

regulations; 

32 

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  as are necessary to support the continuity of supply of 

carriage services during the transition to the national 

broadband network; and 

 

(f)  that all persons in Australia outside a standard zone are to 

have access to untimed voice calls on a basis that is 

comparable to the access provided to persons in standard 

zones for voice calls made: 

 

(i)  using a standard telephone service; or 

 

(ii)  using a payphone; and 

 

(g)  that all persons in Australia outside a standard zone are to 

10 

have access to untimed data calls on a basis that is 

11 

comparable to the access provided to persons in standard 

12 

zones for data calls made to an internet service provider 

13 

using a data network access number; and 

14 

 

(h)  that an SMS relay service is reasonably accessible to all 

15 

persons in Australia who: 

16 

 

(i)  are deaf; or 

17 

 

(ii)  have a hearing and/or speech impairment; and 

18 

 

(i)  that a video relay service is reasonably accessible to all 

19 

persons in Australia who communicate in Auslan; and 

20 

 

(j)  that a software application is reasonably available to assist all 

21 

users of the National Relay Service in communication with 

22 

emergency call services; and 

23 

 

(k)  the objectives (if any) specified in the regulations, where 

24 

those objectives relate to the supply of carriage services. 

25 

 

(2)  For the purposes of paragraphs (1)(f) and (g), standard zone has 

26 

the meaning given by section 108. 

27 

Subdivision B--Contracts and grants 

28 

14  Contracts and grants 

29 

 

(1)  The Secretary may, on behalf of the Commonwealth: 

30 

 

(a)  enter into a contract; or 

31 

 

(b)  make a grant of financial assistance; 

32 

for a purpose relating to the achievement of any or all of the policy 

33 

objectives of this Division. 

34 

Note 1: 

For the policy objectives, see subsection 13(1). 

35 

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Note 2: 

For transitional provisions, see section 22. 

 

(2)  For the purposes of this Act, if the Secretary enters into a contract 

with a person under subsection (1), the person is a contractor

 

(3)  For the purposes of this Act, if the Secretary makes a grant of 

financial assistance to a person under subsection (1), the person is a 

grant recipient

15  Terms and conditions of grants 

Scope 

 

(1)  This section applies to a grant of financial assistance made under 

section 14. 

10 

Terms and conditions 

11 

 

(2)  The terms and conditions on which that financial assistance is 

12 

granted are to be set out in a written agreement between the 

13 

Commonwealth and the grant recipient. 

14 

 

(3)  An agreement under subsection (2) is to be entered into by the 

15 

Secretary on behalf of the Commonwealth. 

16 

 

(4)  Subsection (2) does not apply to a condition under section 16. 

17 

16  Condition about compliance with Ministerial determination 

18 

Condition 

19 

 

(1)  It is a condition of: 

20 

 

(a)  a contract entered into under section 14; or 

21 

 

(b)  a grant made under section 14; 

22 

that the contractor or grant recipient, as the case may be, must 

23 

comply with a determination under subsection (2) in so far as the 

24 

determination applies to the contract or grant, as the case may be. 

25 

Determination 

26 

 

(2)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make a determination 

27 

that sets out either or both of the following: 

28 

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(a)  standards or rules that must be complied with by contractors 

or grant recipients, as the case may be, in relation to contracts 

entered into, or grants made, under section 14; 

 

(b)  minimum benchmarks that must be met or exceeded by 

contractors or grant recipients, as the case may be, in relation 

to contracts entered into, or grants made, under section 14. 

Application of determinations 

 

(3)  A determination under subsection (2) may be of general 

application or may be limited as provided in the determination. 

 

(4)  Subsection (3) does not, by implication, limit subsection 33(3A) of 

10 

the Acts Interpretation Act 1901

11 

Other terms and conditions 

12 

 

(5)  This section does not, by implication, limit: 

13 

 

(a)  the terms and conditions that may be included in a contract 

14 

entered into under section 14; or 

15 

 

(b)  the terms and conditions that may be included in an 

16 

agreement under section 15. 

17 

Determination prevails over inconsistent contract or agreement 

18 

 

(6)  A term or condition: 

19 

 

(a)  of a contract entered into under section 14; or 

20 

 

(b)  set out in an agreement under section 15; 

21 

has no effect to the extent to which it is inconsistent with a 

22 

determination under subsection (2) that applies to the contract or to 

23 

the grant to which the agreement relates, as the case may be. 

24 

 

(7)  Despite subsection (6), a determination under subsection (2) has no 

25 

effect to the extent to which it overrides a term or condition: 

26 

 

(a)  of a contract entered into under section 14; and 

27 

 

(b)  that gives the contractor a right to adjustment of payment for 

28 

a change in the services, facilities or customer equipment to 

29 

be supplied by the contractor in accordance with the contract. 

30 

 

(8)  Despite subsection (6), a determination under subsection (2) has no 

31 

effect to the extent to which it specifies the price, or a method of 

32 

ascertaining the price, for any of the services, facilities or customer 

33 

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equipment to be supplied by a contractor in accordance with a 

section 14 contract. 

 

(9)  Despite subsection (6), a determination under subsection (2) has no 

effect to the extent to which it overrides a term or condition: 

 

(a)  set out in an agreement under section 15; and 

 

(b)  that gives the grant recipient a right to adjustment of payment 

for a change in the services, facilities or customer equipment 

to be supplied by the grant recipient in accordance with the 

terms and conditions of the grant. 

 

(10)  Despite subsection (6), a determination under subsection (2) has no 

10 

effect to the extent to which it specifies the price, or a method of 

11 

ascertaining the price, for any of the services, facilities or customer 

12 

equipment to be supplied by the grant recipient of a section 14 

13 

grant in accordance with the terms and conditions of the grant. 

14 

17  Exemption of designated transitional contracts from Ministerial 

15 

determination 

16 

 

  If: 

17 

 

(a)  a contract is in force as at the commencement of this section; 

18 

and 

19 

 

(b)  the contract was entered into before 1 July 2012; and 

20 

 

(c)  the contract was a designated transitional contract within the 

21 

meaning of the repealed Telecommunications Universal 

22 

Service Management Agency Act 2012

23 

the contract is exempt from a determination under subsection 16(2) 

24 

of this Act. 

25 

18  Secretary has powers etc. of the Commonwealth 

26 

 

(1)  The Secretary, on behalf of the Commonwealth, has all the rights, 

27 

responsibilities, duties and powers of the Commonwealth in 

28 

relation to the Commonwealth's capacity as: 

29 

 

(a)  a party to a contract entered into under section 14; or 

30 

 

(b)  the grantor of a grant made under section 14. 

31 

 

(2)  Without limiting subsection (1): 

32 

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(a)  an amount payable by the Commonwealth under a section 14 

contract is to be paid by the Secretary on behalf of the 

Commonwealth; and 

 

(b)  an amount payable to the Commonwealth under a section 14 

contract is to be paid to the Secretary on behalf of the 

Commonwealth; and 

 

(c)  a section 14 grant is to be paid by the Secretary on behalf of 

the Commonwealth; and 

 

(d)  an amount payable to the Commonwealth by way of the 

repayment of the whole or a part of a section 14 grant is to be 

10 

paid to the Secretary on behalf of the Commonwealth; and 

11 

 

(e)  the Secretary may institute an action or proceeding on behalf 

12 

of the Commonwealth in relation to a matter that concerns: 

13 

 

(i)  a section 14 contract; or 

14 

 

(ii)  a section 14 grant. 

15 

19  Conferral of powers on the Secretary 

16 

 

  The Secretary may exercise a power conferred on the Secretary by: 

17 

 

(a)  a contract entered into under section 14; or 

18 

 

(b)  an agreement under section 14. 

19 

20  Monitoring of performance 

20 

 

(1)  The Secretary must monitor, and report each financial year to the 

21 

Minister on, all significant matters relating to: 

22 

 

(a)  the performance of contractors; and 

23 

 

(b)  the performance of grant recipients. 

24 

 

(2)  A report under subsection (1) for a financial year must set out 

25 

details of the following matters: 

26 

 

(a)  the adequacy of each contractor's compliance, during that 

27 

year, with the terms and conditions of a section 14 contract; 

28 

 

(b)  the adequacy of each grant recipient's compliance, during 

29 

that year, with the terms and conditions of a section 14 grant; 

30 

 

(c)  any notice of breach by a contractor of a section 14 contract, 

31 

where the notice was given during that year; 

32 

 

(d)  any notice of breach by a grant recipient of a term or 

33 

condition of a section 14 grant, where the notice was given 

34 

during that year; 

35 

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(e)  any remedial action taken by the Secretary during that year in 

response to a breach of a section 14 contract; 

 

(f)  any remedial action taken by the Secretary during that year in 

response to a breach of the terms or conditions of a 

section 14 grant; 

 

(g)  the result of any such remedial action. 

 

(3)  Subsection (2) does not limit subsection (1). 

 

(4)  A report under subsection (1) for a financial year must be included 

in the annual report prepared by the Secretary and given to the 

Minister under section 46 of the Public Governance, Performance 

10 

and Accountability Act 2013 for the financial year. 

11 

21  Executive power of the Commonwealth 

12 

 

  This Division does not, by implication, limit the executive power 

13 

of the Commonwealth. 

14 

22  Transitional--pre-commencement contracts 

15 

 

(1)  If: 

16 

 

(a)  a contract is in force as at the commencement of this section; 

17 

and 

18 

 

(b)  the contract was entered into before 1 July 2012; and 

19 

 

(c)  under section 22, 23, 24, 25 or 26 of the repealed 

20 

Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency 

21 

Act 2012, that Act had effect as if the contract had been 

22 

entered into under section 13 of that Act for a purpose 

23 

relating to the achievement of a particular policy objective; 

24 

this Act, and any other law of the Commonwealth, has effect as if 

25 

the contract had been entered into by the Secretary under 

26 

section 14 of this Act for a purpose relating to the achievement of 

27 

the corresponding policy objective. 

28 

 

(2)  If: 

29 

 

(a)  a contract is in force as at the commencement of this section; 

30 

and 

31 

 

(b)  the contract was entered into on or after 1 July 2012; and 

32 

 

(c)  the contract was entered into under section 13 of the repealed 

33 

Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency 

34 

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Act 2012 for a purpose relating to the achievement of a 

particular policy objective; 

this Act, and any other law of the Commonwealth, has effect as if 

the contract had been entered into by the Secretary under 

section 14 of this Act for a purpose relating to the achievement of 

the corresponding policy objective. 

 

(3)  For the purposes of this section, contract includes a part of a 

contract. 

Division 4--Disclosure of information 

Subdivision A--Access to information or documents held by a 

10 

carriage service provider 

11 

23  Access to information or documents held by a carriage service 

12 

provider 

13 

Scope 

14 

 

(1)  This section applies to a carriage service provider if the Secretary 

15 

believes on reasonable grounds that the carriage service provider 

16 

has information or a document that is relevant to the achievement 

17 

of the policy objective set out in paragraph 13(1)(e). 

18 

Requirement 

19 

 

(2)  The Secretary may, by written notice given to the carriage service 

20 

provider, require the carriage service provider: 

21 

 

(a)  to give to the Secretary, within the period and in the manner 

22 

and form specified in the notice, any such information; or 

23 

 

(b)  to produce to the Secretary, within the period and in the 

24 

manner specified in the notice, any such documents; or 

25 

 

(c)  to make copies of any such documents and to produce to the 

26 

Secretary, within the period and in the manner specified in 

27 

the notice, those copies. 

28 

 

(3)  A period specified under subsection (2) must not be shorter than 14 

29 

days after the notice is given. 

30 

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Compliance 

 

(4)  A carriage service provider must comply with a requirement under 

subsection (2) to the extent that the carriage service provider is 

capable of doing so. 

 

(5)  A carriage service provider commits an offence if: 

 

(a)  the Secretary has given a notice to the carriage service 

provider under subsection (2); and 

 

(b)  the carriage service provider engages in conduct; and 

 

(c)  the carriage service provider's conduct contravenes a 

requirement in the notice. 

10 

Penalty for contravention of this subsection: 50 penalty units. 

11 

24  Copying documents--compensation 

12 

 

  A carriage service provider is entitled to be paid by the 

13 

Commonwealth reasonable compensation for complying with a 

14 

requirement covered by paragraph 23(2)(c). 

15 

25  Copies of documents 

16 

 

(1)  The Secretary may: 

17 

 

(a)  inspect a document or copy produced under subsection 23(2); 

18 

and 

19 

 

(b)  make and retain copies of, or take and retain extracts from, 

20 

such a document. 

21 

 

(2)  The Secretary may retain possession of a copy of a document 

22 

produced in accordance with a requirement covered by 

23 

paragraph 23(2)(c). 

24 

26  Secretary may retain documents 

25 

 

(1)  The Secretary may take, and retain for as long as is necessary, 

26 

possession of a document produced under subsection 23(2). 

27 

 

(2)  The carriage service provider otherwise entitled to possession of 

28 

the document is entitled to be supplied, as soon as practicable, with 

29 

a copy certified by the Secretary to be a true copy. 

30 

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(3)  The certified copy must be received in all courts and tribunals as 

evidence as if it were the original. 

 

(4)  Until a certified copy is supplied, the Secretary must, at such times 

and places as the Secretary thinks appropriate, permit the carriage 

service provider otherwise entitled to possession of the document, 

or a person authorised by that carriage service provider, to inspect 

and make copies of, or take extracts from, the document. 

27  Law relating to legal professional privilege not affected 

 

  This Subdivision does not affect the law relating to legal 

professional privilege. 

10 

28  Disclosure of information 

11 

Scope 

12 

 

(1)  This section applies to information that: 

13 

 

(a)  was obtained by the Secretary under section 23; or 

14 

 

(b)  is contained in a document, or a copy of a document, that was 

15 

produced to the Secretary under section 23. 

16 

Disclosure 

17 

 

(2)  The Secretary may disclose the information to a carriage service 

18 

provider if the disclosure is for a purpose relating to the 

19 

achievement of the policy objective set out in paragraph 13(1)(e). 

20 

29  Consent to customer contact 

21 

Scope 

22 

 

(1)  This section applies to a carriage service provider if: 

23 

 

(a)  the Secretary believes on reasonable grounds that, if the 

24 

carriage service provider were to consent to another person 

25 

(the third person) contacting: 

26 

 

(i)  the carriage service provider's customers; or 

27 

 

(ii)  customers included in a particular class of the carriage 

28 

service provider's customers; 

29 

 

  for a purpose relating to the achievement of the policy 

30 

objective set out in paragraph 13(1)(e), that consent would be 

31 

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likely to facilitate the achievement of the policy objective set 

out in paragraph 13(1)(e); and 

 

(b)  the carriage service provider is not a contractor in relation to 

a section 14 contract entered into for a purpose relating to the 

achievement of the policy objective set out in 

paragraph 13(1)(e); and 

 

(c)  the carriage service provider is not a grant recipient in 

relation to a section 14 grant made for a purpose relating to 

the achievement of the policy objective set out in 

paragraph 13(1)(e). 

10 

Requirement 

11 

 

(2)  The Secretary may, by written notice given to the carriage service 

12 

provider, require the carriage service provider: 

13 

 

(a)  to consent to the third person contacting: 

14 

 

(i)  if subparagraph (1)(a)(i) applies--the carriage service 

15 

provider's customers; or 

16 

 

(ii)  if subparagraph (1)(a)(ii) applies--customers included 

17 

in a specified class of the carriage service provider's 

18 

customers; 

19 

 

  for a purpose relating to the achievement of the policy 

20 

objective set out in paragraph 13(1)(e); and 

21 

 

(b)  to do so within the period and in the manner specified in the 

22 

notice. 

23 

 

(3)  A period specified under subsection (2) must not be shorter than 14 

24 

days after the notice is given. 

25 

Compliance 

26 

 

(4)  A carriage service provider must comply with a requirement under 

27 

subsection (2). 

28 

 

(5)  A carriage service provider commits an offence if: 

29 

 

(a)  the Secretary has given a notice to the carriage service 

30 

provider under subsection (2); and 

31 

 

(b)  the carriage service provider engages in conduct; and 

32 

 

(c)  the carriage service provider's conduct contravenes a 

33 

requirement in the notice. 

34 

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Penalty for contravention of this subsection: 50 penalty units. 

Subdivision B--Access to information or documents held by an 

NBN corporation 

30  Access to information or documents held by an NBN corporation 

Scope 

 

(1)  This section applies to an NBN corporation if the Minister believes 

on reasonable grounds that the NBN corporation has information 

or a document that is relevant to the exercise of any of the 

Secretary's powers under Division 3. 

Requirement 

10 

 

(2)  The Minister may, by written notice given to the NBN corporation, 

11 

require the NBN corporation: 

12 

 

(a)  to give to the Secretary, within the period and in the manner 

13 

and form specified in the notice, any such information; or 

14 

 

(b)  to produce to the Secretary, within the period and in the 

15 

manner specified in the notice, any such documents; or 

16 

 

(c)  to make copies of any such documents and to produce to the 

17 

Secretary, within the period and in the manner specified in 

18 

the notice, those copies. 

19 

 

(3)  A period specified under subsection (2) must not be shorter than 14 

20 

days after the notice is given. 

21 

Compliance 

22 

 

(4)  An NBN corporation must comply with a requirement under 

23 

subsection (2) to the extent that the NBN corporation is capable of 

24 

doing so. 

25 

 

(5)  An NBN corporation commits an offence if: 

26 

 

(a)  the Minister has given a notice to the NBN corporation under 

27 

subsection (2); and 

28 

 

(b)  the NBN corporation engages in conduct; and 

29 

 

(c)  the NBN corporation's conduct contravenes a requirement in 

30 

the notice. 

31 

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Penalty for contravention of this subsection: 50 penalty units. 

31  Copying documents--compensation 

 

  An NBN corporation is entitled to be paid by the Commonwealth 

reasonable compensation for complying with a requirement 

covered by paragraph 30(2)(c). 

32  Copies of documents 

 

(1)  The Secretary may: 

 

(a)  inspect a document or copy produced under subsection 30(2); 

and 

 

(b)  make and retain copies of, or take and retain extracts from, 

10 

such a document. 

11 

 

(2)  The Secretary may retain possession of a copy of a document 

12 

produced in accordance with a requirement covered by 

13 

paragraph 30(2)(c). 

14 

33  Secretary may retain documents 

15 

 

(1)  The Secretary may take, and retain for as long as is necessary, 

16 

possession of a document produced under subsection 30(2). 

17 

 

(2)  The NBN corporation otherwise entitled to possession of the 

18 

document is entitled to be supplied, as soon as practicable, with a 

19 

copy certified by the Secretary to be a true copy. 

20 

 

(3)  The certified copy must be received in all courts and tribunals as 

21 

evidence as if it were the original. 

22 

 

(4)  Until a certified copy is supplied, the Secretary must, at such times 

23 

and places as the Secretary thinks appropriate, permit the NBN 

24 

corporation otherwise entitled to possession of the document, or a 

25 

person authorised by that NBN corporation, to inspect and make 

26 

copies of, or take extracts from, the document. 

27 

34  Law relating to legal professional privilege not affected 

28 

 

  This Subdivision does not affect the law relating to legal 

29 

professional privilege. 

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35  Severability 

 

(1)  Without limiting its effect apart from this section, this Subdivision 

also has effect as provided by this section. 

Corporations power 

 

(2)  This Subdivision also has the effect it would have if: 

 

(a)  subsection (3) had not been enacted; and 

 

(b)  each reference in this Subdivision to an NBN corporation 

were, by express provision, confined to an NBN corporation 

that is a constitutional corporation. 

Communications power 

10 

 

(3)  This Subdivision also has the effect it would have if: 

11 

 

(a)  subsection (2) had not been enacted; and 

12 

 

(b)  each reference in this Subdivision to an NBN corporation 

13 

were, by express provision, confined to an NBN corporation 

14 

that: 

15 

 

(i)  carries on; or 

16 

 

(ii)  proposes to carry on; or 

17 

 

(iii)  has the object of carrying on; 

18 

a business that consists of or includes the supply of a carriage 

19 

service. 

20 

Subdivision C--Disclosure of information to certain bodies or 

21 

persons 

22 

36  Disclosure of information to certain bodies or persons 

23 

 

(1)  The Secretary may disclose information to any of the following 

24 

bodies or persons: 

25 

 

(a)  the ACMA; 

26 

 

(b)  the ACCC; 

27 

 

(c)  the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman; 

28 

 

(d)  the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review 

29 

Committee; 

30 

if: 

31 

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(e)  the information was obtained under, or for the purposes of, 

this Division; and 

 

(f)  the Secretary is satisfied that the information will enable or 

assist the body or person to perform or exercise any of the 

functions or powers of the body or person. 

 

(2)  The Secretary may, by writing, impose conditions to be complied 

with in relation to information disclosed under subsection (1). 

 

(3)  An instrument made under subsection (2) that imposes conditions 

relating to one particular disclosure identified in the instrument is 

not a legislative instrument. 

10 

 

(4)  Otherwise, an instrument made under subsection (2) is a legislative 

11 

instrument. 

12 

Division 5--Public Interest Telecommunications Services 

13 

Special Account 

14 

37  Public Interest Telecommunications Services Special Account 

15 

 

(1)  The Public Interest Telecommunications Services Special Account 

16 

is established by this section. 

17 

 

(2)  The Account is a Special Account for the purposes of the Public 

18 

Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013

19 

 

(3)  The Account is to be administered by the Secretary. 

20 

38  Credits to the Account 

21 

 

  There must be credited to the Public Interest Telecommunications 

22 

Services Special Account: 

23 

 

(a)  an amount equal to an amount paid to the Commonwealth by 

24 

way of levy; and 

25 

 

(b)  an amount equal to an amount paid to the Commonwealth 

26 

under a section 14 contract; and 

27 

 

(c)  an amount equal to an amount paid to the Commonwealth by 

28 

way of damages or compensation for a breach of a section 14 

29 

contract; and 

30 

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(d)  an amount equal to an amount paid to the Commonwealth by 

way of the repayment of the whole or a part of a section 14 

grant. 

Note: 

An Appropriation Act may contain a provision to the effect that, if any 

of the purposes of a special account is a purpose that is covered by an 

item in the Appropriation Act (whether or not the item expressly refers 

to the special account), then amounts may be debited against the 

appropriation for that item and credited to that special account. 

39  Purposes of the Account 

 

  The purposes of Public Interest Telecommunications Services 

10 

Special Account are as follows: 

11 

 

(a)  to pay amounts payable by the Commonwealth under a 

12 

contract entered into under section 14; 

13 

 

(b)  to make grants under section 14; 

14 

 

(c)  to pay the eligible administrative costs of the 

15 

Commonwealth; 

16 

 

(d)  to make distributions in accordance with section 40; 

17 

 

(e)  to pay refunds under section 62. 

18 

Note: 

See section 80 of the Public Governance, Performance and 

19 

Accountability Act 2013 (which deals with special accounts). 

20 

40  Distribution of remaining balance of the Account 

21 

 

(1)  The Secretary, on behalf of the Commonwealth, may distribute to 

22 

persons who are or were participating persons any balance standing 

23 

to the credit of the Public Interest Telecommunications Services 

24 

Special Account that remains after all payments payable by the 

25 

Commonwealth, in respect of debits from the Account for an 

26 

eligible levy period, have been paid. 

27 

 

(2)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine rules for 

28 

making those distributions. 

29 

 

(3)  The Secretary must comply with any rules determined under 

30 

subsection (2). 

31 

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Division 6--Assessment, collection and recovery of levy 

Subdivision A--Overall levy target amount 

41  Overall levy target amount 

General rule 

 

(1)  For the purposes of this Act, the overall levy target amount for an 

eligible levy period (other than the first eligible levy period) is the 

sum of: 

 

(a)  the total amount paid by the Secretary on behalf of the 

Commonwealth during the period under contracts made 

under section 14; and 

10 

 

(b)  the total amount paid by the Secretary on behalf of the 

11 

Commonwealth during the period by way of grants made 

12 

under section 14; and 

13 

 

(c)  the total amount of the eligible administrative costs of the 

14 

Commonwealth incurred during the period; 

15 

reduced by the total of the amounts appropriated by Appropriation 

16 

Acts for the purposes of: 

17 

 

(d)  making payments under section 14 contracts during the 

18 

period; and 

19 

 

(e)  making section 14 grants during the period; and 

20 

 

(f)  the eligible administrative costs of the Commonwealth in 

21 

relation to the period. 

22 

Note 1: 

The first eligible levy period is the 2014-15 financial year (see 

23 

section 5). 

24 

Note 2: 

See also subsections 61(3) and (4) (set-off). 

25 

First eligible levy period 

26 

 

(2)  For the purposes of this Act, the overall levy target amount for the 

27 

first eligible levy period is the amount that would have been the 

28 

overall levy target amount (within the meaning of section 88 of the 

29 

repealed Telecommunications Universal Service Management 

30 

Agency Act 2012) for the eligible levy period (within the meaning 

31 

of that section) that began on 1 July 2014 if the 2014-15 financial 

32 

year were treated as an eligible levy period for the purposes of that 

33 

section. 

34 

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42  Statement of overall levy target amount 

Overall levy target amount 

 

(1)  After the end of an eligible levy period, the Secretary must prepare 

a written statement setting out the overall levy target amount for 

the period. 

Components of overall levy target amount--general rule 

 

(2)  After the end of an eligible levy period (other than the first eligible 

levy period), the Secretary must prepare a written statement setting 

out the total amount paid by the Secretary on behalf of the 

Commonwealth during the period under contracts made under 

10 

section 14. 

11 

Note 1: 

The first eligible levy period is the 2014-15 financial year (see 

12 

section 5). 

13 

Note 2: 

See also subsection 61(3) (set-off). 

14 

 

(3)  After the end of an eligible levy period (other than the first eligible 

15 

levy period), the Secretary must prepare a written statement setting 

16 

out the total amount paid by the Secretary on behalf of the 

17 

Commonwealth during the period by way of grants made under 

18 

section 14. 

19 

Note 1: 

The first eligible levy period is the 2014-15 financial year (see 

20 

section 5). 

21 

Note 2: 

See also subsection 61(4) (set-off). 

22 

 

(4)  After the end of an eligible levy period (other than the first eligible 

23 

levy period), the Secretary must prepare a written statement setting 

24 

out: 

25 

 

(a)  the total amount of the eligible administrative costs of the 

26 

Commonwealth incurred during the period; and 

27 

 

(b)  a breakdown of the amount referred to in paragraph (a) into 

28 

categories specified in the regulations. 

29 

Note: 

The first eligible levy period is the 2014-15 financial year (see 

30 

section 5). 

31 

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Components of overall levy target amount--first eligible levy 

period 

 

(5)  After the end of the first eligible levy period, the Secretary must 

prepare a written statement setting out the total amount paid by the 

Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency on 

behalf of the Commonwealth during the period under contracts 

made under section 13 of the repealed Telecommunications 

Universal Service Management Agency Act 2012

Note: 

The first eligible levy period is the 2014-15 financial year (see 

section 5). 

10 

 

(6)  After the end of the first eligible levy period, the Secretary must 

11 

prepare a written statement setting out the total amount paid by the 

12 

Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency on 

13 

behalf of the Commonwealth during the period by way of grants 

14 

made under section 13 of the repealed Telecommunications 

15 

Universal Service Management Agency Act 2012

16 

Note: 

The first eligible levy period is the 2014-15 financial year (see 

17 

section 5). 

18 

 

(7)  After the end of the first eligible levy period, the Secretary must 

19 

prepare a written statement setting out: 

20 

 

(a)  the total amount of the Telecommunications Universal 

21 

Service Management Agency's administrative costs (within 

22 

the meaning of the repealed Telecommunications Universal 

23 

Service Management Agency Act 2012) incurred during the 

24 

period; and 

25 

 

(b)  a breakdown of the amount referred to in paragraph (a) into 

26 

categories specified in the regulations. 

27 

Note: 

The first eligible levy period is the 2014-15 financial year (see 

28 

section 5). 

29 

Timing 

30 

 

(8)  The Secretary must take all reasonable steps to ensure that a 

31 

statement under this section is prepared within 4 months after the 

32 

end of the eligible levy period to which the statement relates. 

33 

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Other matters 

 

(9)  The Secretary must give a copy of a statement under this section to 

the ACMA. 

 

(10)  As soon as practicable after the Secretary gives the ACMA a copy 

of a statement under this section, the ACMA must cause the copy 

to be published on the ACMA's website. 

 

(11)  A statement under this section is not a legislative instrument. 

Subdivision B--Eligible revenue of participating persons 

43  Participating person must lodge return of eligible revenue 

 

(1)  A participating person for an eligible revenue period (other than 

10 

the first eligible revenue period) must: 

11 

 

(a)  give the ACMA a written return of the person's eligible 

12 

revenue for that period; and 

13 

 

(b)  do so within the period specified in an instrument in force 

14 

under subsection (5). 

15 

 

(2)  The return must be in a form approved in writing by the ACMA. 

16 

 

(3)  The approved form may require verification, by a statutory 

17 

declaration, of statements made in the return. 

18 

 

(4)  The return must set out: 

19 

 

(a)  the eligible revenue for the eligible revenue period of the 

20 

participating person; and 

21 

 

(b)  details of how the eligible revenue was worked out; and 

22 

 

(c)  such other information (if any) as the approved form of 

23 

return requires. 

24 

 

(5)  The ACMA may, by legislative instrument, specify a period for the 

25 

purposes of paragraph (1)(b). The period must begin at or after the 

26 

end of the eligible revenue period. 

27 

Note: 

See also section 69 (offence of failing to lodge eligible revenue 

28 

return). 

29 

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44  Participating person 

 

(1)  For the purposes of this Act, a person is a participating person for 

an eligible revenue period if: 

 

(a)  the person was a carrier at any time during the eligible 

revenue period; or 

 

(b)  both: 

 

(i)  the Minister makes a written determination that carriage 

service providers are participating persons for the 

eligible revenue period; and 

 

(ii)  the person was a carriage service provider at any time 

10 

during the eligible revenue period. 

11 

 

(2)  However, a person is not a participating person for an eligible 

12 

revenue period if the person is of a kind, determined in writing by 

13 

the Minister for the purposes of this subsection, to be exempt from 

14 

this section. 

15 

 

(3)  A determination under subsection (1) or (2) is a legislative 

16 

instrument. 

17 

45  Eligible revenue 

18 

General rule 

19 

 

(1)  For the purposes of this Act, eligible revenue of a person for an 

20 

eligible revenue period (other than the first eligible revenue period) 

21 

is the amount ascertained in accordance with a written 

22 

determination made by the ACMA for the purposes of this 

23 

subsection. 

24 

 

(2)  Subsection (1) has effect subject to subsection (3). 

25 

 

(3)  The eligible revenue of a participating person for an eligible 

26 

revenue period (other than the first eligible revenue period): 

27 

 

(a)  is taken to be zero if the person's eligible revenue is less than 

28 

the amount (the threshold amount) determined in writing by 

29 

the Minister for the purposes of this subsection; or 

30 

 

(b)  in any other case--must be reduced by the threshold amount. 

31 

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(4)  To avoid doubt, a determination under subsection (1) may, in 

providing how to work out the eligible revenue of a person, refer to 

revenue of other persons. 

 

(5)  A determination under subsection (1) must not provide that: 

 

(a)  an amount payable under a contract entered into under 

section 14; or 

 

(b)  a grant under section 14; 

is included in a person's eligible revenue. 

 

(6)  A determination under subsection (1) or (3) is a legislative 

instrument. 

10 

First eligible revenue period 

11 

 

(7)  For the purposes of this Act, eligible revenue of a person for the 

12 

first eligible revenue period is the person's eligible revenue (within 

13 

the meaning of the repealed Telecommunications Universal Service 

14 

Management Agency Act 2012) for the eligible revenue period 

15 

(within the meaning of that Act) that began on 1 July 2013. 

16 

Note: 

The first eligible revenue period is the 2013-14 financial year (see 

17 

section 5). 

18 

46  ACMA may inquire into correctness of return 

19 

 

  The ACMA may make whatever inquiries it thinks necessary or 

20 

desirable in order to determine whether or not a participating 

21 

person's eligible revenue return for an eligible revenue period 

22 

correctly states the person's eligible revenue for that period. 

23 

47  ACMA to assess eligible revenue 

24 

 

(1)  The ACMA must make a written assessment of each participating 

25 

person's eligible revenue for an eligible revenue period (other than 

26 

the first eligible revenue period). 

27 

Note: 

The assessment may be included in the same document as any other 

28 

assessment the ACMA makes under this Division (see section 55). 

29 

 

(2)  The assessment must be based on: 

30 

 

(a)  the person's eligible revenue return; and 

31 

 

(b)  the information and documents obtained by the ACMA 

32 

because of its inquiries into the correctness of the return; and 

33 

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(c)  any other information or documents that the ACMA has and 

that it thinks relevant to making the assessment. 

 

(3)  Subsection (2) has effect subject to section 48. 

 

(4)  The ACMA must give a copy of an assessment of a person's 

eligible revenue to the person concerned. 

 

(5)  The assessment is not a legislative instrument. 

48  Assessment based on estimate of eligible revenue 

 

(1)  If a participating person fails to give the ACMA an eligible 

revenue return for an eligible revenue period (other than the first 

eligible revenue period), the ACMA may: 

10 

 

(a)  estimate the person's eligible revenue for that period; and 

11 

 

(b)  make a written assessment under section 47 of the person's 

12 

eligible revenue for that period based on that estimate. 

13 

 

(2)  The ACMA must give the person at least 14 days' written notice 

14 

of: 

15 

 

(a)  the amount of eligible revenue proposed to be assessed; and 

16 

 

(b)  the ACMA's proposal to make the assessment based on the 

17 

estimate. 

18 

 

(3)  However, the ACMA is not required to: 

19 

 

(a)  give the person a notice under subsection (2); or 

20 

 

(b)  make a written assessment under section 47 of the person's 

21 

eligible revenue for the period based on the estimate; 

22 

if the estimate is nil. 

23 

 

(4)  The ACMA must not make an assessment based on an estimate 

24 

after receiving an eligible revenue return for the period from the 

25 

person concerned. 

26 

 

(5)  However, if the ACMA has made an assessment based on the 

27 

estimate, the ACMA is not required to change it if an eligible 

28 

revenue return is later given to the ACMA. 

29 

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49  Levy contribution factor 

 

(1)  The rule in subsection (2) applies if the ACMA has assessed the 

eligible revenue of participating persons for an eligible revenue 

period. 

 

(2)  For the eligible levy period starting immediately after the eligible 

revenue period, the ACMA must work out a levy contribution 

factor for each of those participating persons. 

Note: 

The levy contribution factor is used to work out the levy amount of a 

participating person (see section 50). 

 

(3)  For the purposes of this Act, the levy contribution factor of a 

10 

person for an eligible levy period is the amount worked out using 

11 

the following formula: 

12 

Individual eligible revenue

Total eligible revenue

 

13 

where: 

14 

individual eligible revenue means the assessed eligible revenue of 

15 

the person for the eligible revenue period ending immediately 

16 

before the eligible levy period. 

17 

total eligible revenue means the total assessed eligible revenue, for 

18 

the eligible revenue period ending immediately before the eligible 

19 

levy period, of all the participating persons for the eligible revenue 

20 

period. 

21 

Subdivision C--Levy amount 

22 

50  Levy amount of a participating person 

23 

 

(1)  If a person is a participating person for an eligible revenue period 

24 

(the relevant eligible revenue period), then, for the purposes of this 

25 

Act, the levy amount of the person for the eligible levy period 

26 

starting immediately after the relevant eligible revenue period is 

27 

the amount worked out using the formula: 

28 

Levy contribution factor

Overall levy target amount

 

29 

where: 

30 

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levy contribution factor means the person's levy contribution 

factor for the eligible levy period worked out under section 49. 

overall levy target amount means the overall levy target amount 

for the eligible levy period worked out under section 41. 

Note: 

The Telecommunications (Industry Levy) Act 2012 imposes levy on 

the levy amount. 

 

(2)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, modify the formula in 

subsection (1). 

51  ACMA to make written assessment 

 

(1)  For each eligible levy period, the ACMA must make a written 

10 

assessment setting out the matters in subsection (2). 

11 

 

(2)  For each participating person for the eligible revenue period ending 

12 

immediately before the eligible levy period, the assessment must 

13 

set out: 

14 

 

(a)  the person's levy amount under section 50 for the eligible 

15 

levy period; and 

16 

 

(b)  the levy payable by the person on that amount. 

17 

Note: 

Section 56 sets out when the levy is payable. 

18 

 

(3)  The ACMA must act expeditiously in preparing its assessment. 

19 

However, a failure to comply with this subsection does not affect 

20 

the validity of the assessment. 

21 

 

(4)  The assessment is not a legislative instrument. 

22 

52  Publication of assessment 

23 

 

  As soon as practicable after making an assessment under 

24 

section 51, the ACMA must: 

25 

 

(a)  publish a copy of the assessment on the ACMA's website; 

26 

and 

27 

 

(b)  give a copy of the assessment to the participating person to 

28 

whom the assessment relates. 

29 

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Subdivision D--Assessments 

53  Variation of assessments 

 

(1)  The ACMA may vary an assessment made under this Division by 

making such alterations and additions as it thinks necessary, even 

if levy has been paid in respect of an assessment. 

 

(2)  Unless the contrary intention appears, an amended assessment is 

taken, for the purposes of this Division, to be an assessment under 

section 47 or 51, as the case may be. 

54  ACMA may accept statements 

 

  Despite anything in this Division, the ACMA may, for the 

10 

purposes of making an assessment under this Division, partly or 

11 

completely accept a statement in an eligible revenue return. 

12 

55  Multiple assessments in the same document 

13 

 

  The ACMA may include in the same document more than one 

14 

assessment made under this Division. 

15 

Subdivision E--Collection and recovery of levy 

16 

56  When levy payable 

17 

 

(1)  Levy assessed under section 51 becomes due and payable on: 

18 

 

(a)  the 28th day; or 

19 

 

(b)  such later day as is determined in writing by the ACMA; 

20 

after the ACMA gives a copy of the assessment to the participating 

21 

person to whom the assessment relates. 

22 

 

(2)  A copy of a determination under paragraph (1)(b) must be 

23 

published on the ACMA's website. 

24 

 

(3)  A determination under paragraph (1)(b) is not a legislative 

25 

instrument. 

26 

57  Recovery of levy 

27 

 

  Levy: 

28 

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(a)  is a debt due to the ACMA on behalf of the Commonwealth; 

and 

 

(b)  may be recovered by the ACMA, on behalf of the 

Commonwealth, in a court of competent jurisdiction. 

58  Validity of assessment 

 

  The validity of an assessment under this Division is not affected by 

a contravention of this Division. 

59  Evidence of assessment 

Scope 

 

(1)  This section applies if a document that purports to be a copy of an 

10 

assessment under section 51 is produced in a proceeding. 

11 

Evidence 

12 

 

(2)  Except so far as the contrary is established, it must be presumed: 

13 

 

(a)  that the document is a copy of the assessment; and 

14 

 

(b)  that the ACMA has duly made the assessment; and 

15 

 

(c)  that the amounts and other particulars set out in the 

16 

assessment are correct. 

17 

60  Onus of establishing incorrectness of assessment 

18 

 

  In any proceeding, the onus of establishing that an assessment 

19 

under section 51 is incorrect is on the party making that assertion. 

20 

61  Set-off 

21 

 

(1)  If: 

22 

 

(a)  an amount of levy (the first amount) is payable by a person; 

23 

and 

24 

 

(b)  an amount (the second amount) is payable by the 

25 

Commonwealth to the person: 

26 

 

(i)  under a section 14 contract; or 

27 

 

(ii)  as a section 14 grant; 

28 

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the ACMA may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, set off the 

whole or a part of the first amount against the whole or a part of 

the second amount. 

 

(2)  Before doing so, the ACMA must consult the Secretary. 

Overall levy target amount 

 

(3)  For the purposes of sections 41 and 42, if the second amount is 

payable by the Commonwealth to the person under a section 14 

contract, the amount set off is taken to have been paid by the 

Secretary, on behalf of the Commonwealth, under a section 14 

contract. 

10 

 

(4)  For the purposes of sections 41 and 42, if the second amount is 

11 

payable by the Commonwealth to the person as a section 14 grant, 

12 

the amount set off is taken to have been paid by the Secretary, on 

13 

behalf of the Commonwealth, by way of a section 14 grant. 

14 

Grant taken to be payable by the Commonwealth 

15 

 

(5)  For the purposes of this section, if a person is eligible to receive a 

16 

section 14 grant, the amount of the grant is taken to be an amount 

17 

payable by the Commonwealth to the person. 

18 

62  Refund of overpayment of levy 

19 

 

  If there is an overpayment of levy, the overpayment is to be 

20 

refunded by the Secretary on behalf of the Commonwealth. 

21 

Note: 

For the appropriation for the refund, see section 77 of the Public 

22 

Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013

23 

63  Cancellation of certain exemptions from levy 

24 

 

(1)  This section cancels the effect of a provision of another Act that 

25 

would have the effect of exempting a person from liability to pay 

26 

levy. 

27 

 

(2)  The cancellation does not apply if the provision of the other Act is 

28 

enacted after the commencement of this section and refers 

29 

specifically to levy imposed by the Telecommunications (Industry 

30 

Levy) Act 2012. 

31 

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64  Commonwealth not liable to levy 

 

(1)  The Commonwealth is not liable to pay levy. 

 

(2)  A reference in this section to the Commonwealth includes a 

reference to an authority of the Commonwealth that cannot, by law 

of the Commonwealth, be made liable to taxation by the 

Commonwealth. 

65  Performance bonds and guarantees 

 

(1)  The Minister may, by written determination, require a person who 

has a liability to pay levy, or an anticipated liability to pay levy, to 

obtain, in accordance with the determination, performance bonds 

10 

or guarantees in respect of the person's liability or anticipated 

11 

liability. 

12 

 

(2)  The person must comply with the determination. 

13 

 

(3)  A determination under this section is a legislative instrument. 

14 

 

(4)  In this section: 

15 

performance bond has the meaning given by the determination. 

16 

Subdivision F--Disclosure of information 

17 

66  Public may request information 

18 

 

(1)  A person may request the ACMA to make available to the person: 

19 

 

(a)  specified information or documents on the basis of which the 

20 

ACMA may make, or has made, its assessment under 

21 

section 51 for an eligible levy period; or 

22 

 

(b)  specified information about how the ACMA may work out, 

23 

or has worked out, the matters mentioned in paragraphs 

24 

51(2)(a) and (b). 

25 

 

(2)  The ACMA must comply with a request as provided in section 68. 

26 

This subsection has effect subject to subsection (3). 

27 

 

(3)  The ACMA must not make available under this section: 

28 

 

(a)  information (other than information prescribed for the 

29 

purposes of this paragraph): 

30 

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(i)  that was obtained from, or relates to, a person who is a 

participating person for an eligible revenue period; and 

 

(ii)  the making available of which under this section can 

reasonably be expected to cause substantial damage to 

the person's commercial or other interests; or 

 

(b)  information prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph; or 

 

(c)  so much of a document as sets out information of a kind 

referred to in paragraph (a) or (b). 

67  Request for information that is unavailable under section 66 

 

(1)  A person who is a participating person for an eligible revenue 

10 

period may request the ACMA to make available to the person 

11 

specified information or documents of a kind referred to in 

12 

subsection 66(1) that subsection 66(3) prevents the ACMA from 

13 

making available to the person under section 66. 

14 

 

(2)  The ACMA must comply with a request as provided for in 

15 

section 68. This subsection has effect subject to subsection (3) of 

16 

this section. 

17 

 

(3)  The ACMA must not, under this section, make available to a 

18 

person (the first person) information, or so much of a document as 

19 

sets out information: 

20 

 

(a)  that was obtained from, or relates to, another person (the 

21 

second person) who is a participating person for an eligible 

22 

revenue period; and 

23 

 

(b)  the making available of which to the first person can 

24 

reasonably be expected to cause substantial damage to the 

25 

second person's commercial or other interests; 

26 

unless the ACMA is satisfied: 

27 

 

(c)  that the information could be obtained by the first person 

28 

lawfully, and without the second person's consent, from a 

29 

source other than the ACMA; or 

30 

 

(d)  that: 

31 

 

(i)  the first person has made the request in good faith for 

32 

the sole purpose of informing itself about the basis on 

33 

which, or the methods by which, the ACMA made the 

34 

assessment concerned; and 

35 

 

(ii)  having regard to the policy objectives in section 13, the 

36 

first person's interest in being able to examine that basis 

37 

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and those methods in order to see how its liability to pay 

levy has been assessed outweighs the second person's 

interest in avoiding the damage referred to in 

paragraph (b) of this subsection. 

 

(4)  In determining the question referred to in paragraph (3)(b), the 

ACMA must have regard to: 

 

(a)  whether any undertakings have been given under 

subsection (5) and, if so, the nature of those undertakings; 

and 

 

(b)  such other matters (if any) as the ACMA considers relevant. 

10 

 

(5)  For the purposes of this section, a person may give the ACMA a 

11 

written undertaking that, if specified information, or the whole or a 

12 

part of a specified document, is made available to the person under 

13 

this section, the person will not: 

14 

 

(a)  disclose the information, or the contents of the document, 

15 

except to one or more specified persons; or 

16 

 

(b)  use the information, or the document, except for the purpose 

17 

of informing itself about the basis on which, or the methods 

18 

by which, the ACMA made the assessment concerned. 

19 

Note: 

Information, documents or persons may be specified by name, by 

20 

inclusion in a class or in any other way. 

21 

 

(6)  If a person gives an undertaking under subsection (5), the person 

22 

must comply with the undertaking. 

23 

68  How the ACMA is to comply with a request 

24 

 

(1)  The ACMA may comply with a request by a person under 

25 

section 66 or 67 by: 

26 

 

(a)  communicating information to the person in writing or in 

27 

some other form; or 

28 

 

(b)  making documents available for inspection by the person or 

29 

by an employee, agent or professional adviser of the person; 

30 

or 

31 

 

(c)  giving to the person copies of, extracts from, or summaries 

32 

of, documents. 

33 

 

(2)  In this section: 

34 

document includes a part of a document. 

35 

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Subdivision G--Other matters 

69  Offence of failing to lodge eligible revenue return 

 

(1)  A person commits an offence if: 

 

(a)  the person is subject to a requirement under section 43; and 

 

(b)  the person omits to do an act; and 

 

(c)  the omission breaches the requirement. 

Penalty:  50 penalty units. 

 

(2)  An offence against subsection (1) is an offence of strict liability. 

Note: 

For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code

 

(3)  A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits a separate 

10 

offence in respect of each day (including a day of a conviction for 

11 

the offence or any later day) during which the contravention 

12 

continues. 

13 

70  Late payment penalty 

14 

 

(1)  If an amount of levy that is payable by a person remains unpaid 

15 

after the day on which it becomes due and payable, the person is 

16 

liable to pay a penalty (late payment penalty) on the unpaid 

17 

amount for each day until all of the levy has been paid. 

18 

 

(2)  The late payment penalty rate is 20% per year, or such lower rate 

19 

as the ACMA determines in writing for the purposes of this 

20 

subsection. 

21 

 

(3)  The ACMA may remit the whole or part of a late payment penalty 

22 

that a person is liable to pay under subsection (2). 

23 

 

(4)  The late payment penalty for a day is due and payable at the end of 

24 

that day. 

25 

 

(5)  Late payment penalty: 

26 

 

(a)  is a debt due to the ACMA on behalf of the Commonwealth; 

27 

and 

28 

 

(b)  may be recovered by the ACMA, on behalf of the 

29 

Commonwealth, in a court of competent jurisdiction. 

30 

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(6)  If the amount of the late payment penalty for a day is not an 

amount of whole dollars, the late payment penalty is rounded to the 

nearest dollar (rounding 50 cents upwards). 

 

(7)  A determination under subsection (2) is a legislative instrument. 

Division 7--Other matters 

71  Register of Public Interest Telecommunications Contracts 

 

(1)  The Secretary is to maintain a register, to be known as the Register 

of Public Interest Telecommunications Contracts, in which the 

Secretary includes the following for each section 14 contract that is 

in force: 

10 

 

(a)  the name of the contractor; 

11 

 

(b)  the duration of the contract; 

12 

 

(c)  a summary of the actions to be undertaken by the contractor 

13 

under the contract; 

14 

 

(d)  a description of the services, facilities or customer equipment 

15 

to be supplied by the contractor in accordance with the 

16 

contract; 

17 

 

(e)  one of the following: 

18 

 

(i)  the total amount paid or to be paid by the 

19 

Commonwealth under the contract; 

20 

 

(ii)  an estimate of the total amount paid or to be paid by the 

21 

Commonwealth under the contract; 

22 

 

(iii)  the method of working out the total amount paid or to 

23 

be paid by the Commonwealth under the contract. 

24 

 

(2)  The Register of Public Interest Telecommunications Contracts is to 

25 

be maintained by electronic means. 

26 

 

(3)  The Register of Public Interest Telecommunications Contracts is to 

27 

be made available for inspection on the Department's website. 

28 

 

(4)  The Register of Public Interest Telecommunications Contracts is 

29 

not a legislative instrument. 

30 

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72  Register of Public Interest Telecommunications Grants 

 

(1)  The Secretary is to maintain a register, to be known as the Register 

of Public Interest Telecommunications Grants, in which the 

Secretary includes the following for each section 14 grant that has 

been made: 

 

(a)  the name of the grant recipient; 

 

(b)  a summary of the terms and conditions of the grant that 

require action to be undertaken by the grant recipient; 

 

(c)  a description of the services, facilities or customer equipment 

to be supplied by the grant recipient in accordance with the 

10 

terms and conditions of the grant; 

11 

 

(d)  either: 

12 

 

(i)  the amount of the grant; or 

13 

 

(ii)  the method for working out the amount of the grant. 

14 

 

(2)  The Register of Public Interest Telecommunications Grants is to be 

15 

maintained by electronic means. 

16 

 

(3)  The Register of Public Interest Telecommunications Grants is to be 

17 

made available for inspection on the Department's website. 

18 

 

(4)  The Register of Public Interest Telecommunications Grants is not a 

19 

legislative instrument. 

20 

73  Delegation by the Minister 

21 

 

(1)  The Minister may, by writing, delegate any or all of his or her 

22 

functions or powers under this Part to a member of the staff of the 

23 

ACMA who is: 

24 

 

(a)  an SES employee; or 

25 

 

(b)  an acting SES employee. 

26 

Note: 

The expressions SES employee and acting SES employee are defined 

27 

in the Acts Interpretation Act 1901

28 

 

(2)  A delegate must comply with any written directions of the 

29 

Minister. 

30 

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74  Delegation by the Secretary 

 

(1)  The Secretary may, by writing, delegate any or all of his or her 

functions or powers under this Part to an SES employee, or acting 

SES employee, in the Department. 

Note: 

The expressions SES employee and acting SES employee are defined 

in the Acts Interpretation Act 1901

 

(2)  In exercising powers under a delegation, the delegate must comply 

with any directions of the Secretary. 

124  Paragraphs 106(3A)(b) and (c) 

Repeal the paragraphs, substitute: 

10 

 

(b)  in compliance with the obligations under a contract entered 

11 

into under section 14 for a purpose relating to the 

12 

achievement of the policy objective set out in 

13 

paragraph 13(1)(a); or 

14 

 

(c)  in compliance with the terms and conditions of a grant made 

15 

under section 14 for a purpose relating to the achievement of 

16 

the policy objective set out in paragraph 13(1)(a). 

17 

125  Subsections 107(6) and (6A) 

18 

Repeal the subsections. 

19 

126  Subparagraphs 109(1)(a)(i), (b)(i), (c)(i) and (d)(i) 

20 

Omit "universal service contractor or universal service grant recipient", 

21 

substitute "contractor or grant recipient". 

22 

127  Paragraph 109(3)(b) 

23 

Omit "for that area". 

24 

128  Paragraph 109(4)(b) 

25 

Repeal the paragraph, substitute: 

26 

 

(b)  the provider is a contractor in relation to a contract entered 

27 

into under section 14 for a purpose relating to the 

28 

achievement of the policy objective set out in 

29 

paragraph 13(1)(a); and 

30 

129  Paragraph 109(4)(c) 

31 

Omit "universal service". 

32 

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130  Paragraph 109(4)(c) 

Omit "in the area". 

131  Subsection 109(4) 

Omit "universal service" (last occurring). 

132  Paragraph 109(5)(b) 

Repeal the paragraph, substitute: 

 

(b)  the provider is a grant recipient in relation to a grant made 

under section 14 for a purpose relating to the achievement of 

the policy objective set out in paragraph 13(1)(a); and 

133  Paragraph 109(5)(c) 

10 

Omit "universal service". 

11 

134  Paragraph 109(5)(c) 

12 

Omit "in the area". 

13 

135  Subsection 109(5) 

14 

Omit "universal service" (last occurring). 

15 

136  Paragraphs 120(7)(b) and (c) 

16 

Repeal the paragraphs, substitute: 

17 

 

(b)  in compliance with the obligations under a contract entered 

18 

into under section 14 for a purpose relating to the 

19 

achievement of the policy objective set out in 

20 

paragraph 13(1)(a); or 

21 

 

(c)  in compliance with the terms and conditions of a grant made 

22 

under section 14 for a purpose relating to the achievement of 

23 

the policy objective set out in paragraph 13(1)(a). 

24 

137  Subsection 147(9A) 

25 

Omit "TUSMA", substitute "the Secretary". 

26 

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Part 4

--Application and transitional provisions 

Division 1

--Preliminary 

138  Definitions 

In this Part: 

contractor has the same meaning as in the repealed 

Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency Act 2012

grant recipient has the same meaning as in the repealed 

Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency Act 2012

Secretary means the Secretary of the Department. 

TUSMA means the Telecommunications Universal Service 

10 

Management Agency. 

11 

transition time means the commencement of this Part. 

12 

Division 2

--Abolition of TUSMA 

13 

139  Transfer of records to the Department 

14 

(1) 

This item applies to any records or documents that were in the 

15 

possession of TUSMA immediately before the transition time. 

16 

(2) 

The records and documents are to be transferred to the Department after 

17 

the transition time. 

18 

Note: 

The records and documents are Commonwealth records for the purposes of the Archives 

19 

Act 1983

20 

140  Transfer of Ombudsman investigations 

21 

If: 

22 

 

(a)  before the transition time, a complaint was made to the 

23 

Ombudsman, or the Ombudsman began an investigation, 

24 

under the Ombudsman Act 1976 in relation to an action taken 

25 

by TUSMA; and 

26 

 

(b)  immediately before the transition time, the Ombudsman had 

27 

not finally disposed of the matter in accordance with the 

28 

Ombudsman Act 1976

29 

the Ombudsman Act 1976 applies after the transition time as if that 

30 

action had been taken by the Department. 

31 

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141  Reporting obligations 

Final annual report 

(1) 

After the end of the 2014-15 financial year, the Secretary must prepare 

and give an annual report to the Minister, for presentation to the 

Parliament, on TUSMA's activities during that financial year. 

(2) 

The annual report must be given to the Minister by: 

 

(a)  15 October 2015; or 

 

(b)  the end of any further period granted under 

subsection 34C(5) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901

(3) 

The annual report is taken to be TUSMA's annual report under 

10 

section 46 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability 

11 

Act 2013

12 

Note: 

The annual report must include the TUSMA's annual performance statements and 

13 

annual financial statements (see paragraph 39(1)(b) and subsection 43(4) of the Public 

14 

Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013

15 

(4) 

The annual report must comply with any requirements prescribed by 

16 

rules made for the purposes of subsection 46(3) of the Public 

17 

Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013

18 

(5) 

The annual report must set out the matters mentioned in section 75 of 

19 

the repealed Telecommunications Universal Service Management 

20 

Agency Act 2012, so far as those matters concern the 2014-15 financial 

21 

year. 

22 

Final monitoring report

--performance of contractors and grant 

23 

recipients 

24 

(6) 

After the end of the 2014-15 financial year, the Secretary must prepare 

25 

a report on all significant matters relating to: 

26 

 

(a)  the performance of contractors; and 

27 

 

(b)  the performance of grant recipients; 

28 

during that financial year. 

29 

(7) 

The report must set out the matters mentioned in subsection 29(2) of the 

30 

repealed Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency 

31 

Act 2012

32 

(8) 

Subitem (7) does not limit subitem (6). 

33 

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(9) 

A report under subitem (6) for a financial year must be included in the 

annual report prepared by the Secretary and given to the Minister under 

subitem (1). 

Monitoring report

--performance of carriers and carriage service 

providers 

(10) 

Despite the repeal of paragraphs 105(3)(eb) and (ec) of the 

Telecommunications Act 1997 by this Schedule, those paragraphs 

continue to apply, in relation to a report for the 2014-15 financial year, 

as if that repeal had not happened. 

142  Final financial statements and final annual performance 

10 

statements 

11 

(1) 

The obligations under section 42 of the Public Governance, 

12 

Performance and Accountability Act 2013 to: 

13 

 

(a)  prepare financial statements for TUSMA for the 2014-15 

14 

financial year; and 

15 

 

(b)  give those statements to the Auditor-General; 

16 

are imposed on the Secretary instead of the accountable authority of 

17 

TUSMA. 

18 

(2) 

The obligations under section 39 of the Public Governance, 

19 

Performance and Accountability Act 2013 to: 

20 

 

(a)  prepare an annual performance statement for TUSMA for the 

21 

2014-15 financial year; and 

22 

 

(b)  include a copy of the annual performance statement in 

23 

TUSMA's annual report; 

24 

are imposed on the Secretary instead of the accountable authority of 

25 

TUSMA. 

26 

143  Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

--

27 

rehabilitation provisions 

28 

(1) 

This item applies if, before the transition time, an employee of TUSMA 

29 

suffered an injury resulting in an incapacity for work or an impairment. 

30 

(2) 

Sections 36, 37, 38, 39, 41 and 41A of the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

31 

Compensation Act 1988 apply after the transition time, in relation to the 

32 

injury, as if the employee were employed by the Commonwealth in the 

33 

Department. 

34 

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Note: 

The main effect of subitem (2) is that sections 36, 37, 38, 39, 41 and 41A of the Safety, 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 apply in relation to the employee's injury as 

if the principal officer of the Department were the rehabilitation authority. 

(3) 

After the transition time, the Commonwealth is, for the purposes of 

section 40 of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

taken to be the relevant employer of the employee. 

(4) 

For the purposes of this item, employee of TUSMA means a member of 

the staff of TUSMA. 

Division 3

--Investigations and enforcement 

144  Investigations 

10 

Despite the amendments of sections 508 and 510 of the 

11 

Telecommunications Act 1997 made by this Schedule, those sections 

12 

continue to apply, in relation to a contravention that occurred before the 

13 

transition time, as if those amendments had not been made. 

14 

145  Forfeiture 

15 

Despite the amendment of section 551 of the Telecommunications Act 

16 

1997 made by this Schedule, that section continues to apply, in relation 

17 

to an offence committed before the transition time, as if that amendment 

18 

had not been made. 

19 

146  Civil penalties 

20 

Despite the amendment of section 570 of the Telecommunications Act 

21 

1997 made by this Schedule, that section continues to apply, in relation 

22 

to a contravention that occurred before the transition time, as if that 

23 

amendment had not been made. 

24 

147  Infringement notices 

25 

Despite the amendment of section 572E of the Telecommunications Act 

26 

1997 made by this Schedule, that section continues to apply, in relation 

27 

to a contravention that occurred before the transition time, as if that 

28 

amendment had not been made. 

29 

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148  Vicarious liability 

Despite the amendment of section 574A of the Telecommunications Act 

1997 made by this Schedule, that section continues to apply, in relation 

to conduct that was engaged in before the transition time, as if that 

amendment had not been made. 

149  Penalties for continuing offences 

Despite the amendment of section 583 of the Telecommunications Act 

1997 made by this Schedule, that section continues to apply, in relation 

to an offence committed before the transition time, as if that amendment 

had not been made. 

10 

150  Partnerships 

11 

Despite the amendment of section 585 of the Telecommunications Act 

12 

1997 made by this Schedule, that section continues to apply, in relation 

13 

to a matter that arose before the transition time, as if that amendment 

14 

had not been made. 

15 

Division 4

--Industry levy 

16 

151  Industry levy 

17 

(1) 

The objects of this item are: 

18 

 

(a)  to ensure that levy liabilities relating to: 

19 

 

(i)  the 2012-13 financial year; or 

20 

 

(ii)  the 2013-14 financial year; 

21 

 

  can be administered, collected and recovered after the 

22 

transition time; and 

23 

 

(b)  to ensure that assessments of eligible revenue for the 2013-14 

24 

financial year continue to have effect after the transition time. 

25 

Note: 

See also subsection 45(7) of the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service 

26 

Standards) Act 1999

27 

(2) 

Despite the repeal of the Telecommunications Universal Service 

28 

Management Agency Act 2012 by this Schedule, that Act continues in 

29 

force, subject to: 

30 

 

(a)  this Part; and 

31 

 

(b)  the modifications set out in the following table; 

32 

as if that repeal had not happened. 

33 

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70 

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Modifications of the Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency 

Act 2012 

Item 

Provision 

Modification 

section 3 

Omit the section. 

section 4 (definition of 

eligible levy period

Omit the definition, substitute: 

eligible levy period means: 

(a) the 2012-13 financial year; or 

(b) the 2013-14 financial year. 

section 4 (definition of 

eligible revenue period

Omit the definition, substitute: 

eligible revenue period means: 

(a) the 2011-12 financial year; or 

(b) the 2012-13 financial year; or 

(c) the 2013-14 financial year. 

section 4 (definition of 

levy

After "by", insert "section 6 of". 

section 4 (definitions of 

accessAustralia

carriage serviceCEO, 

Chairconstitutional 

corporationcontractor

customer cabling

customer equipment

designated transitional 

contractdisability, 

emergency call service

engage in conduct

facilitygrant recipient

national broadband 

networkNational Relay 

ServiceNBN 

corporationpayphone, 

standard telephone 

servicesupply, 

telecommunications 

industry

Telecommunications 

Industry Ombudsman

Telecommunications 

Universal Service 

Omit the definitions. 

Public interest telecommunications services  Schedule 1 

Application and transitional provisions  Part 4 

 

 

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71 

 

Modifications of the Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency 

Act 2012 

Item 

Provision 

Modification 

Special Account

Telstra, TUSMA 

membervacancy and 

voice customer 

migration policy 

objective 

sections 5, 6 and 7 

Omit the sections. 

Parts 2, 3, 4 and 5 

Omit the Parts. 

section 111 

Omit "TUSMA", substitute "the Secretary of 

the Department". 

sections 122 and 123 

Omit the sections. 

Note: 

The Telecommunications (Industry Levy) Amendment Act 2014 contains a transitional 

provision relating to levy imposed by section 6 of the Telecommunications (Industry 

Levy) Act 2012

152  Public Interest Telecommunications Services Special 

Account 

 

There must be credited to the Public Interest Telecommunications 

Services Special Account: 

 

(a)  an amount equal to the balance (if any) of the 

Telecommunications Universal Service Special Account 

immediately before the transition time; and 

10 

 

(b)  an amount equal to an amount paid to the Commonwealth 

11 

after the transition time by way of levy imposed by section 6 

12 

of the Telecommunications (Industry Levy) Act 2012

13 

Division 5

--Information management 

14 

153  Authorised disclosure information 

15 

 

Despite the amendment of the definition of authorised disclosure 

16 

information in section 3 of the Australian Communications and Media 

17 

Authority Act 2005 made by this Schedule, that definition continues to 

18 

apply, in relation to information that was obtained by the ACMA before 

19 

the transition time, as if that amendment had not been made. 

20 

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154  Access to information or documents held by a carriage 

service provider 

Scope 

(1) 

This item applies to a notice if: 

 

(a)  the notice was given to a carriage service provider under 

section 29A of the Telecommunications Universal Service 

Management Agency Act 2012 before the transition time; and 

 

(b)  the carriage service provider had not complied with the 

notice before the transition time. 

Requirement 

10 

(2) 

Despite the repeal of Subdivision A of Division 4A of Part 2 of the 

11 

Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency Act 2012 

12 

by this Schedule, that Subdivision continues to apply, in relation to the 

13 

notice, as if: 

14 

 

(a)  a requirement in the notice to give information to TUSMA 

15 

were a requirement in the notice to give the information to 

16 

the Secretary; and 

17 

 

(b)  a requirement in the notice to produce documents to TUSMA 

18 

were a requirement to produce the documents to the 

19 

Secretary; and 

20 

 

(c)  a requirement in the notice to produce copies to TUSMA 

21 

were a requirement to produce the copies to the Secretary; 

22 

and 

23 

 

(d)  a reference in section 29B of that Act to TUSMA were a 

24 

reference to the Commonwealth; and 

25 

 

(e)  a reference in section 29C or 29D of that Act to TUSMA 

26 

were a reference to the Secretary; and 

27 

 

(f)  that repeal had not happened. 

28 

155  Access to information or documents held by an NBN 

29 

corporation 

30 

Scope 

31 

(1) 

This item applies to a notice if: 

32 

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Application and transitional provisions  Part 4 

 

 

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(a)  the notice was given to an NBN corporation under section 78 

of the Telecommunications Universal Service Management 

Agency Act 2012 before the transition time; and 

 

(b)  the NBN corporation had not complied with the notice before 

the transition time. 

Requirement 

(2) 

Despite the repeal of Part 4 of the Telecommunications Universal 

Service Management Agency Act 2012 by this Schedule, that Part 

continues to apply, in relation to the notice, as if: 

 

(a)  a requirement in the notice to give information to TUSMA 

10 

were a requirement in the notice to give the information to 

11 

the Secretary; and 

12 

 

(b)  a requirement in the notice to produce documents to TUSMA 

13 

were a requirement to produce the documents to the 

14 

Secretary; and 

15 

 

(c)  a requirement in the notice to produce copies to TUSMA 

16 

were a requirement to produce the copies to the Secretary; 

17 

and 

18 

 

(d)  a reference in section 79 of that Act to TUSMA were a 

19 

reference to the Commonwealth; and 

20 

 

(e)  a reference in section 80 or 81 of that Act to TUSMA were a 

21 

reference to the Secretary; and 

22 

 

(f)  that repeal had not happened. 

23 

156  Disclosure of information obtained by TUSMA under 

24 

section 29A of the repealed Telecommunications 

25 

Universal Service Management Agency Act 2012 

26 

Scope 

27 

(1) 

This item applies to information that: 

28 

 

(a)  was obtained by TUSMA before the transition time under 

29 

section 29A of the repealed Telecommunications Universal 

30 

Service Management Agency Act 2012; or 

31 

 

(b)  is contained in a document, or a copy of a document, that was 

32 

produced to TUSMA under that section. 

33 

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No.      , 2014 

 

Disclosure 

(2) 

The Secretary may disclose the information to a carriage service 

provider if the disclosure is for a purpose relating to the achievement of 

the policy objective set out in paragraph 13(1)(e) of the 

Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 

1999

157  Disclosure of information to certain bodies or persons 

(1) 

If information was obtained by TUSMA, the Secretary may disclose the 

information to any of the following bodies or persons if the Secretary is 

satisfied that the information will enable or assist the body or person to 

10 

perform or exercise any of the functions or powers of the body or 

11 

person: 

12 

 

(a)  the ACMA; 

13 

 

(b)  the ACCC; 

14 

 

(c)  the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman; 

15 

 

(d)  the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review 

16 

Committee. 

17 

(2) 

The Secretary may, by writing, impose conditions to be complied with 

18 

in relation to information disclosed under subitem (1). 

19 

(3) 

An instrument made under subitem (2) that imposes conditions relating 

20 

to one particular disclosure identified in the instrument is not a 

21 

legislative instrument. 

22 

(4) 

Otherwise, an instrument made under subitem (2) is a legislative 

23 

instrument. 

24 

158  Protection of information 

25 

If: 

26 

 

(a)  before the transition time, information was disclosed to a 

27 

person under subsection 122(1) of the Telecommunications 

28 

Universal Service Management Agency Act 2012; and 

29 

 

(b)  immediately before the transition time, a person was subject 

30 

to a condition under subsection 122(2) of that Act in relation 

31 

to the information disclosed; 

32 

the person continues to be subject to the condition after the transition 

33 

time. 

34 

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159  Consent to customer contact 

Scope 

(1) 

This item applies if: 

 

(a)  a notice (the relevant notice) was given under 

subsection 29G(2) of the repealed Telecommunications 

Universal Service Management Agency Act 2012 to a 

carriage service provider before the transition time; and 

 

(b)  the notice was in force immediately before the transition 

time. 

Requirement 

10 

(2) 

Despite the repeal of section 29G of the Telecommunications Universal 

11 

Service Management Agency Act 2012 by this Schedule, that section 

12 

continues to apply, in relation to the relevant notice, as if that repeal had 

13 

not happened. 

14 

(3) 

The Secretary may, by written notice given to the carriage service 

15 

provider, revoke or vary the relevant notice. 

16 

Division 6

--ACCC's reporting obligations 

17 

160  Report by the ACCC under section 151CM of the 

18 

Competition and Consumer Act 2010 

19 

Despite the amendments of section 151CM of the Competition and 

20 

Consumer Act 2010 made by this Schedule, that section continues to 

21 

apply, in relation to a report for the 2014-15 financial year, as if those 

22 

amendments had not been made. 

23 

Division 7

--Miscellaneous 

24 

161  Delegation by Secretary 

25 

(1) 

The Secretary may, by writing, delegate all or any of his or her powers 

26 

and functions under this Part to an SES employee, or acting SES 

27 

employee, in the Department. 

28 

Note: 

The expressions SES employee and acting SES employee are defined in the Acts 

29 

Interpretation Act 1901

30 

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No.      , 2014 

 

(2) 

In exercising powers or functions under a delegation, the delegate must 

comply with any directions of the Secretary. 

162  Compensation for acquisition of property 

(1) 

If the operation of this Schedule would result in an acquisition of 

property (within the meaning of paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution) 

from a person otherwise than on just terms (within the meaning of that 

paragraph), 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 

10 

competent jurisdiction for the recovery from the Commonwealth of 

11 

such reasonable amount of compensation as the court determines. 

12 

163  Transitional rules 

13 

The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make rules in relation to 

14 

transitional matters arising out of the amendments and repeals made by 

15 

this Schedule. 

16 

Telephone sex services  Schedule 2 

   

 

 

No.      , 2014 

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014 

77 

 

Schedule 2

--Telephone sex services 

   

Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005 

1  Subparagraph 8(1)(j)(iv) 

Omit "(other than subsection 158F(1))". 

2  Subparagraph 10(1)(o)(vi) 

Repeal the subparagraph. 

Export Market Development Grants Act 1997 

3  Section 57B 

Before "Expenses of", insert "(1)". 

10 

4  Section 57B (note) 

11 

Repeal the note. 

12 

5  At the end of section 57B 

13 

Add: 

14 

 

(2)  For the purposes of this Act, a telephone sex service is a 

15 

commercial service supplied using a standard telephone service, 

16 

where: 

17 

 

(a)  the supply is by way of a voice call made using the standard 

18 

telephone service; and 

19 

 

(b)  having regard to: 

20 

 

(i)  the way in which the service is advertised or promoted; 

21 

and 

22 

 

(ii)  the content of the service; 

23 

it would be concluded that a majority of persons who call the 

24 

service are likely to do so with the sole or principal object of 

25 

deriving sexual gratification from the call. 

26 

 

(3)  However, a service is not a telephone sex service if it is a 

27 

therapeutic or counselling service provided by a person registered 

28 

or licensed as a medical practitioner, or as a psychologist, under a 

29 

law of a State or Territory. 

30 

Schedule 2  Telephone sex services 

   

 

 

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(4)  An expression used in subsection (2) that is also used in the 

Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) 

Act 1999 has the same meaning in that subsection as it has in that 

Act. 

6  Subsection 107(1) (definition of telephone sex service

Omit all the words after "by", substitute "subsection 57B(2)". 

Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service 

Standards) Act 1999 

7  Section 4 

Omit: 

10 

•  

This Act regulates telephone sex services. 

11 

8  Part 9A 

12 

Repeal the Part. 

13 

Do Not Call Register  Schedule 3 

   

 

 

No.      , 2014 

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014 

79 

 

Schedule 3

--Do Not Call Register 

   

Do Not Call Register Act 2006 

1  Paragraph 17(1)(b) 

Repeal the paragraph, substitute: 

 

(b)  unless sooner removed from the Do Not Call Register in 

accordance with a determination under subsection 18(1), 

remains in force indefinitely. 

2  Subsections 17(1A) and (2) 

Repeal the subsections. 

10 

Schedule 4  E-marketing 

   

 

 

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Schedule 4

--E-marketing 

   

Telecommunications Act 1997 

1  Section 5 

Omit "the e-marketing industry," (wherever occurring). 

2  Section 7 (definition of e-marketing industry

Repeal the definition. 

3  Section 106 

Omit "the e-marketing industry," (wherever occurring). 

4  Sections 109A, 110A and 111A 

10 

Repeal the sections. 

11 

5  Subsection 112(1A) 

12 

Repeal the subsection. 

13 

6  Subsection 112(2) 

14 

Omit "the e-marketing industry,". 

15 

7  Subsection 112(3B) 

16 

Repeal the subsection. 

17 

8  Subsection 113(2) 

18 

Omit "the e-marketing industry,". 

19 

9  Paragraph 117(1)(a) 

20 

Omit "the e-marketing industry,". 

21 

10  Paragraph 117(1)(b) 

22 

Omit "e-marketing activities,". 

23 

11  Subparagraph 117(1)(k)(iii) 

24 

Omit "the e-marketing industry,". 

25 

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12  Subsection 118(1) 

Omit "the e-marketing industry,". 

13  Paragraph 118(1)(a) 

Omit "e-marketing activities,". 

14  Subsection 118(3) 

Omit "the e-marketing industry,". 

15  Paragraph 118(4A)(c) 

Omit "the e-marketing industry,". 

16  Section 119 (heading) 

Repeal the heading, substitute: 

10 

119  Publication of notice where no body or association represents a 

11 

section of the telecommunications industry, the 

12 

telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry 

13 

17  Subsection 119(1) 

14 

Omit "the e-marketing industry,". 

15 

18  Paragraph 119(1)(b) 

16 

Omit "e-marketing activities,". 

17 

19  Subparagraph 119A(1)(b)(i) 

18 

Omit "the e-marketing industry,". 

19 

20  Subparagraph 119A(1)(b)(ii) 

20 

Omit "e-marketing activities,". 

21 

21  Subparagraph 119A(1)(k)(iii) 

22 

Omit "the e-marketing industry,". 

23 

22  Paragraph 121(1)(a) 

24 

Omit "the e-marketing industry,". 

25 

Schedule 4  E-marketing 

   

 

 

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23  Subsection 122(1) 

Omit "the e-marketing industry,". 

24  Subparagraph 123(1)(a)(i) 

Omit "the e-marketing industry,". 

25  Subparagraph 123(1)(a)(ii) 

Omit "e-marketing activities,". 

26  Paragraph 124(1)(a) 

Omit "the e-marketing industry,". 

27  Subparagraph 124(1)(c)(ii) 

Omit "e-marketing activities,". 

10 

28  Subparagraph 125(1)(a)(i) 

11 

Omit "the e-marketing industry,". 

12 

29  Subparagraph 125(1)(a)(ii) 

13 

Omit "e-marketing activities,". 

14 

30  Subsection 125(7) 

15 

Omit "the e-marketing industry,". 

16 

31  Subsection 125(7) 

17 

Omit "e-marketing activities,". 

18 

32  Subsections 128(1) and 129(1) 

19 

Omit "the e-marketing industry,". 

20 

33  Section 130 

21 

Omit "the e-marketing industry,". 

22 

34  Paragraphs 130(a) and (b) 

23 

Omit "e-marketing activities,". 

24 

Record-keeping requirements  Schedule 5 

   

 

 

No.      , 2014 

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Schedule 5

--Record-keeping requirements 

   

Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005 

1  Paragraph 57(e) 

Omit "period; and", substitute "period.". 

2  Paragraph 57(f) 

Repeal the paragraph. 

Telecommunications Act 1997 

3  Subparagraph 306(1)(b)(i) 

Repeal the subparagraph, substitute: 

10 

 

(i)  section 280, 286, 287, 288 or 292 of this Act; or 

11 

4  Section 308 

12 

Repeal the section. 

13 

Schedule 6  Pre-selection 

   

 

 

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Schedule 6

--Pre-selection 

   

Telecommunications Act 1997 

1  Section 5 

Omit: 

 

The ACMA must require certain carriers and carriage service 

providers to provide pre-selection in favour of carriage 

service providers. 

substitute: 

 

The ACMA may require certain carriers and carriage service 

10 

providers to provide pre-selection in favour of carriage service 

11 

providers in relation to calls made using a standard telephone 

12 

service. 

13 

 

The ACMA must require certain carriers and carriage service 

14 

providers to provide pre-selection in favour of carriage service 

15 

providers in relation to calls made using a declared carriage 

16 

service. 

17 

2  Subsections 22(1) and (4) 

18 

After "30,", insert "349,". 

19 

3  Section 348 

20 

Omit: 

21 

 

The ACMA must require certain carriers and carriage service 

22 

providers to provide pre-selection in favour of carriage service 

23 

providers. 

24 

substitute: 

25 

 

The ACMA may require certain carriers and carriage service 

26 

providers to provide pre-selection in favour of carriage service 

27 

Pre-selection  Schedule 6 

   

 

 

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providers in relation to calls made using a standard telephone 

service. 

 

The ACMA must require certain carriers and carriage service 

providers to provide pre-selection in favour of carriage service 

providers in relation to calls made using a declared carriage 

service. 

4  Subsection 349(1) 

Omit "must", substitute "may". 

5  Subsection 349(1) 

Omit "a standard" (wherever occurring), substitute "an eligible 

10 

standard". 

11 

6  After subsection 349(5) 

12 

Insert: 

13 

 

(5A)  A reference in this section to a standard telephone service does not 

14 

include a reference to a service that: 

15 

 

(a)  is supplied using: 

16 

 

(i)  a designated radiocommunications facility owned or 

17 

operated by a carrier or carriage service provider; and 

18 

 

(ii)  a line that runs directly between the facility and the 

19 

premises occupied or used by an end-user; and 

20 

 

(b)  if an instrument is in force under subsection (5B)--satisfies 

21 

the conditions set out in the instrument. 

22 

 

(5B)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, set out conditions for 

23 

the purposes of paragraph (5A)(b). 

24 

7  At the end of section 349 

25 

Add: 

26 

 

(9)  The ACMA must take all reasonable steps to ensure that a 

27 

determination is in force under subsection (1) at all times before 

28 

the start of the designated day (within the meaning of 

29 

section 577A). 

30 

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Eligible standard telephone service 

 

(10)  For the purposes of this section, eligible standard telephone 

service means a standard telephone service that is supplied using a 

local access line (other than an exempt line) to premises occupied 

or used by an end-user, where: 

 

(a)  the local access line forms part of the infrastructure of: 

 

(i)  a public switched telephone network (other than a 

designated network) that was in existence immediately 

before the commencement of this subsection (even if it 

is subsequently extended); or 

10 

 

(ii)  an integrated services digital network (other than a 

11 

designated network) that was in existence immediately 

12 

before the commencement of this subsection (even if it 

13 

is subsequently extended); or 

14 

 

(iii)  a telecommunications network specified in an 

15 

instrument in force under subsection (11); or 

16 

 

(b)  the following conditions are satisfied: 

17 

 

(i)  the service is a public switched telephone service 

18 

supplied by a carriage service provider; 

19 

 

(ii)  the local access line is part of the infrastructure of a 

20 

designated network (other than a hybrid fibre-coaxial 

21 

network); 

22 

 

(iii)  the carriage service provider is in a position to exercise 

23 

control over the designated network; 

24 

 

(iv)  such other conditions (if any) as are set out in an 

25 

instrument in force under subsection (11A); or 

26 

 

(c)  the following conditions are satisfied: 

27 

 

(i)  the service is an integrated services digital service 

28 

supplied by a carriage service provider; 

29 

 

(ii)  the local access line is part of the infrastructure of a 

30 

designated network (other than a hybrid fibre-coaxial 

31 

network); 

32 

 

(iii)  the carriage service provider is in a position to exercise 

33 

control over the designated network; 

34 

 

(iv)  such other conditions (if any) as are set out in an 

35 

instrument in force under subsection (11B); or 

36 

 

(d)  the following conditions are satisfied: 

37 

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(i)  the service is a PSTN pass-through service supplied in 

conjunction with a telecommunications network 

covered by paragraph (b) of the definition of optical 

fibre network in subsection (16); 

 

(ii)  such other conditions (if any) as are set out in an 

instrument in force under subsection (11C). 

 

(11)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, specify a 

telecommunications network for the purposes of 

subparagraph (10)(a)(iii). 

 

(11A)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, set out one or more 

10 

conditions for the purposes of subparagraph (10)(b)(iv). 

11 

 

(11B)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, set out one or more 

12 

conditions for the purposes of subparagraph (10)(c)(iv). 

13 

 

(11C)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, set out one or more 

14 

conditions for the purposes of subparagraph (10)(d)(ii). 

15 

Exempt line 

16 

 

(12)  For the purposes of this section, exempt line means a line specified 

17 

in an instrument in force under subsection (13). 

18 

 

(13)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, specify a line for the 

19 

purposes of subsection (12). 

20 

Designated network 

21 

 

(14)  For the purposes of this section, designated network means: 

22 

 

(a)  an optical fibre network; or 

23 

 

(b)  a hybrid fibre-coaxial network; or 

24 

 

(c)  a telecommunications network specified in an instrument in 

25 

force under subsection (15). 

26 

 

(15)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, specify a 

27 

telecommunications network for the purposes of paragraph (14)(c). 

28 

 

(15A)  For the purposes of this section: 

29 

 

(a)  the question of whether a carriage service provider is in a 

30 

position to exercise control over a designated network is to 

31 

be determined under Division 7 of Part 33; and 

32 

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(b)  in determining that question for a carriage service provider 

other than Telstra, that Division applies in relation to the 

carriage service provider in a corresponding way to the way 

in which that Division applies in relation to Telstra. 

Review of determination 

 

(15B)  The ACMA must: 

 

(a)  conduct a review of whether a determination in force under 

subsection (1) of this section should be varied or revoked; 

and 

 

(b)  do so at least 2 months before the start of the designated day 

10 

(within the meaning of section 577A). 

11 

Definitions 

12 

 

(16)  In this section: 

13 

integrated services digital network has the meaning generally 

14 

accepted within the telecommunications industry immediately 

15 

before the commencement of this subsection. 

16 

integrated services digital service has the meaning generally 

17 

accepted within the telecommunications industry immediately 

18 

before the commencement of this subsection. 

19 

local access line has the same meaning as in section 141D. 

20 

non-optical-fibre cable means a line other than an optical fibre 

21 

line. 

22 

optical fibre network means: 

23 

 

(a)  a telecommunications network the line component of which 

24 

consists of optical fibre lines; or 

25 

 

(b)  a telecommunications network the line component of which 

26 

consists of optical fibre lines to connecting nodes, 

27 

supplemented by either or both of the following: 

28 

 

(i)  non-optical-fibre cable connections from the nodes to 

29 

premises occupied or used by end-users; 

30 

 

(ii)  non-optical-fibre cable connections from the nodes to 

31 

main distribution frames, and non-optical-fibre cable 

32 

connections from main distribution frames to premises 

33 

occupied or used by end-users. 

34 

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PSTN pass-through service has the meaning generally accepted 

within the telecommunications industry immediately before the 

commencement of this subsection. 

public switched telephone network has the meaning generally 

accepted within the telecommunications industry immediately 

before the commencement of this subsection. 

public switched telephone service has the meaning generally 

accepted within the telecommunications industry immediately 

before the commencement of this subsection. 

8  Subsection 352(1) 

10 

Omit "by notice in the Gazette", substitute "by writing". 

11 

9  At the end of section 352 

12 

Add: 

13 

 

(5)  The ACMA must publish a copy of a declaration under this section 

14 

on the ACMA's website. 

15 

 

(6)  A declaration under this section is not a legislative instrument if: 

16 

 

(a)  the declaration specifies a carrier by name; or 

17 

 

(b)  the declaration specifies a carriage service provider by name. 

18 

 

(7)  A declaration under this section is a legislative instrument if: 

19 

 

(a)  the declaration specifies a class of carriers; or 

20 

 

(b)  the declaration specifies a class of carriage service providers. 

21 

10  Transitional

--determinations under subsection 349(1) of 

22 

the Telecommunications Act 1997 

23 

Scope 

24 

(1) 

This item applies to a determination that: 

25 

 

(a)  was made under subsection 349(1) of the 

26 

Telecommunications Act 1997; and 

27 

 

(b)  was in force immediately before the commencement of this 

28 

item. 

29 

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Continuity of determination 

(2) 

The amendments made by this Schedule do not affect the continuity of 

the determination. 

(3) 

Subitem (2) has effect subject to subitem (4). 

Modification of determination 

(4) 

The determination does not apply to a standard telephone service unless 

the service is an eligible standard telephone service (within the meaning 

of section 349 of the Telecommunications Act 1997 as amended by this 

Schedule). 

11  Transitional

--determinations under subsection 349(2) of 

10 

the Telecommunications Act 1997 

11 

Scope 

12 

(1) 

This item applies to a determination that: 

13 

 

(a)  was made under subsection 349(2) of the 

14 

Telecommunications Act 1997; and 

15 

 

(b)  was in force immediately before the commencement of this 

16 

item. 

17 

Modification of determination 

18 

(2) 

The determination does not apply to a declared carriage service unless 

19 

the service is supplied using a local access line (other than an exempt 

20 

line) to premises occupied or used by an end-user, where: 

21 

 

(a)  the local access line forms part of the infrastructure of: 

22 

 

(i)  a public switched telephone network (other than a 

23 

designated network) that was in existence immediately 

24 

before the commencement of this item (even if it is 

25 

subsequently extended); or 

26 

 

(ii)  an integrated services digital network (other than a 

27 

designated network) that was in existence immediately 

28 

before the commencement of this item (even if it is 

29 

subsequently extended); or 

30 

 

(iii)  a telecommunications network specified in an 

31 

instrument in force under subsection 349(11) of the 

32 

Telecommunications Act 1997; or 

33 

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(b)  the following conditions are satisfied: 

 

(i)  the service is a public switched telephone service 

supplied by a carriage service provider; 

 

(ii)  the local access line is part of the infrastructure of a 

designated network (other than a hybrid fibre-coaxial 

network); 

 

(iii)  the carriage service provider is in a position to exercise 

control over the designated network; 

 

(iv)  such other conditions (if any) as are set out in an 

instrument in force under subsection 349(11A) of the 

10 

Telecommunications Act 1997; or 

11 

 

(c)  the following conditions are satisfied: 

12 

 

(i)  the service is an integrated services digital service 

13 

supplied by a carriage service provider; 

14 

 

(ii)  the local access line is part of the infrastructure of a 

15 

designated network (other than a hybrid fibre-coaxial 

16 

network); 

17 

 

(iii)  the carriage service provider is in a position to exercise 

18 

control over the designated network; 

19 

 

(iv)  such other conditions (if any) as are set out in an 

20 

instrument in force under subsection 349(11B) of the 

21 

Telecommunications Act 1997; or 

22 

 

(d)  the following conditions are satisfied: 

23 

 

(i)  the service is a PSTN pass-through service supplied in 

24 

conjunction with a telecommunications network 

25 

covered by paragraph (b) of the definition of optical 

26 

fibre network in subsection 349(16) of the 

27 

Telecommunications Act 1997

28 

 

(ii)  such other conditions (if any) as are set out in an 

29 

instrument in force under subsection 349(11C) of the 

30 

Telecommunications Act 1997

31 

(3) 

The determination does not apply to a declared carriage service if the 

32 

service: 

33 

 

(a)  is supplied using: 

34 

 

(i)  a designated radiocommunications facility owned or 

35 

operated by a carrier or carriage service provider; and 

36 

 

(ii)  a line that runs directly between the facility and the 

37 

premises occupied or used by an end-user; and 

38 

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(b)  if an instrument is in force under subitem (4)--satisfies the 

conditions set out in the instrument. 

(4) 

The Minister may, by legislative instrument, set out conditions for the 

purposes of paragraph (3)(b). 

(5) 

An expression used in subitem (2) has the same meaning as in 

section 349 of the Telecommunications Act 1997 as amended by this 

Schedule. 

12  Application

--declaration under subsection 352(1) of the 

Telecommunications Act 1997 

The amendments of section 352 of the Telecommunications Act 1997 

10 

made by this Schedule apply in relation to a declaration made after the 

11 

commencement of this item. 

12 

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Schedule 7

--Telecommunications Industry 

Ombudsman 

   

Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service 

Standards) Act 1999 

1  Subsection 119(6) 

Omit "in the Gazette", substitute "on the Department's website". 

2  Subsection 129(1) 

Omit "by notice in the Gazette", substitute "by writing". 

3  At the end of section 129 

10 

Add: 

11 

 

(5)  The ACMA must publish a copy of a declaration under this section 

12 

on the ACMA's website. 

13 

 

(6)  A declaration under this section is not a legislative instrument if: 

14 

 

(a)  the declaration specifies a carrier by name; or 

15 

 

(b)  the declaration specifies an eligible carriage service provider 

16 

by name. 

17 

 

(7)  A declaration under this section is a legislative instrument if: 

18 

 

(a)  the declaration specifies a class of carriers; or 

19 

 

(b)  the declaration specifies a class of eligible carriage service 

20 

providers. 

21 

4  Subsection 131(1) 

22 

Omit "may make a written determination", substitute "may, by 

23 

legislative instrument, determine". 

24 

5  Subsection 131(2) 

25 

Repeal the subsection. 

26 

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6  Application

--notice under subsection 119(6) of the 

Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and 

Service Standards) Act 1999 

The amendment of subsection 119(6) of the Telecommunications 

(Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 made by this 

Schedule does not apply in relation to a notice if a copy of the notice 

was published under that subsection before the commencement of this 

item. 

7  Application

--declaration under subsection 129(1) of the 

Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and 

10 

Service Standards) Act 1999 

11 

The amendments of section 129 of the Telecommunications (Consumer 

12 

Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 made by this Schedule 

13 

apply in relation to a declaration made after the commencement of this 

14 

item. 

15 

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95 

 

Schedule 8

--Customer service guarantee 

   

Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service 

Standards) Act 1999 

1  Subsection 117A(3) 

Omit "to accept, or not to accept,", substitute "not to accept". 

2  Application

--notification under subsection 117A(3) of the 

Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and 

Service Standards) Act 1999 

The amendment of subsection 117A(3) of the Telecommunications 

10 

(Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 made by this 

11 

Schedule applies in relation to a decision made after the commencement 

12 

of this item. 

13 

 


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