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This is a Bill, not an Act. For current law, see the Acts databases.
2022
The Parliament of the
Commonwealth of Australia
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Presented and read a first time
Treasury Laws Amendment (More
Competition, Better Prices) Bill 2022
No. , 2022
(Treasury)
A Bill for an Act to amend the Competition and
Consumer Act 2010 and the Australian Securities
and Investments Commission Act 2001, and for
related purposes
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
i
Contents
1
Short title ........................................................................................... 1
2
Commencement ................................................................................. 1
3
Schedules ........................................................................................... 2
Schedule 1--More competition, better prices
3
Part 1--Amendments to definitions
3
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
3
Part 2--Amendments to competition provisions
5
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
5
Part 3--Amendments to other provisions
7
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
7
Part 4--Amendments to the Australian Consumer Law
12
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
12
Part 5--Application provisions
23
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
23
Schedule 2--Unfair contract terms
25
Part 1--Prohibition of unfair contract terms
25
Division 1--Amendment of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010
25
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
25
Division 2--Amendment of the Australian Securities and Investments
Commission Act 2001
26
Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001
26
Part 2--Remedies
27
Division 1--Amendment of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010
27
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
27
Division 2--Amendment of the Australian Securities and Investments
Commission Act 2001
33
Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001
33
Part 3--Determining what is a standard form contract
39
ii
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
Division 1--Amendment of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010
39
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
39
Division 2--Amendment of the Australian Securities and Investments
Commission Act 2001
39
Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001
39
Part 4--Contract thresholds
41
Division 1--Amendment of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010
41
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
41
Division 2--Amendment of the Australian Securities and Investments
Commission Act 2001
42
Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001
42
Part 5--Terms and contracts excluded from rules about unfair
contract terms
45
Division 1--Amendment of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010
45
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
45
Division 2--Amendment of the Australian Securities and Investments
Commission Act 2001
47
Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001
47
Part 6--Provisions referring to non-party consumers
51
Division 1--Amendment of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010
51
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
51
Division 2--Amendment of the Australian Securities and Investments
Commission Act 2001
52
Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001
52
Part 7--Application
54
Division 1--Application of amendments of the Competition and
Consumer Act 2010
54
Division 2--Application of amendments of the Australian Consumer
Law
54
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
54
Division 3--Application of amendments of the Australian Securities
and Investments Commission Act 2001
56
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
iii
Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001
56
Part 8--Review of operation of provisions amended by this
Schedule
58
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
1
A Bill for an Act to amend the Competition and
1
Consumer Act 2010 and the Australian Securities
2
and Investments Commission Act 2001, and for
3
related purposes
4
The Parliament of Australia enacts:
5
1 Short title
6
This Act is the
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition,
7
Better Prices) Act 2022
.
8
2 Commencement
9
(1) Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table
10
commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with
11
2
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect
1
according to its terms.
2
3
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
The day after this Act receives the Royal
Assent.
3. Schedule 2
The day after the end of the period of 12
months beginning on the day this Act
receives the Royal Assent.
Note:
This table relates only to the provisions of this Act as originally
4
enacted. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of
5
this Act.
6
(2) Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this Act.
7
Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it
8
may be edited, in any published version of this Act.
9
3 Schedules
10
Legislation that is specified in a Schedule to this Act is amended or
11
repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule
12
concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this Act has effect
13
according to its terms.
14
More competition, better prices
Schedule 1
Amendments to definitions
Part 1
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
3
Schedule 1--More competition, better prices
1
Part 1--Amendments to definitions
2
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
3
1 Subsection 4(1)
4
Insert:
5
adjusted turnover
, of a body corporate during a period, means the
6
sum of the values of all the supplies that the body corporate, and
7
any body corporate related to the body corporate, have made, or
8
are likely to make, during the period, other than:
9
(a) supplies made from any of those bodies corporate to any
10
other of those bodies corporate; or
11
(b) supplies that are input taxed; or
12
(c) supplies that are not for consideration (and are not taxable
13
supplies under section 72-5 of the
A New Tax System (Goods
14
and Services Tax) Act 1999
); or
15
(d) supplies that are not made in connection with an enterprise
16
that the body corporate carries on; or
17
(e) supplies that are not connected with the indirect tax zone.
18
Expressions used in this definition that are also used in the
A New
19
Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999
have the same
20
meaning as in that Act.
21
breach turnover period
, of a body corporate, for an offence, a
22
contravention, or an act or omission, means the longer of the
23
following periods:
24
(a) the period of 12 months ending at the end of the month in
25
which:
26
(i) for an offence--the body corporate ceased committing
27
the offence, or was charged with the offence (whichever
28
is earlier); or
29
(ii) for a contravention--the contravention ceased, or
30
proceedings in relation to the contravention were
31
instituted (whichever is earlier); or
32
Schedule 1
More competition, better prices
Part 1
Amendments to definitions
4
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
(iii) for an act or omission--the act or omission ceased, or
1
proceedings in relation to the act or omission were
2
instituted (whichever is earlier);
3
(b) the period ending at the same time as the period determined
4
under paragraph (a) and starting:
5
(i) for an offence--at the beginning of the month in which
6
the body corporate committed, or began committing, the
7
offence (as the case requires); or
8
(ii) for a contravention--at the beginning of the month in
9
which the contravention occurred or began occurring (as
10
the case requires); or
11
(iii) for an act or omission--at the beginning of the month in
12
which the act or omission occurred or began occurring
13
(as the case requires).
14
More competition, better prices
Schedule 1
Amendments to competition provisions
Part 2
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
5
Part 2--Amendments to competition provisions
1
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
2
2 Section 45AB (definition of annual turnover)
3
Repeal the definition.
4
3 Section 45AE
5
Omit "paragraph 76(1A)(aa)", substitute "paragraph 76(1B)(b)".
6
4 Paragraph 45AF(3)(a)
7
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
8
5 Paragraph 45AF(3)(c)
9
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
10
(c) if the court cannot determine the total value of those
11
benefits--30% of the corporation's adjusted turnover during
12
the breach turnover period for the offence.
13
6 Paragraph 45AG(3)(a)
14
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
15
7 Paragraph 45AG(3)(c)
16
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
17
(c) if the court cannot determine the total value of those
18
benefits--30% of the corporation's adjusted turnover during
19
the breach turnover period for the offence.
20
8 After section 45AI
21
Insert:
22
45AIA Section 4AB of the Crimes Act does not apply
23
Section 4AB of the
Crimes Act 1914
does not apply to any
24
provision of this Subdivision.
25
Schedule 1
More competition, better prices
Part 2
Amendments to competition provisions
6
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
9 Section 45AB of Schedule 1 (definition of annual turnover)
1
Repeal the definition.
2
10 Section 45AE of Schedule 1
3
Omit "paragraph 76(1A)(aa)", substitute "paragraph 76(1B)(b)".
4
11 Paragraph 45AF(3)(a) of Schedule 1
5
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
6
12 Paragraph 45AF(3)(c) of Schedule 1
7
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
8
(c) if the court cannot determine the total value of those
9
benefits--30% of the corporation's adjusted turnover during
10
the breach turnover period for the offence.
11
13 Paragraph 45AG(3)(a) of Schedule 1
12
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
13
14 Paragraph 45AG(3)(c) of Schedule 1
14
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
15
(c) if the court cannot determine the total value of those
16
benefits--30% of the corporation's adjusted turnover during
17
the breach turnover period for the offence.
18
15 After section 45AI of Schedule 1
19
Insert:
20
45AIA Section 4AB of the Crimes Act does not apply
21
Section 4AB of the
Crimes Act 1914
does not apply to any
22
provision of this Subdivision.
23
More competition, better prices
Schedule 1
Amendments to other provisions
Part 3
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
7
Part 3--Amendments to other provisions
1
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
2
16 Subparagraph 51AE(2A)(a)(iii)
3
Omit "annual turnover", substitute "adjusted turnover".
4
17 Subsection 51AE(2B)
5
Omit "paragraph 76(1A)(b)", substitute "subsection 76(1C)".
6
18 Paragraph 56BN(3)(c)
7
Omit "annual turnover", substitute "adjusted turnover".
8
19 Subsection 56BN(4)
9
Repeal the subsection.
10
20 Paragraph 56CC(2)(c)
11
Omit "annual turnover", substitute "adjusted turnover".
12
21 Subsection 56CC(3)
13
Repeal the subsection.
14
22 Paragraph 56EV(2)(c)
15
Omit "annual turnover", substitute "adjusted turnover".
16
23 Subsection 56EV(3)
17
Repeal the subsection.
18
24 Section 57GA
19
Omit "paragraphs 76(1A)(cc) and (1B)(aac)", substitute "item 11 of the
20
table in subsection 76(1A)".
21
25 Subsections 76(1A) and (1B)
22
Repeal the subsections, substitute:
23
Schedule 1
More competition, better prices
Part 3
Amendments to other provisions
8
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
(1A) The pecuniary penalty payable by a person under subsection (1) is
1
not to exceed the amount worked out using the following table.
2
3
Amount of pecuniary penalty
Item
For each act or omission to
which this section applies
that relates to ...
if the person is a
body corporate--
the pecuniary
penalty is not to
exceed ...
if the person is not
a body
corporate--the
pecuniary penalty
is not to exceed ...
1
section 45AJ or 45AK
the greater of the
amounts mentioned
in subsection (1B)
$2,500,000
2
section 45D, 45DB, 45E or
45EA
$750,000
(see subsection (2))
3
any provision of Part IV not
covered by items 1 and 2 of
this table
(see note 1)
the greater of the
amounts mentioned
in subsection (1B)
$2,500,000
(for acts or
omissions relating
to section 45DA,
see subsection (2))
4
a civil penalty provision of an
industry code
the amount set out
in the civil penalty
provision of the
industry code
the amount set out
in the civil penalty
provision of the
industry code
5
a provision of Division 4 of
Part IVBA
6,000 penalty units
$500,000
6
section 52ZC, 52ZH, 52ZS or
52ZZE
the greater of the
amounts mentioned
in subsection (1B)
$2,500,000
7
any provision of Part IVBA
not covered by items 5 and 6
of this table
600 penalty units
$500,000
8
section 55B, 60C or 60K
6,471 penalty units
1,295 penalty units
9
subsection 56BO(1) or
56BU(1), section 56CD or a
civil penalty provision of the
consumer data rules not
covered by item 10 of this
table
the greater of the
amounts mentioned
in subsection (1C)
$500,000
More competition, better prices
Schedule 1
Amendments to other provisions
Part 3
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
9
Amount of pecuniary penalty
Item
For each act or omission to
which this section applies
that relates to ...
if the person is a
body corporate--
the pecuniary
penalty is not to
exceed ...
if the person is not
a body
corporate--the
pecuniary penalty
is not to exceed ...
10
a civil penalty provision of the
consumer data rules that sets
out at its foot a pecuniary
penalty indicated by the words
"Civil penalty"
the amount of the
pecuniary penalty
for a body
corporate set out at
the foot of the
provision
the amount of the
pecuniary penalty
for a person other
than a body
corporate set out at
the foot of the
provision
11
a civil penalty provision of
Part IVE described by
section 57GA
the number of
penalty units for a
body corporate set
out at the foot of
the provision
the number of
penalty units for a
person other than a
body corporate set
out at the foot of
the provision
12
section 92
$33,000
$6,600
13
a provision of Division 2 of
Part XICA
the greater of the
amounts mentioned
in subsection (1B)
$2,500,000
(see note 2)
14
any other provision to which
this section applies
$10,000,000
$500,000
Note 1:
Item 3 also applies to pecuniary penalties ordered under subsection (1)
1
in respect of an act or omission that relates to subsection 10.49A(1),
2
10.60(1) or 10.65(1): see subsection 10.49A(2), 10.60(2) or 10.65(2).
3
Note 2:
Pecuniary penalties may not be ordered under subsection (1) against
4
certain individuals in relation to contraventions of section 153E, 153F,
5
153G or 153H in certain circumstances: see section 153ZD.
6
(1B) For the purposes of items 1, 3, 6 and 13 of the table in
7
subsection (1A), the amounts are as follows:
8
(a) $50,000,000;
9
(b) if item 1 or 13 of the table applies, and the Court can
10
determine the total value of the benefits that have been
11
obtained (within the meaning of Division 1 of Part IV) by
12
one or more persons and that are reasonably attributable to
13
the act or omission--3 times that total value;
14
Schedule 1
More competition, better prices
Part 3
Amendments to other provisions
10
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
(c) if item 3 or 6 of the table applies, and the Court can
1
determine the value of the benefit that the body corporate,
2
and any body corporate related to the body corporate, have
3
obtained directly or indirectly and that is reasonably
4
attributable to the act or omission--3 times the value of that
5
benefit;
6
(d) if the Court cannot determine the value of those benefits or
7
that benefit--30% of the body corporate's adjusted turnover
8
during the breach turnover period for the act or omission.
9
(1C) For the purposes of item 9 of the table in subsection (1A), the
10
amounts are as follows:
11
(a) $10,000,000;
12
(b) if the Court can determine the value of the benefit that the
13
body corporate, and any body corporate related to the body
14
corporate, have obtained directly or indirectly and that is
15
reasonably attributable to the act or omission--3 times the
16
value of that benefit;
17
(c) if the Court cannot determine the value of that benefit--10%
18
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the
19
12-month period ending at the end of the month in which the
20
act or omission occurred or started to occur.
21
26 Subsection 76(4)
22
Omit "paragraphs (1A)(aa), (a) and (b)", substitute "items 1, 2 and 3 of
23
the table in subsection (1A)".
24
27 Subsections 76(5) and (6)
25
Repeal the subsections.
26
28 Paragraph 151BX(3)(a)
27
After "for each contravention", insert ", the greater of the following".
28
29 Subparagraphs 151BX(3)(a)(i) and (ii)
29
Repeal the subparagraphs, substitute:
30
(i) if the contravention continued for 21 days or fewer--the
31
sum of $50 million and $1 million for each day that the
32
contravention continued;
33
More competition, better prices
Schedule 1
Amendments to other provisions
Part 3
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
11
(ii) if the contravention continued for more than 21 days--
1
the sum of $71 million and $3 million for each day in
2
excess of 21 that the contravention continued;
3
(iii) if the Court can determine the value of the benefit that
4
the body corporate, and any body corporate related to
5
the body corporate, have obtained directly or indirectly
6
and that is reasonably attributable to the
7
contravention--3 times the value of that benefit;
8
(iv) if the Court cannot determine the value of that benefit--
9
30% of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during
10
the breach turnover period for the contravention; or
11
30 Paragraph 151BX(4)(b)
12
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2.5 million".
13
Schedule 1
More competition, better prices
Part 4
Amendments to the Australian Consumer Law
12
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
Part 4--Amendments to the Australian Consumer
1
Law
2
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
3
31 Subsection 2(1) of Schedule 2
4
Insert:
5
adjusted turnover
, of a body corporate during a period, means the
6
sum of the values of all the supplies that the body corporate, and
7
any body corporate related to the body corporate, have made, or
8
are likely to make, during the period, other than:
9
(a) supplies made from any of those bodies corporate to any
10
other of those bodies corporate; or
11
(b) supplies that are input taxed; or
12
(c) supplies that are not for consideration (and are not taxable
13
supplies under section 72-5 of the
A New Tax System (Goods
14
and Services Tax) Act 1999
); or
15
(d) supplies that are not made in connection with an enterprise
16
that the body corporate carries on; or
17
(e) supplies that are not connected with the indirect tax zone.
18
Expressions used in this definition that are also used in the
A New
19
Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999
have the same
20
meaning as in that Act.
21
32 Subsection 2(1) of Schedule 2 (definition of annual
22
turnover)
23
Repeal the definition.
24
33 Section 2(1) of Schedule 2
25
Insert:
26
breach turnover period
, of a body corporate, for an offence or an
27
act or omission, means the longer of the following periods:
28
(a) the period of 12 months ending at the end of the month in
29
which:
30
More competition, better prices
Schedule 1
Amendments to the Australian Consumer Law
Part 4
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
13
(i) for an offence--the body corporate ceased committing
1
the offence, or was charged with the offence (whichever
2
is earlier); or
3
(ii) for an act or omission--the act or omission ceased, or
4
proceedings in relation to the act or omission were
5
instituted (whichever is earlier);
6
(b) the period ending at the same time as the period determined
7
under paragraph (a) and starting:
8
(i) for an offence--at the beginning of the month in which
9
the body corporate committed, or began committing, the
10
offence (as the case requires); or
11
(ii) for an act or omission--at the beginning of the month in
12
which the act or omission occurred or began occurring
13
(as the case requires).
14
34 Paragraph 151(5)(a) of Schedule 2
15
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
16
35 Paragraph 151(5)(c) of Schedule 2
17
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
18
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
19
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
20
turnover period for the offence.
21
36 Subsection 151(6) of Schedule 2
22
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2,500,000".
23
37 Paragraph 152(2A)(a) of Schedule 2
24
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
25
38 Paragraph 152(2A)(c) of Schedule 2
26
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
27
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
28
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
29
turnover period for the offence.
30
39 Subsection 152(2B) of Schedule 2
31
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2,500,000".
32
Schedule 1
More competition, better prices
Part 4
Amendments to the Australian Consumer Law
14
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
40 Paragraph 153(3)(a) of Schedule 2
1
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
2
41 Paragraph 153(3)(c) of Schedule 2
3
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
4
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
5
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
6
turnover period for the offence.
7
42 Subsection 153(4) of Schedule 2
8
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2,500,000".
9
43 Paragraph 154(5A)(a) of Schedule 2
10
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
11
44 Paragraph 154(5A)(c) of Schedule 2
12
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
13
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
14
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
15
turnover period for the offence.
16
45 Subsection 154(5B) of Schedule 2
17
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2,500,000".
18
46 Paragraph 155(3)(a) of Schedule 2
19
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
20
47 Paragraph 155(3)(c) of Schedule 2
21
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
22
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
23
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
24
turnover period for the offence.
25
48 Subsection 155(4) of Schedule 2
26
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2,500,000".
27
More competition, better prices
Schedule 1
Amendments to the Australian Consumer Law
Part 4
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
15
49 Paragraph 156(3)(a) of Schedule 2
1
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
2
50 Paragraph 156(3)(c) of Schedule 2
3
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
4
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
5
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
6
turnover period for the offence.
7
51 Subsection 156(4) of Schedule 2
8
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2,500,000".
9
52 Paragraph 157(3A)(a) of Schedule 2
10
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
11
53 Paragraph 157(3A)(c) of Schedule 2
12
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
13
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
14
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
15
turnover period for the offence.
16
54 Subsection 157(3B) of Schedule 2
17
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2,500,000".
18
55 Paragraph 158(10A)(a) of Schedule 2
19
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
20
56 Paragraph 158(10A)(c) of Schedule 2
21
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
22
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
23
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
24
turnover period for the offence.
25
57 Subsection 158(10B) of Schedule 2
26
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2,500,000".
27
Schedule 1
More competition, better prices
Part 4
Amendments to the Australian Consumer Law
16
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
58 Paragraph 159(4)(a) of Schedule 2
1
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
2
59 Paragraph 159(4)(c) of Schedule 2
3
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
4
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
5
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
6
turnover period for the offence.
7
60 Subsection 159(5) of Schedule 2
8
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2,500,000".
9
61 Paragraph 161(7)(a) of Schedule 2
10
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
11
62 Paragraph 161(7)(c) of Schedule 2
12
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
13
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
14
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
15
turnover period for the offence.
16
63 Subsection 161(8) of Schedule 2
17
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2,500,000".
18
64 Paragraph 162(6)(a) of Schedule 2
19
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
20
65 Paragraph 162(6)(c) of Schedule 2
21
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
22
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
23
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
24
turnover period for the offence.
25
66 Subsection 162(7) of Schedule 2
26
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2,500,000".
27
More competition, better prices
Schedule 1
Amendments to the Australian Consumer Law
Part 4
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
17
67 Paragraph 163(5A)(a) of Schedule 2
1
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
2
68 Paragraph 163(5A)(c) of Schedule 2
3
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
4
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
5
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
6
turnover period for the offence.
7
69 Subsection 163(5B) of Schedule 2
8
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2,500,000".
9
70 Paragraph 164(4)(a) of Schedule 2
10
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
11
71 Paragraph 164(4)(c) of Schedule 2
12
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
13
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
14
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
15
turnover period for the offence.
16
72 Subsection 164(5) of Schedule 2
17
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2,500,000".
18
73 Paragraph 166(8)(a) of Schedule 2
19
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
20
74 Paragraph 166(8)(c) of Schedule 2
21
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
22
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
23
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
24
turnover period for the offence.
25
75 Subsection 166(9) of Schedule 2
26
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2,500,000".
27
Schedule 1
More competition, better prices
Part 4
Amendments to the Australian Consumer Law
18
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
76 Paragraph 167(3)(a) of Schedule 2
1
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
2
77 Paragraph 167(3)(c) of Schedule 2
3
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
4
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
5
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
6
turnover period for the offence.
7
78 Subsection 167(4) of Schedule 2
8
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2,500,000".
9
79 Paragraph 168(2A)(a) of Schedule 2
10
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
11
80 Paragraph 168(2A)(c) of Schedule 2
12
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
13
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
14
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
15
turnover period for the offence.
16
81 Subsection 168(2B) of Schedule 2
17
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2,500,000".
18
82 Paragraph 194(8)(a) of Schedule 2
19
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
20
83 Paragraph 194(8)(c) of Schedule 2
21
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
22
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
23
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
24
turnover period for the offence.
25
84 Subsection 194(9) of Schedule 2
26
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2,500,000".
27
More competition, better prices
Schedule 1
Amendments to the Australian Consumer Law
Part 4
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
19
85 Paragraph 195(4)(a) of Schedule 2
1
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
2
86 Paragraph 195(4)(c) of Schedule 2
3
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
4
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
5
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
6
turnover period for the offence.
7
87 Subsection 195(5) of Schedule 2
8
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2,500,000".
9
88 Paragraph 197(8)(a) of Schedule 2
10
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
11
89 Paragraph 197(8)(c) of Schedule 2
12
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
13
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
14
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
15
turnover period for the offence.
16
90 Subsection 197(9) of Schedule 2
17
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2,500,000".
18
91 Paragraph 198(4)(a) of Schedule 2
19
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
20
92 Paragraph 198(4)(c) of Schedule 2
21
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
22
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
23
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
24
turnover period for the offence.
25
93 Subsection 198(5) of Schedule 2
26
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2,500,000".
27
Schedule 1
More competition, better prices
Part 4
Amendments to the Australian Consumer Law
20
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
94 Paragraph 199(4)(a) of Schedule 2
1
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
2
95 Paragraph 199(4)(c) of Schedule 2
3
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
4
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
5
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
6
turnover period for the offence.
7
96 Subsection 199(5) of Schedule 2
8
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2,500,000".
9
97 Paragraph 203(9)(a) of Schedule 2
10
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
11
98 Paragraph 203(9)(c) of Schedule 2
12
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
13
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
14
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
15
turnover period for the offence.
16
99 Subsection 203(10) of Schedule 2
17
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2,500,000".
18
100 Paragraph 204(4)(a) of Schedule 2
19
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
20
101 Paragraph 204(4)(c) of Schedule 2
21
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
22
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
23
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
24
turnover period for the offence.
25
102 Subsection 204(5) of Schedule 2
26
Omit "$500,000", substitute "$2,500,000".
27
More competition, better prices
Schedule 1
Amendments to the Australian Consumer Law
Part 4
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
21
103 Subsection 224(3) of Schedule 2 (table)
1
Repeal the table, substitute:
2
3
Amount of pecuniary penalty
Item
For each act or omission to
which this section applies
that relates to ...
if the person is a
body corporate--
the pecuniary
penalty is not to
exceed ...
if the person is
not a body
corporate--the
pecuniary
penalty is not to
exceed ...
1
a provision of Part 2-2
the greater of the
amounts mentioned
in subsection (3A)
$2,500,000
2
a provision of Part 3-1 (other
than section 47(1))
the greater of the
amounts mentioned
in subsection (3A)
$2,500,000
3
section 47(1)
$5,000
$1,000
4
section 66(2)
$50,000
$10,000
5
a provision of Division 2 of
Part 3-2 (other than
section 85)
$50,000
$10,000
6
a provision of Division 3 of
Part 3-2 (other than
section 96(2))
$30,000
$6,000
7
section 99B(1), 99C, 99D(1),
99E or 99F(2)
$30,000
$6,000
8
section 100(1) or (3) or 101(3)
or (4)
$15,000
$3,000
9
section 102(2) or 103(2)
$50,000
$10,000
10
section 106(1), (2), (3) or (5),
107(1) or (2), 118(1), (2), (3)
or (5) or 119(1) or (2)
the greater of the
amounts mentioned
in subsection (3A)
$2,500,000
11
section 125(4)
$16,500
$3,300
Schedule 1
More competition, better prices
Part 4
Amendments to the Australian Consumer Law
22
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
Amount of pecuniary penalty
Item
For each act or omission to
which this section applies
that relates to ...
if the person is a
body corporate--
the pecuniary
penalty is not to
exceed ...
if the person is
not a body
corporate--the
pecuniary
penalty is not to
exceed ...
12
section 127(1) or (2)
the greater of the
amounts mentioned
in subsection (3A)
$2,500,000
13
section 128(2) or (6), 131(1)
or 132(1)
$16,500
$3,300
14
section 136(1), (2) or (3) or
137(1) or (2)
the greater of the
amounts mentioned
in subsection (3A)
$2,500,000
15
section 221(1)
$16,500
$3,300
16
section 222(1)
$27,500
$5,500
104 Paragraph 224(3A)(a) of Schedule 2
1
Omit "$10,000,000", substitute "$50,000,000".
2
105 Paragraph 224(3A)(c) of Schedule 2
3
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
4
(c) if the court cannot determine the value of that benefit--30%
5
of the body corporate's adjusted turnover during the breach
6
turnover period for the act or omission.
7
More competition, better prices
Schedule 1
Application provisions
Part 5
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
23
Part 5--Application provisions
1
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
2
106 Application of amendments in Parts 1 and 3
3
The amendments made by Parts 1 and 3 of this Schedule apply in
4
relation to:
5
(a) offences committed; or
6
(b) contraventions, or acts or omissions, that occurred;
7
on or after the commencement of this Schedule.
8
107 In the appropriate position in Part XIII
9
Insert:
10
Division 5--Application of amendments made by the
11
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition,
12
Better Prices) Act 2022
13
187 Application of amendments
14
The amendments made by Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the
Treasury
15
Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Act 2022
16
apply in relation to offences committed on or after the
17
commencement of that Schedule.
18
108 In the appropriate position in Chapter 6 of Schedule 2
19
Insert:
20
Schedule 1
More competition, better prices
Part 5
Application provisions
24
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
Part 7--Application provision relating to the
1
Treasury Laws Amendment (More
2
Competition, Better Prices) Act 2022
3
4
304 Application of amendments relating to penalties
5
The amendments made by Part 4 of Schedule 1 to the
Treasury
6
Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Act 2022
7
apply in relation to offences committed, or acts or omissions that
8
occurred, on or after the commencement of that Schedule.
9
Unfair contract terms
Schedule 2
Prohibition of unfair contract terms
Part 1
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
25
Schedule 2--Unfair contract terms
1
Part 1--Prohibition of unfair contract terms
2
Division 1
--Amendment of the Competition and
3
Consumer Act 2010
4
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
5
1 After subsection 23(2) of Schedule 2
6
Insert:
7
(2A) A person contravenes this subsection if:
8
(a) the person makes a contract; and
9
(b) the contract is a consumer contract or small business
10
contract; and
11
(c) the contract is a standard form contract; and
12
(d) a term of the contract is unfair; and
13
(e) the person proposed the unfair term.
14
Note:
A pecuniary penalty may be imposed for a contravention of this
15
subsection: see section 224.
16
(2B) A person who contravenes subsection (2A) commits a separate
17
contravention of that subsection in respect of each term that is
18
unfair and that the person proposed.
19
(2C) A person contravenes this subsection if:
20
(a) the person applies or relies on, or purports to apply or rely
21
on, a term of a contract; and
22
(b) the contract is a consumer contract or small business
23
contract; and
24
(c) the contract is a standard form contract; and
25
(d) the term is unfair.
26
Note:
A pecuniary penalty may be imposed for a contravention of this
27
subsection: see section 224.
28
Schedule 2
Unfair contract terms
Part 1
Prohibition of unfair contract terms
26
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
Division 2
--Amendment of the Australian Securities and
1
Investments Commission Act 2001
2
Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001
3
2 After subsection 12BF(2)
4
Insert:
5
(2A) A person contravenes this subsection if:
6
(a) the person makes a contract; and
7
(b) the contract is a consumer contract or small business
8
contract; and
9
(c) the contract is a standard form contract; and
10
(d) the contract is either a financial product or a contract for the
11
supply, or possible supply, of financial services; and
12
(e) a term of the contract is unfair; and
13
(f) the person proposed the unfair term.
14
(2B) A person who contravenes subsection (2A) commits a separate
15
contravention of that subsection in respect of each term that is
16
unfair and that the person proposed.
17
(2C) A person contravenes this subsection if:
18
(a) the person applies or relies on, or purports to apply or rely
19
on, a term of a contract; and
20
(b) the contract is a consumer contract or small business
21
contract; and
22
(c) the contract is a standard form contract; and
23
(d) the contract is either a financial product or a contract for the
24
supply, or possible supply, of financial services; and
25
(e) the term is unfair.
26
3 Subsection 12BG(1)
27
Omit "subsection 12BF(1)", substitute "section 12BF".
28
4 Subsection 12BH(1)
29
Omit "subsection 12BF(1)", substitute "section 12BF".
30
Unfair contract terms
Schedule 2
Remedies
Part 2
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
27
Part 2--Remedies
1
Division 1
--Amendment of the Competition and
2
Consumer Act 2010
3
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
4
5 Section 137D
5
Repeal the section, substitute:
6
137D Compensation orders etc. arising out of unconscionable
7
conduct or unfair contract term
8
In determining whether to make an order under subsection 237(1)
9
or 238(1) of the Australian Consumer Law in relation to a
10
contravention of a provision of Part 2-2 or 2-3 of the Australian
11
Consumer Law, the court may have regard to the conduct of the
12
parties to the proceeding referred to in that subsection since the
13
contravention occurred.
14
6 Paragraphs 137F(2)(b), (c) and (d)
15
Repeal the paragraphs, substitute:
16
(b) an application under section 232 of the Australian Consumer
17
Law for an injunction against the person in relation to a
18
contravention of a provision of Chapter 2, 3 or 4 of the
19
Australian Consumer Law; or
20
(c) an action under subsection 236(1) of the Australian
21
Consumer Law against the person in relation to a
22
contravention of a provision of Part 2-1 or 2-3, or of
23
Chapter 3, of the Australian Consumer Law; or
24
(d) an application for an order under subsection 237(1) or 239(1)
25
of the Australian Consumer Law against the person in
26
relation to a contravention of a provision of Chapter 2, 3 or 4
27
of the Australian Consumer Law.
28
7 Paragraph 137H(1)(b)
29
Omit "or 239(1)", substitute ", 239(1), 243A(1) or 243B(1)".
30
Schedule 2
Unfair contract terms
Part 2
Remedies
28
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
8 Paragraph 157(1AA)(b)
1
After "237(1)", insert ", 243A(1) or 243B(1)".
2
9 Subsection 2(1) of Schedule 2 (definition of declared term)
3
Repeal the definition, substitute:
4
declared term
: see sections 239(1)(a)(ii), 243A(1) and 243B(1).
5
10 Subsection 2(1) of Schedule 2 (paragraph (b) of the
6
definition of enforcement proceeding)
7
Omit "and 239", substitute ", 239, 243A and 243B".
8
11 Before subparagraph 224(1)(a)(ii) of Schedule 2
9
Insert:
10
(iia) section 23(2A) or (2C) (which is about unfair terms in
11
standard form consumer or small business contracts);
12
12 Subsection 224(3) of Schedule 2 (before table item 2)
13
Insert:
14
2A
section 23(2A) or (2C)
the greater of the
amounts mentioned
in subsection (3A)
$2,500,000
13 Subsection 224(3A) of Schedule 2
15
After "items 1,", insert "2A,".
16
14 Subsection 232(3) of Schedule 2
17
Repeal the subsection.
18
15 Subdivision A of Division 4 of Part 5-2 of Schedule 2
19
(heading)
20
Repeal the heading.
21
16 Paragraphs 237(1)(a) and (b) of Schedule 2
22
Repeal the paragraphs, substitute:
23
(a) on application of a person (the
injured person
) who has
24
suffered, or is likely to suffer, loss or damage because
25
Unfair contract terms
Schedule 2
Remedies
Part 2
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
29
another person has engaged in conduct in contravention of a
1
provision of Chapter 2, 3 or 4; or
2
(b) on the application of the regulator made on behalf of, and
3
with the consent in writing of, one or more such injured
4
persons;
5
17 Subsection 237(1) of Schedule 2 (notes 1 and 2)
6
Repeal the notes, substitute:
7
Note:
The orders that the court may make include all or any of the orders set
8
out in section 243.
9
18 Subsection 237(3) of Schedule 2
10
Repeal the subsection, substitute:
11
(3) An application under subsection (1) may be made at any time
12
before the end of 6 years from the day on which the cause of action
13
accrued that relates to the conduct referred to in that subsection.
14
19 Subsection 238(1) of Schedule 2
15
Repeal the subsection, substitute:
16
(1) If:
17
(a) a proceeding is instituted in a court under a provision of
18
Chapter 4 or this Chapter (other than this section); and
19
(b) the court finds that a party to the proceeding (the
injured
20
person
) has suffered loss or damage, or is likely to suffer loss
21
or damage, because another person has engaged in conduct in
22
contravention of a provision of Chapter 2, 3 or 4;
23
the court may make such order or orders as it thinks appropriate
24
against the other person, or against a person involved in that
25
conduct.
26
Note:
The orders that the court may make include all or any of the orders set
27
out in section 243.
28
20 Subdivision B of Division 4 of Part 5-2 of Schedule 2
29
(heading)
30
Repeal the heading.
31
Schedule 2
Unfair contract terms
Part 2
Remedies
30
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
21 Subsection 239(1) of Schedule 2 (notes 1 and 2)
1
Repeal the notes, substitute:
2
Note:
The orders that the court may make include all or any of the orders set
3
out in section 243.
4
22 Subdivision C of Division 4 of Part 5-2 of Schedule 2
5
(heading)
6
Repeal the heading.
7
23 Section 242 of Schedule 2
8
Repeal the section.
9
24 Sections 244 and 245 of Schedule 2
10
Repeal the sections, substitute:
11
243A Orders made in favour of party to contract containing unfair
12
term
13
(1) If a declaration has been made under section 250 in relation to a
14
term (the
declared term
) of a contract, a court may:
15
(a) on the application of a party to the contract; or
16
(b) on the application of the regulator made on behalf of, and
17
with the consent in writing of, one or more parties to the
18
contract;
19
make against a party (the
respondent
) to the contract who is
20
advantaged by the declared term such order or orders (other than
21
an award of damages) as the court thinks appropriate:
22
(c) to redress, in whole or in part, loss or damage that has been
23
caused to any person by the declared term; or
24
(d) to prevent or reduce loss or damage that is likely to be so
25
caused.
26
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the orders that a court may make
27
against the respondent include all or any of the following:
28
(a) an order declaring the whole or any part of the contract, or of
29
a collateral arrangement relating to the contract:
30
(i) to be void; and
31
Unfair contract terms
Schedule 2
Remedies
Part 2
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
31
(ii) if the court thinks fit--to have been void ab initio or
1
void at all times on and after such date as is specified in
2
the order (which may be a date that is before the date on
3
which the order is made);
4
(b) an order:
5
(i) varying the contract, or such a collateral arrangement, as
6
specified in the order; and
7
(ii) if the court thinks fit--declaring the contract or
8
arrangement to have had effect as so varied on and after
9
such date as is specified in the order (which may be a
10
date that is before the date on which the order is made);
11
(c) an order refusing to enforce any or all of the provisions of the
12
contract, or of such a collateral arrangement.
13
(3) An application under subsection (1) may be made at any time
14
before the end of 6 years from the day on which the declaration
15
under section 250 was made.
16
243B Orders made on application of the regulator to prevent and
17
remedy unfair contract terms
18
(1) If a declaration has been made under section 250 in relation to a
19
term (the
declared term
) of a contract, a court may, on the
20
application of the regulator, make against a party (the
respondent
)
21
to the contract who is advantaged by the declared term such order
22
or orders (other than an award of damages) as the court thinks
23
appropriate:
24
(a) to prevent a term (a
similar term
) that is the same, or
25
substantially similar, in effect to the declared term from
26
being included in any future contract:
27
(i) to which the respondent is a party; and
28
(ii) that is a consumer contract or small business contract;
29
and
30
(iii) that is a standard form contract; or
31
(b) to redress, in whole or in part, loss or damage that has been
32
caused, or to prevent or reduce loss or damage that is likely
33
to be caused, to any person by a similar term that is included
34
in any existing contract:
35
(i) to which the respondent is a party; and
36
Schedule 2
Unfair contract terms
Part 2
Remedies
32
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
(ii) that is a consumer contract or small business contract;
1
and
2
(iii) that is a standard form contract;
3
whether or not the future or existing contract is identifiable when
4
the court makes the order or orders.
5
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the orders that a court may make
6
against the respondent include all or any of the following:
7
(a) an injunction restraining the respondent from making any
8
future contract that is of the kind referred to in
9
paragraph (1)(a) and includes a similar term;
10
(b) an injunction restraining the respondent from applying or
11
relying on a similar term of any existing contract that is of
12
the kind referred to in paragraph (1)(b);
13
(c) an order declaring the whole or any part of any existing
14
contract of the kind referred to in paragraph (1)(b), or of a
15
collateral arrangement relating to such a contract:
16
(i) to be void; and
17
(ii) if the court thinks fit--to have been void ab initio or
18
void at all times on and after such date as is specified in
19
the order (which may be a date that is before the date on
20
which the order is made);
21
(d) an order:
22
(i) varying such an existing contract, or such a collateral
23
arrangement, as specified in the order; and
24
(ii) if the court thinks fit--declaring the contract or
25
arrangement to have had effect as so varied on and after
26
such date as is specified in the order (which may be a
27
date that is before the date on which the order is made);
28
(e) an order refusing to enforce any or all of the provisions of
29
such an existing contract, or of such a collateral arrangement.
30
(3) An application under subsection (1) may be made at any time
31
before the end of 6 years from the day on which the declaration
32
under section 250 was made.
33
(4) An order made under this section against the respondent binds a
34
person affected by the order, even if the person is not a party to the
35
proceedings in which the order is made.
36
Unfair contract terms
Schedule 2
Remedies
Part 2
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
33
245 Interaction with other provisions
1
(1) An application may be made under section 237(1), 239(1),
2
243A(1) or 243B(1) even if an enforcement proceeding in relation
3
to the conduct or term referred to in that section has not been
4
instituted.
5
(2) A court may make an order under a provision of this Division
6
whether or not the court:
7
(a) grants an injunction under Division 2; or
8
(b) makes an order under any other provision of this Division or
9
under section 236, 246, 247 or 248.
10
(3) Nothing in this Division limits the generality of Division 2.
11
25 Paragraph 247(1)(a) of Schedule 2
12
After "Part 2-2", insert "or 2-3".
13
26 After subparagraph 248(1)(a)(i) of Schedule 2
14
Insert:
15
(ia) a provision of Part 2-3 (which is about unfair contract
16
terms);
17
Division 2
--Amendment of the Australian Securities and
18
Investments Commission Act 2001
19
Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001
20
27 Subsection 12BA(1) (definition of enforcement
21
proceeding)
22
Omit "section 12GNB", substitute "sections 12GNB, 12GNE and
23
12GNF".
24
28 Before paragraph 12GBA(6)(a)
25
Insert:
26
(aa) a provision of Subdivision BA;
27
Schedule 2
Unfair contract terms
Part 2
Remedies
34
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
29 Subsection 12GD(9)
1
Repeal the subsection.
2
30 Subsection 12GF(1)
3
After "a provision of", insert "Subdivision BA (sections 12BF to
4
12BM),".
5
31 Section 12GG
6
Repeal the section, substitute:
7
12GG Finding in proceedings to be evidence
8
(1) In:
9
(a) a proceeding against a person under section 12GF or 12GFA;
10
or
11
(b) an application under subsection 12GM(2), 12GNB(1),
12
12GNE(1) or 12GNF(1) for an order against a person;
13
a finding of any fact by a court is prima facie evidence of that fact
14
if the finding was made in proceedings:
15
(c) under section 12GBA, 12GBB, 12GBCC, 12GD, 12GLA or
16
12GLB; or
17
(d) for an offence against section 12GB;
18
in which that person was found to have contravened, or to have
19
been involved in a contravention of, a provision of this Division.
20
(2) The finding may be proved by production of a document, under the
21
seal of the court, from which the finding appears.
22
32 Paragraph 12HB(1)(b)
23
Omit "or 12GNB(1)", substitute ", 12GNB(1), 12GNE(1) or
24
12GNF(1)".
25
33 Subsection 12GLA(4) (before paragraph (a) of the
26
definition of contravening conduct)
27
Insert:
28
(aa) contravenes a provision of Subdivision BA (sections 12BF to
29
12BM); or
30
Unfair contract terms
Schedule 2
Remedies
Part 2
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
35
34 Paragraph 12GLC(1)(a)
1
After "Subdivision", insert "BA,".
2
35 Paragraph 12GLD(1)(a)
3
After "Subdivision", insert "BA,".
4
36 Subsection 12GM(10)
5
Repeal the subsection.
6
37 Paragraph 12GN(1)(c)
7
After "a provision of", insert "Subdivision BA (sections 12BF to
8
12BM),".
9
38 Subsection 12GN(9)
10
Repeal the subsection.
11
39 Subparagraph 12GNB(1)(a)(i)
12
After "Subdivision", insert "BA,".
13
40 After section 12GND of Schedule 2
14
Insert:
15
12GNE Orders made in favour of party to contract containing
16
unfair term
17
(1) If a declaration has been made under section 12GND in relation to
18
a term (the
declared term
) of a contract, the Court may:
19
(a) on the application of a party to the contract; or
20
(b) on the application of ASIC made on behalf of, and with the
21
consent in writing of, one or more parties to the contract;
22
make against a party (the
respondent
) to the contract who is
23
advantaged by the declared term such order or orders (other than
24
an award of damages) as the Court thinks appropriate:
25
(c) to redress, in whole or in part, loss or damage that has been
26
caused to any person by the declared term; or
27
(d) to prevent or reduce loss or damage that is likely to be so
28
caused.
29
Schedule 2
Unfair contract terms
Part 2
Remedies
36
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the orders that the Court may
1
make against the respondent include all or any of the following:
2
(a) an order declaring the whole or any part of the contract, or of
3
a collateral arrangement relating to the contract:
4
(i) to be void; and
5
(ii) if the Court thinks fit--to have been void ab initio or
6
void at all times on and after such date as is specified in
7
the order (which may be a date that is before the date on
8
which the order is made);
9
(b) an order:
10
(i) varying the contract, or such a collateral arrangement, as
11
specified in the order; and
12
(ii) if the Court thinks fit--declaring the contract or
13
arrangement to have had effect as so varied on and after
14
such date as is specified in the order (which may be a
15
date that is before the date on which the order is made);
16
(c) an order refusing to enforce any or all of the provisions of the
17
contract, or of such a collateral arrangement.
18
(3) An application under subsection (1) may be made at any time
19
before the end of 6 years from the day on which the declaration
20
under section 12GND was made.
21
12GNF Orders made on application of ASIC to prevent and remedy
22
unfair contract terms
23
(1) If a declaration has been made under section 12GND in relation to
24
a term (the
declared term
) of a contract, the Court may, on the
25
application of ASIC, make against a party (the
respondent
) to the
26
contract who is advantaged by the declared term such order or
27
orders (other than an award of damages) as the Court thinks
28
appropriate:
29
(a) to prevent a term (a
similar term
) that is the same, or
30
substantially similar, in effect to the declared term from
31
being included in any future contract:
32
(i) to which the respondent is a party; and
33
(ii) that is a consumer contract or small business contract;
34
and
35
(iii) that is a standard form contract; or
36
Unfair contract terms
Schedule 2
Remedies
Part 2
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
37
(b) to redress, in whole or in part, loss or damage that has been
1
caused, or to prevent or reduce loss or damage that is likely
2
to be caused, to any person by a similar term that is included
3
in any existing contract:
4
(i) to which the respondent is a party; and
5
(ii) that is a consumer contract or small business contract;
6
and
7
(iii) that is a standard form contract;
8
whether or not the future or existing contract is identifiable when
9
the Court makes the order or orders.
10
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the orders that the Court may
11
make against the respondent include all or any of the following:
12
(a) an injunction restraining the respondent from making any
13
future contract that is of the kind referred to in
14
paragraph (1)(a) and includes a similar term;
15
(b) an injunction restraining the respondent from applying or
16
relying on a similar term of any existing contract that is of
17
the kind referred to in paragraph (1)(b);
18
(c) an order declaring the whole or any part of any existing
19
contract of the kind referred to in paragraph (1)(b), or of a
20
collateral arrangement relating to such a contract:
21
(i) to be void; and
22
(ii) if the Court thinks fit--to have been void ab initio or
23
void at all times on and after such date as is specified in
24
the order (which may be a date that is before the date on
25
which the order is made);
26
(d) an order:
27
(i) varying such an existing contract, or such a collateral
28
arrangement, as specified in the order; and
29
(ii) if the Court thinks fit--declaring the contract or
30
arrangement to have had effect as so varied on and after
31
such date as is specified in the order (which may be a
32
date that is before the date on which the order is made);
33
(e) an order refusing to enforce any or all of the provisions of
34
such an existing contract, or of such a collateral arrangement.
35
Schedule 2
Unfair contract terms
Part 2
Remedies
38
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
(3) An application under subsection (1) may be made at any time
1
before the end of 6 years from the day on which the declaration
2
under section 12GND was made.
3
(4) An order made under this section against the respondent binds a
4
person affected by the order, even if the person is not a party to the
5
proceedings in which the order is made.
6
12GNG Interaction with other provisions
7
(1) An application may be made under subsection 12GNE(1) or
8
12GNF(1) even if an enforcement proceeding in relation to the
9
declared term referred to in that subsection has not been instituted.
10
(2) The Court may make an order under section 12GNE or 12GNF
11
whether or not the Court:
12
(a) grants an injunction under section 12GD; or
13
(b) makes an order under any other provision of this Division
14
(other than section 12GND).
15
(3) Nothing in this Division limits the generality of section 12GD.
16
Unfair contract terms
Schedule 2
Determining what is a standard form contract
Part 3
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
39
Part 3--Determining what is a standard form
1
contract
2
Division 1
--Amendment of the Competition and
3
Consumer Act 2010
4
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
5
41 Before paragraph 27(2)(b) of Schedule 2
6
Insert:
7
(ba) whether one of the parties has made another contract, in the
8
same or substantially similar terms, prepared by that party,
9
and, if so, how many such contracts that party has made;
10
42 At the end of section 27 of Schedule 2
11
Add:
12
(3) A contract may be determined to be a standard form contract
13
despite the existence of one or more of the following:
14
(a) an opportunity for a party to negotiate changes, to terms of
15
the contract, that are minor or insubstantial in effect;
16
(b) an opportunity for a party to select a term from a range of
17
options determined by another party;
18
(c) an opportunity for a party to another contract or proposed
19
contract to negotiate terms of the other contract or proposed
20
contract.
21
Division 2
--Amendment of the Australian Securities and
22
Investments Commission Act 2001
23
Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001
24
43 Before paragraph 12BK(2)(b)
25
Insert:
26
Schedule 2
Unfair contract terms
Part 3
Determining what is a standard form contract
40
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
(ba) whether one of the parties has made another contract, in the
1
same or substantially similar terms, prepared by that party,
2
and, if so, how many such contracts that party has made;
3
44 At the end of section 12BK
4
Add:
5
(3) A contract may be determined to be a standard form contract
6
despite the existence of one or more of following:
7
(a) an opportunity for a party to negotiate changes, to terms of
8
the contract, that are minor or insubstantial in effect;
9
(b) an opportunity for a party to select a term from a range of
10
options determined by another party;
11
(c) an opportunity for a party to another contract or proposed
12
contract to negotiate terms of the other contract or proposed
13
contract.
14
Unfair contract terms
Schedule 2
Contract thresholds
Part 4
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
41
Part 4--Contract thresholds
1
Division 1
--Amendment of the Competition and
2
Consumer Act 2010
3
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
4
45 Paragraph 139G(2)(aa)
5
Omit "businesses employing fewer than 20 persons", substitute
6
"persons who carry on a business and employ fewer than 100 persons".
7
46 Paragraph 139G(2A)(a)
8
Omit "businesses employing fewer than 20 persons", substitute
9
"persons who carry on a business and employ fewer than 100 persons".
10
47 Subsections 23(4) and (5) of Schedule 2
11
Repeal the subsections, substitute:
12
(4) A contract is a
small business contract
if:
13
(a) the contract is for a supply of goods or services, or a sale or
14
grant of an interest in land; and
15
(b) at least one party to the contract satisfies either or both of the
16
following conditions:
17
(i) the party makes the contract in the course of carrying on
18
a business and at a time when the party employs fewer
19
than 100 persons;
20
(ii) the party's turnover, worked out under subsection (6)
21
for the party's last income year (within the meaning of
22
the
Income Tax Assessment Act 1997
) that ended at or
23
before the time when the contract is made, is less than
24
$10,000,000.
25
(5) In counting for the purposes of subparagraph (4)(b)(i) the number
26
of persons that a person employs:
27
(a) a casual employee is not to be counted unless employed on a
28
regular and systematic basis; and
29
Schedule 2
Unfair contract terms
Part 4
Contract thresholds
42
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
(b) a part-time employee (including a part-time casual employee
1
counted under paragraph (a) of this subsection) is to be
2
counted as an appropriate fraction of a full-time equivalent.
3
(6) For the purposes of subparagraph (4)(b)(ii), a party's turnover for a
4
period is the sum of the values of all supplies the party made
5
during the period, other than the following:
6
(a) supplies that are input taxed;
7
(b) supplies that are not for consideration (and are not taxable
8
supplies under section 72-5 of the
A New Tax System (Goods
9
and Services Tax) Act 1999
);
10
(c) supplies that are not made in connection with an enterprise
11
that the party carries on;
12
(d) supplies that are not connected with the indirect tax zone.
13
(7) Expressions used in subsection (6) that are also used in the
A New
14
Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999
have the same
15
meaning as in that Act.
16
48 Paragraph 250(2)(a) of Schedule 2
17
Omit "a business of the kind referred to in", substitute "covered by".
18
Division 2
--Amendment of the Australian Securities and
19
Investments Commission Act 2001
20
Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001
21
49 Subsections 12BF(4), (5) and (6)
22
Repeal the subsections, substitute:
23
(4) A contract is a
small business contract
if:
24
(a) the upfront price payable under the contract does not exceed
25
$5,000,000; and
26
(b) at least one party to the contract satisfies either or both of the
27
following conditions:
28
(i) the party makes the contract in the course of carrying on
29
a business and at a time when the party employs fewer
30
than 100 persons;
31
Unfair contract terms
Schedule 2
Contract thresholds
Part 4
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
43
(ii) the party's turnover, worked out under subsection (7)
1
for the party's last income year (within the meaning of
2
the
Income Tax Assessment Act 1997
) that ended at or
3
before the time when the contract is made, is less than
4
$10,000,000.
5
(5) For the purposes of paragraph (4)(a), in working out the upfront
6
price payable under a contract under which credit is provided or is
7
to be provided, disregard any interest payable under the contract.
8
(6) In counting for the purposes of subparagraph (4)(b)(i) the number
9
of persons that a person employs:
10
(a) a casual employee is not to be counted unless employed on a
11
regular and systematic basis; and
12
(b) a part-time employee (including a part-time casual employee
13
counted under paragraph (a) of this subsection) is to be
14
counted as an appropriate fraction of a full-time equivalent.
15
(7) For the purposes subparagraph (4)(b)(ii), a party's turnover for a
16
period is the sum of the values of all supplies the party made
17
during the period, other than the following:
18
(a) supplies that are input taxed;
19
(b) supplies that are not for consideration (and are not taxable
20
supplies under section 72-5 of the
A New Tax System (Goods
21
and Services Tax) Act 1999
);
22
(c) supplies that are not made in connection with an enterprise
23
that the party carries on;
24
(d) supplies that are not connected with the indirect tax zone.
25
(8) Expressions used in subsection (7) that are also used in the
A New
26
Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999
have the same
27
meaning as in that Act.
28
Note:
This section applies to Insurance Contracts Act insurance contracts in
29
addition to the
Insurance Contracts Act 1984
(see paragraph 15(2)(d)
30
of that Act).
31
50 Paragraph 12BH(2)(aa)
32
Omit "businesses employing fewer than 20 persons", substitute
33
"persons who carry on a business and employ fewer than 100 persons".
34
Schedule 2
Unfair contract terms
Part 4
Contract thresholds
44
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
51 Paragraph 12BL(3)(a)
1
Omit "businesses employing fewer than 20 persons", substitute
2
"persons who carry on a business and employ fewer than 100 persons".
3
52 Paragraph 12GND(2)(a)
4
Omit "a business of the kind referred to in paragraph 12BF(4)(a)",
5
substitute "covered by paragraph 12BF(4)(b)".
6
Unfair contract terms
Schedule 2
Terms and contracts excluded from rules about unfair contract terms
Part 5
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
45
Part 5--Terms and contracts excluded from rules
1
about unfair contract terms
2
Division 1
--Amendment of the Competition and
3
Consumer Act 2010
4
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
5
53 Subsection 26(1) of Schedule 2
6
Repeal the subsection, substitute:
7
(1) Section 23 does not apply to a term of a contract to the extent, but
8
only to the extent, that:
9
(a) the term defines the main subject matter of the contract; or
10
(b) the term sets the upfront price payable under the contract; or
11
(c) the term is required, or expressly permitted, by a law of the
12
Commonwealth or of a State or Territory; or
13
(d) the term is included in the contract, or is taken to be so
14
included, by operation of a law of the Commonwealth, or of
15
a State or Territory, that regulates the contract; or
16
(e) inclusion of the term has either or both of the following
17
results:
18
(i) one or more other terms are included in the contract, or
19
are taken to be so included, by operation of a law of the
20
Commonwealth, or of a State or Territory, that regulates
21
the contract;
22
(ii) such a law requires one or more other terms to be
23
included in the contract.
24
Example: A State law provides that, if a retail lease contains a provision for
25
termination on the ground of proposed demolition of the building
26
containing the leased premises, then provisions set out in the State law
27
are taken to be included in the lease.
28
Paragraph (d) covers the provisions that are set out in the State law
29
and taken to be included in the lease. Paragraph (e) covers inclusion of
30
the provision for termination, since it has the result that the provisions
31
set out in the State law are taken to be included in the lease.
32
Schedule 2
Unfair contract terms
Part 5
Terms and contracts excluded from rules about unfair contract terms
46
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
54 At the end of section 28 of Schedule 2
1
Add:
2
(5) This Part does not apply to a contract:
3
(a) that establishes, contains or incorporates rules governing the
4
operation of a payment or settlement system approved under
5
section 9 of the
Payment Systems and Netting Act 1998
; or
6
(b) that is made in the course of, or for the purposes of, operating
7
such a system.
8
55 At the end of Part 2-3 of Schedule 2
9
Add:
10
28A This Part does not apply to certain contracts connected with
11
financial markets
12
(1) This Part does not apply to a contract:
13
(a) that exists because of:
14
(i) section 793B of the
Corporations Act 2001
(legal effect
15
of operating rules of a licensed market); or
16
(ii) section 822B of that Act (legal effect of operating rules
17
of a licensed CS facility); or
18
(b) that is made under, or in accordance with:
19
(i) the operating rules of a licensed market; or
20
(ii) the operating rules of a licensed CS facility.
21
Note:
A licensed CS facility is a clearing and settlement facility whose
22
operation is authorised by an Australian CS facility licence.
23
(2) This Part does not apply to a contract between:
24
(a) the operator of a licensed market; and
25
(b) any of the following:
26
(i) an entity included in the market's official list;
27
(ii) the responsible entity for a registered scheme that is so
28
included;
29
(iii) the operator of a foreign passport fund that is so
30
included;
31
to the extent that the contract consists of, or includes, listing rules
32
of the licensed market.
33
Unfair contract terms
Schedule 2
Terms and contracts excluded from rules about unfair contract terms
Part 5
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
47
(3) An expression has in paragraph (1)(b) and subsection (2) the same
1
meaning as in Chapter 7 of the
Corporations Act 2001
.
2
Division 2
--Amendment of the Australian Securities and
3
Investments Commission Act 2001
4
Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001
5
56 Subsection 12BI(1)
6
Repeal the subsection, substitute:
7
(1) Section 12BF does not apply to a term of a contract to the extent,
8
but only to the extent, that:
9
(a) the term defines the main subject matter of the contract; or
10
(b) the term sets the upfront price payable under the contract; or
11
(c) the term is required, or expressly permitted, by a law of the
12
Commonwealth or of a State or Territory; or
13
(d) the term is included in the contract, or is taken to be so
14
included, by operation of a law of the Commonwealth, or of
15
a State or Territory, that regulates the contract; or
16
(e) inclusion of the term has either or both of the following
17
results:
18
(i) one or more other terms are included in the contract, or
19
are taken to be so included, by operation of a law of the
20
Commonwealth, or of a State or Territory, that regulates
21
the contract;
22
(ii) such a law requires one or more other terms to be
23
included in the contract; or
24
(f) if the contract is an Insurance Contracts Act insurance
25
contract--the term is a transparent term and:
26
(i) is disclosed at or before the time when the contract is
27
made; and
28
(ii) sets an amount of excess or deductible under the
29
contract.
30
57 At the end of section 12BL
31
Add:
32
Schedule 2
Unfair contract terms
Part 5
Terms and contracts excluded from rules about unfair contract terms
48
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
(4) This Subdivision does not apply to a contract:
1
(a) that establishes, contains or incorporates rules governing the
2
operation of a payment or settlement system approved under
3
section 9 of the
Payment Systems and Netting Act 1998
; or
4
(b) that is made in the course of, or for the purposes of, operating
5
such a system.
6
58 After section 12BL
7
Insert:
8
12BLA Replacement life insurance contracts to which this
9
Subdivision does not apply
10
(1) This Subdivision does not apply, and is taken never to have
11
applied, to a contract made on or after 5 April 2021 that constitutes
12
a life policy within the meaning of the
Life Insurance Act 1995
13
and:
14
(a) replaces as mentioned in subsection (2) of this section:
15
(i) a contract that constitutes a life policy within the
16
meaning of that Act and was made before 5 April 2021;
17
or
18
(ii) a contract to which this Subdivision does not apply
19
because of one or more previous applications of this
20
section; or
21
(b) links, as mentioned in subsection (3) of this section, 2 or
22
more contracts, each of which is a contract of a kind referred
23
to in subparagraph (a)(i) or (ii) of this subsection; or
24
(c) is one of 2 or more contracts that unlink, as mentioned in
25
subsection (4) of this section, a contract of a kind referred to
26
in subparagraph (a)(i) or (ii) of this subsection.
27
Note:
5 April 2021 is the day on which Schedule 1 to the
Financial Sector
28
Reform (Hayne Royal Commission Response--Protecting Consumers
29
(2019 Measures)) Act 2020
commenced.
30
(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(a), a contract (the
replacement
31
policy
)
replaces
another contract (the
previous policy
) if:
32
(a) the replacement policy reinstates the previous policy and is
33
issued at the request of the owner of the previous policy after
34
the previous policy lapses; or
35
Unfair contract terms
Schedule 2
Terms and contracts excluded from rules about unfair contract terms
Part 5
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
49
(b) the replacement policy is a reissue of the previous policy to
1
correct an administrative error in the previous policy; or
2
(c) the replacement policy is issued, at the request of the owner
3
of the previous policy, for one or more of the following
4
reasons:
5
(i) to change the ownership of the policy;
6
(ii) to extend or vary, in accordance with a term of the
7
previous policy, the cover provided under the policy;
8
(iii) to change the terms relating to premiums paid under the
9
policy.
10
(3) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), a contract (the
replacement
11
policy
)
links
2 or more contracts (the
previous policies
) if the only
12
differences between the terms and effect of the replacement policy
13
and those of the previous policies taken together are attributable to
14
linking the cover under the respective previous policies to form the
15
cover under the replacement policy.
16
(4) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(c), 2 or more contracts (the
17
replacement policies
)
unlink
a contract (the
previous policy
) if the
18
only differences between the terms and effect of the replacement
19
policies taken together and those of the previous policy are
20
attributable to unlinking elements of the cover under the previous
21
policy to form the cover under the respective replacement policies.
22
12BLB Renewed life insurance contracts to which this Subdivision
23
does not apply
24
(1) If a contract covered by subsection (2) or (3) is renewed, or was
25
renewed on or after 5 April 2021, this Subdivision does not apply,
26
and is taken never to have applied, to the contract as renewed.
27
Note:
5 April 2021 is the day on which Schedule 1 to the
Financial Sector
28
Reform (Hayne Royal Commission Response--Protecting Consumers
29
(2019 Measures)) Act 2020
commenced.
30
(2) This subsection covers a contract that:
31
(a) constitutes a life policy within the meaning of the
Life
32
Insurance Act 1995
; and
33
(b) was made before 5 April 2021; and
34
(c) either:
35
Schedule 2
Unfair contract terms
Part 5
Terms and contracts excluded from rules about unfair contract terms
50
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
(i) is guaranteed renewable; or
1
(ii) the insurer guarantees not to cancel in response to a
2
change in the risk.
3
(3) This subsection covers a contract to which this Subdivision does
4
not apply because of one or more previous applications of this
5
section.
6
12BLC This Subdivision does not apply to certain contracts
7
connected with financial markets
8
(1) This Subdivision does not apply to a contract:
9
(a) that exists because of:
10
(i) section 793B of the
Corporations Act 2001
(legal effect
11
of operating rules of a licensed market); or
12
(ii) section 822B of that Act (legal effect of operating rules
13
of a licensed CS facility); or
14
(b) that is made under, or in accordance with:
15
(i) the operating rules of a licensed market; or
16
(ii) the operating rules of a licensed CS facility.
17
Note:
A licensed CS facility is a clearing and settlement facility whose
18
operation is authorised by an Australian CS facility licence.
19
(2) This Subdivision does not apply to a contract between:
20
(a) the operator of a licensed market; and
21
(b) any of the following:
22
(i) an entity included in the market's official list;
23
(ii) the responsible entity for a registered scheme that is so
24
included;
25
(iii) the operator of a foreign passport fund that is so
26
included;
27
to the extent that the contract consists of, or includes, listing rules
28
of the licensed market.
29
(3) An expression has in paragraph (1)(b) and subsection (2) the same
30
meaning as in Chapter 7 of the
Corporations Act 2001
.
31
Unfair contract terms
Schedule 2
Provisions referring to non-party consumers
Part 6
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
51
Part 6--Provisions referring to non-party consumers
1
Division 1
--Amendment of the Competition and
2
Consumer Act 2010
3
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
4
59 Subsection 2(1) of Schedule 2
5
Insert:
6
non-party
means:
7
(a) in relation to conduct--a person who is not, or has not been,
8
a party to an enforcement proceeding in relation to the
9
conduct; or
10
(b) in relation to a term of a contract--a person who is not, or
11
has not been, a party to an enforcement proceeding in relation
12
to the term.
13
60 Subsection 2(1) of Schedule 2 (definition of non-party
14
consumer)
15
Repeal the definition.
16
61 Division 4 of Part 5-2 of Schedule 2 (heading)
17
Omit "
non-party consumers
", substitute "
non-parties
".
18
62 Subdivision B of Division 4 of Part 5-2 of Schedule 2
19
(heading)
20
Omit "
non-party consumers
", substitute "
non-parties
".
21
63 Section 239 of Schedule 2 (heading)
22
Omit "
non-party consumers
", substitute "
non-parties
".
23
64 Section 239 of Schedule 2
24
Omit "non-party consumers" (wherever occurring), substitute
25
"non-parties".
26
Schedule 2
Unfair contract terms
Part 6
Provisions referring to non-party consumers
52
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
65 Section 240 of Schedule 2 (heading)
1
Omit "
non-party consumers
", substitute "
non-parties
".
2
66 Section 240 of Schedule 2
3
Omit "non-party consumers" (wherever occurring), substitute
4
"non-parties".
5
67 Section 241 of Schedule 2 (heading)
6
Omit "
consumer
".
7
68 Section 241 of Schedule 2
8
Omit "consumer" (wherever occurring).
9
Division 2
--Amendment of the Australian Securities and
10
Investments Commission Act 2001
11
Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001
12
69 Subsection 12BA(1) (definition of non-party consumer)
13
Repeal the definition, substitute:
14
non-party
means:
15
(a) in relation to conduct--a person who is not, or has not been,
16
a party to an enforcement proceeding in relation to the
17
conduct; or
18
(b) in relation to a term of a contract--a person who is not, or
19
has not been, a party to an enforcement proceeding in relation
20
to the term.
21
70 Section 12GNB (heading)
22
Omit "
non-party consumers
", substitute "
non-parties
".
23
71 Section 12GNB
24
Omit "non-party consumers" (wherever occurring), substitute
25
"non-parties".
26
Unfair contract terms
Schedule 2
Provisions referring to non-party consumers
Part 6
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
53
72 Subsection 12GNB(9) (heading)
1
Omit "
consumer
".
2
73 Subsection 12GNB(9)
3
Omit "consumer" (wherever occurring).
4
74 Section 12GNC (heading)
5
Omit "
non-party consumers
", substitute "
non-parties
".
6
75 Section 12GNC
7
Omit "consumer" (wherever occurring).
8
Schedule 2
Unfair contract terms
Part 7
Application
54
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
Part 7--Application
1
Division 1
--Application of amendments of the
2
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
3
76 Application
4
The amendments of sections 137D and 137F of the
Competition and
5
Consumer Act 2010
made by Schedule 2 to this Act apply in relation to
6
a contract to the same extent as the amendments of Schedule 2 to that
7
Act made by Schedule 2 to this Act apply in relation to the contract.
8
Note:
For application provisions for the amendments of Schedule 2 to that Act made by
9
Schedule 2 to this Act, see section 305 of Schedule 2 to that Act.
10
Division 2
--Application of amendments of the Australian
11
Consumer Law
12
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
13
77 Subsection 303(2) of Schedule 2
14
Omit "a services", substitute "services".
15
78 At the end of Part 7 of Chapter 6 of Schedule 2
16
Add:
17
305 Application of amendments relating to unfair contract terms
18
(1) This section applies to the amendments of this Schedule made by
19
Schedule 2 (the
amending Schedule
) to the
Treasury Laws
20
Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Act 2022
.
21
(2) The amendments:
22
(a) apply in relation to a contract made at or after the
23
commencement (the
relevant commencement
) of the
24
amending Schedule; and
25
(b) do not apply to a contract (an
existing contract
) made before
26
the relevant commencement, except as provided in this
27
section.
28
Unfair contract terms
Schedule 2
Application
Part 7
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
55
(3) If an existing contract is renewed at or after the relevant
1
commencement, the amendments apply to the contract as renewed,
2
on and from the day (the
renewal day
) on which the renewal takes
3
effect, in relation to conduct that occurs on or after the renewal
4
day.
5
(4) If an existing contract is varied at or after the relevant
6
commencement by varying or adding a term and subsection (3) has
7
not already applied in relation to the contract:
8
(a) the amendments apply to the term as varied or added, and so
9
apply:
10
(i) on and from the day (the
variation day
) on which the
11
variation of the contract takes effect; and
12
(ii) as if the contract as varied had been made on the
13
variation day; and
14
(iii) in relation to conduct that occurs on and after the
15
variation day; and
16
(b) section 23(2A)(e) applies in relation to a person proposing
17
the varied or added term, whether before, at or after the
18
relevant commencement; and
19
(c) subsection 23(2), and section 27, as in force at and after the
20
relevant commencement, apply to the contract.
21
(5) If a contract is made or renewed at or after the relevant
22
commencement, section 23(2A)(e) applies in relation to a person
23
proposing a term of the contract, whether before, at or after the
24
relevant commencement.
25
(6) Despite subsections (3) to (5) of this section, the amendments do
26
not apply to a contract, or a term of a contract, to the extent that the
27
operation of the amendments would result in an acquisition of
28
property (within the meaning of paragraph 51(xxxi) of the
29
Constitution) from a person otherwise than on just terms (within
30
the meaning of that paragraph of the Constitution).
31
Schedule 2
Unfair contract terms
Part 7
Application
56
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
Division 3
--Application of amendments of the Australian
1
Securities and Investments Commission Act
2
2001
3
Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001
4
79 In the appropriate position
5
Insert:
6
Part 39--Application provisions relating to the
7
Treasury Laws Amendment (More
8
Competition, Better Prices) Act 2022
9
10
342 Amendments relating to unfair contract terms
11
(1) This section applies to the amendments of this Act made by
12
Schedule 2 (the
amending Schedule
) to the
Treasury Laws
13
Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Act 2022
, except
14
item 58 of that Schedule.
15
(2) The amendments:
16
(a) apply in relation to a contract made at or after the
17
commencement (the
relevant commencement
) of the
18
amending Schedule; and
19
(b) do not apply to a contract (an
existing contract
) made before
20
the relevant commencement, except as provided in this
21
section.
22
(3) If an existing contract is renewed at or after the relevant
23
commencement, the amendments apply to the contract as renewed,
24
on and from the day (the
renewal day
) on which the renewal takes
25
effect, in relation to conduct that occurs on or after the renewal
26
day.
27
(4) If an existing contract is varied at or after the relevant
28
commencement by varying or adding a term and subsection (3) has
29
not already applied in relation to the contract:
30
Unfair contract terms
Schedule 2
Application
Part 7
No. , 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
57
(a) the amendments apply to the term as varied or added, and so
1
apply:
2
(i) on and from the day (the
variation day
) on which the
3
variation of the contract takes effect; and
4
(ii) as if the contract as varied had been made on the
5
variation day; and
6
(iii) in relation to conduct that occurs on and after the
7
variation day; and
8
(b) paragraph 12BF(2A)(f) applies in relation to a person
9
proposing the varied or added term, whether before, at or
10
after the relevant commencement; and
11
(c) subsection 12BF(2), and section 12BK, as in force at and
12
after the relevant commencement, apply to the contract.
13
(5) If a contract is made or renewed at or after the relevant
14
commencement, paragraph 12BF(2A)(f) applies in relation to a
15
person proposing a term of the contract, whether before, at or after
16
the relevant commencement.
17
(6) Despite subsections (3) to (5) of this section, the amendments do
18
not apply to a contract, or a term of a contract, to the extent that the
19
operation of the amendments would result in an acquisition of
20
property (within the meaning of paragraph 51(xxxi) of the
21
Constitution) from a person otherwise than on just terms (within
22
the meaning of that paragraph of the Constitution).
23
343 Application of sections 12BLA and 12BLB
24
(1) Sections 12BLA and 12BLB have effect despite section 325 as
25
inserted by Schedule 1 to the
Financial Sector Reform (Hayne
26
Royal Commission Response--Protecting Consumers (2019
27
Measures)) Act 2020
.
28
(2) However, neither of sections 12BLA and 12BLB applies to the
29
extent that its operation would result in an acquisition of property
30
(within the meaning of paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution)
31
from a person otherwise than on just terms (within the meaning of
32
that paragraph of the Constitution).
33
Schedule 2
Unfair contract terms
Part 8
Review of operation of provisions amended by this Schedule
58
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill
2022
No. , 2022
Part 8--Review of operation of provisions amended
1
by this Schedule
2
80 Review of operation of amended provisions
3
(1)
The Commonwealth Minister must cause a review to be undertaken, in
4
accordance with this section, of the operation of:
5
(a) the provisions of Schedule 2 to the
Competition and
6
Consumer Act 2010
that are amended by this Schedule, as
7
those provisions are applied under Subdivision A of
8
Division 2 of Part IX of that Act; and
9
(b) the provisions of the
Competition and Consumer Act 2010
10
(other than Schedule 2) that are amended by this Schedule;
11
and
12
(c) the provisions of the
Australian Securities and Investments
13
Commission Act 2001
that are amended by this Schedule.
14
(2)
The review must relate to the operation of those provisions, as so
15
amended, during the 2 years from the commencement of this Schedule.
16
(3)
The review must be completed, and a report on the review must be
17
given to the Minister, within 6 months after the end of those 2 years.
18
(4)
The Minister must cause a copy of the report to be tabled in each House
19
of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the Minister
20
receives the report.
21