Victorian Bills

[Index] [Search] [Download] [Related Items] [Help]


This is a Bill, not an Act. For current law, see the Acts databases.


CONSUMER CREDIT (VICTORIA) AND OTHER ACTS AMENDMENT BILL 2007

                 PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA

       Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts
                Amendment Bill 2007



                      TABLE OF PROVISIONS
Clause                                                                   Page

PART 1--PRELIMINARY                                                         1
  1      Purposes                                                           1
  2      Commencement                                                       2

PART 2--CONSUMER CREDIT (VICTORIA) ACT 1995                                 4
  3      Director may bring proceedings in a court instead of Tribunal      4
  4      New section 9A inserted                                            5
         9A      Definitions                                                5
  5      Exemptions                                                         7
  6      New sections 12A and 12B inserted                                  8
         12A     Registered credit provider to be member of approved
                 EDR scheme                                                 8
         12B     Eligibility for registration                               8
  7      Applications for registration                                     10
  8      Repeal of section 13(4)                                           12
  9      New sections 14A, 14B, 14C and 14D inserted                       12
         14A     Change to information provided in an application for
                 registration                                              12
         14B     Consideration of application                              13
         14C     Referral of applications to Director                      14
         14D     Referral of applications to Chief Commissioner            15
  10     Registration                                                      15
  11     New section 19 substituted                                        16
         19      Register of Credit Providers                              16
  12     Inspection of the Register                                        18
  13     Notice of changes of information on Register                      18
  14     Credit provider to affirm eligibility                             19
  15     New section 24A inserted                                          19
         24A     Authority may inquire into statements                     19
  16     New sections 27A, 27B and 27C inserted                            21
         27A     Automatic cancellation of registration                    21
         27B     Permission to be registered or to continue to be
                 registered                                                23
         27C     Conditions on permission                                  24


561108B.I-5/12/2007                   i       BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Clause Page 17 Inquiry by Tribunal 25 18 Section 35 substituted 25 35 Death or disability of registered credit provider 25 19 New section 35A inserted 27 35A Application for review 27 20 Penalty units 28 21 References to Registrar 28 22 Statute law revision 28 23 Repeal of Part 7 28 24 New sections 51 to 55 inserted 28 51 Current registered credit providers 28 52 Notice to Authority 29 53 Applications made but not determined 29 54 Preservation of information in the Register of Credit Providers 30 55 Applications for review by the Tribunal 30 25 Repeal of Schedule 1 30 PART 3--CREDIT (ADMINISTRATION) ACT 1984 31 26 New sections 13 and 14 inserted 31 13 Powers of the Director in relation to proceedings on behalf of consumers 31 14 Proceedings and costs 32 PART 4--FAIR TRADING ACT 1999 35 27 New Part 5A inserted 35 PART 5A--FAIR REPORTING 35 93A Definitions 35 93B Correction of errors 35 93C Consumer may apply to court where agent fails to correct information etc. 37 93D Powers of Court on application 37 PART 5--RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES ACT 1997 39 28 Act applies to rent-to-buy contracts 39 PART 6--SALE OF LAND ACT 1962 40 29 Definitions 40 30 Repeal of sections 3 to 7 40 31 Section 14 substituted 40 14 Certain agreements void 40 32 Section 29 substituted 41 29 Effect on terms contract deposit provisions 41 561108B.I-5/12/2007 ii BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Clause Page 33 New Division 4 of Part I inserted 41 Division 4--Terms contracts 41 Subdivision 1--Introductory 41 29A What is a terms contract? 41 Subdivision 2--Certain terms contracts prohibited 42 29B Which terms contracts are prohibited? 42 29C Exceptions to prohibition 43 29D When is a person presently entitled to become the registered proprietor? 43 29E Mistakes or mis-statements as to description 44 29F Purchaser may avoid prohibited terms contract 45 29G Certain provisions of terms contract void 46 Subdivision 3--Transfer and mortgage back 46 29H Purchaser may call for a transfer on giving a mortgage back 46 29I What must the mortgage provide 47 29J Failure of vendor to comply with requirement 48 29K Subdivision to apply despite Trustee Act 1958 and other Acts 48 29L Arbitrator may determine questions 48 Subdivision 4--Mortgages and terms contracts 49 29M Restrictions on sale of land 49 29N Purchaser may avoid contract 49 29O Exception if mortgage to be discharged 50 29P Land subject to a terms contract not to be mortgaged by vendor 50 29Q Vendor may require purchaser to execute mortgage 51 29R Vendor to advance amount for duty payable 51 29S Contravention of mortgage requirements 52 29T Failure by purchaser to comply with notice 53 29U Arbitrator may determine questions 54 29V Constructive notice 54 Subdivision 5--Restrictions on legal practitioners 55 29W Legal practitioner not to act for both vendor and purchaser under a terms contract 55 34 Repeal of section 33 56 35 Statute law revision 56 561108B.I-5/12/2007 iii BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Clause Page PART 7--AMENDMENTS AND REPEALS 57 36 Amendment of Business Licensing Authority Act 1998 57 37 Amendment of Subdivision Act 1988 57 38 Amendment of Transfer of Land Act 1958 58 39 Repeal of Credit Reporting Act 1978 59 40 Repeal of Amending Act 59 ENDNOTES 60 561108B.I-5/12/2007 iv BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA Introduced in the Assembly Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 A Bill for an Act to amend the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995, the Credit (Administration) Act 1984, the Fair Trading Act 1999, the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, the Sale of Land Act 1962 and certain other Acts and to repeal the Credit Reporting Act 1978 and for other purposes. The Parliament of Victoria enacts: PART 1--PRELIMINARY 1 Purposes The main purposes of this Act are-- (a) to amend the Consumer Credit (Victoria) 5 Act 1995-- (i) in relation to the registration of credit providers; and 561108B.I-5/12/2007 1 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 1--Preliminary s. 2 (ii) to allow certain proceedings under the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Code to be brought in a court rather than VCAT if the Director of Consumer Affairs 5 Victoria so determines; and (b) to amend the Credit (Administration) Act 1984 to empower the Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria to bring proceedings on behalf of consumers under the Consumer 10 Credit (Victoria) Code or Division 5 of Part 4A of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995; and (c) to amend the Fair Trading Act 1999 to re-enact certain provisions of the Credit 15 Reporting Act 1978 relating to the correction of errors in credit records; and (d) to amend the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 to provide that certain agreements are to be tenancy agreements even if the rental 20 term exceeds 5 years if the tenant also has a right or option to purchase the rented premises; and (e) to amend the Sale of Land Act 1962 to re-enact with amendments the provisions 25 relating to terms contracts; and (f) to repeal the Credit Reporting Act 1978. 2 Commencement (1) This Act (except for sections 4 to 24 and Parts 5 and 6) comes into operation on the day after the 30 day on which it receives Royal Assent. (2) Subject to subsection (3), sections 4 to 24 and Parts 5 and 6 come into operation on a day or days to be proclaimed. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 2 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 1--Preliminary s. 2 (3) If a provision referred to in subsection (2) does not come into operation before 1 July 2009, it comes into operation on that day. __________________ 561108B.I-5/12/2007 3 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 3 PART 2--CONSUMER CREDIT (VICTORIA) ACT 1995 3 Director may bring proceedings in a court instead of Tribunal See: (1) In section 8(1)(a) of the Consumer Credit Act No. 5 41/1995. (Victoria) Act 1995 before "in the case of" insert Reprint No. 2 "except in relation to proceedings in respect of as at 24 February which a determination is made under 2000 subsection (1A),". and amending Act Nos (2) After section 8(1)(a) of the Consumer Credit 10 11/2001, (Victoria) Act 1995 insert-- 44/2001, 10/2004, "(ab) in the case of proceedings in respect of 10/2005 and 17/2007. which a determination is made under LawToday: subsection (1A), only a court; or". www. legislation. (3) After section 8(1) of the Consumer Credit vic.gov.au 15 (Victoria) Act 1995 insert-- "(1A) The Director may determine to bring proceedings (other than proceedings on behalf of any other person) that the Director is empowered to bring under a provision of 20 the Code referred to in subsection (1)(a) in a court instead of the Tribunal if the Director considers that-- (a) it is in the public interest to do so; and (b) given the nature and circumstances of 25 the case, it would be more appropriately dealt with by a court. (1B) Subsection (1A) applies only to proceedings commenced after the commencement of section 3 of the Consumer Credit 30 (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Act 2007.". 561108B.I-5/12/2007 4 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 4 4 New section 9A inserted In Part 4 of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 before section 10 insert-- "9A Definitions 5 (1) In this Part-- approved EDR scheme means-- (a) an external dispute resolution scheme that is approved by the Australian Securities and 10 Investments Commission in accordance with section 912A(2)(b) of the Corporations Act; or (b) a dispute resolution scheme 15 prescribed by the regulations to be an approved EDR scheme for credit providers; associate, in relation to a person, means-- (a) a spouse or domestic partner of 20 the person, other than a spouse or domestic partner-- (i) who is not, and has never been, involved in the person's business of 25 providing credit; or (ii) who will not be involved in the person's proposed business of providing credit; or 30 (b) if the person is a body corporate, a director of the body corporate; 561108B.I-5/12/2007 5 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 4 disqualifying offence means an offence involving fraud, dishonesty, violence or drug trafficking punishable on conviction by-- 5 (a) in the case of a natural person, imprisonment for 3 months or more (whether or not in addition to a fine); or (b) in the case of a body corporate, a 10 fine of 100 penalty units or more; domestic partner of a person means an adult person to whom the person is not married but with whom the person is in a relationship as a couple where one or 15 each of them provides personal or financial commitment and support of a domestic nature for the material benefit of the other, irrespective of their genders and whether or not they are 20 living under the same roof, but does not include a person who provides domestic support and personal care to the person-- (a) for fee or reward; or 25 (b) on behalf of another person or an organisation (including a government or government agency, a body corporate or a charitable or benevolent 30 organisation); Register means the Register of Credit Providers under section 19; relevant business means the business of-- (a) providing credit; or 35 (b) finance broking; or 561108B.I-5/12/2007 6 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 5 (c) providing financial services within the meaning of the Corporations Act; relevant licence or registration means-- 5 (a) a licence or registration as a credit provider under the law of another State or of a Territory; or (b) a licence or registration as a finance broker under the law of 10 any Australian jurisdiction; or (c) an Australian financial services licence under the Corporations Act; spouse of a person means a person to whom 15 the person is married. (2) For the purposes of the definition of domestic partner in subsection (1)-- (a) in determining whether persons are domestic partners of each other, all the circumstances 20 of their relationship are to be taken into account, including any one or more of the matters referred to in section 275(2) of the Property Law Act 1958 as may be relevant in a particular case; 25 (b) a person is not a domestic partner of another person only because they are co-tenants.". 5 Exemptions (1) In section 12(1)(c) of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 for "Life Insurance Act 30 1945" substitute "Life Insurance Act 1995". (2) Section 12(1)(f) of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 is repealed. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 7 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 6 6 New sections 12A and 12B inserted After section 12 of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 insert-- "12A Registered credit provider to be member 5 of approved EDR scheme A registered credit provider must not carry on business as a credit provider unless the registered credit provider is a member of an approved EDR scheme. 10 Penalty: 120 penalty units, in the case of a natural person; 600 penalty units, in the case of a body corporate. 12B Eligibility for registration 15 A person is not eligible to be registered as a credit provider under this Part-- (a) if the person is a represented person within the meaning of the Guardianship and Administration 20 Act 1986; or (b) if the person is a body corporate, if a director of the body corporate is a represented person within the meaning of the Guardianship and 25 Administration Act 1986; or (c) if the person is an insolvent under administration or an externally- administered body corporate; or (d) if the person is a body corporate, if a 30 director of the body corporate is an insolvent under administration; or 561108B.I-5/12/2007 8 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 6 (e) if the person has within the preceding 5 years in Australia or elsewhere, been convicted or found guilty of a disqualifying offence; or 5 (f) if an associate of the person or, if the person is a body corporate, an associate of a director of the body corporate has, within the preceding 5 years in Australia or elsewhere, been convicted 10 or found guilty of a disqualifying offence; or (g) if-- (i) a body corporate has, within the preceding 5 years in Australia or 15 elsewhere, been convicted or found guilty of a disqualifying offence; and (ii) the person was a director of the body corporate at the time the 20 disqualifying offence was committed; or (h) if the person carries on or has carried on a relevant business, or holds or has held a relevant licence or registration 25 and-- (i) the relevant licence or registration is suspended; or (ii) the relevant licence or registration has been cancelled at any time in 30 the preceding 5 years; or (iii) the person is disqualified from carrying on the relevant business or has been so disqualified at any time in the preceding 5 years; or 561108B.I-5/12/2007 9 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 7 (i) if an associate of the person or, if the person is a body corporate, an associate of a director of the body corporate carries on or has carried on a relevant 5 business, or holds or has held a relevant licence or registration and-- (i) the relevant licence or registration is suspended; or (ii) the relevant licence or registration 10 has been cancelled at any time in the preceding 5 years; or (iii) the associate is disqualified from carrying on the relevant business or has been so disqualified at any 15 time in the preceding 5 years.". 7 Applications for registration (1) In section 13(1) of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 for "Registrar" (wherever occurring) substitute "Authority". 20 (2) After section 13(2)(f) of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 insert-- "(fa) the name and contact information of the approved EDR scheme of which the applicant is a member; 25 (fb) a description of the types of credit products the applicant proposes to offer or provide; (fc) whether the applicant employs, or proposes to employ, less than 20 employees or 20 or more employees; 30 (fd) whether the applicant is, or proposes to be, a linked credit provider; (fe) each other State or Territory where the applicant carries on the business of providing credit;". 561108B.I-5/12/2007 10 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 7 (3) After section 13(2) of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 insert-- "(2A) If the applicant is a natural person, the applicant must certify on the application-- 5 (a) that the applicant is not ineligible to be registered on any ground set out in section 12B(a), 12B(c), 12B(e), 12B(g) or 12B(h); and (b) that, after making relevant inquiries, to 10 the applicant's knowledge, the applicant is not ineligible to be registered on any ground set out in section 12B(f) or 12B(i); and (c) that the applicant is of or over the age 15 of 18 years. (2B) If the applicant is a body corporate, the application must be accompanied by a statement by one of the directors certifying-- 20 (a) that the body corporate is not ineligible to be registered on any ground set out in section 12B(b), 12B(c), 12B(d), 12B(e) or 12B(h); and (b) that, after making relevant inquiries of 25 each of the directors, to the knowledge of the director making the statement, the body corporate is not ineligible to be registered on any ground set out in section 12B(f) or 12B(i). 30 (2C) If the applicant is a body corporate, the application must be accompanied by a statement by the director making the application on behalf of the body corporate that certifies-- 561108B.I-5/12/2007 11 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 8 (a) that he or she has authority to make the application on behalf of the body corporate; and (b) that the particulars contained in the 5 application are true and correct. (2D) An application under this section must be accompanied by evidence as to the identity of-- (a) the applicant; or 10 (b) if the applicant is a body corporate, the director making the application on behalf of the body corporate-- by means of a birth certificate, passport (if the passport is current or has been expired 15 for not more than 2 years), driver licence or any other document in one of the prescribed categories.". 8 Repeal of section 13(4) Section 13(4) of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) 20 Act 1995 is repealed. 9 New sections 14A, 14B, 14C and 14D inserted After section 14 of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 insert-- "14A Change to information provided in an 25 application for registration (1) An applicant for registration must-- (a) give the Authority notice of any material change during the relevant period to the information provided to 30 the Authority by the applicant in support of the application; and 561108B.I-5/12/2007 12 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 9 (b) provide the notice referred to in paragraph (a) within 7 days after becoming aware of the change. Penalty: 60 penalty units. 5 (2) In this section-- material change includes a change resulting in an applicant becoming ineligible to apply for registration; relevant period means the period between 10 the making of an application for registration and the determination of the application by the Authority. 14B Consideration of application (1) In considering an application for registration, 15 the Authority may-- (a) conduct any inquiries into matters relevant to registration that the Authority thinks fit; (b) require an applicant to provide any 20 further information relating to matters relevant to registration that the Authority thinks fit in the manner required by the Authority; (c) seek advice and information on the 25 application from any other person or body that the Authority thinks fit. (2) The Authority may engage or appoint any person to assist it in considering an application. 30 (3) The Authority may refuse to register an applicant if the applicant does not provide the further information required under subsection (1)(b) within a reasonable time of the requirement being made. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 13 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 9 (4) The Authority may request the applicant to provide any consent to disclosure of information that the Authority requires to perform, or have performed, a check on the 5 applicant or on any information included in the applicant's application. (5) The Authority may refuse to consider an application for registration if the applicant fails to comply with a request under 10 subsection (4) within 14 days after the request is made. (6) The Authority is not required to conduct an oral hearing to determine whether to register an applicant or refuse to register an 15 applicant. (7) In this section, in the case of an applicant that is a body corporate, a reference to an applicant includes a reference to a director of the body corporate. 20 14C Referral of applications to Director (1) Before making a decision on an application for registration, the Authority may refer the application, or any part of the application, to the Director. 25 (2) If the Authority refers an application, or any part of an application, to the Director under this section, the Director-- (a) must make any inquiries in relation to the application or part of the application 30 that the Director considers to be appropriate to enable the proper consideration of the application; and (b) must give the Authority a report on the results of those inquiries. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 14 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 10 (3) The Director may include in a report any recommendations relating to the application that the Director considers appropriate. 14D Referral of applications to Chief 5 Commissioner (1) Before making a decision on an application for registration, the Authority may give any details of the application that the Authority considers relevant to the Chief 10 Commissioner. (2) The Chief Commissioner, on receiving details of the application, must make any inquiries in relation to the application that the Chief Commissioner considers 15 appropriate. (3) The Chief Commissioner, after receiving the results of the inquiries, must report to the Authority. (4) A report may include recommendations.". 20 10 Registration (1) For section 15(1) of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 substitute-- "(1) The Authority must register an applicant as a credit provider if it is satisfied-- 25 (a) on the basis of the information provided by the applicant to the Authority or otherwise obtained by the Authority, that the applicant is not ineligible to be registered on any ground set out in 30 section 12B; and (b) that the applicant complies with the requirements set out in section 13(1).". 561108B.I-5/12/2007 15 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 11 (2) In section 15(3) of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 for "registering" substitute "the registration of". (3) After section 15(3) of the Consumer Credit 5 (Victoria) Act 1995 insert-- "(4) If the Authority decides not to register an applicant, the Authority must notify the applicant in writing of the decision within 14 days after that decision is made.". 10 11 New section 19 substituted For section 19 of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 substitute-- "19 Register of Credit Providers (1) The Authority must keep a register to be 15 known as the Register of Credit Providers. (2) The purposes of the Register are-- (a) to enable members of the public to access information about credit providers; 20 (b) to record details of the approved EDR scheme of which each credit provider is a member; (c) to enable the Director and the Authority-- 25 (i) to contact credit providers to inform them of changes to the requirements of the Credit Acts; (ii) to monitor compliance by credit providers with the Credit Acts; 30 (iii) to conduct education campaigns for credit providers and consumers in relation to the operation of the Credit Acts. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 16 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 11 (3) The Register must be kept in a form, and made available in whole or in part in a form, approved by the Authority. (4) The Register must contain for each credit 5 provider-- (a) the name and contact information, including any Internet or email addresses maintained for the operation of the business; 10 (b) if the credit provider is a body corporate, the name of each director of the body corporate; (c) all names under which the credit provider carries on the business of 15 providing credit; (d) the Australian Business Number (ABN) (if any) issued to the credit provider; (e) the name and contact information of the approved EDR scheme of which the 20 credit provider is a member; (f) details of any orders relating to the credit provider made by the Tribunal under this Act of which the Registrar has notice; 25 (g) details of any undertakings given to the Director by the credit provider under this Act or the Fair Trading Act 1999 of which the Registrar has notice; (h) the date of grant and date of any 30 surrender, cancellation or suspension of the credit provider's registration; (i) any other information prescribed in the regulations. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 17 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 12 (5) Subject to the Public Records Act 1973, the Registrar may remove information from the Register if-- (a) the information has been on the 5 Register for at least 12 years; and (b) in the opinion of the Registrar, it is no longer necessary for the information to remain on the Register. (6) A certificate under the hand of the Registrar 10 certifying as to any matter on the Register is to be received in all courts as evidence of the matter certified. (7) In this section-- Credit Acts means the Credit Act 1984, the 15 Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 and the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Code.". 12 Inspection of the Register In section 20 of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) 20 Act 1995 after "A person" insert ", on payment of the prescribed fee (if any)". 13 Notice of changes of information on Register (1) In section 21(1) of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995-- 25 (a) for "prescribed change" substitute "material change"; and (b) for "14 days" substitute "7 days". (2) In section 21(2) of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 for "prescribed change" 30 substitute "material change". 561108B.I-5/12/2007 18 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 14 (3) After section 21(2) of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 insert-- "(3) If the Registrar receives notice of any change to a credit provider's membership of an 5 approved EDR scheme, the Registrar must notify the Director of the change. (4) In this section-- material change includes-- (a) a change to any information about 10 the credit provider contained in the Register, including information about membership of an approved EDR scheme; and (b) a prescribed change.". 15 14 Credit provider to affirm eligibility (1) After section 24(2A) of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 insert-- "(2B) A statement under this section must affirm that the registered credit provider is not 20 ineligible for registration on any ground set out in section 12B.". (2) In section 24(4) of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 for "Registrar" (wherever occurring) substitute "Authority". 25 15 New section 24A inserted After section 24 of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 insert-- "24A Authority may inquire into statements (1) The Authority may in relation to a statement 30 lodged by a credit provider under section 24-- 561108B.I-5/12/2007 19 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 15 (a) conduct any inquiries into matters relevant to registration that the Authority thinks fit; (b) require a credit provider to provide any 5 further information relating to matters relevant to registration that the Authority thinks fit in the manner required by the Authority; (c) seek advice and information on the 10 application from any other person or body that the Authority thinks fit. (2) In making inquiries under this section, the Authority may request the credit provider to provide any consent to disclosure of the 15 information that the Authority requires to check on the credit provider or on any information included in the credit provider's statement. (3) If a credit provider fails to provide within a 20 reasonable time-- (a) further information required under subsection (1)(b); or (b) consent to the disclosure of the information in accordance with 25 subsection (2)-- the Authority must give notice in writing to the credit provider to the effect that unless the credit provider provides the information or consent within 14 days, or such longer 30 period as the Authority determines, after the notice is given, the credit provider's registration will be cancelled. (4) If the credit provider fails to provide the information or consent within the time 35 specified in a notice under subsection (3), the 561108B.I-5/12/2007 20 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 16 registration of the credit provider is automatically cancelled. (5) In this section, in the case of a credit provider that is a body corporate, a reference 5 to a credit provider includes a reference to a director of the body corporate.". 16 New sections 27A, 27B and 27C inserted After section 27 of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 insert-- 10 "27A Automatic cancellation of registration (1) A person's registration under this Part is automatically cancelled-- (a) if the person becomes a represented person within the meaning of the 15 Guardianship and Administration Act 1986; or (b) if the person is a body corporate, if a director of the body corporate becomes a represented person within the 20 meaning of the Guardianship and Administration Act 1986; or (c) if the person becomes an insolvent under administration or an externally- administered body corporate. 25 (2) A person's registration under this Part is automatically cancelled 30 days after-- (a) subject to subsection (3), the person or an associate of the person, or if the person is a body corporate, an associate 30 of a director of the body corporate, is convicted or found guilty of a disqualifying offence; or 561108B.I-5/12/2007 21 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 16 (b) subject to subsection (3), the person or an associate of the person, or if the person is a body corporate, an associate of a director of the body corporate, 5 carries on a relevant business, or holds a relevant licence or registration and-- (i) the relevant licence or registration is suspended or cancelled; or (ii) the person or associate is 10 disqualified from carrying on the business; or (c) an associate of the person or, if the person is a body corporate, an associate of a director of the body corporate 15 becomes an insolvent under administration or an externally administered body corporate; or (d) the person is notified in writing by the Authority that an associate of the 20 person or, if the person is a body corporate, an associate of a director of the body corporate would, if the associate or director were to apply for registration under this Part, be 25 ineligible to be so registered. (3) If the person is a body corporate, the person's registration under this Part is automatically cancelled if-- (a) a director is convicted or found guilty 30 of a disqualifying offence; or (b) a director has a relevant licence or registration suspended or cancelled-- and the director is still a director of the body corporate 30 days after the conviction, 35 finding of guilt, suspension or cancellation. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 22 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 16 (4) For the purposes of subsections (2)(a) and (3)(a), a conviction or finding of guilt is to be taken to take effect at the conclusion of the proceedings, whether on appeal or 5 otherwise, or at the end of any appeal period, whichever is the later. (5) If a person whose registration would otherwise be cancelled under subsection (2) or (3) applies for permission under section 10 27B within the 30 day period referred to in subsection (2) or (3), the person's registration is only automatically cancelled if the application is withdrawn or refused by the Authority. 15 27B Permission to be registered or to continue to be registered (1) A person who would be otherwise ineligible to be registered because of sections 12B(c) to 12B(e) may apply to the Authority for 20 permission to be registered. (2) A person whose registration would otherwise be cancelled under section 27A(2) or 27A(3) may apply to the Authority for permission to continue to be registered. 25 (3) An application for permission must be-- (a) in a form approved by the Authority; and (b) accompanied by the prescribed fee (if any). 30 (4) The Authority may give its permission if it is satisfied that it is not contrary to the public interest to do so. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 23 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 16 (5) In considering an application under this section, the Authority may-- (a) conduct any inquiries into matters relevant to registration that the 5 Authority thinks fit; and (b) require the applicant to provide any further information relating to matters relevant to registration that the Authority thinks fit, in the manner 10 required by the Authority; and (c) seek advice and information on the application from any other person or body that the Authority thinks fit. (6) The Authority may refuse to give permission 15 if the applicant does not provide the further information required within 14 days of the requirement being made. (7) The Authority is not required to conduct an oral hearing to determine whether or not to 20 give permission. 27C Conditions on permission (1) In giving permission under section 27B, the Authority may impose any conditions it considers appropriate to ensure the ongoing 25 protection of the public interest. (2) The Authority may at any time impose conditions in respect of the permission or vary or revoke any conditions previously imposed. 30 (3) A person to whom permission has been given must comply with any conditions imposed in respect of the permission. Penalty: 100 penalty units.". 561108B.I-5/12/2007 24 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 17 17 Inquiry by Tribunal (1) Sections 30(3)(g), 30(3)(h) and 30(3)(j) of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 are repealed. 5 (2) At the end of section 30(3)(i) for "Act; or" substitute "Act.". (3) For section 30(5) of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 substitute-- "(5) If the registered credit provider is the holder 10 of an Australian financial services licence issued under Part 7.6 of the Corporations Act or is registered, licensed or otherwise authorised to operate under any prescribed law providing for the prudential supervision 15 of the credit provider, the Tribunal must, before holding an inquiry, consult with and send a copy of the application under section 28 to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission or, as the case 20 requires, to the body responsible under the prescribed law for the registration, licensing or authorisation of the credit provider.". 18 Section 35 substituted For section 35 of the Consumer Credit 25 (Victoria) Act 1995 substitute-- "35 Death or disability of registered credit provider (1) The following persons may carry on the business of providing credit of a person who 30 was registered under this Part for 30 days after the person ceases to be registered-- (a) if the person dies, the executor named in the person's will or the administrator of the person's estate or any person who 35 intends applying for letters of 561108B.I-5/12/2007 25 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 18 administration in relation to the person's estate; (b) if the person becomes an insolvent under administration, the assignee, 5 trustee or receiver of the person; (c) if the person becomes a represented person within the meaning of the Guardianship and Administration Act 1986, the administrator of the 10 estate of the person or any person nominated by the administrator; (d) if the person becomes an externally- administered body corporate, the liquidator, official manager, receiver, 15 receiver and manager or other external administrator. (2) If a person authorised to carry on a business applies to the Authority within the 30 day period for permission to carry on the 20 business for a longer period, the person may continue to carry on the business until the Authority makes a decision on the application. (3) The Authority may grant an application if it 25 is satisfied that it is not contrary to the public interest to do so. (4) In granting its permission, the Authority may limit it in any way it thinks appropriate and may impose any conditions it thinks 30 appropriate to ensure the ongoing protection of the public interest. (5) The Authority may at any time withdraw any permission it has granted under this section or limit, or impose, revoke or vary conditions 35 on, any such permission. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 26 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 19 (6) A person who has been granted permission under this section must comply with any limitation or condition that applies to the permission. 5 Penalty: 60 penalty units. (7) Subject to any limitation or condition imposed under subsection (4), a person who carries on a business of providing credit under this section is deemed, for the 10 purposes of this Act, to be a registered credit provider on the same terms and conditions as applied to the person who has ceased to be registered.". 19 New section 35A inserted 15 After section 35 of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 insert-- "35A Application for review (1) A person whose interests are affected by a decision of the Authority under this Part may 20 apply to the Tribunal for a review of the decision. (2) An application for review must be made within 28 days after the later of-- (a) the day on which the decision is made; 25 or (b) if, under the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998, the person requests a statement of reasons for the decision, the day on 30 which the statement of reasons is given to the person or the person is informed under section 46(5) of that Act that a statement of reasons will not be given.". 561108B.I-5/12/2007 27 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 20 20 Penalty units (1) In sections 14, 26(5) and 36 of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 for "50 penalty units" substitute "60 penalty units". 5 (2) In section 18 of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 for "10 penalty units" substitute "60 penalty units". (3) In section 31A of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 for "25 penalty units" 10 substitute "60 penalty units". 21 References to Registrar In sections 23 and 27 of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 for "Registrar" (wherever occurring) substitute "Authority". 15 22 Statute law revision Section 45(2) of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 is repealed. 23 Repeal of Part 7 Part 7 of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 20 1995 is repealed. 24 New sections 51 to 55 inserted After section 50 of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 insert-- "51 Current registered credit providers 25 A person who was registered as a credit provider immediately before the commencement of section 6 of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Act 2007 continues to be 30 registered as a credit provider under Part 4 after that commencement subject to the requirements of sections 12B and 27A. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 28 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 24 52 Notice to Authority A person who was registered as a credit provider immediately before the commencement of section 6 of the 5 Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Act 2007 must, within 14 days of that commencement, notify the Authority in writing of the name and contact details of the approved EDR scheme of 10 which the person is a member. Penalty: 60 penalty units. 53 Applications made but not determined (1) An application under section 13 made but not determined before the commencement of 15 section 7 of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Act 2007 must be determined in accordance with this Act as in force immediately before that commencement. 20 (2) A person to whom section 53(1) applies must notify the Authority in writing of the name and contact details of the approved EDR scheme of which the person is a member before the application referred to in 25 that section is determined. (3) An application under section 35 made but not determined before the commencement of section 18 of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment 30 Act 2007, must be determined in accordance with this Act as in force immediately before that commencement. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 29 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 2--Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 s. 25 54 Preservation of information in the Register of Credit Providers Any information contained in the Register of Credit Providers immediately before the 5 commencement of section 11 of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Act 2007 continues to form part of the Register after that commencement unless it is removed by the 10 Registrar in accordance with this Act. 55 Applications for review by the Tribunal Section 35A applies only to decisions made by the Authority after the commencement of section 19 of the Consumer Credit 15 (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Act 2007.". 25 Repeal of Schedule 1 Schedule 1 to the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 is repealed. __________________ 561108B.I-5/12/2007 30 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 3--Credit (Administration) Act 1984 s. 26 PART 3--CREDIT (ADMINISTRATION) ACT 1984 26 New sections 13 and 14 inserted See: After section 12 of the Credit (Administration) Act No. Act 1984 insert-- 10091. Reprint No. 4 5 "13 Powers of the Director in relation to as at 1 September proceedings on behalf of consumers 1999 and amending (1) The Director may, subject to this section, Act Nos institute or continue proceedings on behalf 35/2000, 106/2003, of, or defend proceedings brought against, a 103/2004 and 10 person or persons in respect of any consumer 79/2006. LawToday: credit matter. www. legislation. (2) The Director must not, under subsection (1), vic.gov.au institute or continue or defend proceedings unless the Director is satisfied-- 15 (a) that the person or persons have a good cause of action or a good defence to an action relating to the consumer credit matter; and (b) that the person or each of the persons is 20 a debtor, mortgagor or guarantor, or a lessee under a consumer lease, within the meaning of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Code; and (c) that it is in the public interest to 25 institute, continue or defend proceedings on behalf of the person or persons. (3) The Director must not, under subsection (1), institute, continue or defend proceedings on 30 behalf of a person or persons unless-- (a) the person has or the persons have given consent in writing; or 561108B.I-5/12/2007 31 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 3--Credit (Administration) Act 1984 s. 26 (b) in the case of group proceedings or representative proceedings, the representative party has given consent. (4) After consent has been given under 5 subsection (3), the Director may institute or continue proceedings or defend proceedings on behalf of a person or persons even if the person or any of the persons revokes the consent. 10 (5) In this section-- consumer credit matter means any matter in respect of which proceedings may be brought under the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Code or Division 5 of 15 Part 4A of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995; proceedings includes group proceedings and representative proceedings. 14 Proceedings and costs 20 (1) If the Director institutes, continues or defends proceedings on behalf of a person under section 13-- (a) the Director may settle the proceedings either with or without obtaining 25 judgment in the proceedings; and (b) if a judgment is obtained in the proceedings in favour of the person, the Director may take such steps as are necessary to enforce the judgment; and 30 (c) subject to subsections (2) and (3), an amount (other than an amount in respect of costs) recovered by the Director in respect of the person in the proceedings is payable to the person; 35 and 561108B.I-5/12/2007 32 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 3--Credit (Administration) Act 1984 s. 26 (d) an amount in respect of costs recovered in the proceedings is payable to the Director; and (e) subject to subsection (2), the person is 5 liable to pay an amount (not being an amount of costs) awarded against the person in the proceedings; and (f) the Director is liable to pay the costs of or incidental to the proceedings that are 10 payable by the person. (2) If the Director institutes, continues or defends proceedings on behalf of a person after the person revokes the consent to the institution, defence or continuation of the 15 proceedings-- (a) the Director must compensate the person for-- (i) any loss suffered as the result of the loss of any settlement offer 20 made to the person; and (ii) out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the person during the proceedings after the revocation of consent; and 25 (b) the Director is liable to pay any amount awarded against the person in the proceedings. (3) If the Director institutes, continues or defends proceedings on behalf of a person 30 after the person revokes the consent to the institution, continuation or defence of the proceedings, any amount recovered by the Director in respect of the person in the proceedings (including any amount for costs) 35 that exceeds the amount payable to the person under subsection (2) may be applied 561108B.I-5/12/2007 33 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 3--Credit (Administration) Act 1984 s. 26 to the payment of the costs of, and incidental to, the proceedings for which the Director is liable or that are incurred by the Director in relation to the proceedings. 5 (4) If, in proceedings instituted, continued or defended on behalf of a person under section 13-- (a) a party to the proceedings files a counterclaim; or 10 (b) the person is entitled to file a counterclaim-- and the counterclaim is not or would not be related to the proceedings and to the interests of the person in the dispute, the Director may 15 apply to the court or the Tribunal hearing the proceedings for an order that the counterclaim not be heard in the course of those proceedings. (5) If the court or the Tribunal makes an order 20 under subsection (4), the court or the Tribunal may make any ancillary or consequential provisions that it thinks just.". __________________ 561108B.I-5/12/2007 34 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 4--Fair Trading Act 1999 s. 27 PART 4--FAIR TRADING ACT 1999 27 New Part 5A inserted After Part 5 of the Fair Trading Act 1999 See: Act No. insert-- 16/1999. Reprint No. 3 as at 5 "PART 5A--FAIR REPORTING 23 February 2007 93A Definitions and amending Act Nos In this Part-- 79/2006 and 17/2007. consumer means any person with respect to LawToday: whom-- www. legislation. 10 (a) a credit report is made; or vic.gov.au (b) any information is held by a credit reporting agent; credit report means any written, oral, or other communication with respect to 15 the credit worthiness, credit standing, or credit capacity of a person but does not include a report containing information solely as to transactions or communications between the person 20 making the report and the person who is the subject of the report; credit reporting agent means a person who engages in the practice of providing credit reports to any other person, 25 whether for profit or reward or on a regular co-operative basis. 93B Correction of errors (1) A consumer who disputes the accuracy or completeness in relation to the consumer of 30 any information compiled by a credit reporting agent may request the agent to correct the information. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 35 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 4--Fair Trading Act 1999 s. 27 (2) A request under subsection (1) must be by written notice which must-- (a) include details of the matters in dispute; and 5 (b) be served on the agent personally or by post or by electronic communication. (3) If a consumer makes a request under subsection (1), the credit reporting agent must, within 30 days, inform the consumer-- 10 (a) as to whether or not the agent has made any amendment or supplement to or deletion from the information recorded in relation to that consumer; and (b) if so, of the full details of the 15 amendment, supplement or deletion. (4) If a credit reporting agent amends, supplements or deletes information, the agent must give written notice of that fact to the following persons within 30 days-- 20 (a) all persons who have been supplied with information with respect to the consumer within 6 months before the amendment, supplement or deletion is made; 25 (b) any persons to whom the credit reporting agent has supplied information and whom the consumer requires the agent to notify of the amendment, supplement or deletion. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 36 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 4--Fair Trading Act 1999 s. 27 93C Consumer may apply to court where agent fails to correct information etc. (1) This section applies if a consumer makes a request under section 93B and-- 5 (a) does not receive any of the information referred to in section 93B(3) within 30 days after making the request; or (b) is informed that the credit reporting agent has not made any amendment or 10 supplement to or deletion from the information recorded in relation to the consumer; or (c) is not satisfied with any amendment supplement or deletion of which the 15 consumer is informed. (2) The consumer may apply to the Magistrates' Court for an order requiring the credit reporting agent to make any or any further amendment or supplement to or deletion 20 from information compiled in relation to that consumer. (3) A consumer must serve written notice of an application under subsection (2) on the credit reporting agent within 7 days after making 25 the application. 93D Powers of Court on application (1) On an application under section 93C, the Court may-- (a) order that all or any persons or any 30 class or description of persons be excluded from the court during all or any of the proceedings and, in case of disobedience, order the removal from the court of those persons; or 561108B.I-5/12/2007 37 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 4--Fair Trading Act 1999 s. 27 (b) by order prohibit the publication of a report of the proceedings; or (c) make orders under both paragraphs (a) and (b). 5 (2) On hearing an application under section 93C, the Court may order a credit reporting agent-- (a) to amend, supplement, or delete any item of information concerning the 10 consumer that is in the agent's possession or under the agent's control-- (i) which the Court is satisfied is inaccurate, misleading, or 15 irrelevant to the purpose for which the information is kept; or (ii) which the Court is of the opinion should be amended, supplemented, or deleted by 20 reason of the effluxion of time; and (b) to give full details of that amendment, supplement, or deletion to any person to whom the credit reporting agent has 25 provided information with respect to the consumer and who is specified in the order. (3) A credit reporting agent must comply with an order under this section. 30 Penalty: 60 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months. __________________". __________________ 561108B.I-5/12/2007 38 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 5--Residential Tenancies Act 1997 s. 28 PART 5--RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES ACT 1997 28 Act applies to rent-to-buy contracts See: At the end of section 6 of the Residential Act No. Tenancies Act 1997 insert-- 109/1997. Reprint No. 4 5 "(2) Despite subsection (1), this Act applies to a as at 23 March fixed term tenancy agreement in respect of 2006 premises whether or not the initial term of and amending the tenancy agreement exceeds 5 years if-- Act Nos 23/2006, (a) the tenancy agreement or another 32/2006, 10 document gives to the tenant a right, or 48/2006, 85/2006 and an option, to purchase the premises; 17/2007. and LawToday: www. legislation. (b) the tenancy agreement is not a tenancy vic.gov.au agreement of a kind referred to in 15 section 13; and (c) the tenancy agreement is entered into after the commencement of section 28 of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Act 20 2007.". __________________ 561108B.I-5/12/2007 39 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 6--Sale of Land Act 1962 s. 29 PART 6--SALE OF LAND ACT 1962 29 Definitions See: Act No. (1) In section 2(1) of the Sale of Land Act 1962 for 6975. the definition of terms contract substitute-- Reprint No. 12 5 as at "terms contract has the meaning set out in 1 February 2004 section 29A;". and amending (2) Sections 2(3) and 2(4) of the Sale of Land Act Act Nos 1962 are repealed. 92/1990, 103/2004, 10/2005, 18/2005, 69/2006, 75/2006, 85/2006 and 17/2007. LawToday: www. legislation. vic.gov.au 30 Repeal of sections 3 to 7 10 Sections 3 to 7 of the Sale of Land Act 1962 are repealed. 31 Section 14 substituted For section 14 of the Sale of Land Act 1962 substitute-- 15 "14 Certain agreements void Any agreement under which a person purports to waive any right the person may have under this Act to avoid a contract is void.". 561108B.I-5/12/2007 40 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 6--Sale of Land Act 1962 s. 32 32 Section 29 substituted For section 29 of the Sale of Land Act 1962 substitute-- "29 Effect on terms contract deposit 5 provisions Nothing in this Division affects the operation of section 29O.". 33 New Division 4 of Part I inserted After Division 3 of Part I of the Sale of Land Act 10 1962 insert-- "Division 4--Terms contracts Subdivision 1--Introductory 29A What is a terms contract? (1) For the purposes of this Act a contract is a 15 terms contract if it is an executory contract for the sale and purchase of any land under which the purchaser is-- (a) obliged to make 2 or more payments (other than a deposit or final payment) 20 to the vendor after the execution of the contract and before the purchaser is entitled to a conveyance or transfer of the land; or (b) entitled to possession or occupation of 25 the land before the purchaser becomes entitled to a conveyance or transfer of the land. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 41 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 6--Sale of Land Act 1962 s. 33 (2) In subsection (1)-- deposit means a payment made to the vendor or to a person on behalf of the vendor before the purchaser becomes entitled 5 to possession or to the receipt of rents and profits under the contract; final payment means a payment on the making of which the purchaser becomes entitled to a conveyance or 10 transfer of the land. Subdivision 2--Certain terms contracts prohibited 29B Which terms contracts are prohibited? (1) A person must not sell, under a terms 15 contract, land that is in an identified folio under the Transfer of Land Act 1958 or is not under the operation of that Act unless-- (a) at the date of the making of the contract, the person has a good safe 20 holding and marketable title to the land; and (b) the person-- (i) holds an estate in fee simple in the land; or 25 (ii) is, as mortgagee, entitled to an estate in fee simple in the land; or (iii) is, as mortgagor, entitled in fee simple to the equity of redemption in the land; or 30 (iv) is empowered by or under an Act to deal with an estate in fee simple in the land. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 42 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 6--Sale of Land Act 1962 s. 33 (2) A person must not sell, under a terms contract, land that is under the Transfer of Land Act 1958 (other than land in an identified folio under that Act) unless, at the 5 date of the making of the contract, the person is-- (a) the registered proprietor of the land; or (b) presently entitled to become the registered proprietor of the land; or 10 (c) empowered by or under an Act to execute a registrable transfer of the land. 29C Exceptions to prohibition Section 29B does not prevent a person from 15 selling land under a terms contract if-- (a) the person has first obtained the consent of an arbitrator to enter into the contract; or (b) the contract is of a prescribed class and 20 is entered into in accordance with the regulations. 29D When is a person presently entitled to become the registered proprietor? (1) For the purposes of section 29B(2), a person 25 is not presently entitled to become the registered proprietor of land unless the person is, at the date of making the relevant contract, entitled to be registered as proprietor under-- 30 (a) one or more registrable instruments lodged in the Office of Titles; or 561108B.I-5/12/2007 43 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 6--Sale of Land Act 1962 s. 33 (b) one or more applications under Division 2 of Part IV of the Transfer of Land Act 1958 lodged in the Office of Titles. 5 (2) For the purposes of this section, an instrument or application that is, at the relevant time, lodged in the Office of Titles is deemed to be and always to have been registrable despite any defect in the 10 instrument or application if-- (a) the instrument is registered or the application is granted without having been returned by the Registrar or withdrawn from the Office of Titles; or 15 (b) the Registrar certifies in writing that he or she is satisfied that the defect was not of a substantial nature and that it has been remedied. 29E Mistakes or mis-statements as to 20 description (1) A failure to comply with section 29B in respect of land agreed to be sold under a terms contract because of a mistake or mis-statement in the contract relating to the 25 description, measurement or area of the land agreed to be sold is to be disregarded for the purposes of this Act unless it is a material mistake or mis-statement. (2) Any dispute as to whether a failure is to be 30 disregarded under subsection (1) may be determined by an arbitrator. (3) In this section material mistake or mis-statement means a mistake or mis-statement that would entitle the 35 purchaser to be discharged from the contract irrespective of the provisions of this Act. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 44 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 6--Sale of Land Act 1962 s. 33 29F Purchaser may avoid prohibited terms contract (1) Except where otherwise expressly provided, if a terms contract is entered into in 5 contravention of this Act-- (a) the contract is voidable by the purchaser at any time before completion of the contract; and (b) if the contract is avoided, a person is 10 entitled to recover any money paid by that person under that contract. (2) A terms contract is not voidable by the purchaser if a court is satisfied that-- (a) the vendor has acted honestly and 15 reasonably and ought fairly to be excused for the contravention; and (b) the purchaser is substantially in as good a position as if all the relevant provisions of this Act had been 20 complied with. (3) Despite subsection (1), if a terms contract is entered into in contravention of this Act and is avoided by the purchaser before the completion of the contract, the purchaser is 25 liable to pay an occupation rent for the period during which the purchaser was-- (a) in actual possession of the land; or (b) entitled to the receipt of the rents and profits of the land. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 45 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 6--Sale of Land Act 1962 s. 33 29G Certain provisions of terms contract void A provision in a terms contract or in any other document under which any right, conferred by this Act on the purchaser under 5 the terms contract, is excluded, modified or restricted is void. Subdivision 3--Transfer and mortgage back 29H Purchaser may call for a transfer on giving a mortgage back 10 (1) A purchaser under a terms contract who is not in default under the contract may require the vendor to convey or transfer the land to the purchaser freed and discharged from all mortgages. 15 (2) The power under subsection (1) may be exercised at any time after acceptance of title and before payment in full of the purchase money. (3) A requirement under subsection (1) must be 20 made by written notice served on the vendor. (4) The power to require the vendor to convey or transfer land is conditional on the purchaser at the same time executing a mortgage or morgages in favour of the vendor, or any 25 other person the vendor requires, to secure the payment of all money that would have become payable by the purchaser under the contract if the mortgage had not been executed. 30 (5) If land sold under a terms contract is subject to a mortgage or mortgages and the terms and conditions of the mortgage or mortgages are not more onerous than the terms and conditions under the contract, the vendor 35 may comply with a requirement under 561108B.I-5/12/2007 46 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 6--Sale of Land Act 1962 s. 33 subsection (1) by transferring the land subject to the existing mortgage or mortgages. (6) The power of the vendor under subsection 5 (5) is conditional on the purchaser executing a mortgage to secure the amount that should be payable to the vendor having regard to the liabilities to be assumed by the purchaser under the existing mortgage or mortgages. 10 (7) This section applies to a terms contract entered into before or after the commencement of Part 6 of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Act 2007. 15 29I What must the mortgage provide (1) The mortgage required under section 29H to be executed must-- (a) contain all the powers and covenants on the part of the mortgagor that are usual 20 in mortgages of land that is similar in kind to the land that is the subject of the relevant terms contract; and (b) fully accord with and provide for observance of all obligations of the 25 purchaser under the terms contract; and (c) be prepared at the cost of the purchaser and registered under the Transfer of Land Act 1958. (2) If, in compliance with a requirement made 30 by a purchaser under section 29H, a mortgage is accepted, the mortgage is deemed to be a proper mortgage and to comply with subsections (1)(a) and (1)(b). 561108B.I-5/12/2007 47 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 6--Sale of Land Act 1962 s. 33 29J Failure of vendor to comply with requirement (1) If a purchaser serves a notice on a vendor under section 29H and the vendor, without 5 lawful excuse, fails to convey or transfer the land to the purchaser-- (a) the vendor is deemed to have breached a condition of the terms contract and the purchaser is entitled to all civil 10 remedies for that breach; and (b) the vendor is guilty of an offence and liable to a penalty of not more than 60 penalty units, in the case of a natural person or 300 penalty units, in the case 15 of a body corporate. (2) In this section a lawful excuse includes where the vendor disputes in good faith the purchaser's entitlement to serve the notice. 29K Subdivision to apply despite Trustee Act 20 1958 and other Acts This Subdivision applies despite anything in the Trustee Act 1958 or in any other Act (other than the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities). 25 29L Arbitrator may determine questions Any question as to the sufficiency of any instrument of transfer, conveyance or mortgage submitted pursuant to this Subdivision is, in the absence of agreement 30 between the parties, to be determined by an arbitrator. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 48 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 6--Sale of Land Act 1962 s. 33 Subdivision 4--Mortgages and terms contracts 29M Restrictions on sale of land If land is subject to a mortgage, the mortgagor must not sell the land under a 5 terms contract unless-- (a) the mortgage relates only to that land; and (b) the contract expressly states that the land is subject to a mortgage; and 10 (c) the contract provides that the consideration for the sale of the land is to be satisfied, to the extent of any mortgage money owing at the date on which the purchaser is entitled to 15 possession or receipt of the rents and profits of the land sold, by the purchaser assuming as from that date the obligations of the mortgagor under the mortgage; and 20 (d) the contract gives the particulars of the mortgage referred to in Schedule 1. 29N Purchaser may avoid contract If a terms contract is entered into in contravention of section 29M-- 25 (a) the contract is voidable by the purchaser at any time before the completion of the contract; and (b) the vendor is guilty of an offence and liable to a penalty of not more than 30 60 penalty units, in the case of a natural person or 300 penalty units, in the case of a body corporate. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 49 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 6--Sale of Land Act 1962 s. 33 29O Exception if mortgage to be discharged (1) Section 29M does not apply to the sale of land under a terms contract if the contract provides that-- 5 (a) any mortgage affecting the land sold is to be discharged as to that land before the purchaser becomes or on the purchaser becoming entitled under the contract to possession or to the receipt 10 of the rents and profits; and (b) the deposit and all other money payable under the contract (other than any money payable in excess of the amount required to discharge the mortgage) are 15 to be paid to a legal practitioner, conveyancer or a licensed estate agent to be applied in or towards discharging the mortgage. (2) If a terms contract provides for the matters in 20 subsection (1) and the mortgage is not discharged within 90 days of the making of the contract and the purchaser is not in default under the contract-- (a) the contract is voidable by the 25 purchaser at any time before the mortgage is discharged; and (b) if the contract is avoided, the purchaser is entitled to recover all money paid under the contract. 30 29P Land subject to a terms contract not to be mortgaged by vendor The vendor under a terms contract must not mortgage the land that is subject to the contract. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 50 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 6--Sale of Land Act 1962 s. 33 29Q Vendor may require purchaser to execute mortgage (1) A vendor may, by written notice to the purchaser, require the purchaser-- 5 (a) to take a transfer or conveyance of any land subject to a terms contract; and (b) at the vendor's expense, to execute any mortgage or mortgages in favour of the vendor and other persons that the 10 vendor may require. (2) The obligations of the purchaser under the mortgage or mortgages referred to in subsection (1) must be not more onerous to the purchaser than the obligations of the 15 purchaser under the terms contract. 29R Vendor to advance amount for duty payable (1) Subject to subsection (2), if the purchaser to whom notice is given under section 29Q 20 requires, the vendor must advance to the purchaser an amount equal to the duty payable by the purchaser under the Duties Act 2000 on the transfer or conveyance. (2) The vendor is only required to advance the 25 amount if the purchaser agrees to the amount advanced being added to the principal sum secured by the mortgage or by one of the mortgages specified by the vendor (as the case requires). 561108B.I-5/12/2007 51 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 6--Sale of Land Act 1962 s. 33 29S Contravention of mortgage requirements (1) If land is mortgaged in contravention of section 29P, 29Q or 29R-- (a) the terms contract is voidable by the 5 purchaser at any time before the completion of the contract; and (b) the vendor is guilty of an offence and liable to a penalty of not more than 60 penalty units, in the case of a natural 10 person or 300 penalty units, in the case of a body corporate; and (c) if the mortgagee had actual or constructive notice of the interest of the purchaser under the terms contract-- 15 (i) the mortgagee is not entitled to exercise the mortgagee's remedies under the mortgage; and (ii) the mortgagee must execute a proper discharge of the mortgage 20 in respect of the land sold and obtain registration of that discharge; and (iii) any amount paid by the mortgagee to the vendor may be recovered by 25 the mortgagee from the vendor. (2) If land under the operation of the Transfer of Land Act 1958 is mortgaged in contravention of section 29P, 29Q or 29R-- (a) on the registration of a transfer in 30 accordance with the section 77 of the Transfer of Land Act 1958-- (i) the title of the purchaser from the mortgagee is not impeachable on the ground that the power of sale 561108B.I-5/12/2007 52 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 6--Sale of Land Act 1962 s. 33 was exercised in contravention of this section; and (ii) for the purposes of Part III of the Transfer of Land Act 1958, the 5 purchaser from the mortgagee is deemed to have dealt with the registered proprietor of the land; and (b) the purchaser under the terms contract 10 has a remedy in damages against the mortgagee for exercising the power of sale if the mortgagee had actual or constructive notice of the interest of the purchaser; and 15 (c) Division 9 of Part IV of the Transfer of Land Act 1958 applies, except so far as it is inconsistent with the express provisions of this section. 29T Failure by purchaser to comply with 20 notice (1) If a notice in writing has been served on a purchaser by a vendor under section 29Q and the purchaser, without lawful excuse, fails to comply with the notice-- 25 (a) the purchaser is deemed to have breached a condition of the contract and the vendor is entitled to all civil remedies for that breach; and (b) the purchaser is guilty of an offence 30 and liable to a penalty of not more than 60 penalty units, in the case of a natural person or 300 penalty units, in the case of a body corporate. (2) In this section a lawful excuse includes 35 where the purchaser disputes in good faith the terms of the mortgage. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 53 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 6--Sale of Land Act 1962 s. 33 29U Arbitrator may determine questions Any question as to the sufficiency of any transfer, conveyance or mortgage submitted pursuant to this Subdivision must, in the 5 absence of agreement between the parties, be determined by an arbitrator. 29V Constructive notice (1) For the purposes of section 29S, a mortgagee is deemed not to have constructive notice of 10 the interest of a purchaser under a terms contract unless notice of the interest of the purchaser under the terms contract would have come to the mortgagee's knowledge if the mortgagee had made-- 15 (a) a proper inspection of the relevant land; and (b) such inquiries as ought reasonably to be made by the mortgagee of the mortgagor as to the rights of any person 20 in possession of the relevant land; and (c) inquiries of the municipal council of the municipal district in which the relevant land is situated as to who is shown on the rate book as owner of the relevant 25 land; and (d) such searches, inquiries and inspections in the Office of the Registrar of Titles and Registrar-General as reasonably ought to have been made by the 30 mortgagee. (2) Nothing in subsection (1) limits or affects the operation of section 42(2)(e) of the Transfer of Land Act 1958. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 54 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 6--Sale of Land Act 1962 s. 33 Subdivision 5--Restrictions on legal practitioners 29W Legal practitioner not to act for both vendor and purchaser under a terms 5 contract (1) A legal practitioner whose principal place of business is within a 50 kilometre radius of the intersection of Elizabeth and Bourke Streets in Melbourne must not act for both 10 vendor and purchaser under a terms contract. Penalty: 60 penalty units. (2) If a legal practitioner is prohibited under subsection (1) from acting for one party to a terms contract, a legal practitioner who is in 15 partnership with that legal practitioner, or any person employed by that legal practitioner must not act for that party. Penalty: 60 penalty units. (3) If a legal practitioner contravenes this 20 section, the purchaser for whom the practitioner has acted may rescind the contract at any time before the purchaser becomes entitled to possession or to the receipt of rents and profits. 25 (4) Despite subsection (3), the purchaser may not rescind the contract if the court is satisfied that-- (a) the legal practitioner has acted honestly and reasonably and ought fairly to be 30 excused for the contravention; and (b) the purchaser is substantially in as good a position as if all the relevant provisions of this section had been complied with. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 55 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 6--Sale of Land Act 1962 s. 34 (5) Any provision in any contract for the sale of land or other document under which any provision of this section is excluded, modified or rescinded is void. 5 (6) This section does not apply if any of the parties to the transaction are related to each other. (7) For the purposes of subsection (6) a person is related to another person if the first- 10 mentioned person is-- (a) the spouse, domestic partner, brother, sister, parent, child, grand-parent, grand-child, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece; or 15 (b) the spouse or domestic partner of a brother, sister, parent, child, grand- parent, grand-child, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece-- of the second-mentioned person.". 20 34 Repeal of section 33 Section 33 of the Sale of Land Act 1962 is repealed. 35 Statute law revision In Schedule 1 to the Sale of Land Act 1962, for 25 "19" substitute "20". __________________ 561108B.I-5/12/2007 56 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 7--Amendments and Repeals s. 36 PART 7--AMENDMENTS AND REPEALS 36 Amendment of Business Licensing Authority See: Act No. Act 1998 49/1998. Reprint No. 1 After section 6(a)(iv) of the Business Licensing as at 15 April 2004 5 Authority Act 1998 insert-- and amending "(iva) the Owners Corporations Act 2006;". Act Nos 92/2004, 108/2004, 18/2005 and 80/2006. LawToday: www. legislation. vic.gov.au 37 Amendment of Subdivision Act 1988 See: Act No. 53/1988. (1) In section 27E(1) of the Subdivision Act 1988, Reprint No. 5 after "accompanied by" insert "a document as at 1 January 10 specifying". 1999 and (2) At the end of section 27H of the Subdivision Act amending 1988, insert-- Act Nos 28/2000, "(2) Without limiting subsection (1), if there is a 74/2000, 44/2001, special resolution of the members, an owners 47/2004, 15 corporation may apply to the Registrar to 81/2004, 35/2006, alter the purposes of the owners corporation. 69/2006 and 47/2007. (3) Without limiting subsection (1), if there is a LawToday: www. special resolution of the members of an legislation. unlimited owners corporation and a special vic.gov.au 20 resolution of the members of a limited owners corporation, the owners corporations may apply to the Registrar to alter the functions or obligations of the limited owners corporation that are to be carried out 25 or complied with by the unlimited owners corporation. Note See section 27C. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 57 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 7--Amendments and Repeals s. 38 (4) On the Registrar altering the purposes of the owners corporation, the altered purposes become the purposes of the owners corporation. 5 (5) On the Registrar altering the functions or obligations of the limited owners corporation that are to be carried out or complied with by the unlimited owners corporation, section 27C(5) applies as if the alteration were the 10 registration of the plan and that subsection referred to the functions or obligations as so altered.". (3) In section 32AI(1)(c) of the Subdivision Act 1988, for "the registered plan" substitute "the lot 15 or lots to be consolidated, subdivided or altered". See: 38 Amendment of Transfer of Land Act 1958 Act No. 6399. Reprint No. 15 (1) After section 98CA(2)(c) of the Transfer of Land as at Act 1958 insert-- 21 June 2006 and "(ca) be accompanied by the relevant owners amending 20 Act Nos corporation documents; and". 63/2006, 69/2006, (2) After section 98CA(2) of the Transfer of Land 75/2006 and Act 1958 insert-- 47/2007. LawToday: www. "(3) In this section and section 98CB owners legislation. corporation documents means the vic.gov.au 25 documents required under Part 5 of the Subdivision Act 1988 to accompany a plan of subdivision.". (3) In section 98CB of the Transfer of Land Act 1958-- 30 (a) in subsection (2) for "and the plan of subdivision" substitute ", the plan of subdivision and the owners corporation documents"; (b) in subsection (4) after "plan of subdivision" 35 insert "and owners corporation documents". 561108B.I-5/12/2007 58 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Part 7--Amendments and Repeals s. 39 (4) In section 98CD(2) of the Transfer of Land Act 1958 for "body corporate" (wherever occurring) substitute "owners corporation". 39 Repeal of Credit Reporting Act 1978 See: Act No. 9151. 5 The Credit Reporting Act 1978 is repealed. Reprint No. 1 as at 3 October 1996. LawToday: www. legislation. vic.gov.au 40 Repeal of Amending Act This Act is repealed on 1 July 2010. Note The repeal of this Act does not affect the repeals or amendments 10 made by it (see section 15(1) of the Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984). 561108B.I-5/12/2007 59 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 Endnotes ENDNOTES By Authority. Government Printer for the State of Victoria. 561108B.I-5/12/2007 60 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 5/12/2007

 


 

 


[Index] [Search] [Download] [Related Items] [Help]