House of Representatives

Explanatory Memorandum

(Circulated by authority of the Minister for Major Projects, Territories and Local Government, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP)

Notes on Clauses

Clause 1: Short Title

Clause 1 specifies the short title of the Bill, when enacted, as the Territories Legislation Amendment Act 2016.

Clause 2: Commencement

Clause 2 sets out the commencement provisions for the Territories Legislation Amendment Act 2016, in accordance with the table in subclause 2(1) (the commencement table). Subclause (2)(2) provides that any information in column 3 of the commencement table is not part of this Act. Information may be inserted in column 3, or information in it may be edited, in any published version of this Act.

Table Item 1 provides that sections 1 to 3 of the Territories Legislation Amendment Act 2016 (the Act) and anything else in the Act not covered elsewhere by the commencement table commence on the day the Act receives the Royal Assent.

Table Item 2 provides that Schedules 1 and 2 of the Act commence on the day after the Act receives the Royal Assent.

Table Item 3 provides that Part 1 of Schedule 3 commences on 1 July 2016, that is, immediately after the commencement of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015.

Table Item 4 provides that Part 2 of Schedule 3 commences on the day after the Act receives the Royal Assent.

Table Item 5 provides that Part 1 of Schedule 4 commences on 1 July 2016, that is, at the same time as the commencement of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015.

Table Item 6 provides that Part 2 of Schedule 4 commences on the day after the Act receives the Royal Assent.

Table Item 7 provides that Schedule 5 commences on 1 July 2016.

Table Item 8 provides that Schedule 6 commences on the day after the Act receives the Royal Assent.

The commencement table contains a clarifying note that the table relates only to the provisions of this Act as originally enacted. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of this Act.

Clause 3: Schedules

Clause 3 is an enabling provision for the Schedules. It provides that legislation that is specified in a Schedule to the Act is amended or repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this Act has effect according to its terms.

Schedule 1 - New Zealand Citizens Residing on Norfolk Island

Item 1 repeals item 323 of Schedule 2 to the Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015, which would otherwise insert subsection 7(2AA) into the Social Security Act 1991. This allows New Zealand citizens holding a permanent visa residing on Norfolk Island access to social security payments from 1 July 2016.

Schedule 2 - Claims for Assistance Made by Norfolk Island Residents Before 1 July 2016

Item 1 omits "4-week" and substitutes "8-week" into paragraph 381(a) of Schedule 2 to the Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015. This aligns the early claim period for family tax benefit with claims for social security and child support to 8 weeks before 1 July 2016.

Item 2 inserts new subitems 382(1A), (1B) and (1C) after subitem 382(1) of Schedule 2 to the Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015.

New subitem 382(1A) applies if an application for acceptance by the Registrar of a child support agreement made in relation to a child was made during the 8-week period ending at the final transition time, if when the application was made, either the applicant, the child or a parent of the child was ordinarily resident on Norfolk Island. Assuming the agreement had been entered into and made at the time (the deemed agreement time) immediately after the final transition time, the agreement would have been a child support agreement at the deemed agreement time, and that the application would have been in accordance with Division 3 of Part 6 of the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989 at that time, then the agreement is taken to have been entered into and made at the deemed agreement time, and the application for acceptance made immediately after the deemed agreement time.

New subitem 382(1B) provides that subsection 92(3) of the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989 does not apply in relation to an agreement and an application taken under subitem (1A) to have been made in relation to a child if an application for administrative assessment of child support in respect of the child is taken under subitem 382(1) to have been made immediately after the final transition time. To meet this exemption, an application for acceptance of a child support agreement under the transitional provisions will have to have made an application for a child support assessment under the transitional provisions as well as the application for acceptance of the child support agreement.

New subitem 382(1C) is a saving provision, preventing an application for acceptance of a child support agreement that could be properly made otherwise than under the transitional provisions to be administered under the existing Act.

Item 3 inserts definitions of child support agreement and Registrar for the purposes of these transitional provisions, by reference to the relevant child support Acts.

Schedule 3 - Child Support for Indian Ocean Territory Residents

Part 1 - Amendments

Item 1 amends section 10 of the Child Support (Assessment ) Act 1989, and Item 2 amends subsection 4(1) of the Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988 to omit "(other than a person who is a resident of Australia solely because the definition of Australia in that Act includes an external Territory other than Norfolk Island)". The sections will now state that for the purposes of the relevant Acts a person is a resident of Australia on a day if on that day, the person is a resident of Australia for the purposes of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936. This omission extends child support to various external Territories in common with the tax law, which for practical purposes extends the scheme to residents of the Indian Ocean Territories.

Part 2 - Transitional provisions

The Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015 includes transitional provisions to allow Norfolk Island residents an 8-week early application period immediately prior to 1 July 2016 to lodge child support claims. With the extension of the child support program to residents of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island, it is intended to allow an 8-week early application period for child support applications to these residents to align with Norfolk Island residents.

Subitem 3(1) applies if an application for an administrative assessment of child support in respect of a child is made during the 8-week period ending at the start of 1 July 2016, and when the application is made, either the applicant, the child or a parent of the child is ordinarily resident in the Territory of Christmas Island or the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Assuming the application had been made immediately after the commencement of Part 1 of this Schedule, and it would have been in accordance with Division 1 of Part 4 of the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989, then the application is taken to be made immediately after that commencement.

Subitem 3(2) applies if an application for acceptance by the Registrar of a child support agreement made in relation to a child was made during the 8-week period ending at the start of 1 July 2016; if when the application is made, either the applicant, the child or a parent of the child was ordinarily resident in the Territory of Christmas Island or the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Assuming the agreement had been entered into and made at the time (the deemed agreement time) immediately after the commencement of Part 1 of this Schedule, the agreement would have been a child support agreement at the deemed agreement time, and assuming that the application would have been in accordance with Division 3 of Part 6 of the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989 at that time, then the agreement is taken to have been entered into and made at the deemed agreement time, and the application for acceptance is taken to be made immediately after the deemed agreement time.

Item 3 provides that subsection 92(3) of the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989 does not apply in relation to an agreement and an application taken under subitem (2) to have been made in relation to a child if an application for administrative assessment of child support in respect of the child is taken under subitem (1) to have been made immediately after the commencement of Part 1 of this Schedule. To meet this exemption, an application for acceptance of a child support agreement under the transitional provisions will have to have been made together with an application for a child support assessment under the transitional provisions.

Item 4 is a saving provision, preventing an application for acceptance of a child support agreement that could be properly made otherwise than under the transitional provisions to be administered under the existing Act.

Item 5 inserts definitions of administrative assessment, child support, child support agreement and Registrar for the purposes of these transitional provisions, by reference to the relevant child support Acts.

Schedule 4 - Norfolk Island Electoral Arrangements

Part 1 - Amendments

Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918

Item 1 amends the definition of "Australian Capital Territory" in subsection 4(1) to include Norfolk Island in addition to the Jervis Bay Territory. This means that unless the contrary intention appears, the Australian Capital Territory is to include Norfolk Island for the purposes of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (the Electoral Act).

Item 2 repeals and substitutes the definition of "Controller-General of Prisons" for the purposes of the Electoral Act. This definition is relied upon in sections 109 and 227 of the Electoral Act (see items 41, 43 and 44).

The new definition provides that:

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Controller-General of Prisons of a State, the Australian Capital Territory (not including a non-self-governing Territory) or the Northern Territory (not including a non-self-governing Territory) means the principal officer having control of the prisons and gaols of the State or Territory, however that officer is described. In this context, due to the new definition of "non-self-governing Territory" in subsection 4(1) (see item 3), the Australian Capital Territory does not include Norfolk Island or the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory does not include the Territory of Christmas Island or the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands;

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Controller-General of Prisons of a non-self governing territory (that is, of Norfolk Island, the Jervis Bay Territory, the Territory of Christmas Island or the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands) means the principal officer having control of the prisons and gaols of the non-self-governing Territory, however that officer is described.

The new definition is intended to ensure that principal officers who have control of prisons and gaols in non-self-governing territories are subject to the requirements of sections 109 and 227, in addition to those officers of the States, Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory who were previously covered by the definition. In this context, prisons and gaols are intended to include any facilities for imprisonment or detention.

Item 3 inserts a new definition of "non-self-governing Territory" in subsection 4(1) for the purposes of the Electoral Act, which is relied on in the definition of "Controller-General of Prisons" (see item 2) and "Registrar-General" (see item 4). A "non-self-governing" Territory means Norfolk Island, the Jervis Bay Territory, the Territory of Christmas Island or the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Item 4 repeals and substitutes the definition of "Registrar-General" for the purposes of the Electoral Act. This definition is relied on in section 108 of the Electoral Act (see items 39, 40 and 43).

The new definition provides that:

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Registrar-General of a State, the Australian Capital Territory (not including a non-self-governing Territory) or the Northern Territory (not including a non-self-governing Territory) means the principal officer who is charged with the duty of registering births, deaths and marriages occurring in the State or Territory, however that officer is described. In this context, due to the new definition of "non-self-governing Territory" in subsection 4(1) (see item 3), the Australian Capital Territory does not include Norfolk Island or the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory does not include the Territory of Christmas Island or the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands;

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Registrar-General of a non-self-governing Territory (that is, of Norfolk Island, the Jervis Bay Territory, the Territory of Christmas Island or the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands) means the principal officer who is charged with the duty of registering births, deaths and marriages occurring in the non-self governing Territory, however that officer is described.

The new definition is intended to ensure that principal officers who are charged with the duty of registering births, deaths and marriages in non-self-governing Territories are subject to the requirements of section 108, in addition to those officers of the States, Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory who were previously covered by the definition.

Item 5 removes a redundant reference to the Crown in the right of Norfolk Island, which has ceased to be an operative concept due to the Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015.

Item 6 inserts a definition of "Australian Capital Territory", for the purposes of Part III of the Electoral Act, which includes the Jervis Bay Territory, but does not include Norfolk Island. Part III of the Electoral Act deals with Representation in the Parliament. Excluding Norfolk Island from the definition of the Australian Capital Territory for Part III is contrary to the general approach provided for in subsection 4(1) (see item 1) and is required to allow for specific provisions in this Part to deal with the representation of Norfolk Island in the Parliament.

Item 7 amends the definition of "Territory" for the purposes of Part III of the Electoral Act so that it no longer specifically excludes Norfolk Island. For the purposes of determining representation in the Parliament, Norfolk Island is to be considered a Territory in the same manner as other external territories.

Item 8 inserts new subsection 40(6A). Section 40 deals with representation of the Territories, including Norfolk Island, in the Senate. Under subsection 40(5), in the event that two or more members of the House of Representatives are to be chosen in Norfolk Island (due to the operation of subsection 48(2A)), Norfolk Island will be represented in the Senate. However, under new section 40(6A), until Norfolk Island becomes entitled to separate representation, Norfolk Island is treated as if it were part of the Australian Capital Territory for the purposes of Senate representation. This is consistent with the approach used for the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island Territories, which are treated as part of the Northern Territory until such time as they become entitled to separate representation in the Senate.

Items 9 and 10 repeal subsection 45(2) and consequently change previous subsection 45(1) to a section. Subsection 45(2) assisted with the interpretation of Part III of Division 3 of the Electoral Act in view of the fact that Norfolk Island residents could enrol in a federal Division in a State under section 95AA and be presumed to be one of the people of the State under section 95AB. As sections 95AA and 95AB are repealed (see item 30), this subsection is no longer required.

Item 11 inserts new paragraph 46(1)(da), which requires the Electoral Commissioner to ascertain the number of people of Norfolk Island for the purposes of determining the number of members of the House of Representatives to be chosen in the States and Territories at a general election. This is consistent with the approach adopted for the other Territories, and will mean that the Electoral Commissioner will include the people of Norfolk Island in determining the number of members of the House of Representatives to be chosen in the States and Territories at a general election pursuant to section 48 of the Electoral Act.

Item 12 inserts new paragraph 46(1B)(ca) which requires the Electoral Commissioner to ascertain the number of people of Norfolk Island using population statistics that the Australian Statistician has most recently compiled and published in a regular series under the Census and Statistics Act 1905. This is consistent with the requirements that apply to ascertaining the number of people for the States and the other territories.

Item 13 repeals subsection 46(2) which provided that a Norfolk Island resident on the roll of electors of a Territory because of subsection 95AA(3) are people of that Territory for the purposes of ascertaining its population. As subsection 95AA(3) is repealed and the treatment of Norfolk Island is in accordance with new subsection 48(2BA) (see item 16), subsection 46(2) is no longer required.

Item 14 amends paragraphs 48(1)(b), which requires the Electoral Commissioner to determine the number of members of the House of Representatives to be chosen in the Territories at a general election, so that it is in accordance with new subsection 48(2BA) (see item 16).

Item 15 amends paragraph 48(2A), which specifies the method by which the Electoral Commissioner is to determine the number of members of the House of Representatives to be chosen in the Territories at a general election, so that it is subject to new subsection 48(2BA) (see item 16).

Item 16 inserts new subsections 48(2BA) and 48(2BB).

New subsection 48(2BA) specifies what is to occur in the event that the Electoral Commissioner determines that, at a general election, no member of the House of Representatives is to be chosen in Norfolk Island (due to the operation of subsection 48(2A)).

If this condition is met:

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the ascertainment under section 46, and the determinations under section 48, in respect of Norfolk Island and the Australian Capital Territory, are taken to never have been made (paragraph 48(2BA)(a));

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Norfolk Island is taken to be part of the Australian Capital Territory (in addition to the Jervis Bay Territory) (paragraph 48(2BA)(b)); and

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the Electoral Commissioner must, as soon as possible, ascertain, the number of people of the Australian Capital Territory under section 46 (subparagraph 48(2BA(c)(i)) and determine the number of members of the House of Representatives under section 48 (subparagraph 48(2BA(c)(ii)).

New subsection 48(2BB) assists with interpretation by clarifying that subsection 46(1A) does not apply to the ascertainment of the number of people of the Australian Capital Territory under subparagraph (2BA)(c)(i). Subsection 46(1A) might otherwise require the fresh ascertainment of the number of people of the Australian Capital Territory under sub-subparagraph 48(2BA)(c)(i) to be made after the end of the 12 month period after the day of the first meeting of the House of Representatives.

Item 17 amends paragraph 48(2F)(a)(i) so that where a determination is made under subsection 48(1) in accordance with new subparagraph 2BA(c)(ii) in respect of the Australian Capital Territory (see item 16), it is taken to never have been made in those circumstances where subsection 48(2E) applies to the Australian Capital Territory. This is consistent with the approach used for the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island Territories in relation to the Northern Territory.

Item 18 substitutes a new note alerting readers to the fact that, in certain circumstances, the number of people of the Australian Capital Territory will have been re-ascertained in accordance with section 46 because of the operation of subsection 48(2BA). The note also includes references to the re-ascertainment of the number of people of the Northern Territory because of the operation of subsection 48(2C), which appeared in the previous note.

Item 19 amends paragraph 48(2G), which provides the timing by which the Electoral Commissioner is to determine the number of members of the House of Representatives to be chosen in the Territories at a general election, so that it applies to those determinations made under paragraph 2BA(c) (see item 16).

Item 20 amends subparagraph 49(1)(a)(i) to require the number of people of Norfolk Island, ascertained under section 46, to be included in the Electoral Commissioner's certificate to be forwarded to the Minister responsible for the Electoral Act. This ensures that the requirements under section 46 in relation to Norfolk Island are appropriately reflected in the relevant notification requirements.

Item 21 amends the note under subsection 49(1) to alert readers to the fact that, in relation to subparagraph 49(1)(a)(iii) concerning the requirement for the Electoral Commissioner to notify the details of any adjustments made to relevant statistical information to give effect to the provisions of the Division, such adjustments may be necessary to give effect to subsection 48(2BA). The note no longer refers to adjustments being necessary to give effect to the subsection 4(1) definition of the "Australian Capital Territory" due to the amendments made to this definition and section 38A (see items 1 and 6).

Item 22 amends section 51, which provides that a member of the House of Representatives representing a Territory shall be directly chosen by the people of the Territory, so that it is no longer subject to subsection 95AA(3) which is repealed (see item 30).

Item 23 inserts new section 56AA which contains specific requirements around how the Jervis Bay Territory and Norfolk Island are to be included in Australian Capital Territory Divisions.

Subsection 56AA(1) requires any distribution or redistribution of the Australian Capital Territory to include the whole of the Jervis Bay Territory in one electoral division. In respect of redistributions, this continues the effect of subsection 73(5), which is repealed (see item 28).

Subsection 56AA(2) requires that, until the Electoral Commissioner determines that a member of the House of Representatives be chosen in Norfolk Island at a general election under section 48(2A), any distribution or redistribution of the Australian Capital Territory into electoral division under this Act must be such that:

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the whole of Norfolk Island is included in one electoral division (paragraph 56AA(2)(a)); and

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if there is more than one electoral division - Norfolk Island and the Jervis Bay Territory are included in different electoral divisions (paragraph 56AA(2)(b)).

This provision ensures that, where possible, a member of the House of Representatives in the Australian Capital Territory only represents one external territory.

Item 24 amends the heading of section 56A concerning the inclusion of certain Territories in Northern Territory Divisions so that it better reflects its content and aligns with the heading of new section 56AA (see item 23).

Items 25 and 26 amend section 66 relating to proposed redistributions to:

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remove a specific requirement around the inclusion of the Jervis Bay Territory in one Australian Capital Territory electoral division. The specific requirements around the inclusion of external territories in Territory Divisions under section 56AA (for the Australian Capital Territory (see item 23)) and section 56A (for the Northern Territory) must be complied with in relation to distributions, so they necessarily must be taken into account in the making of proposed redistributions; and

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insert a note alerting readers to those requirements under sections 56AA and 56A.

Items 27 and 28 amend section 73 relating to the determination of redistributed electoral divisions by the augmented Electoral Commissioner to:

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remove a specific requirement around the inclusion of the Jervis Bay Territory in one Australian Capital Territory electoral division. The specific requirements around the inclusion of external territories in Territory Divisions under section 56AA (for the Australian Capital Territory (see item 23)) and section 56A (for the Northern Territory) must be complied with in relation to distributions, so they necessarily must be taken into account in the determination of redistributed electoral divisions; and

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insert a note alerting readers to the specific requirements of sections 56AA (for the Australian Capital Territory) and 56A (for the Northern Territory).

Item 29 repeals subsections 94(16) and 95(17), which had the effect of enabling persons temporarily resident in Norfolk Island from being treated as eligible overseas electors, on the basis that Australia did not include Norfolk Island. As the electoral arrangements for persons living in Norfolk Island are to be consistent with the general arrangements applying to other Australians, these subsections are no longer required and persons living in Norfolk Island will be entitled to apply to be treated as eligible overseas electors on the same basis as other Australians.

Item 30 repeals sections 95AA, 95AB and 95AC, which provided specific arrangements for the enrolment of Norfolk Island residents. As persons living in Norfolk Island will be required to enrol on the same basis as other Australians under Part VII of the Electoral Act, these specific provisions relating to Norfolk Island electors are no longer required.

Item 31 repeals subsection 96(13), which had the effect of excluding persons living in Norfolk Island from being treated as itinerant electors. As the electoral arrangements for persons living in Norfolk Island are to be consistent with the general arrangements applying to other Australians, this subsection is no longer required and persons living in Norfolk Island will be entitled to apply to be treated as itinerant electors on the same basis as other Australians.

Item 32 amends paragraph 98AA(2)(a) so that an application or claim for enrolment by a person holding a driver's licence issued under a law in force in Norfolk Island must include or be accompanied by the number of that driver's licence. As there are specific laws governing the issuing of a driver's licence in Norfolk Island, this allows current holders of a Norfolk Island driver's licence to use this as a form of acceptable identification consistent with those holding a driver's licence issued under the law of a State or Territory.

Item 33 omits a reference to section 95AA from subsection 99(3), which relates to claims for enrolment and transfer. As section 95AA is repealed (see item 30), this reference is no longer required.

Item 34 amends subsection 101(1), which requires persons entitled to be enrolled to fill in, sign and send or deliver a claim to the Electoral Commissioner, so that it is no longer subject to subsection 101(5A). As subsection 101(5A) is repealed (see item 38), this qualification is no longer necessary.

Item 35 repeals subsection 101(1A), which allowed those residents of Norfolk Island entitled to be enrolled under section 95AA to fill in, sign and send or deliver a claim to the Electoral Commissioner. As section 95AA is repealed (see item 30), this subsection is no longer necessary.

Item 36 amends subsection 101(4), which provides for an offence for non-enrolment, so that it is no longer subject to subsection 101(5A). As subsection 101(5A) is repealed (see item 38), this qualification is no longer necessary.

Item 37 amends subsection 101(5), which requires enrolled persons to give written notice of change of address to the Electoral Commissioner, so that it is no longer subject to subsection 101(5A). As subsection 101(5A) is repealed (see item 38), this qualification is no longer necessary.

Item 38 repeals subsection 101(5A), which provided that subsections 101(1), 101(4) and 101(5) do not apply to a qualified Norfolk Islander within the meaning of section 95AA. As subsection 95AA is repealed (see item 30), this subsection is no longer necessary.

Items 39 and 40 amend section 108 to:

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modernise drafting by replacing "shall" with "must" and clarify that those obligations relating to forwarding information concerning deaths and other information under an agreement apply to the Registrar-General of a State; and

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substitute a new note alerting readers to the fact that the application of section 108 is subject to section 112 which provides further details of its application to the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory and the non-self-governing Territories (namely, Norfolk Island, the Jervis Bay Territory, the Territory of Christmas Island or the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands).

Item 41 substitutes a new note under section 109 alerting readers to the fact that the application of section 109, which requires the Controller-General of Prisons to forward information regarding particular persons serving sentences of imprisonment to the Electoral Commissioner, is subject to section 112, which provides further details of its application to the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory and the non-self-governing Territories (namely, Norfolk Island, the Jervis Bay Territory, the Territory of Christmas Island or the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands).

Items 42 and 43 change previous section 112 into subsection 112(1), without otherwise altering its content, and insert new subsections 112(2) to 112(4).

Under subsection 112(1), references to a State in Part VIII of the Electoral Act are generally interpreted to also apply to the Australian Capital Territory or the Northern Territory. However, more specific application arrangements for sections 108 and 109, which require Registrar-Generals and Controller-Generals of Prisons to forward particular information to the Electoral Commissioner, are included in new subsections 112(2) to (9).

Application of sections 108 and 109 to the Australian Capital Territory

Subsection 112(2) provides that for the purposes of the application of sections 108 and 109, the Australian Capital Territory does not include Norfolk Island or the Jervis Bay Territory and those sections apply:

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to Norfolk Island as if references to a State were references to Norfolk Island (subject to subsections 112(3) and 112(5)); and

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to Jervis Bay Territory as if references to a State were references to Jervis Bay Territory (subject to subsections 112(4) and 112(5)).

The effect of this provision is to require the "Controller-General of Prisons" and the

"Registrar-General" of Norfolk Island, and of Jervis Bay Territory, as defined in subsection 4(1) (see items 2 and 4), to provide information to the Electoral Commissioner under sections 108 and 109.

Under paragraph 108(b), the "Registrar-General" of a State (which includes the Registrar-General of Norfolk Island and the Registrar-General of Jervis Bay Territory due to subsection 112(2)) is required to forward to the Electoral Commissioner (or a nominated officer) any information required under an agreement between the Electoral Commission and a Minister of the State or the Registrar-General. Subsections 112(3) and 112(4) provide that:

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in relation to Norfolk Island, a relevant agreement is taken to be with the responsible Commonwealth Minister (within the meaning of the Norfolk Island Act 1979) rather than with a Minister of the State (subsection 112(3)); and

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in relation to the Jervis Bay Territory, a relevant agreement is taken to be with the Minister administering the Jervis Bay Territory Acceptance Act 1915 (subsection 112(4).

Under subsection 109(2), there are requirements for the Controller-General of Prisons of a State (which includes the Controller-General of Norfolk Island and the Registrar-General of Jervis Bay Territory due to subsection 112(2)) to forward information to the Electoral Commissioner (or nominated officer) within four days following the close of the rolls for an election for a Division in a State. From 1 July 2016, Norfolk Island will be included in a Division of the Australian Capital Territory (see item 50). Subsection 112(5) therefore imposes the requirement for the Controllers-General of Prisons of Norfolk Island and Jervis Bay Territory to forward specified information where there is an election for a Division in the Australian Capital Territory.

Application of sections 108 and 109 to the Northern Territory

Subsection 112(6) provides that for the purposes of the application of sections 108 and 109, the Northern Territory does not include the Territory of Christmas Island or the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Island and those sections apply:

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to the Territory of Christmas Island as if references to a State were references to the Territory of Christmas Island (subject to subsections 112(7) and 112(9)); and

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to the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands as if references to a State were references to the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands (subject to subsections 112(8) and 112(9)).

The effect of this provision is to require the "Controller-General of Prisons" and the 'Registrar-General' of the Territory of Christmas Island, and of the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands, as defined in subsection 4(1) (see items 2 and 4), to provide information to the Electoral Commissioner under sections 108 and 109.

Under paragraph 108(b), the "Registrar-General" of a State (which includes the Registrar-General of the Territory of Christmas Island and the Registrar-General of the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands due to subsection 112(2)) is required to forward to the Electoral Commissioner (or a nominated officer) any information required under an agreement between the Electoral Commission and a Minister of the State or the Registrar-General. Subsections 112(7) and 112(8) provide that:

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in relation to the Territory of Christmas Island, a relevant agreement is taken to be with the Minister administering the Christmas Island Act 1958 (subsection 112(7)); and

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in relation to the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands, a relevant agreement is taken to be with the Minister administering the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act 1955 (subsection 112(8)).

Under subsection 109(2), there are requirements for the Controller-General of Prisons of a State (which includes the Controller-General of the Territory of Christmas Island and the Controller-General of the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands due to subsection 112(2)) to forward information to the Electoral Commissioner (or nominated officer) within four days following the close of the rolls for an election for a Division in a State. The Territory of Christmas Island and the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands are included in a Division of the Northern Territory under the Electoral Act. Subsection 112(9) therefore imposes the requirement for the Controllers-General of Prisons of Norfolk Island and Jervis Bay Territory to forward specified information where there is an election for a Division in the Northern Territory.

Item 44 amends subsection 227(4A) so that the requirement to consult the Controller-General of Prisons before determining a prison as a place that a mobile polling team will visit to take votes in an election is compatible with the definition of "Controller-General of Prisons" in subsection 4(1) (see item 2).

Item 45 repeals and substitutes section 394. This section previously provided that, without the authority of the Governor-General, no election or referendum or vote of electors of a State, or part of a State, could be held or taken under the law of the State, on the day appointed as polling day for an election of the Senate or a general election of the House of Representatives. In this context, State was defined to include the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory, and Norfolk Island. Under new section 394, additions have been made so that, without the authority of the Governor-General, no election, referendum or vote of the electors of Norfolk Island may be held or taken under a law in force in Norfolk Island on the day appointed as polling day for an election of the Senate or a general election of the House of Representatives. This is intended to ensure that the general prohibition around timing applies to elections in Norfolk Island in the same way that it applies to such elections in the States, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.

Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984

Item 46 amends the definition of the "Australian Capital Territory" in section 3 of the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984 (the Referendum Act) to include Norfolk Island in addition to the Jervis Bay Territory. This places residents of Norfolk Island within the Australian Capital Territory for the purposes of referendums, which is consistent with their treatment under the Electoral Act.

Item 47 removes a redundant reference to the crown in the right of Norfolk Island, which has ceased to be an operative concept due to the Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015.

Item 48 repeals section 98A, which provides that if a person is on the roll for a Territory because of subsection 95AA(3) of the Electoral Act, his or her vote or ballot paper is taken to be in relation to that Territory. As subsection 95AA is repealed (see item 30), this section is no longer required.

Part 2 - Transitional provisions

Item 49 provides the following definitions for the purposes of the transitional provisions in the Bill:

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"commencement time" which means the commencement of Part 1 of the Schedule which is 1 July 2016 (at the same time as Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015 commences);

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"responsible Commonwealth Minister" which has the same meaning as in the Norfolk Island Act 1979; and

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"rules" means rules made under subitem 60(1).

Item 50 provides that until the first distribution or redistribution of the Australian Capital Territory determined under subsection 73(1) or 76(6) that takes effect after 1 July 2016 the whole of Norfolk Island is taken to be included in the Division of the Australian Capital Territory that does not include the Jervis Bay Territory. At commencement, the practical effect of this provision will be the inclusion of Norfolk Island in the Division of Canberra.

Item 51 provides for action by the Electoral Commissioner in relation to enrolments for those Norfolk Island electors enrolled on electoral rolls for Divisions in a State or the Northern Territory immediately before 1 July 2016. Under this provision, the Electoral Commissioner must:

•

transfer a relevant Norfolk Island elector's name from the roll for the Subdivision in a State or the Northern Territory by deleting their name and the annotation made under section 95AC to identify that that person was a Norfolk Island elector, and entering their name and other particulars on the roll for the Division of the Australian Capital Territory that does not include the Jervis Bay Territory (effectively, the Division of Canberra) (sub-subitem 51(2)(a)); and

•

notify the relevant Norfolk Island elector in writing that this has occurred (sub-subitem 51(2)(b)).

The Electoral Commissioner must not effect a transfer during the period when the rolls have closed for an election to be held in the relevant Division of the Australian Capital Territory that includes Norfolk Island (subitem 51(4)).

The Electoral Commissioner is not required to transfer a relevant Norfolk Island elector's name where he or she is satisfied that a person is not entitled to be on the roll for the Division of the Australian Capital Territory that does not include the Jervis Bay Territory (effectively, the Division of Canberra). In such circumstances, the Electoral Commissioner must delete the annotation made under section 95AC of the Act, and must take action required or may take such action permitted by the rules (subitem 51(3)). The Electoral Commissioner must also notify the relevant person in writing about the deletion of the annotation or any action taken in accordance with the rules (sub-subitem 51(3)(d)).

The Electoral Commissioner must not delete an annotation or take any action specified under the rules in respect of a person not entitled to be on the roll during the period when the rolls have closed for an election to be held in the relevant Division of the Australian Capital Territory that includes Norfolk Island (subitem 51(5)).

Item 52 provides for action by the Electoral Commissioner in relation to enrolments for those Norfolk Island electors enrolled on the electoral roll for the Division in the Australian Capital Territory that does not include the Jervis Bay Territory (effectively, the Division of Canberra) immediately before 1 July 2016. Under this provision, the Electoral Commissioner:

•

must delete the annotation made under section 95AC to identify that a person was a Norfolk Island elector (sub-subitem 52(2)(a));

•

may make any additions, alterations or corrections to the Roll that are necessary to ensure that the Roll contains the person's particulars as required by section 83 of the Electoral Act (sub-subitem 52(2)(b)); and

•

notify the relevant Norfolk Island elector in writing that such action has occurred (sub -subitem 52(2)(c)).

The Electoral Commissioner must not delete an annotation (made under section 95AC) during the period when the rolls have closed for an election to be held in the relevant Division of the Australian Capital Territory that includes Norfolk Island (subitem 52(4)).

Where the Electoral Commissioner is satisfied that a person is not entitled to be on the roll for the Division of the Australian Capital Territory that does not include the Jervis Bay Territory (effectively, the Division of Canberra), the Electoral Commissioner must delete the annotation made under section 95AC, and must take action required or may take such action permitted by the rules (subitem 52(3)). The Electoral Commissioner must notify the relevant person in writing about the deletion of the annotation or any action taken in accordance with the rules (sub-subitem 52(3)(d)).

The Electoral Commissioner must not delete an annotation or take any action specified under the rules in respect of a person not entitled to be on the roll during the period when the rolls have closed for an election to be held in the relevant Division of the Australian Capital Territory that includes Norfolk Island (subitem 52(5)).

Item 53 provides that for the purposes of items 51 and 52, a notice may be given by an electronic communication as defined in the Electronic Transactions Act 1999, whether or not the person consents. This is consistent with the treatment of notices under sections 103A and 103B, which deal with updating or transferring a person's enrolment, or enrolling an unenrolled person, without a claim or notice from the person.

Item 54 allows the Electoral Commissioner to delegate all or any of his or her powers or functions under items 51 and 52 to any officer or other member of staff of the Electoral Commission (subitem 54(1)). Under section 4, "officer" covers Australian Electoral Officers and Divisional Returning Officers, as well as various other people. In exercising powers or performing delegated functions, the delegate must comply with any directions of the Electoral Commissioner. The class of potential delegates in this item is consistent with that provided for in section 28 of the Act. The need for this broad delegation power in relation to items 51 and 52 is necessary to allow all officers and staff of the Electoral Commission in various geographical locations to be utilised to derive maximum efficiency in enrolment processing.

Item 55 allows persons living on Norfolk Island to make claims for enrolment in the eight week period prior to 1 July 2016, and allows those claims that are in accordance with the Electoral Act to be treated as though they were made immediately after 1 July 2016. This allows the Electoral Commissioner and his or her delegates to efficiently process new enrolments and assist those persons living in Norfolk Island who were not previously enrolled to comply with their obligations under the Electoral Act in a timely manner.

Item 56 provides that section 87 of the Electoral Act applies as if the reference in that section to action taken under section 103A or 103B of that Act included a reference to action taken under item 51 or 52. Section 87 requires that, where new rolls are to be prepared, the Electoral Commissioner must make additions, alterations and corrections to the roll and remove names from the roll pursuant to action taken under section 103A or 103B up until the date of the notification that the rolls have been prepared.

Items 57 and 58 specify the application of sections 390 and 390A of the Electoral Act to notices given under item 51 and 52.

Section 390 limits the circumstances in which an officer is required to produce, disclose or communicate to courts particular documents or information related to enrolment. Section 390A prevents the seizure under a warrant of particular documents related to enrolment. For the purposes of these sections, a notice given under item 51 or 52 is to be treated in the same manner as notices under sections 103A or 103B, which deal with updating or transferring a person's enrolment, or enrolling an unenrolled person, without a claim or notice from the person.

Item 59 provides that for the purposes of voting at a referendum, a name must not be deleted from a roll or entered on a roll under item 51 or 52 during a suspension period for the referendum within the meaning of subsection 4(2) of the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984.

Item 60 provides for the responsible Commonwealth Minister (with the same meaning as in the Norfolk Island Act 1979) to prescribe matters of a transitional nature relating to the amendments or repeals made to the Electoral Act or the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984 by this Schedule. However, the transitional rules are not able to create an offence or civil penalty; provide powers of arrest or detention; or entry, search or seizure; impose a tax; appropriate from the Consolidated Revenue Fund; or directly amend the text of the Act.

Schedule 5 - Application of Acts to Norfolk Island

Part 1-General amendments

Division 1-Amendments

Acts Interpretation Act 1901

Item 1 amends the definition of "Australia" in section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 (Acts Interpretation Act). This section provides that "Australia" means "the Commonwealth of Australia and, when used in a geographical sense, includes the Territory of Christmas Island and the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands, but does not include any other external Territory". This amendment inserts "Norfolk Island," after the word "includes", therefore includes Norfolk Island in the meaning of "Australia" when used in a geographical sense. The effect of this amendment is that other Commonwealth legislation which relies on the definition of "Australia" provided by the Acts Interpretation Act will include Norfolk Island. This amendment enables the normalisation of federal legislative arrangements for Norfolk Island.

Item 2 amends the definition of "Commonwealth" in section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act. This section provides for the meaning of "Commonwealth", which is identical to the meaning of Australia: "the Commonwealth of Australia and, when used in a geographical sense, includes the Territory of Christmas Island and the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands, but does not include any other external Territory". This amendment inserts "Norfolk Island," after the word 'includes', therefore includes Norfolk Island in the meaning of Commonwealth when used in a geographical sense. The effect of this amendment is that other Commonwealth legislation which relies on the definition of Commonwealth provided by the Acts Interpretation Act will include Norfolk Island. This amendment enables the normalisation of federal legislative arrangements for Norfolk Island.

Norfolk Island Act 1979

Item 3 repeals section 18 of the Norfolk Island Act 1979 and substitutes it with a new section 18. Subsection 18(1) provides that a Commonwealth Act (or provision of an Act) extends to the Territory of Norfolk Island of its own force, except so far as that Act (or another Commonwealth Act) expressly provides otherwise. Subsection 18(2) qualifies subsection 18(1) to provide that, except as provided by the Norfolk Island Act 1979, an enactment has no effect so far as it purports to affect the application of a Commonwealth Act (or provision of an Act) in, or in relation to, the Territory of Norfolk Island. Subsection 18(3) provides that subsections 18(1) and 18(2) apply to Commonwealth Acts passed before, on or after 1 July 2016.

In effect, section 18 provides that a Commonwealth Act is in force on Norfolk Island, except as otherwise provided by an Act. This means that Commonwealth Acts which do not state whether or not they extend to Norfolk Island now extend to Norfolk Island (even if there is no practical effect of this extension). Commonwealth Acts which expressly state they do not extend to Norfolk Island do not extend to Norfolk Island. Commonwealth Acts which state that they extend to Norfolk Island continue to extend (although this is technically unnecessary as a result of new section 18). This amendment enables the normalisation of federal legislative arrangements for Norfolk Island.

Division 2-Transitional provisions

Item 4 provides for two definitions for the transitional provisions in item 5. "Responsible Commonwealth Minister" means the same as in the Norfolk Island Act 1979, and "transitional rules" means the rules made under item 5.

Item 5 provides for a transitional rule-making power for the responsible Commonwealth Minister (as defined in the Norfolk Island Act 1979). Subitem 5(1) provides that the Minister may, by legislative instrument, make rules prescribing matters of a transitional nature (including prescribing any saving or application provisions) relating to the amendments or repeals made by Schedule 5. Subitem 5(2) provides limits and safeguards on the Minister's transitional rule-making power. That is, the transitional rules may not create an offence or civil penalty; provide powers of: arrest or detention; or entry, search or seizure; impose a tax; set an amount to be appropriated from the Consolidated Revenue Fund under an appropriation in this Act; or directly amend the text of the Norfolk Island Act 1979. Subitem 5(3) provides that transitional rules made before 1 July 2017 may provide that this Act or any other Act or instrument has effect with any modifications prescribed by the transitional rules. Subitem 5(4) provides that subsection 12(2) of the Legislation Act 2003 concerning the retrospective application of legislative instruments does not apply to transitional rules made before 1 July 2017. Subsection 12(2) of the Legislation Act 2003 prevents a legislative instrument from taking effect before registration if this would affect the rights of a person to their disadvantage or impose a liability upon them for things done or omitted before that registration.

The scope of the changes in Schedule 5 to normalise federal legislative arrangements on Norfolk Island is broad. It is possible that amendments made to the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 and section 18 of the Norfolk Island Act 1979 may affect the application of Commonwealth legislation to Norfolk Island in a way that was unintended. The transitional rule-making power provides the Minister (in consultation with the relevant portfolio Minister) with an expedient way of resolving unforeseen issues or unintended consequences associated with the Schedule 5 amendments.

To provide for the unusual circumstances created by the extension of Commonwealth laws to Norfolk Island, transitional rules made in the first year may amend the application of Commonwealth legislation to Norfolk Island and be retrospective. Retrospectivity may pre-date the commencement of this Schedule and impose a retrospective disadvantage, contrary to subsection 12(2) of the Legislation Act 2003. However, subitem 5(2) places limits on what transitional rules can do, and the capacity for the transitional rules to retrospectively impose a disadvantage is time limited, starting with the commencement of the Schedule and not applying to transitional rules made on or after 1 July 2017. The transitional rules may also operate to retrospective advantage.

Item 6 is a constitutional safety net provision. Subitem 6(1) provides that if the operation of Schedule 5 or the transitional rules would result in an acquisition of property (within the meaning of paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution) from a person otherwise than on just terms (within the meaning of that paragraph), the Commonwealth is liable to pay a reasonable amount of compensation to the person. Subitem 6(2) provides that if the Commonwealth and the person do not agree on the amount of the compensation, the person may institute proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction for the recovery from the Commonwealth of such reasonable amount of compensation as the court determines.

Item 7 is a constitutional limits' provision, and provides that Schedule 5 has no effect to the extent (if any) to which it imposes taxation.

Item 8 provides that Division 2 of Schedule 5 does not, by implication, limit the matters that may be dealt with by Ordinances under section 19A of the Norfolk Island Act 1979.

Part 2-Specific amendments

Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Act 1994

Item 9 amends the definition of "participating Territory" in section 4 by adding a reference to Norfolk Island in new paragraph (aa), to the effect that Norfolk Island becomes a participating Territory under the Act.

Item 10 amends the definition of "Territory" in section 4 by omitting the reference to Norfolk Island, to the effect that Norfolk Island becomes a Territory under the Act.

Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act 1988

Item 11 amends subsection 69(1) by inserting Norfolk Island after Northern Territory. This provides that, subject to subsection (2), trade, commerce and intercourse between the Australian Capital Territory and the Norfolk Island (and the other places listed) shall be absolutely free.

Australian National Preventive Health Agency Act 2010

Item 12 amends section 5 by omitting the reference to "other than Norfolk Island", to the effect that the Australian Preventive Health Agency Act 2010 extends to every external Territory (including Norfolk Island).

Australian Postal Corporation Act 1989

Item 13 repeals the heading in section 8 and substitutes it with the heading, "Extension of Act to external Territories". This is a consequential amendment to item 14.

Item 14 amends section 8 to omit the words "(other than Norfolk Island)", to the effect that the Australian Postal Corporation Act 1989 extends to the external Territories, including Norfolk Island.

Item 15 repeals the definition of Territory in subsection 9(4). This means a reference to Territory in section 9 includes Norfolk Island.

Item 16 amends the definition of "Australia" in subsection 27(5) by inserting a reference to Norfolk Island after "includes". This means a reference to Australia in section 27 includes Norfolk Island.

Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001

Item 17 inserts new subsections 4(1A) and 4(1B) after subsection 4(1). Subsection 4(1A) provides that, subject to paragraph (1)(c), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 (the ASIC Act) does not apply on Norfolk Island, the Territory of Christmas Island or the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Subsection 4(1B) provides that for the purposes of subsection (1A), it does not matter whether paragraph (1)(c) operates because of regulations made before, on or after the commencement of subsection 4 (1A).

The ASIC Act expressly provides that it does not extend to Norfolk Island, the Territory of Christmas Island or the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands, except to the extent prescribed by regulations. The provision has been included to avoid doubt over the application of the ASIC Act to Norfolk Island, the Territory of Christmas Island or the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Item 17 also clarifies that the extension of the ASIC Act to Norfolk Island, the Territory of Christmas Island or the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands under the regulations will continue to operate where the regulations were made prior to these amendments being introduced.

Bankruptcy Act 1966

Item 18 inserts two new definitions in subsection 5(1). Subsection 5(1) provides that "Australia ", when used in the geographical sense, does not include Norfolk Island; and "Territory of the Commonwealth" means a Territory referred to in section 122 of the Constitution, other than Norfolk Island. These amendments are consequential to the amendment in item 19.

Item 19 inserts section 9A at the end of Part IB to expressly provide that the Bankruptcy Act 1966 does not extend to Norfolk Island. This has the effect of excluding Norfolk Island from the application of the Bankruptcy Act 1966.

Bankruptcy (Estate Charges) Act 1997

Item 20 inserts section 3A after section 3 to expressly provide that the Bankruptcy (Estate Charges) Act 1997 does not extend to Norfolk Island. This has the effect of excluding Norfolk Island from the application of that Act.

Broadcasting Services Act 1992

Item 21 inserts section 10AA after section 10. Section 10AA provides that the operation of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 in relation to Norfolk Island is not affected by the amendments made by Division 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 5 to the Territories Legislation Amendment Act 2016. This means that the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 is unaffected by this Schedule. The provisions of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 which applied to Norfolk Island continue to apply, and the provisions of that Act which did not apply continue to not apply with the commencement of this Schedule.

Broadcasting Services (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 1992

Item 22 inserts section 3A at the end of Part 1, expressly providing that the Broadcasting Services (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 1992 does not extend to Norfolk Island.

Business Names Registration Act 2011

Item 23 amends the definition of "affected Territory" in section 3 by inserting paragraph (ba) after paragraph (b) to include Norfolk Island in the list of affected Territories. This has the effect of extending the application of the Business Names Registration Act 2011 to Norfolk Island.

Item 24 repeals the definition of "Australia" in section 3. This is a consequential amendment to item 23.

Competition and Consumer Act 2010

Item 25 amends section 151AC to insert a "(1)" before the words "This Part". This is a consequential amendment to item 26.

Item 26 amends section 151AC to add subsection (2). New subsection 151AC(2) provides that the operation of Part XIB, and the other provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 so far as they relate to Part XIB, in relation to Norfolk Island is not affected by the amendments made by Division 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 5 to the Territories Legislation Amendment Act 2016. This means that Part XIB of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 is unaffected by this Schedule. The provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 which applied to Norfolk Island continue to apply, and the provisions of that Act which did not apply continue to not apply with the commencement of this Schedule.

Item 27 amends section 151AE to insert a "(1)" before the words "This Part". This is a consequential amendment to item 28.

Item 28 amends section 151AE to add subsection (2). New subsection 151AE(2) provides that the operation of Part XIB, and the other provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 so far as they relate to this Part, in relation to Norfolk Island is not affected by the amendments made by Division 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 5 to the Territories Legislation Amendment Act 2016. This means that Part XIB of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 is unaffected by this Schedule. The provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 which applied to Norfolk Island continue to apply, and the provisions of that Act which did not apply continue to not apply with the commencement of this Schedule.

Copyright Act 1968

Item 29 amends the definition of "Australia" in subsection 152(1) to insert the words "other than Norfolk Island" after "external Territories". This has the effect of including Norfolk Island in the definition of Australia where it is referred to in section 152. Section 152 is about applications to the Copyright Tribunal of Australia for determinations of amounts payable for broadcasting published sound recordings. Regarding the application of the rest of the Copyright Act 1968 to Norfolk Island, this remains the same.

Cross-Border Insolvency Act 2008

Item 30 amends section 4 to insert "Norfolk Island" after the words "extend to", to the effect that the Cross-Border Insolvency Act 2008 expressly provides that it does not extend to Norfolk Island.

The Cross-Border Insolvency Act 2008 applies the Model law on Cross-Border Insolvency of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law to Australia in relation to the Bankruptcy Act 1966 and the insolvency provisions in Chapter 5 of the Corporations Act 2001. As the Bankruptcy Act 1966 and Chapter 5 of the Corporations Act 2001 do not apply in Norfolk Island, the Cross-Border Insolvency Act 2008 is also excluded from operating in Norfolk Island to avoid uncertainty or any unintended consequences.

Item 31 amends the definition of "Australia" in subsection 5(1) to insert "Norfolk Island," after "include", to the effect that Norfolk Island is not included in the definition of Australia for the purposes of the Cross-Border Insolvency Act 2008. This is a consequential amendment to item 30.

Item 32 amends the note in subsection 7(2) to insert "Norfolk Island" after "includes" to update the cross-reference to definition of Australia in section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 which has been amended by this Schedule.

Customs Licensing Charges Act 1997

Item 33 inserts section 3A after section 3 to expressly provide that the Customs Licensing Charges Act 1997 does not extend to Norfolk Island.

Customs Securities (Penalties) Act 1981

Item 34 inserts section 3A after section 3 to expressly provide that the Customs Securities (Penalties) Act 1981 does not extend to Norfolk Island.

Customs Tariff Act 1995

Item 35 inserts section 3A after section 3 to expressly provide that the Customs Tariff Act 1995 does not extend to Norfolk Island.

Customs Tariff (Anti-Dumping) Act 1975

Item 36 inserts section 6A after section 6 to expressly provide that Customs Tariff (Anti-Dumping) Act 1975 does not extend to Norfolk Island.

Customs Undertakings (Penalties) Act 1981

Item 37 inserts section 3A after section 3 to expressly provide that the Customs Undertakings (Penalties) Act 1981 does not extend to Norfolk Island.

Do Not Call Register Act 2006

Item 38 repeals the definition of "Australia" in section 4 and substitutes a new definition which provides that "Australia" means the Commonwealth of Australia and, when used in a geographical sense, includes the eligible Territories, but does not include any other external Territory. This is a consequential amendment to item 40.

Item 39 amends section 8 to insert a "(1) before "This Act", insert "(1)". This is a consequential amendment to item 40.

Item 40 amends section 8 to add subsection 8(2) which expressly provides that the Do Not Call Register Act 2006 does not extend to Norfolk Island unless it is prescribed to extend.

Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000

Item 41 inserts section 4C after section 4B to expressly provide that the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 does not extend to Norfolk Island.

Equal Employment Opportunity (Commonwealth Authorities) Act 1987

Item 42 repeals the definition of "Australia" in subsection 3(1). This is a consequential amendment to item 43.

Item 43 repeals section 4 to the effect that the Equal Employment Opportunity (Commonwealth Authorities) Act 1987 extends to Norfolk Island as a result of the amendments to the Norfolk Island Act 1979 and the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 in the Schedule. Despite the repeal of section 4, this Act continues to extend to the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and the Territory of Christmas Island as section 8E of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act 1955 and section 8E of the Christmas Island Act 1958 extend this Act to the relevant Territories.

Excise Act 1901

Item 44 amends the definition of "Australia" in subsection 4(1) by inserting paragraph (aa) before paragraph (a) to exclude Norfolk Island from the definition of "Australia" for the purposes of the Excise Act 1901. This is the same as for the Territory of Christmas Island and the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Export Control Act 1982

Item 45 amends subsection 4A(1) to insert paragraph (aa) before paragraph (a) to the effect that the Export Control Act 1982 expressly provides that it does not extend to Norfolk Island. This is the same as for the Territory of Christmas Island and the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Item 46 amends subsection 4A(2) to omit the words "either or both of the Territories", and substitute them with "one or more of the Territories", such that Regulations may be made to extend the whole of a part of the Export Control Act 1982 to one of more of the Territories, including Norfolk Island. This is a consequential amendment to item 45.

Item 47 amends the definition of "Australia" in subsection 23(1A) to insert "Norfolk Island" after the words "does not include". This is a consequential amendment to item 45.

Item 48 amends subsection 23(1AA) to insert "Norfolk Island" after "goods to be exported from". This is a consequential amendment to item 47.

Item 49 amends subsection 23(1AA) to insert "the 'Australian Territory of Norfolk Island'," after "goods are from". This is a consequential amendment to item 4.

Fair Entitlements Guarantee Act 2012

Item 50 inserts new section 9A of the Fair Entitlements Guarantee Act 2012 (FEG Act). New section 9A gives the Minister the ability to make rules modifying the FEG Act and regulations made under the FEG Act in regards to their operation in Norfolk Island. Rules made under section 9A may make modifications that are necessary or appropriate for the transition of the Act to Norfolk Island.

The Minister's rule making power is subject to limits and safeguards. The Minister does not have the power to make a rule which would:

a)

create an offence or civil penalty;

b)

provide powers of arrest or detention or entry, search or seizure;

c)

impose a tax;

d)

set an amount to be appropriated from the Consolidated Revenue Fund under an appropriation in this Act;

e)

directly amend the text of this Act or the regulations.

If modifications are made, the FEG Act and regulations will apply as modified in relation to Norfolk Island. A note to section 9A makes clear that in the absence of any such rules, the FEG Act and regulations will apply in Norfolk Island as they apply in relation to the rest of Australia.

Fair Work Act 2009

Item 51 amends the Dictionary in section 12 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Fair Work Act) to insert definitions of the terms "Australia" and "Commonwealth". Section 12 of the Fair Work Act contains the Act's Dictionary. The new definitions of "Australia" and "Commonwealth" provide that, when used in a geographical sense, those terms include Norfolk Island, the Territory of Christmas Island and the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands but not any other external Territory.

This item has the effect of extending the Fair Work Act to Norfolk Island, in addition to the other external territories to which the Fair Work Act currently applies - that is, Territory of Christmas Island and the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands. This is consistent with items 1 and 2 of Schedule 5, which amend the definitions of those terms in the Acts Interpretation Act 1901. The Fair Work Act provides at section 40A that it is the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 as in force on 25 June 2009 that applies to the Fair Work Act.

Item 52 repeals the note to the definition of "connected with a Territory" in section 12 of the Fair Work Act and substitutes a new note. The new note provides that the definition of "connected with a territory" operates in conjunction with the definition of "Australia" inserted by item 51. The new note provides that, in the context of the definition of "connected with a Territory," the term "Australia" includes Norfolk Island together with the Territories of Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Item 53 repeals note 1 to subsection 14(1) of the Fair Work Act (which provides the definition of 'national system employer') and substitutes a new note 1. New note 1 indicates that the definition of "Australia" inserted by item 51 informs the operation of this provision. New note 1 provides that, in the context of the meaning of "national system employer," the term "Australia" includes Norfolk Island together with the Territories of Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Item 54 repeals note 1 to subsection 31(1) of the Fair Work Act and substitutes a new note 1. Subsection 31(1) provides that the regulations may prescribe the exclusion of persons or entities insufficiently connected with Australia from the application of the Fair Work Act (or provisions of that Act). New note 1 indicates that the definition of "Australia" inserted by item 51 informs the operation of this provision. New note 1 provides that, in the context of subsection 31(1), the term "Australia" includes Norfolk Island together with the Territories of Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Item 55 inserts new section 32A of the Fair Work Act. New section 32A gives the Minister the ability to make rules modifying the Fair Work Act and Regulations in regard to their operation in Norfolk Island. New section 32A refers to "this Act". The definition of "this Act" in section 12 of the Act includes the regulations. Rules made under section 32A will make modifications to the Fair Work Act that are necessary or appropriate for the transition of the Act to Norfolk Island.

The Minister's rule making power is subject to limits and safeguards. The Minister does not have the power to make a rule which would:

a)

create an offence or civil penalty;

b)

provide powers of arrest or detention or entry, search or seizure;

c)

impose a tax;

d)

set an amount to be appropriated from the Consolidated Revenue Fund under an appropriation in this Act;

e)

directly amend the text of this Act.

If modifications are made, the Fair Work Act will apply as modified in relation to Norfolk Island. A note to the section makes clear that in the absence of any such rules, this Act will apply in Norfolk Island as it applies in relation to the rest of Australia.

Item 56 amends subsection 792(1) of the Fair Work Act to prevent the Minister from delegating the power to make a rule modifying the application of the Fair Work Act in Norfolk Island (see item 55). The Minister must personally exercise the power to make such a rule.

Subsection 792 of the Fair Work Act enables the Minister to delegate any or all of his or her functions and powers under the Act to the Secretary of the Department of Employment, or to a Senior Executive Service (SES) employee, or acting SES employee in the Department.

Federal Proceedings (Costs) Act 1981

Item 57 amends the definition of Territory in subsection 3(1) to omit the words "or Norfolk Island". As a consequence, the Federal Proceedings (Costs) Act 1981 extends to Norfolk Island. This makes the Act consistent with the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia Act 1999.

Item 58 amends section 5 to omit the words "except Norfolk Island", in effect removing the exclusion of Norfolk Island from the scope of the Act. The Act now extends to every external territory, including Norfolk Island.

Gene Technology Act 2000

Item 59 amends section 7 to omit the words "other than Norfolk Island", in effect removing the exclusion of Norfolk Island from the scope of the Act. The Act now extends to every external territory, including Norfolk Island.

Health Insurance Commission (Reform and Separation of Functions) Act 1997

Item 60 amends section 8 to omit ", of the Northern Territory and of Norfolk Island" and substitutes it with "and of the Northern Territory", in effect providing that the Crown will no longer be bound in respect of Norfolk Island. This is a consequential amendment relating to the Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015.

Hearing Services and AGHS Reform Act 1997

Item 61 amends section 7 to ", of the Northern Territory and of Norfolk Island" and substitutes it with "and of the Northern Territory", in effect providing that the Crown will no longer be bound in respect of Norfolk Island. This is a consequential amendment relating to the Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015.

Imported Food Charges (Collection) Act 2015

Item 62 amends section 5 to insert "Norfolk Island," after the words "does not extend to". This means that Imported Food Charges (Collection) Act 2015 expressly provides that it does not extend to Norfolk Island unless the Imported Food Control Act 1992 extends to that Territory.

Imported Food Charges (Imposition - Customs) Act 2015

Imported Food Charges (Imposition - Excise) Act 2015

Imported Food Charges (Imposition - General) Act 2015

Items 63 to 65 amend section 4 of the Imported Food Charges (Imposition-Customs) Act 2015, the Imported Food Charges (Imposition - Excise) Act 2015 and the Imported Food charges (Imposition-General) Act 2015 to insert "Norfolk Island" after the words "does not extend to". This means that these Acts are expressly provided to not extend to Norfolk Island unless the Imported Food Control Act 1992 extends to that Territory.

Imported Food Control Act 1992

Item 66 inserts a new subsection 3 in section 4, to provide that the Imported Food Control Act 1992 does not extend to Norfolk Island unless regulations made for the purposes of this subsection provide that the Act is to extend to that Territory.

Import Processing Charges Act 2001

Item 67 inserts new section 3A after section 3 to expressly provide that the Import Processing Charges Act 2001 does not extend to Norfolk Island.

Independent Contractors Act 2006

Item 68 inserts new section 5A of the Independent Contractors Act 2006 (IC Act) at the end of Part 1. New section 5A gives the Minister the ability to make rules modifying the IC Act and regulations in regards to their operation in Norfolk Island. Rules made under new section 5A will make modifications that are necessary or appropriate for the transition of the IC Act to Norfolk Island.

The Minister's rule making power is subject to limits and safeguards. The Minister does not have the power to make a rule which would:

a)

create an offence or civil penalty;

b)

provide powers of arrest or detention or entry, search or seizure;

c)

impose a tax;

d)

set an amount to be appropriated from the Consolidated Revenue Fund under an appropriation in this Act;

e)

directly amend the text of this Act or the regulations.

If modifications are made, the IC Act and regulations will apply as modified in relation to Norfolk Island. A note to the section makes clear that in the absence of any such rules, the IC Act and regulations will apply in Norfolk Island as they apply in relation to the rest of Australia.

Industry Research and Development Act 1986

Item 69 inserts a definition of "Australia" in subsection 4(1) to provide that Australia has the same meaning as in the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

Item 70 repeals section 5 and substitutes it with new section 5. New section 5 provides that the Industry Research and Development Act 1986 extends to every external Territory referred to in the definition of "Australia".

Item 71 amends paragraph 28D(2)(a) to omit "or an external Territory". This is a consequential amendment to item 69.

Item 72 amends subsection 28D(4) to omit "or the external Territories" (wherever occurring). This is a consequential amendment to item 69.

Item 73 amends paragraphs 28D(5)(b) and (d) to omit "and the external Territories".

Insurance Contracts Act 1984

Item 74 amends subsection 6(1) of the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Insurance Contracts Act) to extend its application to Norfolk Island, the Territory of Christmas Island and the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The amendment stating that the Insurance Contracts Act applies to the Territory of Christmas Island and the Territory of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands does not affect the date on which the Insurance Contracts Act commenced operation in those territories. The date on which the Insurance Contracts Act commenced operation for Territory of Christmas Island and the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) island is the same as their respective proclamations.

Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989

Item 75 amends the definition of 'Australia' in section 5(1) of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act to expressly provide that the Act does not extend to Norfolk Island.

National Land Transport Act 2014

Item 76 repeals the definition of Indian Ocean Territory in subsection 4(1).

Item 77 inserts a definition in subsection 4(1) "relevant external Territory" which means Norfolk Island; the Territory of Christmas Island; or the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Item 78 amends paragraphs 10(a), (c), (e) and (f) to remove the references to "Indian Ocean Territory" and substitute them with references to "relevant external Territory". This is a consequential amendment to items 76 and 77.

Passenger Movement Charge Collection Act 1978

Item 79 repeals the definition of "Australia" in section 3.

Item 80 amends the definition of "external Territory" in section 3 to insert Norfolk Island, such that external Territory for the purposes of the Passenger Movement Charge Collection Act 1978 does not include Norfolk Island, the Territory of Christmas Island or the Territory of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Plant Breeder's Rights Act 1994

Item 81 inserts new section 9B after section 9A. Section 9B provides that the Plant Breeder's Rights Act 1994 does not extend to Norfolk Island unless prescribed by the regulations.

Protection of Moveable Cultural Heritage Act 1986

Items 82 and 83 remove the words "other than Norfolk Island" from the subsection 3(1) definition of "Australia" and from section 6 on the application of the Act so that the Protection of Moveable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 extends to Norfolk Island.

Public Order (Protection of Persons and Property) Act 1971

Item 84 amends the definition of "Territory" in subsection 4(1) to add Norfolk Island. This means that Territory, subject to subsection 25(2) of the Public Order (Protection of Persons and Property) Act 1971, now includes Norfolk Island. This item is necessary to avoid doubt as to whether the laws apply in Norfolk Island.

Road Safety Remuneration Act 2012

Item 85 inserts new section 15A of the Road Safety Remuneration Act 2012 (RSR Act). New section 15A gives the Minister the ability to make rules modifying the RSR Act and regulations in regards to their operation in Norfolk Island. Rules made under new section 15A will make modifications that are necessary or appropriate for the transition of the Act to Norfolk Island.

The Minister's rule making power is subject to limits and safeguards. The Minister does not have the power to make a rule which would:

a)

create an offence or civil penalty;

b)

provide powers of arrest or detention or entry, search or seizure;

c)

impose a tax;

d)

set an amount to be appropriated from the Consolidated Revenue Fund under an appropriation in this Act;

e)

directly amend the text of this Act or the regulations.

If modifications are made, the RSR Act and regulations will apply as modified in relation to Norfolk Island. A note to the section makes clear that in the absence of any such rules, the RSR Act and regulations will apply in Norfolk Island as they apply in relation to the rest of Australia.

Telecommunications Act 1997

Items 86 and 87 add a new subsection (2) in section 10 to provide that the operation of the Telecommunications Act 1997 in relation to Norfolk Island is not affected by the amendments in this Schedule. The provisions of the Telecommunications Act 1997 which applied to Norfolk Island continue to apply, and the provisions of that Act which did not apply continue to not apply with the commencement of this Schedule.

Telecommunications (Carrier Licence Charges) Act 1997

Items 88 and 89 add a new subsection (2) in section 4 to provide that the operation of the Telecommunications (Carrier Licence Charges) Act 1997 in relation to Norfolk Island is not affected by the amendments in this Schedule. The provisions of the Telecommunications (Carrier Licence Charges) Act 1997 which applied to Norfolk Island continue to apply, and the provisions of the Telecommunications (Carrier Licence Charges) Act 1997 which did not apply continue to not apply with the commencement of this Schedule.

Telecommunications (Industry Levy) Act 2012

Items 90-92 amend section 4B to replace the reference to section 10 with subsection 10(1) and to add a new subsection (2) to provide that the operation of the Telecommunications (Industry Levy) Act 2012 in relation to Norfolk Island is not affected by the amendments in this Schedule. The provisions of the Telecommunications (Industry Levy) Act 2012 which applied to Norfolk Island continue to apply, and the provisions of that Act which did not apply continue to not apply with the commencement of this Schedule.

Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979

Item 93 inserts new section 4B at the end of Part 1-1. New subsection 4B(1) provides that this section does not extend to Norfolk Island. New subsection 4B(2) provides that subsection (1) ceases to be in force when the Telecommunications Act 1992 (NI) is repealed. New subsection 4B provides a note to clarify that once subsection (1) ceases to be in force the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 extends to Norfolk Island because of section 18 of the Norfolk Island Act 1979. This means that upon the repeal of the Telecommunications Act 1992 (NI), the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 will extend to Norfolk Island.

Telecommunications (Numbering Charges) Act 1997

Item 94 and 95 insert new subsection 4(2) to provide that the operation of the Telecommunications (Numbering Charges) Act 1997 in relation to Norfolk Island is not affected by the amendments made by Division 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 5 to the Territories Legislation Amendment Act 2016. The provisions of the Telecommunications (Numbering Charges) Act 1997 which applied to Norfolk Island continue to apply, and the provisions of that Act which did not apply continue to not apply with the commencement of this Schedule.

Telecommunications (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 1991

Item 96 inserts new subsection 3(3) to provide that the operation of this Part in relation to Norfolk Island is not affected by the amendments made by Division 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 5 to the Territories Legislation Amendment Act 2016. The provisions of the Telecommunications (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 1991 which applied to Norfolk Island continue to apply, and the provisions of that Act which did not apply continue to not apply with the commencement of this Schedule.

Telecommunications (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 1997

Item 97 inserts new section 2A at the end of Part 1. New section 2A provides that the operation of this Act in relation to Norfolk Island is not affected by the amendments made by Division 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 5 to the Territories Legislation Amendment Act 2016. The provisions of the Telecommunications (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 1997 which applied to Norfolk Island continue to apply, and the provisions of that Act which did not apply continue to not apply with the commencement of this Schedule.

Items 86-97 ensure that any reference to the terms "Australia" or "the Commonwealth" throughout these Acts continues to have the same effect in relation to whether the term includes or excludes Norfolk Island, as was the case before the amendments contained in this Schedule came into effect.

Tradex Duty Imposition (Customs) Act 1999

Tradex Duty Imposition (Excise) Act 1999

Tradex Duty Imposition (General) Act 1999

Items 98-100 insert new section 2A after section 2 in each Act to provide that these Acts do not extend to Norfolk Island. The Tradex Duty Imposition (Customs) Act 1999, Tradex Duty Imposition (Excise) Act 1999, Tradex Duty Imposition (General) Act 1999 expressly provide that they do not extend to Norfolk Island.

Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2005

Item 101 amends section 5 to omit the words "other than Norfolk Island". This means that the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2005 extends to Norfolk Island.

Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012

Item 102 repeals subsection 3(3). This is a consequential amendment to item 103.

Item 103 repeals section 4. This means that the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 extends to Norfolk Island, without the need for this to be prescribed by regulations.

Schedule 6 - Nature of Norfolk Island Regional Council

Item 1 amends the definition of "Norfolk Island Regional Council" in item 17 of Part 2 in Schedule 2 of the Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015, by omitting the reference to "corporate" in "body corporate". This means that the Norfolk Island Regional Council may be any type of body, including a body corporate or a body politic. The purpose of the amendment is to provide flexibility in the application of local government law to Norfolk Island.