Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Legislation Amendment Act 2015 (150 of 2015)

Schedule 1   Main amendments

Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975

4   Parts IA to III

Repeal the Parts, substitute:

Part 2 - Meaning of significant action and notifiable action

Division 1 - Simplified outline of this Part

38 Simplified outline of this Part

The concepts of significant action and notifiable action are 2 of the most important concepts in this Act.

The Treasurer has powers to make orders and decisions under Part 3 in relation to any significant action taken or proposed to be taken.

A foreign person must give the Treasurer a notice before taking a notifiable action. Only some significant actions are notifiable actions.

Those concepts are defined in this Part.

Division 2 - Meaning of significant action

39 Simplified outline of this Division

Broadly, a significant action is an action to acquire interests in securities, assets or Australian land, or otherwise take action in relation to entities (being corporations and unit trusts) and businesses, that have a connection to Australia. For an action to be a significant action, the action must result in a change in control involving a foreign person or be taken by a foreign person.

Generally, the action is only a significant action if the entity, business or land meets the threshold test. A different threshold test applies for certain significant actions taken in relation to agribusinesses.

The regulations may also prescribe actions that are significant actions.

An acquisition of an interest in Australian land by a foreign person that is specified in an exemption certificate under Division 5 is generally not a significant action.

Division 6 deals with the treatment of entities whose securities are stapled and entities operating on a unified basis.

40 Meaning of significant action - entities

(1) An action is a significant action if the conditions in this section are met.

First condition - kinds of action

(2) The first condition is that the action is any of the following:

(a) to acquire a direct interest in an Australian entity that is an agribusiness;

(b) to acquire interests in securities in an entity;

(c) to issue securities in an entity;

(d) to enter an agreement:

(i) relating to the affairs of the entity; and

(ii) under which one or more senior officers of the entity will be under an obligation to act in accordance with the directions, instructions or wishes of a foreign person who holds a substantial interest in the entity (or of an associate of such a foreign person);

(e) to alter a constituent document of the entity as a result of which one or more senior officers of the entity will be under an obligation to act in accordance with the directions, instructions or wishes of a foreign person who holds a substantial interest in the entity (or of an associate of such a foreign person).

Note: An action mentioned in any of paragraphs (2)(b) to (e) may be taken in relation to an Australian entity that is an agribusiness (see section 42).

Second condition - threshold

(3) The second condition is that the threshold test is met in relation to the entity (see Subdivision B of Division 4).

Third condition - kinds of entities covered

(4) The third condition (except if paragraph (2)(a) applies) is that the entity is the following:

(a) for an acquisition of interests in shares or an issue of shares:

(i) a corporation that is a relevant entity that carries on an Australian business, whether alone or together with one or more other persons; or

(ii) the holding entity of such a corporation;

(b) for any other action relating to a corporation:

(i) an Australian corporation that carries on an Australian business, whether alone or together with one or more other persons; or

(ii) the holding entity (other than a foreign corporation) of such a corporation;

(c) for an action relating to a unit trust:

(i) an Australian unit trust; or

(ii) a holding entity of an Australian unit trust.

Last condition - action taken by a foreign person

(5) If paragraph (2)(a) applies, the last condition is that the action is or is to be taken by a foreign person.

Last condition - action results in change in control

(6) If any of paragraphs (2)(b) to (e) apply, the last condition is that there would be or has been a change in control of the entity as a result of the action (see Subdivision C of Division 4).

41 Meaning of significant action - businesses

(1) An action is a significant action if the conditions in this section are met.

First condition - kinds of action

(2) The first condition is that the action is any of the following:

(a) to acquire a direct interest in an Australian business that is an agribusiness;

(b) to acquire interests in assets of an Australian business;

(c) to enter or terminate a significant agreement with an Australian business.

Note: An action mentioned in paragraph (2)(b) or (c) may be taken in relation to an Australian business that is an agribusiness (see section 42).

Second condition - threshold

(3) The second condition is that the threshold test is met in relation to the Australian business(see Subdivision B of Division 4).

Third condition - action taken by a foreign person

(4) If paragraph (2)(a) applies, the third condition is that the action is or is to be taken by a foreign person.

Third condition - action results in change in control

(5) If paragraph (2)(b) or (c) applies, the third condition is that there would be or has been a change in control of the business as a result of the action (see Subdivision C of Division 4).

42 Action taken in relation to agribusinesses

To avoid doubt, a person may take an action under any of paragraphs 40(2)(b) to (e) or 41(2)(b) or (c) in relation to an Australian entity or Australian business that is an agribusiness.

43 Meaning of significant action - land

An action is a significant action if:

(a) the action is for a foreign person to acquire an interest in Australian land; and

(b) the threshold test is met in relation to the land (see Subdivision B of Division 4).

Note: Certain acquisitions of land by foreign persons may not be significant actions (see section 45).

44 Meaning of significant action - actions prescribed by the regulations

(1) The regulations may provide that a specified action is a significant action (including by providing that a specified action is a significant action if specified conditions are met).

(2) Sections 40, 41 and 43 do not limit the actions that may be specified by the regulations.

Note: For example, the regulations may specify an action without requiring the threshold test to be met or a change in control.

45 Actions that are not significant actions - exemption certificates

(1) Despite this Division, an action is not a significant action if:

(a) the action is a foreign person acquiring an interest in a new dwelling that will be, is being or has been built on another interest (the development interest ) in Australian land; and

(b) the acquisition was from a person who was specified in an exemption certificate in force under section 57; and

(c) the development interest was specified in the certificate; and

(d) the specified person provided the foreign person with a copy of that certificate before the foreign person acquired the interest; and

(e) either:

(i) the conditions (if any) specified in the certificate were met; or

(ii) the foreign person is not, at the time of the action, aware that one or more of the conditions specified in the certificate have not been met.

(2) Despite this Division, an action is not a significant action if:

(a) the action is a foreign person acquiring a kind of interest in Australian land; and

(b) the foreign person is specified in an exemption certificate in force under section 58 or 59; and

(c) the interest is, or is of a kind, specified in the certificate; and

(d) the conditions (if any) specified in the certificate were met.

(3) The regulations may provide, in relation to exemption certificates in force under regulations made for the purposes of section 63, that an action of a specified kind is not a significant action .

Division 3 - Meaning of notifiable action

46 Simplified outline of this Division

A notifiable action is a proposed action by a foreign person:

(a) to acquire a direct interest in an Australian entity or Australian business that is an agribusiness; or

(b) to acquire a substantial interest in an Australian entity; or

(c) to acquire an interest in Australian land.

Generally, the action is only notifiable if the entity, business or land meets the threshold test. A different threshold test applies for certain notifiable actions taken in relation to agribusinesses.

Unlike for a significant action, there does not need to be a change in control for actions relating to entities and businesses to be notifiable actions.

The regulations may also prescribe actions that are notifiable actions.

Actions to acquire interests in Australian land that are specified in an exemption certificate under Division 5 are generally not notifiable actions.

Division 6 deals with the treatment of entities whose securities are stapled and entities operating on a unified basis.

47 Meaning of notifiable action - general

(1) An action is a notifiable action if the conditions in this section are met.

First condition - kinds of action

(2) The first condition is that the action is any of the following:

(a) to acquire a direct interest in an Australian entity or Australian business that is an agribusiness;

(b) to acquire a substantial interest in an Australian entity;

(c) to acquire an interest in Australian land.

Note: For the definition of acquire a direct interest or a substantial interest, see section 20.

Second condition - threshold

(3) The second condition is that the threshold test is met in relation to the entity, business or land (see Subdivision B of Division 4).

Third condition - kinds of entities covered

(4) If paragraph (2)(a) or (b) applies, the third condition is that the entity is:

(a) an Australian corporation that carries on an Australian business, whether alone or together with one or more other persons; or

(b) an Australian unit trust; or

(c) an Australian entity that is the holding entity of an entity mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b).

Last condition - action taken by a foreign person

(5) The last condition (whether paragraph (2)(a), (b) or (c) applies) is that the action is or is to be taken by a foreign person.

48 Meaning of notifiable action - actions prescribed by the regulations

(1) The regulations may provide that a specified action is a notifiable action (including by providing that a specified action is a notifiable action if specified conditions are met).

(2) Section 47 does not limit the actions that may be specified by the regulations.

Note: For example, the regulations may specify an action without requiring the threshold test to be met.

49 Actions that are not notifiable actions - exemption certificates

(1) Despite this Division, an action is not a notifiable action if:

(a) the action is a foreign person acquiring an interest in Australian land; and

(b) the action would not be a significant action under section 45 (actions that are not significant actions - exemption certificates).

(2) The regulations may provide, in relation to exemption certificates in force under regulations made for the purposes of section 63, that an action of a specified kind is not a notifiable action .

Division 4 - The threshold test and change in control

Subdivision A - Simplified outline of this Division

50 Simplified outline of this Division

Two important tests in determining whether an action is a significant action are whether the threshold test is met and whether there has been a change in control.

For the threshold test to be met, a certain value must be above a threshold prescribed by the regulations. The value depends on the action taken.

There is a change in control of an entity or business if the Treasurer is satisfied that one or more foreign persons begin to control the entity or business, or the foreign persons who currently control the entity or business change.

One or more persons who hold a substantial interest or an aggregate substantial interest in an entity are taken to control the entity. Also, a person controls the entity if the person is in a position to determine the policy of the entity or business.

There are broad powers for the regulations to prescribe thresholds under this Part.

Subdivision B - The threshold test

51 The threshold test for entities and businesses

The threshold test is met in relation to an entity or business for a significant action mentioned in column 1 of the following table if the value mentioned in column 2 of the table is more than the value prescribed by the regulations.

Note 1: Total asset value , total issued securities value and consideration are defined by the regulations (see section 4).

Note 2: The regulations may provide in relation to valuing assets of an entity or business (see section 27).

52 The threshold test for land

Land without threshold value

(1) The threshold test is met in relation to land if the land is of a kind that is prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subsection.

Agricultural land where total value of interests is above threshold value

(2) The threshold test is met in relation to land if both of the following apply:

(a) the land is agricultural land;

(b) the total value of the following is more than the value prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph:

(i) all interests in agricultural land held by the foreign person, alone or together with one or more associates;

(ii) the consideration for the acquisition of the interest in the land.

Note: Consideration is defined by the regulations (see section 4).

Other land where value of interest is above threshold value

(3) The threshold test is met in relation to land if both of the following apply:

(a) the land is not land prescribed for the purposes of subsection (1) or agricultural land;

(b) the value of the interest in the land is more than the value prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph.

53 The threshold test in relation to actions of more than one kind

Agreements covering more than one action

(1) If an action relating to an entity, business or land is covered by an agreement, the action is a significant action if the threshold test is met in relation to the entity, business or land even if the threshold test is not met for another action covered by the agreement (whether or not relating to the same entity, business or land).

Actions of more than one kind

(2) If either or both of the following apply:

(a) a single action is covered by more than one of the following (because an action is an action of more than one kind):

(i) paragraph 40(2)(a), (b), (c), (d) or (e);

(ii) paragraph 41(2)(a), (b) or (c);

(iii) paragraph 43(a);

(iv) a provision of regulations made for the purposes of section 44;

(b) a single action relating to land is covered by more than one subsection of section 52 (because the land is land of more than one kind);

the threshold test is met in relation to the single action if the test is met in relation to any of the kinds of actions or land (even if the threshold test is not met in relation to any of the other kinds of actions or land).

Example 1: An acquisition of an interest in securities in an Australian land corporation is covered by paragraphs 40(2)(b) and 43(a). The threshold test is met if the threshold test is met in relation to the corporation or land held by the corporation.

Example 2: An acquisition of an interest in land may be an acquisition of an interest in a mining or production tenement and an interest in agricultural land. The threshold test is met if the threshold test is met in relation to either kind of land.

Subdivision C - Change in control

54 Change in control

(1) For the purposes of determining whether an action is a significant action, there is a change in control of an entity or business if, and only if, the Treasurer is satisfied that the action would have, or has had, any of the results mentioned in subsection (2) or (3).

Foreign persons begin to control entity or business

(2) One or more foreign persons would begin, or have begun, to control the entity or business (whether alone or together with any associates of any of those persons).

Change in foreign persons who control the entity or business

(3) If one or more foreign persons already control or controlled the entity or business:

(a) another foreign person would become, or has become, a person who controls the entity or business; or

(b) a person would cease, or has ceased, to be a person who controls the entity or business.

Meaning of control

(4) A person controls an entity or business if:

(a) the person (whether alone or together with one or more associates) is in a position to determine the policy of the entity or business in relation to any matter; or

(b) without limiting paragraph (a), in relation to the acquisition of interests in securities in an entity or an issue of securities in an entity:

(i) the person holds a substantial interest in the entity; or

(ii) the person is one of 2 or more persons who hold an aggregate substantial interest in the entity.

Note: For determining the policy of a business of exploiting a mining or production tenement, see section 24.

(5) However, a person mentioned in paragraph (4)(b) does not control the entity if the Treasurer is satisfied that, having regard to all the circumstances, the persontogether with any one or more associates of that person is not in a position to determine the policy of the entity.

(6) Subsection (5) does not require the Treasurer to determine whether a person is in a position to determine the policy of an entity.

References to foreign persons

(7) If the Treasurer is satisfied that one or more foreign persons together with any one or more associates control an entity under subsection (4), then, in relation to an action taken relating to the entity, a reference to a foreign person is taken, for the purposes of Part 3 (powers of Treasurer), to include a reference to those associates (even if those associates are not foreign persons).

Subdivision D - Regulations

55 Regulations

(1) Regulations made for the purposes of this Part may prescribe any of, or any combination of, the following:

(a) values of nil;

(b) different values for different kinds of entities, businesses or land;

(c) different values for different kinds of foreign persons;

(d) different values for:

(i) sensitive businesses generally; or

(ii) different sensitive businesses for different foreign persons.

Note: Regulations may also provide for indexation (see subsection 139(2)).

(2) The paragraphs and subparagraphs in subsection (1) do not limit:

(a) each other; or

(b) the regulations that may be made for the purposes of this Part; or

(c) subsection 33(3A) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

Division 5 - Exemption certificates

56 Simplified outline of this Division

An exemption certificate is a certificate given by the Treasurer that specifies an interest or an interest of a kind that, if acquired by a foreign person, does not give rise to a significant action or a notifiable action. The certificate may also specify conditions that are required to be complied with in order for an acquisition of the interest not to be a significant action or notifiable action.

A person may apply for an exemption certificate under this Division.

The Treasurer must generally make a decision on an application within the period prescribed by the regulations. The regulations may also provide for additional kinds of exemption certificates.

57 Exemption certificates for new dwellings

(1) A person may apply for a certificate under this section if:

(a) the person or any other person proposes to acquire or has acquired an interest in Australian land; and

(b) the person or other person proposes to dispose of new dwellings to foreign persons that will be, are being or have been built on that land.

Note: See also Part 6 (fees) and section 135 (manner of notification and application).

(2) The Treasurer may give a certificate if the Treasurer is satisfied that the disposal of the new dwellings to foreign persons is not contrary to the national interest.

(3) The certificate must specify:

(a) the person (who may not yet be incorporated or established) to whom the certificate relates; and

(b) the interest to which the certificate relates.

Note: For other things that the certificate may specify, see section 60.

58 Exemption certificates for foreign persons

(1) A foreign person may apply for a certificate under this section if the foreign person or any other foreign person proposes to acquire one or more kinds of interests in Australian land.

Note: See also Part 6 (fees) and section 135 (manner of notification and application).

(2) The Treasurer may give a certificate if the Treasurer is satisfied that acquisitions of those kinds of interests by that foreign person is not contrary to the national interest.

(3) The certificate must specify:

(a) the person (who may not yet be incorporated or established) to whom the certificate relates; and

(b) the kinds of interests in Australian land to which the certificate relates.

Note: For other things that the certificate may specify, see section 60.

59 Exemption certificates for established dwellings

(1) A foreign person may apply for a certificate under this section if the foreign person or any other foreign person proposes to acquire an interest in an established dwelling.

Note: See also Part 6 (fees) and section 135 (manner of notification and application).

(2) The Treasurer may give a certificate if the Treasurer is satisfied that the acquisition of the interest by that foreign person is not contrary to the national interest.

(3) The certificate must specify:

(a) the person to whom the certificate relates; and

(b) the interest to which the certificate relates.

Note: For other things that the certificate may specify, see section 60.

60 Other matters that may be specified by exemption certificates

(1) An exemption certificate may specify:

(a) one or more conditions; and

(b) a period during which the certificate is in force; and

(c) any other matter.

Note 1: For offences and civil penalties for failing to comply with a condition, see Part 5.

Note 2: An example of a condition that may be specified in an exemption certificate is a condition requiring that an interest or kind of interest be acquired in land within a specified area.

(2) One exemption certificate may deal with more than one interest or kind of interest.

61 Time limit for making decisions on exemption certificates

(1) If a person applies for an exemption certificate, the Treasurer must make a decision whether to grant the application before the end of the following period:

(a) the period prescribed by the regulations;

(b) if the person requests in writing the Treasurer to extend the period - the period as so extended.

Note: For withdrawal of applications, see section 136.

Giving exemption certificates

(2) If the Treasurer decides to grant the application, the exemption certificate:

(a) must be given to the person before the end of 10 days after the decision is made; and

(b) may be given to the person at an address (including an electronic address) specified in the application by the person as the address for service of notices relating to the application.

Failure to make decision or give exemption certificate

(3) The Treasurer is taken to have given, in accordance with subsection (2), an exemption certificate (without specifying conditions) of the kind applied for if the Treasurer does not:

(a) make a decision before the end of the period mentioned in subsection (1); or

(b) if the Treasurer makes a decision before the end of the period - give the person the exemption certificate in accordance with subsection (2).

(4) The exemption certificate is taken to have specified:

(a) the person to whom the certificate relates; and

(b) the interests or kinds of interests to which the certificate relates; and

(c) the period during which the certificate is in force;

in accordance with the information specified in the application.

62 Variation or revocation of exemption certificates

(1) The Treasurer may vary or revoke an exemption certificate given to a person if the Treasurer is satisfied that the variation or revocation is not contrary to the national interest.

(2) A variation may be made on application in writing by the person or on the Treasurer's own initiative.

Note: See also Part 6 (fees) and section 135 (manner of notification and application).

(3) Subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 does not apply in relation to a power under this Subdivision to give an exemption certificate.

(4) Subsection (1) does not apply to an exemption certificate that is taken to have been given under section 61.

63 Exemption certificates provided for by the regulations

The regulations may provide for and in relation to additional kinds of certificates given by the Treasurer.

Note: The regulations may provide, in relation to exemption certificates in force under regulations made for the purposes of this section, that an action of a specified kind is not a significant action or a notifiable action (see subsections 45(3) and 49(2)).

Division 6 - Entities whose securities are stapled and entities operating on a unified basis

64 Simplified outline of this Division

This Division deals with the treatment of entities whose securities are stapled and entities operating on a unified basis. In certain circumstances, if any of those entities are foreign or not carrying on an Australian business, they are treated as if they were Australian entities or carrying on an Australian business. Consequently, an action taken in relation to those entities may be a significant action or a notifiable action.

65 Entities whose securities are stapled and entities operating on a unified basis

(1) This section applies if:

(a) either:

(i) the securities in an entity can only be transferred together with securities in one or more other entities; or

(ii) an entity has entered an agreement with one or more other entities resulting in the entities being under a legal obligation to operate on a unified basis; and

(b) a person takes an action in relation to one of the entities (the target ) mentioned in paragraph (a); and

(c) the target is not:

(i) an Australian entity; or

(ii) an entity carrying on an Australian business; or

(iii) the holding entity of such an entity;

as is required for the action to be a significant action or a notifiable action; and

(d) there is at least one other entity mentioned in paragraph (a) that is an entity of a kind mentioned in subparagraph (c)(i), (ii) or (iii).

Note: Entities in a dual listed company arrangement are examples of entities that are under a legal obligation to operate on a unified basis.

(2) For the purposes of this Act, the target is taken to be the same kind of entity as the entity mentioned in paragraph (d).

Example: A foreign person acquires interests in securities in the target (see paragraph 40(2)(b)). The target's securities are stapled to securities in another entity. The other entity is a relevant entity that carries on an Australian business (see subparagraph 40(4)(a)(i)). The target is taken to be a relevant entity that carries on an Australian business.

Part 3 - Powers of Treasurer

Division 1 - Simplified outline of this Part

66 Simplified outline of this Part

This Part deals with the powers that the Treasurer has if a significant action is proposed to be taken or has been taken.

The Treasurer may be aware of the significant action because a foreign person was required to give a notice under section 81. Alternatively, a foreign person might choose to give a notice despite not being required to do so.

If a significant action is proposed to be taken, the Treasurer may prohibit the action. The Treasurer may make an interim order before deciding whether to make an order prohibiting a significant action.

If a significant action has been taken, the Treasurer may order that the action be undone (for example, by requiring an acquisition to be disposed of).

Instead of making an order, the Treasurer may give a notification (called a no objection notification) stating that the Commonwealth does not object to an action. The Treasurer may impose conditions on a significant action.

If the Treasurer is given a notice that a significant action is proposed to be taken, the Treasurer must make a decision under this Part within a certain period (generally, within 30 days of receiving the notice, or within an additional period of up to 90 days from the publication of an interim order). A person must not take the action during this period unless the person is given a no objection notification.

In addition, if a foreign person is given a no objection notification relating to a significant action, and the foreign person takes the action in accordance with the notification, the Treasurer is prevented from using the powers under this Part in relation to the action. (This limitation does not apply if foreign persons or actions are not specified in the notification.)

A person who fails to comply with an order or notification under this Part may commit an offence or be liable to a civil penalty.

Under section 113, a fee may be payable in relation to orders or notifications given under this Part.

Division 2 - Powers of Treasurer

Subdivision A - Orders

67 Order prohibiting proposed significant actions

(1) The Treasurer may make an order under subsection (2) if the Treasurer is satisfied that:

(a) a significant action is proposed to be taken; and

(b) taking the significant action would be contrary to the national interest.

Note: See also section 77 (time limit on making orders and decisions) and Parts 5 (offences and civil penalties) and 6 (fees).

(2) The Treasurer may make an order in accordance with the following table.

(3) If the Treasurer makes an order under subsection (2), the Treasurer may also make an order in accordance with the following table.

68 Interim orders

(1) For the purpose of considering whether to make an order under section 67, the Treasurer may make an order, under this section, of the kind that he or she may make under that section as if that section had applied.

Note: See also section 77 (time limit on making orders and decisions) and Parts 5 (offences and civil penalties) and 6 (fees).

(2) An order made under this section must specify the period during which the order has effect. The period must not be more than 90 days.

Note: The period does not start until the order is published in the Gazette (see paragraph 72(2)(b)).

69 Disposal orders

(1) The Treasurer may make an order under subsection (2) if the Treasurer is satisfied that:

(a) a significant action has been taken; and

(b) the result of the significant action is contrary to the national interest.

Note: See also sections 70 (limitation on making disposal orders) and 77 (time limit on making orders and decisions) and Parts 5 (offences and civil penalties) and 6 (fees).

(2) The Treasurer may make an order in accordance with the following table.

Orders made under table item 7

(3) Without limiting item 7 of the table in subsection (2):

(a) a foreign person is taken to have acquired an interest in Australian land if the person becomes (with or without the knowledge of the person) a beneficiary in a trust that consists of or includes the interest; and

(b) if the trust is a discretionary trust - a reference to the disposal of the interest of the foreign person is a reference to the disposal of any assignable benefits in relation to that trust that may ultimately vest in that foreign person.

Orders made under table items 2, 3, 5 or 6

(4) An order under any of items 2, 3, 5 or 6 of the table in subsection (2) may be made only for the purpose of:

(a) restoring the control of the entity or business as closely as possible to the position in which it was before the significant action was taken; or

(b) preventing the occurrence of a change in control of the entity or business.

(5) Before the end of a period specified in an order made under any of items 2, 3, 5 or 6 of the table in subsection (2) (or that period as extended under a previous application of this subsection), the Treasurer may, in writing, extend the period. The order has effect as if the period as extended had been specified in the order.

70 Limitation on making disposal orders

(1) This section applies if:

(a) a person is given a no objection notification specifying one or more significant actions; and

(b) for a decision to which paragraph 74(1)(a) or section 75 applied - the actions specified in the notification were taken; and

(c) in any case, both of the following apply:

(i) either the period specified under section 76 in the notification has not ended or the actions were taken before the end of the period specified in the notification;

(ii) the foreign persons who took the actions were specified in the notification.

(2) The Treasurer may make an order under section 69 (disposal orders) in relation to the actions only if:

(a) the person is convicted of an offence against section 87 in relation to a condition included in the notification; or

(b) an order is made under section 19B of the Crimes Act 1914 in relation to the person in respect of such an offence; or

(c) a civil penalty order is made against the person under the Regulatory Powers Act in relation to a contravention of section 93, 96 or 97 of this Act relating to a condition included in the notification.

Note: The Treasurer may make an order under this Subdivision in relation to:

(a) a significant action that is not specified in the notification but is covered by the same agreement that covered the actions mentioned in subsection (1); or

(b) a foreign person who is not specified in the notification but who took significant actions covered by the same agreement that covered the actions mentioned in subsection (1).

71 Variation and revocation of orders

(1) The Treasurer may vary or revoke an order under this Subdivision at any time if:

(a) the Treasurer is satisfied that the variation or revocation is not contrary to the national interest; and

(b) for a variation:

(i) the person consents to the variation; or

(ii) the Treasurer is satisfied that the variation does not disadvantage the person.

(2) Subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 does not apply in relation to a power under this Subdivision to make an order.

72 Publication and commencement of orders

Publication of orders

(1) An order made by the Treasurer under this Subdivision must be:

(a) in writing; and

(b) published in the Gazette within 10 days after it is made.

When an order commences

(2) An order under this Subdivision commences:

(a) for an order under subsection 67(3) (additional orders) or 69 (disposal orders) - on the day specified in the order that is at least 30 days after the order is published; and

(b) for any other order - on the day the order is published.

73 Actions of more than one kind

If a single action is covered by more than one of the following (because an action is an action of more than one kind):

(a) paragraph 40(2)(a), (b), (c), (d) or (e);

(b) paragraph 41(2)(a), (b) or (c);

(c) paragraph 43(a);

(d) a provision of regulations made for the purposes of section 44;

the Treasurer may make any of the orders under this Subdivision that he or she could make in relation to the single action.

Subdivision B - Other powers of Treasurer

74 No objection notification imposing conditions

Application of this section

(1) This section applies if:

(a) the Treasurer is satisfied that a significant action is proposed to be taken (whether or not the Treasurer was given a notice relating to the action); or

(b) both of the following apply:

(i) the Treasurer is satisfied that a significant action has been taken;

(ii) the Treasurer was not given a notice relating to the action before the action was taken; or

(c) all of the following apply:

(i) the Treasurer is satisfied that a significant action has been taken;

(ii) the Treasurer was given a notice relating to the action before the action was taken;

(iii) the action was taken before the day mentioned in section 82.

Note: See also sections 70 (limitation on making disposal orders), 76 (content of no objection notification) and 77 (time limit on making orders and decisions) and Parts 5 (offences and civil penalties) and 6 (fees).

Imposition of conditions

(2) The Treasurer may:

(a) decide that the Commonwealth has no objection to the action if one or more of the following conditions were imposed:

(i) for paragraph (1)(a) - a condition that the Treasurer is satisfied is necessary to ensure the action, if taken, will not be contrary to the national interest;

(ii) for paragraphs (1)(b) and (c) - a condition that the Treasurer is satisfied is necessary to ensure that the action is not contrary to the national interest; and

(b) notify the person, in writing (the no objection notification ), of the conditions.

(3) The no objection notification:

(a) must be given before the end of 10 days after the decision is made; and

(b) if a notice relating to the action was given - may be given to the person at an address (including an electronic address) specified in that notice as the address for service of notices relating to the action.

Variation and revocation of conditions

(4) The Treasurer may (subject to subsection (6)) vary a no objection notification given to a person by:

(a) revoking a condition; or

(b) imposing a new condition; or

(c) varying an existing condition; or

(d) varying the information specified under section 76;

if the Treasurer is satisfied that the variation is not contrary to the national interest.

(5) The variation may be made on the Treasurer's own initiative.

Note: The variation may also be made on application by the person (see subsection 76(6)).

(6) The Treasurer may vary a no objection notification given to a person by imposing a new condition or varying an existing condition only if:

(a) the person consents to the new condition or the variation; or

(b) the Treasurer is satisfied that the new condition or variation does not disadvantage the person.

Statements in notices

(7) For the purposes of this section:

(a) a notice relating to an action stating that a person has a right (including a right under an option) to acquire interests in securities, assets or Australian land is taken to be a statement that the person proposes to acquire the interests in the securities, assets or land; and

(b) a notice relating to an action stating that a person proposes to acquire a right (including a right under an option) to acquire an interest in a security, asset or Australian land is taken to be a statement that the person proposes to exercise that right.

Effect of notification on later actions

(8) If:

(a) a person gives a notice to the Treasurer relating to more than one significant action proposed to be taken in relation to an entity or business; and

(b) the Treasurer is satisfied that the actions would result in a change in control of the entity or business; and

(c) the Treasurer gives a no objection notification to the person under this section in relation to the actions; and

(d) not all of the actions are taken; and

(e) the person gives a later notice to the Treasurer relating to a later action that is proposed to be taken in relation to the entity or business;

the giving of the no objection notification does not prevent the Treasurer from determining that there has been or will be a change in control of the entity or business as a result of the later action.

75 No objection notification not imposing conditions

(1) This section applies if:

(a) the Treasurer receives a notice that a person proposes to take an action; and

(b) the Treasurer is satisfied that the action is covered by:

(i) subsections 40(2) and (3), and whichever of subsection 40(4) or (5) applies (meaning of significant action - entities); or

(ii) subsections 41(2) and (3) and subsection 41(4) (if it applies) (meaning of significant action - business); or

(iii) section 43 (meaning of significant action - land); or

(iv) regulations made for the purposes of section 44 (meaning of significant action - actions prescribed by the regulations), disregarding any conditions prescribed by the regulations in relation to a change in control.

Note 1: See also sections 76 (content of no objection notification) and 77 (time limit on making orders and decisions) and Parts 5 (offences and civil penalties) and 6 (fees).

Note 2: This section disregards whether there has been a change in control.

(2) The Treasurer may:

(a) decide that the Commonwealth has no objection to the action; and

(b) notify the person, in writing (the no objection notification ), of the decision.

(3) The no objection notification:

(a) must be given before the end of 10 days after the decision is made; and

(b) may be given to the person at an address (including an electronic address) specified in the notice relating to the action as the address for service of notices relating to the action.

Statements in notices

(4) For the purposes of this section:

(a) a notice relating to an action stating that a person has a right (including a right under an option) to acquire interests in securities, assets or Australian land is taken to be a statement that the person proposes to acquire the interests in the securities, assets or land; and

(b) a notice relating to an action stating that a person proposes to acquire a right (including a right under an option) to acquire an interest in a security, asset or Australian land is taken to be a statement that the person proposes to exercise that right.

Effect of notifications on later actions

(5) A notification given under this section in relation to an action taken relating to an entity or business does not prevent the Treasurer from determining later whether there has been a change in control of the entity or business.

76 Content of notification

(1) A no objection notification given to a person under section 74 or 75 must specify the following:

(a) the one or more actions to which the notification relates;

(b) the one or more foreign persons to which the notification relates;

(c) a requirement that the actions to which the notification relates, if taken, must be taken before the end of a specified period after the day the notification is given.

(2) The no objection notification may specify a foreign person by specifying:

(a) a foreign person that:

(i) is not yet incorporated; or

(ii) is a trustee of a trust that is not yet established; and

(b) the way in which the foreign person is to be incorporated or the trust is to be established.

(3) A foreign person is taken not to be specified in a no objection notification if:

(a) the notification specified the foreign person under subsection (2) before the foreign person was incorporated or the trust was established; and

(b) the foreign person is not incorporated or the trust is not established in the way specified in the notification.

Note: The protection under section 70 from disposal orders applies to a foreign person only if the foreign person is specified in a no objection notification.

(4) The period mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) is:

(a) the period prescribed by the regulations; or

(b) if the Treasurer is satisfied that a longer period is not contrary to the national interest - that longer period.

(5) A single notification may include a no objection notification under each of sections 74 and 75 in relation to different actions.

Variation of no objection notification

(6) A person given a no objection notification may apply to the Treasurer for a variation of the notification (including after the action specified in the notification is taken).

Note: See also Part 6 (fees) and section 135 (manner of application).

(7) An application for an extension of a period specified in a no objection notification must be made 2 months before the end of the period.

(8) The Treasurer may vary a no objection notification if the Treasurer is satisfied that the variation is not contrary to the national interest.

Division 3 - Provisions relating to powers of Treasurer

77 Time limit on making orders and decisions

Application of this section

(1) This section applies if the Treasurer receives a notice from a person stating that a significant action (including a significant action that is a notifiable action) is proposed to be taken.

Note 1: If a fee is payable by a person under section 113, the notice is taken not to have been given until the fee has been paid, waived or remitted (see section 114).

Note 2: For withdrawal of notices, see section 136.

Time limit on making orders or decisions

(2) The Treasurer must not make an order or decision under Division 2 relating to the action if:

(a) the decision period ends; and

(b) the person has not taken the action by the end of the decision period; and

(c) either:

(i) the Treasurer has not made such an order or decision relating to the action by the end of the decision period; or

(ii) if the Treasurer has made such an order or decision by the end of the decision period - the Treasurer has not published the order in the Gazette in accordance with section 72 or given a notification in accordance with subsection 74(3) or 75(3).

Note: For the definition of decision period , see subsection (5) of this section.

Time limit on making orders or decisions after interim orders made

(3) If the Treasurer makes an interim order relating to the significant action, the Treasurer must not make an order under section 67 or 69 or a decision under section 74 or 75 relating to the action if:

(a) the Treasurer makes the interim order before the end of the decision period; and

(b) the interim order is published in the Gazettein accordance with section 72; and

(c) the period specified in the interim order ends; and

(d) by the end of that period, the Treasurer has not:

(i) made an order under section 67 or 69 relating to the action and published the order in the Gazette in accordance with section 72; or

(ii) made a decision and given a no objection notification relating to the action in accordance with section 74 or 75; and

(e) the person has not taken the action by the end of that period.

Notice given under section 133

(4) If a notice is given to a person under section 133 requiring a person to give information or produce a document, a decision period, or a period specified in an interim order, does not include any day in the period:

(a) beginning on the day the notice is given; and

(b) ending on the day the person gives the information or produces the document in accordance with the notice.

Meaning of decision period

(5) A decision period is:

(a) the period of 30 days after the day the Treasurer receives a notice from a person stating that a significant action (including a significant action that is a notifiable action) is proposed to be taken; or

(b) if, before the end of a decision period (including a decision period as extended under this paragraph), the person requests in writing the Treasurer to extend the period - the period as so extended.

78 Anti-avoidance

(1) This section applies if:

(a) one or more persons enter into, begin to carry out or carry out a scheme; and

(b) the Treasurer is satisfied thatany of the persons who entered into, began to carry out or carried out all or any part of the scheme did so for the sole or dominant purpose of avoiding the application of any provision of this Act in relation to one or more persons (whether those persons are the same as the persons mentioned in paragraph (a)); and

(c) all or part of the scheme has achieved, or (apart from this section) would achieve, that purpose.

Note: For the definition of scheme , see section 4.

(2) The Treasurer may (subject to subsection (3)) make any order or decision under Division 2 that the Treasurer would have been able to make if all or part of the scheme had not achieved that purpose.

(3) The Treasurer must not make an order prohibiting a person from doing anything that has already been done by the person before the order is made.

79 Persons involved in avoidance taken to be associates

(1) The Treasurer may make an order under subsection (2) if:

(a) the Treasurer makes an order under section 78 (anti-avoidance) in relation to more than one person; and

(b) the Treasurer is satisfied that not making an order under subsection (2) is contrary to the national interest.

(2) The Treasurer may make an order specifying that some or all of the persons to which the order under section 78 relates are taken to be associates of each other for the purposes of this Act or for specified purposes.

(3) An order under subsection (2) must specify the period during which the order is in force.

Effect of order

(4) An order under subsection (2) has effect according to its terms.

Order not a legislative instrument

(5) An order under subsection (2) is not a legislative instrument.

Part 4 - Notice of notifiable actions and significant actions

80 Simplified outline of this Part

A foreign person who proposes to take a notifiable action must give a notice to the Treasurer before taking the action.

If such a notice is given by a foreign person, or if a foreign person chooses to give a notice of a significant action despite not being required to do so, the foreign person must not take the action for a certain period unless the foreign person is given a no objection notification. Generally, the period is 40 days from receiving the notice, or up to 90 days from the publication of an interim order. The person may be prevented from taking the action by an order under Part 3.

Unlike for other parts of this Act, if an action is taken by entering an agreement, the action is taken for the purposes of this Part only when the provisions in the agreement become binding on the person (see subsections 15(4) and (5)).

A foreign person who fails to comply with this Part may commit an offence or be liable to a civil penalty.

Under section 113, a fee is payable in relation to notices given under section 81 and notices that a foreign person chooses to give.

81 Compulsory notice of notifiable actions

(1) A foreign person who proposes to take a notifiable action must give a notice to the Treasurer before taking the action.

(2) If a person takes an action by entering an agreement, the notice must deal with each notifiable action covered by the agreement.

Note: See also subsections 15(4) and (5) (provisions of agreements that are not currently binding), Parts 5 (offences and civil penalties) and 6 (fees) and section 135 (manner of notification and application).

82 Limitation on taking significant actions after notice given

(1) This section applies in relation to a foreign person who gives a notice to the Treasurer stating that a significant action (including a significant action that is a notifiable action) is proposed to be taken.

Note: A notice might be given under section 81 or because a foreign person chooses to give a notice despite not being required to do so.

(2) The foreign person must not take the action before the earliest of the following:

(a) the day that is 10 days after the end of the decision period mentioned in section 77;

(b) if an interim order is made - the end of the period specified in the order;

(c) the day a no objection notification is given to the person.

Note 1: See also Part 5 (offences and civil penalties).

Note 2: If a person takes an action by entering an agreement, the action is not taken until the agreement is binding on the person (see subsections 15(4) and (5)).

Part 5 - Offences and civil penalties

Division 1 - Simplified outline of this Part

83 Simplified outline of this Part

A person may commit an offence or contravene a civil penalty provision if the person:

(a) fails to give a notice under section 81 before taking a notifiable action; or

(b) takes a significant action before the end of the period in section 82; or

(c) contravenes an order under Part 3; or

(d) contravenes a condition in a no objection notification or an exemption certificate.

There are additional civil penalties in relation to residential land. Some of these penalties may be calculated by reference to the market value of, or consideration for, the acquisition of the interest in the residential land or the capital gain from disposing of the interest.

Part 2.4 of the Criminal Code,which among other things extends criminal responsibility to those who attempt to commit an offence or incite another person to commit an offence,applies to offences against this Act. A similar provision for civil penalty provisions is found in section 92 of the Regulatory Powers Act, and applies to civil penalty provisions in this Act.

Generally, the penalty for bodies corporate is 5 times the amount for individuals (see section 4B of the Crimes Act 1914 and subsection 82(5) of the Regulatory Powers Act).

An officer of a corporation who authorises or permits the corporation to commit an offence or contravene a civil penalty provision may also commit an offence or contravene a civil penalty provision. Similarly, an officer of a corporation may contravene a civil penalty provision by failing to prevent a contravention of the civil penalty provision by the corporation.

Civil penalty orders may be sought and infringement notices issued under the Regulatory Powers Act.

A charge on Australian land may apply for unpaid penalties under this Act.

Division 2 - Offences

84 Failing to give notice

A person commits an offence if:

(a) the person is a foreign person; and

(b) the person takes an action; and

(c) the action is a notifiable action; and

(d) a notice is not given under section 81 in relation to the action before the action is taken.

Note: If a person takes an action by entering an agreement, the action is not taken until the agreement is binding on the person (see subsections 15(4) and (5)).

Penalty: Imprisonment for 3 years, or 750 penalty units, or both.

85 Taking significant action before end of period

A person commits an offence if:

(a) the person is a foreign person; and

(b) the person gives a notice to the Treasurer stating that a significant action (including a significant action that is a notifiable action) is proposed to be taken; and

(c) the person takes the action; and

(d) the action is taken before the day mentioned in section 82; and

(e) if a change in control is required for the action to be a significant action - there is a change in control as a result of the action.

Note 1: If a person takes an action by entering an agreement, the action is not taken until the agreement is binding on the person (see subsections 15(4) and (5)).

Note 2: A notice might be given under section 81 or because a foreign person chooses to give a notice despite not being required to do so.

Penalty: Imprisonment for 3 years, or 750 penalty units, or both.

86 Contravening orders under Part 3

A person commits an offence if:

(a) a person engages in conduct; and

(b) the conduct contravenes an order made under Part 3.

Penalty: Imprisonment for 3 years, or 750 penalty units, or both.

87 Contravening conditions

A person commits an offence if:

(a) either:

(i) the person is given a no objection notification under section 74 (no objection notification imposing conditions) relating to a significant action; or

(ii) the person is specified in an exemption certificate; and

(b) the notification or certificate includes a condition; and

(c) the person engages in conduct; and

(d) the conduct contravenes the condition.

Penalty: Imprisonment for 3 years, or 750 penalty units, or both.

88 Failing to advertise new dwellings

(1) A person (the developer ) commits an offence if:

(a) the developer is specified in an exemption certificate given under section 57 in relation to an interest in Australian land on which a new dwelling will be, is being or has been built; and

(b) the developer disposes of an interest in the dwelling to a foreign person; and

(c) the certificate includes a condition requiring the sale of the dwelling to be advertised (however described) in Australia; and

(d) at the time the foreign person acquires the interest, the dwelling has not been advertised in accordance with the condition.

Penalty: Imprisonment for 3 years, or 750 penalty units, or both.

(2) Paragraph (1)(c) does not limit where the sale of a new dwelling may otherwise be advertised.

Division 3 - Civil penalties

Subdivision A - Civil penalties relating to significant actions generally

89 Contravening orders under Part 3

A person must not contravene an order made under Part 3.

Civil penalty: 250 penalty units.

Subdivision B - Civil penalties relating to actions (except in relation to residential land)

90 This Subdivision does not apply to actions relating to interests in residential land

This Subdivision does not apply in relation to a significant action or notifiable action relating to an interest in residential land.

91 Failing to give notice

A foreign person who proposes to take a notifiable action must give a notice under section 81 before taking the action.

Note: If a person takes an action by entering an agreement, the action is not taken until the agreement is binding on the person (see subsections 15(4) and (5)).

Civil penalty: 250 penalty units.

92 Taking significant action before end of period

A foreign person who proposes to take a significant action must not take the action before the day mentioned in section 82 if:

(a) the person gives a notice to the Treasurer stating that the action is proposed to be taken; and

(b) if a change in control is required for the action to be a significant action - the action would result in a change in control.

Note 1: If a person takes an action by entering an agreement, the action is not taken until the agreement is binding on the person (see subsections 15(4) and (5)).

Note 2: A notice might be given under section 81 or because a foreign person chooses to give a notice despite not being required to do so.

Civil penalty: 250 penalty units.

93 Contravening conditions

Conditions in no objection notifications

(1) A person who is given a no objection notification under section 74 (no objection notification imposing conditions) must not contravene a condition specified in the notification.

Civil penalty: 250 penalty units.

Conditions in exemption certificates

(2) A person who is specified in an exemption certificate must not contravene a condition specified in the certificate.

Civil penalty: 250 penalty units.

Subdivision C - Civil penalties relating to residential land

94 Acquisition of interests in residential land

(1) A foreign person who proposes to take a notifiable action that is a residential land acquisition must not take the action if the foreign person has not given a notice relating to the action under section 81.

Note: If a person takes an action by entering an agreement, the action is not taken until the agreement is binding on the person (see subsections 15(4) and (5)).

(2) A foreign person who gives a notice to the Treasurer, stating that a notifiable action that is a residential land acquisition is proposed to be taken, must not take the action before the day mentioned in section 82.

(3) A person who contravenes subsection (1) or (2) is liable to a civil penalty.

Penalty

(4) The maximum penalty for the contravention is the greater of the following:

(a) 10% of the considerationforthe residential land acquisition;

(b) 10% of the market value of the interest in the relevant residential land.

Note: Consideration is defined by the regulations (see section 4).

95 Acquisition of interests in established dwellings

Temporary residents

(1) A foreign person who is a temporary resident must not hold an interest in more than one established dwelling at the same time.

Temporary residents - exceptions

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if:

(a) the person is making a genuine attempt to dispose of one or more of the interests; and

(b) if those interests were disposed of, the person would not contravene subsection (1); and

(c) the person has been holding an interest in more than one established dwelling for less than 6 months.

(3) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to an interest in an established dwelling if, at the time the interest was acquired by the person:

(a) the dwelling was a new dwelling; or

(b) the person was not prohibited from holding the interest in that dwelling at the same time as holding an interest in another established dwelling.

Note: There is another exception in subsection (5).

Other foreign persons

(4) A foreign person who is not a temporary resident must not acquire an interest in an established dwelling.

General exceptions

(5) Subsections (1), (4) and (8) do not apply in relation to an interest if the interest was, or was of a kind, specified in an exemption certificate or a no objection notification.

Civil penalties

(6) A person who contravenes subsection (1) or (4) is liable to a civil penalty.

(7) The maximum penalty for a contravention of subsection (1) or (4) is the greatest of the following:

(a) the amount of the capital gain that was made or would be made on the disposal of the interest mentioned in subsection (8);

(b) 25% of the considerationforthe acquisition of that interest;

(c) 25% of the market value of that interest.

Note: For how to work out the capital gain, see section 98.

(8) The interest is:

(a) if at the time of determining the maximum penalty the foreign person still holds an interest in more than one established dwelling - the interest relating to the established dwelling or dwellings that were most recently acquired by the person; and

(b) otherwise - the interest relating to the established dwelling or dwellings that were most recently disposed of by the person.

96 Contravening conditions in relation to residential land

Conditions in no objection notifications

(1) A person who is given a no objection notification under section 74 (no objection notification imposing conditions) relating to a residential land acquisition must not contravene a condition (except a condition mentioned in section 97) specified in the notification.

Note: Examples of conditions that may be included in a no objection notification under section 74 are:

(a) a condition requiring a temporary resident to sell an established dwelling when the dwelling ceases to be the temporary resident's principal place of residence; and

(b) a condition prohibiting a temporary resident from leasing an established dwelling; and

(c) a condition requiring a purchaser of vacant land to begin to build a dwelling before a particular time.

Conditions in exemption certificates

(2) A person who is specified in an exemption certificate relating to an interest in residential land must not contravene a condition (other than a condition mentioned in section 97) specified in the certificate.

Civil penalty provisions

(3) A person who contravenes subsection (1) or (2) is liable to a civil penalty.

(4) The maximum penalty for the contravention is the greatest of the following:

(a) the amount of the capital gain that was made or would be made on the disposal of the interest in the relevant residential land;

(b) 25% of the considerationforthe acquisition of that interest;

(c) 25% of the market value of that interest.

Note: For how to work out the capital gain, see section 98.

97 Persons contravening conditions

Conditions in no objection notifications

(1) A person who is given a no objection notification under section 74 (no objection notification imposing conditions) relating to a residential land acquisition must not contravene a condition specified in the notification requiring:

(a) the person to give a notice to the Treasurer when the person acquires or disposes of the interest in the relevant residential land; or

(b) the sale of a dwelling on the relevant residential land to be advertised (however described) in Australia.

Civil penalty: 250 penalty units.

Conditions in exemption certificates

(2) A person who is specified in an exemption certificate relating to residential land must not contravene a condition specified in the certificate requiring:

(a) the person to give a notice to the Treasurer when the person acquires or disposes of the interest in the residential land; or

(b) the sale of a dwelling on the residential land to be advertised (however described) in Australia.

Civil penalty: 250 penalty units.

98 Working out capital gains

For the purposes of this Subdivision, the amount of the capital gain that was made or would be made on the disposal by a person (the offender ) of an interest to another person (the third party ) is the higher of the following amounts:

(a) if an agreement has been entered into in relation to disposing of the interest to the third party - the difference between:

(i) the consideration for the acquisition by the third party; and

(ii) the amount for which the offender purchased the interest;

(b) in any case - the difference between:

(i) the market value of the interest; and

(ii) the amount for which the offender purchased the interest.

Division 4 - Miscellaneous

Subdivision A - Application of the Regulatory Powers Act

99 Civil penalty provisions

Enforceable civil penalty provisions

(1) Each civil penalty provision of this Act is enforceable under Part 4 of the Regulatory Powers Act.

Note: Part 4 of the Regulatory Powers Act allows a civil penalty provision to be enforced by obtaining an order for a person to pay a pecuniary penalty for the contravention of the provision.

Authorised applicant

(2) For the purposes of Part 4 of the Regulatory Powers Act, the Treasurer is an authorised applicant in relation to the civil penalty provisions of this Act.

Relevant court

(3) For the purposes of Part 4 of the Regulatory Powers Act, each of the following courts is a relevant court in relation to the civil penalty provisions of this Act:

(a) the Federal Court of Australia;

(b) the Federal Circuit Court of Australia;

(c) a Supreme Court of a State or Territory.

Maximum penalties

(4) Subsection 82(5) of the Regulatory Powers Act does not apply in relation to the following civil penalty provisions:

(a) section 94 (acquisition of interests in residential land);

(b) section 95 (acquisitions of established dwellings);

(c) section 96 (contravening conditions relating to residential land);

(d) subsection 102(2) (liability of officers of corporations authorising or permitting contraventions);

(e) section 103 (civil penalties for officers of corporations failing to prevent contraventions).

Note: Subsections 94(4), 95(7), 96(4), 102(3) and 103(5) of this Act set the maximum penalties instead of subsection 82(5) of the Regulatory Powers Act.

Extension to external Territories

(5) Part 4 of the Regulatory Powers Act, as it applies in relation to the civil penalty provisions of this Act, extends to every external Territory.

100 Infringement notices

Provisions subject to an infringement notice

(1) The provisions of Subdivision C of Division 3 (civil penalties relating to residential land) are subject to an infringement notice under Part 5 of the Regulatory Powers Act.

Note: Part 5 of the Regulatory Powers Act creates a framework for using infringement notices in relation to provisions.

Infringement officer

(2) For the purposes of Part 5 of the Regulatory Powers Act, a person appointed under subsection (3) is an infringement officer in relation to the provisions mentioned in subsection (1).

(3) The Secretary may, in writing, appoint a person who holds, or performs the duties of, an APS 6 position, or an equivalent or higher position, within the Department or the Australian Taxation Office.

Relevant chief executive

(4) For the purposes of Part 5 of the Regulatory Powers Act, the Secretary is the relevant chief executive in relation to the provisions mentioned in subsection (1).

(5) Subparagraphs 104(1)(e)(ii) and (iii), and subsection 104(2), of the Regulatory Powers Act do not apply in relation to an infringement notice given in relation to an alleged contravention of:

(a) for subparagraphs 104(1)(e)(ii) and (iii) of the Regulatory Powers Act - the following provisions of this Act:

(i) section 94 (acquisition of interests in residential land);

(ii) section 95 (acquisitions of interests in established dwellings);

(iii) section 96 (contravening conditions in relation to residential land); and

(b) for subsection 104(2) of the Regulatory Powers Act - the following provisions of this Act:

(i) section 94 (acquisition of interests in residential land);

(ii) section 95 (acquisitions of interests in established dwellings);

(iii) section 96 (contravening conditions in relation to residential land);

(iv) section 97 (persons contravening conditions).

(6) The amount to be stated in an infringement notice for the purposes of paragraph 104(1)(f) of the Regulatory Powers Act for the alleged contravention of a civil penalty provision mentioned in subsection (1) of this section is:

(a) for a tier 1 infringement notice (see subsection 101(1)):

(i) given to an individual - 12 penalty units; and

(ii) given to a corporation - 60 penalty units; and

(b) for a tier 2 infringement notice (see subsection 101(2)):

(i) given to an individual - 60 penalty units; and

(ii) given to a corporation - 300 penalty units.

Extension to external Territories

(7) Part 5 of the Regulatory Powers Act, as it applies in relation to the provisions mentioned in subsection (1), extends to every external Territory.

101 Meanings of tier 1 infringement notice and tier 2 infringement notice

(1) An infringement notice is a tier 1 infringement notice if:

(a) the notice relates to an alleged contravention by a person of a civil penalty provision of this Act; and

(b) the person notified the Commonwealth of conduct that was the same, or substantially the same, as the conduct constituting the alleged contravention; and

(c) the person notified the Commonwealthbefore an infringement notice was issued in relation to the conduct constituting the alleged contravention.

(2) An infringement notice is a tier 2 infringement notice if:

(a) the notice relates to an alleged contravention by a person of a civil penalty provision of this Act; and

(b) subsection (1) does not apply in relation to the person and the conduct constituting the alleged contravention.

Subdivision B - Liability of officers of corporations

102 Liability of officers of corporations authorising or permitting contraventions

Offences authorised or permitted by officers

(1) A person commits an offence if:

(a) the person is an officer of a corporation; and

(b) the corporation is convicted of an offence against this Act; and

(c) the person authorised or permitted the commission of the offence by the corporation.

Note: An officer may also be liable to an offence as a result of Part 2.4 of the Criminal Code (extensions of criminal responsibility).

Contraventions of civil penalty provisions authorised or permitted by officers

(2) An officer of a corporation is liable to a civil penalty if:

(a) a civil penalty order under the Regulatory Powers Act is made against the corporation in relation to a contravention of a civil penalty provision of this Act; and

(b) the officer authorised or permitted the contravention of the civil penalty provision by the corporation.

Note: An officer may also be liable to a civil penalty as a result of section 92 of the Regulatory Powers Act (ancillary contravention of civil penalty provisions).

Maximum penalty

(3) The maximum penalty for a contravention of subsection (1) or (2) is the maximum penalty that would apply if the officer had committed the offence mentioned in paragraph (1)(b) or contravened the civil penalty provision mentioned in paragraph (2)(a).

103 Civil penalties for officers of corporations failing to prevent contraventions

(1) An officer of a corporation is liable to a civil penalty if:

(a) the corporation contravenes a civil penalty provision of this Act; and

(b) the officer knew that, or was reckless or negligent as to whether, the contravention would occur; and

(c) the officer was in a position to influence the conduct of the corporation in relation to the contravention; and

(d) the officer failed to take all reasonable steps to prevent the contravention.

(2) The officer was reckless as to whether the contravention would occur if:

(a) the officer was aware of a substantial risk that the contravention would occur; and

(b) having regard to the circumstances known to the officer, it was unjustifiable to take the risk.

(3) The officer was negligent as to whether the contravention would occur if the officer's conduct involved:

(a) such a great falling short of the standard of care that a reasonable person would exercise in the circumstances; and

(b) such a high risk that the contravention would occur;

that the conduct merits the imposition of a pecuniary penalty.

Reasonable steps to prevent contravention

(4) Without limiting this section, in determining whether an officer of a corporation failed to take all reasonable steps to prevent a contravention, a court may have regard to all relevant matters, including:

(a) what action (if any) the officer took directed towards ensuring the following (to the extent that the action is relevant to the contravention):

(i) that the corporation arranges regular professional assessments of the corporation's compliance with civil penalty provisions;

(ii) that the corporation implements any appropriate recommendations arising from such an assessment;

(iii) that the corporation's employees, agents and contractors have a reasonable knowledge and understanding of the requirements to comply with civil penalty provisions in so far as those requirements affect the employees, agents or contractors concerned; and

(b) what action (if any) the officer took when he or she became aware of the contravention.

Maximum penalty

(5) The maximum penalty for the contravention of subsection (1) is the maximum penalty that would apply if the officer had contravened the civil penalty provision mentioned in paragraph (1)(a).

Subdivision C - Recovering unpaid penalties

104 Creation of charge on land

(1) This section applies in relation to land if:

(a) a court finds that a person has contravened Division 3 of this Part (civil penalties); and

(b) a pecuniary penalty is imposed on the person in relation to the contravention; and

(c) the person has an interest in Australian land covered by subsection (2) that can be registered on a land register; and

(d) either:

(i) the contravention relates to the acquisition of the interest in the land; or

(ii) the Treasurer makes a declaration under section 105 that this section applies in relation to the land.

Note: Subsection (5) contains an exception to this section (proceeds of crime orders).

Kinds of interests covered by this subsection

(2) The interest in Australian land is either:

(a) an interest under a long term lease; or

(b) any other legal or equitable interest (within the ordinary meaning of the term) in Australian land, except:

(i) an interest under a lease (except a long term lease); or

(ii) an interest under a licence; or

(iii) an interest in a mining or production tenement; or

(iv) an interest in an easement; or

(v) an interest giving a right (known as a profit à prendre) to take something off another person's land, or to take something out of the soil of that land; or

(vi) an interest held on trust for another person; or

(vii) an interest of a kind prescribed by the regulations.

Creation of charge

(3) A charge is created on land to which this section applies to secure the payment of the penalty.

(4) The charge is created at the time:

(a) if subparagraph (1)(d)(i) applies - the penalty is imposed; or

(b) if subparagraph (1)(d)(ii) applies - the declaration comes into force.

Exception in relation to proceeds of crime orders

(5) This section does not apply if at the time mentioned in subsection (4):

(a) a restraining order is in force in relation to the land under Part 2-1 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002; or

(b) a forfeiture order is in force in relation to the land under Part 2-2 of that Act; or

(c) an order (however described) of a kind prescribed by the regulations is in force in relation to the land under a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory.

105 Treasurer's declaration relating to charge

Contravention that does not relate to acquisitions of interests in land

(1) The Treasurer may declare, in writing, that section 104 applies in relation to Australian land in which a person has an interest if:

(a) paragraphs 104(1)(a) to (c) apply to the person; and

(b) the contravention mentioned in paragraph 104(1)(a) does not relate to the acquisition of the interest in the land; and

(c) the Treasurer is satisfied that the declaration is necessary to secure the payment of the penalty mentioned in paragraph 104(1)(b).

Treasurer's declaration - extending land to which charge applies

(2) The Treasurer may declare, in writing, that section 104 applies in relation to Australian land (the additional land ) in which a person has an interest if:

(a) a charge is created under section 104 on other Australian land in which the person has an interest; and

(b) subparagraph 104(1)(d)(i) applies in relation to the charge; and

(c) the Treasurer is satisfied that the declaration in relation to the additional land is necessary to secure the payment of the penalty mentioned in paragraph 104(1)(b).

Content of declaration - generally

(3) A declaration under subsection (1) or (2) must specify:

(a) the period during which the declaration is in force; and

(b) the land to which section 104 applies.

Note: For a person who has more than one interest in Australian land, see subsection (4).

Content of declaration under subsection (1)

(4) For a declaration under subsection (1), if the person has more than one interest in Australian land, the declaration must specify the land to which section 104 applies. The Treasurer may specify more than one area of Australian land only if the Treasurer is satisfied that specifying each of those areas is necessary to secure the payment of the penalty.

Declarations not legislative instruments

(5) A declaration under subsection (1) or (2) is not a legislative instrument.

106 Effect of charge on land

(1) A charge created on land under section 104 has priority over any other interest in the land (even if the interest has been registered on a land register).

(2) The charge remains in force until:

(a) all of the following amounts are paid:

(i) the penalty mentioned in subsection 104(1);

(ii) any costs of the Commonwealth that the person mentioned in that subsection is ordered to pay by a court;

(iii) any costs incurred by the Commonwealth in relation to recovering the penalty mentioned in that subsection; or

(b) the interest in the land is disposed of under section 109.

(3) To avoid doubt, the charge on the land is not affected by any change in ownership of the land.

Powers of Treasurer

(4) The Treasurer has power, on behalf of the Commonwealth, to do, or authorise the doing of, anything necessary or convenient to obtain the registration of the charge on a land register.

(5) The Treasurer's powers under subsection (4) include:

(a) executing any instrument required to be executed; or

(b) signing any certificate that:

(i) states that a charge is created on land under section 104; and

(ii) specifies the land on which the charge is created.

107 Vesting of interest in land

(1) This section applies in relation to a person's interest in Australian land if:

(a) a charge is created on the land under section 104; and

(b) the following period ends:

(i) 3 months since the finding mentioned in subsection 104(1) was made by the court;

(ii) any longer period determined in writing by the Treasurer or by the court; and

(c) if subparagraph 104(1)(d)(ii) (charge imposed after Treasurer's declaration) applies in relation to the charge:

(i) the interest is an estate in fee simple in the land or an interest in a long term lease; and

(ii) the person holds the interest alone.

Note: Subsection (4) contains an exception to this section (proceeds of crime orders).

(2) At the end of the period mentioned in paragraph (1)(b):

(a) the interest in the Australian land vests in equity in the Commonwealth but does not vest in the Commonwealth at law until the applicable registration requirements have been complied with; and

(b) the Treasurer has power, on behalf of the Commonwealth, to do anything necessary or convenient to give notice of, or otherwise protect, the Commonwealth's equitable interest in the Australian land; and

(c) the Commonwealth is entitled to be registered on a land register as the owner of that property; and

(d) the Treasurer has power, on behalf of the Commonwealth, to do, or authorise the doing of, anything necessary or convenient to obtain the registration of the Commonwealth as the owner.

(3) The Treasurer's powers under paragraph (2)(d) include:

(a) executing any instrument required to be executed; or

(b) signing any certificate that:

(i) states that land has vested in the Commonwealth under this section; and

(ii) specifies the land that has so vested.

Exception in relation to proceeds of crime orders

(4) This section does not apply if at the end of the period mentioned in paragraph (1)(b):

(a) a restraining order is in force in relation to the land under Part 2-1 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002; or

(b) a forfeiture order is in force in relation to the land under Part 2-2 of that Act; or

(c) an order (however described) of a kind prescribed by the regulations is in force in relation to the land under a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory.

108 When the Commonwealth can begin dealing with interests in land

(1) The Treasurer, and persons acting on the Commonwealth's behalf, can dispose of, or otherwise deal with, a person's interest in Australian land that vests under section 107 only after the later of the following times:

(a) if the period provided for lodging an appeal against the finding in relation to the person mentioned in subsection 104(1) has ended without such an appeal having been lodged - the end of that period;

(b) if an appeal against the finding in relation to the person has been lodged - the appeal lapses or is finally determined.

(2) However, such disposals and dealings may occur earlier with the leave of a court and in accordance with any directions of a court.

109 Disposing of interests in land

(1) The Treasurermust, on behalf of the Commonwealth, dispose of an interest in a person's (the owner's ) land that vests in the Commonwealth under section 107 as soon as practicable after the time mentioned in section 108.

(2) The Treasurer may give full and effective title to the land free of all other interests, which are extinguished at the time title is given.

Dealing with the proceeds of sale

(3) The Treasurer must apply the proceeds of the disposal of the interest in the land against:

(a) the amounts mentioned in paragraph 106(2)(a); and

(b) any other penalty that is due and payable to the Commonwealth under this Act by the owner; and

(c) any costs incurred by the Commonwealth in relation to the disposal.

(4) The Treasurermust pay the remainder of the proceeds, if any, to the persons mentioned in subsection (6) in the order in which they appear in that subsection.

Note: Not all of the persons mentioned in subsection (6) may be paid if the proceeds are insufficient.

(5) If the remainder of the proceeds is insufficient to pay:

(a) all of the persons mentioned in paragraph (6)(a); or

(b) after paying all of the persons mentioned in paragraph (6)(a), all of the persons mentioned in paragraph (6)(b);

the Treasurer must pay each person mentioned in that paragraph proportionately.

(6) The persons are as follows:

(a) a person holding a mortgage, charge or other interest over the land if the mortgage, charge or interest:

(i) relates to a debt due by the owner; and

(ii) has been registered on a land register;

(b) if subparagraph 104(1)(d)(i) applies - a person together with whom the owner holds the interest;

(c) the Commonwealth in relation to any other penalty or debt that is due and payable to the Commonwealth by the owner;

(d) the owner.

(7) Nothing in this section affects the right of the Commonwealth to recover penalties by other means.

110 Exemption from stamp duty and other State or Territory taxes and fees

(1) No stamp duty or other tax or fee is payable under a law of a State or a Territory in respect of the vesting of an interest in Australian land under section 107, or anything connected with the vesting of the interest, if the Treasurer, in writing:

(a) declares that the interest in the land has vested under that section; and

(b) specifies the interest in the land.

(2) An instrument made under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.

111 Compensation for acquisition of property

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

Note: For the definitions of acquisition of property and just terms , see section 4.

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

Part 6 - Fees

112 Simplified outline of this Part

Fees are payable under this Part to ensure that foreign persons and others who take action regulated by this Act bear the costs relating to the administration of this Act.

Fees are payable for:

(a) applying for an exemption certificate or a variation of an exemption certificate; and

(b) giving a notice of a notifiable action; and

(c) giving a notice relating to an action that is not a notifiable action; and

(d) applying for a variation of a no objection notification.

The Treasurer is not required to take any action before the fee is paid.

A fee is also payable if the Treasurer makes a decision or order under Part 3 relating to a significant action and a person has not notified the Treasurer of the action.

The amounts of the fees are found in the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Fees Imposition Act 2015.

A fee may be waived or remitted.

113 When fees are payable

(1) The person mentioned in column 1 of the following table must pay a fee to the Treasurer in accordance with column 2 of the table.

Note: The amounts of the fees are in Part 2 of the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Fees Imposition Act 2015.

6 monthly fees for developers given exemption certificates under section 57

(2) A person (the developer ) who is given an exemption certificate under section 57 must pay a fee for a 6 month period if there were one or more new dwelling acquisitions during the period.

(3) A 6 month period is:

(a) the period of 6 months beginning immediately after the developer is given the certificate; or

(b) each subsequent 6 month period.

(4) A new dwelling acquisition is an acquisition by a foreign person of an interest in a new dwelling that is covered by the exemption certificate given to the developer.

Debts may be recovered by Treasurer

(5) A fee payable under this Act that does not relate to an application made or a notice given by the person may be recovered by the Treasurer, on behalf of the Commonwealth, as a debt due to the Commonwealth in a court of competent jurisdiction.

114 Requirement for fees to be paid before Treasurer exercises powers

If a fee is payable by a person under section 113 for giving a notice or making an application, then the person is taken not to have given the notice or made the application until:

(a) the fee has been paid; or

(b) the fee has been waived or remitted under section 115.

Note: The notice must also be given in the approved manner (see section 135).

115 Waiver and remission of fees

The Treasurer may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, waive or remit the whole or a part of a fee that is payable under this Act if the Treasurer is satisfied that it is not contrary to the national interest to waive or remit the fee.

Part 7 - Record-keeping and confidentiality of information

Division 1 - Simplified outline of this Part

116 Simplified outline of this Part

A person must make and keep records relating to:

(a) significant actions, notifiable actions and actions specified in exemption certificates; and

(b) compliance with conditions in no objection notifications and exemption certificates; and

(c) certain disposals of interests in residential land.

The records must be kept for 5 years, except records that relate to conditions which must be kept for 2 years. A person may commit an offence if the person fails to make or keep the records in accordance with Division 2.

Information that is obtained for the purposes of this Act (called protected information) may be disclosed only for authorised purposes. A person who obtains, uses or discloses protected information other than as authorised by this Act may commit an offence.

Division 2 - Record-keeping

117 What records must be made and kept

(1) A person must make and keep records of every act, transaction, event or circumstance relating to the following:

(a) any action taken by the person that is a significant action or notifiable action to the extent that the records are relevant to an order or decision under Part 3;

(b) an action taken by the person that is specified in an exemption certificate;

(c) whether the person is complying with a condition in a no objection notification or an exemption certificate;

(d) the disposal of an interest in residential land by the person if the acquisition of the interest by the person:

(i) was a significant action or notifiable action; or

(ii) would have been a significant action or notifiable action if the action had not been specified in an exemption certificate.

(2) The records must be:

(a) in English, or readily accessible and easily convertible into English; and

(b) such as to enable the acts, transactions, events or circumstances mentioned in subsection (1) to be readily ascertained.

118 Making and keeping records

Records required by section 117 must be kept by a person until the following time:

(a) for paragraphs 117(1)(a) and (b) - 5 years after the action is taken by the person;

(b) for paragraph 117(1)(c) - 2 years after the condition ceases to apply to the person;

(c) for paragraph 117(1)(d) - 5 years after the interest is disposed of by the person.

119 Offence for failing to make and keep records

(1) A person commits an offence if:

(a) the person is required to make and keep a record under this Division; and

(b) the person does not make or keep the record in accordance with this Division; and

(c) the Treasurer has not notified the person that the person does not need to make or keep the record; and

(d) the person is not a corporation that has been finally dissolved.

Penalty: 30 penalty units.

(2) Subsection (1) is an offence of strict liability.

Division 3 - Confidentiality of information

120 Meaning of protected information

(1) Information is protected information if the information is obtained under, in accordance with or for the purposes of this Act, except:

(a) information specified in an exemption certificate given under:

(i) section 57 (exemption certificates for new dwellings); or

(ii) regulations made for the purposes of section 63; or

(b) subject to subsection (2), information that is:

(i) obtained by a person appointed to a position in the Australian Taxation Office, or a person engaged under the Public Service Act 1999 who is employed in the Australian Taxation Office; and

(ii) obtained under, in accordance with or for the purposes of this Act as a result of a delegation or subdelegation under section 137, or a request under subsection 138(4).

Note: Information mentioned in paragraph (b) is protected under Division 355 in Schedule 1 to the Taxation Administration Act 1953.

(2) If:

(a) information is mentioned in paragraph (1)(b); and

(b) the information is disclosed under Subdivision 355-B in Schedule 1 to the Taxation Administration Act 1953; and

(c) the disclosure is made to the Secretary or a person appointed or engaged under the Public Service Act 1999 who is employed in the Department;

the information mentioned in paragraph (1)(b) is protected information in relation to further uses, disclosures or records made of the information that arise from the disclosure mentioned in paragraph (b) of this subsection.

121 Authorisation of disclosures etc. of protected information for the purposes of this Act

(1)A person may make a record of, disclose or otherwise use protected information if:

(a)the person makes the record, or discloses or uses the information, in performing the person's functions or duties, or exercising the person's powers, under this Act; and

(b)in relation to a disclosure - the information is disclosed to a person who is:

(i) a Minister, an officer or an employee of the Commonwealth, a State, the Australian Capital Territory or the Northern Territory; or

(ii) an officer or employee of a Commonwealth, State or Territory body; or

(iii) a person appointed by the Commonwealth for the purposes of this Act.

(2)A person may make a record of, disclose or otherwise use protected information if:

(a)the person obtains the information under subsection (1) or this subsection; and

(b)the person makes the record of, discloses or otherwise uses the information for the purposes for which the information was disclosed to the person; and

(c)in relation to a disclosure by the person - the information is disclosed to a person who is:

(i) a Minister, an officer or an employee of the Commonwealth, a State, the Australian Capital Territory or the Northern Territory; or

(ii) an officer or employee of a Commonwealth, State or Territory body; or

(iii) a person appointed by the Commonwealth for the purposes of this Act.

122 Authorisation of disclosures to Commonwealth Ministers and Commonwealth entities

Disclosures for the purposes of Acts

(1) A person may disclose protected information to the Minister administering any of the following Acts, or the accountable authority of a Commonwealth entity that deals with the administration of any of the following Acts, for the purposes of administering that Act:

(a) the Airports Act 1996;

(b) the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002;

(c) the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority Act 1998;

(d) the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001;

(e) the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979;

(f) the Banking Act 1959;

(g) the Corporations Act 2001;

(h) the Financial Sector (Shareholdings) Act 1998;

(i) the Industry Research and Development Act 1986;

(j) the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986;

(k) the Insurance Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1991;

(l) the Intelligence Services Act 2001;

(m) the Migration Act 1958;

(n) the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002;

(o) the Qantas Sale Act 1992;

(p) a taxation law (within the meaning of section 995-1 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997);

(q) the Telstra Corporation Act 1991;

(r) any other law prescribed by the regulations.

Disclosures for the purposes of Ministerial responsibilities

(2) A person may disclose protected information to a Minister responsible for any of the following for the purposes of enabling the Minister to discharge that responsibility:

(a) agriculture;

(b) industry policy;

(c) investment promotion;

(d) taxation policy;

(e) foreign investment in Australia.

(3) A person may disclose protected information to the Secretary of a Department administered by a Minister responsible for any of the following for the purposes of assisting the Minister to discharge that responsibility:

(a) agriculture;

(b) industry policy;

(c) investment promotion;

(d) taxation policy;

(e) foreign investment in Australia.

123 Authorisation of disclosures relating to law enforcement

A person may disclose protected information to an enforcement body (within the meaning of the Privacy Act 1988) if the person reasonably believes the disclosure of the information is reasonably necessary for one or more enforcement related activities (within the meaning of that Act) conducted by or on behalf of the enforcement body.

124 Authorisation of disclosures of periodic aggregate information

A person may disclose protected information if the information:

(a) specifies the matters prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of reporting on the administration of this Act; and

(b) does not identify, and is not reasonably capable of being used to identify, a person.

125 Authorisation of disclosures of information in the public domain

A person may disclose protected information if the information is, at the time of the disclosure, already in the public domain (except as a result of a contravention of this Division).

126 Authorisation of disclosures where consent or to person who gave information or related entity

Person to whom information relates consents

(1) A person may make a record of, or disclose or otherwise use, protected information if the person to whom the information relates gives written consent.

Person who provided information

(2) A person may disclose protected information if the disclosure is to:

(a) the person, or an agent of the person, who provided the information under, in accordance with or for the purposes of this Act; or

(b) an entity that is a member of the same wholly-owned group (within the meaning of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997) as the person mentioned in paragraph (a).

127 Authorisation to use information for purposes of proceedings

(1) A person who obtains protected information may disclose the information to a court or tribunal, or in accordance with an order of a court or tribunal, (whether within or outside Australia)for the purposes of proceedings if:

(a) the Commonwealth is a party to the proceedings; and

(b) the Treasurer is satisfied that it is not contrary to the national interest.

Note: A person must not be required to provide information to a court or tribunal (see section 130).

(2) A person who obtains protected information under, or in accordance with, subsection (1) may make a record of, or disclose or otherwise use, the information for the purposes for which the information was disclosed under that subsection.

128 Offence relating to protected information

A person commits an offence if:

(a) the person obtains information; and

(b) the information is protected information; and

(c) the person makes a record of, discloses or otherwise uses the information; and

(d) the record, disclosure or use is not authorised by this Part.

Note: For an exception for use of information in good faith, see section 129.

Penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years or 120 penalty units, or both.

129 Exception for use of information in good faith

Section 128 does not apply if the person makes a record of, discloses or otherwise uses protected information in good faith:

(a) in performing, or purportedly performing, his or her functions or duties under this Act; or

(b) in exercising, or purportedly exercising, his or her powers under this Act.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this section (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

130 No requirement to provide information

A person (whether within or outside Australia)must not, except for the purposes of this Act, be required:

(a) to produce any document in his or her possession; or

(b) to disclose any matter or thing of which he or she had notice;

to a court, tribunal, authority or person having power to require the production of documents or the answering of questions.

Part 8 - Miscellaneous

131 Simplified outline of this Part

This Part contains a number of miscellaneous provisions including the following:

(a) the power of certain courts to preserve interests, and enforce orders and conditions;

(b) the power of the Treasurer to require additional information;

(c) the power of the Treasurer and the Secretary to delegate his or her powers under this Act;

(d) a provision clarifying that a failure to comply with this Act does not invalidate an action;

(e) the requirement for applications and notices to be given in a manner approved by the Secretary;

(f) a regulation-making power.

132 Powers of courts to enforce Treasurer's orders

(1) If a person (the offender ) has committed an offence or contravened a civil penalty provision in Part 5, the Federal Court of Australia, the Federal Circuit Court of Australia or the Supreme Court of a State or Territory may, on application by the Treasurer, make any order it thinks fit:

(a) if the contravention was failing to give a notice under section 81, or taking an action before the day mentioned in section 82, in relation to an acquisition of an interest in Australian land - to preserve the interest; or

(b) if the contravention was of an order made under Part 3 - to achieve the purpose for which the order was made; or

(c) if the contravention was of a condition of a no objection notification or an exemption certificate - to achieve the purpose for which the condition was imposed by the Treasurer.

(2) To avoid doubt, the court may make an order:

(a) whether or not the offender has been convicted of an offence, or a civil penalty order has been made against the offender, in relation to the contravention; and

(b) whether or not the contravention still continues; and

(c) whether or not other proceedings relating to the contravention have been or are to be instituted.

Kinds of orders court may make

(3) Without limiting subsection (1), the court may make any of the following orders.

Additional powers

(4) In addition to the other powers conferred on a court by this section, the court may make the following orders:

(a) an order directing any person to do or refrain from doing a specified act for the purpose of securing compliance with any other order made under this section;

(b) an order containing such ancillary or consequential provisions as the court thinks just.

(5) Before making an order under this section, the court may give a direction requiring either or both of the following:

(a) notice of the application by the Treasurer to be given to such persons as it thinks fit;

(b) for the application by the Treasurer to be published in such manner as it thinks fit.

(6) The court may, by order:

(a) rescind, vary or discharge an order made by it under this section; or

(b) suspend the operation of an order made by it under this section.

Other powers of court unaffected

(7) The powers conferred on a court by this section are in addition to, and not instead of, any other powers of the court, whether conferred by this Act or otherwise.

133 Treasurer may require information

(1) The Treasurer may give a notice under this section if the Treasurer has reason to believe that a person can give information or produce documents relating to matters that are relevant to the exercise by the Treasurer of his or her powers under this Act.

(2) The Treasurer may, by notice in writing given to the person, require the person:

(a) to give any such information to the Treasurer or any other specified person acting on the Treasurer's behalf; or

(b) to produce any such documents to the Treasurer or any other specified person acting on the Treasurer's behalf.

Note: The periods mentioned in section 77 (time limit on making orders and decisions) stop until the person gives the information or produces the documents (see subsection 77(4)).

Giving information

(3) The notice must specify:

(a) a period (of at least 14 days) within which the information must be given or the documents produced; and

(b) the manner of giving the information or producing documents.

The Treasurer may, in writing, extend (or further extend) the period mentioned in paragraph (a) if the Treasurer is satisfied that it is reasonably necessary.

(4) The information mentioned in paragraph (2)(a) must be given to the Treasurer:

(a) in writing signed by that person; or

(b) for a corporation - by a competent officer of the corporation.

Offence

(5) A person commits an offence if:

(a) the person is given a notice under this section; and

(b) the person does not comply with the notice.

Note: For the liability of an officer of a corporation authorising or permitting contraventions, see section 102.

Penalty: Imprisonment for 6 months or 30 penalty units, or both.

(6) Subsection (5) does not apply if the person complies with the notice to the extent to which the person is capable of complying with it.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (6) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

Self-incrimination

(7) A person is not excused from giving information or producing a document under this section on the ground that doing so might tend to incriminate him or her.

(8) However, in the case of an individual:

(a) the answer or information given; or

(b) any document produced; or

(c) giving the information or answer, or producing the document or thing; or

(d) any information, document or thing obtained as a direct or indirect consequence of giving the information or answer, or producing the document or thing;

is not admissible in evidence against him or her in any criminal proceedings or in proceedings for the recovery of a civil penalty, other than proceedings under this Act or section 137.1 or 137.2 of the Criminal Code (false or misleading information or documents) relating to this Act.

134 Validity of acts done in contravention of this Act

An act is not invalidated by the fact that it constitutes an offence against or contravention of a civil penalty provision ofthis Act.

135 Manner of notification and application

(1) A notice given, or application made, for the purposes of this Act is of no effect unless it is given or made in the manner approved, in writing, by the Secretary.

Note: The Secretary may determine different manners of giving notices or making applications for different classes of notices or applications (see subsection 33(3A) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901).

(2) The manner approved by the Secretary may be electronic communication.

(3) To avoid doubt, a notice given for the purposes of this Act includes:

(a) a notice required by a condition imposed in an exemption certificate or a no objection notification; and

(b) a notice under section 81 (notice of notifiable actions); and

(c) a notice mentioned in item 4 of the table in subsection 113(1) (notice of actions that are not notifiable actions).

136 Withdrawal of applications and notices

An application or notice that is withdrawn is of no effect.

137 Delegation of powers or functions

Delegations by Treasurer

(1) The Treasurer may, in writing, delegate to the following persons all or any of the Treasurer's powers or functions under this Act (except under sections 105, 106, 107 and 110):

(a) the Secretary;

(b) the Commissioner of Taxation;

(c) a person engaged under the Public Service Act 1999 who is employed in the Department or the Australian Taxation Office.

(2) The Treasurer may delegate the Treasurer's power under section 105 (Treasurer's declaration relating to charge), 106 (effect of charge on land), 107 (vesting of interest in land) or 110 (exemption from stamp duty and other State or Territory taxes and fees) to the following persons:

(a) the Secretary;

(b) the Commissioner of Taxation;

(c) an SES employee, or acting SES employee, in the Department or the Australian Taxation Office.

Delegations by Secretary

(3) The Secretary may, in writing, delegate to the following persons all or any of the Secretary's powers or functions under this Act:

(a) the Commissioner of Taxation;

(b) a person engaged under the Public Service Act 1999 who is employed in the Department or the Australian Taxation Office.

Subdelegations by Commissioner of Taxation

(4) If a power or function is delegated to the Commissioner of Taxation under this section, the Commissioner may, in writing, subdelegate the power or function to a person engaged under the Public Service Act 1999 who is employed in the Australian Taxation Office.

Note: See section 138 for the effect of a delegation to the Commissioner of Taxation.

(5) Sections 34AA, 34AB and 34A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 apply in relation to the subdelegation in a way corresponding to the way in which they apply in relation to a delegation.

Directions

(6) In exercising powers or performing functions delegated or subdelegated by a person under this section, the delegate or subdelegate must comply with any directions of the person.

Delegations in relation to specified kinds of matters

(7) Without limiting this section or subsection 33(3A) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, a power or function may be delegated or subdelegated generally or only in relation to specified kinds of matters.

138 Powers of Commissioner of Taxation

Powers of Commissioner of Taxation as a result of delegation

(1) If a power or function under a provision of this Act is delegated to the Commissioner of Taxation under section 137, the Commissioner has the general administration of this Act to the extent of administering the provision.

Note: The provision is therefore a taxation law for the purposes of the Taxation Administration Act 1953 (among other laws). That Act contains a wide range of provisions about gathering, protecting and dealing with information, the exercise of powers and the performance of functions, under taxation laws, and the enforcement of taxation laws.

(2) However, the following do not apply in relation to this Act:

(a) Part 4-25 (charges and penalties), other than section 288-35 and Division 298 to the extent that it relates to that section, in Schedule 1 to the Taxation Administration Act 1953;

(b) paragraph 355-15(c) in that Schedule (application of Division 355);

(c) Division 444 in that Schedule (obligations of entities on behalf of other entities).

(3) To avoid doubt, the Secretary or a person engaged under the Public Service Act 1999 who is employed in the Department may be a taxation officer (within the meaning of subsection 8J(1) of the Taxation Administration Act 1953) to the extent that this Act is a taxation law.

Powers of Commissioner of Taxation as a result of request by Treasurer

(4) The Treasurer may request, in writing, the Commissioner of Taxation to exercise his or her powers under section 353-10 or 353-15 (powers to obtain information and evidence and access premises) in Schedule 1 to the Taxation Administration Act 1953 in relation to a matter if a power or function has not been delegated to the Commissioner under section 137 in relation to the matter.

(5) If the Treasurer does so, the Commissioner of Taxation (or an individual authorised by the Commissioner) may exercise his or her powers under those sections of that Act as if a reference in those sections to a taxation law included a reference to this Act to the extent that it relates to the matter.

139 Regulations

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

(a) required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed by the regulations; or

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

(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the regulations may provide for a method for indexing a value or an amount prescribed for the purposes of this Act.

(3) Despite subsection 14(2) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003, the regulations may provide in relation to a matter by applying, adopting or incorporating, with or without modification, any matter contained in any other instrument or other writing as in force or existing from time to time.