An Act relating to fisheries
Part 1—Preliminary
1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Fisheries Management Act 1991.
2 Commencement
(1) Sections 1 and 2 commence on the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent.
(2) Part 5 commences upon the repeal or the ceasing to have effect (as the case may be) of Part IVA of the Fisheries Act 1952.
(3) Subject to subsection (4), the remaining provisions of this Act commence on a day or days to be fixed by Proclamation.
(4) If a provision mentioned in subsection (3) does not commence under that subsection within the period of 6 months commencing on the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent, it commences on the first day after the end of that period.
3 Objectives
(1) The following objectives must be pursued by the Minister in the administration of this Act and by AFMA in the performance of its functions:
(a) implementing efficient and cost‑effective fisheries management on behalf of the Commonwealth; and
(b) ensuring that the exploitation of fisheries resources and the carrying on of any related activities are conducted in a manner consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development (which include the exercise of the precautionary principle), in particular the need to have regard to the impact of fishing activities on non‑target species and the long term sustainability of the marine environment; and
(c) maximising the net economic returns to the Australian community from the management of Australian fisheries; and
(d) ensuring accountability to the fishing industry and to the Australian community in AFMA’s management of fisheries resources; and
(e) achieving government targets in relation to the recovery of the costs of AFMA.
(2) In addition to the objectives mentioned in subsection (1), or in section 78 of this Act, the Minister, AFMA and Joint Authorities are to have regard to the objectives of:
(a) ensuring, through proper conservation and management measures, that the living resources of the AFZ are not endangered by over‑exploitation; and
(b) achieving the optimum utilisation of the living resources of the AFZ; and
(c) ensuring that conservation and management measures in the AFZ and the high seas implement Australia’s obligations under international agreements that deal with fish stocks; and
(d) to the extent that Australia has obligations:
(i) under international law; or
(ii) under the Compliance Agreement or any other international agreement;
in relation to fishing activities by Australian‑flagged boats on the high seas that are additional to the obligations referred to in paragraph (c)—ensuring that Australia implements those first‑mentioned obligations; and
(e) ensuring that the interests of commercial, recreational and Indigenous fishers are taken into account;
but must ensure, as far as practicable, that measures adopted in pursuit of those objectives must not be inconsistent with the preservation, conservation and protection of all species of whales.
3A Principles of ecologically sustainable development
The following principles are principles of ecologically sustainable development:
(a) decision‑making processes should effectively integrate both long‑term and short‑term economic, environmental, social and equity considerations;
(b) if there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation;
(c) the principle of inter‑generational equity—that the present generation should ensure that the health, diversity and productivity of the environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations;
(d) the conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity should be a fundamental consideration in decision‑making;
(e) improved valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms should be promoted.
4 Interpretation
(1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
Administrator means the person or organisation that is the Administrator within the meaning of the Treaty.
AFMA means the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.
AFMA staff member has the same meaning as in the Fisheries Administration Act 1991.
AFZ means the Australian fishing zone.
approved means approved by AFMA or, in relation to a Joint Authority fishery, by the Joint Authority.
Australian boat means:
(a) a boat:
(i) the operations of which are based on a place in Australia or an external Territory; and
(ii) that is wholly‑owned by a natural person who is a resident of, or by a company incorporated in, Australia or an external Territory; and
(iii) that was built in Australia or an external Territory; or
(b) a boat, not being a boat mentioned in paragraph (a) or a boat owned by a foreign resident that is under a demise charter, that is registered under the Shipping Registration Act 1981; or
(c) a boat the subject of a declaration under subsection (2).
Australian continental shelf means the continental shelf adjacent to the coast of Australia and the continental shelf adjacent to each of the external Territories.
Australian fishing zone means:
(a) the waters adjacent to Australia within the outer limits of the exclusive economic zone adjacent to the coast of Australia; and
(b) the waters adjacent to each external territory within the outer limits of the exclusive economic zone adjacent to the coast of the external Territory;
but does not include:
(c) coastal waters of, or waters within the limits of, a State or internal Territory; or
(d) waters that are excepted waters.
Australian‑flagged boat means a boat that:
(a) is an Australian ship as defined in the Shipping Registration Act 1981; or
(b) would be an Australian ship as defined in the Shipping Registration Act 1981 if it were a ship as defined in that Act.
Australian national means:
(a) an Australian citizen; or
(b) a resident of Australia; or
(c) a body corporate incorporated by or under a law of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory; or
(d) any other body corporate that carries on its activities principally in Australia.
Australian resident means:
(a) a person who holds a permanent visa (as defined in the Migration Act 1958) that is in effect; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen who is usually resident in Australia or a Territory and who holds a special category visa (as defined in the Migration Act 1958) that is in effect; or
(c) any other person who is usually resident in Australia or a Territory and whose continued presence in Australia or a Territory is not subject to a limitation as to time imposed by law.
being investigated for a fisheries offence, in relation to the holder of a fishing concession, means:
(a) AFMA is investigating whether the holder has committed a fisheries offence; or
(b) a law enforcement agency has notified AFMA that the agency is investigating whether the holder has committed a fisheries offence; or
(c) the holder is charged with a fisheries offence.
boat means launch, vessel or floating craft of any description.
CEO has the same meaning as in the Fisheries Administration Act 1991.
charter boat means a boat that is being used exclusively for recreational fishing in the course of an arrangement under which money or some other consideration is, or is required to be, paid or given by or on behalf of a person or persons for the right to fish from that boat.
coastal waters has the meaning given by section 5.
Commission has the same meaning as in the Fisheries Administration Act 1991.
Compliance Agreement means the Agreement to promote Compliance with International Conservation and Management Measures by Fishing Vessels on the High Seas done at Rome on 24 November 1993, a copy of the English text of which is set out in Schedule 3.
computer function notice has the meaning given by section 163D.
conservation area, for a conserved fish stock, means the area to which the international fisheries management measure that covers the fish stock relates.
conserved fish stock means a fish stock covered by an international fisheries management measure.
conveyance includes an aircraft, vehicle or vessel.
cooperative enforcement has the meaning given by section 84B.
Cooperative Enforcement Agreement has the meaning given by section 84B.
dealing includes a transmission by operation of law.
defensive equipment has the meaning given by section 89A.
electronic decision has the meaning given by section 163B.
e‑monitoring means electronic monitoring.
e‑monitoring data means any data (whether or not that data is also personal information, within the meaning of the Privacy Act 1988) that is, or was:
(a) generated by; or
(b) transmitted by; or
(c) stored by;
e‑monitoring equipment installed, carried or used in compliance with a condition imposed under section 40C of this Act on a fishing concession or scientific permit.
e‑monitoring equipment means:
(a) a thing used for, intended to be used for, or capable of being used for, generating, transmitting or storing data; or
(b) a thing that makes, is intended to make, or is capable of making, a thing covered by paragraph (a) operational.
evidential material means a thing relevant to an indictable offence, or a thing relevant to a summary offence, against this Act or the regulations, including such a thing in electronic form.
excepted waters means waters specified by Proclamation under section 11.
executing officer, in relation to a warrant, means:
(a) the officer named in the warrant by the magistrate who issued the warrant as being responsible for executing the warrant; or
(b) if the officer so named does not intend to be present at the execution of the warrant—another officer whose name has been written in the warrant by the officer so named; or
(c) another officer whose name has been written in the warrant by the officer last named in the warrant.
FAO means the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
fish includes all species of bony fish, sharks, rays, crustaceans, molluscs and other marine organisms, but does not include marine mammals or marine reptiles.
fisheries legislation means:
(a) this Act or the regulations; or
(b) another Act or regulations that are:
(i) administered by the Minister; and
(ii) prescribed under the regulations.
fisheries offence means:
(a) an offence against this Act or the regulations; or
(b) an offence against another Act that relates to a fishing concession (including an offence for unlawfully obtaining a fishing concession, for example).
fishery means a class of activities by way of fishing, including activities identified by reference to all or any of the following:
(a) a species or type of fish;
(b) a description of fish by reference to sex or any other characteristic;
(c) an area of waters or of seabed;
(d) a method of fishing;
(e) a class of boats;
(f) a class of persons;
(g) a purpose of activities.
fishing means:
(a) searching for, or taking, fish; or
(b) attempting to search for, or take, fish; or
(c) engaging in any other activities that can reasonably be expected to result in the locating, or taking, of fish; or
(d) placing, searching for or recovering fish aggregating devices or associated electronic equipment such as radio beacons; or
(e) any operations at sea directly in support of, or in preparation for, any activity described in this definition; or
(f) aircraft use relating to any activity described in this definition except flights in emergencies involving the health or safety of crew members or the safety of a boat; or
(g) the processing, carrying or transhipping of fish that have been taken.
fishing concession means:
(a) a statutory fishing right; or
(b) a fishing permit; or
(c) a foreign fishing licence.
fishing concession certificate has the meaning given by section 163E.
fishing permit means a fishing permit granted under section 32.
fishing‑related activity means any of the following:
(a) searching for, or taking, fish;
(b) attempting to search for, or take, fish;
(c) engaging in any other activities that can reasonably be expected to result in the locating, or taking, of fish;
(d) placing, searching for or recovering fish aggregating devices or associated electronic equipment such as radio beacons;
(e) the processing, carrying or transhipping of fish that have been taken;
(f) the discarding from a boat of fish, marine mammals, marine reptiles or seabirds;
(g) any other activity prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this definition;
(h) any operations on a boat directly in support of, or in preparation for, any activity covered by another paragraph of this definition;
(i) any other encounters with fish, marine mammals, marine reptiles or seabirds while engaging in any activity or operation covered by another paragraph of this definition;
(j) any other encounters with the marine environment while engaging in any activity or operation covered by another paragraph of this definition.
Note: If an activity is prescribed by the regulations under paragraph (g) it is an activity covered by paragraph (g) for the purposes of paragraphs (h), (i) and (j). So, for example, an encounter with the marine environment while engaging in an activity prescribed under paragraph (g) is also a fishing‑related activity.
fishing right means a statutory fishing right.
fishing vessel of the United States has the same meaning as in the Treaty.
fish receiver permit means a fish receiver permit granted under section 91.
Fish Stocks Agreement means the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks, a copy of the English text of which is set out in Schedule 2.
foreign boat means a boat other than an Australian boat.
foreign fishing licence means a foreign fishing licence granted under section 34.
foreign master fishing licence means a foreign master fishing licence granted under section 40.
highly migratory fish stock has the same meaning as in the Fish Stocks Agreement.
high seas means the waters that are:
(a) outside the outer limits of the exclusive economic zones of all countries, including Australia and its external Territories; or
(b) inside the outer limits of the exclusive economic zone adjacent to the coast of the Australian Antarctic Territory.
holder of a licence, permit or right:
(a) means:
(i) the person to whom the licence, permit or right was granted; or
(ii) if the permit or right has been transferred—the person to whom the permit or right was last transferred; and
(b) in the case of a statutory fishing right that is leased to another person by a lease registered under section 46—includes the lessee of the statutory fishing right.
international conservation and management measure means a measure to conserve and manage one or more species of living marine resources that is adopted and applied, in accordance with the relevant rules of international law as reflected in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea:
(a) by a global, regional or subregional fisheries organisation; or
(b) by treaty or other international agreement.
Note: The English text of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is set out in Australian Treaty Series 1994 No. 31.
international fisheries management measure means a measure prescribed by the regulations to give effect to a measure established by an international fisheries management organisation.
international fisheries management organisation means a global, regional or subregional fisheries organisation or arrangement prescribed by the regulations.
international officer has the meaning given by section 84B.
Joint Authority means an authority established by or under section 61.
law enforcement agency means a government body that has responsibility for the enforcement of the laws of:
(a) the Commonwealth; or
(b) a State or Territory.
lease, of a fishing right, means a temporary assignment of the fishing right.
magistrate includes a justice of the peace or other person employed in a court of a State or Territory who is authorised to issue search warrants.
managed fishery means a fishery to which a plan of management relates.
master, in relation to a boat, means the master or other person in charge of the boat.
member, in relation to the Panel, means a member of the Panel.
Ministerial Council means a body (however described) that consists of the Minister of the Commonwealth, and the Minister of each State and Territory, who is responsible, or principally responsible, for matters relating to fisheries.
modification includes addition, omission and substitution.
offence against this Act includes an offence against section 136.1, 137.1, 137.2, 148.1, 148.2, 147.1 or 149.1 of the Criminal Code that relates to this Act.
officer means:
(a) a person appointed under section 83 to be an officer for the purposes of this Act; or
(b) a member or special member of the Australian Federal Police or a member of the police force of a State or Territory; or
(c) a member of the Defence Force; or
(d) an officer of Customs (as defined in the Customs Act 1901).
Pacific Island party, in relation to the Treaty, has the same meaning as in the Treaty.
Pacific Island party officer means a person (other than a person mentioned in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of the definition of officer) who is authorised by or under the law of a Pacific Island party to perform the functions and duties of an observer on Treaty boats.
Panel means the Statutory Fishing Rights Allocation Review Panel.
party, in relation to the Treaty, has the same meaning as in the Treaty.
plan of management means a plan of management determined under section 17.
port permit means a port permit granted under section 94.
PPSA security interest (short for Personal Property Securities Act security interest) means a security interest within the meaning of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 and to which that Act applies, other than a transitional security interest within the meaning of that Act.
Note 1: The Personal Property Securities Act 2009 applies to certain security interests in personal property. See the following provisions of that Act:
(a) section 8 (interests to which the Act does not apply);
(b) section 12 (meaning of security interest);
(c) Chapter 9 (transitional provisions).
Note 2: For the meaning of transitional security interest, see section 308 of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009.
precautionary principle has the same meaning as in clause 3.5.1 of the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Environment, a copy of which is set out in the Schedule to the National Environment Protection Council Act 1994.
premises includes a place and a conveyance.
Presiding Member means the Presiding Member of Australian Fisheries Management Authority Selection Committees appointed under section 139.
primary stakeholder has the meaning given in the Fisheries Administration Act 1991.
principles of ecologically sustainable development has the meaning given by section 3A.
processing, in relation to fish, includes the work of cutting up, dismembering, cleaning, sorting, packing or freezing.
receive, in relation to fish, means receive fish for any purpose other than:
(a) personal or domestic consumption; or
(b) solely for transportation.
Register means the Register of Statutory Fishing Rights kept by AFMA under section 44.
Regulatory Powers Act means the Regulatory Powers (Standard Provisions) Act 2014.
relevant Treaty purpose has the meaning given by subsection (6).
scientific permit means a scientific permit granted under section 33.
sedentary organism means an organism of a kind declared by Proclamation under section 12 to be a sedentary organism to which this Act applies.
Selection Committee means an Australian Fisheries Management Authority Selection Committee established under section 141A.
statutory fishing right has the meaning given by section 21.
statutory fishing rights option has the meaning given by section 31A.
straddling fish stock has the same meaning as in the Fish Stocks Agreement.
take, in relation to fish, means catch, capture, take or harvest.
temporary order means an order made under section 43.
Treaty means the Treaty on Fisheries between the Governments of Certain Pacific Island States and the Government of the United States of America that was signed at Port Moresby on 2 April 1987, a copy of which is set out in Schedule 1, and, subject to subsection (7), includes that Treaty as amended from time to time.
Treaty area has the same meaning as in the Treaty.
Treaty boat means a foreign boat that is a fishing vessel of the United States.
Treaty licence means a licence issued, for the purposes of the Treaty, by the Administrator in respect of a Treaty boat.
warrant means a warrant under section 85 or 86.
warrant premises means premises in relation to which a warrant is in force.
whale means any member of the sub‑order Mysticeti or Odontoceti of the order Cetacea.
(2) Where:
(a) a boat has been lawfully imported into Australia for a limited period; and
(b) AFMA is satisfied that the extent of participation of citizens or residents of Australia, either directly or indirectly (whether through the holding of shares in a company or otherwise), in the control of the operations of the boat in the AFZ during that period, and the nature of those operations, will be such as to justify it in so doing;
AFMA may, by instrument published in the Gazette, declare that, during that period, the boat is taken to be an Australian boat for the purposes of this Act.
(3) AFMA may:
(a) because of a change in circumstances, by instrument published in the Gazette, at any time revoke an instrument under subsection (2); or
(b) by instrument published in the Gazette, extend the period for which an instrument under subsection (2) is to remain in force.
(4) For the purposes of this Act:
(a) in relation to a fishery or a managed fishery that is identified by reference to an area, a reference to activities in the fishery or in the managed fishery includes activities in that area; and
(b) in relation to a fishery or a managed fishery that is identified by reference to any matter other than an area, a reference to activities in the fishery or in the managed fishery includes activities in relation to the fishery.
(5) For the purposes of this Act, a charter boat, the person in charge of the boat and any other person fishing from the boat are taken to be engaged in recreational fishing.
(6) A reference in this Act to a relevant Treaty purpose is a reference to the purpose of:
(a) performing the functions and duties of an observer in accordance with Part 6 of Annex 1 to the Treaty or an observer program conducted in accordance with the Treaty; or
(b) ascertaining whether the provisions of this Act have been or are being complied with on, or in relation to the use of, a Treaty boat while it is in the AFZ.
(7) An amendment of the Treaty that alters the Treaty area that is within the AFZ or that alters a condition of a Treaty licence in a way that affects fishing by Treaty boats within the AFZ under a Treaty licence:
(a) does not have effect for the purposes of this Act unless the amendment is declared by the regulations to have effect for the purposes of this Act; and
(b) takes effect for the purposes of this Act on the day on which regulations mentioned in paragraph (a) take effect or on such later day as is specified in those regulations.
(8) If an arrangement under Division 3 of Part 5 is varied, a reference in this Act to the arrangement is a reference to the arrangement as varied.
5 Coastal waters
(1) For the purposes of this Act, the coastal waters of a State or internal Territory are:
(a) the part or parts of the territorial sea of Australia that are:
(i) within 3 nautical miles of the baseline by reference to which the territorial limits of Australia are defined for the purposes of international law; and
(ii) adjacent to that State or Territory; and
(b) any marine or tidal waters that are on the landward side of that baseline and are adjacent to that State or Territory but are not within the limits of a State or Territory.
(2) Any part of the territorial sea of Australia that is adjacent to the Jervis Bay Territory is, for the purposes of subsection (1), taken to be adjacent to New South Wales.
6 Act binds the Crown
(1) This Act binds the Crown in right of the Commonwealth, of each of the States, of the Australian Capital Territory and of the Northern Territory.
(2) Nothing in this Act makes the Crown liable to be prosecuted for an offence.
6A Application of the Criminal Code
Chapter 2 (other than Part 2.5) of the Criminal Code applies to all offences against this Act.
Note: Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.
7 Application
(1) This Act extends to all of the Territories and has extra‑territorial operation.
(2) In relation to the AFZ and to fishing for sedentary organisms outside the AFZ, this Act applies to all persons, including foreigners, and to all boats, including foreign boats.
(3) In relation to fishing activities on waters outside the AFZ, this Act applies:
(a) to Australian boats and to Australian‑flagged boats that are not Australian boats; and
(b) to all persons (including foreigners) on boats to which paragraph (a) applies.
This subsection does not limit subsection (2) or express provisions that extend the application of this Act.
(4) Subsections (2) and (3) do not limit the extra‑territorial operation of this Act.
8 Application of Act to areas outside the AFZ
(1) The regulations may provide that, in respect of specified areas outside the AFZ, or in respect of the high seas generally, this Act applies to:
(a) Australian citizens; and
(b) bodies corporate that are incorporated in Australia or carry on activities mainly in Australia; and
(c) Australian boats and Australian‑flagged boats that are not Australian boats; and
(d) persons on board boats to which paragraph (c) applies.
(2) The Act so applies subject to any exceptions or modifications specified in the regulations.
(3) When a provision of this Act applies in relation to such an area, then, subject to the regulations, references in that provision to the AFZ are to be read as references to that area.
(4) This section does not limit the extra‑territorial operation of this Act.
8A Regulations may provide for placement of observers on foreign fishing boats operating outside the AFZ
(1) The regulations may:
(a) provide for the placement of persons as observers on board foreign fishing boats that will be, or are, operating outside the AFZ; and
(b) set out the functions, powers and duties of persons so placed.
(2) Without otherwise limiting the generality of subsection (1):
(a) a person may be so placed only if the placement is authorised under a regional arrangement, or a bilateral or multilateral treaty, to which Australia, or a body acting on behalf of Australia, is a party; and
(b) the functions, powers and duties conferred or imposed on persons so placed must be consistent with the terms of that arrangement or treaty.
(3) In this section:
foreign fishing boat means a foreign boat that is equipped for fishing.
9 Application of Act to Protected Zone
(1) This Act, other than this section and sections 84 and 108, does not apply to or in relation to the Protected Zone.
(2) Where there is in force a Proclamation under subsection 15(1) or (2) of the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984 in relation to an area adjacent to the Protected Zone, this Act, other than this section and sections 84 and 108, does not, except as provided by subsection (3), apply in relation to any activities within that area to which the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984 applies by virtue of the Proclamation.
(3) If the Proclamation came into force after the commencement of this section, this Act applies, in relation to matters that occurred after that commencement but before the Proclamation came into force, in relation to any activities within the area to which the Proclamation relates.
(4) In this section:
Protected Zone has the same meaning as in the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984.
9A Act not to apply so as to exceed Commonwealth power
(1) Unless the contrary intention appears, if a provision of this Act:
(a) would, apart from this section, have an invalid application; but
(b) also has at least one valid application;
it is the Parliament’s intention that the provision is not to have the invalid application, but is to have every valid application.
(2) Despite subsection (1), the provision is not to have a particular valid application if:
(a) apart from this section, it is clear, taking into account the provision’s context and the purpose or object underlying this Act, that the provision was intended to have that valid application only if every invalid application, or a particular invalid application, of the provision had also been within the Commonwealth’s legislative power; or
(b) the provision’s operation in relation to that valid application would be different in a substantial respect from what would have been its operation in relation to that valid application if every invalid application of the provision had been within the Commonwealth’s legislative power.
(3) Subsection (2) does not limit the cases where a contrary intention may be taken to appear for the purposes of subsection (1).
(4) This section applies to a provision of this Act, whether enacted before, at or after the commencement of this section.
(5) In this section:
application means an application in relation to:
(a) one or more particular persons, things, matters, places, circumstances or cases; or
(b) one or more classes (however defined or determined) of persons, things, matters, places, circumstances or cases.
invalid application, in relation to a provision, means an application because of which the provision exceeds the Commonwealth’s legislative power.
valid application, in relation to a provision, means an application that, if it were the provision’s only application, would be within the Commonwealth’s legislative power.
10 Operation of certain State and Territory laws
(1) Except as provided by subsections (2) and (3), this Act is not intended to exclude or limit the concurrent operation of any law of a State or Territory.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), the Parliament intends that this Act is to apply to the exclusion of any law of a State or Territory relating to fish or fishing so far as that law would, but for this Act, apply to:
(a) activities in the AFZ; or
(b) activities in the coastal waters of a State or Territory in respect of which a fishery to which an arrangement mentioned in section 12K of the Fisheries Act 1952, or section 76 of this Act, relates; or
(c) the landing in the State or Territory of fish taken under a statutory fishing right or fishing permit by prohibiting such landing or by requiring such landing to be done under a licence, permit or similar instrument or upon payment of a fee or charge.
(3) This Act does not apply to:
(a) recreational fishing (whether from a charter boat or otherwise) that is carried on in the AFZ or outside the AFZ by the use of an Australian boat, other than recreational fishing that is prohibited or regulated by a plan of management or temporary order; or
(b) recreational fishing (whether from a charter boat or otherwise) that is carried on by the use of an Australian boat in the coastal waters of a State or Territory, being coastal waters in respect of which an arrangement mentioned in section 12K of the Fisheries Act 1952, or section 76 of this Act, relates, other than recreational fishing that is prohibited or regulated by a plan of management or temporary order; or
(c) activities in the AFZ to which, because of section 77, this Act does not apply.
(4) The reference in paragraph 10(2)(c) to prohibiting the landing in a State or Territory of fish taken under a statutory fishing right or fishing permit includes a reference to:
(a) directly prohibiting the landing of such fish in the State or Territory; or
(b) directly prohibiting or regulating the possession or processing of, or other dealing with, such fish in the State or Territory in any respect that would be likely to substantially discourage the landing of such fish in the State or Territory.
(5) For the avoidance of doubt, the reference in subsection (2) to a law of a State or Territory relating to fish or fishing does not include such a law that is for the protection of public health, for ensuring safety or for any similar objective.
11 Excepted waters
The Governor‑General may, by Proclamation, declare any waters to be excepted waters for the purposes of this Act.
12 Sedentary organisms—Australian continental shelf
(1) If the Governor‑General is satisfied that a marine organism of any kind is, for the purposes of international law, part of the living natural resources of the Australian continental shelf because it is, for the purposes of international law, an organism belonging to a sedentary species, the Governor‑General may, by Proclamation, declare the organism to be a sedentary organism to which this Act applies.
(2) Where by this Act (other than Part 5), or the regulations, provision is made in relation to fishing in the AFZ or a fishery, such provision, to the extent that it is capable of doing so, extends by force of this section to fishing for sedentary organisms, in or on any part of the Australian continental shelf not within the AFZ or the fishery as if they were within the AFZ or the fishery.
(3) Without limiting the operation of subsection (2), a reference in that subsection to making provision in relation to fishing includes a reference to making provision in respect of:
(a) the granting of fishing concessions, scientific permits and foreign master fishing licences; and
(b) the prohibition or regulation of fishing; and
(c) the powers of officers.
(4) A reference in this section to the Australian continental shelf includes a reference to the waters above the Australian continental shelf.
Part 2—Fishing and the marine environment
13 Driftnet fishing
(1) A person must not engage in driftnet fishing activities in the AFZ.
Penalty: 500 penalty units.
(1A) In subsection (1), strict liability applies to the physical element of circumstance, that the relevant conduct is engaged in within the AFZ.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(2) An Australian citizen must not engage in driftnet fishing activities outside the AFZ.
Penalty: 500 penalty units.
(3) A body corporate that is incorporated in Australia or carries on activities mainly in Australia must not engage in driftnet fishing activities outside the AFZ.
Penalty: 2,500 penalty units.
(4) A person must not, outside the AFZ, engage in driftnet fishing activities from an Australian boat.
Penalty: 500 penalty units.
(4A) In subsections (2), (3) and (4), strict liability applies to the physical element of circumstance, that the relevant conduct is engaged in outside the AFZ.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(5) In subsection (1):
driftnet means a gillnet or other net or a combination of nets that is more than 2.5 kilometres in length, or such shorter length as is prescribed, the purpose of which is to enmesh, entrap or entangle fish by drifting on the surface of or in the water.
driftnet fishing activities means:
(a) taking fish with the use of a driftnet; or
(b) engaging in any other activity that can reasonably be expected to result in the taking of fish with the use of a driftnet, including searching for and locating fish to be taken by that method; or
(c) any operations at sea in support of, or in preparation for any activity described in this definition, including operations of placing, searching for or recovering fish aggregating devices or associated electronic equipment such as radio beacons; or
(d) aircraft use relating to the activities described in this definition except for flights in emergencies involving the health or safety of crew members or the safety of a boat; or
(e) transporting, transhipping and processing any driftnet catch, and co‑operation in the provision of food, fuel and other supplies for boats equipped for or engaged in driftnet fishing.
14 Regulation etc. of certain practices
(1) For the purpose of conserving the marine environment, the regulations may prohibit, or make provision for the regulation of, the engaging in specified activities, or the use of specified practices, by:
(a) persons engaged in fishing in the AFZ; and
(b) Australian boats, and persons on Australian boats, engaged in fishing outside the AFZ.
(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), regulations may be made in relation to:
(a) the employment of specified fishing practices or methods; and
(b) the use of specified fishing equipment; and
(c) the taking, and treatment of, by‑catches, and the making of returns in relation to by‑catches taken; and
(d) littering at sea.
15 Prohibition against certain fishing
(1) A person must not (otherwise than in accordance with the terms of a scientific permit):
(a) in the AFZ, take black cod (Epinephelus daemelii); or
(b) in the AFZ, or in a part of the AFZ specified in the regulations, take prescribed fish.
Penalty: 125 penalty units.
(2) A person on an Australian boat must not, outside the AFZ, take a prescribed fish.
Penalty: 125 penalty units.
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against this section if the person charged satisfies the court that, upon becoming aware of the taking of the fish, he or she took steps immediately to return the fish to its natural environment.
(4) An offence under this section is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
15A Prohibition against taking marlin
(1) A person must not, in the AFZ, take blue marlin (Makaira mazara) or black marlin (Makaira indica) unless the person:
(a) is the holder of a scientific permit that authorises the taking of the fish; or
(b) takes the fish in the course of recreational fishing (whether from a charter boat or otherwise).
Penalty: 125 penalty units.
(2) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against this section if the person charged satisfies the court that, upon becoming aware of the taking of the fish, he or she took steps immediately to return the fish to its natural environment.
(3) An offence under this section is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
15B Report on analysis of marlin stocks
(1) Not later than 12 months after the commencement of the Fisheries Legislation Amendment Act (No. 1) 1998, the Minister must cause an analysis to be undertaken in the AFZ of the estimated numbers of blue marlin (Makaira mazara) and black marlin (Makaira indica) and the impact on the species of such fishing as is permitted under section 15A.
(2) The Minister must cause a report of an analysis under subsection (1) to be laid before each House of the Parliament as soon as practicable after the analysis is completed and, in any case, not later than 2 years after the commencement of the Fisheries Legislation Amendment Act (No. 1) 1998.
Part 3—Regulation of fishing
Division 1—Preliminary
16 AFMA to pursue objectives
(1) In performing its functions under this Part, AFMA must pursue its objectives and, in addition, act in accordance with its corporate plan and its current annual operational plan.
(2) Nothing in subsection (1) is taken to limit the operation of subsection 17(10).
16A AFMA to meet international fisheries management organisation and Fish Stocks Agreement obligations
Boat involved in contravening international fisheries management measure
(1) AFMA must not authorise under this Part the use of an Australian‑flagged boat for fishing on the high seas for a conserved fish stock during the period specified in subsection (2), if:
(a) a court has convicted a person of an offence described in subsection (3) involving the use of the boat; and
(b) the court has ordered the person to pay a fine for the offence (whether or not the person has also been sentenced to imprisonment for the offence); and
(c) the court has not ordered the forfeiture of the boat.
Period for which AFMA must not authorise use of boat
(2) The period starts when the person is ordered to pay the fine and ends when one of the following events occurs:
(a) the person pays the fine;
(b) a penalty is imposed on the person for failure to pay the fine;
(c) the court orders the forfeiture of the boat (for the offence or another offence);
(d) the conviction of the person for the offence for which the person was ordered to pay the fine is quashed.
Offences that prevent AFMA authorising use of boat
(3) Subsection (1) limits authorisation of the use of a boat involved in any of the following offences:
(a) an offence against subsection 95(5) constituted by one of the following acts or omissions that contravenes a condition of a fishing concession or scientific permit that authorises fishing for a conserved fish stock on the high seas or contravenes a provision of a temporary order relating to fishing for a conserved fish stock on the high seas:
(i) fishing for the conserved fish stock at a particular time, in a particular place or with particular equipment;
(ii) failing to maintain accurate records of catch;
(iii) failing to provide an accurate return of fish taken, carried, transhipped or processed;
(iv) taking, carrying, transhipping or processing more fish than authorised by the concession, permit or order;
(v) changing or hiding the markings of the boat;
(b) an offence against section 105A involving a fish from a conserved fish stock and a boat;
(ba) an offence against section 105AA or 105AB;
(c) an offence against section 105B involving a boat equipped for fishing for a conserved fish stock;
(d) an offence against section 107 relating to a document, statement, return or information about catch of a conserved fish stock;
(e) an offence against a prescribed provision of this Act or the regulations that is constituted by a prescribed act or omission relating to a conserved fish stock.
16B Australian‑flagged boats that have previously undermined conservation and management measures
(1) Subject to subsection (5), AFMA must not, under this Part, grant a fishing concession authorising the use for fishing activities on the high seas of an Australian‑flagged boat that was previously registered in a foreign country and authorised by that country for such fishing activities if:
(a) AFMA believes, on reasonable grounds, that the boat is a boat to which subsection (2) or (3) applies; and
(b) subsection (4) does not apply.
(2) This subsection applies to an Australian‑flagged boat that was previously registered in a foreign country that is a party to the Compliance Agreement if:
(a) that foreign country has, because the owner or operator of that boat has undermined international conservation and management measures, suspended the authority to use that boat on the high seas for a period and that period has not expired; or
(b) that foreign country has, because the owner or operator of that boat has undermined international conservation and management measures, cancelled the authority to use that boat on the high seas and a period of 3 years has not elapsed since that cancellation.
(3) This subsection applies to an Australian‑flagged boat that was previously registered in a foreign country that is not a party to the Compliance Agreement if, on the basis of information available to it, AFMA is satisfied that:
(a) the foreign country has, because the owner or operator of that boat has undermined international conservation and management measures, suspended the authority to use that boat on the high seas for a period and that period has not expired; or
(b) the foreign country has, because the owner or operator of that boat has undermined international conservation and management measures, cancelled the authority for use of that boat on the high seas and a period of 3 years has not elapsed since that cancellation.
(4) If the person seeking the grant of a fishing concession authorising the use of a boat to which subsection (2) or (3) applies for fishing activities on the high seas satisfies AFMA that the owner or operator of the boat at the time the authority to use it was suspended or cancelled has no present legal, beneficial or financial interest in, or control of, the boat, AFMA may grant such a fishing concession authorising the use of the boat despite the application of subsection (2) or (3).
(5) Despite subsection (1), AFMA may grant a fishing concession authorising the use of an Australian‑flagged boat to which subsection (2) or (3) applies for fishing activities on the high seas if, having regard to the circumstances in which a foreign country’s authorisation for the use of that boat for fishing activities on the high seas was suspended or cancelled, AFMA is satisfied that the grant of that fishing concession will not be likely to undermine international conservation and management measures.
(6) Nothing in this section implies that AFMA may not take other matters into consideration when deciding whether or not to grant a fishing concession authorising the use of an Australian‑flagged boat for fishing activities on the high seas.
Division 2—Plans of management
17 Plans of management
(1) Subject to subsection (1A), AFMA must, in writing, after consultation with such persons engaged in fishing as appear to AFMA to be appropriate and after giving due consideration to any representations mentioned in subsection (3), determine plans of management for all fisheries.
(1A) If, in all the circumstances, AFMA is of the view that a plan of management is not warranted for a particular fishery, AFMA may make a determination accordingly, including in the determination its reasons for making the determination. While a determination under this subsection is in force, AFMA is not required to determine a plan of management for a fishery.
(1AB) If, at any time after making a determination under subsection (1A) that a plan of management is not warranted for a particular fishery, AFMA ceases to be of the view, AFMA may make a further determination revoking the determination under subsection (1A).
(1B) A determination under subsection (1A) must be notified:
(a) in the Gazette; and
(b) to all persons and organisations listed in the register established under section 17A, at their addresses as shown on the register.
(2) Before determining a plan of management for a fishery, AFMA must prepare a draft of the plan and, by public notice:
(a) state that it intends to determine a plan of management in respect of the fishery; and
(b) invite interested persons to make representations in connection with the draft plan by a date specified in the notice, not being less than one month after the date of publication of the notice in the Gazette; and
(c) specify:
(i) an address from which copies of the draft plan may be obtained; and
(ii) an address to which representations may be forwarded.
(2A) In addition to issuing a public notice under subsection (2) and before determining a plan of management for a fishery, AFMA must notify the persons and organisations listed in the register established under section 17A, at their addresses as shown on the register, of the terms of the public notice.
(3) A person may, not later than the date specified in the notice, make representations to AFMA in connection with the draft plan.
(4) In this section, a reference to public notice is a reference to notice published:
(a) in the Gazette; and
(b) in each State and Territory, in a newspaper circulating throughout that State or Territory; and
(c) in such other newspaper or publication (if any) that appears to AFMA to be appropriate in the circumstances.
(5) A plan of management for a fishery may set out:
(a) the objectives of the plan of management; and
(b) measures by which the objectives are to be attained; and
(c) performance criteria against which, and time frames within which, the measures taken under the plan of management may be assessed.
(5AA) The objectives to be set out under paragraph (5)(a) must be consistent with, but are not limited to, the objectives set out in section 3.
(5C) A plan of management for a fishery affecting straddling fish stocks, highly migratory fish stocks or ecologically related fish stocks (within the meaning of the Fish Stocks Agreement) must set out stock‑specific reference points (within the meaning of that Agreement) for the stocks.
(6) Without limiting the operation of subsection (5), a plan of management for a fishery may:
(a) determine the method or methods by which the fishing capacity of the fishery or a part of the fishery is to be measured, which may be or include, but are not limited to, a method based on a particular area, a particular species or type or a particular quantity of fish, a particular kind, size or quantity of fishing equipment, a particular number of boats, a particular period of fishing, or any combination of the above; and
(aa) determine, or provide for AFMA to determine, the fishing capacity, measured by that method or those methods, permitted for the fishery or a part of the fishery in respect of a particular period or periods; and
(b) provide for the management of the fishery by means of a system of statutory fishing rights, and other fishing concessions; and
(c) contain a description of the fishery by reference to area, fish species, fishing methods to be employed or any other matter; and
(d) subject to section 28, formulate procedures to be followed for selecting persons to whom fishing concessions are to be granted including, in the case of fishing rights:
(i) the holding of an auction; or
(ii) the calling of tenders; and
(e) specify the kind and quantity of equipment that may be used in the fishery; and
(f) specify the circumstances in which a statutory fishing right may authorise fishing by or from a foreign boat; and
(g) impose obligations on the holders of fishing concessions; and
(h) prohibit or regulate recreational fishing in the fishery; and
(i) prohibit or regulate fishing for scientific research purposes in the fishery.
(6A) Paragraph (6)(aa) authorises the making of a determination in respect of the fishing capacity of a fishery or a part of a fishery that has the effect that no fishing capacity is permitted for the fishery or that part of the fishery in respect of a particular period or periods.
(6B) A determination made by AFMA under paragraph (6)(aa) is a legislative instrument.
(6C) If a plan of management for a fishery provides for the management of the fishery by means of a system that consists of or includes statutory fishing rights, the plan:
(a) may oblige a person who holds, in respect of the fishery, a fishing concession of a particular kind or fishing concessions of particular kinds also to hold, in respect of the fishery, a fishing concession of another kind or fishing concessions of other kinds, as stated in the plan; and
(b) without limiting the generality of paragraph (a), may oblige a person who holds, in respect of the fishery, a fishing right of a particular kind or fishing rights of particular kinds also to hold, in respect of the fishery, a fishing right of another kind or fishing rights of other kinds, as stated in the plan; and
(c) in respect of each kind of fishing right that a person holds in respect of the fishery—may do either or both of the following:
(i) oblige the person to hold not fewer than such number of fishing rights of that kind as is stated in the plan or worked out using a formula so stated;
(ii) oblige the person not to hold more than such number of fishing rights of that kind as is stated in the plan or worked out using a formula so stated.
(6D) A plan of management for a fishery must contain measures directed at reducing to a minimum:
(a) the incidental catch of fish not taken under and in accordance with that plan; and
(b) the incidental catch of other species.
(7) A plan of management for a fishery must:
(a) if the plan makes provision in relation to the management of the fishery by means of a system of statutory fishing rights—provide for registration of persons who are to be eligible for the grant of fishing rights and specify the conditions relevant to such registration; and
(b) contain a statement of any right of review that a person has in relation to such registration or the grant, or refusal to make a grant, of a fishing concession.
(8) A plan of management may make provision in relation to a matter by applying, adopting or incorporating, with or without modification:
(a) a provision of any Act or any regulation made under an Act, or of any other determination, as in force at a particular time or as in force from time to time; or
(b) any matter contained in any other instrument or writing as in force or existing at the time when the determination takes effect.
(9) A plan of management has no effect to the extent that it is inconsistent with a provision of this Act.
(10) While a plan of management is in force for a fishery, AFMA must perform its functions, and exercise its powers, under this Act in relation to the fishery in accordance with the plan of management.
(11) AFMA may, by writing under its common seal, delegate any powers conferred on it under a plan of management for a fishery in accordance with paragraph (6)(aa) to:
(a) the CEO; or
(b) a primary stakeholder who is to assist AFMA to manage the fishery under a co‑management arrangement (within the meaning of the Fisheries Administration Act 1991).
17A Register of persons concerned about plans of management
(1) AFMA must maintain a register containing a list of the names and postal addresses of persons and organisations who are to be notified of, or of determinations affecting the preparation of, draft plans of management.
(2) As soon as is practicable after the commencement of this section and on each anniversary of that commencement, AFMA must give public notice:
(a) inviting persons and organisations to have their names and postal addresses entered on the register; and
(b) in the case of the second or a later notice—inviting persons and organisations on the register (if any) to have their names and postal addresses left on the register.
(3) A notice must state that the acceptance of an invitation:
(a) is to be in writing, sent to AFMA at a place specified in the notice and accompanied by particulars of the name and postal address of the acceptor; and
(b) is to be given:
(i) in the case of a person, or organisation, in existence on the publication of the notice—within one month after that publication; and
(ii) in any other case—within 12 months after that publication.
(4) Where a person or organisation accepts an invitation in the way required by the notice, AFMA is to enter, or retain, the name and postal address of the person or organisation on the register.
(5) AFMA may vary the address on the register of a person or organisation at the written request of the person or organisation.
(6) AFMA must remove the name and address of a person or organisation from the register if:
(a) in the case of a name and address that was on the register before the most recent notice under subsection (2)—the invitation to keep that name and address on the register was not accepted within one month after the publication of that notice; or
(b) the person or organisation makes a written request for the removal; or
(c) AFMA becomes satisfied that:
(i) in the case of a natural person—the person has died; or
(ii) in any other case—the person or organisation has ceased to exist.
(7) In subsection (2), a reference to public notice is a reference to a notice published:
(a) in the Gazette; and
(b) in each State and internal Territory in a newspaper circulating generally in that State or Territory; and
(c) in each external Territory that the Minister considers appropriate (if any) in a newspaper circulating generally in that external Territory.
18 Action after determining a plan of management
(1) When AFMA has determined a plan of management for a fishery, it must:
(a) submit the plan to the Minister; and
(b) inform the Minister of the nature of any representations it received, and the consultations it conducted, before determining the plan.
(2) The Minister must accept the plan if it appears to the Minister that:
(a) AFMA gave due consideration to any representations it received, and conducted adequate consultations, before determining the plan; and
(b) the plan is consistent with AFMA’s corporate plan and current annual operational plan.
(3) If the Minister does not accept the plan, the Minister must refer it to AFMA and inform AFMA why it was not accepted.
(4) When the plan has been so referred to AFMA, AFMA must, as soon as practicable after receipt of the plan, take such steps as appear to it to be necessary to ensure acceptance of the plan by the Minister and again submit the plan to the Minister.
(5) If the Minister again does not accept the plan, the procedures mentioned in subsections (3) and (4) continue to apply in relation to the plan until it is accepted by the Minister or withdrawn by AFMA.
19 Tabling, disallowance etc. of determinations
(1) AFMA must cause to be published in the Gazette, in respect of each determination made under section 17 and accepted by the Minister, notice of:
(a) the fact that the determination has been made; and
(b) the place or places where copies of the determination can be obtained.
(5) A determination is taken to be an enactment for the purposes of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975.
20 Amendment or revocation of plan of management
(1) AFMA may at any time amend a plan of management.
(2) If AFMA amends a plan of management, it must:
(a) give written notification of that fact to each person who is the holder of a statutory fishing right granted in accordance with the plan; and
(b) inform the person where copies of the amended plan may be obtained.
(3) AFMA may revoke a plan of management.
(4) Where a plan of management for a fishery is revoked under subsection (3), statutory fishing rights, fishing permits, foreign fishing licences, scientific permits, foreign master fishing licences and fish receiver permits granted by AFMA that relate to the fishery cease to have effect in relation to the fishery.
(5) Sections 17, 18 and 19 apply in relation to an amendment of a plan of management and the revocation of a plan of management in the same way as they apply to a plan of management prepared under section 17.
(6) However, subsection (2) of this section, subsections 17(1B) to (4), and sections 18 and 19 do not apply to an amendment of a plan of management that merely:
(a) corrects an error in the plan (including a factual, grammatical, mapping or typographical error, for example); or
(b) changes the format or presentation of the plan; or
(c) changes a matter in the plan to make the plan consistent with:
(i) this or another Act; or
(ii) the regulations; or
(d) removes conditions from the plan if conditions for the plan’s fishery about the same subject matter have been prescribed in the regulations, whether or not the conditions are in the same terms.
(7) Also, subsections 17(1B) to (4) and section 19 do not apply to an amendment of a plan of management to remove a provision from the plan if, within 1 year before the proposed amendment is to take effect, the following entities have been given at least 28 days written notice of the proposed amendment:
(a) if there is a management advisory committee for the plan’s fishery—the management advisory committee;
(b) if a peak body represents the holders of statutory fishing rights under the plan—the peak body;
(c) if there is no management advisory committee or peak body—the holders of the licences, permits or rights for the fishery.
(8) However, section 18 applies to an amendment mentioned in subsection (7) in the same way as section 18 applies to a plan of management.
Division 3—Statutory fishing rights
21 Nature of a statutory fishing right
(1) For the purposes of this Act, each of the following rights is a separate statutory fishing right:
(a) a right to take a particular quantity of fish, or to take a particular quantity of fish of a particular species or type, from, or from a particular area in, a managed fishery;
(b) a right to a particular proportion of the fishing capacity that is permitted, by or under a plan of management, for, or for a part of, a managed fishery;
(c) a right to engage in fishing in a managed fishery at a particular time or times, on a particular number of days, during a particular number of weeks or months, or in accordance with any combination of the above, during a particular period or periods;
(d) a right to use a boat in a managed fishery for purposes stated in a plan of management;
(e) a right to use particular fishing equipment in a managed fishery;
(f) a right to use, in a managed fishery, fishing equipment that is of a particular kind, of a particular size or of a particular quantity or is a combination of any of the above;
(g) a right to use a particular type of boat in a managed fishery;
(h) a right to use a boat of a particular size or having a particular engine power, or of a particular size and having a particular engine power, in a managed fishery;
(i) any other right in respect of fishing in a managed fishery.
(1A) A plan of management for a fishery may do any one or more of the following:
(a) provide for a statutory fishing right of a kind mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) even though, in a particular period, the quantity of fish to which the fishing right relates is nil or negligible;
(b) provide for a statutory fishing right of a kind mentioned in paragraph (1)(b) even though the proportion of fishing capacity to which the fishing right relates would result in a nil or negligible quantity of fish;
(c) provide for a statutory fishing right of a kind mentioned in paragraph (1)(f) even though it may be impracticable to make or use fishing equipment of the size or quantity, or size and quantity, to which the fishing right relates;
(d) provide for a statutory fishing right of a kind mentioned in paragraph (1)(h) even though it may be impracticable to build or use a boat of the size or having the engine power, or of the size and having the engine power, to which the fishing right relates.
(1B) For the purposes of subsection (1C), the fishing rights in respect of a particular fishery that are referred to in any one of the following paragraphs together constitute a class of fishing rights:
(a) 2 or more identical fishing rights of a kind mentioned in paragraph (1)(a);
(b) 2 or more identical fishing rights of a kind mentioned in paragraph (1)(b);
(c) 2 or more identical fishing rights of a kind mentioned in paragraph (1)(c);
(d) 2 or more identical fishing rights of a kind mentioned in paragraph (1)(f);
(e) 2 or more identical fishing rights of a kind mentioned in paragraph (1)(h).
(1C) If a person holds a class of fishing rights in respect of a managed fishery, the fishing rights in the class together confer fishing rights in respect of:
(a) if the fishing rights in the class are fishing rights of a kind mentioned in paragraph (1)(a)—a quantity of fish, or of fish of the relevant species or type, equal to the sum of the quantities of fish, or of fish of that species or type, in relation to, or in relation to the area in, the fishery, stated in the fishing rights in the class; or
(b) if the fishing rights in the class are fishing rights of a kind mentioned in paragraph (1)(b)—a proportion of fishing capacity equal to the sum of the proportions of the fishing capacity stated in the fishing rights in the class; or
(c) if the fishing rights in the class are fishing rights of a kind mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) and each fishing right relates to a particular number of days, weeks or months during a particular period or periods—a number of days, weeks or months equal to the sum of the numbers of days, weeks or months, as the case may be, during that period or those periods, stated in the fishing rights in the class; or
(d) if the fishing rights in the class are fishing rights of a kind mentioned in paragraph (1)(f)—fishing equipment the total size or quantity of which is not greater than the sum of the sizes or quantities, or the total size and total quantity of which are not greater than the sum of the sizes and the sum of the quantities, as the case may be, stated in the fishing rights in the class;
(e) if the fishing rights in the class are fishing rights of a kind mentioned in paragraph (1)(h)—a boat of a size not greater than the sum of the sizes, having an engine power not greater than the sum of the engine powers, or of a size not greater than the sum of the sizes and having an engine power not greater than the sum of the engine powers, as the case may be, stated in the fishing rights in the class.
(2) A fishing right may authorise fishing:
(a) by or from an Australian boat; and
(b) if the relevant plan of management so provides—by or from a foreign boat.
22 AFMA to establish system of statutory fishing rights
(1) Where a plan of management provides for the management by AFMA of a fishery by means of a system of statutory fishing rights, AFMA is to establish and administer such a system in accordance with the plan.
(2) AFMA is to give to a person to whom it grants a fishing right a certificate evidencing the grant of the fishing right.
(3) A fishing right is granted subject to the following conditions:
(a) the holder of the fishing right must comply with any obligations imposed by, or imposed by AFMA under, the relevant plan of management on the holder of such a fishing right;
(b) the fishing right will cease to have effect if the plan of management for the fishery to which the fishing right relates is revoked under subsection 20(3);
(c) the fishing right may, under subsection 75(7), cease to have effect;
(d) the fishing right may be cancelled under section 39;
(e) no compensation is payable because the fishing right is cancelled, ceases to have effect or ceases to apply to a fishery.
Note: For further provisions relating to conditions imposed on fishing rights see subsections (4), (4A), (5) and (5A) and sections 40C, 42, 42A and 42B.
(4) A fishing right:
(a) is subject to such other conditions as are specified in the certificate, including conditions relating to the suspension or cancellation of the fishing right and the transferability or otherwise of the fishing right; and
(b) comes into force on the day specified for the purpose in the certificate, or, if no day is so specified, on the day on which it is granted; and
(c) subject to this Act, remains in force:
(i) until the day specified for the purpose in the certificate; or
(ii) if no such day is specified, until cancelled or surrendered or it otherwise ceases to have effect, under this Act.
(4A) It is also a condition of a fishing right relating to a fishery that the holder of the right comply with a direction under section 41A that relates to the fishery.
(5) AFMA may, by written notice given to the holder of a fishing right, whether or not at the request of the holder, vary or revoke a condition of the fishing right (not being a condition mentioned in subsection (3) or (4A)) or specify a condition or a further condition to which the fishing right is to be subject.
(5A) After the commencement of this subsection and without limiting the generality of subsection (5), if a statutory fishing right authorises an Australian‑flagged boat to fish on the high seas, AFMA may attach a further condition to that right to the effect that another boat may not be substituted for the first‑mentioned boat without AFMA’s prior written agreement to the substitution.
(6) A fishing right ceases to be in force if the holder of the fishing right surrenders it by written notice given to AFMA.
23 Certain decisions to be provisional
(1) Where AFMA or a Joint Authority makes a decision as to the person or persons to whom the grant of a fishing right in a managed fishery is to be made, not being a grant or grants to be made after:
(a) the holding of an auction in respect of the grant; or
(b) the calling of tenders in respect of the grant;
the following provisions of this section apply.
(2) AFMA or the Joint Authority, as the case may be, by notice published in the Gazette, must set out the name of the person or persons to whom the fishing rights are to be granted and a summary of the fishing rights to be granted to each such person.
(3) A grant of a fishing right must not be made to such a person:
(a) before the end of the period within which, under section 143, applications to the Panel may be made for review of the decision in relation to the grant; or
(b) if an application in relation to the decision is made to the Panel under section 143—before the application is dealt with by the Panel or otherwise disposed of.
Division 4—Ways of granting statutory fishing rights
24 Notice of intention to grant fishing rights
(1) AFMA may, by public notice, declare that it intends to grant a fishing right or fishing rights specified in the notice in relation to fishing in a specified managed fishery.
(2) A reference in subsection (1) to public notice is a reference to notice published:
(a) in the Gazette; and
(b) in each State and Territory, in a newspaper circulating throughout that State or Territory; and
(c) in such other newspaper or publication (if any) that appears to AFMA to be appropriate in the circumstances.
25 Contents of notice
AFMA must, in a notice under section 24:
(a) describe the fishing activities that will be authorised by the fishing right or fishing rights; and
(b) specify the way in which the grant is to be made and, if the grant is to be made otherwise than by auction or tender, give full particulars of the procedures to be followed for selecting a person to whom the grant will be made available under section 29; and
(c) set out the conditions (if any) that are to be satisfied by persons applying under section 26 for registration as eligible persons for the grant before they may be so registered; and
(d) if an auction is to be held, specify the lowest bid that will be a qualifying bid for the purposes of subsection 29(1); and
(e) specify:
(i) the fees (if any) payable by persons applying for registration; and
(ii) the period (if any) for which the fishing right will be in force unless it is sooner cancelled or otherwise ceases to apply or have effect; and
(iii) if the grant is to be made otherwise than by auction or by calling tenders—the amount (if any) that is the amount of charge on the grant for the purposes of the Statutory Fishing Rights Charge Act 1991; and
(iv) whether any charge imposed on the grant under the Statutory Fishing Rights Charge Act 1991 is to be paid in one lump sum or by instalments and, if the charge is to be paid by instalments, the number and frequency of those instalments; and
(v) the right of review available to persons in relation to the grant of, or the refusal to grant, a fishing right; and
(vi) an address from which copies of the plan of management may be obtained; and
(vii) any other matter in respect of the grant that, in the opinion of AFMA, should be notified to prospective applicants; and
(f) invite interested persons to apply to AFMA, in the approved form, within the period specified in the notice, to be registered as eligible persons for the grant.
26 Registration of applicants
(1) A person may apply to AFMA, in the approved form, for registration as an eligible person for a grant of a fishing right.
(2) Subject to section 31K, AFMA must register as an eligible person for a grant of a fishing right each applicant who:
(a) satisfies the conditions (if any) for registration specified in the plan of management in relation to the grant; and
(b) has paid the prescribed fee; and
(c) in the case of an applicant tendering for the grant—has complied with subsections 27(2) and (3).
(3) AFMA must, as soon as practicable, notify the applicant in writing of its decision to register or not to register the applicant as an eligible person for a grant of a fishing right and of the right of review that the person has in relation to that decision.
27 Tenders for fishing rights
(1) This section applies where, under a plan of management, tenders are to be called in respect of the grant of a fishing right or fishing rights.
(2) An application for registration must be accompanied by a tender made in accordance with subsection (3).
(3) The tender must:
(a) specify the amount that the applicant is willing to pay to the Commonwealth for the grant; and
(b) be enclosed in a sealed, opaque envelope on which is written only:
(i) the name and address of the applicant; and
(ii) words identifying the grant to which the tender relates.
(4) AFMA must take reasonable steps to ensure that the envelope containing the tender is kept in such a way as to prevent premature disclosure of the amount specified in the tender and, in particular, must take reasonable steps to ensure that the envelope is not interfered with until it is opened in accordance with the regulations.
28 Prescribed procedures for grant of fishing rights
(1) Where a grant of a fishing right is required to be made by auction or tender, the regulations must prescribe the procedures to be followed for selecting the person to whom the grant will be made available under section 29.
(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), those procedures must include:
(a) in the case of an auction—the procedures to be followed for:
(i) holding the auction; and
(ii) where a grant of a fishing right, being a grant that was available to a person under section 29 as a result of an auction, has ceased to be so available, holding another auction in respect of the grant; and
(b) in the case of tenders—the procedures to be followed for:
(i) opening the envelopes containing the tenders lodged by the persons registered under subsection 26(2) as eligible persons for the grant; and
(ii) recording the amount specified in each of those tenders; and
(iii) ranking those persons by reference to the amounts so recorded; and
(d) the preparation, where tenders have been called, of a list (in this Division called the precedence list) of all the persons who have been registered under section 26 as eligible persons for the grant in the order in which they have, in accordance with the procedures prescribed by the regulations, been ranked for the purposes of the grant.
29 Grant made available to highest bidder etc.
(1) Where an auction has been held in respect of the grant of a fishing right, the grant is available to the person who made the highest qualifying bid for the grant at the auction.
(2) Where tenders have been called in respect of the grant of a fishing right, the grant is available to the person ranked highest on the precedence list prepared for the purposes of the grant.
(3) Where subsections (1) and (2) do not apply in relation to a grant of a fishing right, the grant is available to the person selected in accordance with the procedures specified for that purpose in the plan of management relating to the grant.
(4) Where a grant of a fishing right is available to a person under this section, AFMA must, as soon as practicable:
(a) notify that fact in writing to that person and to each other person who was registered under section 26 as an eligible person for the grant of that fishing right; and
(b) give to each such person a statement in writing of the reasons for making the grant so available and of any right of review that the person has in relation to the decision to make the grant so available.
30 Amount of charge to be tendered
(1) If a person to whom a grant becomes available under subsection 29(1) does not, immediately after having been notified of that fact, tender the amount of charge due and payable at that time under the Statutory Fishing Rights Charge Act 1991 in respect of the grant, the grant ceases to be available to the person.
(2) If, within 30 days after a grant of fishing rights has become available to a person, either because of subsection 29(2) or (3) or because of a previous application of this subsection, the person does not tender the amount of any charge due and payable under the Statutory Fishing Rights Charge Act 1991 in respect of the grant:
(a) the grant ceases to be available to the person; and
(b) if a precedence list has been prepared for the purposes of the grant:
(i) the name of the person is, by force of this subsection, deleted from the list; and
(ii) the grant is available to the person who then becomes the highest ranking person on that list.
31 AFMA to grant fishing right
Upon the request of a person to whom the grant of a fishing right is available, AFMA must grant the fishing right to that person.
Division 4A—Statutory fishing rights options
31A Options arising when plan of management for fishery is revoked
(1) Subject to subsection (2), if a plan of management for a fishery (the former plan) is revoked, each person (a former holder of fishing rights) who held statutory fishing rights of a particular class of fishing rights (the relevant class) in respect of the fishery under the former plan immediately before it was revoked holds a statutory fishing rights option in respect of fishing rights of the relevant class.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) a new plan of management is determined for the fishery immediately after the revocation of the former plan; and
(b) the new plan is in all substantial respects identical to the former plan; and
(c) the persons who held statutory fishing rights under the former plan are granted equivalent statutory fishing rights under the new plan.
(3) Subsection 21(1B) applies in determining the kinds of statutory fishing rights that together constitute a class of fishing rights in respect of a fishery for the purposes of this Division, except that fishing rights that, in AFMA’s opinion, are substantially the same are taken to be identical for the purposes of that subsection.
(4) A statutory fishing rights option entitles the holder of the option to be granted statutory fishing rights of the relevant class under any plan of management (the new plan) determined for a fishery after the revocation of the former plan if section 31B or 31C applies to the new plan. The nature and extent of the entitlements are set out in subsection 31B(2) or 31C(2), as the case may be.
31B Rights of option holder where the new plan of management is the same or substantially the same as the former plan of management
(1) This section applies to the new plan if:
(a) the new plan applies to a geographical area that consists of or includes the whole or a part of the geographical area to which the former plan applied; and
(b) the description (other than the description of the geographical area) of the fishery to which the new plan applies is, in AFMA’s opinion, the same, or substantially the same, as the description of the fishery to which the former plan applied; and
(c) the new plan provides for the granting of classes of statutory fishing rights that are the same, or substantially the same, as the classes of statutory fishing rights provided for in the former plan; and
(d) under the new plan the only persons who are entitled to be granted statutory fishing rights are persons who hold statutory fishing rights options in respect of statutory fishing rights under the new plan.
(2) If a person holds a statutory fishing rights option in respect of statutory fishing rights under the new plan, the option entitles the person, subject to subsections (3) and (4), to be granted under the new plan, to the extent to which the person exercises the option in accordance with subsection 31D(1), the number of statutory fishing rights of the relevant class worked out in accordance with the formula:
where:
person’s previous rights means the number of statutory fishing rights of the relevant class held by:
(a) if the person was a former holder of fishing rights—the person; or
(b) otherwise—the former holder of fishing rights from whose statutory fishing rights under the former plan the person directly or indirectly became entitled to the option;
under the former plan immediately before it was revoked.
total previous rights means the total number of statutory fishing rights of the relevant class held by all persons under the former plan immediately before it was revoked.
total new rights means the total number of statutory fishing rights of the relevant class that are available to be granted under the new plan.
(3) If the number of statutory fishing rights worked out under subsection (2) includes a fraction, the number is to be rounded off to the next highest or lowest whole number, as AFMA determines to be reasonable in the circumstances.
(4) In making a determination under subsection (3), AFMA may have regard to any matters that it considers appropriate, including the total number of statutory fishing rights of the relevant class that are available to be granted under the new plan.
31C Rights of option holder where new plan of management has some features in common with the former plan of management
(1) This section applies to the new plan if:
(a) in AFMA’s opinion section 31B does not apply to the new plan; and
(b) the new plan applies to a geographical area that consists of or includes the whole or a part of the geographical area to which the former plan applied; and
(c) at least one of the species of fish in respect of which statutory fishing rights are available to be granted under the new plan (except any species that is a by‑catch) was also a species of fish in respect of which statutory fishing rights were granted under the former plan immediately before it was revoked.
(2) If a person holds a statutory fishing rights option in respect of statutory fishing rights under the new plan, the option entitles the person to be granted such number of such classes of statutory fishing rights under the new plan as AFMA determines to be fair and equitable having particular regard to the number and classes of statutory fishing rights:
(a) if the person was a former holder of fishing rights—held by the person; or
(b) otherwise—held by the former holder of fishing rights from whose fishing rights under the former plan the person directly or indirectly became entitled to the option;
under the former plan immediately before it was revoked.
(3) In determining the number of a class of statutory fishing rights to be granted to a person under the new plan in accordance with subsection (2), AFMA must take into account:
(a) the extent to which the new plan applies to the fishery to which the former plan applied; and
(b) the number and classes of statutory fishing rights:
(i) if the person was a former holder of fishing rights—held by the person; or
(ii) otherwise—held by the former holder of fishing rights from whose fishing rights under the former plan the person directly or indirectly became entitled to the option;
under the former plan immediately before it was revoked; and
(c) the procedures to be followed under the new plan for the granting of fishing rights; and
(d) the conditions relevant to the registration under the new plan of persons who are to be eligible for the grant of statutory fishing rights.
31D Exercise and lapsing of option
(1) A person who holds a statutory fishing rights option is taken to exercise the option if the person has received a notice under paragraph 31K(1)(a) and, within the period stated in the notice, notifies AFMA, by writing signed by the person, that the person exercises the option in respect of all, or a stated number, of the statutory fishing rights to which the option relates.
(2) If a person does not exercise a statutory fishing rights option in respect of all or some of the statutory fishing rights to which the option relates, the option lapses in respect of the statutory fishing rights in respect of which the option is not exercised.
31E The Register of Statutory Fishing Rights Options
(1) AFMA is to keep a Register of Statutory Fishing Rights Options (the Register).
(2) The Register may be kept wholly or partly by use of a computer.
(3) If the Register is kept wholly or partly by use of a computer:
(a) references in this Act to an entry in the Register include references to a record of particulars kept by use of a computer and comprising the Register or part of the Register; and
(b) references in this Act to particulars being registered, or entered in the Register, include references to the keeping of a record of those particulars as part of the Register by use of the computer.
(4) The Register must, in relation to each statutory fishing rights option:
(a) set out the name and address of the person who for the time being holds the option; and
(b) contain such particulars as are necessary to identify the former plan whose revocation gave rise to the option; and
(c) set out the number and class of statutory fishing rights to which the option relates; and
(d) if the option has been exercised in respect of any statutory fishing rights—state the date of the exercise and the number and class of rights in respect of which the option has been exercised; and
(e) if the option has lapsed in respect of any statutory fishing rights—state the date of the lapse and the number and class of rights in respect of which the option has lapsed.
31F Registration of dealings in statutory fishing rights options
Scope
(1) This section applies to a dealing that would, apart from subsection (2), have the effect of creating, assigning, transmitting or extinguishing an interest in a statutory fishing rights option, other than an interest that is a PPSA security interest.
Registration of dealings
(2) The dealing has no effect of a kind mentioned in subsection (1) until it is registered under this section.
(3) A party to the dealing may lodge with AFMA:
(a) an application, in the form approved by AFMA, for registration of the dealing; and
(b) the instrument evidencing the dealing; and
(c) an instrument setting out such particulars (if any) as are prescribed for the purposes of an application for registration of the dealing; and
(d) one copy each of the application and of the instruments mentioned in paragraphs (b) and (c).
(4) A party to the dealing may, instead of lodging the instrument evidencing the dealing, lodge with AFMA a summary of that instrument containing the particulars required by AFMA for the purposes of this subsection.
(5) Subject to subsections (6) and (7), if an application for registration of the dealing, either the instrument evidencing the dealing or a summary of that instrument that complies with subsection (4), and the other documents referred to in paragraphs (3)(c) and (d), are lodged with AFMA, AFMA must:
(a) register the dealing by entering in the Register the following particulars:
(i) the name and address of the person acquiring the interest in the option;
(ii) the number and class of statutory fishing rights to which the dealing relates; and
(b) endorse on the instrument evidencing the dealing and the copy of that instrument the fact of the entry having been made together with the date and time of the making of the entry.
Partial assignment of statutory fishing rights options
(6) For the purposes of this Division, if a statutory fishing rights option is assigned to a person in respect of some only of the statutory fishing rights to which the option relates:
(a) the assignee is taken to hold a new statutory fishing rights option in respect of the statutory fishing rights assigned to the assignee; and
(b) the assignor continues to hold the first‑mentioned option in respect of such of the statutory fishing rights as have not been assigned.
Refusal to register dealings
(7) AFMA may only refuse to register a dealing if the registration of the dealing would be contrary to the requirements of the new plan or a condition of statutory fishing rights in respect of which the option is held.
Documentation of registration of dealings
(8) If a dealing is registered:
(a) the copies referred to in paragraph (3)(d) and the summary (if any) lodged under subsection (4) are to be kept by AFMA; and
(b) if a summary is not lodged under subsection (4), the copy of the instrument evidencing the dealing is to be made available for inspection in accordance with this Division; and
(c) if a summary is lodged under subsection (4), the summary is to be made available for inspection in accordance with this Division; and
(d) the original instrument is to be returned to the person who made the application for registration.
(10) AFMA is not concerned with the effect in law of any instrument lodged under this section.
31FA Interests in statutory fishing rights options—priority between section 31F interests and PPSA security interests
Scope
(1) This section sets out the priority between the following interests in a statutory fishing rights option:
(a) an interest (the section 31F interest) that is the subject of a dealing (the section 31F dealing), if the dealing has effect under section 31F (by registration);
(b) a PPSA security interest.
Priority rules
(2) The priority is as set out in the following table:
Priority between PPSA security interests and section 31F interests |
Item | If … | then … |
1 | the PPSA security interest is not perfected (whether by registration or otherwise) within the meaning of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 | the section 31F interest has priority. |
2 | (a) the PPSA security interest is perfected (whether by registration or otherwise) within the meaning of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009; and (b) the section 31F dealing is registered under section 31F of this Act before the priority time for the PPSA security interest under section 55 of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 | the section 31F interest has priority. |
3 | (a) the PPSA security interest is perfected (whether by registration or otherwise) within the meaning of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009; and (b) the section 31F dealing is registered under section 31F of this Act at or after the priority time for the PPSA security interest under section 55 of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 | the PPSA security interest has priority. |
(3) Subsection 73(2) of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 applies to the section 31F interest.
Note 1: The effect of subsection (3) is that the priority between a section 31F interest and a PPSA security interest in a statutory fishing rights option is to be determined in accordance with this Act rather than the Personal Property Securities Act 2009.
Note 2: Subsection 73(2) of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 applies to section 31F interests that arise after the commencement of subsection (3) of this section (which commences at the registration commencement time within the meaning of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009).
31G Claims of interests in statutory fishing rights options
(1) If a person lodges with AFMA a notice, in the form approved by AFMA:
(a) stating that a dealing of a kind referred to in subsection 31F(1) that is described in the statement has taken place; and
(b) claiming that, if the dealing were registered, the person would have an interest in a statutory fishing rights option; and
(c) setting out particulars of the interest; and
(d) requesting AFMA to register the claim;
AFMA must register the claim by entering in the register the person’s name and particulars of the interest claimed.
(2) If, after the registration of a claim to an interest in a statutory fishing rights option, the claimant, by notice lodged with AFMA in the form approved by AFMA, withdraws the claim, AFMA must cancel the registration by omitting from the register the entry relating to the claim.
(3) If:
(a) a claim to an interest in a statutory fishing rights option is registered; and
(b) an application is made to AFMA for registration of a dealing in respect of the option;
AFMA must not register the dealing unless:
(c) AFMA has given written notice of the application to the person whose name appears in the register in relation to the claim; and
(d) either:
(i) the person has withdrawn the claim under subsection (2); or
(ii) 21 days have elapsed since the notice was given to the person.
31H Trusts not registrable
Notice of any kind of trust relating to a statutory fishing rights option is not receivable by AFMA and must not be entered in the Register.
31J Power of holder of statutory fishing rights option to deal with option
(1) The holder of a statutory fishing rights option may, subject to this section, deal with the option, in respect of all or any of the statutory fishing rights to which the option relates, as absolute owner and give good discharges for any consideration for any such dealing.
(1A) A dealing mentioned in subsection (1) is subject to:
(a) any rights appearing in the Register to be vested in another person, other than any such rights that are PPSA security interests; and
(b) any rights or interests in the statutory fishing rights option that are PPSA security interests, to the extent provided by the Personal Property Securities Act 2009.
(2) Subsection (1) only protects a person who deals with a holder of a statutory fishing rights option as a purchaser in good faith for value and without notice of any fraud on the part of the holder.
(3) Equities in relation to a statutory fishing rights option may be enforced against the holder of the option except to the prejudice of a person protected by subsection (2).
31K Obligations of AFMA in respect of granting statutory fishing rights under the new plan
(1) AFMA must not grant any statutory fishing rights under the new plan unless:
(a) it has given written notice to each person who holds a statutory fishing rights option in relation to the plan asking the person to tell AFMA in writing within the period of 30 days after a date stated in the notice (being a date not earlier than 2 days after the day on which the notice is sent):
(i) whether the person wishes to exercise the option; and
(ii) if so, the number of fishing rights in respect of which the person exercises the option; and
(b) that period has elapsed.
(2) AFMA must develop procedures that will ensure that the holders of options that are exercised are granted the statutory fishing rights under the new plan to which they are entitled.
(3) AFMA may remove particulars of an option from the Register when all the statutory fishing rights to which the option relates have been granted or the option has lapsed.
31L Administrative provisions
Sections 52 to 57 apply to the Register of Statutory Fishing Rights Options and documents subject to inspection under this Division in the same way as those sections apply to the Register of Statutory Fishing Rights and documents subject to inspection under Part 4.
Division 5—Fishing permits
32 Grant of fishing permits
(1) AFMA may, upon application made in the approved form, grant to a person a fishing permit authorising, subject to subsections (1A), (1B), (1C) and (1D), the use by that person, or by a person acting on that person’s behalf, of an Australian boat for fishing in a specified area of the AFZ or a specified fishery.
(1A) Subject to subsections (1C) and (1D), if an Australian boat is specified in the permit, the permit authorises the use as mentioned in subsection (1) of:
(a) subject to paragraph (b)—that boat; or
(b) if the person to whom the permit is granted, from time to time, by written notice given to AFMA, nominates for the purposes of the permit another Australian boat in lieu of that boat—the boat so nominated.
(1B) Subject to subsections (1C) and (1D), if no Australian boat is specified in the permit, the permit authorises the use as mentioned in subsection (1) of such Australian boat (if any) as the person to whom the permit is granted, from time to time, by written notice given to AFMA, nominates for the purposes of the permit.
(1BA) After the commencement of this subsection, a boat may be nominated under subsection (1A) or (1B) only if:
(a) either:
(i) the boat’s particulars are already registered on the Fishing Permits Register; or
(ii) the boat is an Australian boat; and
(b) the acceptance of the nomination would not be contrary to:
(i) a condition of the permit; or
(ii) the regulations; and
(c) for the purposes of a permit to fish in a specified fishery on the high seas—the boat is an Australian‑flagged boat.
(1C) The permit does not authorise the use of an Australian boat unless the boat complies with any conditions to which the permit is subject.
(1D) If subsection 16A(1) prohibits AFMA from authorising a use of a boat for a period described in subsection 16A(2), the permit does not authorise the use of the boat during the period.
Note: Subsection 16A(1) prohibits AFMA from authorising the use of a boat to fish on the high seas for a conserved fish stock if the boat has been used in the commission of certain offences and the penalties for those offences have not been complied with.
(2) An application made for the grant of a fishing permit must provide AFMA with such information as it reasonably requires for a proper consideration of the application.
(3) Without limiting the operation of subsection (1), AFMA may refuse to grant a fishing permit if it has reason to believe that a requirement of a law of the Commonwealth, or of a State or Territory, has not been complied with in relation to the boat.
(4) A fishing permit may authorise the use of a boat:
(a) for commercial fishing generally; or
(b) for recreational fishing generally (whether from a charter boat or otherwise); or
(d) for specified fishing activities, including:
(i) the carrying of fish; or
(ii) the processing of fish; or
(iii) the testing of fishing equipment.
(5) A fishing permit is granted subject to the following conditions:
(a) if the fishing permit authorises fishing in a specified managed fishery—the holder of the permit must comply with any obligations imposed by, or imposed by AFMA under, the relevant plan of management on the holder of such a fishing permit;
(b) if the fishing permit authorises fishing in a specified managed fishery—the permit will cease to have effect if the plan of management for the fishery is revoked under subsection 20(3);
(c) the fishing permit may, under subsection 75(7), cease to have effect;
(d) the fishing permit may be cancelled under section 39;
(e) no compensation is payable because the fishing permit is cancelled, ceases to have effect or ceases to apply to a fishery.
Note: For further provisions relating to conditions imposed on fishing permits see subsections (6), (7A) and sections 40C, 42, 42A and 42B.
(6) A fishing permit:
(a) is subject to such other conditions as are:
(i) specified in the permit; or
(ii) prescribed in relation to permits granted under this section; and
(b) comes into force on the day specified for the purpose in the permit or, if no day is so specified, on the day on which it is granted; and
(c) subject to this Act, remains in force until the day specified for the purpose in the permit, being a day not later than 5 years after the day on which it came into force.
(7) Without limiting the operation of paragraph (6)(a), the conditions that may be specified in a permit include conditions relating to:
(a) the fish that may be taken; or
(b) the quantity of fish that may be taken; or
(c) the rate at which fish may be taken; or
(d) the methods or equipment that may be used to take fish; or
(e) the methods or equipment that may be used to process or carry fish.
(7A) It is also a condition of a fishing permit relating to a fishery that the holder of the permit comply with a direction under section 41A that relates to the fishery.
(8) AFMA may, by written notice given to the holder of a permit, whether or not at the request of the holder, vary or revoke a condition of the permit (not being a condition mentioned in subsection (5) or (7A)) or specify a condition or a further condition to which the permit is to be subject.
(9) A permit ceases to be in force if the holder of the permit surrenders the permit by written notice given to AFMA.
(11) A fishing permit is to be in the approved form.
32A Transfer of fishing permits
(1) This section is about the holder of a fishing permit transferring the permit to another person.
(2) The holder of the fishing permit must apply to AFMA, in the approved form, to register the transfer.
(3) The transfer takes effect when AFMA registers the transfer.
(4) AFMA must register the transfer unless:
(a) the fishing permit is suspended under section 38; or
(b) the holder of the fishing permit:
(i) is being investigated for a fisheries offence; or
(ii) has been convicted of a fisheries offence; or
(c) a levy on the fishing permit that is due has not been paid; or
(d) other circumstances that are prescribed under the regulations exist.
(5) Subsection (4) applies despite the fact that a requirement in a plan of management relating to the transfer has not been satisfied.
(6) This section does not apply to a fishing permit that is stated to be non‑transferable.
Division 6—Scientific permits
33 Grant of scientific permits
(1) AFMA may, upon application made in the approved form, grant to a person a scientific permit in respect of a specified boat (including a foreign boat) authorising the use of the boat by that person, or a person acting on that person’s behalf, for scientific research purposes in a specified area of the AFZ or a specified fishery.
(2) An application made for the grant of a scientific permit must provide AFMA with such information as it reasonably requires for a proper consideration of the application.
(3) A scientific permit is granted subject to the following conditions:
(a) if the permit authorises the use of a boat for scientific research purposes in a specified managed fishery—the permit will cease to have effect in relation to that fishery if the plan of management for the fishery is revoked under subsection 20(3);
(b) the permit may, under subsection 75(7), cease to have effect;
(c) the permit may be revoked under subsection (6);
(d) no compensation is payable because the permit is revoked, ceases to have effect or ceases to apply to a fishery.
Note: For further provisions relating to conditions imposed on scientific permits see subsections (4), (5A) and sections 40C and 42A.
(4) A scientific permit:
(a) is subject to such other conditions as are specified in the permit; and
(b) comes into force on the day specified for the purpose in the permit or, if no day is so specified, on the day on which it is granted; and
(c) subject to this Act, remains in force until the day specified for the purpose in the permit, being a day not later than 6 months after the day on which it came into force.
(5) Without limiting the operation of subsection (4), the conditions that may be specified in a scientific permit include conditions relating to:
(a) the carriage on board the boat concerned of persons nominated by AFMA to make scientific observations; or
(b) the sale or disposal of fish taken during the course of activities carried out under the permit.
(5A) It is also a condition of a scientific permit relating to a fishery that the holder of the permit comply with a direction under section 41A that relates to the fishery.
(6) AFMA may, by written notice given to the holder of a scientific permit, whether or not at the request of the holder:
(a) revoke the permit; or
(b) vary or revoke a condition to which the permit is subject (not being a condition mentioned in subsection (5A)) or specify a condition or further condition to which the permit is to be subject.
(7) A scientific permit ceases to be in force if the holder of the permit surrenders the permit by written notice given to AFMA.
(8) A scientific permit is to be in the approved form.
Division 7—Foreign fishing licences and Treaty licences
34 Grant of foreign fishing licences
(1) AFMA may, upon application made in the approved form, grant to a person a foreign fishing licence authorising the use of a specified foreign boat by that person, or a person acting on that person’s behalf, for commercial fishing in a specified area of the AFZ or a specified fishery.
(2) An application made for the grant of a foreign fishing licence must provide AFMA with such information as it reasonably requires for a proper consideration of the application.
(3) In considering whether to grant a foreign fishing licence, AFMA must give effect to any obligation undertaken by the Commonwealth contained in an agreement entered into by the Commonwealth that is relevant in the particular case.
(4) A foreign fishing licence is granted subject to the following conditions:
(a) if the licence authorises commercial fishing in a specified managed fishery—the holder of the licence must comply with any obligations imposed by, or imposed by AFMA under, the relevant plan of management on the holder of such a licence;
(b) if the licence authorises commercial fishing in a specified managed fishery—the licence will cease to have effect in relation to the fishery if the plan of management for the fishery is revoked under subsection 20(3);
(c) the licence may be cancelled under section 39;
(d) no compensation is payable because the licence is cancelled.
Note: For further provisions relating to conditions imposed on foreign fishing licences see subsections (5), (6A) and sections 40C, 42, 42A and 42B.
(5) A licence granted under this section:
(a) is subject to the condition that, while the boat to which the licence relates is in the AFZ, the person in charge of the boat is the holder of a foreign master fishing licence; and
(b) is subject to such other conditions as are specified in the licence; and
(c) comes into force on the day specified for the purpose in the licence or, if no day is so specified, on the day on which it is granted; and
(d) subject to this Act, remains in force until the day specified for the purpose in the licence, being a day not later than 12 months after the day on which it came into force.
(6) Without limiting the operation of subsection (5), the conditions that may be specified in a licence include conditions relating to any matter that may be included in a fishing permit granted under section 32.
(6A) It is also a condition of a foreign fishing licence relating to a fishery that the holder of the licence comply with a direction under section 41A that relates to the fishery.
(7) AFMA may, at any time, subject to such conditions (if any) as are specified in the endorsement, endorse a licence so as to extend it to authorise the boat to be brought into a specified port in Australia or in an external Territory at such time as is, or at such times as are, specified in the endorsement.
(8) AFMA may, by written notice given to the holder of a licence in respect of which an endorsement under subsection (7) is in force, revoke the endorsement.
(9) AFMA may, by written notice given to the holder of a licence, whether or not at the request of the holder, vary or revoke a condition of the licence (not being a condition mentioned in subsection (4) or (6A)) or specify a condition or further condition to which the licence is to be subject.
(10) A licence ceases to be in force if the holder of the licence surrenders the licence by written notice given to AFMA.
(11) A licence is to be in the approved form.
35 Agreements to grant foreign fishing licences
(1) AFMA, with the approval of the Minister, may enter into an agreement with a person that contains a provision under which AFMA agrees to grant a foreign fishing licence or 2 or more such licences (whether to that person or to any other person or persons) in respect of a foreign boat or 2 or more foreign boats.
(2) Where AFMA has entered into an agreement with a person that contains a provision of a kind mentioned in subsection (1), AFMA may, with the approval of the Minister, enter into a further agreement with the person varying the terms of the provision or varying the terms of the provision as varied under this subsection.
(3) The Minister is to cause a copy of such an agreement or further agreement, as the case may be, to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the agreement, or the further agreement, as the case may be, is entered into.
(4) Where:
(a) AFMA has entered into an agreement under subsection (1); or
(b) there is in force an agreement between the Commonwealth and the government of another country that contains a provision under which foreign fishing licences are agreed to be granted in respect of foreign boats (whether or not the provision also provides for the payment of an amount or amounts to the Commonwealth);
AFMA must, in deciding whether or not to grant the licence or any of the licences to which the agreement relates, have regard only to the terms of the agreement.
(5) Subsection (4) has effect only so far as that subsection is not a law imposing taxation within the meaning of section 55 of the Constitution.
36 Fisheries agreements
(1) If the Commonwealth enters into an agreement with the government of another country that contains a provision under which foreign fishing licences are agreed to be granted in respect of foreign boats (whether or not the provision also provides for the payment of an amount or amounts to the Commonwealth), the Minister is to cause a copy of the agreement to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the agreement is entered into.
(2) Where:
(a) an agreement that contains a provision of a kind mentioned in subsection (1) is in force; and
(b) the provision provides for the payment of an amount or amounts to the Commonwealth; and
(c) a foreign fishing licence or licences to which the provision relates has or have been granted in respect of a foreign fishing boat or foreign fishing boats; and
(d) the whole or any part of an amount specified in the provision is not paid to the Commonwealth in accordance with the terms of the provision;
AFMA may suspend each licence by written notice given to the holder of the licence.
(3) Where AFMA has suspended a licence under subsection (2) and the amount concerned is fully paid, AFMA must revoke the suspension by written notice given to the holder of the licence.
(4) Subsections (2) and (3) have effect only so far as those subsections are not laws imposing taxation within the meaning of section 55 of the Constitution.
37 Treaty licences
(1) For the purposes of this Act, a Treaty licence is taken to be in force in respect of a boat at all times during the period of validity of the Treaty licence as stated in the licence, except when the Treaty licence is suspended within the meaning of this section.
(2) A Treaty licence issued in respect of a Treaty boat is suspended when:
(a) each party to the Treaty has been notified in writing by the Minister that an investigation is being conducted in relation to an alleged contravention of a provision of the Treaty with the use of, or in relation to, the boat; or
(b) the Minister is notified in writing by the Administrator that the Treaty licence has been suspended in accordance with paragraph 8 of Article 5 of the Treaty.
(3) A notice under paragraph (2)(a) must give particulars of the alleged contravention.
(4) A Treaty licence ceases to be suspended:
(a) where paragraph (2)(a) applies—when the Minister has, in writing, notified the Administrator that the investigation has been completed; or
(b) where paragraph (2)(b) applies—when the Minister is notified in writing by the Administrator that the Treaty licence is no longer suspended.
Division 8—Suspension and cancellation of fishing concessions
38 Suspension of fishing concessions
(1) AFMA may, by written notice given to the holder of a fishing concession, suspend the operation of the concession if:
(a) any fee, levy, charge or other money relating to the concession is not paid as it becomes due; or
(b) it has reasonable grounds to believe that:
(i) there has been a contravention of a condition of the concession; or
(ii) in an application under this Act, the holder of the concession made a statement or furnished information that was, to the holder’s knowledge, false or misleading in a material particular, not being an act or omission in relation to which AFMA has previously exercised powers under this subsection; or
(c) to do so would be in accordance with a condition of the fishing concession relating to suspension of the concession.
(2) Subject to subsections (3) and (3A), where a fishing concession is so suspended (otherwise than for the reason mentioned in paragraph (1)(a)), the suspension, unless it is sooner revoked, ceases:
(a) if proceedings for an offence against this Act in relation to the alleged act or omission because of which the concession was suspended are instituted against the holder of the concession, or a person who acted on behalf of the holder of the concession, within one month after the suspension—on completion of the proceedings; or
(b) in any other case—at the end of one month after the suspension.
(3) AFMA may, by written notice given to the holder of a fishing concession, suspend the fishing concession for such period as is specified in the notice, if the holder of the fishing concession is convicted of an offence against this Act, the regulations or any other law of the Commonwealth relating to fishing or against a law of New Zealand, Papua New Guinea or a State or Territory relating to fishing.
(3A) If:
(a) a contravention of an international fisheries management measure has led to the imposition on the holder of a fishing concession of sanctions by Australia or a foreign country; and
(b) those sanctions have not been complied with;
AFMA may, by written notice given to the holder of the concession, suspend the fishing concession until the sanctions are fully complied with.
(4) AFMA, by written notice given to the holder of a fishing concession suspended under this section:
(a) may revoke the suspension; and
(b) if the concession was suspended for the reason mentioned in paragraph (1)(a), must revoke the suspension:
(i) if the money is paid; or
(ii) if the holder enters into an arrangement mentioned in paragraph 39(c) in relation to the money; or
(iii) there is a remission or refund made under the regulations of the whole of the money.
Note: Section 98 authorises a court in certain circumstances to suspend a fishing concession.
39 Cancellation of fishing concessions
(1) AFMA may, by notice in writing given to the holder of a fishing concession, whether or not it has previously suspended the fishing concession, cancel the concession if:
(a) the holder of the concession is convicted of an offence against this Act, the regulations or any other law of the Commonwealth relating to fishing or against a law of New Zealand, Papua New Guinea or a State or Territory relating to fishing; or
(b) to do so would be in accordance with a condition of the concession relating to cancellation of the concession; or
(c) any fee, levy, charge or other money relating to the concession is not paid or the holder does not enter into an arrangement satisfactory to AFMA in relation to the money within such period as is prescribed after the time at which such fee, levy, charge or other money became due; or
(d) both of the following conditions are met:
(i) the concession authorises the use of a boat for fishing for a fish stock covered by a global, regional or subregional fisheries organisation or arrangement;
(ii) Australia is not involved in the organisation or arrangement and has not agreed to apply measures established by the organisation or arrangement.
Note: Section 98 authorises a court in certain circumstances to cancel a fishing concession.
(2) If a fishing concession authorises the use of an Australian‑flagged boat for fishing activities in waters wholly or partly beyond the AFZ—the concession is taken, by force of this subsection, to have been cancelled if the boat ceases to be an Australian‑flagged boat.
Division 9—Foreign master fishing licences
40 Grant of foreign master fishing licences
(1) AFMA may, upon application made in the approved form, grant to a person a foreign master fishing licence authorising the person to be in charge of a foreign boat that is being used for commercial fishing in a specified area of the AFZ or a specified fishery.
(2) An application made for the grant of a foreign master fishing licence must provide AFMA with such information as it reasonably requires for a proper consideration of the application.
(3) A foreign master fishing licence is granted subject to the following conditions:
(a) if the licence authorises a person to be in charge of a foreign boat that is being used for commercial fishing in a specified managed fishery—the holder of the licence must comply with any obligations imposed on the holder by the relevant plan of management;
(b) if the licence authorises a person to be in charge of a foreign boat that is being used for commercial fishing in a specified managed fishery—the licence will cease to have effect in relation to that fishery if the plan of management for the fishery is revoked under subsection 20(3);
(c) the licence may be cancelled under subsection (8);
(d) no compensation is payable because the fishing permit is cancelled or ceases to have effect.
Note: For further provisions relating to conditions imposed on foreign master fishing licences see subsections (4), (4A) and section 42B.
(4) A licence granted under this section:
(a) is subject to such other conditions as are:
(i) specified in the licence; or
(ii) prescribed in relation to licences granted under this section; and
(b) comes into force on the day specified for the purpose in the licence or, if no day is so specified, on the day on which it is granted; and
(c) subject to this section, remains in force until the day specified for the purpose in the licence, being a day not later than the end of the period of 12 months after the day on which the licence came into force.
(4A) It is also a condition of a foreign master fishing licence relating to a fishery that the holder of the licence comply with a direction under section 41A that relates to the fishery.
(5) AFMA may, by written notice given to the holder of a licence, whether or not at the request of the holder, vary or revoke a condition of the licence (not being a condition mentioned in subsection (3) or (4A)) or specify a condition or further condition to which the licence is to be subject.
(6) A licence ceases to be in force if the holder of the licence surrenders the licence by written notice given to AFMA.
(7) A licence under this section is to be in the approved form.
(8) AFMA may, by written notice given to the holder of a licence, cancel the licence if the holder of the licence is convicted of an offence against this Act, the regulations or any other law of the Commonwealth relating to fishing or against a law of New Zealand, Papua New Guinea or a State or Territory relating to fishing.
Division 9A—E‑monitoring of fishing‑related activity
40A Directions to classes of concession and permit holders
Directions power
(1) AFMA may make a written direction requiring any person who holds a fishing concession, or a scientific permit, of a class prescribed in the direction, to comply with:
(a) obligations that are prescribed in the direction relating to the e‑monitoring of fishing‑related activity; or
(b) prescribed restrictions on engaging in fishing if any obligation prescribed under paragraph (a) in the direction has not been, or is not being, complied with.
Note: See section 97A for offences relating to e‑monitoring equipment and e‑monitoring data.
(2) Without limiting the operation of paragraph (1)(a), examples of obligations that may be prescribed in a direction made under subsection (1) include obligations relating to:
(a) installing, carrying, using, handling, maintaining or monitoring the use of, prescribed e‑monitoring equipment; and
(b) the circumstances, times, places or methods for giving AFMA e‑monitoring data; and
(c) the circumstances, times, places or methods for giving AFMA e‑monitoring equipment on which e‑monitoring data is stored; and
(d) the circumstances, times, places or methods for giving AFMA statements relating to e‑monitoring data (including statements about its circumstance, time, place or manner of generation, transmission or storage); and
(e) the circumstances, times, places or methods for giving AFMA statements relating to e‑monitoring equipment (including statements about its circumstance, time, place or manner of installation, carriage, use, handling, maintenance or monitoring of use).
(3) A direction made under subsection (1) must prescribe, in respect of each prescribed obligation or restriction, a day, which is a reasonable period after the direction is made, by which compliance with the obligation or restriction must occur or commence.
Consultation and notification requirements for making directions
(4) Before making a direction under subsection (1) in relation to fishing concessions or scientific permits that relate to a particular fishery, AFMA must consult with:
(a) the management advisory committee for the fishery; or
(b) if there is no management advisory committee for the fishery—the holders of fishing concessions or scientific permits for the fishery.
(5) At least 7 days before a direction made under subsection (1) takes effect, AFMA must ensure that a copy of the direction is sent to each holder of a fishing concession or scientific permit to which the direction relates.
(6) However, in an emergency:
(a) a direction may be made under subsection (1) without any consultation; and
(b) subsection (5) does not apply in respect of the direction; and
(c) AFMA must ensure that a copy of the direction is sent to each holder of a fishing concession or scientific permit to which the direction relates as soon as possible.
Variation and revocation
(7) AFMA may, at any time, by a further direction in writing, vary or revoke a direction made under subsection (1).
Note: Requirements like those in subsections (4) and (5) do not apply in relation to directions made under this subsection.
(8) If AFMA varies or revokes a direction made under subsection (1) it must ensure that a copy of the direction made under subsection (7) is sent to each holder of a fishing concession or scientific permit to which the direction as varied or revoked, relates or related, as soon as possible.
Directions are legislative instruments
(9) A direction made under subsection (1), or a variation or revocation of such a direction, is a legislative instrument.
40B Directions to specific concession and permit holders
Directions power
(1) AFMA may, by written notice given to the holder of a fishing concession or a scientific permit, direct the holder of the fishing concession or scientific permit to comply with:
(a) obligations that relate to the e‑monitoring of fishing‑related activity and that:
(i) are prescribed in the direction; and
(ii) are not inconsistent with an obligation prescribed in a direction made under section 40A that the holder is required to comply with; and
(b) prescribed restrictions on engaging in fishing if any obligations prescribed under paragraph (a) in the direction have not been, or are not being, complied with.
Note 1: See section 97A for offences relating to e‑monitoring equipment and e‑monitoring data.
Note 2: For variation and revocation, see subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(2) Without limiting the operation of paragraph (1)(a), examples of obligations that may be prescribed in a direction under subsection (1) include obligations relating to:
(a) installing, carrying, using, handling, maintaining or monitoring the use of, prescribed e‑monitoring equipment; and
(b) the circumstances, times, places or methods for giving AFMA e‑monitoring data; and
(c) the circumstances, times, places or methods for giving AFMA e‑monitoring equipment on which e‑monitoring data is stored; and
(d) the circumstances, times, places or methods for giving AFMA statements relating to e‑monitoring data (including statements about its circumstance, time, place or manner of generation, transmission or storage); and
(e) the circumstances, times, places or methods for giving AFMA statements relating to e‑monitoring equipment (including statements about its circumstance, time, place or manner of installation, carriage, use, handling, maintenance or monitoring of use).
(3) A direction made under subsection (1) must prescribe, in respect of each prescribed obligation or restriction, a day, which is a reasonable period after the direction is made, by which compliance with the obligation or restriction must occur or commence.
Directions are not legislative instruments
(4) A direction made under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.
40C Conditions of fishing concessions and scientific permits
It is a condition of a fishing concession or scientific permit that the holder of the concession or permit will comply with each obligation and restriction that is validly prescribed in a direction in force under this Division in relation to the concession or permit by the day prescribed in the direction for compliance with that obligation or restriction.
Note: For offences relating to contravention of licence conditions, see section 95.
Division 10—Miscellaneous
41 Authority to extend to tender boats
Where the use by a person of a specified boat is authorised by a fishing concession or scientific permit, the authority to use that boat extends to the use of any tender boat carried by the first‑mentioned boat.
41A AFMA may give directions in relation to closure or partial closure of fishery
(1) This section applies to a fishery in respect of which fishing concessions, scientific permits or foreign master fishing licences are in force.
(2) After consultation with:
(a) the management advisory committee for the fishery; or
(b) if there is no management advisory committee for the fishery—the holders of fishing concessions, scientific permits or foreign master fishing licences for the fishery;
AFMA may direct that fishing not be engaged in in the fishery, or in a particular part of the fishery, during a period or periods specified in the direction.
(2AA) To avoid doubt, a direction given under subsection (2) in relation to a part of a fishery may identify the part concerned in any way or ways.
(2A) At least 7 days before a direction given under subsection (2) takes effect, AFMA must ensure that a copy of the direction is sent to each holder of a fishing concession, scientific permit or foreign master fishing licence in respect of the fishery, or part of the fishery, to which the direction relates.
(2B) However, in an emergency:
(a) a direction may be given under subsection (2) without any consultation; and
(b) subsection (2A) does not apply in respect of the direction; and;
(c) AFMA must ensure that a copy of the direction is sent to each holder of a fishing concession, scientific permit or foreign master fishing licence in respect of the fishery, or part of the fishery, to which the direction relates as soon as possible.
(2C) AFMA may, by writing under its common seal, delegate the power to give a direction under subsection (2) to:
(a) the CEO; or
(b) a primary stakeholder who is to assist AFMA to manage the fishery under a co‑management arrangement (within the meaning of the Fisheries Administration Act 1991).
(3) AFMA may, at any time, by a further direction in writing, vary or revoke a direction given under subsection (2).
Note: Requirements like those in subsections (2) and (2A) do not apply in relation to directions given under this subsection.
(4) If AFMA varies or revokes a direction given under subsection (2) it must ensure that a copy of the direction given under subsection (3) is sent to each holder of a fishing concession, scientific permit or foreign master fishing licence, in respect of the fishery, or part of the fishery, to which the direction as varied or revoked, relates or related, as soon as possible.
(5) A direction under subsection (2), or a variation or revocation of such a direction, is a legislative instrument.
42 Determinations relating to logbooks and the furnishing of returns
(1) AFMA may, by a written determination, in relation to a particular fishery, provide for holders of fishing concessions in respect of that fishery to keep and maintain logbooks containing information in respect of their activities in that fishery.
(1A) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), a determination by AFMA in respect of a particular fishery may cover matters including:
(a) the form and content of logbooks for that fishery to be kept by the concession holder; and
(b) the secure storage of such logbooks; and
(c) the period for which retention of such logbooks is required; and
(d) the furnishing to AFMA of such logbooks or of returns of information contained in them.
(1B) The content of the logbook kept by the holder of a fishing concession in respect of a particular fishery, and of any return of information from such a logbook, may extend to information in relation to:
(a) the taking of fish under that fishing concession and the sale or disposal of such fish; or
(b) the carrying, landing, transhipping or transporting of fish taken under that fishing concession; or
(c) the receipt or processing of fish taken under that fishing concession and the sale or disposal of fish so received or processed; or
(d) the course, or position at regular intervals, inside or outside the outer limits of the AFZ, of boats to which the fishing concession relates; or
(e) any other matter relevant to the fishing concession in that fishery that is specified in the determination.
(1C) The obligations arising under this section from a determination made under subsection (1) in relation to a particular fishery override any provision to the contrary, in force immediately before the making of the determination:
(a) in a plan of management for that fishery; or
(b) in a condition to which a fishing concession in respect of that fishery is subject.
(2) It is a condition of a fishing concession that the holder of the fishing concession will comply with the requirements of any determination made under subsection (1).
(3) A determination made under subsection (1) is a legislative instrument.
42A Fishing concession condition to facilitate boarding
It is a condition of a fishing concession, or scientific permit, authorising the use of an Australian‑flagged boat outside the AFZ that the master of the boat:
(a) facilitate boarding of the boat; and
(b) co‑operate with inspection of the boat;
by officials of a foreign country acting in accordance with the Fish Stocks Agreement or a measure established by an international fisheries management organisation.
42B Regulation‑making power for conditions
(1) The regulations may prescribe conditions that apply to fishing concessions or foreign master fishing licences.
(2) A provision of a plan of management has no effect to the extent that it is inconsistent with regulations made for the purposes of this section.
43 Temporary orders
(1) The purpose of this section is to enable quick action to be taken:
(a) to deal with:
(i) emergencies; or
(ii) other circumstances where urgent action is required for purposes related to the management of a fishery; or
(iii) the maintenance of straddling fish stocks, highly migratory fish stocks or ecologically related fish stocks (within the meaning of the Fish Stocks Agreement) before a plan of management is determined, amended or revoked; or
(b) to correct errors or anomalies in a plan of management.
(2) If AFMA is satisfied that:
(a) it is necessary to take action for the purpose of this section; and
(b) the action contemplated is consistent with AFMA’s objectives; and
(c) no other action is appropriate;
AFMA may make an order, consistent with this Act and the regulations, with respect to:
(d) any matter directly or indirectly connected with fishing:
(i) in a managed fishery; or
(ii) in the AFZ but not in a managed fishery; or
(iii) that is the subject of an international agreement and occurs outside the AFZ; or
(e) any other matter relating to a managed fishery, being a matter that may be provided for by a plan of management; or
(f) any incidental matter.
(3) AFMA may at any time make an order cancelling a previous order.
(4) An order ceases to have effect:
(a) on a day specified in the order; or
(b) on being cancelled by another order; or
(c) at the end of 6 months after the order is made;
whichever is soonest.
(5) Subject to subsections (6) and (7), AFMA must not make an order the same in substance as a previous order within 6 months after the previous order has ceased to have effect.
(6) While an order is in force, AFMA may make one, and only one, further order the same in substance as the first‑mentioned order.
(7) Nothing in subsections (5) and (6) prevents AFMA from making a further order the same in substance as a previous order to deal with a different emergency.
(8) AFMA may, by writing under its common seal, delegate its powers under this section to the CEO, but to no other person.
(9) If an order is inconsistent with a provision of:
(a) a plan of management; or
(b) a fishing concession, scientific permit, foreign master fishing licence or fish receiver permit;
the order overrides the provision and, to that extent, the provision has no effect.
(10) When an order ceases to have effect, any provision overridden by the order revives, subject to this Act, unless the regulations provide otherwise.
(11) An order is a legislative instrument.
Part 4—Register of Statutory Fishing Rights
44 The Register
(1) AFMA is to keep a Register of Statutory Fishing Rights.
(2) The Register may be kept wholly or partly by use of a computer.
(3) If the Register is kept wholly or partly by use of a computer:
(a) references in this Act to an entry in the Register are to be read as including references to a record of particulars kept by use of the computer and comprising the Register or part of the Register; and
(b) references in this Act to particulars being registered, or entered in the Register, are to be read as including references to the keeping of a record of those particulars as part of the Register by use of the computer; and
(c) references in this Act to the rectification of the Register are to be read as including references to the rectification of the record of particulars kept by use of the computer and comprising the Register or part of the Register.
45 Information to be included in Register
(1) AFMA must register each fishing right that it, or a Joint Authority managing a fishery that is (or part of which is) managed in accordance with the law of the Commonwealth, grants by entering in the Register the following particulars:
(a) the name of the person to whom the fishing right is granted;
(b) a description of the fishing right;
(c) the period (if any) for which the fishing right is granted;
(d) the managed fishery in relation to which the fishing right is granted;
(e) the conditions of the fishing right;
(f) such other particulars (if any) as are prescribed.
(2) Where a Joint Authority grants a fishing right, it must give to AFMA such information in relation to the grant as will enable AFMA to comply with subsection (1).
46 Registration of dealings in fishing rights
Scope
(1) This section applies to a dealing that would, but for subsection (2), have the effect of creating, assigning, transferring, transmitting or extinguishing an interest in a fishing right, other than an interest that is a PPSA security interest.
Registration of dealing
(2) The dealing has no effect of a kind mentioned in subsection (1) until it is registered under this section.
(3) A party to the dealing may lodge with AFMA:
(a) an application in the form approved by AFMA for registration of the dealing; and
(b) the instrument evidencing the dealing; and
(c) an instrument setting out such particulars (if any) as are prescribed for the purposes of an application for registration; and
(d) one copy each of the application and of the instruments mentioned in paragraphs (b) and (c).
(3A) A party to the dealing may, instead of lodging the instrument evidencing the dealing, lodge with AFMA a summary of that instrument containing the particulars required by AFMA for the purposes of this subsection.
(4) Subject to subsections (4C) and (4D), if an application for registration of the dealing, either the instrument evidencing the dealing or a summary of that instrument that complies with subsection (3A), and the other documents referred to in paragraphs (3)(c) and (d), are lodged with AFMA, AFMA must:
(a) register the dealing by entering in the Register the following particulars:
(i) the name of the person acquiring the interest in the fishing right;
(ii) a description of the dealing; and
(b) endorse on the instrument evidencing the dealing and the copy of that instrument the fact of the entry having been made together with the date and time of the making of the entry.
(4A) If a person lodges with AFMA a notice, in the form approved by AFMA:
(a) stating that a dealing of a kind referred to in subsection (1) that is described in the statement has taken place; and
(b) claiming that, if the dealing were registered, the person would have an interest in a fishing right; and
(c) setting out particulars of the interest; and
(d) requesting AFMA to register the claim;
AFMA must register the claim by entering in the register the person’s name and particulars of the interest claimed.
(4B) If, after the registration of a claim to an interest in a fishing right, the claimant, by notice lodged with AFMA in the form approved by AFMA, withdraws the claim, AFMA must cancel the registration by omitting from the register the entry relating to the claim.
(4C) If:
(a) a claim to an interest in a fishing right is registered; and
(b) an application is made to AFMA for registration of a dealing in respect of the fishing right;
AFMA must not register the dealing unless:
(c) AFMA has given written notice of the application to the person whose name appears in the register in relation to the claim; and
(d) either:
(i) the person has withdrawn the claim under subsection (4B); or
(ii) 21 days have elapsed since the notice was given to the person.
(4D) AFMA must register a lease, or transfer of ownership, of a fishing right unless:
(a) the fishing right is suspended under section 38; or
(b) the holder of the fishing right:
(i) is being investigated for a fisheries offence; or
(ii) has been convicted of a fisheries offence; or
(c) a levy on the fishing right that is due has not been paid; or
(d) other circumstances that are prescribed under the regulations exist.
(4E) Subsection (4D) applies despite the fact that any requirement in a plan of management relating to the lease, or transfer, has not been satisfied.
Documentation of registration of dealings
(5) If a dealing is registered:
(a) the copies referred to in paragraph (3)(d) and the summary (if any) lodged under subsection (3A) are to be kept by AFMA; and
(b) if a summary is not lodged under subsection (3A), the copy of the instrument evidencing the dealing is to be made available for inspection in accordance with this Part; and
(c) if a summary is lodged under subsection (3A), the summary is to be made available for inspection in accordance with this Part; and
(d) the original instrument is to be returned to the person who made the application for registration.
46A Interests in fishing rights—priority between section 46 interests and PPSA security interests
Scope
(1) This section sets out the priority between the following interests in a fishing right:
(a) an interest (the section 46 interest) that is the subject of a dealing (the section 46 dealing), if the dealing has effect under section 46 (by registration);
(b) a PPSA security interest.
Priority rules
(2) The priority is as set out in the following table:
Priority between PPSA security interests and section 46 interests |
Item | If … | then … |
1 | the PPSA security interest is not perfected (whether by registration or otherwise) within the meaning of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 | the section 46 interest has priority. |
2 | (a) the PPSA security interest is perfected (whether by registration or otherwise) within the meaning of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009; and (b) the section 46 dealing is registered under section 46 of this Act before the priority time for the PPSA security interest under section 55 of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 | the section 46 interest has priority. |
3 | (a) the PPSA security interest is perfected (whether by registration or otherwise) within the meaning of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009; and (b) the section 46 dealing is registered under section 46 of this Act at or after the priority time for the PPSA security interest under section 55 of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 | the PPSA security interest has priority. |
(3) Subsection 73(2) of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 applies to the section 46 interest.
Note 1: The effect of subsection (3) is that the priority between a section 46 interest and a PPSA security interest in a fishing right is to be determined in accordance with this Act rather than the Personal Property Securities Act 2009.
Note 2: Subsection 73(2) of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 applies to section 46 interests that arise after the commencement of subsection (3) of this section (which commences at the registration commencement time within the meaning of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009).
47 Trusts not registrable
Notice of any kind of trust relating to a fishing right is not receivable by AFMA and must not be registered.
48 Power of holder of fishing right to deal with fishing right
(1) Except where a condition of a fishing right provides otherwise, a holder of a fishing right may, subject to this section, deal with the fishing right as its absolute owner and give good discharges for any consideration for any such dealing.
(1A) A dealing mentioned in subsection (1) is subject to:
(b) any rights appearing in the Register to be vested in another person, other than any such rights that are PPSA security interests; and
(c) any rights or interests in the fishing right that are PPSA security interests, to the extent provided by the Personal Property Securities Act 2009.
(2) Subsection (1) only protects a person who deals with such a holder as a purchaser in good faith for value and without notice of any fraud on the part of the holder.
(3) Equities in relation to a fishing right may be enforced against the holder of the fishing right except to the prejudice of a person protected by subsection (2).
50 Suspension, cancellation etc. of fishing right to be noted in Register
(1) Where a fishing right registered under this Part is suspended, cancelled or ceases to have effect (other than because of subsection 43(9)), or a suspension of a fishing right is revoked, then:
(a) if the fishing right is suspended or a suspension is revoked—AFMA must make a notation in the Register to that effect; and
(b) if the fishing right is cancelled or ceases to have effect—AFMA must make a notation in the Register to that effect and cancel the registration of the fishing right.
(2) Where, because of a decision made by AFMA, a Joint Authority, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal or a court, a notation made by AFMA under subsection (1) is no longer correct, AFMA must rectify the Register accordingly.
(4) Where, because of subsection 43(9), a provision of a fishing right registered under this Part has no effect, AFMA must make a notation in the Register to that effect.
(5) Where AFMA has made a notation in the Register under subsection (4) and the relevant provision of the fishing right revives, AFMA must make a notation in the Register to that effect.
51 AFMA not concerned with certain matters
AFMA is not concerned with the effect in law of any instrument lodged under section 46 and the registration of the dealing does not give to the instrument any effect that it would not have if this Part had not been enacted.
52 Inspection of Register and documents
(1) The Register and all instruments and documents subject to inspection under this Part must be available for inspection, in accordance with the regulations and upon payment of the prescribed fee, by any person during the hours that AFMA is open for business.
(2) If the Register is kept wholly or partly by use of a computer, subsection (1) is taken to be complied with, to the extent that the Register is so kept, by giving members of the public access to a computer terminal that they can use to inspect the Register, either on a screen or in the form of a computer print‑out.
53 Evidentiary provisions
(1) The Register is prima facie evidence of any particulars registered in it.
(2) If the Register is wholly or partly kept by use of a computer, a document issued by AFMA producing in writing all or any of the particulars comprising the Register, or that part of it, as the case may be, is admissible in any proceedings as prima facie evidence of those particulars.
(3) A signed copy of, or signed extract from, the Register is admissible in any proceedings as if it were the original.
(4) A signed copy of, or signed extract from, an instrument evidencing a dealing registered under this Part is admissible in any proceedings as if it were the original.
(5) AFMA, upon application made in the form approved by AFMA, must supply a person with a document mentioned in subsection (2) or a signed copy of, or a signed extract from, an entry in the Register or an instrument evidencing a dealing registered under this Part.
(6) In this section:
signed means signed by a person on behalf of AFMA.
54 Orders for rectification of Register
(1) A person aggrieved by:
(a) the omission of an entry from the Register; or
(b) an entry made in the Register without sufficient cause; or
(c) an entry wrongly existing in the Register; or
(d) an error or defect in an entry in the Register;
may apply to a prescribed court for an order to rectify the Register.
(2) On hearing an application, the court may:
(a) decide any question that it is necessary or expedient to decide in connection with the rectification of the Register; and
(b) make any order it thinks fit for the rectification of the Register.
(3) AFMA:
(a) must be given notice of an application; and
(b) may appear and be heard in the proceedings; and
(c) an AFMA staff member must appear if directed to do so by the court.
(4) A copy of an order must be served on AFMA by the Registrar or other appropriate officer of the court.
(5) On receiving the copy of an order, AFMA must rectify the Register accordingly.
(5A) This section, so far as it relates to the Supreme Court of Norfolk Island, has effect subject to section 60AA of the Norfolk Island Act 1979.
(6) In this section:
prescribed court means the Federal Court of Australia, the Supreme Court of a State, the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory, the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory or the Supreme Court of Norfolk Island.
55 Correction of clerical errors etc. in Register
AFMA may correct, or cause to be corrected, any clerical error or obvious mistake in the Register.
56 AFMA etc. not liable in certain circumstances
Neither AFMA nor a person acting for or on behalf of AFMA is liable to an action, suit or proceeding for or in respect of an act or matter in good faith done or omitted to be done in the exercise or purported exercise of any power conferred by this Part.
57 Offences
A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person produces or tenders a document in evidence; and
(b) that document falsely purports to be:
(i) an instrument, or a copy of or extract from an instrument, lodged with AFMA under this Part; or
(ii) a copy of or extract from an entry in the Register.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.
Note 1: Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.
Note 2: Subsections 137.1(1) and 137.2(1) of the Criminal Code create offences for the provision of false or misleading documents or information in purported compliance with Commonwealth legislation.
Part 4A—Register of vessels authorised to fish on high seas
57A The High Seas Register
(1) AFMA must establish and must maintain a separate register, to be called the High Seas Register, containing particulars of all Australian‑flagged boats that are authorised from time to time to engage in fishing activities on the high seas.
(2) The Register may be kept wholly or partly by use of a computer.
(3) If the Register is kept wholly or partly by use of a computer:
(a) references in this Act to an entry in the Register are to be read as including references to a record of particulars kept by use of the computer and comprising the Register or a part of the Register; and
(b) references in this Act to particulars being entered in the Register are to be read as including references to the keeping of a record of those particulars as part of the Register by use of the computer; and
(c) references in this Act to the rectification of the Register are to be read as including references to the rectification of the record of particulars kept by use of the computer and comprising the Register or part of the Register.
57B Information to be included in the High Seas Register
(1) AFMA must include in the Register:
(a) the identifying particulars of each Australian‑flagged boat that is authorised by a fishing concession to be used for fishing activities on the high seas; and
(b) the name and address of the owner or owners of the boat; and
(c) the nature of the fishing concession, how it covers fishing activities on the high seas and the period for which it is granted.
(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(a), the identifying particulars of an Australian‑flagged boat are:
(a) its name and any previous name or names (if known to AFMA); and
(b) its registration number; and
(c) its port of registry; and
(d) any previous flag under which it has sailed; and
(e) its international radio call sign (if any); and
(f) the place where, and the period when, it was built; and
(g) its type; and
(h) its length; and
(i) such other particulars (if any) as are prescribed.
(3) Subject to subsections (4) and (5), if any of the particulars required to be recorded under subsection (1) or (2) in relation to an Australian‑flagged boat changes, AFMA must, as soon as it becomes aware of that change, alter the Register to record that change.
(4) If, in relation to an Australian‑flagged boat that is included in the Register:
(a) the fishing concession covering that boat is suspended or the suspension is revoked; or
(b) the fishing concession covering that boat is cancelled or ceases to have effect;
AFMA must record in the Register the fact of that suspension, revocation, cancellation or cessation and also the reason for it.
(5) If, because of a decision made by AFMA, a Joint Authority, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal or a court, a record made by AFMA under subsection (4) is no longer correct, AFMA must rectify the Register accordingly.
(6) If an Australian‑flagged boat that is included in the Register:
(a) ceases to be an Australian‑flagged boat; or
(b) is decommissioned or lost;
AFMA must record that fact in the Register.
57C Notification obligations
(1) AFMA must:
(a) on the establishment of the High Seas Register—notify the FAO of its contents; and
(b) whenever there is:
(i) an addition to, or a change in the particulars on, the Register; or
(ii) a record placed on the Register as required under subsection 57B(4) or (6); or
(iii) a rectification of the Register as required under subsection 57B(5);
notify the FAO of that addition, change, record or rectification and of the reason for it.
(2) If the reason for suspending or cancelling a fishing concession authorising the use of an Australian‑flagged boat for fishing activities on the high seas is that AFMA is satisfied that the boat has been used in any activities that undermine international conservation and management measures—the notification to the FAO must specify particulars of the activities giving rise to AFMA’s action.
(3) If AFMA grants a fishing concession authorising the use of an Australian‑flagged boat to fish on the high seas in the circumstances set out in subsection 16B(5), AFMA must notify the FAO:
(a) of the fact that the concession has been granted, despite the prior suspension or cancellation of an authority granted by a foreign country; and
(b) of all data known to AFMA that is relevant to the identification of the boat and of its current owners and operators; and
(c) of all matters relevant to AFMA’s decision to grant the concession.
(4) If AFMA believes, on reasonable grounds, that a boat flying the flag of a foreign country has been used in any activities that undermine international conservation and management measures:
(a) AFMA must notify the foreign country of its belief and provide the foreign country with the evidence that supports its belief; and
(b) AFMA may notify the FAO of its belief and give it a summary of the supporting evidence.
57D Inspection of the High Seas Register
(1) The High Seas Register must be available for inspection in accordance with the regulations and on payment of the prescribed fee by any person during the hours that AFMA is open for business.
(2) If the High Seas Register is kept wholly or partly by use of a computer, subsection (1) is taken to have been complied with, to the extent that the Register is so kept, by giving members of the public access to a computer terminal so that they can inspect the Register, either on a screen or in the form of a computer print‑out.
57E Application of sections 53 to 56
Sections 53, 54, 55 and 56 apply to the High Seas Register in like manner as they apply to the Register established and maintained under Part 4.
57F Offence
A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person produces or tenders a document in evidence; and
(b) that document falsely purports to be:
(i) an instrument, or a copy of or extract from an instrument, lodged with AFMA under this Part; or
(ii) a copy of or extract from an entry in the High Seas Register.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.
Note 1: Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.
Note 2: Subsections 137.1(1) and 137.2(1) of the Criminal Code create offences for the provision of false or misleading documents or information in purported compliance with Commonwealth legislation.
Part 4B—Fishing Permits Register
57G The Fishing Permits Register
(1) AFMA must establish and maintain a Register relating to fishing permits granted under section 32 to be called the Fishing Permits Register.
(2) The Fishing Permits Register may be kept wholly or partly by use of a computer.
(3) If the Fishing Permits Register is kept wholly or partly by use of a computer:
(a) references in this Act to an entry in the Fishing Permits Register are to be read as including references to a record of particulars kept by use of the computer and comprising the Fishing Permits Register or a part of the Register; and
(b) references in this Act to particulars being entered in the Fishing Permits Register are to be read as including references to the keeping of a record of those particulars as part of the Fishing Permits Register by use of the computer; and
(c) references in this Act to the rectification of the Fishing Permits Register are to be read as including references to the rectification of the record of particulars kept by use of the computer and comprising the Fishing Permits Register or part of the Register.
57H Information to be included in the Fishing Permits Register
(1) AFMA must register each fishing permit that it grants under section 32 by entering in the Fishing Permits Register:
(a) the name of the holder of the permit; and
(b) the area of the AFZ, or the fishery, that is specified in the permit; and
(c) the period for which the permit remains in force; and
(d) if the permit is granted in respect of a nominated boat or if, after the grant of the permit, a boat is nominated—the name and distinguishing symbols for the nominated boat; and
(e) such other particulars (if any) as are prescribed.
(2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), if any of the particulars required to be recorded under subsection (1) changes, AFMA must, as soon as it becomes aware of that change, alter the Fishing Permits Register to record that change.
(3) If, in relation to a boat particulars of which are included in the Fishing Permits Register:
(a) the fishing permit covering that boat is suspended or the suspension is revoked; or
(b) the fishing permit covering that boat is cancelled or ceases to have effect;
AFMA must record in the Fishing Permits Register the fact of that suspension, revocation, cancellation or cessation and also the reason for it.
(4) Where, because of a decision made by AFMA, a Joint Authority, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal or a court, a record made by AFMA under subsection (3) is no longer correct, AFMA must rectify the Fishing Permits Register accordingly.
57J Inspection of the Fishing Permits Register
(1) The Fishing Permits Register must be available for inspection in accordance with the regulations and on payment of the prescribed fee by any person during the hours that AFMA is open for business.
(2) If the Fishing Permits Register is kept wholly or partly by use of a computer, subsection (1) is taken to have been complied with, to the extent that the Register is so kept, by giving members of the public access to a computer terminal so that they can inspect the Register, either on a screen or in the form of a computer print‑out.
57K Application of sections 53 to 56
Sections 53, 54, 55 and 56 apply to the Fishing Permits Register in like manner as they apply to the Register established and maintained under Part 4.
57L Offence
A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person produces or tenders a document in evidence; and
(b) the document falsely purports to be:
(i) an instrument, or a copy of or extract from an instrument, lodged with AFMA under this Part; or
(ii) a copy of or extract from an entry in the Fishing Permits Register.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.
Note 1: Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.
Note 2: Subsections 137.1(1) and 137.2(1) of the Criminal Code create offences for the provision of false or misleading documents or information in purported compliance with Commonwealth legislation.
Part 5—Co‑operation with States and Northern Territory in management of fisheries
Division 1—Preliminary
58 Interpretation
(1) In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears:
appropriate Minister, in relation to a State, means the Minister of the State for the time being administering the laws of the State relating to marine fishing.
Commonwealth Minister means the Minister.
Joint Authority fishery means a fishery in respect of which there is in force an arrangement under this Part under which the fishery is to be under the management of a Joint Authority.
(2) For the purposes of this Part, waters relevant to a State are the coastal waters of the State and the AFZ.
59 Application of Part in relation to Northern Territory
(1) This Part has effect as if the Northern Territory were a State.
(2) A reference in this Part to the Governor of a State is to be read, in relation to the Northern Territory, as a reference to the Administrator of the Territory.
60 Acting Ministers
(1) The functions and powers of the Commonwealth Minister under this Part, including the Minister’s functions and powers as a member of a Joint Authority, may be performed and exercised by another Minister of the Commonwealth acting for and on behalf of the Commonwealth Minister, and references in this Part to the Commonwealth Minister are to be read as including references to a Minister so acting.
(2) The functions and powers of the appropriate Minister of a State under this Part, including the Minister’s functions and powers as a member of a Joint Authority, may be performed and exercised by a Minister of the State acting for and on behalf of the appropriate Minister, and references in this Part to the appropriate Minister of a State are to be read as including references to a Minister so acting.
Division 2—Joint Authorities
61 Establishment of Joint Authorities
(1) The Commonwealth may make an arrangement with a State or States for the establishment of a Joint Authority consisting of the Commonwealth Minister together with the appropriate Minister or Ministers of that State or those States.
(2) Each arrangement is to be made by instrument approved by the Governor‑General and the Governor or Governors of the State or States represented on the Joint Authority.
(3) A Joint Authority may be abolished by a further such instrument, but such an instrument does not take effect while there is in operation an arrangement under Division 3 providing that the Joint Authority is to have the management of a particular fishery.
(4) The Commonwealth Minister is to cause a copy of every instrument so approved to be published in the Gazette and, subject to subsection (3), the instrument takes effect on the day of publication.
62 Functions of Joint Authority
A Joint Authority has such functions in relation to fisheries in respect of which arrangements are made under Division 3 as are conferred on it by this Part or a law of a State that is represented on the Joint Authority.
63 Deputies of members
(1) A member of a Joint Authority may, in writing, appoint a person or persons to be his or her deputy or deputies.
(2) A deputy of a member is entitled, in the absence from a meeting of the Joint Authority of the member and of the other deputy or deputies (if any) of the member, to attend that meeting and, when so attending, is taken to be a member.
64 Representation on Joint Authority
For the purposes of this Part, a State is taken to be represented on a Joint Authority if the appropriate Minister of the State is a member of the Joint Authority.
65 Delegation
(1) Subject to this section, a Joint Authority may, by writing, delegate to an officer or employee of a State or of an authority of a State any of its powers under this Act, other than its powers under sections 18 and 20.
(2) Without limiting the operation of subsection (1), a delegation may be expressed as a delegation to the person from time to time holding, or performing the duties of, a specified position or office in the service of a State or an authority of a State or under the law of a State.
(3) A delegate of a Joint Authority is, in the exercise of his or her delegated powers, subject to the directions of the Joint Authority.
(4) A delegation of a power under this section:
(a) may be revoked, by instrument, by the Joint Authority (whether or not constituted by the persons constituting the Joint Authority at the time the power was delegated); and
(b) continues in force despite any change in the membership of the Joint Authority.
(5) A certificate signed by a member of a Joint Authority stating any matter with respect to a delegation of a power under this section by the Joint Authority is prima facie evidence of that matter.
(6) Nothing in this Part is intended to prevent the delegation by a Joint Authority, in accordance with the law of a State, of powers conferred on the Joint Authority by the law of that State.
66 Procedure of Joint Authorities
(1) At a meeting of a Joint Authority:
(a) if the Commonwealth Minister is present—that Minister is to preside; and
(b) if deputies of members only are present—the deputy of the Commonwealth Minister is to preside; and
(c) if neither paragraph (a) nor paragraph (b) is applicable—the members present are to select one of their number, being a Minister, to preside.
(2) Meetings of a Joint Authority are to be convened by the Commonwealth Minister, and that Minister must convene such a meeting at the request of any other member.
(3) The quorum for a meeting of a Joint Authority is:
(a) if there are 2 members—2 members; or
(b) if there are more than 2 members—the Commonwealth Minister or that Minister’s deputy and other members not fewer in number than 2 and not fewer in number than half the number of States represented on the Joint Authority.
(4) If, at a meeting of a Joint Authority, the members present are not agreed as to the decision to be made on a matter, the Commonwealth Minister may, subject to subsection (6), decide that matter.
(5) A decision of the Commonwealth Minister made under subsection (4) has effect as the decision of the Joint Authority.
(6) Before deciding in accordance with subsection (4), the Commonwealth Minister must:
(a) submit the matter for consideration by the members of the Australian Fisheries Council, being the body known by that name constituted by the Commonwealth Minister and Ministers of the States and certain of the Territories; and
(b) for that purpose, if so requested by a member of that Council, convene a meeting of that Council;
but a decision of the Commonwealth Minister may not be called into question in any legal proceedings on a ground arising out of this subsection.
(7) Subject to this Division, a Joint Authority may adopt its own rules of procedure.
67 Decisions taken without meeting
(1) A member of a Joint Authority may, by written or other communication, submit a matter within the functions of the Joint Authority for consideration by the other member, or each of the other members, of the Joint Authority.
(2) If all the members of the Joint Authority are agreed as to the decision to be made on the matter, the Joint Authority is taken to have made a decision accordingly.
(3) The Commonwealth Minister, upon being satisfied that the members are so agreed, must record the decision as a decision of the Joint Authority.
68 Advisory committees
A Joint Authority may establish advisory committees, consisting of such persons as it thinks fit, to provide information and advice to the Joint Authority on matters related to any fishery.
69 Administration
(1) The Commonwealth Minister must, in respect of each Joint Authority:
(a) appoint a person to be the secretary of the Joint Authority; and
(b) make arrangements for the provision of appropriate services in respect of the Authority.
(2) A person appointed under subsection (1) to be the secretary of a Joint Authority must be an AFMA staff member if the Joint Authority is to manage, or is managing, a fishery in accordance with the law of the Commonwealth.
(3) The Commonwealth Minister must cause written records to be kept of the decisions of a Joint Authority.
(4) Such a record, if signed by the Commonwealth Minister, or deputy of the Commonwealth Minister, who took part in or made the decision, is prima facie evidence that the decision, as recorded, was duly made.
(5) In proceedings in any court, an instrument or other document signed, on behalf of a Joint Authority, by a member of that Joint Authority, is taken to be duly executed by the Joint Authority and, unless the contrary is proved, is taken to be in accordance with a decision of the Joint Authority.
70 Annual reports
(1) A Joint Authority must, as soon as practicable after 30 June in each year, prepare a report on:
(a) the activities of the Joint Authority in the immediately preceding financial year; and
(b) the condition during that year of the fisheries to which the functions of the Joint Authority apply.
(2) The Commonwealth Minister is to cause a copy of every report under this section to be laid before each House of the Parliament as soon as practicable after the preparation of the report.
(3) A report for a financial year may, subject to agreement between the Joint Authority and AFMA, be included, as a separate part, in the annual report of AFMA for that financial year.
Division 3—Arrangements with respect to management of particular fisheries
71 Arrangements with States—Joint Authority to manage
(1) The Commonwealth may make an arrangement with the State or States represented on a Joint Authority that the Joint Authority is to have the management of a particular fishery in waters relevant to that State or to any of those States.
(2) An arrangement with only one State must provide that:
(a) the fishery is to be managed in accordance with the law of the Commonwealth; or
(b) the fishery is to be managed in accordance with the law of the State; or
(c) the fishery is to be managed in accordance with the law of the Commonwealth and the law of the State.
(3) An arrangement with 2 or more States must provide that:
(a) the fishery is to be managed in accordance with the law of the Commonwealth; or
(b) the fishery is to be managed in accordance with the law of one or more of the States concerned; or
(c) the fishery is to be managed in accordance with the law of the Commonwealth and the law of one or more of the States concerned.
(4) An arrangement that provides that a fishery is to be managed in accordance with the law of more than one jurisdiction must identify, by reference to areas that do not overlap, the parts of the fishery that are to be managed in accordance with each law.
(5) If, under an arrangement:
(a) a fishery is to be managed in accordance with the law of a State; or
(b) a part of a fishery is to be managed in accordance with the law of a State;
the arrangement may, if required by the Commonwealth, provide for giving effect to Australia’s obligations under international law (including international agreements) in relation to the fishery or part of the fishery.
72 Other arrangements with States
(1) The Commonwealth may make an arrangement with a State with respect to a particular fishery in waters relevant to the State, not being a fishery to which an arrangement under section 71 applies:
(a) that the fishery (being a fishery wholly or partly in the coastal waters of the State) is to be managed in accordance with the law of the Commonwealth; or
(b) that the fishery (being a fishery wholly or partly in waters on the seaward side of the coastal waters of the State) is to be managed in accordance with the law of the State.
(2) If, under an arrangement, a fishery is to be managed in accordance with the law of a State, the arrangement may, if required by the Commonwealth, provide for giving effect to Australia’s obligations under international law (including international agreements) in relation to the fishery.
73 Arrangements with States—general provisions
(1) An arrangement under this Division does not have any effect in relation to:
(a) any area within the Protected Zone; or
(b) if there is in force a Proclamation under subsection 15(1) or (2) of the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984 in relation to an area adjacent to the Protected Zone—any activities within that area to which that Act applies by virtue of the Proclamation.
(2) In this section:
Protected Zone has the same meaning as in the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984.
74 Arrangements—how made etc.
(1) An arrangement under this Division is to be made by instrument approved by:
(a) the Commonwealth Minister on behalf of the Commonwealth; and
(b) the appropriate Minister or Ministers of the State or States concerned.
(2) The Commonwealth Minister must cause a copy of every instrument so approved to be published in the Gazette, and the instrument takes effect on the date of publication or on a later date specified in the instrument.
(3) Subject to the requirements of section 23, after an arrangement under this Division has been made but before the arrangement takes effect, the following things may be done for the purposes of the operation of this Act as affected by the arrangement as if the arrangement had taken effect:
(a) plans of management, permits or other instruments may be determined, granted or executed;
(b) fishing rights may be granted;
but such a plan, instrument or right does not have effect before the arrangement takes effect.
(4) An instrument approved under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.
74A Arrangements—how varied etc.
(1) An arrangement under this Division is to be varied by instrument approved by:
(a) the Commonwealth Minister on behalf of the Commonwealth; and
(b) the appropriate Minister or Ministers of the State or States concerned.
(2) The Commonwealth Minister must cause a copy of every instrument so approved to be published in the Gazette, and the instrument takes effect on the date of publication or on a later date specified in the instrument.
(3) Subject to the requirements of section 23, after an arrangement under this Division has been varied but before the variation takes effect, the following things may be done for the purposes of the operation of this Act as affected by the variation as if the variation had taken effect:
(a) plans of management, permits or other instruments may be determined, granted or executed;
(b) fishing rights may be granted;
but such a plan, instrument or right does not have effect before the variation takes effect.
(4) Upon the variation of an arrangement under this Division:
(a) plans of management, fishing permits, scientific permits and other instruments determined, granted, executed or published; and
(b) statutory fishing rights granted;
for the purposes of the operation of this Act as affected by the variation cease to have effect to the extent (if any) they are inconsistent with the arrangement as varied.
(5) An instrument approved under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.
75 Arrangements—how terminated etc.
(1) An arrangement under this Division may be terminated by instrument approved by:
(a) the Commonwealth Minister on behalf of the Commonwealth; and
(b) the appropriate Minister or Ministers of the State or States concerned.
(2) The Commonwealth Minister must cause a copy of such an instrument to be published in the Gazette, and the instrument takes effect on the date of publication or on a later date specified in the instrument.
(3) A party to an arrangement may:
(a) in the case of the Commonwealth—with the approval of the Commonwealth Minister; or
(b) in the case of a State—with the approval of the appropriate Minister of the State;
give written notice to the other party or parties that the party giving the notice desires the arrangement to terminate upon a date specified in the notice or notices, not being earlier than 6 months after the day on which the notice, or the last of the notices, is given.
(4) Where a party has duly given such a notice, the Commonwealth Minister must, not less than 3 months before the date specified in the notice or notices, cause to be published in the Gazette a notice stating that, because of notice of termination given by that party, the arrangement will cease to have effect on the date specified in the notice or notices.
(5) Where the Commonwealth Minister has caused a notice to be so published, the arrangement ceases to have effect on the specified date.
(6) An arrangement under this Division may provide:
(a) that, for the purposes of the application of subsection (3) in respect of the arrangement, a longer or shorter period is to be substituted for the period of 6 months mentioned in that subsection; and
(b) that, for the purposes of the application of subsection (4) in respect of the arrangement, a longer or shorter period is to be substituted for the period of 3 months mentioned in that subsection.
(7) Upon the termination of an arrangement under this Division, plans of management, fishing permits, scientific permits and other instruments determined, granted, executed or published, and statutory fishing rights granted, for the purposes of the operation of this Act as affected by the arrangement cease to have effect.
(8) Subject to the requirements of section 23, after action for the purpose of the termination of an arrangement under this Division has been taken, but before the termination takes effect, the following things may be done for the purposes of the operation of this Act as affected by the termination of the arrangement, as if the arrangement had been terminated:
(a) plans of management, permits or other instruments may be determined, granted or executed;
(b) fishing rights may be granted;
but such a plan, instrument or fishing right does not have effect before the termination of the arrangement takes effect.
(9) An instrument approved under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.
76 Extension of operation of this Act
(1) Where an arrangement under this Division provides that a particular fishery, being a fishery that is so defined that it is or may be carried on partly within the coastal waters of a State, is to be managed in accordance with the law of the Commonwealth, the coastal waters of that State are taken to be in the AFZ, for the purposes of the application of this Act in relation to that fishery.
(2) If an arrangement under this Division provides that:
(a) a part of a fishery is to be managed in accordance with the law of the Commonwealth; and
(b) that part of the fishery is so identified that it is, or may be, carried on partly within the coastal waters of a State;
the coastal waters of that State are taken to be in the AFZ for the purposes of the application of this Act in relation to that part of the fishery.
77 Exclusion of this Act (except this Division)
If an arrangement under this Division provides that:
(a) a particular fishery is to be managed in accordance with the law of a State; or
(b) a part of a particular fishery is to be managed in accordance with the law of a State;
this Act, other than this Division, does not apply in relation to that fishery, or that part of the fishery, except in relation to:
(c) foreign boats; and
(d) operations on and from foreign boats; and
(e) persons on foreign boats; and
(ea) e‑monitoring by AFMA of fishing‑related activity; and
(f) matters that occurred before the arrangement took effect.
78 Effect of arrangement
(1) If, in respect of a fishery, there is in force an arrangement under this Division under which a Joint Authority has the management of the fishery and the fishery is to be managed in accordance with the law of the Commonwealth:
(a) AFMA has the same powers in relation to the fishery as it would have if the fishery were under the management of AFMA; and
(b) references in sections 18 and 20 to the Minister are taken, in relation to the fishery, to be references to the Joint Authority.
(2) If:
(a) an arrangement is in force under this Division under which a Joint Authority has the management of a fishery; and
(b) a part of the fishery is to be managed in accordance with the law of the Commonwealth;
then:
(c) AFMA has the same powers in relation to the part of the fishery as it would have if the part of the fishery were under the management of AFMA; and
(d) references in sections 18 and 20 to the Minister are taken, in relation to the part of the fishery, to be references to the Joint Authority.
81 Evidentiary provision
A statement in an arrangement made under this Division that specified waters:
(a) in the case of an arrangement between the Commonwealth and one State—are waters relevant to that State; or
(b) in the case of any other arrangement—are waters relevant to the States that are parties to the arrangement or are waters relevant to a specified State or States;
must, for all purposes of this Act, be conclusively presumed to be correct.
Part 6—Surveillance and enforcement
Division 1—Officers
83 Appointment of officers
(1) AFMA may, by instrument, appoint:
(a) an officer or employee of the Commonwealth, of the Administration of a Territory (other than a Territory mentioned in paragraph (b)) or of an authority of the Commonwealth; or
(b) an officer or employee of a State, the Northern Territory or the Australian Capital Territory, or of an authority of a State or one of those Territories, in relation to whom there is in force an arrangement between the Commonwealth and the State or Territory, as the case may be;
to be an officer for the purposes of this Act.
(2) An officer appointed by AFMA is, in the exercise of his or her powers and performance of his or her functions, subject to the directions of AFMA.
84 Powers of officers
(1) An officer may:
(d) where the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that there is on any land or in any premises anything that may afford evidence as to the commission of an offence against this Act, with the consent of the owner or occupier of the land or premises or under a warrant issued under section 85:
(i) enter the land or premises; and
(ii) search the land or premises and break open and search any cupboard, drawer, chest, trunk, box, package or other receptacle, whether a fixture or not, in which the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that there is any such thing; and
(iii) examine and take possession of, or secure against interference, any such thing that the officer has reasonable grounds to believe may afford evidence as to the commission of an offence against this Act; and
(e) where the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that there is in any vehicle or aircraft anything that may afford evidence as to the commission of an offence against this Act, and subject to subsections (1AA) and (1AB):
(i) stop and detain the vehicle or detain the aircraft, as the case may be; and
(ii) enter and search the vehicle or aircraft; and
(iii) break open and search any compartment, container or other receptacle in which the officer has reasonable grounds to believe there is any such thing; and
(iv) examine and take possession of, or secure against interference, any such thing that the officer has reasonable grounds to believe may afford evidence as to the commission of an offence against this Act; and
(f) examine any equipment found in any place, being equipment that the officer has reasonable grounds to believe has been used, is being used, or is intended to be used, for fishing in the AFZ; and
(fa) if a fishing concession provides for the use of equipment of a particular type—require the holder of the concession to give the officer such help as the officer reasonably requires for the purpose of measuring the equipment; and
(g) subject to subsection (1A), seize, detain, remove or secure:
(i) any fish that the officer has reasonable grounds to believe has been taken, processed, carried or landed in contravention of this Act; or
(ii) any boat, net, trap or other equipment that the officer has reasonable grounds to believe has been used, is being used or is intended to be used in contravention of this Act; or
(iii) any document or other thing that the officer has reasonable grounds to believe may afford evidence as to the commission of an offence against this Act; and
(ga) seize all or any of the following that are forfeited to the Commonwealth under section 106A or that the officer has reasonable grounds to believe are forfeited under that section:
(i) a boat;
(ii) a net, trap or other equipment;
(iii) fish; and
(gb) seize all or any of the following that are forfeited to the Commonwealth under section 106AA or that the officer has reasonable grounds to believe are forfeited under that section:
(i) a net, trap or other equipment;
(ii) fish; and
(gc) seize any fish that are the property of the Commonwealth because of the operation of section 106AC or that the officer has reasonable grounds to believe are the property of the Commonwealth because of the operation of that section; and
(gd) seize anything:
(i) that is on, in or attached to a boat and that forms part of the boat; and
(ii) that is the property of the Commonwealth because of the operation of section 106AD or that the officer has reasonable grounds to believe is the property of the Commonwealth because of the operation of that section; and
(h) enter on land or premises specified in a fish receiver permit for the purpose of finding out whether a condition of the permit is being, or has been, complied with or whether a person is contravening or has contravened a provision of this Act and, in furtherance of that purpose:
(i) search the land or premises for, and examine, fish; and
(ii) search the land or premises for, inspect, take extracts from, and make copies of, any documents relating to the receiving of fish; and
(iii) if the officer finds, during the course of the search, any thing that he or she believes, on reasonable grounds, may provide evidence of a contravention of a provision of this Act, secure the thing pending the obtaining of a warrant to seize it; and
(i) with the consent of the holder of a fish receiver permit or under a warrant issued under section 85, seize any thing found during the course of a search that the officer believes, on reasonable grounds, may provide evidence of a contravention of this Act; and
(j) without warrant, arrest a person whom the officer has reasonable grounds to believe has committed an offence against this Act; and
(n) require the master of a boat to produce any fishing concession or Treaty licence, or evidence of the grant of any such concession or licence, for or in respect of the boat; and
(o) take copies of, or extracts from, a fishing concession, Treaty licence or any other document produced in accordance with a requirement under paragraph (n); and
(p) require the master of a boat in relation to which a fishing concession is in force under this Act or a Treaty boat in respect of which a Treaty licence is in force to give information concerning the boat and its crew and any person on board the boat; and
(s) require a person found on any land or premises entered under paragraph (d) or in any vehicle or aircraft detained or searched under paragraph (e):
(i) to state the person’s name and address; or
(ii) to produce any documents in the person’s possession or under the person’s control relating to any fish found on the land or in the premises, vehicle or aircraft; or
(iii) to give information concerning any such fish; and
(t) sell or otherwise dispose of any fish seized by him or her under this Act.
Note: Schedule 1A gives officers powers relating to detention of suspected illegal foreign fishers.
(1AA) Subject to subsection (1AB), the powers of an officer under paragraph (1)(e) in respect of any vehicle or aircraft must not be exercised without either:
(a) the consent of the owner or person in charge of the vehicle or aircraft to the exercise of those powers; or
(b) the obtaining of a warrant under section 85 or 86 authorising the exercise of those powers.
(1AB) If:
(a) the owner or person in charge of a vehicle or aircraft referred to in subsection (1AA) refuses to consent to the exercise by an officer of powers under paragraph (1)(e); and
(b) an officer seeking to exercise those powers believes, on reasonable grounds:
(i) that there is in the vehicle or aircraft anything that may afford evidence of an offence against this Act; and
(ii) that the delay that would occur if an application for a warrant were made (either in person or under section 86) would frustrate the effective execution of the warrant;
those powers may be exercised without a warrant but, if that is done, the officer must:
(c) if it is practicable to do so, notify the owner or person in charge of a vehicle or aircraft that the officer will be exercising powers under paragraph (1)(e) without a warrant and that the reasons for the exercise of those powers may be requested; and
(d) as soon as reasonably practicable, record the reasons for the exercise of those powers without a warrant; and
(e) upon request by the owner or person in charge of the vehicle or aircraft—provide the record of those reasons to the person affected by the exercise of those powers.
(1A) If an officer takes any action under subparagraph (1)(g)(i) or (ii), the officer must, within 7 days after the action is taken, give written notice of the grounds for the taking of the action to the person believed by the officer:
(a) if the action is taken in relation to any fish—to have taken, processed, carried or landed the fish, as the case may be; or
(b) if the action is taken in relation to any boat—to be the owner of the boat; or
(c) if the action is taken in relation to any net, trap or other equipment—to have used, to be using or to be intending to use the net, trap or other equipment, as the case may be.
Note: Subdivision C of Division 6 deals with notice of seizure of things under paragraph 84(1)(ga), (gb), (gc) or (gd).
(1B) To avoid doubt, the validity of the seizure of a boat by an officer under paragraph (1)(g) is not affected merely because:
(a) the boat is brought or taken under escort to a place; and
(b) the boat had to travel on the high seas to reach the place.
(1BA) If there is a restraint on the liberty of a person on a boat resulting from an officer’s exercise of a power under paragraph (1)(g) in relation to a boat:
(a) the restraint is not unlawful; and
(b) civil or criminal proceedings in respect of the restraint may not be instituted or continued in any court against:
(i) the officer; or
(ii) any person assisting the officer in the exercise of the power; or
(iii) AFMA; or
(iv) the Commonwealth.
This subsection is not intended to affect the jurisdiction of the High Court under section 75 of the Constitution.
(5) Where an officer (other than a member of the Defence Force who is in uniform) proposes to enter and search, or to detain, a vehicle or aircraft, the officer must, if there is a person in charge of the vehicle or aircraft:
(a) where the officer is a prescribed person—produce, for inspection by the person in charge of the vehicle or aircraft, written evidence of the fact that the officer is a prescribed person; or
(b) in any other case—produce, for inspection by the person in charge of the vehicle or aircraft, the officer’s identity card;
and, if the officer fails to do so, the officer is not authorised to enter and search, or to detain, the vehicle or aircraft.
(6) Where an officer (other than a member of the Defence Force who is in uniform) makes a requirement of a person (in this subsection called the relevant person) under subsection (1) the officer must make all reasonable efforts to identify himself or herself and must, unless subsection (6A) applies:
(a) in the case of a prescribed person—produce, for inspection by the relevant person, written evidence of the fact that the officer is a prescribed person; or
(b) in any other case—produce, for inspection by the relevant person, the officer’s identity card;
and, if the officer fails to do so, the relevant person is not obliged to comply with the requirement.
(6A) If the requirement under subsection (1) is made in such circumstances that it is impossible to produce the written evidence referred to in paragraph (6)(a) or the identity card referred to in paragraph (6)(b), as the case requires, at the time of making the requirement, that evidence or identity card must be produced for inspection by the relevant person at the first available opportunity after the making of the requirement.
(7) A reference in this section to an offence against, or a contravention of, this Act or a particular provision of this Act includes a reference to an offence against, or a contravention of:
(a) section 6 of the Crimes Act 1914; or
(b) section 11.1, 11.4 or 11.5 of the Criminal Code;
that relates to this Act or that provision.
(8) In this section:
examine includes count, measure, weigh, grade or gauge.
prescribed person means a member or special member of the Australian Federal Police or a member of the police force of a State or Territory or an officer of Customs (as defined in the Customs Act 1901).
this Act includes the regulations.
84B Cooperative Enforcement Agreement
Purpose
(1) The purpose of this section is to implement the Agreement on Cooperative Enforcement of Fisheries Laws between the Government of Australia and the Government of the French Republic in the Maritime Areas Adjacent to the French Southern and Antarctic Territories, Heard Island and the McDonald Islands that was done at Paris on 8 January 2007 (the Cooperative Enforcement Agreement).
Note 1: In 2010, the text of the Agreement was accessible through the Australian Treaties Library on the AustLII website (www.austlii.edu.au).
Note 2: The Agreement should be read together with the Treaty between the Government of Australia and the Government of the French Republic on cooperation in the Maritime Areas Adjacent to the French Southern and Antarctic Territories (TAAF), Heard Island and the McDonald Islands, that was done at Canberra on 24 November 2003. The text of the Treaty is set out in Australian Treaty Series 2005 No. 6 ([2005] ATS 6). In 2010, the text of a treaty in the Australian Treaty Series was accessible through the Australian Treaties Library on the AustLII website (www.austlii.edu.au).
International officers
(2) An international officer may, for the purposes of conducting cooperative enforcement, exercise any of the powers of an officer in this Division. In doing so, the international officer is taken for the purposes of this Act to have exercised the power as an officer.
(3) The regulations may prescribe conditions for the exercise of a power by an international officer.
(4) Subsection 84(6) applies in relation to the exercise of a power by an international officer as if the reference in that subsection to the officer’s identity card were a reference to a document:
(a) issued by an officer; and
(b) identifying the international officer as an international officer authorised to conduct cooperative enforcement.
(5) An international officer is not liable to any civil or criminal proceedings in respect of anything done or omitted to be done in good faith in the exercise or purported exercise of a power conferred on an international officer by subsection (3).
Officers
(6) An officer may, for the purposes of conducting cooperative enforcement, exercise any powers conferred by the Government of the French Republic on officers in order to give effect to the Cooperative Enforcement Agreement.
(7) An officer is not liable to any civil or criminal proceedings in respect of anything done or omitted to be done in good faith in the exercise or purported exercise of a power referred to in subsection (6).
Definitions
(8) In this Act:
cooperative enforcement means cooperative enforcement, as defined in the Cooperative Enforcement Agreement, that is conducted in accordance with that Agreement.
international officer means a person who is authorised to conduct cooperative enforcement by a competent authority of the Government of the French Republic.
84C Customs officers may carry arms in exercise of powers under this Act
(1) Subject to any directions from the Comptroller‑General of Customs, the commander of an Australian Border Force vessel:
(a) may issue approved firearms and other approved items of personal defence equipment to officers of Customs under his or her command for the purpose of enabling the safe exercise, by such officers, of powers conferred on them as officers within the meaning of section 4; and
(b) must take all reasonable steps to ensure that approved firearms, and other approved items of personal defence equipment, that are available for issue under paragraph (1)(a), are kept in secure storage at all times when not required for use.
(2) Directions given by the Comptroller‑General of Customs for the purposes of subsection 189A(2) of the Customs Act 1901 relating to the deployment of approved firearms and other approved items of personal defence equipment may extend to the deployment of such firearms and other items of equipment under this section.
(3) If:
(a) approved firearms and other approved items of personal defence equipment are issued to officers of Customs in accordance with subsection 189A(1) of the Customs Act 1901; and
(b) those officers are subsequently required, while carrying such firearms or other items of equipment, to exercise powers conferred on them under this Act;
then:
(c) the deployment of such firearms or other items of equipment has effect as if the firearms or other items of equipment had been issued under this section; and
(d) any directions given by the Comptroller‑General of Customs that relate to any aspect of that deployment have effect accordingly.
(4) An officer of Customs is not required under, or by reason of, a law of a State or Territory:
(a) to obtain a licence or permission for the possession or use of an approved firearm or approved item of personal defence equipment in the circumstances set out in this section; or
(b) to register such a firearm or other item of equipment.
(5) In this section:
approved firearm means a firearm that is an approved firearm for the purposes of section 189A of the Customs Act 1901.
approved item of personal defence equipment means an item that is an approved item of personal defence equipment for the purposes of section 189A of the Customs Act 1901.
Australian Border Force vessel means a Commonwealth ship (within the meaning of the Customs Act 1901) that is under the command of an officer of Customs (including an officer of Customs exercising powers as an officer within the meaning of this Act) and flying the flag mentioned in section 14 of the Customs Act 1901.
Comptroller‑General of Customs means the person who is the Comptroller‑General of Customs in accordance with subsection 11(3) or 14(2) of the Australian Border Force Act 2015.
85 When search warrants can be issued
(1) A magistrate may, upon application by an officer, issue a warrant to search premises if the magistrate is satisfied by information on oath that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that there is, or there will be within the next 72 hours, any evidential material at the premises.
(2) If the person applying for the warrant suspects that, in executing the warrant, it will be necessary to use firearms, the person must state the suspicion, and the grounds for the suspicion, in the information.
(3) If a magistrate issues a warrant, the magistrate is to set out in the warrant:
(a) the offence to which the warrant relates; and
(b) a description of the premises to which the warrant relates; and
(c) the kinds of evidential material that are to be searched for under the warrant; and
(d) the name of the officer who, unless he or she inserts the name of another officer in the warrant, is to be responsible for executing the warrant; and
(e) the period for which the warrant remains in force, which must not be more than 7 days; and
(f) whether the warrant may be executed at any time or only during particular hours.
(4) The magistrate is also to state that the warrant authorises the seizure of a thing (other than evidential material of the kind referred to in paragraph (3)(c)) found at the premises in the course of the search that the executing officer or a person helping believes on reasonable grounds to be:
(a) evidential material in relation to an offence to which the warrant relates; or
(b) a thing relevant to another offence against this Act or the regulations that is an indictable offence;
if the executing officer or a person helping believes on reasonable grounds that seizure of the thing is necessary to prevent its concealment, loss or destruction or its use in committing an offence against this Act or the regulations.
(5) Paragraph (3)(e) does not prevent the issue of successive warrants in relation to the same premises.
(6) If the application for the warrant is made under section 86, this section applies as if:
(a) subsection (1) referred to 48 hours rather than 72 hours; and
(b) paragraph (3)(e) referred to 48 hours rather than 7 days.
(7) A magistrate in New South Wales or the Australian Capital Territory may issue a warrant in relation to premises in the Jervis Bay Territory.
(8) A magistrate in a State or internal Territory may:
(a) issue a warrant in relation to premises in that State or Territory; or
(b) issue a warrant in relation to premises in an external Territory; or
(c) issue a warrant in relation to premises in another State or internal Territory (including the Jervis Bay Territory) if he or she is satisfied that there are special circumstances that make the issue of the warrant appropriate.
85A The things that are authorised by a search warrant
(1) A warrant authorises the executing officer or a person helping:
(a) to enter the warrant premises and, if the premises are a conveyance, to enter the conveyance, wherever it is; and
(b) to search for and record fingerprints found at the premises and to take samples of things found at the premises for forensic purposes; and
(c) to search the premises for the kinds of evidential material specified in the warrant, and to seize things of that kind found at the premises; and
(d) to seize other things found at the premises in the course of the search that the executing officer or a person helping believes on reasonable grounds to be:
(i) evidential material in relation to an offence to which the warrant relates; or
(ii) evidential material in relation to another offence against this Act or the regulations that is an indictable offence;
if the executing officer or a person helping believes on reasonable grounds that seizure of the things is necessary to prevent their concealment, loss or destruction or their use in committing an offence against this Act or the regulations.
(2) If the warrant states that it may be executed only during particular hours, the warrant must not be executed outside those hours.
(3) If things are seized under a warrant, the warrant authorises the executing officer to make the things available to officers of other agencies if it is necessary to do so for the purpose of investigating or prosecuting an offence to which the things relate.
85B Availability of assistance and use of force in executing a warrant
In executing a warrant:
(a) the executing officer may obtain such help; and
(b) the executing officer, or a person who is an officer and is helping in executing the warrant may use such force against persons and things; and
(c) a person who is not an officer and has been authorised to help in executing the warrant may use such force against things;
as is necessary and reasonable in the circumstances.
85C Copy of warrant to be given to occupier etc.
(1) If a warrant is being executed and the occupier of the premises or another person who apparently represents the occupier is present at the premises, the executing officer or a person helping must make available to that person a copy of the warrant.
(2) The executing officer must produce his or her identity card to the person at the premises.
(3) The copy of the warrant referred to in subsection (1) need not include the signature of the magistrate or the seal of the relevant court.
85D Specific powers available to officer executing warrant
(1) In executing a warrant, the executing officer or a person helping may:
(a) for a purpose incidental to the execution of the warrant; or
(b) if the occupier of the premises consents in writing;
take photographs (including video recordings) of the premises or of things at the premises.
(2) If a warrant is being executed, the executing officer or a person helping may, if the warrant is still in force, complete the execution of the warrant after the officer and all persons helping temporarily cease its execution and leave the premises:
(a) for not more than one hour; or
(b) for a longer period if the occupier of the premises consents in writing.
(3) If:
(a) the execution of a warrant is stopped by an order of a court; and
(b) the order is later revoked or reversed on appeal; and
(c) the warrant is still in force;
the execution of the warrant may be completed.
85E Use of equipment to examine or process things
(1) The executing officer or a person helping may bring to the warrant premises any equipment reasonably necessary for the examination or processing of things found at the premises in order to determine whether they are things that may be seized under the warrant.
(2) If:
(a) it is not practicable to examine or process the things at the warrant premises; or
(b) the occupier of the premises consents in writing;
the things may be moved to another place so that the examination or processing can be carried out in order to determine whether they are things that may be seized under the warrant.
(3) If things are moved to another place for the purpose of examination or processing under subsection (2), the executing officer must, if it is practicable to do so:
(a) inform the occupier of the address of the place, and the time, at which the examination or processing will be carried out; and
(b) allow the occupier or his or her representative to be present during the examination or processing.
(4) The executing officer or a person helping may operate equipment already at the warrant premises to carry out the examination or processing of a thing found at the premises in order to determine whether it is a thing that may be seized under the warrant if the executing officer or person believes on reasonable grounds that:
(a) the equipment is suitable for the examination or processing; and
(b) the examination or processing can be carried out without damage to the equipment or the thing.
85F Use of electronic equipment at premises
(1) The executing officer or a person helping may operate electronic equipment at the premises to see whether evidential material is accessible by doing so if he or she believes on reasonable grounds that the operation of the equipment can be carried out without damage to the equipment.
(2) If the executing officer or a person helping, after operating the equipment, finds that evidential material is accessible by doing so, he or she may:
(a) seize the equipment and any disk, tape or other associated device; or
(b) if the material can, by using facilities at the premises, be put in documentary form—operate the facilities to put the material in that form and seize the documentation so produced; or
(c) if the material can be transferred to a disk, tape or other storage device that:
(i) is brought to the premises; or
(ii) is at the premises and the use of which for the purpose has been agreed to in writing by the occupier of the premises;
operate the equipment or other facilities to copy the material to the storage device and take the storage device from the premises.
(3) A person may seize equipment under paragraph (2)(a) only if:
(a) it is not practicable to put the material in documentary form as mentioned in paragraph (2)(b) or to copy the material as mentioned in paragraph (2)(c); or
(b) possession by the occupier of the equipment could constitute an offence against this Act or the regulations.
(4) If the executing officer or a person helping believes on reasonable grounds that:
(a) evidential material may be accessible by operating electronic equipment at the premises; and
(b) expert assistance is required to operate the equipment; and
(c) if he or she does not take action under this subsection, the material may be destroyed, altered or otherwise interfered with;
he or she may do whatever is necessary to secure the equipment, whether by locking it up, placing a guard or otherwise.
(5) The executing officer or a person helping must give notice to the occupier of the premises of his or her intention to secure equipment and of the fact that the equipment may be secured for up to 24 hours.
(6) The equipment may be secured until:
(a) the end of a period of not more than 24 hours; or
(b) the equipment has been operated by the expert;
whichever happens first.
(7) If the executing officer or a person helping believes on reasonable grounds that the expert assistance will not be available within 24 hours, he or she may apply to the magistrate for an extension of that period.
(8) The executing officer or a person helping must give notice to the occupier of the premises of his or her intention to apply for an extension, and the occupier is entitled to be heard in relation to the application.
(9) The provisions of this Division relating to the issue of warrants apply, with any modifications that are necessary, to the issuing of an extension.
85G Compensation for damage to electronic equipment
(1) If:
(a) damage is caused to equipment as a result of being operated as mentioned in section 85E or 85F; and
(b) the damage was caused as a result of:
(i) insufficient care being exercised in selecting the person who was to operate the equipment; or
(ii) insufficient care being exercised by the person operating the equipment;
compensation for the damage is payable to the owner of the equipment.
(2) Compensation is payable out of money appropriated by the Parliament for the purpose.
(3) In determining the amount of compensation payable, regard is to be had to whether the occupier of the premises and his or her employees and agents, if they were available at the time, had provided any warning or guidance as to the operation of the equipment that was appropriate in the circumstances.
85H Copies of seized things to be provided
(1) Subject to subsection (2), if a person seizes, under a warrant:
(a) a document, film, computer file or other thing that can be readily copied; or
(b) a storage device the information in which can be readily copied;
the person must, if requested to do so by the occupier of the premises or by another person who apparently represents the occupier and is present when the warrant is executed, give a copy of the thing or the information to the person who made the request as soon as practicable after the seizure.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) the thing that has been seized was seized under paragraph 85F(2)(b) or (c); or
(b) possession by the occupier of the document, film, computer file, thing or information could constitute an offence.
85J Occupier entitled to be present during search
(1) If a warrant is being executed and the occupier of the premises or another person who apparently represents the occupier is present at the premises, the person is, subject to Part IC of the Crimes Act 1914, entitled to observe the search being conducted.
(2) The right to observe the search being conducted ceases if the person impedes the search.
(3) This section does not prevent 2 or more areas of the premises being searched at the same time.
85K Receipts for things seized under warrant
(1) If a thing is seized under a warrant or moved under subsection 85E(2), the executing officer or a person helping must provide a receipt for the thing.
(2) If 2 or more things are seized or moved, they may be covered in the one receipt.
86 Warrants by telephone or other electronic means
(1) An officer may make an application to a magistrate for a warrant by telephone, telex, fax or other electronic means:
(a) in an urgent case; or
(b) if the delay that would occur if an application were made in person would frustrate the effective execution of the warrant.
(2) The magistrate may require communication by voice to the extent that is practicable in the circumstances.
(3) An application under this section must include all information required to be provided in an ordinary application for a warrant, but the application may, if necessary, be made before the information is sworn.
(4) If an application is made to a magistrate under this section and the magistrate, after considering the information and having received and considered such further information (if any) as the magistrate required, is satisfied that:
(a) a warrant in the terms of the application should be issued urgently; or
(b) the delay that would occur if an application were made in person would frustrate the effective execution of the warrant;
the magistrate may complete and sign the same form of warrant as would be issued under section 85.
(5) If the magistrate decides to issue the warrant, the magistrate is to tell the applicant, by telephone, fax or other electronic means, of the terms of the warrant and the day on which and the time at which it was signed.
(6) The applicant must then complete a form of warrant in terms substantially corresponding to those given to the magistrate, stating on the form the magistrate’s name and the day on which and the time at which the warrant was signed.
(7) The applicant must, not later than the day after the day of expiry of the warrant or the day after the day on which the warrant was executed, whichever is the earlier, give or send to the magistrate the form of warrant completed by the applicant and, if the information referred to in subsection (3) was not sworn, that information duly sworn.
(8) The magistrate is to attach to the documents provided under subsection (7) the form of warrant completed by the magistrate.
(9) If:
(a) it is material, in any proceedings, for a court to be satisfied that the exercise of a power under a warrant issued under this section was duly authorised; and
(b) the form of warrant signed by the magistrate is not produced in evidence;
the court is to assume, unless the contrary is proved, that the exercise of the power was not duly authorised.
87J Use of force to exercise powers
Force to be used only in limited circumstances
(1) An officer must not use force in the exercise of the officer’s powers under a provision of section 84 unless it is necessary to do so:
(a) to ensure the safety of an officer; or
(b) to overcome obstruction of an officer in the exercise of that officer’s powers.
Force used must be reasonable
(2) The force used must not be more than is reasonably required for the relevant purpose described in paragraph (1)(a) or (b).
88 Release of seized property
(1) Where any property is under the control of an officer because of the exercise by an officer of powers under section 84, AFMA may direct that the property be released:
(a) in the case of a boat—to the owner or the master of the boat; and
(b) in any other case—to the owner of the property or to the person from whose possession the property was seized, or from whose control the property was removed;
on such conditions (if any) as AFMA thinks fit, including conditions as to the giving of security:
(c) for payment of the value of the property if it is forfeited; and
(d) for the payment of any fines that may be imposed under this Act in respect of offences that AFMA has reason to believe have been committed with the use of, or in relation to, that property; and
(e) if the property is a boat and there is a liability under section 112 of the Maritime Powers Act 2013 for costs incurred in chasing the boat—for those costs.
(1A) If:
(a) any property referred to in subsection (1):
(i) is also property referred to in section 106; and
(ii) was under the control of an officer because an offence referred to in that section is alleged to have been committed in respect of the property; and
(b) were the person to be convicted of the offence an order could be made by the court directing the person to pay the costs of the prosecution;
the conditions on which the property may be released under subsection (1) include a condition as to the giving of security for payment of those costs if the person is convicted of the offence.
(2) For the purposes of this section:
(a) a reference to property includes a reference to fish; and
(b) property is taken to be under the control of an officer if any person is, in relation to that property, subject to the directions of the officer.
88A Seizure and forfeiture of foreign boats etc.
(1) The regulations may provide that some or all of the provisions of this Act that relate to seizure and forfeiture of property do not apply in relation to:
(a) foreign boats (including nets, traps, equipment or fish on such boats) covered by a specified:
(i) international fisheries management organisation; or
(ii) international fisheries management measure; or
(b) foreign boats covered by the Fish Stocks Agreement; or
(c) foreign boats mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) in specified circumstances.
(2) The regulations may prescribe procedures to be followed in dealing with property:
(a) under the control of an officer; and
(b) covered by regulations made under subsection (1).
89 Identity cards
(1) The CEO must cause an identity card to be issued to an officer appointed under section 83 and may cause such a card to be issued to any other officer.
(2) An identity card must:
(a) contain a recent photograph of the officer to whom it is issued; and
(b) be in the approved form.
(3) A person who stops being an officer must, as soon as practicable, return his or her identity card to the CEO.
(4) A person who contravenes subsection (3) commits an offence punishable upon conviction by a fine not exceeding 2 penalty units.
(5) Subsection (4) does not apply if the person has a reasonable excuse.
Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (5). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
(6) An offence under subsection (4) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
89A Defensive equipment
(1) This section is about defensive equipment.
(2) Defensive equipment is:
(a) a bulletproof vest; or
(b) an extendible baton; or
(c) handcuffs; or
(d) other equipment prescribed under the regulations.
(3) The CEO may authorise an officer to be issued with, carry, use and store defensive equipment if the CEO considers:
(a) it is reasonably necessary for the officer to use the equipment in order to perform functions or exercise powers under this Act; and
(b) the officer has received adequate training in the effective, lawful and safe carriage, use and storage of defensive equipment.
(4) The CEO may make the authorisation subject to conditions.
(5) The officer may use the defensive equipment if the officer considers it is reasonably necessary to do so in order to perform functions or exercise powers under this Act or the regulations, subject to:
(a) any conditions in the CEO’s authorisation; and
(b) section 87J.
(6) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person has been issued with defensive equipment; and
(b) the person stops being an officer; and
(c) the person does not, as soon as practicable, return the defensive equipment to the CEO.
Penalty: 2 penalty units.
(7) Subsection (6) does not apply if the person has a reasonable excuse for not returning the defensive equipment to the CEO as soon as practicable.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (7): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
(8) An offence against subsection (6) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
90 Officer etc. not liable to certain actions
An officer or a person assisting an officer in the exercise of powers under this Act or the regulations, is not liable to an action, suit or proceeding for or in respect of anything done in good faith or omitted to be done in good faith in the exercise or purported exercise of any power conferred by this Act or the regulations.
Division 2—Fish receiver permits
91 Grant of fish receiver permits
(1) AFMA may, by notice published in the Gazette, declare a specified fishery to be a fishery to which this Division applies.
(2) AFMA may, upon application made in the approved form, grant to a person a fish receiver permit authorising the person to receive fish from a person engaged in commercial fishing in a specified fishery declared under subsection (1).
(3) An application made for the grant of a fish receiver permit must provide AFMA with such information as it reasonably requires for a proper consideration of the application.
(4) A fish receiver permit is granted subject to the following conditions:
(a) if the permit relates to a managed fishery—the permit will cease to have effect if the plan of management for the fishery is revoked under subsection 20(3);
(b) the permit may, under subsection 75(7), cease to have effect;
(c) the permit may be cancelled under Division 8 of Part 3;
(d) no compensation is payable because the permit is cancelled, ceases to have effect or ceases to apply to a fishery.
(5) A permit under this section:
(a) is subject to such other conditions as are specified in the permit; and
(b) may specify premises at which fish received under the permit by the holder of the permit are to be kept while in possession of the holder; and
(c) comes into force on the day specified for the purpose in the permit, or if no day is so specified, on the day on which it is granted; and
(d) subject to this Act, remains in force until the day specified for the purpose in the permit not being a day later than 12 months after the day on which it came into force.
(6) AFMA may, by written notice given to the holder of the permit, whether or not at the request of the holder, vary or revoke a condition of the permit (not being a condition mentioned in subsection (4)) or specify a condition or a further condition to which the permit is to be subject.
(7) A permit ceases to be in force if the holder of the permit surrenders the permit by written notice given to AFMA.
(8) A permit is to be in the approved form.
(9) Division 8 of Part 3 applies in relation to a permit as if the permit were a fishing concession.
(10) AFMA may, upon application made by the holder of a permit, renew the permit from time to time for a period that is not greater than 12 months.
92 Holder of fish receiver permit to give information etc.
(1) An officer may, by written notice given to a person who is the holder of a fish receiver permit, require the person:
(a) to give the officer, within such reasonable time as is specified in the notice, such return or information in relation to fish received by the person as is specified in the notice; and
(b) to verify any such return or information by statutory declaration.
(2) The regulations may make provision:
(a) requiring holders of fish receiver permits to make and keep accounts and other records in respect of fish received by them; and
(b) requiring such persons to give returns or information in relation to fish received by them, not being returns or information mentioned in subsection (1).
93 Offences in relation to returns etc.
(1) A holder of a fish receiver permit must not refuse or fail to give a return or information that the person is required to give under section 92 or under regulations made for the purposes of that section.
Penalty: 30 penalty units.
(2) Subsection (1) is an offence of strict liability.
Division 3—Foreign fishing boats—port permits
94 Grant of port permits
(1) AFMA may, upon application made in the approved form, if it appears to AFMA to be appropriate to do so for the purpose of monitoring movements of foreign fishing boats, grant to a person a port permit authorising the person, or a person acting on that person’s behalf to bring a specified foreign fishing boat in respect of which a foreign fishing licence is not in force:
(a) from a point outside the AFZ to a specified port in Australia or in an external Territory; and
(b) from that port to a point outside the AFZ.
(2) An application made for the grant of a port permit must provide AFMA with such information as it reasonably requires for a proper consideration of the application.
(3) A port permit is granted subject to the following conditions:
(a) the permit may be revoked under subsection (5);
(b) no compensation is payable because the permit is so revoked.
(4) A permit granted under this section:
(a) is subject to such other conditions as are specified in the permit; and
(b) comes into force on the day specified for the purpose in the permit or, if no day is so specified, on the day on which it is granted; and
(c) subject to this Act, remains in force until the day specified for the purpose in the permit; and
(d) is authority for entry to the specified port on such number of occasions as is specified in the permit.
(5) AFMA may, by written notice given to the holder of a permit:
(a) revoke the permit; or
(b) whether or not at the request of the holder, vary or revoke the conditions to which the permit is subject (not being a condition mentioned in subsection (3)) or specify a condition or a further condition to which the permit is to be subject.
(6) A permit ceases to be in force if the holder of the permit surrenders the permit by written notice given to AFMA.
(7) A permit is to be in the approved form.
(8) In this section:
foreign fishing boat means a foreign boat:
(a) that is equipped for fishing; or
(b) that AFMA has reasonable grounds to believe is being used, or is intended to be used, in activities in support of fishing by foreign boats.
Division 4—Enforcement generally
95 Offences
(1) A person must not:
(a) at a place in the AFZ, engage in commercial fishing unless:
(i) the person is, or is acting on behalf of, the holder of a fishing concession, or a scientific permit, that is in force authorising commercial fishing at that place; or
(ii) if a Treaty boat is used—a Treaty licence is in force in respect of the boat authorising commercial fishing at that place; or
(b) in the AFZ, be in charge of a Treaty boat that is being used for commercial fishing unless a Treaty licence is in force in respect of the boat; or
(c) in the AFZ, have a fish in the person’s possession or under his or her control in a boat at a time when the taking of the fish was not authorised by a fishing concession or a scientific permit; or
(d) being the holder of a fishing concession, scientific permit, fish receiver permit, port permit or foreign master fishing licence that is in force, contravene a condition of the fishing concession, permit or licence or a provision of a temporary order; or
(e) being the holder of a fishing concession, scientific permit, fish receiver permit or port permit that is in force, cause or permit a person acting on his or her behalf to contravene a condition of the fishing concession or permit or a provision of a temporary order, as the case may be; or
(f) being a person acting on behalf of the holder of a fishing concession, scientific permit, fish receiver permit or port permit that is in force, contravene a condition of the fishing concession or permit or a provision of a temporary order, as the case may be; or
(g) keep or purport to keep a logbook, or furnish or purport to furnish a logbook or return, relating to a matter specified in subsection 42(1B) knowing that the logbook so kept or the logbook or return so furnished contains a statement in respect of that matter that is false or misleading in a material particular.
(1AA) Paragraphs (1)(d), (e) and (f) (and the rest of this section so far as it relates to those paragraphs) apply whether the contravention occurs inside or outside the outer limits of the AFZ.
(1A) A person does not contravene subsection (1) because of an act or omission that the person is authorised to do, or not to do, as the case may be:
(a) under the management plan for the relevant fishery; or
(b) under regulations made for the relevant fishery; or
(c) in relation to a by‑catch under regulations made for the purposes of paragraph 14(2)(c).
(2) A person who contravenes paragraph (1)(a) or (b) with the use of, or in relation to, a foreign boat or in relation to a foreign fishing licence commits an offence punishable on conviction by a fine not exceeding 500 penalty units.
(3) An offence mentioned in subsection (2) is an indictable offence but may be heard and determined, with the consent of the prosecutor and the defendant, by a court of summary jurisdiction.
(4) If an offence mentioned in subsection (2) is dealt with by a court of summary jurisdiction, the penalty that the court may impose is a fine not exceeding 250 penalty units.
(5) A person who contravenes subsection (1) in circumstances in which the person does not commit an offence against subsection (2) commits an offence punishable, on conviction, by a fine not exceeding 250 penalty units.
(5A) Strict liability applies to subsections (2) and (5).
(6) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence arising under paragraph (1)(c) if the person charged satisfies the court that the fish was not taken in the AFZ.
(7) A prosecution for an offence against subsection (2) or (5) may be commenced within 2 years after the commission of the offence.
96 Removing fish from traps etc.
A person must not, in the AFZ, remove a fish from a net, trap or other equipment for the taking of fish unless the person is the owner of the net, trap or other equipment or is acting with the authority of the owner.
Penalty: 125 penalty units.
97 Persons not to receive fish in certain circumstances
(1) A person who is not the holder of a fish receiver permit that is in force must not, otherwise than for the person’s private or domestic use, receive fish from a person whom the first‑mentioned person knows, or has reason to suspect, to be engaged in fishing in a fishery in relation to which a declaration under subsection 91(1) is in force.
Penalty: 125 penalty units.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who receives fish as the employee or agent of the holder of a fish receiver permit.
97A E‑monitoring equipment and e‑monitoring data offences
E‑monitoring equipment
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person engages in conduct; and
(b) the person does not have written authority from AFMA to engage in the conduct; and
(c) the conduct directly or indirectly prevents or hinders the operation of e‑monitoring equipment installed, carried or used in compliance with a condition of a fishing concession or scientific permit.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years or 250 penalty units, or both.
E‑monitoring data
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person engages in conduct; and
(b) the person does not have written authority from AFMA to engage in the conduct; and
(c) the conduct directly or indirectly results in modification of, damage to, or destruction of, e‑monitoring data.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years or 250 penalty units, or both.
98 Court may make certain orders
(1) Where a court convicts a person of an offence arising out of a contravention of paragraph 95(1)(d), (e) or (f), the court may, in addition to imposing a penalty in respect of that offence, order that the person must not, during such period as the court determines, be on a boat in the AFZ with the intention of engaging in commercial fishing.
(1A) A court may order a person (including a foreigner) not to be on any Australian‑flagged boat outside the AFZ for the purposes of commercial fishing during a period specified by the court if the court convicted the person of an offence:
(a) involving an Australian‑flagged boat and a contravention of paragraph 95(1)(d), (e) or (f); or
(b) against section 105A, 105AA, 105AB, 105B or 105C (which deal with an Australian‑flagged boat beyond the AFZ); or
(c) against section 105E, 105EA, 105F, 105FA, 105H or 105I.
(2) A person who contravenes an order made under subsection (1) or (1A) commits an offence punishable, on conviction, imprisonment for 12 months.
(3) If:
(a) a court convicts a person of an offence against this Act or any other Act; and
(b) the offence was committed while the person was doing something authorised by a fishing concession held by the person;
the court may, in addition to imposing a penalty in respect of the offence or making any other order, make an order:
(c) cancelling the fishing concession; or
(d) suspending the operation of the fishing concession for a period stated in the order.
(4) A period determined under subsection (1) or stated in an order suspending the operation of a fishing concession made under subsection (3):
(a) may commence at the time of the making of the determination or order, or at a later time, as specified by the court; and
(b) may exclude any period that the court identifies as not counting towards the period so determined or ordered.
98A Infringement notices
Provisions subject to an infringement notice
(1) The following provisions of this Act are subject to an infringement notice under Part 5 of the Regulatory Powers Act:
(a) subsection 93(1);
(b) subsection 95(5).
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, an AFMA staff member appointed under section 83 of this Act to be an officer for the purposes of this Act is an infringement officer in relation to the provisions mentioned in subsection (1).
Relevant chief executive
(3) For the purposes of Part 5 of the Regulatory Powers Act, the CEO is the relevant chief executive in relation to the provisions mentioned in subsection (1).
(4) The CEO may, in writing, delegate to an AFMA staff member who is an SES employee or acting SES employee the CEO’s powers and functions under Part 5 of the Regulatory Powers Act as the relevant chief executive in relation to the provisions mentioned in subsection (1).
(5) A person exercising powers or performing functions under a delegation under subsection (4) must comply with any directions of the CEO.
Extra‑territorial operation
(6) Part 5 of the Regulatory Powers Act, as that Part applies in relation to the provisions mentioned in subsection (1), extends to every external Territory, and each other area, to which those provisions extend under section 7 or 8 of this Act.
Division 5—Foreign boats—additional enforcement provisions
99 Using foreign boat for recreational fishing—strict liability offence
(1) A person must not, in the AFZ:
(a) use a foreign boat for recreational fishing; or
(b) use a foreign boat for processing or carrying fish that have been taken in the course of recreational fishing with the use of that boat or another boat.
Penalty: 250 penalty units.
(2) Strict liability applies to subsection (1).
100 Using foreign boat for fishing in AFZ—strict liability offence
(1) A person must not, at a place in the AFZ, use a foreign boat for commercial fishing unless:
(a) there is in force a foreign fishing licence authorising the use of the boat at that place; or
(b) if the boat is a Treaty boat—a Treaty licence is in force in respect of the boat authorising the use of the boat at that place.
(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence punishable on conviction by a fine not exceeding 2,500 penalty units.
(2A) Strict liability applies to subsection (2).
(3) An offence against this section is an indictable offence but may be heard and determined, with the consent of the prosecutor and the defendant, by a court of summary jurisdiction.
(4) If an offence is dealt with by a court of summary jurisdiction, the penalty that the court may impose is a fine not exceeding 250 penalty units.
100A Offence of using foreign boat for fishing in AFZ
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person intentionally uses a boat; and
(b) the boat is a foreign boat and the person is reckless as to that fact; and
(c) the use of the boat is for commercial fishing and the person is reckless as to that fact; and
(d) the boat is at a place in the AFZ at the time of the use and the person is reckless as to that fact.
(2) The offence is punishable on conviction:
(a) if the boat involved in the offence has a length of, or exceeding, 24 metres—by a fine of not more than 7,500 penalty units; and
(b) if the boat involved in the offence has a length of less than 24 metres—by a fine of not more than 5,000 penalty units.
(2A) For the purposes of subsection (2), the length of a boat is the overall length of the boat determined in accordance with section 10 of the Shipping Registration Act 1981.
(3) The offence is an indictable offence.
(4) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) a foreign fishing licence is in force authorising the use of the boat at the place; or
(b) the boat is a Treaty boat and a Treaty licence is in force in respect of the boat authorising the use of the boat at the place.
Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (4). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
100B Using foreign boat for fishing in territorial sea within AFZ
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person intentionally uses a boat; and
(b) the boat is a foreign boat and the person is reckless as to that fact; and
(c) the use of the boat is for commercial fishing and the person is reckless as to that fact; and
(d) the boat is at a place that is, at the time of the use, in a part of the territorial sea of Australia that is in the AFZ.
Penalty:
(a) if the boat involved in the offence has a length of, or exceeding, 24 metres—7,500 penalty units or 3 years imprisonment, or both; or
(b) if the boat involved in the offence has a length of less than 24 metres—5,000 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment, or both.
(1A) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(d).
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(2) The reference to the AFZ in paragraph (1)(d) does not include a reference to coastal waters taken to be in the AFZ because of section 76.
(3) For the purposes of the penalty at the end of subsection (1), the length of a boat is the overall length of the boat determined in accordance with section 10 of the Shipping Registration Act 1981.
(4) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) a foreign fishing licence is in force authorising the use of the boat at the place; or
(b) the boat is a Treaty boat and a Treaty licence is in force in respect of the boat authorising the use of the boat at the place.
Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (4). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
101 Having foreign boat equipped for fishing—strict liability offence
(1) A person must not, at a place in the AFZ, have in his or her possession or in his or her charge a foreign boat equipped for fishing unless:
(a) the use, or presence, of the boat at that place is authorised by a foreign fishing licence, or a port permit; or
(b) a Treaty licence is in force in respect of the boat; or
(c) the boat’s fishing equipment is stowed and the boat is at that location in accordance with the approval of AFMA given under, and in accordance with, the regulations; or
(d) the boat’s fishing equipment is stowed and the boat is travelling, by the shortest practicable route, through the AFZ from a point beyond the outer limits of the AFZ to another such point; or
(e) the use of the boat for scientific research purposes in that area is authorised under a scientific permit.
(1A) For the purposes of paragraphs (1)(c) and (d), a boat’s fishing equipment is not stowed unless all of the boat’s:
(a) nets, traps and other fishing equipment; and
(b) associated equipment, including buoys and beacons;
are disengaged and secured, and where practicable stored inside the boat, in such a manner as not to be readily available for fishing.
(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence punishable on conviction by a fine not exceeding 2,500 penalty units.
(2A) Strict liability applies to subsection (2).
(3) An offence against this section is an indictable offence but may be heard and determined, with the consent of the prosecutor and the defendant, by a court of summary jurisdiction.
(4) If an offence is dealt with by a court of summary jurisdiction, the penalty that the court may impose is a fine not exceeding 250 penalty units.
101A Offence of having foreign boat equipped for fishing
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person intentionally has in his or her possession or charge a boat; and
(b) the boat is a foreign boat and the person is reckless as to that fact; and
(c) the boat is equipped for fishing and the person is reckless as to that fact; and
(d) the boat is at a place in the AFZ and the person is reckless as to that fact.
(2) The offence is punishable on conviction by a fine not more than 5,000 penalty units.
(3) The offence is an indictable offence.
(4) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) the use or presence of the boat at the place is authorised by a foreign fishing licence or port permit; or
(b) a Treaty licence is in force in respect of the boat; or
(c) the boat’s fishing equipment is stowed and the boat is at the place in accordance with the approval of AFMA given under, and in accordance with, the regulations made for the purposes of paragraph 101(1)(c); or
(d) the boat’s fishing equipment is stowed and the boat is travelling, by the shortest practicable route, through the AFZ from a point beyond the outer limits of the AFZ to another such point; or
(e) the use of the boat for scientific research purposes in the place is authorised under a scientific permit.
Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (4). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
(5) For the purposes of paragraphs (4)(c) and (d), a boat’s fishing equipment is not stowed unless all of the boat’s:
(a) nets, traps and other fishing equipment; and
(b) associated equipment, including buoys and beacons;
are disengaged and secured, and where practicable stored inside the boat, in such a manner as not to be readily available for fishing.
101AA Having foreign boat equipped for fishing in territorial sea within AFZ
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person intentionally has in his or her possession or charge a boat; and
(b) the boat is a foreign boat and the person is reckless as to that fact; and
(c) the boat is equipped for fishing and the person is reckless as to that fact; and
(d) the boat is at a place that is in a part of the territorial sea of Australia that is in the AFZ.
Penalty: 5,000 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment, or both.
(1A) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(d).
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) the use or presence of the boat at the place is authorised by a foreign fishing licence or port permit; or
(b) a Treaty licence is in force in respect of the boat; or
(c) the boat’s fishing equipment is stowed and the boat is at the place in accordance with the approval of AFMA given under, and in accordance with, the regulations made for the purposes of paragraph 101(1)(c); or
(d) the boat’s fishing equipment is stowed and the boat is travelling, by the shortest practicable route, through the AFZ from a point beyond the outer limits of the AFZ to another such point; or
(e) the use of the boat for scientific research purposes in the place is authorised under a scientific permit.
Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (2). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
(2A) For the purposes of paragraphs (2)(c) and (d), a boat’s fishing equipment is not stowed unless all of the boat’s:
(a) nets, traps and other fishing equipment; and
(b) associated equipment, including buoys and beacons;
are disengaged and secured, and where practicable stored inside the boat, in such a manner as not to be readily available for fishing.
(3) A reference to the AFZ in this section does not include a reference to coastal waters taken to be in the AFZ because of section 76.
101B Using boat outside AFZ to support illegal foreign fishing in AFZ
(1) A person (the supporter) commits an offence if:
(a) the supporter intentionally uses a boat (the support boat); and
(b) the support boat is outside the AFZ but not in the territorial sea of a foreign country, and the supporter is reckless as to that fact; and
(c) the use of the support boat is directly in support of, or in preparation for:
(i) the use of a foreign boat (other than the support boat) by a person in the AFZ in contravention of section 100 or 100A; or
(ii) a person having possession or charge of a foreign boat (other than the support boat) in the AFZ in contravention of section 101 or 101A;
and the supporter is reckless as to that fact.
(2) The offence is punishable on conviction by a fine not more than 5,000 penalty units.
(6) This section applies to all persons (including foreigners) and all boats (including foreign boats).
102 Certain foreign boats not to enter Australian ports
(1) A person, being the master of a foreign fishing boat who, otherwise than in accordance with:
(a) a foreign fishing licence or a port permit; or
(b) the provisions of a prescribed agreement between the Commonwealth and another country; or
(c) the direction of a person exercising powers under a law of the Commonwealth or a law of a State or Territory;
brings the boat into a port in Australia or in an external Territory commits an offence punishable on conviction by a fine not exceeding 500 penalty units.
(2) Where:
(a) a foreign fishing boat is brought into a port in Australia or in an external Territory under a port permit; and
(b) the permit is subject to a condition limiting the period during which the boat may remain in that port; and
(c) the boat remains in the port in contravention of that condition;
then, except where the master of the foreign fishing boat ought in the circumstances to be excused, the master commits an offence punishable on conviction by a fine not exceeding 500 penalty units.
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection (1) if the person charged satisfies the court that:
(a) the boat was brought into the port at a time when the boat was engaged in operations that included the carrying of cargo, in the ordinary course of trade, between Australia and a foreign country, between Australia and an external Territory or between an external Territory and a country other than Australia; or
(b) the boat was being lawfully imported into Australia or the external Territory, as the case may be, by or on behalf of a person who was, or by or on behalf of persons each of whom was, at the time when the boat was brought into the port:
(i) a resident of Australia or of an external Territory; or
(ii) a company incorporated in Australia or in an external Territory; or
(c) an unforeseen emergency rendered it necessary to bring the boat into a port in Australia or in an external Territory in order to secure the safety of human life or of the boat.
(4) An offence against this section is an indictable offence but may be heard and determined, with the consent of the prosecutor and the defendant, by a court of summary jurisdiction.
(5) If an offence is dealt with by a court of summary jurisdiction, the penalty that the court may impose is a fine not exceeding 250 penalty units.
(5A) An offence under this section is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(6) In this section:
foreign fishing boat means a foreign boat:
(a) that is equipped for fishing; or
(b) that AFMA has reasonable grounds to believe is being used, or is intended to be used, in activities in support of fishing by foreign boats.
103 Foreign boats not to land fish in Australia
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person is the master of a foreign boat; and
(b) the person intentionally lands or tranships (or causes to be landed or transhipped) fish from the boat at a place; and
(c) the place is in Australia or an external Territory and the person is reckless as to that fact.
(1A) The offence is punishable on conviction by a fine not more than 500 penalty units.
(1B) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) the fish were landed or transhipped in accordance with:
(i) the terms of a foreign fishing licence; or
(ii) an entry under paragraph 21(2)(b) of the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984; or
(iii) the terms of an approval given by the Minister; or
(b) the person has a reasonable excuse for causing the fish to be landed or transhipped.
Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (1B). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
(1C) The Minister may give a person written approval of the landing or transhipment of fish. The approval may be expressed to be subject to conditions.
(1D) The conditions to which an approval may be expressed to be subject include:
(a) a condition that the person (the approved person) to whom the approval relates notify a specified person of the landing or transhipment; and
(b) a condition that the approved person give a specified person a return of the species and quantity of fish landed or transhipped; and
(c) a condition that the landing or transhipment occur under the supervision of a specified person.
This does not limit subsection (1C).
(2) An offence against this section is an indictable offence but may be heard and determined, with the consent of the prosecutor and the defendant, by a court of summary jurisdiction.
(3) If an offence is dealt with by a court of summary jurisdiction, the penalty that the court may impose is a fine not exceeding 250 penalty units.
(4) An offence under subsection (1) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
104 Foreign boats not to contravene condition of Treaty licence
(1) A person must not, in an area of the AFZ that is within the Treaty area:
(a) use a Treaty boat; or
(b) do an act or omit to do an act on, or in relation to, a Treaty boat;
in respect of which a Treaty licence is in force, in contravention of a requirement that is, under the Treaty, a condition of the Treaty licence.
(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence punishable on conviction by a fine not exceeding 500 penalty units.
(3) An offence mentioned in subsection (1) is an indictable offence but may be heard and determined, with the consent of the prosecutor and the defendant, by a court of summary jurisdiction.
(4) If an offence mentioned in subsection (1) is dealt with by a court of summary jurisdiction, the penalty that the court may impose is a fine not exceeding 250 penalty units.
(4A) An offence mentioned in subsection (1) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(5) For the purposes of subsection (1), the use of an aircraft in association with the fishing activities of a Treaty boat is taken to be an act done or omitted to be done in relation to the Treaty boat.
(6) Where a court convicts a person of an offence arising out of a contravention of subsection (1), the court may, in addition to imposing a penalty in respect of that offence, order that the person must not, during such period as the court determines, be on a boat in the AFZ with the intention of engaging in fishing.
(7) A person who contravenes such an order commits an offence punishable, on conviction, by a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.
105 Certain prosecutions to require consent of Minister
A prosecution for an offence against this Act or the regulations that is alleged to have been committed on, with the use of, or in relation to, a Treaty boat, must not be instituted except with the Minister’s written consent.
Division 5A—Offences in places beyond the AFZ
Subdivision A—Australian‑flagged boats beyond the AFZ
105A Australian‑flagged boat with fish on high seas
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person intentionally has a fish in his or her possession or control; and
(b) the fish is on an Australian‑flagged boat on the high seas and the person is reckless as to that fact; and
(c) the taking of the fish is not authorised by a fishing concession or scientific permit and the person is reckless as to that fact.
(2) The offence is punishable on conviction by a fine not more than 500 penalty units.
105AA Person fishing for conserved fish stock on high seas without a concession—strict liability
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person uses a boat for fishing; and
(b) the fishing is for a conserved fish stock; and
(c) the boat is an Australian‑flagged boat; and
(d) the boat is on the high seas in a part of the conservation area for the fish stock; and
(e) the fishing is not authorised by a fishing concession.
(2) The offence is punishable on conviction by a fine of not more than 60 penalty units.
(3) An offence under this section is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
105AB Person fishing for conserved fish stock on high seas without a concession
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person uses a boat for fishing; and
(b) the fishing is for a conserved fish stock; and
(c) the boat is an Australian‑flagged boat; and
(d) the boat is on the high seas in a part of the conservation area for the fish stock; and
(e) the fishing is not authorised by a fishing concession.
(2) The offence is punishable on conviction by a fine of not more than 500 penalty units.
105B Australian‑flagged boat on high seas equipped for fishing
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) a person intentionally has in his or her possession or charge an Australian‑flagged boat; and
(b) the boat is equipped with nets, traps or other equipment for fishing and the person is reckless as to that fact; and
(c) the boat is at a place on the high seas and the person is reckless as to that fact.
(2) The offence is punishable on conviction by a fine not more than 500 penalty units.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) the person holds a fishing concession or scientific permit authorising the boat to be at that location equipped with nets, traps or other equipment for fishing; or
(b) the person is acting on behalf of the holder of such a concession or permit; or
(c) the boat is engaged solely in the ordinary course of trade of carrying cargo between:
(i) Australia and a foreign country; or
(ii) Australia and an external Territory; or
(iii) an external Territory and a foreign country; or
(iv) 2 external Territories; or
(d) the person has a reasonable excuse.
Note: Even if subsection (1) does not apply because the person holds, or acts for the holder of, a fishing concession or scientific permit, the person will commit an offence under section 95 if the person contravenes a condition of the concession or permit.
(4) The only burden of proof that a defendant bears in respect of subsection (3) is the burden of adducing or pointing to evidence that suggests a reasonable possibility that the matter in question existed.
105C Australian‑flagged boat fishing in foreign waters
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person intentionally uses an Australian‑flagged boat for fishing; and
(b) the boat is in the exclusive economic zone, territorial sea, archipelagic waters (as defined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) or internal waters of a foreign country and the person is reckless as to that fact; and
(c) the law of the country requires the person to have an authorisation (however described) given under the law of the country for the fishing and the person is reckless as to that fact.
(2) The offence is punishable on conviction by a fine not more than 500 penalty units.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person has an authorisation (however described) issued under the law of the country for the fishing.
(4) The only burden of proof that a defendant bears in respect of subsection (3) is the burden of adducing or pointing to evidence that suggests a reasonable possibility that the matter in question existed.
(5) If the person has been convicted or acquitted in the foreign country of an offence involving the fishing, the person cannot be convicted of an offence under this section involving the fishing.
105D Authorising foreign officials’ action affecting Australian‑flagged boats
Boarding boats suspected of illegal fishing in foreign waters
(1) On behalf of Australia, AFMA may authorise officials of a foreign country that is party to the Fish Stocks Agreement or that participates in an international fisheries management organisation to board and inspect an Australian‑flagged boat on the high seas if:
(a) AFMA or Australia has received a request from the appropriate authority of the foreign country for that country’s officials to board and inspect the boat; and
(b) AFMA has reasonable grounds to believe that the boat has been used for fishing in the exclusive economic zone, territorial sea, archipelagic waters (as defined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) or internal waters of the foreign country without an authorisation (however described) given under the law of that country; and
(c) AFMA is satisfied that the boarding and inspection will be carried out in accordance with the Fish Stocks Agreement or measures established by the international fisheries management organisation.
Investigating breach of international fisheries management measures
(2) On behalf of Australia, AFMA may authorise an authority of a foreign country that is party to the Fish Stocks Agreement or that participates in an international fisheries management organisation to investigate an alleged contravention of an international fisheries management measure involving an Australian‑flagged boat if:
(a) an official of the foreign country has boarded the boat on the high seas in an area covered by the international fisheries management organisation; and
(b) the appropriate authority of the foreign country has notified AFMA or Australia that the official has reasonable grounds for believing that the boat has been used in contravention of the international fisheries management measure; and
(c) AFMA is satisfied that the investigation will be carried out in accordance with the Fish Stocks Agreement or measures established by the international fisheries management organisation.
Revocation of authorisation by AFMA
(3) AFMA may revoke an authorisation AFMA has given under this section.
Form of authorisation or revocation by AFMA
(4) An authorisation, or revocation of an authorisation, by AFMA must be in writing or by electronic transmission. However, an authorisation or revocation cannot be made by electronic transmission of an oral message.
Enforcement action for breach of international fisheries management measures
(5) On behalf of Australia, the Attorney‑General may authorise in writing an authority of a foreign country to take specified action to enforce a law of the foreign country against a contravention of an international fisheries management measure on the high seas involving an Australian‑flagged boat if:
(a) AFMA has authorised an authority of the foreign country under subsection (2) to investigate the alleged contravention; and
(b) the appropriate authority of the foreign country has communicated the results of the investigation to Australia; and
(c) the Attorney‑General is satisfied that the action will be taken in accordance with the Fish Stocks Agreement or measures established by the international fisheries management organisation.
Revocation of authorisation by Attorney‑General
(6) The Attorney‑General may revoke in writing an authorisation he or she has given under this section.
Subdivision B—Using foreign boat to contravene international fisheries management measure
105E Contravention on high seas—strict liability
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person uses a boat for fishing; and
(b) the person contravenes an international fisheries management measure in relation to the fishing; and
(c) the boat is on the high seas; and
(d) the boat is a foreign boat.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(2) Strict liability applies to subsection (1).
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply if the act that contravenes the international fisheries management measure is fishing that is authorised by an authorisation (however described) issued under the law of the country of nationality of the boat.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (3) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).
105EA Contravention on high seas
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person uses a boat for fishing; and
(b) the person contravenes an international fisheries management measure in relation to the fishing; and
(c) the boat is on the high seas; and
(d) the boat is a foreign boat.
Penalty: 500 penalty units.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraphs (1)(c) and (d).
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply if the act that contravenes the international fisheries management measure is fishing that is authorised by an authorisation (however described) issued under the law of the country of nationality of the boat.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (3) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).
105EB Attorney‑General’s consent required for prosecution
(1) The Attorney‑General’s written consent is required before a charge of an offence against section 105E or 105EA, alleged to have been committed by a person other than an Australian national, can proceed to hearing or determination.
(2) Before granting such a consent, the Attorney‑General must take into account any views expressed by the government of the country of nationality of the boat alleged to be involved in the offence.
(3) Even though the Attorney‑General has not granted such a consent, the absence of consent is not to prevent or delay:
(a) the arrest of the suspected offender or proceedings related to arrest (such as proceedings for the issue and execution of a warrant); or
(b) the laying of a charge against the suspected offender; or
(c) proceedings for the extradition to Australia of the suspected offender; or
(d) proceedings for remanding the suspected offender in custody or on bail.
(4) If the Attorney‑General declines to grant consent, the court in which the suspected offender has been charged with the offence must permanently stay proceedings on the charge.
(5) In any proceedings, an apparently genuine document purporting to be a copy of a written consent granted by the Attorney‑General in accordance with this section will be accepted, in the absence of proof to the contrary, as proof of such consent.
105F Australian national on foreign boat in foreign waters—strict liability
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person uses a boat for fishing; and
(b) the person is an Australian national; and
(c) the person contravenes an international fisheries management measure in relation to the fishing; and
(d) the boat is in the exclusive economic zone, territorial sea, archipelagic waters (as defined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) or internal waters of a foreign country; and
(e) the boat is a foreign boat.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(2) Strict liability applies to subsection (1).
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply if the act that contravenes the international fisheries management measure is fishing that is authorised by an authorisation (however described) issued under the law of the country covered by paragraph (1)(d).
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (3) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).
105FA Australian national on foreign boat in foreign waters
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person uses a boat for fishing; and
(b) the person is an Australian national; and
(c) the person contravenes an international fisheries management measure in relation to the fishing; and
(d) the boat is in the exclusive economic zone, territorial sea, archipelagic waters (as defined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) or internal waters of a foreign country; and
(e) the boat is a foreign boat.
Penalty: 500 penalty units.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraphs (1)(d) and (e).
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply if the act that contravenes the international fisheries management measure is fishing that is authorised by an authorisation (however described) issued under the law of the country covered by paragraph (1)(d).
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (3) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).
Subdivision C—Unauthorised foreign boat on high seas
105H Unauthorised fishing—strict liability
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person uses a boat for fishing; and
(b) the boat is a foreign boat; and
(c) the boat is on the high seas; and
(d) a law of the country of nationality of the boat requires the fishing to be authorised (however described); and
(e) the fishing is not so authorised.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(2) Strict liability applies to subsection (1).
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
105I Unauthorised fishing
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person uses a boat for fishing; and
(b) the boat is a foreign boat; and
(c) the boat is on the high seas; and
(d) a law of the country of nationality of the boat requires the fishing to be authorised (however described); and
(e) the fishing is not so authorised.
Penalty: 500 penalty units.
105J Attorney‑General’s consent required for prosecution
(1) The Attorney‑General’s written consent is required before a charge of an offence against this Subdivision, alleged to have been committed by a person other than an Australian national, can proceed to hearing or determination.
(2) Before granting such a consent, the Attorney‑General must take into account any views expressed by the government of the country of nationality of the boat alleged to be involved in the offence.
(3) Even though the Attorney‑General has not granted such a consent, the absence of consent is not to prevent or delay:
(a) the arrest of the suspected offender or proceedings related to arrest (such as proceedings for the issue and execution of a warrant); or
(b) the laying of a charge against the suspected offender; or
(c) proceedings for the extradition to Australia of the suspected offender; or
(d) proceedings for remanding the suspected offender in custody or on bail.
(4) If the Attorney‑General declines to grant consent, the court in which the suspected offender has been charged with the offence must permanently stay proceedings on the charge.
(5) In any proceedings, an apparently genuine document purporting to be a copy of a written consent granted by the Attorney‑General in accordance with this section will be accepted, in the absence of proof to the contrary, as proof of such consent.
Division 5B—Provisions relating to detention of suspected illegal foreign fishers
105Q Provisions relating to detention of suspected illegal foreign fishers
Schedule 1A has effect.
Division 6—General
Subdivision A—Forfeiture by court order
106 Forfeiture of things used in certain offences
(1) Where a court convicts a person of an offence against section 13 or subsection 95(5) the court may order the forfeiture of all or any of the following:
(a) if a boat was used in the commission of the offence—that boat; or
(b) a net, trap or equipment that was on board that boat at the time of the commission of the offence, or that was used in the commission of the offence; or
(c) fish on board that boat at that time or in relation to which the offence was committed; or
(d) the proceeds of the sale of fish of the kind referred to in paragraph (c).
(2) Where a court convicts a person of an offence against section 102, 103 or 104 or Division 5A of Part 6 the court may order the forfeiture of all or any of the following:
(a) the boat in relation to which the offence is committed;
(b) a net, trap or equipment on board that boat at the time of the offence;
(c) fish on board that boat at that time or in relation to which the offence is committed;
(d) fish landed in contravention of section 103;
(e) the proceeds of the sale of any such fish.
(2A) If a court convicts a person:
(a) of an offence against paragraph 95(1)(g) of this Act; or
(b) of an offence against section 136.1, 137.1 or 137.2 of the Criminal Code that relates to this Act;
in respect of a logbook kept or purported to be kept, or a logbook or return furnished or purported to be furnished, under section 42 of this Act, the court may order the forfeiture of all or any of the following:
(c) if the logbook or return related, in whole or in part, to the taking, carrying, landing, transhipping, transporting or processing of fish—any boat employed in that activity;
(d) if the logbook or return related, in whole or in part, to the taking or processing of fish—any net, trap or equipment on board a boat employed in that taking or processing for purposes related to that taking or processing;
(e) if the logbook or return related, in whole or in part, to the taking, carrying, landing, transhipping, transporting or processing of fish—any fish on board a boat employed in that activity that were, or should have been, covered by the logbook or return;
(f) if the logbook or return related, in whole or in part, to the taking, carrying, landing, transhipping, transporting, receipt or processing of fish—the proceeds of the sale of the fish that were, or should have been, covered by the logbook or return.
106AAA Forfeiture of additional things on forfeited boats
(1) This section applies if:
(a) a court orders a boat to be forfeited under section 106 because:
(i) it was used in the commission of an offence (the relevant offence) against section 13 or subsection 95(5); or
(ii) it is a boat in relation to which an offence (also referred to as the relevant offence) against section 102, 103 or 104 or Division 5A of Part 6 was committed; and
(b) at the time the court makes the order, there are nets, traps, equipment or fish (the additional things) on the boat that the court cannot order to be forfeited under section 106.
Forfeiture within 2 years
(2) If the order for the boat to be forfeited is made within 2 years after the commission of the relevant offence, the court may order the forfeiture of the additional things.
Things owned by the person who owned the boat
(3) If the additional things are owned by the person who owned the boat immediately before the relevant offence was committed, the court may order the forfeiture of the additional things.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), the additional things are taken, unless the contrary is proved, to be owned by the person who owned the boat immediately before the relevant offence was committed.
Things owned by persons who commit offences
(5) If the additional things are owned:
(a) by the person who committed the relevant offence; or
(b) by a person who committed an offence against:
(i) section 6 of the Crimes Act 1914; or
(ii) an ancillary offence (within the meaning of the Criminal Code);
that relates to the relevant offence;
the court may order the forfeiture of the additional things.
(6) For the purposes of subsection (5), the additional things are taken, unless the contrary is proved, to be owned:
(a) for the purposes of paragraph (5)(a)—by the person who committed the relevant offence; and
(b) for the purposes of paragraph (5)(b)—by a person who committed an offence against:
(i) section 6 of the Crimes Act 1914; or
(ii) an ancillary offence (within the meaning of the Criminal Code);
that relates to the relevant offence.
(7) To avoid doubt, nothing in subsection (2), (3) or (5) limits the operation of another subsection of this section.
106AAB Forfeited things become the property of the Commonwealth
Any boat or other property (including fish) ordered by a court to be forfeited under this Subdivision becomes the property of the Commonwealth and must be dealt with or disposed of in accordance with the directions of the Minister.
106AAC Rights and interests of the Commonwealth not limited
To avoid doubt, a provision of this Subdivision giving the Commonwealth rights or interests in relation to property does not limit any other right or interest the Commonwealth has or acquires otherwise than under this Subdivision.
Subdivision B—Automatic forfeiture of things
106A Forfeiture of things used in certain offences
(1) The following things are forfeited to the Commonwealth:
(a) a foreign boat used in an offence against:
(i) subsection 95(2); or
(ii) section 99; or
(iii) section 100; or
(iv) section 100A; or
(v) section 100B; or
(vi) section 101; or
(vii) section 101A; or
(viii) section 101AA;
(b) a boat used in an offence against section 101B as a support boat (as defined in that section);
(c) a net or trap, or equipment, that:
(i) was on a boat described in paragraph (a) or (b) at the time of the offence mentioned in that paragraph; or
(ii) was used in the commission of an offence against subsection 95(2) or section 99, 100, 100A, 100B, 101, 101A, 101AA or 101B;
(d) fish:
(i) on a boat described in paragraph (a) or (b) at the time of the offence mentioned in that paragraph; or
(ii) involved in the commission of an offence against subsection 95(2) or section 99, 100, 100A, 100B, 101, 101A, 101AA or 101B.
Note: Paragraph 84(1)(ga) allows an officer to seize a thing that is forfeited under this section or that the officer has reasonable grounds to believe is forfeited.
(2) If:
(a) a boat is forfeited to the Commonwealth under subsection (1) because it was used in the commission of an offence; and
(b) the boat is seized under paragraph 84(1)(ga) or under section 67 of the Maritime Powers Act 2013;
any nets, traps or equipment on the boat at the time it is seized are taken, unless the contrary is proved:
(c) for the purposes of subparagraph (1)(c)(i)—to have been on the boat at the time of the offence; and
(d) for the purposes of subparagraph (1)(c)(ii)—to have been used in the commission of an offence against subsection 95(2) or section 99, 100, 100A, 100B, 101, 101A, 101AA or 101B.
(3) If:
(a) a boat is forfeited to the Commonwealth under subsection (1) because it was used in the commission of an offence; and
(b) the boat is seized under paragraph 84(1)(ga) or under section 67 of the Maritime Powers Act 2013;
any fish on the boat at the time it is seized are taken, unless the contrary is proved:
(c) for the purposes of subparagraph (1)(d)(i)—to have been on the boat at the time of the offence; and
(d) for the purposes of subparagraph (1)(d)(ii)—to have been involved in the commission of an offence against subsection 95(2) or section 99, 100, 100A, 100B, 101, 101A, 101AA or 101B.
106AA Forfeiture of additional things on seized boats
(1) This section applies if:
(a) a boat is forfeited to the Commonwealth under section 106A because it was used in the commission of an offence (the relevant offence); and
(b) the boat is seized under paragraph 84(1)(ga) or under section 67 of the Maritime Powers Act 2013; and
(c) at the time the boat is seized, there are nets, traps, equipment or fish (the additional things) on the boat that have not been forfeited under section 106A.
Seizure within 2 years
(2) If the boat is seized within 2 years after it is forfeited, the additional things are forfeited to the Commonwealth at the time the boat is seized.
Things owned by the person who owned the boat
(3) If the additional things are owned by the person who owned the boat immediately before the relevant offence was committed, the additional things are forfeited to the Commonwealth at the time the boat is seized.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), the additional things are taken, unless the contrary is proved, to be owned by the person who owned the boat immediately before the relevant offence was committed.
Things owned by persons who commit offences
(5) If the additional things are owned:
(a) by the person who committed the relevant offence; or
(b) by a person who committed an offence against:
(i) section 6 of the Crimes Act 1914; or
(ii) an ancillary offence (within the meaning of the Criminal Code);
that relates to the relevant offence;
the additional things are forfeited to the Commonwealth at the time the boat is seized.
(6) For the purposes of subsection (5), the additional things are taken, unless the contrary is proved, to be owned:
(a) for the purposes of paragraph (5)(a)—by the person who committed the relevant offence; and
(b) for the purposes of paragraph (5)(b)—by a person who committed an offence against:
(i) section 6 of the Crimes Act 1914; or
(ii) an ancillary offence (within the meaning of the Criminal Code);
that relates to the relevant offence.
(7) To avoid doubt, nothing in subsection (2), (3) or (5) limits the operation of another subsection of this section.
106AB Rights and interests of the Commonwealth not limited
To avoid doubt, a provision of this Subdivision giving the Commonwealth rights or interests in relation to property does not limit any other right or interest the Commonwealth has or acquires otherwise than under this Subdivision.
Subdivision BA—Automatic ownership of things
106AC Fish taken with Commonwealth property
If:
(a) a thing is forfeited to the Commonwealth under section 106 or 106A; and
(b) the thing is used for, or in the taking of, fish:
(i) after it is forfeited; and
(ii) without the written permission of the Minister for such use;
the fish are the property of the Commonwealth.
106AD Things on, in or attached to boats
At any time during which a boat is the property of the Commonwealth because:
(a) the court has ordered the forfeiture of the boat under section 106; or
(b) the boat is forfeited under section 106A;
anything on, in or attached to the boat that forms part of the boat is also the property of the Commonwealth.
106AE Rights and interests of the Commonwealth not limited
To avoid doubt, a provision of this Subdivision giving the Commonwealth rights or interests in relation to property does not limit any other right or interest the Commonwealth has or acquires otherwise than under this Subdivision.
Subdivision C—Dealing with things seized
106B Application of this Subdivision
This Subdivision sets out rules about the following:
(a) a thing that an officer seizes under paragraph 84(1)(ga) or (gb):
(i) because the thing is forfeited under Subdivision B; or
(ii) because the officer has reasonable grounds to believe the thing is forfeited under Subdivision B;
(b) a thing that an officer seizes under paragraph 84(1)(gc) or (gd):
(i) because the thing is the property of the Commonwealth because of the operation of Subdivision BA; or
(ii) because the officer has reasonable grounds to believe the thing is the property of the Commonwealth because of the operation of Subdivision BA.
106C Notice of seizure
Giving notice
(1) The officer must give written notice of the seizure of the thing:
(a) if the thing is, or was on, a boat, or was used in connection with a boat:
(i) to the person who was the master of the boat immediately before the seizure; or
(ii) to the person whom the officer has reasonable grounds to believe was the master of the boat immediately before the seizure; or
(b) in a case not covered by paragraph (a):
(i) to the owner of the thing; or
(ii) to the person who had possession, custody or control of the thing immediately before it was seized.
(1A) However, if the officer cannot conveniently give the notice to the person in person, the officer may give written notice of the seizure of the thing by fixing the notice to a prominent part of the thing, unless the thing is a fish.
Content of notice
(2) The notice must:
(a) identify the thing; and
(b) state that the thing has been seized; and
(c) state that the thing will be condemned as forfeited unless the owner of the thing or the person who had possession, custody or control of the thing immediately before it was seized gives the CEO within 30 days a written claim in English for the thing; and
(d) specify the address of the CEO.
Note: Section 106E condemns the thing if it is not claimed within 30 days. Section 106G condemns the thing if it is claimed but the claimant does not get a court order supporting the claim.
106D Dealing with thing before it is condemned
(1) On behalf of the Commonwealth, AFMA may cause the thing to be disposed of or destroyed if it is a boat and AFMA is satisfied that:
(a) the boat is unseaworthy; or
(b) the boat poses a serious risk to safety or public health; or
(ba) the boat poses an unacceptable level of biosecurity risk (within the meaning of the Biosecurity Act 2015); or
(c) the boat poses a serious risk of damage to other property or the environment; or
(d) the expenses of custody and maintenance of the boat between its seizure and condemnation are likely to be greater than its value.
(2) If AFMA causes the boat to be disposed of, it may cause the disposal to be made subject to specified conditions.
(3) The table lists some other provisions relevant to dealing with things before they are condemned as forfeited to the Commonwealth:
Provisions about dealing with things before they are condemned |
Item | Provision | Subject of provision |
1 | Paragraph 84(1)(t) | Officer’s power to dispose of seized fish |
2 | Section 88 | Release of seized property |
106E Thing condemned if not claimed in time
(1) By force of this subsection, the thing is condemned as forfeited to the Commonwealth 30 days after notice of seizure of the thing has been given under section 106C, unless:
(a) within the 30 days the owner of the thing or the person who had possession, custody or control of it immediately before it was seized gives the CEO a written claim for the thing; and
(b) the claim is in English; and
(c) the claim sets out an address for service on the person making the claim.
Note: Section 106H requires things condemned as forfeited to be dealt with in accordance with the Minister’s directions.
(2) A person may claim the thing even if it is disposed of or destroyed before or after the claim.
106F Dealing with claim for thing
(1) If the thing is claimed as described in section 106E:
(a) an officer may retain possession of the thing without starting any proceedings for the condemnation of the goods; and
(b) the CEO may give the claimant a written notice stating that the thing will be condemned if the claimant does not institute proceedings against the Commonwealth within 2 months:
(i) to recover the thing; or
(ii) for a declaration that the thing is not forfeited.
Note 1: An officer may retain possession even if the CEO does not give notice. If so, the claimant will be able to recover the thing only if it is released under section 88 or a court orders its release to the claimant.
Note 2: If the CEO does give the notice and the claimant institutes proceedings, whether the claimant recovers the thing will depend on the outcome of the proceedings.
(2) The CEO may give the notice to the claimant by posting it prepaid as a letter to the last address of the claimant that is known to the CEO. If the CEO does so, the letter is taken to be properly addressed for the purposes of section 29 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(3) Subsection (2) does not limit the ways in which the notice may be given.
Note: Sections 28A and 29 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 explain how a notice can be given, and when it is taken to be given.
(4) To avoid doubt, the CEO may give the notice even if the thing has been released under section 88.
106G Condemnation of thing if it is claimed
Application
(1) This section applies if the CEO gives the claimant a notice under section 106F about instituting proceedings:
(a) to recover the thing; or
(b) for a declaration that the thing is not forfeited.
Condemnation if proceedings not started within 2 months
(2) By force of this subsection, the thing is condemned as forfeited to the Commonwealth 2 months after the notice is given if the claimant does not institute the proceedings within that period.
Condemnation at end of proceedings started within 2 months
(3) By force of this subsection, the thing is condemned as forfeited to the Commonwealth at the end of the proceedings that are instituted by the claimant against the Commonwealth within 2 months of the claimant being given the notice if, at the end of the proceedings, there is not:
(a) an order for the claimant to recover the thing; or
(b) an order for the Commonwealth to pay the claimant the proceeds of the sale of the thing if it has been sold before the end of the proceedings; or
(c) an order for the Commonwealth to pay the claimant the market value of the thing at the time it was disposed of (except by sale) or destroyed, if it has been disposed of (except by sale) or destroyed before the end of the proceedings; or
(d) a declaration that the thing is not forfeited.
End of proceedings that go to judgment
(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), if the proceedings go to judgment, they end:
(a) at the end of the period for lodging an appeal against the judgment, if no appeal is lodged within that period; or
(b) when the appeal lapses or is finally determined, if an appeal is lodged against the judgment within that period.
Proceedings relating to thing that has been disposed of
(5) Proceedings relating to the thing may be instituted or continued even if it is disposed of or destroyed.
Order for payment if thing has been disposed of or destroyed
(6) If the court hearing the proceedings decides that it would have ordered that the thing be delivered to a person apart from the fact that the thing had been disposed of or destroyed, the court must order the Commonwealth to pay the person an amount equal to:
(a) the proceeds of the sale of the thing, if it has been sold before the end of the proceedings; or
(b) the market value of the thing at the time it was disposed of (except by sale) or destroyed, if it has been disposed of (except by sale) or destroyed before the end of the proceedings.
106H Dealing with thing after it is condemned
If the thing is condemned as forfeited to the Commonwealth, the thing must be dealt with or disposed of in accordance with the directions of the Minister.
106HA Evidence
(1) For the purposes of proceedings taken:
(a) to recover a thing forfeited under Subdivision B; or
(b) for a declaration that a thing seized under paragraph 84(1)(ga) or (gb) is not forfeited under Subdivision B;
if a person has been convicted of an offence mentioned in paragraph 106A(1)(a) or (b), the person is taken, unless the contrary is proved, to have committed the offence.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to a conviction:
(a) in respect of which a review or appeal (however described) has been instituted but not finally determined; or
(b) that has been quashed or set aside; or
(c) in respect of which a pardon has been given.
Subdivision E—Obstruction of officers
108 Obstruction of officers etc.
(1) A person must not:
(a) fail to facilitate by all reasonable means the boarding of a boat by an officer; or
(b) refuse to allow a search to be made that is authorised by or under this Act; or
(c) refuse or neglect to comply with a requirement made by an officer under section 84; or
(d) when lawfully required to state the person’s name and address to an officer, state a false name or address to the officer; or
(e) use abusive or threatening language to an officer or other person exercising a power or performing a function under this Act; or
(f) assault, resist or obstruct an officer or other person exercising a power or performing a function under this Act in the exercise of the power or performance of the function; or
(g) impersonate an officer.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months.
(2) Paragraphs (1)(b) and (c) do not apply if the person has a reasonable excuse.
Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
(3) In paragraph (1)(c), strict liability applies to the physical element of circumstance, that the requirement is under section 84.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
Subdivision F—Enforcement action under this Act prevails over other action
108A Seizure or forfeiture has effect despite other proceedings
(1) The seizure, detention or forfeiture of a boat or any other property (including fish) under this Act has effect despite:
(a) any or all of the following events (each of which is an admiralty event):
(i) the arrest of the boat under the Admiralty Act 1988;
(ii) the making of an order for the sale of the boat by a court in proceedings brought under the Admiralty Act 1988;
(iii) the sale of the boat under an order made by a court in proceedings brought under the Admiralty Act 1988; or
(b) any action (a PPSA event) taken in relation to the enforcement under Part 4.3 of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 of a PPSA security interest in the boat or other property.
(2) Subsection (1) has effect regardless of whether the seizure, detention or forfeiture, or the event that was the basis for the seizure, detention or forfeiture, occurred before or after the admiralty event or the PPSA event.
Subdivision G—Disclosures relating to illegal fishing activities
108B Minister may disclose information relating to illegal fishing activities
(1) The Minister may disclose, or authorise a prescribed agency within the meaning of subsection (3) to disclose on the Minister’s behalf, information relating to fishing activities that may involve a breach of the laws of Australia or of a foreign country, including personal information relating to the fishing activities of individuals that may involve such a breach, to:
(a) the government of a foreign country; or
(b) an instrumentality of such a government; or
(c) an international intergovernmental body.
(2) In disclosing the information, or in authorising its disclosure, the Minister may require that it:
(a) not be disclosed by the government, instrumentality or body to which it is provided; or
(b) be disclosed only for such purposes, and on such conditions, as the Minister specifies.
(3) An agency is a prescribed agency for the purposes of subsection (1) if:
(a) it is an agency within the meaning of section 7 of the Public Service Act 1999; and
(b) it is declared by the regulations to be a prescribed agency for the purposes of that subsection.
Part 7—Collection of levy and charge
Division 1—Collection of levy imposed by the Fishing Levy Act 1991
109 Interpretation
In this Division:
levy means levy imposed by the Fishing Levy Act 1991.
110 When is levy due?
Levy is due and payable at a time or times ascertained in accordance with the regulations.
111 Payment by instalments
(1) The regulations may provide for the payment of an amount of levy to be made by instalments, and, subject to subsection (2), each instalment is due and payable at a time ascertained in accordance with the regulations.
(2) If:
(a) the regulations provide for the payment of an amount of levy to be made by instalments; and
(b) an instalment is not paid at or before the time due for payment of the instalment;
the whole of the amount of levy unpaid becomes due and payable at that time.
112 Penalty for non‑payment
If an amount of levy remains unpaid after the day on which it becomes due for payment, there is payable to the Commonwealth by way of penalty, in addition to that amount of levy, an amount calculated at the rate of 20% per annum upon the amount of levy from time to time remaining unpaid, to be calculated from the time when the amount of levy became payable.
113 Recovery of levy and other amounts
(1) The following amounts may be recovered by the Commonwealth as debts due to the Commonwealth:
(a) levy that is due and payable;
(b) an amount payable under section 112.
(1A) If:
(a) levy is due and payable in respect of a statutory fishing right in respect of a period; and
(b) that statutory fishing right is surrendered before any fishing activities are undertaken under the statutory fishing right during that period;
AFMA may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, by written notice given to the holder of the statutory fishing right, waive:
(c) the levy payable in respect of that statutory fishing right in respect of the period; and
(d) if any amount is payable under section 112 in respect of that levy—the amount so payable.
(2) If:
(a) levy is due and payable in respect of a fishing permit granted under section 32; and
(b) that permit is surrendered before any fishing activities are undertaken under the permit;
AFMA may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, by written notice given to the holder of the permit, waive:
(c) the levy payable in respect of that permit; and
(d) if any amount is payable under section 112 in respect of that levy—the amount so payable.
Division 2—Collection of levy imposed by the Foreign Fishing Licences Levy Act 1991
114 Interpretation
In this Division:
levy means levy imposed by the Foreign Fishing Licences Levy Act 1991.
115 Arrangements between AFMA and person by whom levy payable
AFMA may make arrangements with a person by whom an amount of levy is, or will become, payable in relation to:
(a) the time for payment; or
(b) the manner of payment;
of the amount of levy or any part of that amount.
116 When is levy due?
An amount of levy on the grant of a licence becomes due and payable:
(a) where AFMA has, under section 115, made arrangements with a person by whom the amount of levy is or will become payable in relation to the time for payment of the amount of levy or any part of that amount—in accordance with the arrangements; and
(b) in any other case—at the end of the period of 30 days after the grant of the licence.
117 Penalty for non‑payment
Where a person who is liable to pay an amount of levy fails to pay that amount or any part of that amount to the Commonwealth at or before the time when that amount becomes due and payable, the person is liable to pay to the Commonwealth, by way of penalty, in addition to that amount of levy, an amount calculated at the rate of 10% per month upon the amount of levy from time to time remaining unpaid, computed for the period commencing on the day on which that amount of levy became due and payable and ending on the day specified in the licence as being the day until which the licence is to remain in force.
118 Recovery of levy and other amounts
The following amounts may be recovered by the Commonwealth as debts due to the Commonwealth:
(a) levy that is due and payable;
(b) an amount payable under section 117.
Division 3—Collection of charge imposed by the Statutory Fishing Rights Charge Act 1991
119 Interpretation
In this Division:
charge means charge imposed by the Statutory Fishing Rights Charge Act 1991.
120 When is charge due?
Subject to section 121, charge is due and payable:
(a) at a time or times ascertained in accordance with the regulations; or
(b) if the regulations do not make such provision—at the time of the grant of the statutory fishing right.
121 Payment by instalments
(1) The regulations may provide for the payment of an amount of charge to be made by instalments, and subject to subsection (2), each instalment is due and payable at a time ascertained in accordance with the regulations.
(2) If:
(a) the regulations provide for the payment of an amount of charge to be made by instalments; and
(b) an instalment is not paid at or before the time due for payment of the instalment;
the whole of the amount of the charge unpaid becomes due and payable at that time.
122 Penalty for non‑payment
If an amount of charge remains unpaid after the day on which it becomes due for payment, there is payable to the Commonwealth, by way of penalty, in addition to that amount of charge, an amount calculated at the rate of 20% per annum upon the amount of charge from time to time remaining unpaid, to be calculated from the time when the amount of charge became payable.
123 Recovery of charge and other amounts
The following amounts may be recovered by the Commonwealth as debts due to the Commonwealth:
(a) charge that is due and payable; and
(b) an amount payable under section 122.
Part 8—Review by the Statutory Fishing Rights Allocation Review Panel
Division 1—Establishment etc. of Panel
124 Establishment of Panel
A Statutory Fishing Rights Allocation Review Panel is established.
125 Constitution
The Panel is to consist of the following members:
(a) a Principal Member;
(b) such other members as are appointed in accordance with this Act, not exceeding the number (if any) specified in the regulations.
126 Appointment of members
(1) The members of the Panel are to be appointed by the Minister.
(2) A person may not be appointed as a member for more than 3 consecutive terms.
(3) Members of the Panel, other than the Principal Member, are to be appointed from persons nominated under Division 2.
(4) Subject to this Part, a member holds office for such term (not exceeding 4 years) as is specified in the instrument of appointment, but is eligible for re‑appointment in accordance with this Part.
(5) A member is to be appointed as a part‑time member.
(6) The appointment of a person as a member is not invalid because of a defect or irregularity in connection with the person’s nomination or appointment.
127 Qualifications etc. of Principal Member
The Minister is to appoint a person to be the Principal Member of the Panel only if the Minister is satisfied that the person has had experience at a high level in industry, commerce or public administration or in the practice of a profession.
128 Acting Principal Member
The Minister may appoint a person to act in the office of Principal Member:
(a) during a vacancy in that office, whether or not an appointment has previously been made to the office; or
(b) during any period, or during all periods, when the Principal Member is absent from duty or from Australia or is, for any other reason, unable to perform the duties of the office of Principal Member.
Note: For rules that apply to acting appointments, see section 33A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
129 Constitution of Panel for exercise of powers
For the purpose of a particular review, the Panel is to be constituted by:
(a) the Principal Member; and
(b) 2 members selected by the Principal Member.
130 Member unable to complete review
If the Panel has commenced or completed a review of a decision but has not finally determined the matter and one of the members (other than the Principal Member) constituting the Panel for the purposes of the review has:
(a) ceased to be a member; or
(b) ceased to be available for the purposes of the review, whether because of the operation of section 134 or otherwise;
the hearing and determination, or the determination, of the review is to be completed by the Panel constituted by the remaining members.
131 Remuneration and allowances of members
(1) A member is to be paid such remuneration as is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal but, if no determination is in operation, the member is to be paid such remuneration as is prescribed.
(2) A member is to be paid such allowances as are prescribed.
(3) Where:
(a) a person who is a member of, or a candidate for election to, the Parliament of a State; and
(b) under the law of the State, the person would not be eligible to remain, or to be elected, as a member of that Parliament if the person were entitled to remuneration or allowances under this Act;
the person must not be paid remuneration or allowances under this Act, but is to be reimbursed the expenses that the person reasonably incurs in performing duties under this Act.
(4) Where a member:
(a) is a member of the Parliament of a State, but subsection (3) does not apply in relation to the person; or
(b) is in the service or employment of a State, or an authority of a State, on a full‑time basis; or
(c) holds or performs the duties of an office or position established by or under a law of a State on a full‑time basis;
it is a condition of the person’s holding office under this Act that the person pay to the State, within one month of receiving an amount of remuneration under this Act, an amount equal to the amount of the remuneration.
(5) An amount payable under subsection (4) may be recovered by the State as a debt due to the State.
(6) This section has effect subject to the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.
(7) In this section:
Parliament means:
(a) in relation to the Australian Capital Territory—the Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory; and
(b) in relation to the Northern Territory—the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory.
State includes the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
132 Other terms and conditions
A member holds office on such terms and conditions (if any) in respect of matters not provided for by this Act as are determined by the Minister in writing.
133 Resignation
A member of the Panel may resign by giving to the Minister a signed notice of resignation.
134 Disclosure of interests
(1) Where a member is, or is to be, a member of the Panel constituted for the purposes of a review and has a conflict of interest in relation to the review, the member:
(a) must disclose the matters giving rise to that conflict to the parties to the proceeding; and
(b) except with the consent of all the parties to the proceeding, must not take part in the review or exercise any powers in relation to the review.
(2) Where the Principal Member becomes aware that a member is, or is to be, a member of the Panel as constituted for the purposes of a review and that the member has a conflict of interest in relation to the review:
(a) if the Principal Member considers that the member should not take part, or should not continue to take part, in the review—the Principal Member must direct the member accordingly; or
(b) in any other case—the Principal Member must disclose the member’s interest to all the parties to the proceedings.
(3) Where the Principal Member discloses the member’s interest to all the parties to the proceedings, the member must not, except with the consent of all the parties, take part in the review or exercise any powers in relation to the review.
(4) For the purposes of this section, a member has a conflict of interest in relation to a review by the Panel if the member has any interest, pecuniary or otherwise, that could conflict with the proper performance of the member’s functions in relation to that review.
135 Termination of appointment
(1) The Minister may terminate the appointment of a member of the Panel for:
(a) misbehaviour or physical or mental incapacity; or
(b) inefficiency or incompetence.
(2) If a member becomes bankrupt, applies to take the benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors, compounds with his or her creditors or makes an assignment of his or her remuneration for their benefit, the Minister may terminate the appointment of the member.
136 Registries
The Minister is to arrange for the establishment of such Registries of the Panel as the Minister thinks fit.
137 Officers of Panel
(1) There are to be a Registrar of the Panel and such Deputy Registrars and other officers of the Panel as are required.
(2) The Registrar, Deputy Registrars and other officers of the Panel are to be appointed by the Minister.
(3) The officers of the Panel have:
(a) such duties, powers and functions as are provided by this Act and the regulations; and
(b) such other duties and functions as the Principal Member directs.
(4) The Registrar, Deputy Registrars and other officers of the Panel are to be persons engaged under the Public Service Act 1999.
138 Acting appointments
(1) The Minister may appoint a person engaged under the Public Service Act 1999 to act in a Panel office:
(a) during a vacancy in the office; or
(b) during a period when the holder of the office is absent from duty.
(2) In this section:
Panel office means:
(a) the office of the Registrar of the Panel; or
(b) an office of Deputy Registrar of the Panel; or
(c) the office of any other officer of the Panel appointed under section 137.
Division 2—Nomination and selection process for members of the Panel
139 Presiding Member
(1) The Minister is to appoint a person to be the Presiding Member of Australian Fisheries Management Authority Selection Committees.
(2) The Presiding Member is to be appointed on a part‑time basis.
(3) Subject to this Division, the Presiding Member holds office for such period, not exceeding 3 years, as is specified in the instrument of appointment, but is eligible to be re‑appointed once in accordance with this Act.
140 Acting Presiding Member
The Minister may appoint a person to act as Presiding Member:
(a) during a vacancy in the office of Presiding Member (whether or not an appointment has previously been made to the office); or
(b) during any period, or during all periods, when the Presiding Member is absent from Australia or is, for any other reason, unable to perform the duties of the office.
Note: For rules that apply to acting appointments, see section 33A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
141 Request for nominations
(1) The Minister may, by written notice given to the Presiding Member, request the Presiding Member to establish a Selection Committee for the purpose of:
(a) nominating a person or persons for appointment (otherwise than as the Principal Member) as a member or members of the Panel; or
(b) if there is a vacancy caused by the resignation of, or the ending of the appointment of, any member (other than the Principal Member)—nominating a person for appointment.
(2) The Minister is to specify in the notice a period within which the Selection Committee is to comply with the notice.
141A Selection Committee
(1) Where the Presiding Member receives a request under section 141, he or she must:
(a) establish a Selection Committee for the purpose of nominating a person or persons for appointment to the Panel; and
(b) give to the body that is the peak industry body within the meaning of the Fisheries Administration Act 1991 a written notice requesting the body to nominate to the Minister persons for appointment to the Selection Committee; and
(c) give to the Ministerial Council a written notice requesting the Council to nominate to the Minister a person for appointment to the Selection Committee; and
(d) take reasonable steps to inform members of the public (which may consist of advertising in a newspaper circulating generally throughout the Commonwealth), and members of such groups of persons (if any) as the Presiding Member thinks appropriate, of the following matters:
(i) that nominations are being sought for appointment of a person or persons to the Panel;
(ii) the qualifications for nomination required by a person.
(2) The function of the Selection Committee is, in accordance with the request of the Minister, to nominate a person or persons for appointment to the Panel.
(3) The Selection Committee has power to do all things that are necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, the performance of its function.
141B Membership of Selection Committee
(1) A Selection Committee is to consist of the following members:
(a) the Presiding Member;
(b) 2 members determined by the Minister, one of whom has knowledge of environmental conservation issues;
(c) 2 members nominated by the peak industry body referred to in paragraph 141A(1)(b);
(d) a member nominated by the Ministerial Council.
(2) A Selection Committee member referred to in paragraph (1)(b), (c) or (d) is to be appointed by the Minister in writing and holds office on a part‑time basis.
141C Selection of nominees
(1) A Selection Committee must only nominate for appointment as members of the Panel persons who have expertise in one or more of the following fields:
(a) commercial fishing;
(b) fishing industry operations other than commercial fishing;
(c) fisheries science;
(d) natural resource management;
(e) marine ecology;
(f) economics;
(g) business management;
(h) such other fields (if any) as are prescribed.
(2) In selecting persons for nomination, a Selection Committee must try to choose such persons as will ensure, as far as practicable, that the members of the Panel collectively possess expertise in all of the fields referred to in subsection (1).
(3) A Selection Committee must not nominate a person who is:
(a) a member of the Selection Committee; or
(b) a commissioner of the Commission; or
(c) under subsection 126(2), ineligible for appointment.
141D Nomination
(1) Within the period specified in a notice under section 141:
(a) the Selection Committee must select a person or persons for nomination according to the request; and
(b) the Presiding Member must, on behalf of the Committee, nominate the person or persons selected by the Committee.
(2) A nomination must:
(a) be in writing; and
(b) be given to the Minister.
(3) A Selection Committee must select only one person in respect of each appointment to be made by the Minister.
(4) Where a person is nominated for appointment, the Presiding Member must attach to the nomination a statement setting out:
(a) details of the person’s qualifications and experience; and
(b) any other information regarding the person that the Committee considers will assist the Minister in deciding whether to appoint the person.
141E Rejection of nominations
(1) If the Minister is not satisfied that a person nominated by a Selection Committee is suitable for appointment, the Minister may give the Presiding Member written notice that he or she rejects the nomination of the person.
(2) The Minister may include in a notice of rejection a further request under section 141 for a nomination of a person for appointment to the position concerned.
141F Meetings of a Selection Committee
(1) Meetings of a Selection Committee are to be held at such times and places as the Committee determines.
(2) The Presiding Member may convene a meeting of a Committee.
(3) At a meeting, the following persons constitute a quorum:
(a) the Presiding Member;
(b) a member referred to in paragraph 141B(1)(b);
(c) a member referred to in paragraph 141B(1)(c);
(d) one other member who may also be a member referred to in one of those paragraphs.
(4) The Presiding Member is to preside at all meetings of a Committee.
(5) A question arising at a meeting of a Committee is to be decided by a majority of the votes of the members present and voting.
(6) At a meeting of a Committee, the Presiding Member has a deliberative vote and, if there is an equality of votes, also has a casting vote.
(7) A Committee must keep a record of its proceedings.
(8) The procedure of a Committee is to be as determined by the Committee.
141G Remuneration and allowances
(1) The Presiding Member of a Selection Committee is to be paid such remuneration as is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal but, if no determination is in operation, the Presiding Member is to be paid such remuneration as is prescribed.
(2) The Presiding Member is to be paid such allowances as are prescribed.
(3) A member (other than the Presiding Member) is to be paid such travelling allowance as is prescribed.
(4) This section has effect subject to the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.
141H Leave of absence
(1) The Minister may grant to the Presiding Member leave of absence from a meeting of a Selection Committee.
(2) The Presiding Member may grant to another member of a Committee leave of absence from a meeting of the Committee.
141J Resignation
A member of a Selection Committee may resign by giving to the Minister a signed notice of resignation.
141K Termination of appointment of member of Selection Committee
(1) The Minister may terminate the appointment of a member of a Selection Committee for:
(a) misbehaviour or physical or mental incapacity; or
(b) inefficiency or incompetence.
(2) If a member of a Committee:
(a) becomes bankrupt, applies to take the benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors, compounds with his or her creditors or makes an assignment of remuneration for their benefit; or
(b) fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with his or her obligations under section 141L; or
(c) is absent, without leave of absence, from 3 consecutive meetings of the Committee;
the Minister may terminate the appointment of the member.
141L Disclosure of interests by members of Selection Committees
(1) Where:
(a) a member of a Selection Committee has a direct or indirect interest in a matter being considered, or about to be considered, by the Committee; and
(b) the interest could conflict with the proper performance of the member’s duties in relation to the consideration of the matter;
the member must, as soon as practicable after the relevant facts have come to the member’s knowledge, disclose the nature of the interest at a meeting of the Committee.
(2) A disclosure under subsection (1) must be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
141M Resolutions without meetings
(1) Where:
(a) copies of a document setting out a proposed resolution of a Selection Committee are received by at least 4 members of the Committee, of whom one is the Presiding Member; and
(b) at least 4 such members, being members who would constitute a quorum at a meeting of the Committee, sign a copy of the document;
the Committee is taken to have passed a resolution in the terms set out in the document at a meeting of the Committee.
(2) The resolution is taken to have been passed:
(a) on the day on which copies of the document were signed by members; or
(b) if the copies were signed on different days—on the latest of those days.
141N Consultants etc.
(1) The Presiding Member may, on behalf of a Selection Committee, engage persons as consultants to assist the Committee in the performance of its functions.
(2) The Presiding Member may only engage persons who have suitable qualifications and experience.
(3) The Presiding Member may, on behalf of a Selection Committee, engage persons to perform clerical or administrative services in connection with the performance of the Committee’s functions.
(4) The terms and conditions of engagement of persons under subsection (1) or (3) are to be determined by the Committee.
141P Presiding Member to abolish Selection Committee
Where:
(a) the Minister has appointed to the Panel a person or persons nominated by a Selection Committee; and
(b) the Committee has not made any nominations for appointment that have yet to be accepted or rejected by the Minister; and
(c) there are no matters in a request by the Minister under section 141 or 141E that are still to be dealt with by the Committee;
the Presiding Member must abolish the Committee.
141Q Annual reports of Selection Committees
(1) The Presiding Member must, as soon as practicable after 30 June in each year, prepare and give to the Minister a report on the operations, during the immediately preceding financial year, of Selection Committees (if any) established by the Presiding Member or any other Presiding Member.
(2) Where the first appointment of a Presiding Member does not begin on 1 July, subsection (1) has effect in relation to the period beginning on the day the appointment begins and ending on the next 30 June as if:
(a) if the period is less than 3 months—the period were included in the next financial year; or
(b) in any other case—the period were a financial year.
(3) A report for a financial year may, subject to agreement between the Presiding Member and the Secretary of the Department, be included, as a discrete part, in the annual report of the Department for that financial year.
(4) If subsection (3) does not apply to a report under this section, the Minister must cause a copy of the report to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the Minister receives the report.
Division 3—Review by Panel
142 Function
(1) The Panel has the function of reviewing decisions mentioned in subsection 23(1) made by AFMA or a Joint Authority as to the person or persons to whom the grant of a fishing right in a managed fishery is to be made.
(2) It is not a function of the Panel to review the first decision to grant fishing rights made by AFMA under the first plan of management determined by AFMA for the fishery known as the Northern Prawn Fishery or for the fishery known as the Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery.
143 Application to Panel for review
(1) A person who:
(a) is dissatisfied with a decision that is reviewable under section 142; and
(b) was registered under section 26 in relation to the grant of a fishing right to which the decision relates;
may, within 14 days after being notified by AFMA or by the Joint Authority of the decision, by written notice, apply to the Panel for review of the decision.
(2) An application for review must:
(a) include details of the decision in respect of which review is sought; and
(b) include details of the reasons why the review is sought.
144 AFMA or Joint Authority to be notified of application for review
(1) Where an application for a review of a decision is made under section 143, the Principal Member must, as soon as practicable, give written notice of the making of the application:
(a) to AFMA or the Joint Authority, whichever made the decision; and
(b) to each other person who was registered under section 26 in relation to the grant of a fishing right to which the decision related.
(2) Where AFMA or a Joint Authority is notified of an application for review, it must, within 14 days of being so notified, give to the Principal Member a copy of:
(a) the reasons for the decision; and
(b) each other document or part of a document that is in the possession or control of AFMA or the Joint Authority and is considered by it to be relevant to the review of the decision, including, if required by the Panel, documents relating to the general state of the fishery to which the decision under review relates.
(3) A person (including AFMA), or a Joint Authority, to whom a notice is given under subsection (1) is a party to the proceeding before the Panel.
145 Arrangements for hearing of application
(1) If an application is made to the Panel for review of a decision, the Principal Member must fix the date, time and place for the hearing of the application.
(2) The Principal Member must give to each party to a proceeding before the Panel written notice of the date, time and place fixed for the hearing of the application.
146 Powers of the Panel etc.
(1) For the purposes of the review of a decision, the Panel may:
(a) take evidence on oath or affirmation; and
(b) adjourn the review from time to time.
(2) The Principal Member may, in relation to a review:
(a) summon a person to appear before the Panel to give evidence; and
(b) summon a person to produce to the Panel such documents as are referred to in the summons; and
(c) require a person appearing before the Panel to give evidence to take an oath or to make an affirmation; and
(d) administer an oath or affirmation to a person so appearing.
(3) The oath or affirmation to be taken or made by a person for the purposes of this section is an oath or affirmation that the evidence that the person will give will be true.
(4) A person appearing before the Panel to give evidence is not entitled:
(a) to be represented before the Panel by any other person; or
(b) to examine or cross‑examine any other person appearing before the Panel to give evidence.
(5) Despite anything else contained in this section, the Panel may accept from a person, instead of oral evidence, a written statement verified by statutory declaration.
147 Procedure of Panel
(1) In a proceeding before the Panel:
(a) the procedure of the Panel is, subject to this Act and the regulations, within the discretion of the Panel; and
(b) the proceeding is to be conducted with as little formality and technicality, and as quickly, as the requirements of this Act and a proper consideration of the matter before the Panel permit; and
(c) the Panel is not bound by rules of evidence but may inform itself on any matter in any way it thinks appropriate.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), directions as to the procedure to be followed at or in connection with the hearing of an application may be given:
(a) where the hearing has not commenced—by the Principal Member or by a member authorised by the Principal Member to give directions for the purposes of this paragraph; and
(b) where the hearing of the application has commenced—by the Principal Member or by any other member authorised by the Principal Member to give such directions.
(3) A direction may be varied or revoked at any time by any member empowered to give such a direction.
(4) The Principal Member may at any time vary or revoke an authorisation under this section.
148 Representation before Panel
At the hearing of an application, a party to the proceeding may appear in person or may be represented by some other person.
149 Oral evidence usually given in public
(1) Subject to this section, the Panel is to take oral evidence in public.
(2) Where the Panel is satisfied that it is in the public interest to do so, the Panel may direct that particular oral evidence, or oral evidence for the purposes of a particular review, is to be taken in private.
(3) Where the Panel gives a direction under subsection (2), it may give directions as to the persons who may be present when the oral evidence is given.
150 Powers in relation to decisions under review
(1) The Panel may, for the purposes of reviewing a decision, exercise all the powers and discretions that are conferred by this Act on the person or persons who made the decision.
(2) The Panel may:
(a) affirm the decision; or
(b) vary the decision; or
(c) set the decision aside and substitute a new decision.
(3) If the Panel:
(a) varies the decision; or
(b) sets aside the decision and substitutes a new decision;
the decision as varied or substituted is (except for the purposes of applications to the Panel for review or of appeals from decisions of the Panel) taken to be a decision of AFMA or the Joint Authority, as the case may be.
(4) A decision made by the Panel takes effect when the applicant is notified of the decision under subsection 160(2).
151 Withdrawal of application for review
(1) An applicant for review of a decision may withdraw the application at any time.
(2) A withdrawal may be made by sending or delivering written notice of withdrawal to the Panel.
152 Power to dismiss application
(1) If:
(a) a person makes an application to the Panel for review of a decision; and
(b) the Principal Member is satisfied, either after having communicated with the person or having made reasonable attempts to contact the person and having failed to do so, that the person does not intend to proceed with the application;
the Principal Member may dismiss the application.
(2) If the Principal Member dismisses an application under subsection (1) the application is taken to have been withdrawn at the time when the application is dismissed.
153 Refusal to be sworn or to answer questions etc.
(1) A person appearing before the Panel to give evidence must not:
(a) when required under section 146 either to take an oath or to make an affirmation—refuse or fail to comply with the requirement; or
(b) refuse or fail to answer a question that the person is required to answer by the Panel.
Penalty: 30 penalty units.
(1A) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person has a reasonable excuse.
Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (1A). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
(1B) In paragraph (1)(a), strict liability applies to the physical element of circumstance, that the requirement is under section 146.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(2) A person must not refuse or fail to produce a document that a person is required to produce by a summons under section 146 served on the person as prescribed.
Penalty: 30 penalty units.
(2A) Subsection (2) does not apply if the person has a reasonable excuse.
Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2A). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
(2B) In subsection (2), strict liability applies to the physical element of circumstance, that the requirement is under section 146.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(3) A person appearing before the Panel to give evidence must not intentionally give evidence, knowing that it is false or misleading in a material particular.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 6 months.
154 Majority decision
Any question relating to the review of a decision before the Panel is to be decided:
(a) according to the opinion of a majority of the members constituting the Panel for the purposes of the review; or
(b) if the Panel, for a reason mentioned in section 130, is constituted by the Principal Member and another member—according to the opinion of the Principal Member.
155 Panel may restrict publication of certain matters
(1) Where the Panel is satisfied, in relation to a review, that it is in the public interest that:
(a) any evidence given before the Panel; or
(b) any information given to the Panel; or
(c) the contents of any document produced to the Panel;
should not be published, or should not be published except in a particular manner and to particular persons, the Panel may give a written direction accordingly.
(2) A person must not contravene a direction given by the Panel under subsection (1).
Penalty: Imprisonment for 6 months.
(3) Where the Panel has given a direction under subsection (1) in relation to the publication of any evidence or information or of the contents of a document, the direction does not:
(a) excuse the Panel from its obligations under section 160; or
(b) prevent a person from communicating to another person a matter contained in the evidence, information or document if the first‑mentioned person has knowledge of the matter otherwise than because of the evidence or information having been given or the document having been produced to the Panel.
156 Failure of witness to attend
(1) A person who has been served, as prescribed, with a summons to appear before the Panel to give evidence and tendered reasonable expenses must not:
(a) fail to attend as required by the summons; or
(b) fail to appear and report from day to day unless excused, or released from further attendance, by a member.
Penalty: 30 penalty units.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person has a reasonable excuse.
Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
(3) An offence under subsection (1) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
157 Protection of members and persons giving evidence
(1) A member has, in the performance of his or her duties as a member, the same protection and immunity as a member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
(2) Subject to this Part, a person summoned to attend, or appearing, before the Panel to give evidence has the same protection, and is, in addition to the penalties provided by this Part, subject to the same liabilities, as a witness in a proceeding before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
158 Fees for persons giving evidence
(1) A person, other than a party to a proceeding, summoned to appear before the Panel to give evidence is entitled to be paid, in respect of his or her attendance, fees and allowances for expenses, fixed by or in accordance with the regulations.
(2) The fees and allowances are to be paid:
(a) where a party to a proceeding notifies the Panel that he or she wants the Panel to obtain evidence from the person—by the party; and
(b) in any other case—by AFMA.
159 Person must not obstruct etc.
A person must not:
(a) obstruct or hinder the Panel or a member in the performance of the functions of the Panel; or
(b) disrupt the taking of evidence by the Panel.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 6 months.
160 Procedure following Panel decision
(1) Where the Panel makes its decision on a review, the panel is to prepare a written statement:
(a) setting out the decision of the Panel on the review; and
(b) setting out the reasons for the decision.
(2) The Panel must give each party to the proceeding a copy of the statement as soon as practicable after the decision concerned is made.
Division 4—Appeals
161 Appeal to Federal Court of Australia on question of law
(1) An appeal lies to the Federal Court of Australia, on a question of law, from any decision of the Panel made under this Part.
(2) An appeal may be instituted by a party to a proceeding before the Panel.
(3) An appeal must be instituted within 28 days after the appellant is notified under subsection 160(2) of the decision concerned.
(4) The Federal Court of Australia is to hear and determine the appeal and may make such order as it thinks appropriate.
(5) Without limiting the generality of subsection (4), the orders that may be made by the Federal Court of Australia on an appeal include:
(a) an order affirming or setting aside the Panel’s decision; and
(b) an order remitting the matter to be reviewed and decided again, either with or without the taking of further evidence, by the Panel in accordance with the directions of that court.
162 Operation etc. of decision subject to appeal
(1) Subject to this section, the institution of an appeal to the Federal Court of Australia from a decision of the Panel does not:
(a) affect the operation of the decision; or
(b) prevent the taking of action to implement the decision; or
(c) prevent the taking of action in reliance on the making of the decision.
(2) Where an appeal is instituted in the Federal Court of Australia from a decision of the Panel, that court or a Judge of that court may make such orders of the kind mentioned in subsection (3) as that court or Judge considers appropriate for the purpose of securing the effectiveness of the hearing and the determination of the appeal.
(3) The orders that may be made under subsection (2) are orders staying, or otherwise affecting the operation or implementation of, either or both of the following:
(a) the decision of the Panel or a part of the decision;
(b) the decision to which the proceeding before the Panel related or a part of the decision.
(4) The Federal Court of Australia or a Judge of that court may, by order, vary or revoke an order in force under subsection (2) (including an order that has previously been varied under this subsection).
(5) An order in force under subsection (2):
(a) is subject to such conditions as are specified in the order; and
(b) has effect until:
(i) where a period for the operation of the order is specified in the order—the end of that period or, if a decision is given on the appeal before the end of that period, the giving of the decision; or
(ii) where no period is so specified—the giving of a decision on the appeal.
Part 9—Miscellaneous
Division 1—Electronic decision‑making
163A What this Division is about
This Division is about AFMA using a computer program to make certain decisions.
163B Electronic decision‑making
(1) AFMA may approve a computer program, which is under AFMA’s control, to be used to make a decision under:
(a) section 32; or
(b) section 32A; or
(c) section 46; or
(d) section 91; or
(e) a plan of management; or
(f) another provision of the fisheries legislation that is prescribed under the regulations.
(2) While the approval is in force, the outcome of the use of the computer program (an electronic decision) is taken to be:
(a) a decision; and
(b) a decision made by AFMA.
(3) AFMA’s approval must be made in writing.
(4) An approval made under this section is not a legislative instrument.
163C Replacing an electronic decision
(1) This section applies if AFMA is satisfied that an electronic decision that was made by a computer program was made at a time when the computer program was not functioning correctly.
(2) A computer program is not functioning correctly if the electronic decision that was made by the computer program is not the same as the decision that AFMA would have made if an employee of AFMA had made the decision.
Example: A computer program may not be functioning correctly because of a computer virus or because of a typographical error that was made when data was entered into the computer.
(3) AFMA may revoke the electronic decision and replace it with the decision that AFMA would have made if an employee of AFMA had made the decision.
(4) AFMA may do so:
(a) on its own initiative; or
(b) on the written application of the applicant who had sought the electronic decision.
(5) If AFMA revokes an electronic decision after AFMA has notified the applicant about the electronic decision, AFMA must, as soon as practicable after revoking the electronic decision, give to the applicant a written notice that states:
(a) that the electronic decision has been revoked; and
(b) the reasons for revoking the electronic decision; and
(c) the new decision.
163D Evidence of whether computer is functioning correctly
(1) In any proceedings, a computer function notice is prima facie evidence of the matters that are stated in the notice.
(2) A computer function notice is a document that:
(a) is, or is purported to be, signed by the CEO; and
(b) states whether or not a specified computer program was functioning correctly:
(i) in relation to a specified electronic decision; and
(ii) at a specified time or during a specified period.
(3) A computer program is functioning correctly if an electronic decision that the computer program makes is the same as the decision that AFMA would have made if an employee of AFMA had made the decision.
163E Return of fishing concession certificate not necessary
(1) This section applies if a plan of management requires the holder of a fishing concession to return the fishing concession certificate to AFMA.
(2) The fishing concession certificate is the certificate that AFMA issued to the holder of the fishing concession as evidence of the grant of the fishing concession.
(3) The holder of the fishing concession is no longer required to return the fishing concession certificate to AFMA.
Division 2—Other miscellaneous provisions
163 Delegation by Minister
The Minister may, by signed instrument, delegate to:
(a) the Commission; or
(b) the CEO; or
(ba) an AFMA staff member; or
(c) an officer of the Department;
any of the Minister’s powers and functions under this Act other than powers and functions under sections 18, 20, 74, 74A and 75.
164 Conduct of directors, employees and agents
(1) Where, in proceedings for an offence against this Act it is necessary to establish the state of mind of a body corporate in relation to particular conduct, it is sufficient to show:
(a) that the conduct was engaged in by a director, employee or agent of the body corporate; and
(b) that the director, employee or agent had the state of mind.
(2) Any conduct engaged in by a director, employee or agent of a body corporate is taken, for the purposes of a prosecution for an offence against this Act, to have been engaged in also by the body corporate unless the body corporate establishes that the body corporate took reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence to prevent the conduct.
(2A) For the purposes of subsection (2), in determining whether a body corporate took reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence to prevent conduct engaged in by a director, employee or agent of the body corporate, the matters to which regard is to be had include:
(a) any action the body corporate took to inform the director, employee or agent of the legal obligations of the body corporate, director, employee or agent, in relation to the conduct; and
(b) any action the body corporate took to ensure that those obligations were understood and complied with by the director, employee or agent; and
(c) when any such action was taken; and
(d) whether there were any other actions that the body corporate could reasonably have taken that may have prevented the conduct.
(3) Where, in proceedings for an offence against this Act, it is necessary to establish the state of mind of a person other than a body corporate in relation to particular conduct, it is sufficient to show:
(a) that the conduct was engaged in by an employee or agent of the person; and
(b) that the employee or agent had the state of mind.
(4) Any conduct engaged in by an employee or agent of a person other than a body corporate is taken, for the purposes of a prosecution for an offence against this Act, to have been engaged in also by the person unless the person establishes that the person took reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence to prevent the conduct.
(4A) For the purposes of subsection (4), in determining whether a person took reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence to prevent conduct engaged in by an employee or agent of the person, the matters to which regard is to be had include:
(a) any action the person took to inform the employee or agent of the legal obligations of the person, employee or agent, in relation to the conduct; and
(b) any action the person took to ensure that those obligations were understood and complied with by the employee or agent; and
(c) when any such action was taken; and
(d) whether there were any other actions that the person could reasonably have taken that may have prevented the conduct.
(5) Where:
(a) a person other than a body corporate is convicted of an offence; and
(b) the person would not have been convicted of the offence if subsections (3) and (4) had not been enacted;
the person is not liable to be punished by imprisonment for that offence.
(6) A reference in subsection (1) or (3) to the state of mind of a person includes a reference to:
(a) the knowledge, intention, opinion, belief or purpose of the person; and
(b) the person’s reasons for the intention, opinion, belief or purpose.
(7) A reference in this section to a director of a body corporate includes a reference to a constituent member of a body corporate incorporated for a public purpose by a law of the Commonwealth, of a State or of a Territory.
(8) A reference in this section to engaging in conduct includes a reference to failing or refusing to engage in conduct.
(9) A reference in this section to an offence against this Act includes a reference to:
(a) an offence created by the regulations; and
(b) an offence against section 6 of the Crimes Act 1914, or section 11.1, 11.4 or 11.5 of the Criminal Code, that relates to an offence against this Act or the regulations.
(10) Part 2.5 of the Criminal Code does not apply to an offence against this Act.
Note: Part 2.5 of the Criminal Code deals with corporate criminal responsibility.
165 Reconsideration by AFMA and right to review by Administrative Appeals Tribunal
(1) In this section, unless the contrary intention appears:
decision has the same meaning as in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975.
relevant decision means a decision of AFMA under subsection 4(2), 4(3), 22(5) or 26(2), section 31 (other than a decision following an auction or tender), paragraph 31B(1)(b), section 31C, subsection 31F(7), section 32 or 33, subsection 34(9), 38(1), (2) or (3), section 39, subsection 40(5) or (8) or section 91.
reviewable decision means a decision of AFMA under subsection (5).
(1A) The first decision made by AFMA to register persons under subsection 26(2) in connection with the first plan of management determined by AFMA for the fishery known as the Northern Prawn Fishery or for the fishery known as the Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery is not a relevant decision for the purposes of this section.
(2) A person affected by a relevant decision who is dissatisfied with the decision may:
(a) within 21 days after being notified of the decision; or
(b) within such further period (if any) as AFMA, upon application made under subsection (3), by written notice to the person allows;
request AFMA, in writing, to reconsider the decision.
(3) A person, before the end of the period mentioned in paragraph (2)(a), may apply to AFMA for an extension of time within which to request a reconsideration of the decision.
(4) The request must set out the reasons for making the request.
(5) AFMA must, within 45 days after receivi
