Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority Act 2008

An Act to establish the Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority, and for other purposes

This Act may be cited as the Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority Act 2008.

This Act commences on 1 January 2009.

The following is a simplified outline of this Act:

This Act establishes the Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority. The Authority has a number of functions relating to organ or tissue donation and transplantation matters.

The Authority consists of the Chief Executive Officer and the staff of the Authority. The functions of the CEO include:

(a) determining objectives, strategies and policies to be followed by the Authority in the performance of its functions; and

(b) ensuring the proper, efficient and effective performance of the Authority’s functions; and

The Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Advisory Board is also established by this Act. The Advisory Board’s main function is advising the CEO about a number of matters including organ or tissue donation and transplantation matters.

The Act also provides for the CEO to establish expert advisory committees and for the Authority to make grants relating to organ or tissue donation and transplantation matters.

4 Definitions

In this Act:

Advisory Board member means a member of the Advisory Board (and includes the Chair and Deputy Chair).

Australia, when used in a geographical sense, includes Norfolk Island, the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and the Territory of Christmas Island.

Authority means the Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority.

Board means the Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Advisory Board.

CEO means the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority.

Chair means the Chair of the Advisory Board.

constitutional corporation means a corporation to which paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution applies.

de facto partner has the meaning given by the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

Deputy Chair means the Deputy Chair of the Advisory Board.

expert advisory committee means a committee established under section 44.

expert advisory committee member means a member of an expert advisory committee, and includes the Chair of an expert advisory committee.

improving includes maintaining.

organ means an organ of a human body (within the ordinary meaning of that expression).

organ or tissue donation and transplantation means:

(a) the removal of an organ and/or tissue from the body of an individual (whether living or deceased) for the purpose of its transplantation to the body of a living individual (other than the individual from which it was removed); or

(b) the transplantation to the body of a living individual of an organ and/or tissue removed from the body of another individual (whether living or deceased);

or both.

organ or tissue donation and transplantation matter means a matter relating to organ or tissue donation and transplantation, and includes the following matters:

(a) the provision of an organ or tissue donation and transplantation service;

(b) the identification of potential organ or tissue donors;

(d) waiting lists for potential organ or tissue recipients;

(e) the allocation of organs or tissue for transplantation;

(f) support services for organ or tissue donors and their partners and families;

(g) the skills and knowledge of people involved in providing organ or tissue donation and transplantation services;

(h) public knowledge about, and confidence in, organ or tissue donation and transplantation services.

organ or tissue donation and transplantation service means:

(a) a service relating to organ or tissue donation and transplantation; or

(b) a service that is ancillary or incidental to a service covered by paragraph (a).

paid work means work for financial gain or reward (whether as an employee, a self‑employed person or otherwise).

partner of a person means:

(a) the person’s spouse; or

(b) the person’s de facto partner.

tissue means:

(a) a part of a human body (other than an organ); or

(b) a part of an organ; or

(i) an organ; or

(ii) any other part of a human body;

but does not include a substance or thing specified in the regulations.

transplantation, in relation to an organ or tissue, includes:

(a) the transplantation of a part of the organ or tissue; and

(b) the transplantation of a substance obtained from the organ or tissue.

6 Crown to be bound

This Act binds the Crown in each of its capacities.

7 Extension to external Territories

This Act extends to every external Territory.

Part 2—Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority

8 Establishment of the Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority

(1) The Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority is established by this section.

Note: In this Act, Authority means the Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority—see section 4.

(2) The Authority may also be known by a name specified in the regulations.

(3) The Authority consists of:

(aa) the CEO; and

(b) the staff of the Authority.

Note: The Authority does not have a legal identity separate from the Commonwealth.

(4) For the purposes of the finance law (within the meaning of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013):

(a) the following combination of bodies is a listed entity:

(i) the Authority;

(ii) the Advisory Board; and

(aa) the listed entity is to be known as the Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority; and

(b) the CEO is the accountable authority of the Authority; and

(i) the CEO;

(ii) the Advisory Board members;

(iii) the staff of the Authority;

(iv) consultants engaged under section 26;

(v) persons whose services are made available to the Authority under section 27;

(vi) an expert advisory committee member; and

(d) the purposes of the Authority include:

(i) the functions of the Authority referred to in section 11; and

(ii) the functions of the CEO referred to in section 14B; and

(iii) the functions of the Advisory Board referred to in section 29; and

(iv) the functions of an expert advisory committee referred to in section 45.

11 Functions of the Authority

(1) The functions of the Authority are:

(a) to formulate, in writing, policies and protocols relating to organ or tissue donation and transplantation matters; and

(b) to declare, in writing, standards and codes of practice relating to organ or tissue donation and transplantation matters; and

(i) policies and protocols formulated under paragraph (a); and

(ii) standards and codes of practice declared under paragraph (b); and

(d) to collect, analyse, interpret and disseminate information relating to organ or tissue donation and transplantation matters; and

(e) to support, encourage, conduct and evaluate training programs that are directed towards improving the skills and knowledge of people involved in organ or tissue donation and transplantation services; and

(f) to support, encourage, conduct and evaluate educational, promotional and community awareness programs that are relevant to organ or tissue donation and transplantation matters; and

(g) to make, on behalf of the Commonwealth, grants of financial assistance in relation to organ or tissue donation and transplantation matters; and

(h) to support, encourage, conduct and evaluate research about organ or tissue donation and transplantation matters; and

(i) to publish (whether on the internet or otherwise) reports and papers relating to organ or tissue donation and transplantation matters; and

(j) to advise the Minister about organ or tissue donation and transplantation matters; and

(k) to consult and co‑operate with other persons, organisations and governments on organ or tissue donation and transplantation matters; and

(l) such other functions as are conferred on the Authority by this Act or any other law; and

(m) such other functions (if any) as are specified in a written instrument given by the Minister to the Authority; and

(n) to do anything incidental to or conducive to the performance of any of the above functions.

Note 1: See also section 57 (compliance with policies, protocols, standards and codes is voluntary).

Note 2: See also section 58 (protection of patient confidentiality).

Note 3: See also sections 54 to 56 (terms and conditions of grants).

Note 4: For variation and revocation of instruments made under paragraph (a), (b) or (m), see subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

Constitutional limits

(2) The Authority may perform its functions only:

(a) with respect to the granting of financial assistance to a State on such terms and conditions as the Parliament thinks fit; or

(b) with respect to the executive power of the Commonwealth; or

(d) with respect to, or in, a Territory; or

(e) with respect to, or in, a Commonwealth place (within the meaning of the Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Act 1970); or

(f) with respect to trade and commerce:

(i) between Australia and places outside Australia; or

(ii) among the States; or

(iii) within a Territory, between a State and a Territory or between 2 Territories; or

(g) with respect to the granting of financial assistance to a constitutional corporation for the purposes of carrying out the corporation’s activities; or

(h) with respect to the provision of medical services; or

(i) with respect to a postal, telegraphic, telephonic or other like service; or

(j) with respect to the provision of a service to:

(i) the Commonwealth; or

(ii) an authority of the Commonwealth;

for a purpose of the Commonwealth; or

(k) with respect to the implied power of the Parliament to make laws with respect to nationhood; or

(l) with respect to matters incidental to the execution of any of the legislative powers of the Parliament or the executive power of the Commonwealth.

(2A) A term used in subsection (2) and the Constitution has the same meaning in that subsection as it has in the Constitution.

Legislative instruments

(3) A policy or protocol formulated under paragraph (1)(a) is not a legislative instrument.

(4) A standard or code of practice declared under paragraph (1)(b) is not a legislative instrument.

(5) A declaration made under paragraph (1)(b) is not a legislative instrument.

(6) An instrument made under paragraph (1)(m) is not a legislative instrument.

12 Authority must have regard to certain objectives etc.

In performing the Authority’s functions under this Act, the Authority must have regard to:

(a) the following objectives:

(i) promoting a co‑ordinated and consistent approach to organ or tissue donation and transplantation matters;

(ii) improving access to organ or tissue donation and transplantation services;

(iii) improving the identification of potential organ or tissue donors;

(iv) minimising waiting times for potential organ or tissue recipients;

(v) improving the management of waiting lists for potential organ or tissue recipients;

(vi) improving the management of the allocation of donated organs or tissue;

(vii) improving support services for organ or tissue donors and their partners and families;

(viii) improving the skills and knowledge of people involved in providing organ or tissue donation and transplantation services;

(ix) improving public knowledge about, and public confidence in, organ or tissue donation and transplantation services; and

(b) international best practice; and

(d) effectiveness; and

(e) privacy; and

(f) equity; and

(g) transparency; and

(h) such other matters (if any) as the Authority considers relevant.

13 Minister may give directions to the Authority

(1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, give written directions to the Authority about the performance of the Authority’s functions.

Note: Section 42 (disallowance) and Part 4 of Chapter 3 (sunsetting) of the Legislation Act 2003 do not apply to the directions (see regulations made for the purposes of paragraphs 44(2)(b) and 54(2)(b) of that Act).

(2) A direction under subsection (1) must be of a general nature only.

(3) The Authority must comply with a direction under subsection (1).

Part 3—Chief Executive Officer and staff etc.

Division 1—Chief Executive Officer

14A CEO

There is to be a Chief Executive Officer of the Authority.

14B Functions of the CEO

(1) The functions of the CEO are:

(a) to determine objectives, strategies and policies to be followed by the Authority in the performance of its functions; and

(b) to ensure the proper, efficient and effective performance of the Authority’s functions; and

(d) such other functions as are conferred on the CEO by this Act or any other law; and

(e) to do anything incidental or conducive to the performance of any of the above functions.

(2) The CEO has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, the performance of the CEO’s functions.

14 Appointment of the CEO

(1) The CEO is to be appointed by the Minister by written instrument.

(2) The CEO holds office on a full‑time basis.

15 Period of appointment for the CEO

The CEO holds office for the period specified in the instrument of appointment. The period must not exceed 5 years.

Note: The CEO may be reappointed: see section 33AA of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

16 Acting appointments

The Minister may appoint a person to act as the CEO:

(a) during a vacancy in the office of CEO (whether or not an appointment has previously been made to the office); or

(b) during any period, or during all periods, when the CEO:

(i) is absent from duty or from Australia; or

(ii) is, for any 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.

Division 3—Terms and conditions for the CEO

17 Remuneration and allowances

(1) The CEO is to be paid the remuneration that is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal. If no determination of that remuneration by the Tribunal is in operation, the CEO is to be paid the remuneration that is prescribed by the regulations.

(2) The CEO is to be paid the allowances that are prescribed by the regulations.

(3) This section has effect subject to the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.

18 Leave of absence

(1) The CEO has the recreation leave entitlements that are determined by the Remuneration Tribunal.

(2) The Minister may grant the CEO leave of absence, other than recreation leave, on the terms and conditions as to remuneration or otherwise that the Minister determines.

19 Resignation

(1) The CEO may resign his or her appointment by giving the Minister a written resignation.

(2) The resignation takes effect on the day it is received by the Minister or, if a later day is specified in the resignation, on that later day.

20 Outside employment

The CEO must not engage in paid employment outside the duties of his or her office without the Minister’s approval.

22 Termination of appointment

(1) The Minister may terminate the appointment of the CEO:

(a) for misbehaviour; or

(b) if the CEO is unable to perform the duties of the CEO’s office because of physical or mental incapacity.

(2) The Minister may terminate the appointment of the CEO if:

(a) the CEO:

(i) becomes bankrupt; or

(ii) applies to take the benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors; or

(iii) compounds with his or her creditors; or

(iv) makes an assignment of his or her remuneration for the benefit of his or her creditors; or

(b) the CEO is absent, except on leave of absence, for 14 consecutive days or for 28 days in any 12 months; or

(d) the CEO fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with section 29 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (which deals with the duty to disclose interests) or rules made for the purposes of that section.

23 Other terms and conditions

The CEO holds office on the terms and conditions (if any) in relation to matters not covered by this Act that are determined by the Minister.

Division 5—Staff etc.

25 Staff

(1) The staff of the Authority are to be persons engaged under the Public Service Act 1999.

(2) For the purposes of the Public Service Act 1999:

(a) the CEO and the Authority staff together constitute a Statutory Agency; and

(b) the CEO is the Head of that Statutory Agency.

26 Consultants

(1) The CEO may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, engage persons having suitable qualifications and experience as consultants to assist in the performance of the Authority’s functions.

(2) The consultants are to be engaged on the terms and conditions that the CEO determines in writing.

27 Persons assisting the Authority

The Authority may also be assisted:

(a) by officers and employees of Agencies (within the meaning of the Public Service Act 1999); or

(b) by officers and employees of authorities of the Commonwealth; or

(d) by officers and employees of authorities of a State or Territory;

whose services are made available to the Authority in connection with the performance of any of the Authority’s functions.

Part 4—Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Advisory Board

Division 1—Establishment and functions of the Advisory Board

28 Establishment of the Advisory Board

The Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Advisory Board is established by this section.

29 Functions of the Advisory Board

(1) The functions of the Advisory Board are:

(a) to advise the CEO, either on its own initiative or at the request of the CEO, about the following matters:

(i) the objectives, strategies and policies to be followed by the Authority in the performance of its functions;

(ii) the performance of the Authority’s functions;

(iii) organ or tissue donation and transplantation matters; and

(b) to provide strategic advice to the Minister about the performance of the Authority’s functions if requested to do so by the Minister; and

(2) The Advisory Board has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, the performance of its functions.

Division 2—Members of the Advisory Board

30 Membership

The Advisory Board consists of:

(a) the Chair; and

(b) the Deputy Chair; and

31 Appointment of Advisory Board members

(1) Subject to this section, the Advisory Board members are to be appointed by the Minister by written instrument, on a part‑time basis.

Note: An Advisory Board member may be reappointed: see section 33AA of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

Eligibility for appointment

(2) A person is not eligible for appointment as an Advisory Board member unless the Minister is satisfied that the person has experience in, or knowledge of, at least one of the following fields:

(a) public or health leadership or administration;

(b) clinical expertise in organ or tissue donation and transplantation;

(d) community leadership and engagement in relation to organ or tissue donation and transplantation matters;

(e) promotion of organ or tissue donation and transplantation matters;

(f) health consumer advocacy;

(g) any other field that the Minister considers appropriate.

Mix of Advisory Board members

(3) In appointing the Advisory Board members, the Minister must ensure, to the extent practicable, that those Advisory Board members are an appropriate mix of persons meeting the requirements of subsection (2).

Consultation

(4) Before the Minister appoints a person as an Advisory Board member (other than the Chair), the Minister must consult:

(a) the Minister of each State who is responsible, or principally responsible, for the administration of matters relating to health in the State; and

(b) the Minister of the Northern Territory who is responsible, or principally responsible, for the administration of matters relating to health in that Territory; and

(c) the Minister of the Australian Capital Territory who is responsible, or principally responsible, for the administration of matters relating to health in that Territory; and

(d) such other persons (if any) as the Minister considers appropriate.

32 Term of appointment

An Advisory Board member holds office for the period specified in the instrument of appointment. The period must not exceed 4 years.

33 Acting appointment

Acting as the Chair

(1) The Minister may, by written instrument, appoint an Advisory Board member to act as the Chair:

(a) during a vacancy in the office of Chair, whether or not an appointment has previously been made to the office; or

(b) during any period, or during all periods, when the Chair:

(i) is absent from duty or from Australia; or

(ii) is, for any reason, unable to perform the duties of the office.

Note: For rules that apply to acting appointments, see sections 33AB and 33A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

Acting as an appointed Board member (other than the Chair)

(2) The Minister may, by written instrument, appoint a person to act as an Advisory Board member (other than the Chair):

(a) during a vacancy in the office of an Advisory Board member (other than the Chair), whether or not an appointment has previously been made to the office; or

(b) during any period, or during all periods, when an Advisory Board member (other than the Chair):

(i) is absent from duty or from Australia; or

(ii) is, for any reason, unable to perform the duties of the office.

Note: For rules that apply to acting appointments, see sections 33AB and 33A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

(3) A person is not eligible for appointment under subsection (2) unless the Minister is satisfied that the person meets the requirements of subsection 31(2).

34 Remuneration

(1) An Advisory Board member is to be paid the remuneration that is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal. If no determination of that remuneration by the Tribunal is in operation, the Advisory Board member is to be paid the remuneration that is prescribed by the regulations.

(2) An Advisory Board member is to be paid the allowances that are prescribed by the regulations.

(3) This section has effect subject to the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.

35 Leave of absence

(1) The Minister may grant leave of absence to the Chair on the terms and conditions that the Minister determines.

(2) The Chair may grant leave of absence to any other Advisory Board member on the terms and conditions that the Chair determines.

(3) The Chair must notify the Minister if the Chair grants an Advisory Board member leave of absence for a period that exceeds 3 months.

36 Other terms and conditions

An Advisory Board member holds office on the terms and conditions (if any) in relation to matters not covered by this Act that are determined by the Minister.

37 Resignation

(1) An Advisory Board member may resign the member’s appointment by giving the Minister a written resignation.

(2) The resignation takes effect on the day it is received by the Minister or, if a later day is specified in the resignation, on that later day.

38 Termination of appointment

(1) The Minister may terminate the appointment of an Advisory Board member:

(a) for misbehaviour; or

(b) if the Advisory Board member is unable to perform the duties of that member’s office because of physical or mental incapacity.

(2) The Minister may terminate the appointment of an Advisory Board member if:

(a) the Advisory Board member:

(i) becomes bankrupt; or

(ii) applies to take the benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors; or

(iii) compounds with that member’s creditors; or

(iv) makes an assignment of that member’s remuneration for the benefit of that member’s creditors; or

(b) the Advisory Board member is absent, except on leave of absence, from 3 consecutive meetings of the Advisory Board; or

(c) the Advisory Board member fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with section 29 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (which deals with the duty to disclose interests) or rules made for the purposes of that section.

Division 3—Meetings of the Advisory Board

39 Convening meetings

(1) The Advisory Board must hold such meetings as are necessary for the efficient performance of its functions.

(2) The Chair must convene at least 4 meetings of the Advisory Board each financial year.

40 Presiding at meetings

(1) The Chair must preside at all meetings of the Advisory Board at which the Chair is present.

(2) If the Chair is not present at a meeting of the Advisory Board:

(a) the Deputy Chair is to preside; or

(b) if the Deputy Chair is not present—the other Advisory Board members present must appoint one of themselves to preside.

41 Conduct of meetings

The Advisory Board may, subject to this Division, regulate proceedings at its meetings as it considers appropriate.

42 Minutes

The Advisory Board must keep minutes of its meetings.

Part 5—Expert advisory committees

44 Establishment of expert advisory committees

(1) The CEO may, by writing, establish committees, to be known as expert advisory committees.

Note: For variation and revocation, see subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

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

45 Function of expert advisory committees

An expert advisory committee has the function of advising the CEO about organ or tissue donation and transplantation matters referred to it by the CEO.

46 Appointment of expert advisory committee members etc.

(1) Each expert advisory committee member is to be appointed by the CEO by written instrument.

(2) An expert advisory committee member holds office for the period specified in the instrument of appointment. The period must not exceed 3 years.

Note: An expert advisory committee member may be reappointed: see section 33AA of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

(3) An expert advisory committee member holds office on a part‑time basis.

(4) The CEO may terminate the appointment of an expert advisory committee member.

47 Procedures of expert advisory committees

(1) The CEO may give an expert advisory committee written directions about:

(a) the way in which the committee is to carry out its function; and

(b) procedures to be followed in relation to meetings.

Note: For variation and revocation, see subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

(2) A direction given under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.

48 Remuneration and allowances

(1) An expert advisory committee member is to be paid the remuneration that is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal. If no determination of that remuneration by the Tribunal is in operation, the member is to be paid the remuneration that is prescribed by the regulations.

(2) However, an expert advisory committee member is not entitled to be paid remuneration if he or she holds an office or appointment, or is otherwise employed, on a full‑time basis in the service or employment of:

(a) a State; or

(b) a corporation (a public statutory corporation) that:

(i) is established for a public purpose by a law of a State; and

(ii) is not a tertiary education institution; or

(c) a company limited by guarantee, where the interests and rights of the members in or in relation to the company are beneficially owned by a State; or

(d) a company in which all the stock or shares are beneficially owned by a State or by a public statutory corporation.

Note: A similar rule applies to an expert advisory committee member who has a similar relationship with the Commonwealth or a Territory. See subsection 7(11) of the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.

(3) An expert advisory committee member is to be paid the allowances that are prescribed by the regulations.

(4) This section (other than subsection (2)) has effect subject to the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.

49 Leave of absence

The CEO may grant leave of absence to an expert advisory committee member on the terms and conditions that the CEO determines.

50 Resignation

(1) An expert advisory committee member may resign his or her appointment by giving the CEO a written resignation.

(2) The resignation takes effect on the day it is received by the CEO or, if a later day is specified in the resignation, on that later day.

51 Disclosure of interests to the CEO

(1) A disclosure by an expert advisory committee member under section 29 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (which deals with the duty to disclose interests) must be made to the CEO.

(2) Subsection (1) applies in addition to any rules made for the purposes of that section.

(3) For the purposes of this Act and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, the expert advisory committee member is taken not to have complied with section 29 of that Act if the member does not comply with subsection (1) of this section.

(4) The CEO may terminate the appointment of an expert advisory committee member if the member fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with section 29 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, or the rules made for the purposes of that section.

(5) Subsection (4) does not limit subsection 46(4).

53 Other terms and conditions

An expert advisory committee member holds office on the terms and conditions (if any) in relation to matters not covered by this Act that are determined by the CEO.

Part 6—Grants

54 Grant to a State

Scope

(1) This section applies to a grant of financial assistance to a State if:

(a) the grant is made by the Authority on behalf of the Commonwealth; and

(b) the grant relates to one or more organ or tissue donation and transplantation matters.

Note: See paragraph 11(1)(g) (grants of financial assistance).

Terms and conditions

(2) The terms and conditions on which that financial assistance is granted are to be set out in a written agreement between the Commonwealth and the State.

(3) An agreement under subsection (2) may be entered into by the Authority on behalf of the Commonwealth.

(4) A term or condition set out in an agreement under subsection (2) may require compliance with:

(a) a policy or protocol formulated under paragraph 11(1)(a); or

(b) a standard or code of practice declared under paragraph 11(1)(b).

55 Grant to a Territory

Scope

(1) This section applies to a grant of financial assistance to a Territory if:

(a) the grant is made by the Authority on behalf of the Commonwealth; and

(b) the grant relates to one or more organ or tissue donation and transplantation matters.

Note: See paragraph 11(1)(g) (grants of financial assistance).

Terms and conditions

(2) The terms and conditions on which that financial assistance is granted are to be set out in a written agreement between the Commonwealth and the Territory.

(3) An agreement under subsection (2) may be entered into by the Authority on behalf of the Commonwealth.

(4) A term or condition set out in an agreement under subsection (2) may require compliance with:

(a) a policy or protocol formulated under paragraph 11(1)(a); or

(b) a standard or code of practice declared under paragraph 11(1)(b).

56 Grant to a person other than a State or Territory

Scope

(1) This section applies to a grant of financial assistance to a person other than a State or Territory if:

(a) the grant is made by the Authority on behalf of the Commonwealth; and

(b) the grant relates to one or more organ or tissue donation and transplantation matters.

Note: See paragraph 11(1)(g) (grants of financial assistance).

Terms and conditions

(2) The terms and conditions on which that financial assistance is granted are to be set out in a written agreement between the Commonwealth and the person.

(2A) If the grant of financial assistance is made to a constitutional corporation, the corporation must comply with the terms and conditions.

(3) An agreement under subsection (2) may be entered into by the Authority on behalf of the Commonwealth.

(4) A term or condition set out in an agreement under subsection (2) may require compliance with:

(a) a policy or protocol formulated under paragraph 11(1)(a); or

(b) a standard or code of practice declared under paragraph 11(1)(b).

Part 7—Miscellaneous

57 Compliance with policies, protocols, standards and codes

(1) Compliance with:

(a) a policy or protocol formulated under paragraph 11(1)(a); or

(b) a standard or code of practice declared under paragraph 11(1)(b);

is voluntary.

(2) Subsection (1) does not prevent compliance with:

(a) a policy or protocol formulated under paragraph 11(1)(a); or

(b) a standard or code of practice declared under paragraph 11(1)(b);

from being a term or condition of:

(d) a contract or other legally enforceable agreement.

(3) Subsection (1) does not prevent:

(a) a policy or protocol formulated under paragraph 11(1)(a); or

(b) a standard or code of practice declared under paragraph 11(1)(b);

from being applied or adopted by or under:

(d) a law of the Commonwealth other than this Act.

58 Protection of patient confidentiality

(1A) In the performance of the Authority’s functions, the Authority must not publish or disseminate information that is likely to enable the identification of a particular organ or tissue donor or recipient.

(1) In the performance of the CEO’s functions, the CEO must not publish or disseminate information that is likely to enable the identification of a particular organ or tissue donor or recipient.

(2) Subsections (1A) and (1) do not apply if the publication or dissemination of the information takes place with the consent of:

(a) if the organ or tissue donor or recipient is aged at least 18 years—the organ or tissue donor or recipient; or

(b) if the organ or tissue donor or recipient has died but is survived by a person (the surviving partner) who was:

(i) his or her partner immediately before he or she died; and

(ii) living with him or her immediately before he or she died;

the surviving partner; or

(c) in any other case—an individual who, under the regulations, is authorised to give consent to the publication or dissemination of the information.

(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(b), a person is taken to have been living with his or her partner at a particular time if they were not living together at that time only because of:

(a) a temporary absence from each other; or

(b) illness or infirmity of either or both of them.

59 Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws etc.

(1) This Act is not intended to exclude or limit the operation of a law of a State or Territory that is capable of operating concurrently with this Act.

(2) This Act does not affect the operation of:

(a) a law of a State or Territory; or

(b) a rule of common law;

to the extent that the law or rule requires the giving of consent to the removal of an organ or tissue from the body of an individual (whether living or deceased).

(3) Subsection (2) does not limit subsection (1).

60 Regulations

The Governor‑General may make regulations prescribing matters:

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

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

Endnotes

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.

The following endnotes are included in every compilation:

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

Abbreviation key—Endnote 2

The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.

Legislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4

Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.

The legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.

The amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.

Editorial changes

The Legislation Act 2003 authorises First Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial and presentational changes to a compiled law in preparing a compilation of the law for registration. The changes must not change the effect of the law. Editorial changes take effect from the compilation registration date.

If the compilation includes editorial changes, the endnotes include a brief outline of the changes in general terms. Full details of any changes can be obtained from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.

Misdescribed amendments

A misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe the amendment to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, the amendment is incorporated into the compiled law and the abbreviation “(md)” added to the details of the amendment included in the amendment history.

If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the abbreviation “(md not incorp)” is added to the details of the amendment included in the amendment history.

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

ad = added or inserted	o = order(s)
am = amended	Ord = Ordinance
amdt = amendment	orig = original
c = clause(s)	par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)
C[x] = Compilation No. x	/sub‑subparagraph(s)
Ch = Chapter(s)	pres = present
def = definition(s)	prev = previous
Dict = Dictionary	(prev…) = previously
disallowed = disallowed by Parliament	Pt = Part(s)
Div = Division(s)	r = regulation(s)/rule(s)
ed = editorial change	reloc = relocated
exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have	renum = renumbered
effect	rep = repealed
F = Federal Register of Legislation	rs = repealed and substituted
gaz = gazette	s = section(s)/subsection(s)
LA = Legislation Act 2003	Sch = Schedule(s)
LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003	Sdiv = Subdivision(s)
(md) = misdescribed amendment can be given	SLI = Select Legislative Instrument
effect	SR = Statutory Rules
(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment	Sub‑Ch = Sub‑Chapter(s)
cannot be given effect	SubPt = Subpart(s)
mod = modified/modification	underlining = whole or part not
No. = Number(s)	commenced or to be commenced

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Act	Number and year	Assent	Commencement	Application, saving and transitional provisions
Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority Act 2008	122, 2008	25 Nov 2008	1 Jan 2009 (s 2)
Statute Law Revision Act 2010	8, 2010	1 Mar 2010	Sch 5 (item 137(a)): 1 Mar 2010 (s 2(1) item 38)	—
Acts Interpretation Amendment Act 2011	46, 2011	27 June 2011	Sch 2 (items 217–226) and Sch 3 (items 10, 11): 27 Dec 2011 (s 2(1) items 3, 12)	Sch 3 (items 10, 11)
Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2014	62, 2014	30 June 2014	Sch 6 (item 21), Sch 7 (items 357–361) and Sch 14: 1 July 2014 (s 2(1) items 6, 14)	Sch 14
as amended by
Public Governance and Resources Legislation Amendment Act (No. 1) 2015	36, 2015	13 Apr 2015	Sch 2 (items 7–9) and Sch 7: 14 Apr 2015 (s 2)	Sch 7
as amended by
Acts and Instruments (Framework Reform) (Consequential Provisions) Act 2015	126, 2015	10 Sept 2015	Sch 1 (item 486): 5 Mar 2016 (s 2(1) item 2)	—
Acts and Instruments (Framework Reform) (Consequential Provisions) Act 2015	126, 2015	10 Sept 2015	Sch 1 (item 495): 5 Mar 2016 (s 2(1) item 2)	—
Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015	59, 2015	26 May 2015	Sch 2 (items 72, 73): 1 July 2016 (s 2(1) item 5) Sch 2 (items 356–396): 18 June 2015 (s 2(1) item 6)	Sch 2 (items 356–396)
as amended by
Territories Legislation Amendment Act 2016	33, 2016	23 Mar 2016	Sch 2: 24 Mar 2016 (s 2(1) item 2)	—
Acts and Instruments (Framework Reform) (Consequential Provisions) Act 2015	126, 2015	10 Sept 2015	Sch 1 (item 54): 5 Mar 2016 (s 2(1) item 2)	—
Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority Amendment (New Governance Arrangements) Act 2016	83, 2016	30 Nov 2016	Sch 1 and 2: 1 July 2017 (s 2(1) item 2)	Sch 2
Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority Amendment (Governance and Other Measures) Act 2021	89, 2021	2 Sept 2021	Sch 1 and Sch 2 (items 1–9): 1 Nov 2021 (s 2(1) item 2)	Sch 2 (items 1–9)

Endnote 4—Amendment history

Provision affected	How affected
Part 1
s 3.....................	rs No 83, 2016; No 89, 2021
s 4.....................	am No 59, 2015; No 83, 2016; No 89, 2021
s 5.....................	rep No 83, 2016
s 7.....................	am No 59, 2015
Part 2
s 8.....................	am No 83, 2016; No 89, 2021
s 9.....................	rep No 83, 2016
Part 3 heading.............	rep No 83, 2016
Division 1 heading..........	rep No 83, 2016
s 10....................	rep No 83, 2016
s 11....................	am No 8, 2010; No 83, 2016; No 89, 2021
s 12....................	am No 83, 2016
s 13....................	rs No 83, 2016
Part 2A..................	ad No 83, 2016
	rep No 89, 2021
s 13A...................	ad No 83, 2016
	rep No 89, 2021
s 13B...................	ad No 83, 2016
	rep No 89, 2021
s 13C...................	ad No 83, 2016
	rep No 89, 2021
s 13D...................	ad No 83, 2016
	rep No 89, 2021
s 13E...................	ad No 83, 2016
	rep No 89, 2021
s 13F...................	ad No 83, 2016
	rep No 89, 2021
s 13G...................	ad No 83, 2016
	rep No 89, 2021
s 13H...................	ad No 83, 2016
	rep No 89, 2021
s 13J....................	ad No 83, 2016
	rep No 89, 2021
s 13K...................	ad No 83, 2016
	rep No 89, 2021
s 13L...................	ad No 83, 2016
	rep No 89, 2021
s 13M...................	ad No 83, 2016
	rep No 89, 2021
s 13N...................	ad No 83, 2016
	rep No 89, 2021
s 13P...................	ad No 83, 2016
	rep No 89, 2021
s 13Q...................	ad No 83, 2016
	rep No 89, 2021
s 13R...................	ad No 83, 2016
	rep No 89, 2021
s 13S...................	ad No 83, 2016
	rep No 89, 2021
s 13T...................	ad No 83, 2016
	rep No 89, 2021
s 13U...................	ad No 83, 2016
	rep No 89, 2021
s 13V...................	ad No 83, 2016
	rep No 89, 2021
s 13W...................	ad No 83, 2016
	rep No 89, 2021
Division 2 heading..........	rep No 83, 2016
Part 4
Part 4 heading.............	ad No 83, 2016
	renum No 89, 2021
Part 3
Part 3 heading (prev Part 4 heading)
Division 1
Division 1 heading..........	ad No 83, 2016
s 14A...................	ad No 83, 2016
s 14B...................	ad No 83, 2016
	rs No 89, 2021
s 14....................	am No 83, 2016; No 89, 2021
s 15....................	am No 46, 2011; No 83, 2016; No 89, 2021
s 16....................	am No 46, 2011
Division 3
s 21....................	rep No 62, 2014
s 22....................	am No 62, 2014; No 89, 2021
Division 4................	rep No 83, 2016
s 24....................	rep No 83, 2016
Division 5
s 26....................	rs No 83, 2016
	am No 89, 2021
s 27....................	am No 83, 2016
Division 6................	rep No 62, 2014
Division 7................	rep No 83, 2016
Part 4
Part 4...................	rep No 83, 2016
Part 4	ad No 89, 2021
Division 1
s 28....................	rep No 62, 2014
	ad No 89, 2021
s 29....................	rep No 62, 2014
	ad No 89, 2021
Division 2
s 30....................	am No 126, 2015
	rep No 83, 2016
	ad No 89, 2021
s 31....................	rep No 83, 2016
	ad No 89, 2021
s 32....................	rep No 83, 2016
	ad No 89, 2021
s 33....................	rep No 83, 2016
	ad No 89, 2021
s 34....................	am No 46, 2011
	rep No 83, 2016
	ad No 89, 2021
s 35....................	rep No 83, 2016
	ad No 89, 2021
s 36....................	am No 46, 2011
	rep No 83, 2016
	ad No 89, 2021
s 37....................	am No 46, 2011
	rep No 83, 2016
	ad No 89, 2021
s 38....................	rep No 83, 2016
	ad No 89, 2021
Division 3
s 39....................	rep No 83, 2016
	ad No 89, 2021
s 40....................	rep No 83, 2016
	ad No 89, 2021
s 41....................	rs No 62, 2014
	rep No 83, 2016
	ad No 89, 2021
s 42....................	rep No 62, 2014
	ad No 89, 2021
s 43....................	rep No 83, 2016
Part 5
s 44....................	am No 83, 2016; No 89, 2021
s 45....................	am No 83, 2016; No 89, 2021
s 46....................	am No 46, 2011; No 83, 2016; No 89, 2021
s 47....................	am No 83, 2016; No 89, 2021
s 49....................	am No 83, 2016; No 89, 2021
s 50....................	am No 83, 2016; No 89, 2021
s 51....................	rs No 62, 2014
	am No 83, 2016; No 89, 2021
s 52....................	rep No 62, 2014
s 53....................	am No 83, 2016; No 89, 2021
Part 5A..................	ad No 62, 2014
	rep No 83, 2016
s 53A...................	ad No 62, 2014
	rep No 83, 2016
Part 6
s 54....................	am No 83, 2016; No 89, 2021
s 55....................	am No 83, 2016; No 89, 2021
s 56....................	am No 83, 2016; No 89, 2021
Part 7
s 58....................	am No 89, 2021
s 59....................	am No 89, 2021