ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953
- Reprinted as at 19 December 1973 (HISTACT CHAP 1888 #DATE 19:12:1973)
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - TABLE OF PROVISIONS
TABLE
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973
TABLE OF PROVISIONS
PART I-PRELIMINARY
Section
1. Short title
2. Commencement
3. (Repealed)
4. Repeal and saving
5. Interpretation
6. Application to Crown
7. Application of Act
PART II-THE AUSTRALIAN ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
Division 1-Establishment and Constitution of the Commission
8. Australian Atomic Energy Commission
9. Constitution of the Commission
10. Deputies of members
11. Remuneration, &c., of members and deputies
12. Dismissal of member
12A. Resignation of members
13. Vacation of office
14. Leave of absence
15. Meetings of the Commission
16. Delegation of powers of Commission
Division 2-Functions and Powers of the Commission
17. Functions of Commission
18. Powers of Commission
19. Commission subject to Minister
20. Advisory Committees
Division 3-The Service of the Commission
21. Appointment of officers
22. Terms and conditions of employment of officers
23. Temporary and casual employees
24. Maximum number of officers and employees of certain designations
Division 4-Finance
25. Bank accounts
26. Application of moneys by the Commission
27. Borrowing
28. Estimates
29. Certain contracts to be approved by Minister
30. Proper accounts to be kept
30A. Audit
31. Annual report of the Commission
32. Exemption from taxation
33. Application of profits
PART III-CONTROL OF MATERIALS
34. Exercise of Minister's powers
35. Title of Crown to prescribed substances in Territories of the
Commonwealth
36. Notification of discovery of prescribed substance
37. Power to obtain information
38. Control of prescribed substances
39. Power to enter on land, &c.
40. Delivery or possession of prescribed substances
41. Mining of prescribed substances on behalf of Commonwealth
42. Compensation
43. Offences
PART IV-SECURITY
44. Communication of restricted information with intent to prejudice
defence
45. Acquisition of restricted information with intent to prejudice
defence
46. Removal, &c., of restricted information with intent to prejudice
defence
47. Proof of intent
48. Unlawful communication of restricted information by certain
persons
49. Sabotage
50. Search and arrest of suspected persons
51. Person seeking employment to furnish certain information
52. Oath or affirmation of secrecy
53. Secrecy to be observed by members and employees of Commission
54. No action against Commonwealth
55. Restricted areas
56. Minister may forbid entry, &c.
57. Access to restricted information in possession of contractors
58. Acts preparatory to commission of offence
PART V-MISCELLANEOUS
59. Delegation
60. Application of Approved Defence Projects Protection Act
61. Jurisdiction of courts
62. Hearing in camera, &c.
63. Prosecution of offences
64. Punishment of offences
65. Regulations
SCHEDULE
Oath or Affirmation of Secrecy
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 1.
Short title.
SECT
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973
An Act relating to Atomic Energy.
PART I-PRELIMINARY
Short title amended; No. 32, 1918, s. 2.
1. This Act may be cited as the Atomic Energy Act 1953-1973.*
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 2.
Commencement.
SECT
2. This Act shall come into operation on the day on which it receives the
Royal Assent.*
Section 3 repealed by No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
* * * * * * * *
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 4.
Repeal and saving.
SECT
4. (1) The Atomic Energy (Control of Materials) Act 1946 and the Atomic
Energy (Control of Materials) Act 1952 are repealed.
(2) An order or declaration made, or authority or notice given, under a
provision of an Act repealed by this section continues in force as if made or
given under the corresponding provision of this Act.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 5.
Interpretation.
SECT
Sub-section (1) amended by No. 131, 1973, s. 5; and No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
5. (1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears-
''Advisory Committee'' means an Advisory Committee appointed under section
20;
''atomic energy'' means the energy released in any process, including the
fission process, which-
(a) involves the transformation of, or reactions between, atomic nuclei;
and
(b) has been influenced by special arrangements of matter or by other
but does not include energy released in a process of natural transmutation
or radio-active decay which is not accelerated or influenced by external
means;
''Australia'' includes the Territories;
''Commonwealth officer'' means a person holding office under, or employed
by, the Commonwealth and includes-
(a) a person permanently or temporarily employed or serving in the
Public Service of the Commonwealth or of a Territory, or in, or in connexion
with, the Defence Force, or by or as a member of the Commission or of another
authority or body constituted by or under an Act; and
(b) a Commonwealth Police Officer;
''constable'' means a Commonwealth Police Officer or a member of the Police
Force of a State or Territory;
''contractor'' means a person (other than an officer of the Commission) who
has entered into a contract or arrangement with the Commission, or with the
Commonwealth in relation to a matter within the functions of the Commission,
being a contract or arrangement in the performance or carrying out of which he
or some other person has, or is likely to have, access to restricted
information;
''minerals'' includes all substances obtained or obtainable from the earth
by underground or surface working;
''prescribed substance'' means uranium, thorium, plutonium, neptunium or any
of their respective compounds, and includes any other substance that is
specified in the regulations as a substance that is or may be used for or in
connexion with the production of atomic energy or for research into matters
connected with atomic energy;
''restricted information'' means, subject to the next succeeding
sub-section, information concerning-
(a) quantities of a prescribed substance or of a mineral containing a
prescribed substance;
(b) the amount or proportion of a prescribed substance contained in, or
obtained or obtainable from, any minerals;
(c) production or treatment of a prescribed substance or of a mineral
containing a prescribed substance;
(d) methods of, rates of, or capacity for producing a prescribed
substance;
(e) specifications of substances, equipment or processes specially used,
designed or adapted for the operation of atomic piles or reactors, isotope
separation plants or plants for the extraction of prescribed substances;
(f) quantities of substances resulting from the operation of atomic
piles or reactors, isotope separation plants or plants for the extraction of
prescribed substances;
(g) the theory, design or operating procedure of atomic piles or
reactors, isotope separation plants or plants for the extraction of prescribed
substances;
(h) the physical properties of the nuclei of prescribed substances;
(i) the use of prescribed substances in the production of energy; or
(j) the production, manufacture, testing or use of atomic weapons;
''the Commission'' means the Australian Atomic Energy Commission constituted
under this Act.
Amended by No. 131, 1973, s. 5.
(2) For the purposes of a prosecution under Part IV, information shall be
deemed not to have been restricted information at the time of the alleged
offence if the accused person proves that, before that time-
(a) that information had been published in scientific or technical
literature or in a public statement made or authorized by or on behalf of the
Commission or a Minister of State of the Commonwealth or of a State; or
(b) the Minister or the Commission had determined that that information
could be published without prejudicing the defence of the Commonwealth.
(3) For the purposes of this Act, a reference to the defence of the
Commonwealth shall be read as including a reference to the defence of
countries associated with Australia in resisting, or preparing to resist,
international aggression.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 6.
Application to Crown.
SECT
6. This Act binds the Crown in right of the Commonwealth or of a State.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 7.
Application of Act.
SECT
Sub-section (1) amended by No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
7. (1) This Act extends to all the Territories.
Amended by No. 131, 1973, s. 5.
(2) Part IV applies both within and without the Commonwealth.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 8.
Australian Atomic Energy Commission.
SECT
PART II-THE AUSTRALIAN ATOMIC ENERGY
COMMISSION
Division 1-Establishment and Constitution of the Commission
8. (1) For the purposes of this Act there shall be a Commission, to be known
as the Australian Atomic Energy Commission.
(2) The Commission shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a
common seal, and shall be capable of acquiring, holding and disposing of real
and personal property and of suing and being sued in its corporate name.
(3) All courts, judges and persons acting judicially shall take judicial
notice of the seal of the Commission affixed to a document and shall presume
that it was duly affixed.
(4) The performance or exercise of the functions, powers, rights,
authorities, duties or obligations of the Commission shall not be affected by
reason only of there being a vacancy in the office of a member of the
Commission.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 9.
Constitution of the Commission.
SECT
Sub-section (1) substituted by No. 131, 1973, s. 3.
9. (1) The Commission shall consist of a Chairman, a Deputy Chairman and not
more than three other members.
(2) The members of the Commission shall be appointed by the
Governor-General.
(3) A member of the Commission shall be appointed for a period not exceeding
seven years but shall be eligible for re-appointment.
Sub-section (4) omitted by No. 131, 1973, s. 3.
* * * * * * * *
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 10.
Deputies of members.
SECT
10. (1) The Governor-General may appoint a person to be the deputy of a
member of the Commission during the pleasure of the Governor-General.
(2) A person so appointed shall, in the event of the absence from a meeting
of the Commission of the member of whom he is the deputy, be entitled to
attend that meeting and, when so attending, shall be deemed to be a member of
the Commission.
(3) A reference in this Act to the Chairman of the Commission or to the
Deputy Chairman of the Commission shall not be construed as including a
reference to the deputy of the Chairman or of the Deputy Chairman.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 11.
Remuneration, &c., of members and deputies.
SECT
11. (1) The members of the Commission and the deputies of members of the
Commission shall be paid such remuneration and allowances as the
Governor-General determines.*
Amended by No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
(2) Where a member of the Commission was, immediately before his
appointment, an officer of the Public Service of the Commonwealth, his service
as a member of the Commission shall, for the purpose of determining his
existing and accruing rights, be taken into account as if it were service in
the Public Service of the Commonwealth.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 12.
Dismissal of member.
SECT
12. The Governor-General may terminate the appointment of a member of the
Commission for inability, inefficiency or misbehaviour.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 12A.
Resignation of members.
SECT
Inserted by No. 1, 1958, s. 4.
12A. A member may resign his office by writing under his hand addressed to
the Governor-General, but the resignation is not effective unless and until it
has been accepted by the Governor-General.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 13.
Vacation of office.
SECT
Substituted by No. 1, 1958, s. 4. Sub-section (1) amended by No. 131, 1973, s.
4.
13. (1) If-
(a) a member of the Commission who is appointed as a full-time member
engages in paid employment outside the duties of his office without the
approval of the Minister;
(b) a member of the Commission becomes bankrupt, applies to take the
benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors, compounds
with his creditors or makes an assignment of his remuneration for their
benefit;
(c) a member of the Commission is absent, except on leave granted by the
Minister, from all meetings of the Commission held during a period of three
months; or
(d) a member of the Commission fails to comply with his obligations under
the next succeeding sub-section,
the Governor-General shall, by notice in the Gazette, declare that the office
of the member is vacant, and thereupon the office shall be deemed to be
vacant.
(2) A member of the Commission who is directly or indirectly interested in a
contract made or proposed to be made by the Commission, otherwise than as a
member, and in common with the other members, of an incorporated company
consisting of not less than twenty-five persons, shall, as soon as possible
after the relevant facts have come to his knowledge, disclose the nature of
his interest at a meeting of the Commission.
(3) A disclosure under the last preceding sub-section shall be recorded in
the minutes of the Commission, and the member of the Commission-
(a) shall not take part after the disclosure in any deliberation or
decision of the Commission with respect to that contract; and
(b) shall be disregarded for the purpose of constituting a quorum of the
Commission for any such deliberation or decision.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 14.
Leave of absence.
SECT
14. The Minister may grant leave of absence to a member of the Commission
upon such terms and conditions as to remuneration or otherwise as the Minister
determines.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 15.
Meetings of the Commission.
SECT
15. (1) The Commission shall hold meetings at such times and places as the
Commission determines.
(2) The Minister may at any time convene a meeting of the Commission.
(3) The Chairman of the Commission shall preside at all meetings of the
Commission at which he is present.
(4) In the event of the absence of the Chairman of the Commission from a
meeting of the Commission, the Deputy Chairman shall preside at the meeting.
Substituted by No. 1, 1958, s. 5.
(5) At a meeting of the Commission, a majority of the members of the
Commission for the time being holding office constitutes a quorum.
(6) A question arising at a meeting of the Commission shall be determined by
a majority of the votes of the members present.
(7) The member of the Commission presiding at a meeting of the Commission
has a deliberative vote and, in the event of an equality of votes, also has a
casting vote.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 16.
Delegation of powers of Commission.
SECT
16. (1) The Commission may, in relation to a matter or class of matters, or
to a particular place, by writing under its seal, delegate to any person all
or any of its powers and functions under this Act (except this power of
delegation) so that the delegated powers and functions may be exercised by the
delegate with respect to the matter or class of matters, or to the place,
specified in the instrument of delegation.
(2) A delegation under this section is revocable at will and no delegation
prevents the exercise of a power or function by the Commission.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 17.
Functions of Commission.
SECT
Division 2-Functions and Powers of the Commission
17. (1) Subject to this Act, the functions of the Commission are-
(a) to undertake, or arrange for or encourage other authorities or persons
to undertake, exploration for, and mining and treatment of, uranium and
minerals found in association with uranium;
(b) to supervise the activities of persons who, in pursuance of contracts
with the Commonwealth, are exploring for, mining, treating or selling uranium,
or minerals found in association with uranium, and to exercise the rights and
powers of the Commonwealth under any such contract;
(c) to co-operate with the appropriate authorities of a State in matters
associated with-
(i) the discovery and mining in the State of uranium and minerals found
in association with uranium; or
(ii) the treatment, use or disposal of uranium, or of any such mineral,
found in the State;
(d) to negotiate on behalf of the Commonwealth, or enter into, agreements
for the purchase and sale of uranium and minerals found in association with
uranium;
(e) to construct and operate plant and equipment for the liberation of
atomic energy and its conversion into other forms of energy;
(f) to sell or otherwise dispose of materials or energy produced as a
result of the operations of the Commission;
(g) to carry out research and investigations in connexion with matters
associated with uranium or atomic energy, or in connexion with such other
matters as the Minister determines;
(h) to arrange for the training of scientific research workers and the
establishment and award of scientific research studentships and fellowships in
matters associated with uranium or atomic energy;
(i) to make grants in aid of research into matters associated with uranium
or atomic energy;
(j) to make arrangements with universities and other institutions or
persons for the conduct of research into matters associated with uranium or
atomic energy;
(k) to collect and distribute information relating to uranium or to atomic
energy; and
(l) to publish scientific and technical reports, periodicals and papers in
connexion with the activities of the Commission and other similar activities.
(2) The Commission may act as agent of the Commonwealth in relation to any
matter within the functions of the Commission.
(3) The Commission may make recommendations to the Minister in relation to
activities of the Commonwealth in connexion with uranium and atomic energy.
Amended by No. 131, 1973, s. 5; and No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
(4) The functions of the Commission specified in sub-section (1) shall be
performed only-
(a) for the purpose of ensuring the provision of-
(i) uranium or atomic energy for the defence of the Commonwealth;
(ii) uranium to be supplied by or on behalf of the Commonwealth to the
Government of another country or to an authority acting on behalf of the
Government or Governments of another country or countries; or
(iii) uranium or atomic energy for any other purpose of the
Commonwealth;
(b) for the purpose of ensuring that uranium from sources in Australia is
not disposed of in a manner that may be prejudicial to the defence of the
Commonwealth;
(c) in a manner incidental to the performance of the functions of the
Commission for the purposes specified in the last two preceding paragraphs;
or
(d) in or in relation to a Territory.
(5) For the purposes of this section, ''uranium'' includes compounds of
uranium and all other substances that are or may be used for or in connexion
with the production of atomic energy, whether or not they are prescribed
substances.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 18.
Powers of Commission.
SECT
18. (1) The Commission has power to do all things that are necessary or
convenient to be done for or in connexion with the performance of its
functions.
(2) Without limiting the generality of the last preceding subsection, the
Commission has power-
(a) to purchase land, and to purchase or construct buildings, for use in
carrying on the operations of the Commission, and to dispose of land or
buildings owned by the Commission;
(b) to take on lease land or buildings for use in carrying on the
operations of the Commission, and to dispose of any such lease;
(c) to purchase or take on hire plant, machinery, equipment, or other goods
necessary for carrying on the operations of the Commission and to dispose of
any plant, machinery, equipment, or other goods owned by the Commission;
(d) to appoint agents;
(e) to pay rewards and bonuses; and
(f) to do anything incidental to any of its functions or powers.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 19.
Commission subject to Minister.
SECT
19. (1) The Commission shall comply with the directions (if any) of the
Minister in relation to the performance of a function or the exercise of a
power by the Commission.
(2) The Commission shall not perform a function or exercise a power in a
manner which exclusively affects Norfolk Island, the Territory of Papua and
the Territory of New Guinea, or any of those Territories, except with the
approval of the Minister, and, before giving any such approval, the Minister
shall confer with the Minister of State for Territories.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 20.
Advisory Committees.
SECT
20. (1) Subject to this section, the Commission may appoint such Advisory
Committees as it considers necessary for the efficient performance of its
functions.
(2) The number of Advisory Committees and the number of members of each
committee shall be as determined by the Minister on the recommendation of the
Commission.
(3) An Advisory Committee shall advise the Commission on matters referred to
it by the Commission.
(4) Members of an Advisory Committee shall be paid such allowances as the
Governor-General determines.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 21.
Appointment of officers.
SECT
Division 3-The Service of the Commission
21. (1) The Commission may appoint such officers as it thinks necessary for
the purposes of this Part.
(2) The officers of the Commission shall constitute the Service of the
Commission.
Amended by No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
(3) Subject to the next succeeding sub-section, a person shall not be
admitted to the Service of the Commission unless-
(a) he is a British subject;
(b) the Commission is satisfied, upon medical examination, as to his health
and physical fitness; and
(c) he makes and subscribes, before a person authorized under the law of
the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory to take affidavits, an oath or
affirmation of allegiance in accordance with the form in the Schedule to the
Constitution.
(4) The Commission may, with the approval of the Minister, appoint to the
Service of the Commission a person who is not a British subject and has not
made and subscribed the oath or affirmation of allegiance.
Amended by No. 1, 1958, s. 6; and No. 93, 1966, s. 3.
(5) The appointment, transfer or promotion of a person to a position the
salary, or the maximum salary, of which exceeds Five thousand dollars, or such
higher amount as is prescribed, per annum, is subject to the approval of the
Minister.
(6) For the purposes of the last preceding sub-section, the salary of a
position shall not be deemed to be affected by variations made in accordance
with variations in the cost of living, and shall not include any allowance.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 22.
Terms and conditions of employment of officers.
SECT
22. (1) The terms and conditions of employment of officers appointed under
this Part are such as are determined by the Commission with the approval of
the Public Service Board.
Amended by No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
(2) Where an officer appointed under this Part was, immediately before his
appointment, an officer of the Public Service of the Commonwealth, his service
as an officer of the Commission shall, for the purpose of determining his
existing and accruing rights, be taken into account as if it were service in
the Public Service of the Commonwealth.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 23.
Temporary and casual employees.
SECT
23. The Commission may employ such temporary or casual employees as it
thinks fit on such terms and conditions as are, subject to the approval of the
Public Service Board, determined by the Commission.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 24.
Maximum number of officers and employees of certain designations.
SECT
24. The maximum number of officers and employees of each designation whose
duties are primarily of an administrative or clerical nature shall be a number
approved by the Public Service Board.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 25.
Bank accounts.
SECT
Division 4-Finance
Substituted by No. 1, 1958, s. 7.
Sub-section (1) amended by No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
25. (1) The Commission shall open and maintain an account or accounts with
the Reserve Bank of Australia and may open and maintain an account or accounts
with such other bank or banks as the Treasurer approves.
(2) The Commission shall pay all moneys received by it into an account
referred to in this section.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 26.
Application of moneys by the Commission.
SECT
Substituted by No. 1, 1958, s. 7.
26. (1) Subject to this section, the moneys of the Commission shall be
applied only-
(a) in payment or discharge of the expenses, charges and obligations
incurred or undertaken by the Commission in the performance of its functions
under this Act;
(b) in payment of the remuneration and allowances of members of the
Commission, deputies of members of the Commission, and members of Advisory
Committees; and
(c) in making any other payments which the Commission is authorized or
required to make under this Act.
(2) No moneys shall be expended by the Commission otherwise than in
accordance with estimates of expenditure approved by the Treasurer.
Amended by No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
(3) Moneys of the Commission not immediately required for the purposes of
the Commission may be invested on fixed deposit with the Reserve Bank of
Australia or with any other bank approved by the Treasurer, or in securities
of the Commonwealth.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 27.
Borrowing.
SECT
Substituted by No. 1, 1958, s. 7.
Sub-section (1) amended by No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
27. (1) The Commission may, with the consent of the Treasurer, borrow moneys
for temporary purposes on overdraft from the Reserve Bank of Australia, or
from such other bank as the Treasurer approves.
(2) The Treasurer may, out of moneys appropriated by the Parliament for the
purposes of this Act, make advances to the Commission of such amounts, and on
such terms, as he thinks fit.
(3) The Treasurer may permit the borrowing of moneys by the Commission,
whether for a temporary purpose or not, otherwise than in accordance with the
preceding provisions of this section.
(4) The Commission shall not borrow moneys otherwise than in accordance with
this section.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 28.
Estimates.
SECT
28. The Commission shall prepare estimates, in such form as the Minister
directs, of its receipts and expenditure for each financial year and shall
submit those estimates to the Minister.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 29.
Certain contracts to be approved by Minister.
SECT
Amended by No. 93, 1966, s. 3.
29. The Commission shall not, except with the approval of the Minister,
enter into a contract involving the payment by the Commission of an amount
exceeding Fifty thousand dollars.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 30.
Proper accounts to be kept.
SECT
Substituted by No. 1, 1958, s. 8.
30. The Commission shall keep proper accounts and records in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles and shall do all things necessary to
ensure that all payments out of its moneys are correctly made and properly
authorized and that adequate control is maintained over the assets of the
Commission and the incurring of liabilities of the Commission.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 30A.
Audit.
SECT
Inserted by No. 1, 1958, s. 8.
30A. (1) The Auditor-General shall inspect and audit the accounts and
records of financial transactions of the Commission, and shall forthwith draw
the Minister's attention to any irregularity disclosed by the inspection and
audit which, in the opinion of the Auditor-General, is of sufficient
importance to justify his so doing.
(2) The Auditor-General shall, at least once in each year, report to the
Minister the results of the inspection and audit carried out under the last
preceding sub-section.
(3) The Auditor-General or a person authorized by him is entitled at all
reasonable times to full and free access to all accounts, records, documents
and papers of the Commission relating directly or indirectly to the receipt or
payment of moneys by the Commission or to the acquisition, receipt, custody or
disposal of assets of the Commission.
(4) The Auditor-General or a person authorized by him may make copies of or
take extracts from any such accounts, records, documents or papers.
(5) The Auditor-General or a person authorized by him may require a member,
officer or employee of the Commission to furnish him with such information in
the possession of the member, officer or employee or to which the member,
officer or employee has access as the Auditor-General or authorized person
considers necessary for the purposes of an inspection or audit under this
section, and the member, officer or employee shall comply with the
requirement.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 31.
Annual report of the Commission.
SECT
Substituted by No. 1, 1958, s. 8.
31. (1) The Commission shall, as soon as practicable after each thirtieth
day of June, prepare and furnish to the Minister a report of its operations
during the year ended on that date, together with financial statements in
respect of that year in such form as the Treasurer approves.
(2) Before furnishing the financial statements to the Minister, the
Commission shall submit them to the Auditor-General, who shall report to the
Minister-
(a) whether the statements are based on proper accounts and records;
(b) whether the statements are in agreement with the accounts and records
and show fairly the financial operations and the state of the affairs of the
Commission;
(c) whether the receipt, expenditure and investment of moneys, and the
acquisition and disposal of assets, by the Commission during the year have
been in accordance with this Act; and
(d) as to such other matters arising out of the statements as the
Auditor-General considers should be reported to the Minister.
(3) The Minister shall lay the report and financial statements of the
Commission, together with the report of the Auditor-General, before each House
of the Parliament within fifteen sitting days of that House after their
receipt by the Minister.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 32.
Exemption from taxation.
SECT
Amended by No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
32. The income, property and operations of the Commission are not subject to
income tax under a law of the Commonwealth, or to taxation under a law of a
State or Territory to which the Commonwealth is not subject.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 33.
Application of profits.
SECT
33. The profits (if any) of the Commission shall be applied in such manner
as the Minister, with the concurrence of the Treasurer, determines.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 34.
Exercise of Minister's powers.
SECT
PART III-CONTROL OF MATERIALS
Amended by No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
34. The powers conferred by this Part shall be exercised only-
(a) for the purposes of the defence of the Commonwealth; or
(b) in relation to substances situated, or things done or proposed to be
done, in a Territory.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 35.
Title of Crown to prescribed substances in Territories of the Commonwealth.
SECT
Sub-section (1) amended by No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
35. (1) This section applies to substances which, on or after the
commencement of this Act, are prescribed substances existing in their natural
condition, or in a deposit of waste material obtained from an underground or
surface working, on or below the surface of land in a Territory, whether
alienated from the Crown or not and, if alienated, whether alienated before or
after the commencement of this Act.
Amended by No. 131, 1973, s. 5.
(2) A substance to which this section applies which-
(a) is a prescribed substance at the commencement of this Act; and
(b) was not the property of the Commonwealth immediately before 11th
September, 1946 (being the date of commencement of the Atomic Energy (Control
of Materials) Act 1946),
is declared to have become the property of the Commonwealth on that date.
(3) A substance to which this section applies which-
(a) becomes a prescribed substance after the commencement of this Act; and
(b) is not, immediately before the date on which it becomes a prescribed
substance, the property of the Commonwealth,
becomes, by force of this Act, the property of the Commonwealth on that date.
Amended by No. 131, 1973, s. 5; and No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
(4) The title of the Commonwealth to any substance to which this section
applies is subject to any rights granted after 10th September, 1946, by or
under the law of a Territory, with express reference to that substance, but to
no other rights.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 36.
Notification of discovery of prescribed substance.
SECT
36. (1) A person who, whether before or after the commencement of this Act,
has discovered that a substance that is or becomes a prescribed substance, or
minerals containing a substance that is or becomes a prescribed substance,
occurs or occur at any place in Australia shall report that discovery by
notice in writing to the Minister within one month after-
(a) the commencement of this Act;
(b) the date of the making of the discovery; or
(c) the date on which the substance becomes a prescribed substance,
whichever is the latest.
(2) The last preceding sub-section does not require a person to report a
discovery that he has reported to a Minister before the commencement of this
Act.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 37.
Power to obtain information.
SECT
37. The Minister may, by notice in writing served on a person, require that
person to furnish in writing, in the manner specified in the notice and within
the time or times and in respect of the period or periods (if any) so
specified, a statement, return or returns containing such particulars as are
specified in the notice relating to-
(a) prescribed substances in his possession or under his control;
(b) minerals of a kind specified in the notice in his possession or under
his control or present on or under land owned or occupied by him, being
minerals from which, in the opinion of the Minister, a prescribed substance
can be obtained; or
(c) work carried out by him or on his behalf or under his direction in
connexion with the production or use of a prescribed substance or of minerals
from which, in the opinion of the Minister, a prescribed substance can be
obtained.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 38.
Control of prescribed substances.
SECT
38. (1) The regulations may-
(a) prohibit, or authorize the prohibition of, the working of minerals from
which, in the opinion of the Governor-General, a prescribed substance can be
obtained; or
(b) prohibit, or authorize the prohibition of, the acquisition, production,
treatment, possession, use or disposal of a prescribed substance,
except under and in accordance with a licence in force under this section.
(2) The Minister may-
(a) grant or refuse a licence for the purposes of this section;
(b) include in a licence such conditions as he thinks fit; and
(c) revoke a licence.
Amended by No. 131, 1973, s. 5.
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 34, where a person applies for
a licence under this section in respect of anything proposed to be done in a
State, the Minister shall grant the licence unless he considers it necessary
or desirable for the purposes of the defence of the Commonwealth to refuse to
grant the licence.
Amended by No. 1, 1958, s. 9; and No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
(4) Nothing in this section affects the operation of a law of a State or
Territory, except to the extent that that law is inconsistent with regulations
made by virtue of this section.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 39.
Power to enter on land, &c.
SECT
39. The Minister may, by writing under his hand, authorize a person to enter
on land specified in the writing, or to enter on land on or under which the
person so authorized has reasonable grounds to believe that a prescribed
substance, or minerals containing a prescribed substance, may exist, and the
person so authorized may-
(a) enter on land in accordance with the authority;
(b) make observations or tests, or carry on experimental mining operations;
and
(c) extract and remove samples of minerals,
for the purpose of ascertaining the existence and extent of any prescribed
substance, or minerals containing a prescribed substance, on or under the
land, and of examining the method of working adopted for mining or extracting
a prescribed substance or a mineral containing a prescribed substance.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 40.
Delivery or possession of prescribed substances.
SECT
40. (1) The Minister may-
(a) by notice in writing served on a person who has in his possession a
prescribed substance, or minerals containing a prescribed substance, require
that person to deliver the prescribed substance or minerals, as the case may
be, to the Minister at a time and place specified in the notice; or
(b) take possession of a prescribed substance, or minerals containing a
prescribed substance, and for that purpose enter and remain on land or
premises and do any other act.
(2) Prescribed substances or minerals received or taken possession of by the
Minister in pursuance of this section become, by force of this section, the
property of the Commonwealth.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 41.
Mining of prescribed substances on behalf of Commonwealth.
SECT
41. (1) Where it appears to the Minister that a prescribed substance, or
minerals from which, in the opinion of the Minister, a prescribed substance
can be obtained, is or are present on or under the whole or a part of an area
of land, either in a natural state or in a deposit of waste material obtained
from an underground or surface working, the Minister may, by writing under his
hand, authorize a person to carry on, on behalf of the Commonwealth,
operations in accordance with this section on that land.
(2) Subject to any conditions or restrictions specified in the authority,
the person so authorized in relation to any land may-
(a) enter upon that land, with such workmen and other persons as he thinks
fit, and bring on to that land such machinery, vehicles and other things as he
thinks fit;
(b) take possession of the whole or a part of that land;
(c) carry on, upon or under that land, operations for discovering
prescribed substances, and for mining, recovering, treating and processing
prescribed substances and such other minerals as it is necessary or convenient
to mine or recover in order to obtain prescribed substances;
(d) for the purposes of the operations referred to in the last preceding
paragraph-
(i) erect or install buildings (including residential buildings),
structures and machinery on that land;
(ii) cut and construct water races, drains, dams, tramways and roads on
that land;
(iii) bore or sink for water, and pump, raise or use water, on that
land; and
(iv) do other work on that land;
(e) demolish or remove buildings, structures and machinery erected or
installed on that land;
(f) pass over, or authorize persons and things to pass or be carried over,
land giving access to that land; and
(g) do all such other things as are necessary or convenient for the
effectual exercise of the powers specified in the preceding paragraphs of this
sub-section.
(3) All prescribed substances and minerals mined or otherwise recovered in
pursuance of an authority under this section that are not otherwise the
property of the Commonwealth are, by force of this section, vested in the
Commonwealth.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 42.
Compensation.
SECT
42. Where-
(a) any prescribed substance is or any minerals are acquired by the
Commonwealth by virtue of this Part; or
(b) a person suffers loss or damage by reason of anything done in pursuance
of any of the last three preceding sections,
the Commonwealth is liable to pay to a person who had a right, title or
interest in the prescribed substance or minerals, or to the person who has
suffered the loss or damage, as the case may be, such compensation as is
agreed on between the Commonwealth and that person or, in default of
agreement, is determined by action against the Commonwealth in a court of
competent jurisdiction.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 43.
Offences.
SECT
Amended by No. 93, 1966, s. 3; and No. 131, 1973, s. 5.
43. A person shall not-
(a) contravene or fail to comply with a provision of this Part or the
regulations referred to in section 38;
(b) refuse or fail to comply with a notice served on him under this Part;
(c) refuse or fail to comply with or observe a term or condition subject to
which a licence has been granted to him under this Part;
(d) obstruct or hinder a person in the exercise of a power or authority
conferred on that person by or under this Part; or
(e) except with the consent of the person in possession of the land, enter
or be upon land of which a person is in possession in pursuance of this Part.
Penalty: One thousand dollars or imprisonment for six months, or both.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 44.
Communication of restricted information with intent to prejudice defence.
SECT
PART IV-SECURITY
44. A person who, whether lawfully or unlawfully, has knowledge of or access
to, or has in his possession or under his control, a photograph, sketch, plan,
model, article, instrument, appliance, note or other document, or any
information, which is capable of conveying, or is or includes, restricted
information-
(a) shall not, with intent to prejudice the defence of the Commonwealth,
publish it, or communicate, give, transmit or disclose it to some other
person; and
(b) shall not, having reason to believe that it will be used to prejudice
the defence of the Commonwealth, publish it, or communicate, give, transmit or
disclose it to some other person.
Penalty: Imprisonment for twenty years.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 45.
Acquisition of restricted information with intent to prejudice defence.
SECT
45. A person shall not, with intent to prejudice the defence of the
Commonwealth, acquire a photograph, sketch, plan, model, article, instrument,
appliance, note or other document, or any information, which is capable of
conveying, or is or includes, restricted information.
Penalty: Imprisonment for twenty years.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 46.
Removal, &c., of restricted information with intent to prejudice defence.
SECT
46. A person shall not, with intent to prejudice the defence of the
Commonwealth, remove, conceal, tamper with, alter, mutilate or destroy a
photograph, sketch, plan, model, article, instrument, appliance, note or other
document which is capable of conveying, or is or includes, restricted
information and is used or intended to be used by the Commonwealth, the
Commission, a contractor, a State or an authority or agency of the
Commonwealth or of a State in connexion with the production of a prescribed
substance or in connexion with research or development relating to atomic
energy.
Penalty: Imprisonment for twenty years.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 47.
Proof of intent.
SECT
Amended by No. 131, 1973, s. 5.
47. On a prosecution of a person under paragraph (a) of section 44, section
45 or section 46-
(a) it is not necessary to show that he was guilty of a particular act
tending to show an intent to prejudice the defence of the Commonwealth and,
notwithstanding that no such act is proved against him, he may be convicted
if, from the circumstances of the case, his conduct, or his known character as
proved, it appears that he acted with intent to prejudice the defence of the
Commonwealth; and
(b) if it is proved that a photograph, sketch, plan, model, article,
instrument, appliance, note or other document, or any information, which is
capable of conveying, or is or includes, restricted information, has been
dealt with by that person in a manner referred to in paragraph (a) of section
44, section 45 or section 46 otherwise than under lawful authority, it shall
be deemed, unless the contrary is proved, to have been so dealt with with
intent to prejudice the defence of the Commonwealth.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 48.
Unlawful communication of restricted information by certain persons
SECT
48. (1) A person who has knowledge of or access to, or has in his possession
or under his control, a photograph, sketch, plan, model, article, instrument,
appliance, note or other document, or any information, which is capable of
conveying, or is or includes, restricted information and-
(a) has been entrusted in confidence to him by a Commonwealth officer; or
(b) has come to his knowledge, into his possession or under his control by
reason of his position as a person-
(i) who is or has been a Commonwealth officer or a member of an
Advisory Committee;
(ii) who is or has been a contractor or a person employed by a
contractor; (iii) who is or has been a professional, scientific, technical or
other adviser engaged or consulted by the Commonwealth, the Commission or a
contractor or
(iv) acting with the permission of a Minister,
shall not-
(c) publish it without authority, or communicate or give it to a person
other than a person to whom he is authorized to communicate or give it or to
whom it is, in the interests of the Commonwealth, his duty to communicate or
give it;
(d) use or retain it in his possession or control, when he has no right to
use or retain it or when it is contrary to his duty to use or retain it;
(e) fail to comply with a direction given by lawful authority with respect
to its return or disposal;
(f) fail to take reasonable care of it; or
(g) so conduct himself as to endanger its safety.
Penalty: Imprisonment for seven years.
(2) A person shall not receive a photograph, sketch, plan, model, article,
instrument, appliance, note or other document, or any information, knowing, or
having reasonable ground to believe, at the time when he receives it, that it
is communicated or given to him in contravention of this Act.
Penalty: Imprisonment for seven years.
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution under the last preceding subsection if
the accused person proves that the communication to him was contrary to his
desire.
(4) A person shall not, without reasonable excuse, publish, or communicate
or give to another person, a photograph, sketch, plan, model, article,
instrument, appliance, note or other document, or any information, knowing, or
having reasonable ground to believe, that it was communicated or given to him
in contravention of this Act.
Penalty: Imprisonment for seven years.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 49.
Sabotage.
SECT
49. A person shall not, without lawful authority or excuse, destroy, damage,
pollute, tamper or interfere with, or do an act which is likely to destroy,
damage, pollute or impair the efficiency of, any real or personal property
which-
(a) belongs to or is used for the purposes of the Commission; or
(b) is used or intended to be used in connexion with a contract or
arrangement with the Commission or with the Commonwealth in relation to a
matter within the functions of the Commission.
Penalty: Imprisonment for seven years.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 50.
Search and arrest of suspected persons.
SECT
Sub-section (1) amended by No. 131, 1973, s. 5; and No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
50. (1) Where a person is found committing an offence against section 44,
45, 46, 48 or 49, or is reasonably suspected of having committed or of having
attempted to commit such an offence, a constable may, without warrant-
(a) detain, for the purpose of search, and search, that person; and
(b) arrest that person.
(2) The person conducting a search in pursuance of the last preceding
sub-section may seize a thing which appears to that person to be a thing in
respect of which a person has committed or has attempted to commit an offence
against any of the sections specified in that sub-section, or which the
first-mentioned person has reasonable ground for believing to be evidence of
such an offence or attempt.
(3) A female shall not be searched under this section except by a female.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 51.
Person seeking employment to furnish certain information.
SECT
51. The Commission shall, before appointing a person to be an officer or
employee of the Commission or a member of an Advisory Committee, require him
to furnish to the Commission, in writing verified by statutory declaration,
information on such matters as the Minister directs, being information which
the Minister is satisfied it is desirable to obtain for the purposes of
ensuring the security, safety or secrecy of the operations of the Commission.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 52.
Oath or affirmation of secrecy.
SECT
Amended by No. 131, 1973, s. 5; and No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
52. A member of the Commission or of an Advisory Committee, or an officer or
employee of the Commission, shall, before entering upon the performance of his
duties, make and subscribe, before a person authorized under the law of the
Commonwealth or of a State or Territory to take affidavits, an oath or
affirmation of secrecy in accordance with the form in the Schedule.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 53.
Secrecy to be observed by members and employees of Commission.
SECT
53. A member of the Commission or of an Advisory Committee, or an officer or
employee of the Commission, shall not, except in the course of his duty or
with the approval of the Commission, communicate to a person any information
concerning the activities of the Commission or the contents of a document to
which he has had access by reason of his position as such a member, officer or
employee.
Penalty: Imprisonment for seven years.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 54.
No action against Commonwealth.
SECT
Amended by No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
54. No action lies against the Commonwealth, a State, the Commission, or a
constable in respect of an arrest, apprehension, detention, search, seizure or
act in pursuance of or for the purposes of this Part, but, if the
Governor-General is satisfied that an arrest, apprehension, detention, search,
seizure or act was made or done without reasonable cause, he may award
reasonable compensation in respect of it.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 55.
Restricted areas.
SECT
55. (1) If, in the opinion of the Minister, it is necessary or desirable for
the purposes of the defence of the Commonwealth so to do, the Minister may, by
notice published in the Gazette, declare an area of land or water or an area
of land and water (whether or not it belongs to or is used for the purposes of
the Commonwealth or a State), being an area in or near which prescribed
substances exist or may exist, or an area in or near which are carried on
operations in connexion with the production or treatment of prescribed
substances or in connexion with atomic energy, to be, for the purposes of this
Act, a restricted area.
(2) It is not necessary for a notice under the last preceding sub-section to
indicate the matters by reason of which the area is one to which that
sub-section applies.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 56.
Minister may forbid entry, &c.
SECT
56. (1) The Minister, or a person authorized by the Minister to act under
this section, may, by notice in writing under his hand served personally on a
person-
(a) forbid that person to enter a restricted area; or
(b) direct that person to leave a restricted area.
(2) A person on whom has been served a notice under the last preceding
sub-section shall not enter the restricted area referred to in the notice.
Amended by No. 131, 1973, s. 5.
(3) If, at the time of the service on him of a notice under sub-section (1),
a person is in a restricted area, he shall leave that area within the time
specified in the notice.
(4) A person who is in a restricted area in contravention of this section
may be removed from that area by or under the direction of a Commonwealth
officer acting in the course of his duty or employment, or by or under the
direction of a constable.
Penalty: Imprisonment for two years.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 57.
Access to restricted information in possession of contractors.
SECT
57. A person who is or has been a contractor shall not permit another person
to have access to restricted information which has come to his knowledge, into
his possession or under his control by reason of his being a contractor,
unless the Commission has authorized that other person to have access to
restricted information.
Penalty: Imprisonment for seven years.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 58.
Acts preparatory to commission of offence.
SECT
58. A person who does an act preparatory to the commission of an offence
against this Part is guilty of that offence.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 59.
Delegation.
SECT
PART V-MISCELLANEOUS
59. (1) The Minister may, in relation to a matter or class of matters, or in
relation to a part of Australia, by writing under his hand, delegate to any
person all or any of his powers and functions under this Act (except this
power of delegation) so that the delegated powers and functions may be
exercised by the delegate with respect to the matter or class of matters, or
the part of Australia, specified in the instrument of delegation.
(2) A delegation under this section is revocable at will and does not
prevent the exercise of a power or function by the Minister.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 60.
Application of Approved Defence Projects Protection Act.
SECT
60. The Approved Defence Projects Protection Act 1947 applies to and in
relation to all works carried out by or on behalf of the Commission as if
those works were approved defence projects within the meaning of that Act.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 61.
Jurisdiction of courts.
SECT
Sub-section (1) amended by No. 131, 1973, s. 5; and No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
61. (1) Subject to the succeeding provisions-
(a) the several courts of the States are invested with federal
jurisdiction; and
(b) jurisdiction is conferred on the several courts of the Territories,
with respect to offences against Part IV.
(2) The jurisdiction invested in or conferred on courts by the last
preceding sub-section is invested or conferred within the limits (other than
limits having effect by reference to the places at which offences are
committed) of their several jurisdictions, whether those limits are as to
subject-matter or otherwise.
Amended by No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
(3) The trial on indictment of an offence against this Act, not being an
offence committed within a State, may be held in any State or Territory.
Amended by No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
(4) The jurisdiction invested in, or conferred on, a court of summary
jurisdiction by this section shall not be judicially exercised except by a
Judge, a Chief, Police, Stipendiary, Resident or Special Magistrate, or a
District Officer or Assistant District Officer of a Territory.
Amended by No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
(5) Where an appeal lies from a court to the Supreme Court of a State or
Territory, an appeal from a decision of the first-mentioned court exercising
jurisdiction by virtue of this section may be brought to the High Court.
Amended by No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
(6) The High Court may grant special leave to appeal to the High Court from
a decision of a court of a State or Territory exercising jurisdiction by
virtue of this section notwithstanding that the law of that State or Territory
prohibits an appeal from the last-mentioned court.
Amended by No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
(7) Subject to the provisions of this Act other than this section, the laws
of a State or Territory with respect to the arrest and custody of offenders or
persons charged with offences and the procedure for-
(a) their summary conviction;
(b) their examination and commitment for trial on indictment;
(c) their trial and conviction on indictment; and
(d) the hearing and determination of appeals arising out of any such trial
or conviction or out of any proceedings connected therewith,
and with respect to holding accused persons to bail apply, so far as they are
applicable, to a person who is charged in that State or Territory with an
offence against this Act or the regulations.
(8) Except as provided by this section, the Judiciary Act 1903-1950 applies
in relation to offences against this Act or the regulations.
Amended by No. 216, 1973, s. 3.
(9) For the purposes of this section, ''court of summary jurisdiction''
includes a court of a Territory sitting as a court for the making of summary
orders or the summary punishment of offences under the law of the Territory.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 62.
Hearing in camera, &c.
SECT
62. (1) At any time before or during the hearing of proceedings in respect
of an offence against this Act or the regulations, the judge, magistrate or
other person presiding or competent to preside over the proceedings may, if
satisfied that such a course is expedient in the interests of the defence of
the Commonwealth-
(a) order that some or all of the members of the public shall be excluded
during the whole or a part of the proceedings;
(b) order that no report of the whole or a specified part of the
proceedings shall be published; or
(c) make such other order and give such directions as he thinks necessary
for ensuring that an affidavit, exhibit, information or other document used in
the proceedings does not remain on the file in the court or in the records of
the court after the hearing of the proceedings has been completed.
(2) A person shall not contravene or fail to comply with an order made or
direction given in pursuance of this section.
Penalty: Imprisonment for five years.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 63.
Prosecution of offences.
SECT
63. (1) A prosecution under this Act or the regulations shall be instituted
only by or with the consent of the Attorney-General or of a person acting
under his direction.
(2) A person charged with an offence against this Act or the regulations may
be arrested, or a warrant for his arrest may be issued and executed, and he
may be remanded in custody or on bail, notwithstanding that the consent of the
Attorney-General or of a person acting under his direction has not been
obtained, but no further proceedings shall be taken until that consent has
been obtained.
(3) Nothing in this section prevents the discharge of a person charged if
proceedings are not continued within a reasonable time.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 64.
Punishment of offences.
SECT
64. (1) An offence against this Act may be prosecuted either summarily or
upon indictment but an offender is not liable to be punished more than once in
respect of the same offence.
Amended by No. 93, 1966, s. 3.
(2) The punishment for an offence against this Act is-
(a) if the offence is prosecuted summarily-a fine not exceeding Two hundred
dollars or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both; or
(b) if the offence is prosecuted upon indictment-a penalty not exceeding
the penalty provided by this Act in respect of the offence.
Amended by No. 131, 1973, s. 5.
(3) In addition to any other punishment, a court may, if it thinks fit,
order the forfeiture of a photograph, sketch, plan, model, article, instrument
or appliance, or of a note or other document, in respect of which an offence
against Part IV has been committed.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SECT. 65.
Regulations.
SECT
Amended by No. 93, 1966, s. 3.
65. The Governor-General may make regulations, not inconsistent with this
Act, prescribing all matters which by this Act are required or permitted to be
prescribed, or which are necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying
out or giving effect to this Act, and in particular for prescribing penalties
for offences against the regulations, but so that no prescribed period of
imprisonment shall exceed six months and no prescribed pecuniary penalty shall
exceed Four hundred dollars.
-----------
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - SCHEDULE
SCH
Heading amended by No. 131, 1973, s. 5.
SCHEDULE
Section
52
OATH OR AFFIRMATION OF SECRECY
I, do swear by Almighty God (or do solemnly and sincerely
affirm and declare) that I will not, except as permitted by law, divulge or
communicate to any person, or give any person access to, any information or
document coming to my knowledge or to which I have access by virtue of my
position as a member of the Australian Atomic Energy Commission (or an officer
of the Australian Atomic Energy Commission or an employee of the Australian
Atomic Energy Commission or a member of an Advisory Committee appointed under
the Atomic Energy Act 1953, as the case requires).
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--
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT 1953-1973 - NOTES
NOTES
1. The Atomic Energy Act 1953-1973 comprises the Atomic Energy Act 1953 as
amended by the other Acts specified in the following table:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number Date of
Act and year Date of
Assent commencement
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atomic Energy Act 1953 No. 31, 1953 15 Apr 1953 15 Apr 1953
Atomic Energy Act 1958 No. 1, 1958 1 Apr 1958 1 Apr 1958
Statute Law Revision
(Decimal Currency) Act
1966 No. 93, 1966 29 Oct 1966 1 Dec 1966
Atomic Energy Act 1973 No. 131, 1973 13 Nov 1973 13 Nov 1973
Statute Law Revision Act
1973 No. 216, 1973 19 Dec 1973 31 Dec 1973
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.-S. 11 (1)-By section 15 of, and Schedule 4 to, the Remuneration and
Allowances Acts 1973, the rate per annum of the salary applicable to the
office of Chairman of the Australian Atomic Energy Commission is $25,000 with
an annual allowance of $1,200.