An Act about the Future Fund, and for other purposes
Part 1—Introduction
1 Short title [see Note 1]
This Act may be cited as the Future Fund Act 2006.
2 Commencement
(1) Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.
| Commencement information |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
| Provision(s) | Commencement | Date/Details |
| 1. Sections 1 and 2 and anything in this Act not elsewhere covered by this table | The day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent. | 23 March 2006 |
| 2. Sections 3 to 85 | A single day to be fixed by Proclamation. However, if any of the provision(s) do not commence within the period of 6 months beginning on the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent, they commence on the first day after the end of that period. | 3 April 2006 (see F2006L00934) |
| 3. Schedules 1, 2 and 3 | At the same time as the provision(s) covered by table item 2. | 3 April 2006 |
Note: This table relates only to the provisions of this Act as originally passed by the Parliament and assented to. It will not be expanded to deal with provisions inserted in this Act after assent.
(2) Column 3 of the table contains additional information that is not part of this Act. Information in this column may be added to or edited in any published version of this Act.
3 Object
(1) The main object of this Act is to strengthen the Commonwealth’s long‑term financial position by establishing the Future Fund.
(2) The Future Fund will make provision for unfunded superannuation liabilities that will become payable during a period when an ageing population is likely to place significant pressure on the Commonwealth’s finances.
4 Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Act:
• This Act sets up the Future Fund.
• The Future Fund Board of Guardians is responsible for deciding how to invest the Future Fund.
• Investments of the Future Fund will consist of financial assets.
• The Board is bound by a Future Fund Investment Mandate given to it by the responsible Ministers.
• The Future Fund Management Agency is responsible for assisting and advising the Board.
Note: The Future Fund Board of Guardians has additional functions under the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008.
5 Definitions
In this Act:
acquire includes acquire by way of issue.
actuary means a person who is a Fellow or an Accredited Member of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia.
Agency means the Future Fund Management Agency established by section 74.
asset means:
(a) any kind of real or personal property; or
(b) any legal or equitable estate or interest in real or personal property; or
(c) any legal or equitable right.
balance of the Fund means the sum of:
(a) amounts standing to the credit of the Fund Account; and
(b) the value of investments of the Fund.
bank has the same meaning as in the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997.
Board means the Future Fund Board of Guardians established by section 34.
Board member means a member of the Board, and includes the Chair.
Building Australia Fund means the Building Australia Fund established by section 12 of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008.
Building Australia Fund Special Account means the Building Australia Fund Special Account established by section 13 of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008.
business entity means:
(a) a company; or
(b) a partnership; or
(c) a trust; or
(d) a body politic.
business judgment means any decision to take or not take action in respect of a matter relevant to the operations of the Board.
Chair means the Chair of the Board.
Commonwealth authority has the same meaning as in the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997.
Commonwealth company has the same meaning as in the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997.
Commonwealth‑owned financial asset means a financial asset held by the Commonwealth.
Communications Minister has the same meaning as in the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008.
derivative means a derivative (within the meaning of Chapter 7 of the Corporations Act 2001) that is a financial asset.
designated actuary has the meaning given by clause 2 of Schedule 3.
dishonest means:
(a) dishonest according to the standards of ordinary people; and
(b) known by the person to be dishonest according to the standards of ordinary people.
Education Investment Fund means the Education Investment Fund established by section 131 of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008.
Education Investment Fund Special Account means the Education Investment Fund Special Account established by section 132 of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008.
Education Minister has the same meaning as in the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008.
Energy Minister has the same meaning as in the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008.
Finance Minister has the same meaning as in the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997.
financial asset has the meaning given by section 6.
foreign listed company means a company:
(a) any of the shares of which are listed for quotation in the official list of a stock exchange in a foreign country; and
(b) none of the shares of which are listed for quotation in the official list of a stock exchange in Australia.
Fund means the Future Fund established by section 11.
Fund Account means the Future Fund Special Account established by section 12.
funded component of a superannuation benefit means the part (if any) of the superannuation benefit that, for actuarial purposes, is treated as the funded component. For this purpose, disregard Schedule 2.
Future Fund investment function of the Board means:
(a) a function or power conferred on the Board by section 16, 17, 23, 25, 27 or 28; or
(b) a right or power conferred on the Board in its capacity as the holder of an investment of the Fund.
Future Fund Investment Mandate has the meaning given by subsection 18(3).
GFS Australia means the publication of the Australian Bureau of Statistics known as Australian System of Government Finance Statistics: Concepts, Sources and Methods, as updated from time to time. This updating takes 2 forms:
(a) from time to time, a new version of the publication is produced;
(b) from time to time, material in the current version of the publication is updated by other publications of the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
GFS system has the same meaning as in GFS Australia.
Health and Hospitals Fund means the Health and Hospitals Fund established by section 214 of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008.
Health and Hospitals Fund Special Account means the Health and Hospitals Fund Special Account established by section 215 of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008.
Health Minister has the same meaning as in the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008.
Infrastructure Minister has the same meaning as in the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008.
investment means any mode of application of money or financial assets for the purpose of gaining a return (whether by way of income, capital gain or any other form of return).
investment manager means a person or body (other than the Agency) who undertakes to do any or all of the following:
(a) invest amounts on behalf of the Board;
(b) manage the investment of funds on behalf of the Board;
(c) acquire derivatives on behalf of the Board;
(d) manage derivatives on behalf of the Board;
(e) enter into securities lending arrangements on behalf of the Board;
(f) realise financial assets on behalf of the Board;
(g) perform custodial functions in relation to the financial assets of the Board.
investment of the Fund means a financial asset that, under a provision of this Act, is taken to be an investment of the Fund.
involved, in relation to a contravention, has the same meaning as in the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997.
nominated Minister has the meaning given by section 83.
person (except in Division 7 of Part 4) includes a partnership.
Note: See also subsection 2C(1) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
realise includes redeem or dispose of.
Research Minister has the same meaning as in the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008.
responsible Ministers means:
(a) the Treasurer; and
(b) the Finance Minister.
securities lending arrangement means an agreement of the kind known as a securities lending arrangement.
South Australian railways arrangement means an arrangement between the Commonwealth and South Australia dealing with employer superannuation liabilities arising in relation to former employees of the South Australian railways.
superannuation benefit means a pension, allowance or other benefit payable under:
(a) the Superannuation Act 1922; or
(b) the Superannuation Act 1976; or
(c) the scheme established under the Superannuation Act 1990; or
(d) the Parliamentary Contributory Superannuation Act 1948; or
(e) the scheme established under the Military Superannuation and Benefits Act 1991; or
(f) the Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Act 1948; or
(g) the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Act 1973; or
(h) the Judges’ Pensions Act 1968; or
(i) section 4, 4A or 4AA of the Governor‑General Act 1974.
superannuation liability means a liability to make a payment of a superannuation benefit.
target asset level declaration means a declaration under subclause 3(1) of Schedule 3.
Tasmanian railways arrangement means an arrangement between the Commonwealth and Tasmania dealing with employer superannuation liabilities arising in relation to former employees of the Tasmanian railways.
unfunded superannuation liability means:
(a) so much of a superannuation liability as is not attributable to the funded component of a superannuation benefit; or
(b) an amount payable by the Commonwealth under a South Australian railways arrangement; or
(c) an amount payable by the Commonwealth under a Tasmanian railways arrangement.
value means market value. For this purpose, disregard anything that would prevent or restrict conversion of a financial asset to money.
Water Minister has the same meaning as in the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008.
6 Financial assets
A reference in this Act to a financial asset is a reference to:
(a) an asset that, in accordance with GFS Australia, is treated as a financial asset for the purposes of the GFS system in Australia; or
(b) an asset specified in regulations made for the purposes of this paragraph;
but does not include a reference to an asset that, under the regulations, is taken to be a non‑financial asset for the purposes of this Act.
Note: For specification by class, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
7 Crown to be bound
(1) This Act binds the Crown in each of its capacities.
(2) This Act does not make the Crown liable to be prosecuted for an offence.
8 Extension to external Territories
This Act extends to every external Territory.
9 Extra‑territorial application
This Act extends to acts, omissions, matters and things outside Australia (unless the contrary intention appears).
Part 2—The Future Fund
10 Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Part:
• This Part sets up the Future Fund.
• The Future Fund consists of the Future Fund Special Account and the investments of the Future Fund.
11 Establishment of the Future Fund
(1) The Future Fund is established by this section.
(2) The Future Fund consists of:
(a) the Future Fund Special Account; and
(b) the investments of the Fund.
12 Establishment of the Future Fund Special Account
(1) The Future Fund Special Account is established by this section.
(2) The Fund Account is a Special Account for the purposes of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997.
Note 1: Fund Account means the Future Fund Special Account—see section 5.
Note 2: An Appropriation Act may contain a provision to the effect that, if any of the purposes of a Special Account is a purpose that is covered by an item in the Appropriation Act (whether or not the item expressly refers to the Special Account), then amounts may be debited against the appropriation for that item and credited to that Special Account.
13 Operation of the Future Fund
Schedules 1, 2, 2A and 3 have effect.
Note 1: Schedule 1 is about credits of amounts, and transfers of financial assets, to the Future Fund.
Note 2: Schedule 2 is about debits of amounts from the Future Fund.
Note 2A: Schedule 2A is about transfers of amounts from the Future Fund to the Building Australia Fund, the Education Investment Fund and the Health and Hospitals Fund.
Note 3: Schedule 3 is about target asset level declarations.
Part 3—Investment of the Future Fund
14 Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Part:
• The Future Fund Board of Guardians is responsible for deciding how to invest the Future Fund.
• Investments of the Future Fund will consist of financial assets.
• Investments of the Future Fund will be held in the name of the Board.
• The Board is bound by a Future Fund Investment Mandate given to it by the responsible Ministers.
15 Objects of investment of the Fund
(1) The main object of the acquisition by the Board of a financial asset as an investment of the Fund is to enhance the ability of the Commonwealth to discharge unfunded superannuation liabilities as mentioned in paragraphs 2(1)(a) and (b) of Schedule 2.
(2) The ancillary objects of the acquisition by the Board of a financial asset as an investment of the Fund are to enhance the ability of the Commonwealth and the Board to:
(a) discharge liabilities, costs, expenses and obligations; and
(b) make payments;
as mentioned in paragraphs 2(1)(c) to (i), and paragraphs 2(2)(a) to (g), of Schedule 2.
16 Investment of the Fund
(1) The Board may invest amounts standing to the credit of the Fund Account in any financial assets.
(2) Investments under subsection (1) are to be made in the name of the Board.
(3) Investments under subsection (1) are taken to be investments of the Fund.
(4) This section does not authorise the acquisition of a derivative.
Note: For acquisition of derivatives, see section 25.
17 Management of investments of the Fund
(1) Income derived from an investment of the Fund is to be credited to the Fund Account.
(2) A return of capital, or any other financial distribution, relating to an investment of the Fund is to be credited to the Fund Account.
(3) The Board may realise an investment of the Fund.
(4) Upon realisation of an investment of the Fund, the proceeds of the investment are to be credited to the Fund Account.
(5) At any time before an investment of the Fund matures, the Board may authorise the re‑investment of the proceeds upon maturity in a financial asset investment with the same entity. The new investment is taken to be an investment of the Fund.
(6) Section 39 of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 does not apply to an investment of the Fund.
18 Future Fund Investment Mandate
(1) The responsible Ministers may give the Board written directions about the performance of its Future Fund investment functions, and must give at least one such direction.
Note: For variation and revocation, see subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(1A) Subsection (1) has effect subject to section 18A.
(2) In giving a direction under subsection (1), the responsible Ministers must have regard to:
(a) maximising the return earned on the Fund over the long term, consistent with international best practice for institutional investment; and
(b) such other matters as the responsible Ministers consider relevant.
(3) Directions under subsection (1) are to be known collectively as the Future Fund Investment Mandate.
(4) A direction under subsection (1) may set out the policies to be pursued by the Board in relation to:
(a) matters of risk and return; and
(b) the allocation of financial assets.
A policy relating to the allocation of financial assets must not be inconsistent with a policy relating to matters of risk and return.
(5) Subsection (4) does not limit subsection (1).
(5A) Subsection (4) has effect subject to section 18A.
(6) The Future Fund Investment Mandate prevails over subsection (10) to the extent of any inconsistency.
(7) The responsible Ministers must not give a direction under subsection (1) that is inconsistent with this Act (other than subsection (10)).
(8) A direction under subsection (1) must not take effect before the 15th day after the day on which it is given.
(9) A direction under subsection (1) is a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
Note: Section 42 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 does not apply to the direction—see section 44 of that Act.
(10) In the performance of its Future Fund investment functions, the Board must seek to maximise the return earned on the Fund over the long term, consistent with international best practice for institutional investment.
Note: Future Fund investment function is defined in section 5.
(11) Subsection (10) has effect subject to:
(a) this Act; and
(b) a direction under subsection (1); and
(c) a direction under subclause 8(1) of Schedule 1.
(12) Before the first occasion on which an amount is debited from the Fund Account for the purpose of discharging, in whole or in part, an unfunded superannuation liability, the responsible Ministers must review the Future Fund Investment Mandate in consultation with the Board.
Note: If there is to be a change in the Future Fund Investment Mandate, the responsible Ministers must consult the Board under section 19.
18A Limitation on Future Fund Investment Mandate
(1) The responsible Ministers must not give a direction under subsection 18(1) that has the purpose, or has or is likely to have the effect, of directly or indirectly requiring the Board to:
(a) invest an amount standing to the credit of the Fund Account in a particular financial asset; or
(b) acquire a particular derivative; or
(c) allocate financial assets to:
(i) a particular business entity; or
(ii) a particular activity; or
(iii) a particular business.
(2) Paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) do not limit paragraph (1)(c).
19 Board to be consulted on Future Fund Investment Mandate
(1) Before giving the Board a direction under subsection 18(1), the responsible Ministers must:
(a) send a draft of the direction to the Board; and
(b) invite the Board to make a submission to the responsible Ministers on the draft direction within a time limit specified by the responsible Ministers; and
(c) consider any submission that is received from the Board within that time limit.
(2) If:
(a) the responsible Ministers give the Board a direction under subsection 18(1); and
(b) the Board made a submission to the responsible Ministers on a draft of the direction within the time limit specified by the responsible Ministers;
the submission is to be tabled in each House of the Parliament with the direction.
Note: For tabling of the direction, see section 38 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
(3) A time limit specified under this section must be reasonable.
20 Compliance with Future Fund Investment Mandate
(1) The Board must take all reasonable steps to comply with the Future Fund Investment Mandate.
(2) As soon as practicable after the Board becomes aware that it has failed to comply with the Future Fund Investment Mandate, the Board must give the responsible Ministers a written statement:
(a) informing the responsible Ministers of the failure to comply with the Future Fund Investment Mandate; and
(b) setting out the action that the Board proposes to take in order to comply with the Future Fund Investment Mandate.
(3) If the responsible Ministers are satisfied that the Board has failed to comply with the Future Fund Investment Mandate, the responsible Ministers may, by written notice given to the Board, direct the Board:
(a) to give the responsible Ministers, within a period specified in the notice, a written explanation for the failure to comply with the Future Fund Investment Mandate; and
(b) to take action specified in the notice, within a period specified in the notice, in order to comply with the Future Fund Investment Mandate.
(4) The Board must comply with a direction under subsection (3).
(5) A failure to comply with:
(a) the Future Fund Investment Mandate; or
(b) a direction under subsection (3);
does not affect the validity of any transaction.
(6) A direction under subsection (3) is not a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
21 Board must not trigger the takeover provisions of the Corporations Act 2001
(1) Section 606 of the Corporations Act 2001 does not apply to an acquisition by the Board if the acquisition is the result of a transfer under clause 6 or 7 of Schedule 1 to this Act.
(2) Subsections 606(1A) and (2A) and section 611 of the Corporations Act 2001 do not apply to an acquisition by the Board if the acquisition is the result of the performance by the Board of its Future Fund investment functions.
(3) A failure by the Board to comply with section 606 of the Corporations Act 2001 (as modified by this section) does not affect the validity of any transaction.
Note: See also section 39 (application of the Corporations Act 2001).
23 Borrowing
(1) The Board must not borrow money for a purpose in connection with the Fund unless the borrowing is authorised by subsection (2) or (3).
(2) The Board is authorised to borrow money for a purpose in connection with the Fund if:
(a) the purpose of the borrowing is to enable the Board to cover settlement of a transaction for the acquisition of one or more financial assets; and
(b) at the time the relevant acquisition decision was made, it was likely that the borrowing would not be needed; and
(c) the period of the borrowing does not exceed 7 days; and
(d) if the borrowing were to take place, the total amount borrowed by the Board would not exceed 10% of the balance of the Fund.
(3) The Board is authorised to borrow money for a purpose in connection with the Fund if the borrowing takes place in such circumstances (if any) as are specified in the regulations.
24 Investment policies
(1) The Board must formulate written policies to be complied with by it in relation to the following matters in connection with the Fund:
(a) the investment strategy for the Fund;
(b) benchmarks and standards for assessing the performance of the Fund;
(c) risk management for the Fund;
(d) a matter relating to international best practice for institutional investment;
(e) a matter specified in the regulations.
Note: For variation and revocation, see subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(2) The Board must ensure that policies formulated under subsection (1) are consistent with the Future Fund Investment Mandate.
Publication of policies
(3) The Board must cause copies of policies formulated under subsection (1) to be published on the internet.
(4) The Board must ensure that the first set of policies formulated under subsection (1) is published on the internet as soon as practicable after the commencement of this section.
Review of policies
(5) The Board must conduct periodic reviews of policies formulated under subsection (1).
(6) If there is a change in the Future Fund Investment Mandate, the Board must review any relevant policies formulated under subsection (1).
Compliance with policies
(7) The Board must take all reasonable steps to comply with policies formulated under subsection (1).
(8) A failure to comply with a policy formulated under subsection (1) does not affect the validity of any transaction.
Policies
(9) A policy formulated under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
25 Derivatives
(1) The Board may acquire a derivative for the purpose of:
(a) protecting the value of an investment of the Fund (other than a derivative); or
(b) protecting the return on an investment of the Fund (other than a derivative); or
(c) achieving indirect exposure to financial assets (other than derivatives) for a purpose in connection with the Fund; or
(d) achieving transactional efficiency for a purpose in connection with the Fund;
but must not acquire a derivative for the purpose of:
(e) speculation; or
(f) leverage.
(2) The acquisition of a derivative under subsection (1) must be consistent with the investment strategy embodied in a policy formulated by the Board under subsection 24(1).
(3) A derivative acquired under subsection (1) is to be held in the name of the Board.
(4) A derivative acquired under subsection (1) is taken to be an investment of the Fund.
26 Additional financial assets
If, as a result of:
(a) the Board’s holding of an investment of the Fund; or
(b) the exercise of any rights or powers conferred on the Board in its capacity as the holder of an investment of the Fund;
the Board becomes the holder of a financial asset, that financial asset is taken to be an investment of the Fund.
27 Securities lending arrangements
(1) The Board may enter into securities lending arrangements for a purpose in connection with the Fund.
(2) Any money received by the Board under a securities lending arrangement entered into under subsection (1) is to be credited to the Fund Account.
(3) To avoid doubt, a securities lending arrangement entered into under subsection (1) may provide for the Board to realise an investment of the Fund.
(4) If, as the result of the operation of a securities lending arrangement entered into under subsection (1), the Board becomes the holder of a financial asset, that financial asset is taken to be an investment of the Fund.
28 Investment managers
(1) The Board may engage one or more investment managers for purposes in connection with the Fund.
(2) The Board must not:
(a) invest amounts under subsection 16(1); or
(b) acquire derivatives under subsection 25(1); or
(c) enter into a securities lending arrangement under subsection 27(1); or
(d) realise financial assets that are investments of the Fund;
unless the Board does so:
(e) through an investment manager engaged by the Board under subsection (1) of this section; or
(f) in a manner approved, in writing, by the responsible Ministers.
(3) The Board must ensure that any investment manager engaged by the Board under subsection (1) operates within this Act.
(4) The Board must ensure that any investment manager engaged by the Board under subsection (1) reports to the Board and the Agency on the state of the investments of the Fund at such times and in such manner as the Board determines.
(5) Neither of the following Acts:
(a) this Act;
(b) the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008;
prevents the same person from being engaged as an investment manager under 2 or more of the following provisions:
(c) subsection (1) of this section;
(d) subsection 45(1) of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008;
(e) subsection 164(1) of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008;
(f) subsection 239(1) of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008.
29 Custody of securities
Section 40 of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 does not apply to an investment of the Fund.
30 Refund of franking credits
If:
(a) the Board receives a refund of a tax offset under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997; and
(b) the tax offset is attributable to an investment of the Fund;
the refund is to be credited to the Fund Account.
Note 1: See also section 84B.
Note 2: For refunds of tax offsets, see Division 63 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.
32 Realisation of non‑financial assets
(1) If an asset held by the Board as an investment of the Fund ceases to be a financial asset:
(a) the Board must realise the asset as soon as practicable after the Board becomes aware of the cessation; and
(b) this Act (other than this section) applies in relation to the asset (including in relation to the realisation of the asset) as if the asset had remained a financial asset, and an investment of the Fund, until the realisation.
(2) If an asset acquired by the Board, purportedly as an investment of the Fund, is not a financial asset:
(a) the Board must realise the asset as soon as practicable after the Board becomes aware that the asset is not a financial asset; and
(b) this Act (other than this section) applies in relation to the asset (including in relation to the realisation of the asset) as if the asset had been a financial asset, and an investment of the Fund, from the time of its acquisition by the Board until the realisation.
Part 4—The Future Fund Board of Guardians
Division 1—Introduction
33 Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Part:
• This Part establishes the Future Fund Board of Guardians.
• The Future Fund Board of Guardians is responsible for deciding how to invest the Future Fund.
• The Board consists of a Chair and 6 other members.
• An asset held by the Board is held for and on behalf of the Commonwealth.
• Board members must act in good faith.
Note: The Future Fund Board of Guardians has additional functions under the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008.
Division 2—Establishment and functions of the Future Fund Board of Guardians
34 Establishment of the Future Fund Board of Guardians
The Future Fund Board of Guardians is established by this section.
35 Board’s functions
The Board has the following functions:
(a) to invest amounts in accordance with this Act;
(b) such other functions as are conferred on the Board by:
(i) this Act; or
(ii) the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008;
(c) to do anything incidental to or conducive to the performance of any of the above functions.
36 Board’s ordinary powers
(1) The Board has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the performance of its functions, other than the power to lease the whole or any part of any land or building for the purposes of the Board.
(2) The Board’s powers include, but are not limited to, the power to enter into contracts.
Example: A contract of insurance.
(3) Any real or personal property held by the Board is held for and on behalf of the Commonwealth.
(4) Any money received by the Board is received by the Board for and on behalf of the Commonwealth.
37 Board is a body corporate
(1) The Board:
(a) is a body corporate with perpetual succession; and
(b) must have a seal; and
(c) may acquire, hold and dispose of real and personal property; and
(d) may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
Seal
(2) The seal of the Board must be kept in such custody as the Board directs, and must not be used except as authorised by the Board.
(3) All courts, judges and persons acting judicially must:
(a) take judicial notice of the imprint of the seal of the Board appearing on a document; and
(b) presume that the document was duly sealed.
38 Membership
(1) The Board consists of the following members:
(a) a Chair;
(b) 6 other members.
Note: Section 18B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 deals with the title of the Chair.
(2) Board members are to be appointed by the responsible Ministers by written instrument.
Note: A Board member may be reappointed: see section 33AA of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(3) A person is not eligible for appointment as a Board member unless the responsible Ministers are satisfied that the person has:
(a) substantial experience or expertise; and
(b) professional credibility and significant standing;
in at least one of the following fields:
(c) investing in financial assets;
(d) the management of investments in financial assets;
(e) corporate governance.
(4) A person is not eligible for appointment as a Board member if the person is:
(a) an employee of the Commonwealth; or
(b) an employee of a statutory authority of the Commonwealth; or
(c) an employee of a Commonwealth company; or
(d) the holder of a full‑time office under a law of the Commonwealth.
Note: A Board member is not an employee of the Commonwealth. A Board member holds a part‑time office under a law of the Commonwealth.
39 Application of the Corporations Act 2001
(1) The Board is taken to be an exempt public authority for the purposes of the Corporations Act 2001.
(2) To avoid doubt, the Board is taken to be an instrumentality of the Crown in right of the Commonwealth for the purposes of section 5A of the Corporations Act 2001.
Division 3—Terms and conditions for Board members
40 Term of appointment and related matters for Board members
(1) A Board member is to be appointed on a part‑time basis.
(2) A Board member holds office for the period that is specified in the instrument of appointment. The period must not exceed 5 years.
Note: A Board member may be reappointed: see section 33AA of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
41 Remuneration and allowances of Board members
(1) A 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 Board member is to be paid the remuneration that is determined by the responsible Ministers.
(2) A Board member is to be paid the allowances that are prescribed.
(3) This section has effect subject to the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.
42 Leave of absence of Board members
(1) The nominated Minister may grant leave of absence to the Chair on the terms and conditions that the nominated Minister determines.
(2) The Chair may grant leave of absence to another Board member on the terms and conditions that the Chair determines.
43 Resignation of Board members
A Board member may resign his or her appointment by giving the responsible Ministers a written resignation.
44 Termination of appointment of Board members
(1) The responsible Ministers may terminate the appointment of a Board member for misbehaviour or physical or mental incapacity.
(2) The responsible Ministers may terminate the appointment of a Board member if:
(a) the 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 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 Board member is absent, except on leave of absence, from 3 consecutive meetings of the Board; or
(c) the Board member contravenes section 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61 or 62; or
(d) the Board member fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with section 68, 69 or 71; or
(e) the responsible Ministers are satisfied that the performance of the Board member has been unsatisfactory for a significant period.
45 Other terms and conditions of Board members
A 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 responsible Ministers.
46 Acting Board members
Acting Chair
(1) The nominated Minister may appoint a person 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 is absent from duty or Australia, or 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.
Acting Board member (other than the Chair)
(2) The nominated Minister may appoint a person to act as a Board member (other than the Chair):
(a) during a vacancy in the office of a 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 a Board member (other than the Chair) is absent from duty or Australia, or 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.
Qualifications
(3) A person is not eligible for appointment to act as:
(a) the Chair; or
(b) a Board member (other than the Chair);
unless the person is eligible for appointment as a Board member.
Note: See subsections 38(3) and (4).
Division 4—Meetings
47 Holding of meetings
(1) The Board is to hold such meetings as are necessary for the performance of its functions.
(2) The Chair:
(a) may convene a meeting at any time; and
(b) must convene a meeting within 30 days after receiving a written request from another Board member.
Note: See also section 33B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 (participation in meetings by telephone etc.).
48 Who is to preside at a meeting
(1) The Chair is to preside at all meetings at which he or she is present.
(2) If the Chair is not present at a meeting:
(a) a Board member nominated by the Chair is to preside; or
(b) if no Board member is so nominated—the Board members present are to elect one of their number to preside.
49 Quorum
(1) At a meeting, 5 Board members form a quorum.
(2) Despite subsection (1), if:
(a) section 71 prevents one or more Board members from participating in the deliberations, or decisions, of the Board with respect to a particular matter; and
(b) as a result, there is no longer a quorum present; and
(c) there are in attendance at least 3 other Board members who would be counted in determining whether a quorum is present;
those other Board members constitute a quorum for the purpose of any deliberation or decision at that meeting with respect to that matter.
50 Voting
(1) Decisions at a meeting must be affirmed by a majority of votes of Board members voting.
(2) The Board member presiding at a meeting has a deliberative vote and, in the event of an equality of votes, also has a casting vote.
51 Records of meetings
The Board must keep accurate records of all its meetings.
Division 5—Resolutions without meetings
52 Resolutions without meetings
(1) A resolution is taken to have been passed at a meeting of the Board if:
(a) the Board has determined:
(i) that resolutions may be passed in accordance with this section; and
(ii) the method by which Board members are to indicate agreement with a resolution proposed to be passed in accordance with this section; and
(b) without meeting, a majority of the Board members indicate agreement with the resolution in accordance with the method determined by the Board; and
(c) the majority would have constituted a quorum at a meeting of the Board; and
(d) either:
(i) all the Board members were informed of the resolution; or
(ii) reasonable efforts were made to inform all the Board members of the resolution.
(2) Paragraph (1)(b) does not apply to a Board member who would have been prevented by section 71 from deliberating on the resolution if the resolution had been put to a meeting of the Board.
53 Record of resolutions
The Board must keep a record of resolutions passed in accordance with section 52.
Division 6—Reporting obligations
54 Nominated Minister may require Board to prepare reports or give information
Reports
(1) The nominated Minister may, by written notice given to the Board, require the Board to:
(a) prepare a report about one or more specified matters relating to the performance of the Board’s functions under this Act; and
(b) give copies of the report to the nominated Minister within the period specified in the notice.
Information
(2) The nominated Minister may, by written notice given to the Board, require the Board to:
(a) prepare a document setting out specified information relating to the performance of the Board’s functions under this Act; and
(b) give copies of the document to the nominated Minister within the period specified in the notice.
Compliance
(3) The Board must comply with a requirement under subsection (1) or (2).
Publication of reports and documents
(4) The nominated Minister may cause to be published (whether on the internet or otherwise):
(a) a report under subsection (1); or
(b) a document under subsection (2).
Reports and documents
(5) A report under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
(6) A document under subsection (2) is not a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
55 Keeping the responsible Ministers informed etc.
(1) The Board must keep the responsible Ministers informed of the operations of the Board.
(2) The Board must give the nominated Minister such reports, documents and information in relation to those operations as are appropriate.
(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to the operations of the Board under the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008.
Division 7—Duties of Board members etc.
56 Care and diligence—civil obligation
(1) A Board member must exercise his or her powers and discharge his or her duties with the degree of care and diligence that a reasonable person would exercise if he or she:
(a) were a Board member in the Board’s circumstances; and
(b) occupied the office held by, and had the same responsibilities within the Board as, the Board member.
Note: This subsection is a civil penalty provision (see section 66).
Business judgment rule
(2) A Board member who makes a business judgment is taken to meet the requirements of subsection (1), and their equivalent duties at common law and in equity, in respect of the judgment if he or she:
(a) makes the judgment in good faith for a proper purpose; and
(b) does not have a material personal interest in the subject matter of the judgment; and
(c) informs himself or herself about the subject matter of the judgment to the extent he or she reasonably believes to be appropriate; and
(d) rationally believes that the judgment is in the best interests of performing the functions of the Board.
The Board member’s belief that the judgment is in the best interests of performing the functions of the Board is a rational one unless the belief is one that no reasonable person in his or her position would hold.
57 Good faith—civil obligation
(1) A Board member must exercise his or her powers and discharge his or her duties:
(a) in good faith in the best interests of performing the functions of the Board; and
(b) for a proper purpose.
Note: This subsection is a civil penalty provision (see section 66).
(2) A person who is involved in a contravention of subsection (1) contravenes this subsection.
Note: This subsection is a civil penalty provision (see section 66).
58 Use of position—civil obligation
(1) A Board member or a member of the staff of the Agency must not improperly use his or her position to:
(a) gain an advantage for himself or herself or someone else; or
(b) cause detriment to the Board’s ability to perform its functions; or
(c) cause detriment to another person.
Note: This subsection is a civil penalty provision (see section 66).
(2) A person who is involved in a contravention of subsection (1) contravenes this subsection.
Note: This subsection is a civil penalty provision (see section 66).
59 Use of information—civil obligation
(1) A person who obtains information because he or she is, or has been, a Board member or a member of the staff of the Agency must not improperly use the information to:
(a) gain an advantage for himself or herself or someone else; or
(b) cause detriment to the Board’s ability to perform its functions; or
(c) cause detriment to another person.
Note 1: This duty continues after the person stops being a Board member or a member of the staff of the Agency.
Note 2: This subsection is a civil penalty provision (see section 66).
(2) A person who is involved in a contravention of subsection (1) contravenes this subsection.
Note: This subsection is a civil penalty provision (see section 66).
60 Good faith—criminal offence
A Board member commits an offence if he or she:
(a) is reckless; or
(b) is intentionally dishonest;
and fails to exercise his or her powers and discharge his or her duties:
(c) in good faith in what he or she believes to be in the best interests of the performance of the functions of the Board; or
(d) for a proper purpose.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 2,000 penalty units, or both.
61 Use of position—criminal offence
A Board member or a member of the staff of the Agency commits an offence if he or she uses his or her position dishonestly:
(a) with the intention of:
(i) directly or indirectly gaining an advantage for himself or herself or someone else; or
(ii) causing detriment to the ability of the Board to perform its functions; or
(iii) causing detriment to another person; or
(b) recklessly as to whether the use may result in:
(i) him or her or someone else directly or indirectly gaining an advantage; or
(ii) causing detriment to the ability of the Board to perform its functions; or
(iii) causing detriment to another person.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 2,000 penalty units, or both.
62 Use of information—criminal offence
A person who obtains information because he or she is, or has been, a Board member or a member of the staff of the Agency commits an offence if he or she uses the information dishonestly:
(a) with the intention of:
(i) directly or indirectly gaining an advantage for himself or herself or someone else; or
(ii) causing detriment to the ability of the Board to perform its functions; or
(iii) causing detriment to another person; or
(b) recklessly as to whether the use may result in:
(i) him or her or someone else directly or indirectly gaining an advantage; or
(ii) causing detriment to the ability of the Board to perform its functions; or
(iii) causing detriment to another person.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 2,000 penalty units, or both.
63 Compliance with statutory duties
(1) A Board member does not contravene section 57, 58 or 59, or commit an offence against section 60, 61 or 62, by doing an act that:
(a) another provision of this Act; or
(b) the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008;
requires the Board member to do.
(2) The Chair does not contravene section 57, 58 or 59, or commit an offence against section 60, 61 or 62, by doing an act that:
(a) another provision of this Act; or
(aa) the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008; or
(b) the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997; or
(c) regulations or orders under the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997;
requires the Chair to do.
64 Interaction of sections 56 to 62 with other laws etc.
Sections 56 to 62:
(a) have effect in addition to, and not in derogation of, any rule of law relating to the duty or liability of a person because of his or her office as a Board member or employment in relation to the Agency; and
(b) do not prevent the commencement of proceedings for a breach of duty, or in respect of a liability, referred to in paragraph (a).
This section does not apply to subsection 56(2) to the extent to which it operates on the duties at common law and in equity that are equivalent to the requirements of subsection 56(1).
65 Reliance on information or advice provided by others
If:
(a) a Board member relies on information, or professional or expert advice, given or prepared by:
(i) a member of the staff of the Agency whom the Board member believes on reasonable grounds to be reliable and competent in relation to the matters concerned; or
(ii) a professional adviser or expert in relation to matters that the Board member believes on reasonable grounds to be within the person’s professional or expert competence; or
(iii) another Board member in relation to matters within the Board member’s authority; or
(iv) a committee of Board members on which the Board member did not serve in relation to matters within the committee’s authority; and
(b) the reliance was made:
(i) in good faith; and
(ii) after making an independent assessment of the information or advice, having regard to the Board member’s knowledge of the Board and the complexity of the structure and operations of the Board; and
(c) the reasonableness of the Board member’s reliance on the information or advice arises in proceedings brought to determine whether a Board member has performed a duty under this Division, or an equivalent general law duty;
the Board member’s reliance on the information or advice is taken to be reasonable unless the contrary is proved.
66 Consequences of breach of duty—additional effect of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997
The following provisions (the CAC Act consequences provisions):
(a) subsections 6(2), (3) and (4) of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997;
(b) section 27C of that Act;
(c) Schedule 2 to that Act;
have effect as if:
(d) in addition to the provisions specified in subclause 1(1) of Schedule 2 to that Act, the following provisions were also specified in that subclause:
(i) subsection 56(1) of this Act;
(ii) subsections 57(1) and (2) of this Act;
(iii) subsections 58(1) and (2) of this Act;
(iv) subsections 59(1) and (2) of this Act; and
(e) each reference in the CAC Act consequences provisions to an officer or director of a Commonwealth authority included a reference to a Board member; and
(f) each reference in the CAC Act consequences provisions to a Commonwealth authority included a reference to the Board.
Note 1: Section 27C of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 is about disqualification orders.
Note 2: Schedule 2 to the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 is about the consequences of contravening civil penalty provisions.
Note 3: Sections 11, 22, 23, 24 and 25 of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 do not apply in relation to the Board or Board members. This is because the Board is not a Commonwealth authority.
67 Insurance for certain liabilities of Board members
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), the Board may insure a person who is or has been a Board member against liabilities incurred by the person as a Board member.
(2) The Board must not pay, or agree to pay, a premium for a contract insuring a person who is, or has been, a Board member against a liability (other than one for legal costs) arising out of:
(a) conduct involving a wilful breach of duty in relation to the Board; or
(b) a contravention of section 58 or 59.
This subsection applies to a premium whether it is paid directly or through an interposed entity.
(3) This section does not authorise anything that would otherwise be unlawful.
(4) Anything that purports to insure a person against a liability is void to the extent that it contravenes this section.
Division 8—Conflict of interests
68 Material personal interest—Board member’s duty to disclose
Board member’s duty to notify other Board members of material personal interest when conflict arises
(1) A Board member who has a material personal interest in a matter that relates to the affairs of the Board must give the other Board members notice of the interest unless subsection (2) says otherwise.
(2) The Board member does not need to give notice of an interest under subsection (1) if:
(a) the interest relates to a contract that insures, or would insure, the Board member against liabilities the Board member incurs as a Board member (but only if the contract does not make the Board the insurer); or
(b) all the following conditions are satisfied:
(i) the Board member has already given notice of the nature and extent of the interest and its relation to the affairs of the Board under subsection (1);
(ii) if a person who was not a Board member at the time when the notice under subsection (1) was given is appointed as a Board member—the notice is given to that person;
(iii) the nature or extent of the interest has not materially increased above that disclosed in the notice; or
(c) the Board member has given a standing notice of the nature and extent of the interest under section 69 and the notice is still effective in relation to the interest.
(3) The notice required by subsection (1) must:
(a) give details of:
(i) the nature and extent of the interest; and
(ii) the relation of the interest to the affairs of the Board; and
(b) be given at a Board meeting as soon as practicable after the Board member becomes aware of his or her interest in the matter.
The details must be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
Effect of contravention by Board member
(4) A contravention of this section by a Board member does not affect the validity of any transaction or resolution.
69 Board member may give other Board members standing notice about an interest
Power to give notice
(1) A Board member who has an interest in a matter may give the other Board members standing notice of the nature and extent of the interest in the matter in accordance with subsection (2). The notice may be given at any time and whether or not the matter relates to the affairs of the Board at the time the notice is given.
Note: The standing notice may be given to the other Board members before the interest becomes a material personal interest.
(2) The notice under subsection (1) must:
(a) give details of the nature and extent of the interest; and
(b) be given:
(i) at a Board meeting (either orally or in writing); or
(ii) to the other Board members individually in writing.
The standing notice is given under subparagraph (b)(ii) when it has been given to every Board member.
Standing notice must be tabled at meeting if given to Board members individually
(3) If the standing notice is given to the other Board members individually in writing it must be tabled at the next Board meeting after it is given.
Nature and extent of interest must be recorded in minutes
(4) The Board member must ensure that the nature and extent of the interest disclosed in the standing notice is recorded in the minutes of the meeting at which the standing notice is given or tabled.
Dates of effect and expiry of standing notice
(5) The standing notice:
(a) takes effect as soon as it is given; and
(b) ceases to have effect if a person who was not a Board member at the time when the notice was given is appointed as a Board member.
A standing notice that ceases to have effect under paragraph (b) commences to have effect again if it is given to the person referred to in that paragraph.
Effect of material increase in nature or extent of interest
(6) The standing notice ceases to have effect in relation to a particular interest if the nature or extent of the interest materially increases above that disclosed in the notice.
Effect of contravention by Board member
(7) A contravention of this section by a Board member does not affect the validity of any transaction or resolution.
70 Interaction of sections 68 and 69 with other laws etc.
Sections 68 and 69 have effect in addition to, and not in derogation of, any general law rule about conflicts of interest.
71 Restrictions on voting
Restrictions on voting and being present
(1) A Board member who has a material personal interest in a matter that is being considered at a Board meeting must not:
(a) be present while the matter is being considered at the meeting; or
(b) vote on the matter;
unless:
(c) subsection (2) or (3) allows the Board member to be present; or
(d) the interest does not need to be disclosed under section 68.
Participation with approval of other Board members
(2) The Board member may be present and vote if Board members who do not have a material personal interest in the matter have passed a resolution that:
(a) identifies the Board member, the nature and extent of the Board member’s interest in the matter and its relation to the affairs of the Board; and
(b) states that those Board members are satisfied that the interest should not disqualify the Board member from voting or being present.
Participation with Ministerial approval
(3) The Board member may be present and vote if the Board member is so entitled under a declaration or order made by the responsible Ministers under section 72.
Effect of contravention by Board member
(4) A contravention by a Board member of:
(a) this section; or
(b) a condition attached to a declaration or order made by the responsible Ministers under section 72;
does not affect the validity of any resolution.
72 Ministerial power to make declarations and class orders
Ministerial power to make specific declarations
(1) The responsible Ministers may declare in writing that a Board member who has a material personal interest in a matter that is being, or is to be, considered at a Board meeting may, despite the Board member’s interest, be present while the matter is being considered at the meeting, vote on the matter, or both be present and vote. However, the responsible Ministers may only make the declaration if:
(a) the number of Board members entitled to be present and vote on the matter would be less than the quorum for a Board meeting if the Board member were not allowed to vote on the matter at the meeting; and
(b) the matter needs to be dealt with urgently, or if there is some other compelling reason for the matter being dealt with at the Board meeting.
Note: For variation and revocation, see subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(2) The declaration may:
(a) apply to all or only some of the Board members; or
(b) specify conditions that the Board or Board member must comply with.
(3) The declaration is not a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
Ministerial power to make class orders
(4) The responsible Ministers may make an order in writing that enables Board members who have a material personal interest in a matter to be present while the matter is being considered at a Board meeting, vote on that matter, or both be present and vote. The order may be made in respect of a specified class of Board members, resolutions or interests.
Note: For variation and revocation, see subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(5) The order may be expressed to be subject to conditions.
(6) The nominated Minister must cause a copy of the order to be published on the internet.
(7) The order is not a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
Part 5—The Future Fund Management Agency
Division 1—Introduction
73 Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Part:
• This Part establishes the Future Fund Management Agency.
• The Agency is responsible for assisting and advising the Board.
Division 2—Establishment and functions of the Future Fund Management Agency
74 Establishment of the Future Fund Management Agency
(1) The Future Fund Management Agency is established by this section.
(2) The Agency consists of:
(a) the Chair; and
(b) the staff of the Future Fund Management Agency.
Note: The Future Fund Management Agency does not have a legal identity separate from the Commonwealth.
75 Functions of the Agency
(1) The Agency has the following functions:
(a) to make such arrangements as are necessary to give effect to the decisions of the Board;
(b) to provide administrative services to the Board;
(c) to provide information to the Board;
(d) to advise the Board about the performance of any of the Board’s functions;
(e) to make resources and facilities (including meeting facilities, communication facilities, secretariat services and clerical assistance) available to the Board;
(f) such other functions as are conferred on the Agency by this Act;
(g) to do anything incidental to or conducive to the performance of any of the above functions.
(2) In performing its functions, the Agency must act in accordance with any policies determined, and any directions given, by the Board.
Division 3—Management and staff of the Future Fund Management Agency
76 Duties of the Chair
The Chair, under the Minister, is responsible for managing the Agency.
77 Staff of the Agency
(1) The staff of the Agency are persons engaged under the Public Service Act 1999.
(2) For the purposes of the Public Service Act 1999:
(a) the Chair and the staff of the Agency together constitute a Statutory Agency; and
(b) the Chair is the Head of that Statutory Agency.
78 Consultants and persons seconded to the Agency
(1) The Chair may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, engage consultants to perform services for the Agency in connection with the performance of any of its functions.
(2) The terms and conditions of engagement are as determined in writing by the Chair.
Note: For variation and revocation, see subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(3) The Agency 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
(c) by employees of Commonwealth companies;
whose services are made available to the Agency in connection with the performance of any of its functions.
79 Chair not subject to direction by the Board on certain matters
To avoid doubt, the Chair is not subject to direction by the Board in relation to the Chair’s performance of functions, or exercise of powers, under:
(a) the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997; or
(b) the Public Service Act 1999;
in relation to the Agency.
Division 4—Other provisions
80 Application of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997
To avoid doubt, sections 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 and 57 of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 have effect as if:
(a) the Board and the Future Fund Management Agency were a single Agency; and
(b) the Chair were the Chief Executive of that single Agency; and
(c) an annual report under section 81 of this Act were an annual report of that single Agency; and
(d) in a case where the Future Fund Management Agency is a prescribed Agency for the purposes of that Act—the Future Fund Management Agency were not an Agency in its own right.
Note: This means that there will be:
(a) a single fraud control plan for both the Board and the Agency; and
(b) a single audit committee for both the Board and the Agency; and
(c) a single set of accounts and records for both the Board and the Agency; and
(d) a single set of annual financial statements in relation to both the Board and the Agency; and
(e) a single set of additional financial statements in relation to both the Board and the Agency (if required by the Finance Minister); and
(f) auditing of the single set of annual financial statements.
81 Annual report
Board, Agency and Future Fund
(1) The Chair must, as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year, prepare and give to the nominated Minister a report of:
(a) the Agency’s operations; and
(b) the Board’s operations; and
(c) the performance of the investments of the Fund; and
(e) the total amount debited from the Fund Account for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 2(1)(f) of Schedule 2; and
(ea) the total amount debited from the Fund Account for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 2(2)(d) of Schedule 2; and
(f) the total amount debited from the Fund Account for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 2(2)(e) of Schedule 2; and
(g) the total amount debited from the Fund Account for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 2(2)(f) of Schedule 2; and
(h) the total amount debited from the Fund Account for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 2(2)(g) of Schedule 2;
during the financial year.
Note: See also section 34C of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
Building Australia Fund
(1A) A report under subsection (1) for a financial year must include a report of:
(a) the performance of the investments of the Building Australia Fund; and
(b) the total amount debited from the Building Australia Fund Special Account for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 18(1)(i) of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008; and
(c) the total amount debited from the Building Australia Fund Special Account for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 20(d) of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008; and
(d) the total amount debited from the Building Australia Fund Special Account for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 20(e) of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008; and
(e) the total amount debited from the Building Australia Fund Special Account for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 20(f) of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008; and
(f) the total amount debited from the Building Australia Fund Special Account for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 20(g) of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008;
during the financial year.
Education Investment Fund
(1B) A report under subsection (1) for a financial year must include a report of:
(a) the performance of the investments of the Education Investment Fund; and
(b) the total amount debited from the Education Investment Fund Special Account for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 136(1)(i) of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008; and
(c) the total amount debited from the Education Investment Fund Special Account for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 138(d) of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008; and
(d) the total amount debited from the Education Investment Fund Special Account for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 138(e) of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008; and
(e) the total amount debited from the Education Investment Fund Special Account for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 138(f) of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008; and
(f) the total amount debited from the Education Investment Fund Special Account for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 138(g) of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008;
during the financial year.
Health and Hospitals Fund
(1C) A report under subsection (1) for a financial year must include a report of:
(a) the performance of the investments of the Health and Hospitals Fund; and
(b) the total amount debited from the Health and Hospitals Fund Special Account for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 218(1)(e) of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008; and
(c) the total amount debited from the Health and Hospitals Fund Special Account for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 219(d) of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008; and
(d) the total amount debited from the Health and Hospitals Fund Special Account for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 219(e) of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008; and
(e) the total amount debited from the Health and Hospitals Fund Special Account for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 219(f) of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008; and
(f) the total amount debited from the Health and Hospitals Fund Special Account for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 219(g) of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008;
during the financial year.
Benchmarks
(2) A report under this section must include a benchmark in relation to the amounts referred to in paragraphs (1)(e) to (h).
(2A) A report under this section must include a benchmark in relation to the amounts referred to in paragraphs (1A)(b) to (f).
(2B) A report under this section must include a benchmark in relation to the amounts referred to in paragraphs (1B)(b) to (f).
(2C) A report under this section must include a benchmark in relation to the amounts referred to in paragraphs (1C)(b) to (f).
Tabling of report
(3) The nominated Minister must cause a copy of each report under this section to be tabled in each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after receiving the report.
(4) As soon as practicable after receiving a report under this section, the nominated Minister must give a copy of the report to the following Ministers:
(a) the Communications Minister;
(b) the Education Minister;
(c) the Energy Minister;
(d) the Health Minister;
(e) the Infrastructure Minister;
(f) the Research Minister;
(g) the Water Minister.
82 Consultants and advisers to the Board
Consultants
(1) The Chair may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, engage consultants to perform services for the Board in connection with the performance of any of its functions.
(2) The terms and conditions of engagement are as determined in writing by the Chair.
Note: For variation and revocation, see subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
Advisers
(3) The Chair may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, engage persons to provide professional or investment advice to the Board in connection with the performance of any of its functions.
(4) The terms and conditions of engagement are as determined in writing by the Chair.
Note: For variation and revocation, see subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
Part 6—Miscellaneous
83 Nominated Minister
(1) As soon as practicable after the commencement of this subsection, the responsible Ministers must, by writing, determine that one of them is to be the nominated Minister for the purposes of this Act.
(2) A determination under subsection (1) may be varied, but not revoked, in accordance with subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(3) A determination under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
(4) The nominated Minister may give the other responsible Minister:
(a) a report under subsection 54(1) or 55(2); or
(b) a document under subsection 54(2) or 55(2); or
(c) any other information or document obtained by the nominated Minister under this Act.
83A Delegation by the nominated Minister
(1) The nominated Minister may, by writing, delegate any or all of his or her powers under:
(a) section 84; or
(b) Schedule 2A;
to:
(c) the Secretary of a Department; or
(d) an SES employee, or acting SES employee, in a Department.
Note: The expressions SES employee and acting SES employee are defined in section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(2) In exercising powers under a delegation, the delegate must comply with any directions of the nominated Minister.
83B Delegation by the Board
(1) The Board may, by writing, delegate any or all of its powers under:
(a) subsection 28(1) of this Act; or
(b) subsection 45(1) of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008; or
(c) subsection 164(1) of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008; or
(d) subsection 239(1) of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008;
to:
(e) the Chair; or
(f) an SES employee, or acting SES employee, in the Agency.
Note: The expressions SES employee and acting SES employee are defined in section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(2) In exercising powers under a delegation, the delegate must comply with any directions of the Board.
84 Miscellaneous receipts to be credited to the Fund Account
(1) If:
(a) the Board receives an amount of money; and
(b) none of the following:
(i) another provision of this Act;
(ii) a provision of the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008;
requires the amount to be credited to:
(iii) the Fund Account; or
(iv) the Building Australia Fund Special Account; or
(v) the Education Investment Fund Special Account; or
(vi) the Health and Hospitals Fund Special Account;
the amount is to be credited to the Fund Account.
Transfer of amounts to the Building Australia Fund Special Account
(2) If an amount is credited to the Fund Account under subsection (1), the nominated Minister may, by writing, direct that a specified amount is to be:
(a) debited from the Fund Account; and
(b) credited to the Building Australia Fund Special Account;
on a specified day.
Transfer of amounts to the Education Investment Fund Special Account
(3) If an amount is credited to the Fund Account under subsection (1), the nominated Minister may, by writing, direct that a specified amount is to be:
(a) debited from the Fund Account; and
(b) credited to the Education Investment Fund Special Account;
on a specified day.
Transfer of amounts to the Health and Hospitals Fund Special Account
(4) If an amount is credited to the Fund Account under subsection (1), the nominated Minister may, by writing, direct that a specified amount is to be:
(a) debited from the Fund Account; and
(b) credited to the Health and Hospitals Fund Special Account;
on a specified day.
Other provisions
(5) If:
(a) an amount (the first amount) is credited to the Fund account under subsection (1); and
(b) one or more amounts (the transfer amounts) are specified under any or all of subsections (2), (3) and (4) in relation to the first amount;
the sum of the transfer amounts must not exceed the first amount.
(6) A direction under subsection (2), (3) or (4) is not a legislative instrument.
84A Exemption from taxation
Income tax
(1) To avoid doubt, for the purposes of section 50‑25 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, the Board is taken to be a public authority constituted under an Australian law.
Note: This means that the Board is exempt from income tax.
State/Territory taxes
(2) To avoid doubt, the Board is not subject to taxation under a law of a State or Territory, if the Commonwealth is not subject to the taxation.
84B Franking credits
(1) For the purposes of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, the Board is taken to be an exempt institution that is eligible for a refund.
Note: See Division 207 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (franked distributions).
(2) Subsection (1) has effect despite subsection 207‑115(1) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.
(3) For the purposes of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, the Board’s entitlement to a tax offset is to be determined as if any financial assets held by the Board were held by the Board in its own right.
84C Board must not have a significant stake in a foreign listed company
(1) The Board must take all reasonable steps to ensure that it does not hold a stake in a foreign listed company of more than 20%.
Stake
(2) The Financial Sector (Shareholdings) Act 1998 applies for the purposes of determining the Board’s stake in a foreign listed company, with the following modifications:
(a) assume that the Board does not have any associates;
(b) assume that any financial assets held by the Board were held by the Board in its own right;
(c) disregard paragraph 8(1)(c) of Schedule 1 to that Act;
(d) the modification set out in subsection (3).
(3) For the purposes of determining the Board’s stake in a foreign listed company, if, under a securities lending arrangement:
(a) at a particular time (the disposal time), the Board disposed of a financial asset (the borrowed financial asset) to another person (the borrower); and
(b) the Board may come under an obligation to:
(i) re‑acquire the borrowed financial asset from the borrower at a later time; or
(ii) acquire an identical financial asset from the borrower at a later time;
the borrowed financial asset is taken to be held by the Board during the period:
(c) beginning at the disposal time; and
(d) ending when the obligation mentioned in paragraph (b) is discharged or can no longer arise.
Validity of transactions
(4) A failure to comply with subsection (1) does not affect the validity of any transaction.
85 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.