Contents
Part I—Preliminary 1
1............ Short title............................................................................................. 1
2............ Commencement................................................................................... 1
3............ Repeal................................................................................................. 1
4............ Extension of Act to external Territories............................................... 1
4A......... Application of the Criminal Code....................................................... 1
5............ Index of definitions............................................................................. 2
5A......... Repatriation Commission definitions................................................ 13
5AB...... Repatriation Medical Authority and Specialist Medical Review Council definitions 13
5B......... War and operational area related definitions.................................... 14
5C......... Eligibility related definitions.............................................................. 16
5D......... Injury/disease definitions.................................................................. 25
5E.......... Family relationships definitions—couples........................................ 27
5F.......... Family relationships definitions—children....................................... 33
5G......... Australian residence definitions........................................................ 35
5GA...... Pension supplement rate definitions.................................................. 37
5H......... Income test definitions...................................................................... 39
5I........... Special Rate Disability Pension reduction amount............................ 56
5J.......... Financial assets and income streams definitions.............................. 56
5JA....... Meaning of asset‑test exempt income stream—lifetime income streams 67
5JB........ Meaning of asset‑test exempt income stream—life expectancy income streams 76
5JBA..... Meaning of asset‑test exempt income stream—market‑linked income streams 85
5JC........ Family law affected income streams.................................................. 91
5JD....... Asset‑tested status of secondary FLA income streams..................... 92
5K......... Maintenance income definitions........................................................ 93
5L.......... Assets test definitions........................................................................ 93
5LA....... Principal home definition for the purpose of the assets test.............. 99
5M........ Retirement village definitions.......................................................... 105
5MA..... Granny flat definitions.................................................................... 107
5MB...... Sale leaseback definitions............................................................... 108
5MC...... Special residence and resident definitions....................................... 110
5N......... Rent definitions............................................................................... 111
5NA...... Indexation and rate adjustment definitions..................................... 116
5NB...... Compensation recovery definitions................................................. 117
5NC...... In care definitions........................................................................... 122
5P.......... Retirement assistance for farmers definitions................................. 124
5PAA.... Retirement assistance for sugarcane farmers definitions............... 128
5PB....... Seniors health card definitions....................................................... 134
5PC....... Exempt funeral investments............................................................ 134
5Q......... General definitions.......................................................................... 135
5QAA... Equal amounts................................................................................. 148
5QA...... Pension age for veterans................................................................. 149
5QB...... Pension age for persons other than veterans................................... 150
5R......... Determinations having interpretative effect..................................... 151
5T.......... Lodgment of claims, applications, requests and documents............ 156
5U......... Notes............................................................................................... 158
6............ Operational service—general outline............................................... 158
6A......... Operational service—world wars.................................................... 159
6B......... Operational service—Australian mariners....................................... 162
6C......... Operational service—post World War 2 service in operational areas 163
6D......... Operational service—other post World War 2 service.................... 165
6DA...... Operational service—minesweeping and bomb/mine clearance service 167
6DB...... Operational service—service on submarine special operations from 1978 to 1992 167
6E.......... Operational service—Korean demilitarised zone and Vietnam........ 168
6F.......... Operational service—warlike and non‑warlike service................... 168
7............ Eligible war service......................................................................... 168
7A......... Qualifying service........................................................................... 170
8............ War‑caused death............................................................................ 173
9............ War‑caused injuries or diseases...................................................... 176
9A......... Most war‑caused injuries, diseases and deaths no longer covered by this Act 179
10.......... Child of a veteran or other person................................................... 180
10A....... Parent of a person........................................................................... 181
11.......... Dependants..................................................................................... 181
11AA.... Reinstated pensioner....................................................................... 182
11A....... De facto relationships...................................................................... 182
11B....... Domicile.......................................................................................... 183
Part II—Pensions, other than service pensions, for veterans and their dependants 184
Division 1—Interpretation 184
12.......... Interpretation................................................................................... 184
Division 2—Eligibility for pension 185
13.......... Eligibility for pension...................................................................... 185
Division 2A—Verification determinations for reinstated pensioners 192
13AA.... Application for verification determination....................................... 192
13AB.... Who may apply............................................................................... 192
13AC.... Application for verification determination....................................... 192
13AE..... Investigation by the Secretary......................................................... 193
13AF..... Duties of Commission in relation to application for verification determination 193
13AG.... Verification determination............................................................... 194
Division 3—Claims for pensions and applications for increases in pensions 196
13A....... Certain dependants to be automatically paid pension....................... 196
13B....... Reinstated pensioners to be automatically paid pension.................. 197
14.......... Claim for pension............................................................................ 198
15.......... Application for increase in pension................................................. 199
16.......... Who may make claim or application................................................ 200
17.......... Investigation by the Secretary......................................................... 201
18.......... Duties of Commission in relation to pensions................................. 202
19.......... Determination of claims and applications........................................ 202
19A....... Refusal to undergo medical examination etc. may delay consideration of claim or application 207
20.......... Dates of effect that may be specified in respect of grant of claim for pension 208
21.......... Dates of effect that may be specified in respect of grant of applications under section 15 210
Division 4—Rates of pensions payable to veterans 212
21A....... Determination of degree of incapacity............................................. 212
22.......... General rate of pension and extreme disablement adjustment.......... 212
23.......... Intermediate rate of pension............................................................ 213
24.......... Special rate of pension.................................................................... 217
24A....... Continuation of rates of certain pensions........................................ 220
25.......... Temporary payment at special rate.................................................. 221
25A....... Offsetting certain SRCA payments................................................. 222
26.......... Reduction in rate of pension in certain cases................................... 223
27.......... Increased rates of pension in certain cases...................................... 224
27A....... Calculation of arrears of pension..................................................... 226
27B....... Certain decisions under section 27A reviewable under the Social Security Act 228
28.......... Capacity to undertake remunerative work....................................... 229
29.......... Guide to the assessment of rates of veterans’ pensions................... 229
Division 5—Rates of pensions payable to dependants of deceased veteran 232
30.......... Rates at which pensions are payable to dependants......................... 232
Division 5A—Effect of certain compensation payments on rates of pension 234
30A....... This Division does not apply to certain payments........................... 234
30B....... Interpretation................................................................................... 234
30C....... Lump sum compensation payment.................................................. 235
30D....... Periodic payment of compensation.................................................. 241
30E........ Proceedings against third party....................................................... 244
30F........ Failure to comply with Commission’s request made under section 30E.. 245
30G....... Payment of damages by third party to Commonwealth................... 247
30H....... Payment of damages by third party where agreement, or an award against the person, to pay damages has been made........................................................................................................ 247
30I......... Debt due to the Commonwealth...................................................... 249
30J........ Discharge of liability....................................................................... 249
30K....... Discharge of liability of Commonwealth to pay damages............... 249
30L........ Other payments of compensation.................................................... 250
30M...... Commission may require a statutory declaration............................. 250
30N....... Failure to comply with statutory declaration requirement................ 251
30P........ Overpayments of pension............................................................... 251
Division 6—Reviews of pensions by Commission 252
31.......... Review by Commission.................................................................. 252
Division 7—Procedural 257
32.......... Commission may take evidence...................................................... 257
33.......... Withdrawal of claim or application.................................................. 260
34.......... Reasons for decisions to be given................................................... 260
Part III—Service pensions 262
Division 1—General features 262
35.......... Order and structure of Divisions..................................................... 262
35A....... Eligibility for and payability of service pension.............................. 262
Division 2—Claim for qualifying service 263
Subdivision A—Claim 263
35B....... Need for a claim.............................................................................. 263
35C....... Who can claim?............................................................................... 263
35D....... Making a claim................................................................................ 264
35F........ Claim may be withdrawn................................................................ 264
35FB..... Oral withdrawal of a claim.............................................................. 264
35FC..... Acknowledgment of oral withdrawal of a claim.............................. 264
35FD..... Reactivating the withdrawn claim.................................................... 265
Subdivision B—Investigation of claim 265
35G....... Secretary to investigate claim and submit it to Commission............ 265
Subdivision C—Consideration and determination of claim 266
35H....... Duties of Commission in relation to claim...................................... 266
35J........ Determination of qualifying service to be proof of qualifying service 267
Division 3—Age service pension 268
Subdivision A—Eligibility for and payability of age service pension 268
36.......... Eligibility for age service pension................................................... 268
36A....... Age service pension may not be payable in some circumstances.... 269
36B....... Age service pension generally not payable before claim................. 270
36C....... Restrictions on dual pensions.......................................................... 271
36CA.... Exclusion of certain participants in ABSTUDY Scheme................ 271
Subdivision B—Claim for age service pension 271
36D....... Need for a claim.............................................................................. 271
36E........ Who can claim?............................................................................... 272
36F........ Making a claim................................................................................ 272
36H....... Claimant must be Australian resident and in Australia.................... 272
36J........ Claim may be withdrawn................................................................ 273
36JB...... Oral withdrawal of a claim.............................................................. 273
36JC...... Acknowledgment of oral withdrawal of a claim.............................. 273
36JD..... Reactivating the withdrawn claim.................................................... 274
36JE...... Secretary may require claimant or claimant’s partner to take action to obtain a comparable foreign pension 274
Subdivision C—Investigation of claim 275
36K....... Secretary to investigate claim and submit it to Commission............ 275
Subdivision D—Consideration and determination of claim 276
36L........ Duties of Commission in relation to claim...................................... 276
36M...... Date of effect of determination........................................................ 278
Subdivision E—Rate of age service pension 278
36N....... How to work out the rate of a veteran’s age service pension.......... 278
Division 4—Invalidity service pension 279
Subdivision A—Eligibility for and payability of invalidity service pension 279
37.......... Eligibility for invalidity service pension.......................................... 279
37AA.... Commission must determine circumstances in which persons are permanently incapacitated for work 280
37AAA. Continued eligibility for invalidity service pension if person undertaking a rehabilitation program etc. 281
37A....... Invalidity service pension may not be payable in some circumstances 281
37B....... Invalidity service pension generally not payable before claim......... 282
37C....... Restrictions on dual pensions.......................................................... 283
37CA.... Exclusion of certain participants in ABSTUDY Scheme................ 283
Subdivision B—Claim for invalidity service pension 284
37D....... Need for a claim.............................................................................. 284
37E........ Who can claim?............................................................................... 284
37F........ Making a claim................................................................................ 284
37H....... Claimant must be Australian resident and in Australia.................... 285
37J........ Claim may be withdrawn................................................................ 285
37JB...... Oral withdrawal of a claim.............................................................. 286
37JC...... Acknowledgment of oral withdrawal of a claim.............................. 286
37JD..... Reactivating the withdrawn claim.................................................... 286
37JE...... Secretary may require claimant or claimant’s partner to take action to obtain a comparable foreign pension 286
Subdivision C—Investigation of claim 287
37K....... Secretary to investigate claim and submit it to Commission............ 287
Subdivision D—Consideration and determination of claim 288
37L........ Duties of Commission in relation to claim...................................... 288
37M...... Date of effect of determination........................................................ 290
Subdivision E—Rate of invalidity service pension 290
37N....... How to work out the rate of a veteran’s invalidity service pension. 290
Division 5—Partner service pension 291
Subdivision A—Eligibility for and payability of partner service pension 291
38.......... Eligibility for partner service pension.............................................. 291
38AA.... Disclosure or use of personal information relevant to partner service pension eligibility 297
38A....... Partner service pension may not be payable in some circumstances 298
38B....... Partner service pension generally not payable before claim............. 299
38C....... Restrictions on dual pensions.......................................................... 300
38CA.... Exclusion of certain participants in ABSTUDY Scheme................ 300
Subdivision B—Claim for partner service pension 301
38D....... Need for a claim.............................................................................. 301
38E........ Who can claim?............................................................................... 301
38F........ Making a claim................................................................................ 301
38H....... Claimant must be Australian resident and in Australia.................... 302
38J........ Claim may be withdrawn................................................................ 302
38JB...... Oral withdrawal of a claim.............................................................. 302
38JC...... Acknowledgment of oral withdrawal of a claim.............................. 303
38JD..... Reactivating the withdrawn claim.................................................... 303
38JE...... Secretary may require claimant or claimant’s partner to take action to obtain a comparable foreign pension 303
Subdivision C—Investigation of claim 304
38K....... Secretary to investigate claim and submit it to Commission............ 304
Subdivision D—Consideration and determination of claim 305
38L........ Duties of Commission in relation to claim...................................... 305
38M...... Date of effect of determination........................................................ 307
Subdivision E—Rate of partner service pension 307
38N....... How to work out the rate of a person’s partner service pension..... 307
Part IIIA—Income support supplement 308
Division 1—Eligibility for and payability of income support supplement 308
45A....... Eligibility for income support supplement....................................... 308
45B....... Income support supplement may not be payable in some circumstances 308
45C....... Income support supplement generally not payable before claim...... 309
45D....... Restrictions on dual pensions.......................................................... 310
45DA.... Exclusion of certain participants in ABSTUDY Scheme................ 310
45E........ Election to continue to receive social security pension.................... 311
45F........ Claim for social security pension by war widower or war widow pending at commencement of Part 311
45G....... Review of decision rejecting a claim by war widower or war widow for social security pension pending at commencement of Part.................................................................... 312
45H....... Review of decision concerning rate of social security pension paid to war widower or war widow pending at commencement of Part.................................................................... 314
Division 2—Claim for income support supplement 317
45I......... Need for a proper claim................................................................... 317
45J........ Who can claim?............................................................................... 317
45K....... Making a claim................................................................................ 317
45M...... Claimant must be Australian resident and in Australia.................... 318
45N....... Not necessary to make a claim in certain circumstances.................. 318
45NA.... Claim may be withdrawn................................................................ 320
45NC.... Oral withdrawal of a claim.............................................................. 321
45ND.... Acknowledgment of oral withdrawal of a claim.............................. 321
45NE..... Reactivating the withdrawn claim.................................................... 321
45NF..... Secretary may require claimant or claimant’s partner to take action to obtain a comparable foreign pension 321
Division 3—Investigation of claim 323
45P........ Secretary to investigate claim and submit it to Commission............ 323
Division 4—Consideration and determination of claim 324
45Q....... Duties of Commission in relation to claim...................................... 324
45QA.... Commission must determine circumstances in which persons are permanently incapacitated for work 326
45R....... Date of effect of determination........................................................ 326
Division 5—Rate of income support supplement 328
45S........ How to work out the rate of income support supplement................ 328
Part IIIAB—Pension bonus 329
Division 1—Introduction 329
45T........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 329
45TA..... Definitions...................................................................................... 330
45TB..... Special date of eligibility for a designated pension.......................... 331
Division 2—Qualification for pension bonus 333
45TC..... Qualification for pension bonus...................................................... 333
Division 3—Registration as a member of the pension bonus scheme 337
Subdivision A—Membership of the pension bonus scheme 337
45TD..... Application for registration............................................................. 337
45TE..... Making an application..................................................................... 337
45TF..... Relevant information....................................................................... 337
45TH..... Timing of application and registration............................................. 338
45TI...... Registration..................................................................................... 339
45TJ...... Duration of membership................................................................. 340
45TK..... Cancellation of membership............................................................ 340
45TL..... Application for registration is not to be treated as a claim............... 341
Subdivision B—Classification of membership of the pension bonus scheme 341
45TM.... Accruing membership..................................................................... 341
45TN..... Non‑accruing membership—preclusion periods............................. 341
45TO..... Non‑accruing membership—Commission’s discretion................... 342
45TP..... Continuity of accruing membership is not broken by a period of non‑accruing membership 343
45TQ..... Post‑70/75 membership.................................................................. 343
Division 4—Accrual of bonus periods 344
45TR..... Accrual of bonus periods................................................................ 344
Division 5—Passing the work test 346
Subdivision A—The work test 346
45TS..... Work test—full‑year period............................................................ 346
45TT..... Work test—part‑year period............................................................ 347
45TU..... Commission’s discretion to treat gainful work outside Australia as gainful work in Australia 348
Subdivision B—Gainful work 349
45TV..... Gainful work—basic rule................................................................ 349
45TW.... Commission’s discretion to treat activity as gainful work............... 349
45TX..... Irregular, infrequent and minor absences from a workplace count as gainful work 349
45TY..... Management of family financial investments does not count as gainful work 350
45TZ..... Domestic duties in relation to a person’s place of residence do not count as gainful work 351
45U....... Evidentiary certificate...................................................................... 352
Subdivision C—Record‑keeping requirements 354
45UA.... Record‑keeping requirements.......................................................... 354
Division 6—Amount of pension bonus 357
45UB.... How to calculate the amount of pension bonus............................... 357
45UC.... Qualifying bonus periods................................................................ 357
45UD.... Overall qualifying period................................................................ 358
45UE..... Pension multiple.............................................................................. 359
45UF..... Annual pension rate........................................................................ 359
45UG.... Amount of pension bonus............................................................... 361
45UH.... Annual notional single pension rate................................................ 363
45UI...... Annual notional partnered pension rate........................................... 367
45UIA... Apportioned amount....................................................................... 371
45UIB... Top up of pension bonus for increased rate of designated pension. 373
45UIC... Top up of pension bonus in specified circumstances...................... 373
Division 7—Claim for pension bonus 375
45UJ..... Need for a claim.............................................................................. 375
45UK.... Proper claim.................................................................................... 375
45UL..... Lodgment period for claim.............................................................. 377
45UM... Withdrawal of claim........................................................................ 381
Division 8—Determination of claim 382
45UN.... Secretary to investigate claim and submit it to Commission............ 382
45UO.... Commission to determine claim...................................................... 382
45UP..... Grant of claim................................................................................. 382
Division 9—Payment of pension bonus 383
45UQ.... Payment of pension bonus.............................................................. 383
45UR.... Payment of bonus after death.......................................................... 383
Division 10—Protection of pension bonus 386
45US..... Pension bonus to be absolutely inalienable..................................... 386
Division 11—Preclusion periods 387
45UT..... Disposal preclusion period—dispositions before 1 July 2002........ 387
45UTA.. Disposal preclusion period—dispositions on or after 1 July 2002.. 388
45UU.... Carer preclusion period................................................................... 388
Division 11A—Pension bonus bereavement payment 389
45UUA. Qualification for pension bonus bereavement payment................... 389
45UUB. Amount of pension bonus bereavement payment............................ 389
45UUC. Definition of PBBP employment income......................................... 389
45UUD. Need for a claim for pension bonus bereavement payment............. 390
45UUE.. Proper claim.................................................................................... 391
45UUF.. Lodgment period for claim.............................................................. 391
45UUG. Withdrawal of claim........................................................................ 391
45UUH. Secretary to investigate claim and submit it to Commission............ 392
45UUI... Commission to determine claim...................................................... 392
45UUJ.. Grant of claim................................................................................. 392
45UUK. Payment of pension bonus bereavement payment........................... 393
45UUL.. Payment of pension bonus bereavement payment after death.......... 393
Division 12—Modification of this Part in relation to certain persons previously qualified for age pension under social security law 394
45UV.... Persons to whom this Division applies........................................... 394
45UW... Commission may request the provision of information................... 394
45UX.... Commission may determine whether periods occurring before becoming a war widow/war widower—pensioner are bonus periods under the social security law.................................... 395
45UY.... Modification of provisions of this Part in respect of persons to whom this Division applies 397
An Act to provide for the payment of pensions and other benefits to, and to provide medical and other treatment for, veterans and certain other persons, and for other purposes
Part I—Preliminary
1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986.
2 Commencement
This Act shall come into operation on a date to be fixed by Proclamation.
3 Repeal
(1) The Acts specified in Parts I, II, III, IV and V of Schedule 1 are repealed.
(2) The Acts specified in column 1 of Part VI of Schedule 1 are amended as set out in columns 2 and 3 of that Schedule.
4 Extension of Act to external Territories
This Act extends to the external Territories.
4A Application of the Criminal Code
Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code applies to all offences against this Act.
Note: Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.
5 Index of definitions
Each expression listed in the Index below is defined, for the purposes of this Act, in the provision listed in the Index opposite that expression.
Note: the Index does not contain every defined expression used in the Act. It contains every defined expression used in Part III and some defined expressions used elsewhere.
| INDEX |
| Aboriginal study assistance scheme | 5F(1) |
| accommodation bond | 5L(1) |
| accommodation bond balance | 5L(1) |
| accommodation charge | 5L(1) |
| account | 5Q(1) |
| acting commissioner | 5A |
| Acting Deputy President | 5A |
| Acting President | 5A |
| actual market exchange rate | 5Q(1) |
| actual value | 5MC(4) |
| adjusted income | 5H(1) |
| adjusted income reduced rate | 52ZAAA(1) |
| adopted child | 5F(1) |
| advance payment eligible amount | 5Q(1) |
| aged care resident | 5NC(5) |
| allied country | 5C(1) |
| allied mariner | 5C(1) |
| allied veteran | 5C(1) |
| allotted for duty | 5B(2) |
| amount of rent paid or payable | 5N(6), (7) |
| approved deposit fund | 5J(1) |
| approved exchange trading system | 5H(11) |
| approved Guide to the Assessment of Rates of Veterans’ Pensions | 5Q(1) |
| approved Treatment Principles | 5Q(1) |
| asset | 5L(1) |
| assets reduced rate | 52ZAAA(1) |
| asset‑tested income stream (long term) | 5J(1) |
| asset‑tested income stream (short term) | 5J(1) |
| asset‑test exempt income stream | 5JA and 5JB |
| ATO small superannuation account | 5J(1) |
| Australia | 5Q(1) |
| Australian mariner | 5C(1) |
| Australian resident | 5G(1) |
| austudy payment | 5Q(1) |
| available money | 5H(1) |
| average weekly earnings | 5NB(1) |
| bank | 5Q(1) |
| bereavement period | 53H |
| blinded in an eye | 5D(3) |
| Board | 5Q(1) |
| board | 5N(1) |
| British nuclear test defence service | 5Q(1A), 68(1), 69B(2), (3), (4) and (5) |
| campaign medal | 7A(2) |
| Chairperson | 5AB(1) |
| child | 5F(1) |
| child of veteran or other person | 10 |
| clean energy advance | 5Q(1) |
| clean energy bonus | 5Q(1) |
| clean energy payment | 5Q(1) |
| clean energy underlying payment | 5Q(1) |
| combined couple rate of minimum pension supplement | 5GA(2) |
| combined couple rate of pension supplement | 5GA(1) |
| commencement day | 5J(1) |
| Commission | 5A |
| commissioner | 5A |
| Commonwealth country | 5C(1) |
| Commonwealth veteran | 5C(1) |
| comparable foreign pension | 5Q(1) |
| compensation | 5NB(2) |
| compensation affected pension | 5NB(1) |
| compensation part | 5NB(7), (8) |
| compensation payer | 5NB(1) |
| continuous full‑time service | 5C(1) |
| Convener | 5AB(1) |
| councillor | 5AB(1) |
| couple | 5E(2), (3), (4) |
| CTPA | 5Q(1) |
| current figure | 5NA(1) |
| daily accommodation contribution | 5L(1) |
| daily accommodation payment | 5L(1) |
| decision | 5Q(1) |
| deductible amount | 5J(1) |
| defence‑caused injury, defence‑caused disease | 5D(2) |
| Defence Force | 5C(1) |
| defence force established by a Commonwealth country | 5C(1) |
| defence force established by an allied country | 5C(1), (3) |
| Defence Minister | 5Q(1) |
| defence service | 5Q(1A), 68(1) |
| deferred annuity | 5J(1) |
| deferred payment amount | 5MB(6), (7), (8) |
| defined benefit income stream | 5J(1E) |
| dependant | 11 |
| dependent child | 5F(1) |
| deposit money | 5H(1) |
| deprived asset | 5J(2B) |
| Deputy President | 5A |
| disability expenses maintenance | 5K |
| disability pension | 5Q(1) |
| disease | 5D(1) |
| dispose of assets | 52E |
| dispose of real assets | 52ZAAA(1) |
| disposes of ordinary income | 5H(1), 48 |
| domestic payment | 5H(3) |
| domiciled | 5Q(1) |
| earned, derived or received | 5H(2) |
| eligible civilian | 5C(1) |
| eligible descendant | 5P(1) |
| eligible former partner of a qualifying farmer | 5P(2) |
| eligible former partner of a qualifying sugarcane farmer | 5PAA(1) |
| eligible interest | 5PAA(1) |
| eligible war service | 7 |
| EMEP residence | 5Q(1) |
| enemy | 5C(1) |
| entry contribution | 52M |
| essential medical equipment payment | 5Q(1) |
| event that gives rise to an entitlement to compensation | 5NB(11) |
| exchange trading system | 5H(10) |
| exempt funeral investment | 5Q(1) |
| exempt lump sum | 5H(12) |
| Family Assistance Act | 5Q(1) |
| family law affected income stream | 5JC |
| family member | 5L(1) |
| family tax benefit | 5F(1) |
| farm | 5P(1) |
| farm enterprise | 5P(1) |
| financial asset | 5J(1) |
| financial institution | 5Q(1) |
| financial investment | 5J(1) |
| fishing operations | 5L(1) |
| fishing vessel | 5C(1) |
| foreign exchange period | 5Q(1) |
| foreign superannuation fund | 5L(1) |
| foreign superannuation pension | 5L(1) |
| forest operations | 5L(1) |
| former refugee | 5C |
| friendly society | 5J(1) |
| FTB child | 5F(1) |
| general rate | 5Q(1) |
| governing rules | 5J(1) |
| government‑in‑exile | 5C(1) |
| Government rent | 5N(1) |
| granny flat interest | 5MA(2) |
| granny flat resident | 5MA(3) |
| greater amount | 5QAA |
| greatest amount | 5QAA |
| guaranteed amount | 52ZAAA(1) |
| hazardous service | 5Q(1A), 68(1), 120(7) |
| higher amount | 5QAA |
| highest amount | 5QAA |
| holder of a seniors health card | 5PB(1) |
| home equity conversion agreement | 5H(1) |
| illness separated couple | 5R(5) |
| immediate family member | 5Q(1) |
| in a care situation | 5NC(2) |
| incapacity from a defence‑caused injury, a defence‑caused disease | 5D(2) |
| incapacity from a war‑caused injury, a war‑caused disease | 5D(2) |
| incentive allowance | 5Q(1) |
| income | 5H(1) |
| income amount | 5H(1) |
| income reduced rate | 52ZAAA(1) |
| income stream | 5J(1) |
| Income Tax Assessment Act | 5Q(1) |
| income year | 5Q(1) |
| index number | 5NA(1) |
| individual residence contribution | 52M(1C) |
| ineligible property owner | 5N(1) |
| initial payment amount | 5MB(4), (5) |
| injury | 5D(1) |
| in respite care | 5NC(8) |
| investment | 5J(1), (6), (6A) and (6B) |
| Investor | 5J(1) |
| joint ownership | 5Q(1) |
| least amount | 5QAA |
| lesser amount | 5QAA |
| life expectancy | 5J(1) |
| listed security | 5J(1) |
| loan | 5J(2), (2A) |
| lower amount | 5QAA |
| lowest amount | 5QAA |
| maintenance | 5K |
| maintenance income | 5K |
| managed investment | 5J(1A), (1B), (1C) |
| maximum Part A rate of family tax benefit | 5F(1) |
| maximum payment rate | 52ZAAA(1) |
| medical equipment | 5Q(1) |
| member | 5AB(1) |
| member of a couple | 5E(2), (3), (4) |
| member of an ordinary couple with different principal homes | 5M(2) |
| member of a Peacekeeping Force | 5Q(1A), 68(1) |
| member of a unit of the Defence Force | 5C(1) |
| member of the Defence Force | 5C(1), (2) |
| member of the Forces | 5Q(1A), 68(1) |
| member of the Interim Forces | 5C(1) |
| Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme | 5Q(1) |
| Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission | 5Q(1) |
| minimum pension supplement amount | 5GA(3) |
| MRCA | 5Q(1) |
| MRCA commencement date | 5Q(1) |
| NDIS amount | 5Q(1) |
| NDIS participant | 5Q(1) |
| NDIS plan | 5Q(1) |
| non‑illness separated spouse | 5E(1) |
| non‑warlike service | 5C(1) |
| operational area | 5B(1) |
| operational service | 6 to 6F |
| ordinary income | 5H(1) |
| organisation representing veterans | 5Q(1) |
| original family law affected income stream | 5JC |
| parent | 5F(1), 10A |
| participating in the pension loans scheme | 52ZAAA(3) |
| partner | 5E(1) |
| partnered | 5E(5) |
| partnered (partner getting benefit) | 5E(5) |
| partnered (partner getting neither pension nor benefit) | 5E(5) |
| partnered (partner getting pension) | 5E(5) |
| partnered (partner getting pension or benefit) | 5E(5) |
| peacekeeping service | 5Q(1A), 68(1) |
| pension | 5Q(1) |
| pension age | 5QA, 5QB |
| pension bonus | 5Q(1) |
| pension payday | 5Q(1) |
| pension period | 5Q(1) |
| pension supplement amount | 5Q(1) |
| pension supplement basic amount | 5GA(4) |
| pension year | 5L(9) |
| periodic payments period | 5NB(1) |
| period of hostilities | 5B(1) |
| personally providing community‑based care | 5NC(4) |
| person with medical needs | 5Q(1) |
| physically present in a remote area | 5Q(2), (3) |
| port | 5Q(1) |
| potential compensation payer | 5NB(1) |
| President | 5A |
| primary FLA income stream | 5JC |
| primary producer | 5L(1) |
| primary production | 5L(1) |
| principal beneficiary | 5Q(1) |
| principal home | 5LA |
| prohibited relationship | 5E(6), (7) |
| property owner | 5L(4) |
| proprietary company | 5P(1) |
| public unit trust | 5J(1) |
| purchase price | 5J(1) |
| qualifying age | 5Q(1) |
| qualifying farmer | 5P(3) and (4) |
| qualifying interest | 5P(5) and (6) |
| qualifying service | 5C(1), 7A |
| qualifying sugarcane farmer | 5PAA(1) |
| quarterly pension supplement | 5Q(1) |
| RASF closing day | 5PAA(1) |
| RASF commencement day | 5PAA(1) |
| Rate Calculator | 5Q(1) |
| real assets | 52ZAAA(1) |
| reasonable security of tenure | 5LA(10) |
| receives compensation | 5NB(10) |
| receiving community‑based care | 5NC(3) |
| recoverable amount | 205(8) |
| refugee | 5C |
| refundable deposit | 5L(1) |
| refundable deposit balance | 5L(1) |
| registered medical practitioner | 5AB(1) |
| regular care child | 5F(1) |
| reinstated pensioner | 11AA |
| relates to service | 5Q(1B) and (1C) |
| relevant farm asset | 5P(1) |
| relevant number | 5J(1) |
| relevant State land law | 5P(1) |
| relevant sugarcane farm asset | 5PAA(1) |
| remote area | 5Q(1) |
| remunerative work | 5Q(1) |
| rent | 5N |
| Repatriation Private Patient Principles | 5Q(1) |
| residential care charge | 5N(1) |
| residual capital value | 5J(1) |
| respite care couple | 5R(6) |
| retirement age | 5Q(1) |
| retirement savings account | 5J(1) |
| retirement village | 5M(3), (4) |
| retirement village resident | 5M(5) |
| return | 5J(1) |
| Review Council | 5AB(1) |
| sale leaseback agreement | 5MB(2), (3) |
| sale leaseback home | 5MB(9) |
| sale leaseback resident | 5MB(10), (11) |
| secondary FLA income stream | 5JC |
| Secretary | 5Q(1) |
| seniors supplement | 5Q(1) |
| service pension | 5Q(1) |
| service pensioner | 5Q(1) |
| sibling | 5Q(1) |
| Social Security Act | 5Q(1) |
| social security benefit | 5Q(1) |
| social security law | 5Q(1) |
| social security payment | 5Q(1) |
| social security pension | 5Q(1) |
| sound medical‑scientific evidence | 5AB(2) |
| special disability trust | 5Q(1) |
| special mission | 5C(1) |
| special residence | 5MC(2) |
| special resident | 5MC(3) |
| step‑child | 5F(1) |
| step‑parent | 5F(1) |
| sugarcane farm | 5PAA(1) |
| sugarcane farm enterprise | 5PAA(1) |
| superannuation benefit | 5J(1) |
| superannuation contributions surcharge | 5J(1) |
| superannuation fund | 5J(1) |
| tax‑exempt pension supplement | 5GA(5) |
| tax file number | 5Q(1) |
| tax year | 5Q(1) |
| tobacco product | 5Q(1) |
| total net value | 5PAA(1) |
| transfer | 5P(7), (8), (9), (10) and (11) |
| transfer (of sugarcane farms and sugarcane farm assets) | 5PAA(1) |
| unit of the Defence Force | 5C(1) |
| unlisted public security | 5J(1) |
| unrealisable asset | 5L(11), (12) |
| use | 5Q(1) |
| value | 5L(2), (3), (3A) |
| veteran | 5C(1) |
| war‑caused death | 8 |
| war‑caused disease | 5D(2), 9 |
| war‑caused injury | 5D(2), 9 |
| war‑caused injury, war‑caused disease | 5D(2) |
| warlike service | 5C(1) |
| war to which this Act applies | 5B(1) |
| war widow | 5E(1) |
| war widower | 5E(1) |
| war widow/war widower—pensioner | 5Q(1) |
| wholly dependent partner | 5E(1) |
| widow | 5E(1) |
| widower | 5E(1) |
| World War 1 | 5B(1), (3) |
| World War 2 | 5B(1), (3) |
| youth allowance | 5Q(1) |
5A Repatriation Commission definitions
In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
acting commissioner means a person who is acting as a commissioner because of an appointment under section 191.
Acting Deputy President means a commissioner or acting commissioner who is acting as Deputy President because of an appointment under section 192.
Acting President means a commissioner or acting commissioner who is acting as President because of an appointment under section 192 or 193.
Commission means the Repatriation Commission continued in existence by section 179.
commissioner means a person holding an office of commissioner because of an appointment under section 182.
Deputy President means the Deputy President of the Commission.
President means the President of the Commission.
5AB Repatriation Medical Authority and Specialist Medical Review Council definitions
(1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
Chairperson means the Chairperson of the Repatriation Medical Authority.
Convener means the Convener of the Review Council.
councillor means the Convener or any other person holding office as a member of the Review Council.
member means the Chairperson or any other person holding office as a member of the Repatriation Medical Authority.
registered medical practitioner means a person registered or licensed as a medical practitioner under a law of a State or Territory but does not include a person so registered or licensed:
(a) whose registration, or licence to practice, as a medical practitioner in any State or Territory has been suspended, or cancelled, following an inquiry relating to his or her conduct; and
(b) who has not, after that suspension or cancellation, again been authorised to register or practise as a medical practitioner in that State or Territory.
Review Council means the Specialist Medical Review Council established by section 196V.
sound medical‑scientific evidence, in relation to a particular kind of injury, disease or death, has the meaning given by subsection (2).
(2) Information about a particular kind of injury, disease or death is taken to be sound medical‑scientific evidence if:
(a) the information:
(i) is consistent with material relating to medical science that has been published in a medical or scientific publication and has been, in the opinion of the Repatriation Medical Authority, subjected to a peer review process; or
(ii) in accordance with generally accepted medical practice, would serve as the basis for the diagnosis and management of a medical condition; and
(b) in the case of information about how that kind of injury, disease or death may be caused—meets the applicable criteria for assessing causation currently applied in the field of epidemiology.
5B War and operational area related definitions
(1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
allotted for duty in an operational area has the meaning given by subsection (2).
operational area means an area described in column 1 of Schedule 2 during the period specified in column 2 of Schedule 2 opposite to the description of the area in column 1.
period of hostilities means:
(a) World War 1 from its commencement on 4 August 1914 to 11 November 1918 (both included); or
(b) World War 2 from its commencement on 3 September 1939 to 29 October 1945 (both included); or
(c) the period of hostilities in respect of Korea from 27 June 1950 to 19 April 1956 (both included); or
(d) the period of hostilities in respect of Malaya from 29 June 1950 to 31 August 1957 (both included); or
(e) the period of hostilities in respect of war‑like operations in operational areas from 31 July 1962 to 11 January 1973 (both included).
war to which this Act applies means World War 1 or World War 2.
World War 1 means:
(a) the war that commenced on 4 August 1914; and
(b) any other war in which the Crown became engaged after 4 August 1914 and before 11 November 1918.
World War 2 means:
(a) the war that commenced on 3 September 1939; and
(b) any other war in which the Crown became engaged after 3 September 1939 and before 3 September 1945.
Allotted for duty
(2) A reference in this Act to a person, or a unit of the Defence Force, that was allotted for duty in an operational area is a reference:
(a) in the case of duty that was carried out in an operational area described in item 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 of Schedule 2 (in column 1)—to a person, or unit of the Defence Force, that is allotted for duty in the area (whether retrospectively or otherwise) by written instrument issued by the Defence Force for use by the Commission in determining a person’s eligibility for entitlements under this Act; or
(b) in the case of duty that was carried out in an operational area described in item 3A, 3B, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 of Schedule 2 (in column 1)—to a person, or unit of the Defence Force, that is allotted for duty in the area (whether retrospectively or otherwise) by written instrument signed by the Vice Chief of the Defence Force for use by the Commission in determining a person’s eligibility for entitlements under this Act; or
(c) to a person, or unit of the Defence Force, that is, by written instrument signed by the Defence Minister, taken to have been allotted for duty in an operational area described in item 4 or 8 in Schedule 2 (in column 1).
End of World War 1 and 2
(3) For the purposes of this Act:
(a) World War 1 is taken to have ended on 1 September 1921; and
(b) World War 2 is taken to have ended on 28 April 1952.
Note 1: 1 September 1921 is the date fixed by Proclamation under the Termination of the Present War (Definition) Act 1919.
Note 2: 28 April 1952 is the date on which the Treaty of Peace with Japan came into force.
5C Eligibility related definitions
(1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
allied country means any country (not being Australia or a Commonwealth country):
(a) that was, at the relevant time, at war with the enemy; or
(b) the forces of which were, at the relevant time, engaged in an operational area against forces against which the forces of the Commonwealth were engaged in that area;
and includes:
(c) a state, province or other territory that is one of 2 or more territories that together form, or formed at the relevant time, a discrete part of such a country; and
(d) a place that is, or was at the relevant time, a territory, dependency or colony (however described) of such a country.
allied mariner means a person who:
(a) was during the period of World War 2 from its commencement to and including 29 October 1945:
(i) a master, officer or seaman employed under agreement, or an apprentice employed under indenture, in sea‑going service on a ship that was engaged in trading; or
(ii) a master, officer, seaman or apprentice employed in a lighthouse tender or pilot ship; or
(iii) employed as a pilot; or
(iv) a master, officer, seaman or apprentice employed in sea‑going service on a ship (being a hospital ship, troop transport, supply ship, tug, cable ship, salvage ship, dredge, fishing vessel or fisheries investigation vessel) that was operated by, or on behalf of, a foreign country; and
(b) was at any time during the course of that employment during the period referred to in paragraph (a) on a ship that was:
(i) operating from a port in Australia or from a port in a Commonwealth country or an allied country; or
(ii) engaged in trading with Australia or with a Commonwealth country or an allied country; or
(iii) engaged in providing assistance or support to the Defence Force, or to the forces, or any part of the forces, of a Commonwealth country or an allied country; or
(iv) engaged in providing assistance or support to Australia or to a Commonwealth country or an allied country;
but does not include:
(c) an Australian mariner; or
(d) a person who has, at any time, been employed by a foreign country that was, at that time, at war with Australia; or
(e) a person who has, at any time, been employed:
(i) on a ship that operated to, or was operating from, a port in a country that was, at that time, at war with Australia; or
(ii) on a ship that was engaged in trading with a country that was, at that time, at war with Australia; or
(iii) on a ship that was engaged in providing assistance or support to the enemy or to a country that was, at that time, at war with Australia.
allied veteran means a person:
(a) who has been appointed or enlisted as a member of the defence force established by an allied country; and
(b) who has rendered continuous full‑time service as such a member during a period of hostilities;
but does not include a person who has served at any time:
(c) in the forces of a country that was, at that time, at war with Australia, or in forces engaged in supporting or assisting the forces of such a country; or
(d) in forces that were, at that time, engaged in war‑like operations against the Naval, Military or Air Forces of Australia.
Australian mariner means a person who was, during the period of World War 2 from its commencement to and including 29 October 1945:
(a) a master, officer or seaman employed under agreement, or an apprentice employed under indenture, in sea‑going service on a ship registered in Australia that was engaged in trading between a port in a State or Territory and any other port; or
(b) a master, officer or seaman employed under agreement, or an apprentice employed under indenture, in sea‑going service on a ship registered outside Australia who was, or whose dependants were, resident in Australia for at least 12 months immediately before he or she entered into the agreement or indenture; or
(c) a master, officer, seaman or apprentice employed on a lighthouse tender, or pilot ship of the Commonwealth or of a State; or
(d) a pilot employed or licensed by Australia or a State or by an authority constituted by or under a law of the Commonwealth or of a State; or
(e) a master, officer, seaman or apprentice employed in sea‑going service on a ship owned in Australia and operating from an Australian port, being a hospital ship, troop transport, supply ship, tug, cable ship, salvage ship, dredge, fishing vessel or fisheries investigation vessel; or
(f) a member or employee of the Commonwealth Salvage Board engaged in sea‑going service under the direction of that Board; or
(g) a master, officer, seaman or apprentice employed in sea‑going service on a ship registered in New Zealand who the Commission is satisfied was engaged in Australia and is not entitled to compensation under a law of a Commonwealth country providing for the payment of pensions and other payments to seamen who suffered death or disablement as a result of World War 2.
Commonwealth country means a country (other than Australia) that is, or was at the relevant time, a part of the Dominions of the Crown, and includes:
(a) a state, province or other territory that is one of 2 or more territories that together form, or formed at the relevant time, a discrete part of such a country; and
(b) a place that is, or was at the relevant time, a territory, dependency or colony (however described) of a part of such a country.
Commonwealth veteran means a person who rendered continuous full‑time service as a member of:
(a) the naval, military or air forces; or
(b) the nursing or auxiliary services of the naval, military or air forces; or
(c) the women’s branch of the naval, military or air forces;
of a Commonwealth country during a period of hostilities.
continuous full‑time service means:
(a) in relation to a member of the Defence Force:
(i) service in the Naval Forces of the Commonwealth of the kind known as continuous full‑time naval service; or
(ii) service in the Military Forces of the Commonwealth of the kind known as continuous full‑time military service; or
(iii) service in the Air Force of the Commonwealth of the kind known as continuous full‑time air force service; or
(b) in relation to a member of the naval, military or air forces of a Commonwealth country or an allied country—service in those forces of a kind similar to a kind of service referred to in subparagraph (a)(i), (ii) or (iii).
Note: see also subsection 5R(1).
Defence Force has the same meaning as in the Defence Act 1903.
defence force established by a Commonwealth country means:
(a) the naval, military or air forces of the country; or
(b) the nursing and auxiliary services of the naval, military or air forces of the country; or
(c) the women’s branch of the naval, military or air forces of the country.
defence force established by an allied country means:
(a) the regular naval, military or air forces; and
(b) the nursing or auxiliary services of the regular naval, military or air forces; and
(c) the women’s branch of the regular naval, military or air forces;
raised by an allied country and operated by the country with regular military‑like lines of command, that is to say, raised and operated in such a manner that the members of those forces and services:
(d) were formally appointed to, or enlisted in, those forces or services; and
(e) were required to wear uniforms or insignia distinguishing them as members of those forces or services; and
(f) were required to carry arms openly; and
(g) were subject to the rules and conventions of warfare.
Note 1: for extended meaning of this term in relation to a government‑in‑exile, see subsection (3).
Note 2: for an extended meaning of this term in relation to an allied veteran see subsection 5R(2).
eligible civilian means a person:
(a) who was killed, or detained by the enemy, during World War 2; and
(b) who was, at the time the person was killed or first detained:
(i) a British subject; and
(ii) a resident, but not an indigenous inhabitant, of the Territory of Papua or the Territory of New Guinea; and
(c) who was not, at that time:
(i) rendering service as a member of the Defence Force; or
(ii) employed by the Commonwealth on a special mission outside Australia.
enemy means:
(a) in relation to World War 1 or World War 2—the naval, military or air forces, or any part of the naval, military or air forces, of a State at war with the Crown during that war; and
(b) in relation to service in, or a period of hostilities in respect of, an operational area—the naval, military or air forces against which the Naval, Military or Air Forces of the Commonwealth were engaged in that operational area; and
(c) persons assisting any of those forces.
fishing vessel means a ship employed in connection with the occupation of sea fishing for profit.
former refugee means a person who was a refugee but does not include a person who ceased to be a refugee because his or her entry permit or visa (as the case may be) was cancelled.
government‑in‑exile, in relation to an allied country, includes a person, or group of persons, claiming to represent, or administer, the country or a part of the country or the people of the country.
member of a unit of the Defence Force means:
(a) a member of the Defence Force; or
(b) another person who is:
(i) a member of the unit; or
(ii) attached to the unit; or
(iii) appointed for continuous full‑time service with the unit.
Note: see also subsection 5R(1).
member of the Defence Force includes a person appointed for continuous full‑time service with a unit of the Defence Force.
member of the Interim Forces means a person who:
(a) enlisted or re‑engaged in, or was appointed or re‑appointed to, the Defence Force for continuous full‑time service for a term of not more than 2 years; or
(b) was appointed for continuous full‑time service with a unit of the Defence Force for a term of not more than 2 years;
on or after 1 July 1947 and before 1 July 1949.
non‑warlike service means service in the Defence Force of a kind determined in writing by the Defence Minister to be non‑warlike service.
operational service has the meaning given by sections 6 to 6F.
qualifying service has the meaning given in section 7A.
refugee has the meaning given by subsection (4).
special mission means a mission that, in the opinion of the Commission, was of special assistance to the Commonwealth in the prosecution of a war to which this Act applies.
unit of the Defence Force means a body, contingent or detachment of the Defence Force.
veteran means:
(a) a person (including a deceased person):
(i) who is, because of section 7, taken to have rendered eligible war service; or
(ii) in respect of whom a pension is, or pensions are, payable under subsection 13(6); and
(b) in Parts III and VIIC also includes a person who is:
(i) a Commonwealth veteran; or
(ii) an allied veteran; or
(iv) an allied mariner.
Note: Commonwealth veteran, allied veteran and allied mariner are defined in this subsection.
warlike service means service in the Defence Force of a kind determined in writing by the Defence Minister to be warlike service.
Army Medical Corps Nursing Service
(2) For the purposes of this Act, a member of the Army Medical Corps Nursing Service who:
(a) rendered service during World War 1, either within or outside Australia; and
(b) rendered the service as such a member in accordance with an acceptance or appointment by the Director‑General of Medical Services for service outside Australia;
is taken to have been serving as a member of the Defence Force while rendering that service.
Defence force of government‑in‑exile
(3) In relation to any period during which there was a government‑in‑exile in relation to an allied country, defence force established by an allied country includes:
(a) the regular naval, military or air forces; and
(b) the nursing or auxiliary services of the regular naval, military or air forces; and
(c) the women’s branch of the regular naval, military or air forces;
raised by that government‑in‑exile and operated by it with regular military‑like lines of command, that is to say, raised and operated in such a manner that the members of those forces and services:
(d) were formally appointed to, or enlisted in, those forces or services; and
(e) were required to wear uniforms or insignia distinguishing them as members of those forces or services; and
(f) were required to carry arms openly; and
(g) were subject to the rules and conventions of warfare.
Note: for an extended meaning of the defence force of a government‑in‑exile in relation to an allied veteran see subsection 5R(2).
Refugee
(4) For the purposes of Part III, a person is a refugee if the person:
(a) is taken, under the Migration Reform (Transitional Provisions) Regulations, to be the holder of a transitional (permanent) visa because the person was, immediately before 1 September 1994, the holder of:
(i) a visa or entry permit that fell within Division 1.3—Group 1.3 (Permanent resident (refugee and humanitarian) (offshore)) in Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Migration (1993) Regulations as then in force; or
(ii) a visa or entry permit that fell within Division 1.5—Group 1.5 (Permanent resident (refugee and humanitarian) (on‑shore)) in Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Migration (1993) Regulations as then in force; or
(b) was, immediately before 1 February 1993, the holder of a visa or entry permit of a class prescribed under the Migration Regulations as then in force that corresponds to a visa or entry permit referred to in subparagraph (a)(i) or (ii); or
(c) is the holder of:
(i) a permanent protection visa; or
(ii) a permanent visa of a class referred to in Schedule 2A; or
(iii) a permanent visa of a class referred to in a declaration of the Minister under subsection (5) that is in force.
Declaration of class of visas
(5) If:
(a) after the commencement of this subsection, a class of permanent visas (other than a class referred to in Schedule 2A) is prescribed by regulations made for the purposes of section 31 of the Migration Act 1958; and
(b) the Minister is of the view that a person holding a visa of that class should be regarded as a refugee for the purposes of Part III;
the Minister may, by legislative instrument, declare that class of visas to be a class of visas for the purposes of subparagraph (4)(c)(iii).
5D Injury/disease definitions
(1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
blinded in an eye has the meaning given by subsection (3).
disease means:
(a) any physical or mental ailment, disorder, defect or morbid condition (whether of sudden onset or gradual development); or
(b) the recurrence of such an ailment, disorder, defect or morbid condition;
but does not include:
(c) the aggravation of such an ailment, disorder, defect or morbid condition; or
(d) a temporary departure from:
(i) the normal physiological state; or
(ii) the accepted ranges of physiological or biochemical measures;
that results from normal physiological stress (for example, the effect of exercise on blood pressure) or the temporary effect of extraneous agents (for example, alcohol on blood cholesterol levels).
incapacity from a defence‑caused injury or incapacity from a defence‑caused disease has the meaning given by subsection (2).
incapacity from a war‑caused injury or incapacity from a war‑caused disease has the meaning given by subsection (2).
injury means any physical or mental injury (including the recurrence of a physical or mental injury) but does not include:
(a) a disease; or
(b) the aggravation of a physical or mental injury.
War‑caused injury; war‑caused disease; defence‑caused injury; defence‑caused disease
(2) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
(a) a reference to the incapacity of a veteran from a war‑caused injury or a war‑caused disease; or
(b) a reference to the incapacity of a person who is a member of the Forces, or a member of a Peacekeeping Force (as defined by subsection 68(1)), from a defence‑caused injury or a defence‑caused disease;
is a reference to the effects of that injury or disease and not a reference to the injury or disease itself.
Note: for war‑caused injury and war‑caused disease see section 9.
Blinded in an eye
(3) For the purposes of this Act, a person is taken to have been blinded in an eye if:
(a) the person has lost the eye; or
(b) in the opinion of the Commission, the eyesight of the person in that eye is so defective that the person has no useful sight in that eye.
5E Family relationships definitions—couples
(1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
couple has the meaning given by subsections (2), (3) and (4).
member of a couple has the meaning given by subsections (2), (3), (4) and (4A).
non‑illness separated spouse means a person:
(a) who is legally married to another person but living separately and apart from that other person on a permanent basis; and
(b) whose separation has not resulted in a direction under subsection 5R(5).
partner, in relation to a person who is a member of a couple, means the other member of the couple.
partnered has the meaning given by subsection (5).
partnered (partner getting benefit) has the meaning given by subsection (5).
partnered (partner getting neither pension nor benefit) has the meaning given by subsection (5).
partnered (partner getting pension) has the meaning given by subsection (5).
partnered (partner getting pension or benefit) has the meaning given by subsection (5).
prohibited relationship has the meaning given by subsections (6) and (7).
war widow means a woman:
(a) who was the partner of, was legally married to, or was the wholly dependent partner of:
(i) a veteran; or
(ii) a person who was a member of the Forces for the purposes of Part II or IV of this Act; or
(iii) a person who was a member (within the meaning of the MRCA);
immediately before the death of the veteran or person; and
(b) who:
(i) is receiving a pension payable under Part II or IV of this Act at a rate determined under or by reference to subsection 30(1); or
(ii) is receiving the weekly amount mentioned in paragraph 234(1)(b) of the MRCA (including a reduced weekly amount because of a choice under section 236 of the MRCA) or has received a lump sum mentioned in subsection 236(5) of the MRCA; or
(iii) is receiving a pension that is payable under the law of a foreign country, and that is, in the opinion of the Commission, similar in character to a pension referred to in subparagraph (i).
war widower means a man:
(a) who was the partner of, was legally married to, or was the wholly dependent partner of:
(i) a veteran; or
(ii) a person who was a member of the Forces for the purposes of Part II or IV of this Act; or
(iii) a person who was a member (within the meaning of the MRCA);
immediately before the death of the veteran or person; and
(b) who:
(i) is receiving a pension payable under Part II or IV of this Act at a rate determined under or by reference to subsection 30(1); or
(ii) is receiving the weekly amount mentioned in paragraph 234(1)(b) of the MRCA (including a reduced weekly amount because of a choice under section 236 of the MRCA) or has received a lump sum mentioned in subsection 236(5) of the MRCA; or
(iii) is receiving a pension that is payable under the law of a foreign country, and that is, in the opinion of the Commission, similar in character to a pension referred to in subparagraph (i).
wholly dependent partner has the meaning given by the MRCA.
widow means:
(a) a woman who was the partner of a person immediately before the person died; or
(b) a woman who was legally married to a man, but living separately and apart from him on a permanent basis, immediately before he died.
widower means:
(a) a man who was a partner of a person immediately before the person died; or
(b) a man who was legally married to a woman, but living separately and apart from her on a permanent basis, immediately before she died.
Member of a couple—general
(2) A person is a member of a couple for the purposes of this Act if:
(a) the person is legally married to another person and is not living separately and apart from the other person on a permanent basis; or
(aa) both of the following conditions are met:
(i) a relationship between the person and another person (whether of the same sex or a different sex) is registered under a law of a State or Territory prescribed for the purposes of section 2E of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 as a kind of relationship prescribed for the purposes of that section;
(ii) the person is not living separately and apart from the other person on a permanent basis; or
(b) all of the following conditions are met:
(i) the person is living with another person, whether of the same sex or a different sex (in this paragraph called the partner);
(ii) the person is not legally married to the partner;
(iii) the person and the partner are, in the Commission’s opinion (formed as mentioned in section 11A), in a de facto relationship;
(iv) the person and the partner are not within a prohibited relationship.
Note 1: for living with a person see subsection (3).
Note 3: subsection 5R(5) (determination in relation to an illness separated couple) is a qualification to the definition of a member of a couple.
Note 4: subsection 5R(6) (determination in relation to a respite care couple) is a qualification to the definition of a member of a couple.
(3) For the purposes of subparagraph (2)(b)(i), a person is to be treated as living with another person during:
(a) any temporary absence of one of those persons;
(b) an absence of one of those persons resulting from illness or infirmity;
if the Commission is of the opinion that they would, but for the absence, have been living together during that period.
Member of a couple—special excluding determination
(4) A person is not a member of a couple if a determination under subsection 5R(3) is in force in relation to the person.
Note: subsection 5R(3) allows the Commission to treat a person who is a member of a couple as not being a member of a couple in special circumstances.
(4A) The partner of a person who:
(a) is receiving a youth allowance under the Social Security Act; and
(b) is not independent within the meaning of Part 3.5 of that Act;
is not a member of a couple for the purposes of:
(c) the provisions of this Act referred to in the table at the end of this subsection; and
(d) any provision of this Act that applies for the purposes of a provision mentioned in paragraph (c).
Note: Paragraph (d) has the effect of treating a person as not being a member of a couple in provisions that apply for the purposes of the income test, assets test or compensation recovery provisions, including section 5H (Income test definitions), sections 5L and 5LA (Assets test definitions), section 5NB (Compensation recovery definitions) and Divisions 1 to 11 of Part IIIB (General provisions relating to the income and assets tests).
| Affected provisions |
| Item | Provisions of this Act | Subject matter |
| 1 | Part IIIC | Compensation recovery |
| 2 | Module E of the Rate Calculator in Part 2 of Schedule 6 | Ordinary/adjusted income test |
| 3 | Module F of the Rate Calculator in Part 2 of Schedule 6 | Assets test |
Standard family situation categories
(5) For the purposes of this Act:
(a) a person is partnered if the person is a member of a couple; and
(b) a person is partnered (partner getting neither pension nor benefit) if the person is a member of a couple and the person’s partner:
(i) is not receiving a service pension; and
(ia) is not receiving income support supplement; and
(ii) is not receiving a social security pension; and
(iii) is not receiving a social security benefit; and
(c) a person is partnered (partner getting pension or benefit) if the person is a member of a couple and the person’s partner is receiving:
(i) a service pension; or
(ia) income support supplement; or
(ii) a social security pension; or
(iii) a social security benefit; and
(d) a person is partnered (partner getting pension) if the person is a member of a couple and the person’s partner is receiving:
(i) a service pension; or
(ia) income support supplement; or
(ii) a social security pension; and
(e) a person is partnered (partner getting benefit) if the person is a member of a couple and the person’s partner is receiving a social security benefit.
Prohibited relationship
(6) For the purposes of this Act, a person and his or her partner are within a prohibited relationship if the person is:
(a) an ancestor or a descendant of the partner; or
(b) a brother, sister, half‑brother or half‑sister of the partner.
(7) For the purposes of subsection (6), a child who is, or has ever been, an adopted child of a person is taken to be the natural child of that person and the person is taken to be the natural parent of the child.
5F Family relationships definitions—children
(1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
Aboriginal study assistance scheme means:
(a) the ABSTUDY Scheme; or
(b) the Aboriginal Overseas Study Assistance Scheme; or
(c) a scheme prescribed for the purposes of this definition.
adopted child means a child adopted under the law of any place, whether in Australia or not, relating to the adoption of children.
child means:
(a) a person who has not turned 16; or
(b) a person who:
(i) has turned 16 but has not turned 25; and
(ii) is receiving full‑time education at a school, college or university;
but does not include such a person if the person is receiving:
(c) a disability support pension; or
(d) a wife pension; or
(e) a carer payment; or
(f) a pension PP (single); or
(g) a widow B pension; or
(h) a widowed person allowance; or
(j) a social security benefit (except youth allowance paid because the person is at least 16 but less than 25 and is receiving full‑time education at a school, college or university);
under the Social Security Act.
dependent child has the same meaning as in the Social Security Act.
family tax benefit has the meaning given by subsection 3(1) of the Family Assistance Act.
FTB child has the meaning given by Subdivision A of Division 1 of Part 3 of the Family Assistance Act.
maximum Part A rate of family tax benefit is the maximum rate worked out in step 1 of the method statement in clause 3 of Schedule 1 to the Family Assistance Act.
parent has a meaning affected by section 10A.
regular care child has the meaning given by subsection 3(1) of the Family Assistance Act.
step‑child: without limiting who is a step‑child of a person for the purposes of this Act, someone who is a child of a partner of the person is the step‑child of the person, if he or she would be the person’s step‑child except that the person is not legally married to the partner.
step‑parent: without limiting who is a step‑parent of a person for the purposes of this Act, someone who is a partner of a parent of the person is the step‑parent of the person, if he or she would be the person’s step‑parent except that he or she is not legally married to the person’s parent.
When a person becomes a dependent child
(2) A person becomes a dependent child at the time when the person would become a dependent child for the purposes of the Social Security Act if that Act applied in respect of the person.
5G Australian residence definitions
(1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
Australian resident has the meaning given by subsection (1AA).
holder, in relation to a visa, has the same meaning as in the Migration Act 1958.
permanent visa, special category visa and special purpose visa have the same meanings as in the Migration Act 1958.
(1AA) An Australian resident is a person who:
(a) resides in Australia; and
(b) is one of the following:
(i) an Australian citizen;
(ii) the holder of a permanent visa;
(iii) the holder of a special category visa who is likely to remain permanently in Australia;
(iv) the holder of a special purpose visa who is likely to remain permanently in Australia.
Note 1: For holder, permanent visa and special purpose visa see subsection (1).
Note 2: Australian citizen is defined in the Australian Citizenship Act 2007.
(1A) In deciding for the purposes of this Act whether or not a person resides in Australia, regard must be had to:
(a) the nature of the accommodation used by the person in Australia; and
(b) the nature and extent of the family relationships the person has in Australia; and
(c) the nature and extent of the person’s employment, business or financial ties with Australia; and
(ca) the nature and extent of the person’s assets located in Australia; and
(cb) the frequency and duration of the person’s travel outside Australia; and
(d) any other matter relevant to determining whether the person intends to remain permanently in Australia.
(1AB) For the purposes of paragraph (1A)(b), family relationships are taken to include (without limitation):
(a) relationships between partners; and
(b) relationships of child and parent that arise if someone is the parent of a person under section 10A; and
(c) any other relationship that would be a family relationship if a relationship mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) is taken to be a family relationship.
Papua New Guinea residents
(2) For the purposes of this Act (other than Part VIIC), a person (other than an indigenous inhabitant of the Territory of Papua or the Territory of New Guinea) resident in Papua New Guinea immediately before it became an independent sovereign State, is taken to be an Australian resident so long as the person continues to reside in Papua New Guinea.
(3) If:
(a) a service pensioner or income support supplement recipient is taken to be an Australian resident under subsection (2); and
(b) the pensioner’s partner was resident in Papua New Guinea after it became an independent sovereign State;
the partner is, for the purposes of Parts III, IIIA and IIIB, also taken to be an Australian resident.
(4) If:
(a) a service pensioner or income support supplement recipient is taken to be an Australian resident under subsection (2); and
(b) the pensioner’s non‑illness separated spouse was resident in Papua New Guinea after it became an independent sovereign State;
the non‑illness separated spouse is, for the purposes of Parts III, IIIA and IIIB, also taken to be an Australian resident.
5GA Pension supplement rate definitions
(1) In this Act, the combined couple rate of pension supplement is $2,199.60.
Note 1: This rate is indexed 6 monthly in line with CPI increases (see sections 59B to 59E).
Note 2: This rate is an annual rate.
(2) In this Act, the combined couple rate of minimum pension supplement is $1,185.60.
Note 1: This rate is indexed 6 monthly in line with CPI increases (see sections 59B to 59E).
Note 2: This rate is an annual rate.
(3) In this Act, a person’s minimum pension supplement amount is the amount worked out by:
(a) applying the applicable percentage in the following table to the combined couple rate of minimum pension supplement; and
(b) if:
(i) the person is not partnered; and
(ii) the amount resulting from paragraph (a) is not a multiple of $2.60;
rounding the amount up or down to the nearest multiple of $2.60 (rounding up if the amount is not a multiple of $2.60 but is a multiple of $1.30).
| Item | Person’s family situation | Use this % |
| 1 | Not member of couple | 66.33% |
| 2 | Partnered | 50% |
| 3 | Member of illness separated couple | 66.33% |
| 4 | Member of respite care couple | 66.33% |
Note: A person’s minimum pension supplement amount is an annual rate.
(4) In this Act, a person’s pension supplement basic amount depends on which family situation in the following table applies to the person. The person’s pension supplement basic amount is the corresponding amount set out in the table.
| Item | Person’s family situation | Amount |
| 1 | Not member of couple | $509.60 |
| 2 | Partnered | $426.40 |
| 3 | Member of illness separated couple | $509.60 |
| 4 | Member of respite care couple | $509.60 |
Note 1: Each amount in the table will be indexed 6 monthly in line with CPI increases (see sections 59B to 59E).
Note 2: A person’s pension supplement basic amount is an annual rate.
(5) In this Act, the daily rate of tax‑exempt pension supplement, for a person who is receiving a service pension or income support supplement is the amount a day worked out using the table.
| Tax‑exempt pension supplement |
| Item | Payment received | Amount a day of tax‑exempt pension supplement |
| 1 | Service pension | The amount worked out by: (a) subtracting the person’s pension supplement basic amount from the person’s pension supplement amount; and (b) dividing the result of paragraph (a) by 364 |
| 2 | Income support supplement | The person’s minimum pension supplement amount divided by 364 |
Note: The portion of the person’s service pension or income support supplement equal to the tax‑exempt pension supplement is exempt from income tax (see sections 52‑65 and 52‑70 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997).
(6) If a person is receiving a service pension at a rate that:
(a) is worked out under subpoint SCH6‑A1(4) of Schedule 6 and is the revised rate; or
(b) is worked out under subpoint SCH6‑A1(5) of Schedule 6;
subsection (5) applies in relation to the person and the pension as if the person had a pension supplement amount equal to what would be the person’s pension supplement amount if the person were receiving the service pension at the rate worked out under subpoint SCH6‑A1(4) of Schedule 6 and equal to the provisional rate.
5H Income test definitions
(1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
adjusted income, in relation to a person for the purpose of assessment of the rate of income support supplement, means the sum of:
(a) the person’s ordinary income; and
(b) a payment that is disability pension under paragraph (d) of the definition of disability pension in section 5Q payable to the person;
(c) any instalment of pension payable to the person under subsection 30(1); and
(ca) if compensation under section 233 of the MRCA is payable to the person and the person has not made a choice under section 236 of the MRCA—any payment of the weekly amount mentioned in paragraph 234(1)(b) of the MRCA; and
(cb) if compensation under section 233 of the MRCA is payable to the person and the person has made a choice under section 236 of the MRCA—any weekly amount mentioned in paragraph 234(1)(b) of the MRCA that the person would have been paid if the person had not made that choice; and
(d) any instalment of pension that is payable to the person under the law of a foreign country and is, in the opinion of the Commission, similar in character to the pension referred to in paragraph (c).
approved exchange trading system has the meaning given by subsection 5H(11).
available money, in relation to a person, means money that:
(a) is held by or on behalf of the person; and
(b) is not deposit money of the person; and
(c) is not the subject of a loan made by the person.
dad and partner pay means dad and partner pay under the Paid Parental Leave Act 2010.
deposit money, in relation to a person, means the person’s money that is deposited in an account with a financial institution.
disposes of ordinary income has the meaning given by section 48.
domestic payment has the meaning given by subsection (3).
earned, derived or received has the meaning given by subsection (2).
exchange trading system has the meaning given by subsection 5H(10).
home equity conversion agreement, in relation to a person, means an agreement under which the repayment of an amount paid to or on behalf of the person, or the person’s partner, is secured by a mortgage of the principal home of the person or the person’s partner.
Note: see also subsection (7).
income, in relation to a person, means:
(a) an income amount earned, derived or received by the person for the person’s own use or benefit; or
(b) a periodical payment by way of gift or allowance; or
(c) a periodical benefit by way of gift or allowance;
but does not include an amount that is excluded under subsection (4), (5) or (8).
Note 1: See also sections 46B and 46C (business income), Division 3 of Part IIIB (income from financial assets (including income streams (short term) and certain income streams (long term)) and Division 4 of Part IIIB (income from income streams not covered by Division 3 of Part IIIB).
Note 2: where a person or a person’s partner has disposed of income, the person’s income may be taken to include the amount which has been disposed of—see sections 48–48E.
Note 3: amounts of maintenance income are not excluded amounts.
income amount means:
(a) valuable consideration; or
(b) personal earnings; or
(c) moneys; or
(d) profits;
(whether of a capital nature or not).
instalment of parental leave pay means an instalment of parental leave pay under the Paid Parental Leave Act 2010.
ordinary income means income that is not maintenance income or an exempt lump sum.
Note 1: for maintenance income see section 5K. For exempt lump sum, see subsection (12).
Note 2: The receipt of periodic compensation payments may result in reduction of the person’s rate of service pension or income support supplement under Part IIIC. If this happens, the payments are not treated as ordinary income (see section 59X).
Note 3: For provisions affecting the amount of a person’s ordinary income see sections 46 and 46A (ordinary income concept), sections 46B and 46C (business income), Division 3 of Part IIIB (income from financial assets (including income streams (short term) and certain income streams (long term)) and Division 4 of Part IIIB (income from income streams not covered by Division 3 of Part IIIB).
Earned, derived or received
(2) A reference in this Act to an income amount earned, derived or received is a reference to:
(a) an income amount earned, derived or received by any means; and
(b) an income amount earned, derived or received from any source (whether within or outside Australia).
Domestic payments
(3) A payment received by a person is a domestic payment for the purposes of this Act if:
(a) the person receives the payment on the disposal of an asset of the person; and
(b) the asset was used, immediately before the disposal, by the person or the person’s partner wholly or substantially for private or domestic purposes; and
(c) the asset was used by the person or the person’s partner wholly or substantially for those purposes for:
(i) a period of 12 months before the disposal; or
(ii) if the Commission considers it appropriate—a period of less than 12 months before the disposal.
Excluded amounts—home equity conversion (not a member of a couple)
(4) If a person is not a member of a couple, an amount paid to or on behalf of the person under a home equity conversion agreement is an excluded amount for the person to the extent that the total amount owed by the person from time to time under home equity conversion agreements does not exceed $40,000.
Excluded amounts—home equity conversion (member of a couple)
(5) If a person is a member of a couple, an amount paid to or on behalf of the person or the person’s partner under a home equity conversion agreement is an excluded amount for the person to the extent that the total amount owed by the person and the person’s partner under home equity conversion agreements from time to time does not exceed $40,000.
Home equity conversion (amount owed)
(6) For the purposes of this Act, the amount owed by a person under a home equity conversion agreement is the principal amount secured by the mortgage concerned and does not include:
(a) any amount representing mortgage fees; or
(b) any amount representing interest; or
(c) any similar liability whose repayment is also secured by the mortgage.
Home equity conversion (principal home)
(7) For the purposes of the definition of home equity conversion agreement in subsection (1), an asset cannot be a person’s principal home unless the person or the person’s partner has a beneficial interest (but not necessarily the sole beneficial interest) in the asset.
Excluded amounts—general
(8) The following amounts are not income in relation to a person for the purposes of this Act:
(a) a payment under Part III or Part IIIA;
(b) a payment of an instalment of pension under Part II or IV;
(ba) a payment of an instalment of a supplement under Part VIIA (veterans supplement);
(c) a payment of an instalment of a pension (other than a pension payable in respect of a child) payable because of subsection 4(6) or (8B) of the Veterans’ Entitlements (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 1986;
(d) a payment of an instalment of parental leave pay;
(da) dad and partner pay;
(e) a payment (other than a payment referred to in paragraph (b) or (c)) that is a payment in respect of incapacity or death resulting from employment in connection with a war or war‑like operations in which the Crown has been engaged;
Note: However, a payment referred to in paragraph (b), (c) or (e):
(a) is counted in working out the amount of rent assistance a person is entitled to, and may reduce that amount (see Module C of the Rate Calculator); and
(b) is counted in working out a person’s total income for the purposes of the hardship rules (see section 52Z).
(ea) any payment of compensation (other than a payment referred to in paragraph (e)) to the extent that the payment is taken into account:
(i) under Division 5A of Part II; or
(ii) under section 74;
to reduce a disability pension payable to the person under Part 2 or Part 4, as the case requires;
Note: However, a payment referred to in paragraph (ea) is counted in working out a person’s total income for the purposes of the hardship rules (see section 52Z).
(f) a payment by way of allowance (other than a loss of earnings allowance) under Part VI of this Act;
Note: however, a payment referred to in paragraph (f) is counted in working out a person’s total income for the purposes of the hardship rules (see section 52Z).
(faa) a payment, by a foreign country, of an allowance or annuity that is of a similar kind to decoration allowance payable under section 102 or to Victoria Cross allowance payable under section 103;
Note: However, a payment referred to in paragraph (faa) is counted in working out a person’s total income for the purposes of the hardship rules (see section 52Z).
(faaa) a payment under Part VIB (prisoner of war recognition supplement);
Note: However, a payment referred to in paragraph (faaa) is counted in working out a person’s total income for the purposes of the hardship rules (see section 52Z).
(fa) a payment known as a student start‑up scholarship payment, or a relocation scholarship payment, under the Veterans’ Children Education Scheme;
(g) a payment under Part VIIAB, including a payment made under regulations made under that Part;
(gb) a payment under Part VIIAD (seniors supplement);
(h) a payment under the Social Security Act;
(ha) a payment under the ABSTUDY Scheme;
(haa) the amount or value of a scholarship known as a Commonwealth Trade Learning Scholarship;
(hab) a payment of an approved scholarship (within the meaning of subsection 8(1) of the Social Security Act 1991) awarded on or after 1 September 1990;
(hb) the amount or value of:
(i) a scholarship known as a Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarship; or
(ii) a scholarship known as a Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship;
provided for under the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines made for the purposes of Part 2‑4 of the Higher Education Support Act 2003;
(hc) an amount covered by subsection (8A) (about reductions of amounts payable for enrolment or tuition in certain courses);
(hd) a payment covered by subsection (8B) (about payments that are made to an educational institution or the Commonwealth to reduce a person’s liability to the educational institution or Commonwealth and that are made by someone other than the person);
(he) a payment of a scholarship, to the extent that the payment is not income for the purposes of the Social Security Act 1991 because of paragraph 8(8)(zjd) of that Act;
(i) any return on a person’s investment in:
(i) a superannuation fund; or
(ii) an approved deposit fund; or
(iii) a deferred annuity; or
(iiia) an ATO small superannuation account;
until the person:
(iv) reaches pension age; or
(v) commences to receive a pension or annuity out of the fund;
Note 1: for pension age see subsection (9) and sections 5QA and 5QB.
Note 2: for superannuation fund, approved deposit fund, deferred annuity and ATO small superannuation account see subsection 5J(1).
(ia) any return on a person’s investment in an FHSA (within the meaning of the First Home Saver Accounts Act 2008);
(j) the value of emergency relief or like assistance;
(l) a payment under the Handicapped Persons Assistance Act 1974;
(m) a payment under Part III of the Disability Services Act 1986 or the value of any rehabilitation program (including any follow‑up program) provided under that Part;
(n) a payment of domiciliary nursing care benefit under Part VB of the National Health Act 1953 as in force immediately before 1 July 1999;
(na) a payment of subsidy under Part 3.1 of the Aged Care Act 1997 or Part 3.1 of the Aged Care (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 made to an approved provider (within the meaning of those Acts) in respect of care provided to the person;
(nb) an accommodation bond balance (within the meaning of the Aged Care Act 1997) refunded to the person under that Act;
(nc) while a person is accruing a liability to pay an accommodation charge—any rent from the person’s principal home that the person, or the person’s partner, earns, derives or receives from another person;
Note 1: Accommodation charge has the same meaning as in the Aged Care Act 1997: see subsection 5L(1).
Note 2: For rent, see subsection 5N(2).
Note 3: Under subsections 5LA(8) and (9), the principal home of a person in a care situation may be a place other than the place where the person receives care.
(nd) while a person is liable to pay all or some of an accommodation bond by periodic payments—any rent from the person’s principal home that the person, or the person’s partner, earns, derives or receives from another person;
(ne) a refundable deposit balance refunded to the person under the Aged Care Act 1997;
(nf) while a person is liable to pay a daily accommodation payment or a daily accommodation contribution—any rent from the person’s principal home that the person, or the person’s partner, earns, derives or receives from another person;
Note 1: For rent, see subsection 5N(2).
Note 2: Under subsections 5LA(8) and (9), the principal home of a person in a care situation may be a place other than the place where the person receives care.
(o) a payment under a Commonwealth law, one of whose objects is that of assisting people to purchase or build their own homes;
(oa) a payment by a State or Territory for the purpose of assisting people to purchase or build their own homes;
(p) a payment made to the person for or in respect of a child of the person;
(paa) a payment of family assistance, or of one‑off payment to families, economic security strategy payment to families, back to school bonus,, single income family bonus, clean energy advance or ETR payment under the Family Assistance Act;
(pab) a payment under the scheme determined under Schedule 3 to the Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (More Help for Families—One‑off Payments) Act 2004;
(paba) an NDIS amount;
(pabb) any return on a person’s NDIS amounts;
(pabc) a payment of a bursary under the program established by the Commonwealth and known as the Young Carer Bursary Programme;
(pac) disability expenses maintenance;
(pa) if:
(i) the person owes money under a mortgage or other arrangement; and
(ii) the person has insurance which requires the insurer to make payments to the creditor when the person is unemployed or ill or in other specified circumstances; and
(iii) payments are made to the creditor under the insurance;
a payment so made;
(q) insurance or compensation payments made because of the loss of, or damage to, buildings, plant or personal effects;
Note: these payments are to be disregarded in calculating the value of a person’s assets (see paragraph 52(1)(o)).
(r) money from an investment that is:
(i) an investment of payments of the kind referred to in paragraph (q); and
(ii) an investment for:
(A) a period of not more than 12 months after the person receives the payments; or
(B) if the Commission thinks it appropriate—of 12 months or more after the person receives those payments;
(s) an amount paid, under a law of, or applying in, a country or part of a country, by way of compensation for a victim of National Socialist persecution;
(u) if the person pays, or is liable to pay, rent—a payment by way of rent subsidy made by the Commonwealth, by a State or Territory or by an authority of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory to or on behalf of the person who pays or who is liable to pay rent;
(v) a payment received by a trainee in full‑time training under a program included in the programs known as Labour Market Programs, to the extent that the payment includes one or more of the following amounts:
(i) an amount calculated by reference to a rate of newstart allowance or youth allowance under the Social Security Act;
(ii) an amount known as the training component;
(iii) an amount by way of a living away from home allowance;
(w) in the case of a person who:
(i) is receiving a service pension, income support supplement, a social security pension or a social security benefit; and
(ii) is in part‑time training, or engaged in part‑time work experience, under a program included in the programs known as Labour Market Programs;
a payment received by the person under that program in respect of the person’s expenses associated with his or her participation in the training or work experience;
(x) a payment received by the person under the scheme known as the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme;
(xaa) a payment made by the Commonwealth known as the Apprenticeship Wage Top‑Up to the person;
(xab) a payment to the person made by the Commonwealth under the program known as Skills for Sustainability for Australian Apprentices;
(xac) a payment to the person made by the Commonwealth under the program known as Tools for Your Trade (within the program known as the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program);
(xa) a payment made by the Mark Fitzpatrick Trust or the New South Wales Medically‑Acquired HIV Trust to a person by way of assistance with expenses incurred in relation to a person who has medically acquired HIV infection;
(xb) a payment by the Thalidomide Australia Fixed Trust:
(i) made to, or applied for the benefit of, a beneficiary of the Trust; or
(ii) made to a person in respect of a beneficiary of the Trust;
(y) a benefit under a law of the Commonwealth that relates to the provision of:
(i) pharmaceutical, sickness or hospital benefits; or
(ii) medical or dental services;
(ya) a payment towards the cost of personal care support services for the person that is made under a scheme approved under section 35A of the Social Security Act;
(z) a payment that:
(i) is made by an organisation that is registered under a law referred to in paragraph (y); and
(ii) is made in respect of expenses incurred by a person for:
(A) hospital treatment; or
(B) medical treatment; or
(C) dental treatment;
(za) in the case of a member of:
(i) the Naval Reserve; or
(ii) the Army Reserve; or
(iii) the Air Force Reserve;
the pay and allowances paid to the person as such a member (other than pay and allowances in respect of continuous full‑time service);
(zb) a payment that is a bereavement payment under section 98A; or
(zd) a periodical payment by way of gift or allowance, or a periodical benefit by way of gift or allowance, from a parent, child, brother or sister of the person;
(ze) the value of board or lodging received by the person;
(zea) an amount received under the scheme known as the Western Australian Cost of Living Rebate Scheme;
(zeb) the value of a benefit obtained by using a card known as the Western Australian Country Age Pension Fuel Card;
(zf) a domestic payment;
(zh) a payment received by the person for serving, or being summoned to serve, on a jury;
(zi) a payment received by the person for expenses incurred by the person as a witness, other than an expert witness, before a court, tribunal or commission;
(zj) a return on an exempt funeral investment;
Note: For exempt funeral investment see section 5PC.
(zk) an amount paid by a buyer under a sale leaseback agreement;
(zl) if a person is a member of an approved exchange trading system—an amount credited to the person’s account for the purposes of the scheme in respect of any goods or services provided by the person to another member;
Note: For approved exchange trading system see subsections (10) and (11).
(zm) an advance payment of pension under Part IVA;
(zn) an amount worked out under section 115G;
(zo) a payment under section 47, 56, 81, 205, 214, 217, 226, 239 or 266 of the MRCA to reimburse costs incurred in respect of the provision of goods or services (other than a payment to the person who provided the goods or service);
(zp) a payment (either as a weekly amount or a lump sum) under section 68, 71, 75 or 80 of the MRCA (permanent impairment);
(zq) a payment of a Special Rate Disability Pension under Part 6 of Chapter 4 of the MRCA;
(zr) if subsection 204(5) of the MRCA applies to a person—an amount per fortnight, worked out under section 5I of this Act, that would, apart from this paragraph, be income of the person;
Note: Subsection 204(5) of the MRCA reduces a Special Rate Disability Pension by reference to amounts of Commonwealth superannuation that the person has received or is receiving.
(zs) a payment under the Motor Vehicle Compensation Scheme under section 212 of the MRCA;
(zt) a payment of MRCA supplement under section 221, 245 or 300 of the MRCA;
(zu) a payment of a lump sum mentioned in paragraph 234(1)(a) or subsection 236(5) of the MRCA or of the weekly amount mentioned in paragraph 234(1)(b) of the MRCA (including a reduced weekly amount because of a choice under section 236 of the MRCA) (wholly dependent partner payment);
(zv) a payment under section 242 or 255 of the MRCA (continuing permanent impairment and incapacity etc. payments);
(zw) a payment under section 251 or 253 of the MRCA (eligible young person payment);
(zx) a payment under the scheme set up under section 258 of the MRCA (education scheme for eligible young persons);
(zy) a payment under section 262 of the MRCA (compensation for other dependants);
(zz) a payment under Part 2 of Chapter 6, or Division 2 or 3 of Part 4 of Chapter 6, or subsection 328(4), of the MRCA (compensation for treatment etc.);
(zza) a payment under section 424 of the MRCA (special assistance);
(zzaaaa) a clean energy payment under the MRCA;
(zzaaa) a tax bonus (within the meaning of the Tax Bonus for Working Australians Act (No. 2) 2009);
(zzaa) 2006 one‑off payment to older Australians under Part VIID;
(zzab) a payment under a scheme determined under Schedule 2 to the Social Security and Veterans’ Entitlements Legislation Amendment (One‑off Payments to Increase Assistance for Older Australians and Carers and Other Measures) Act 2006;
(zzac) 2007 one‑off payment to older Australians under Part VIIE;
(zzad) a payment under a scheme determined under Schedule 2 to the Social Security and Veterans’ Affairs Legislation Amendment (One‑off Payments and Other 2007 Budget Measures) Act 2007;
(zzae) 2008 one‑off payment to older Australians under Part VIIF;
(zzaf) a payment under a scheme determined under Schedule 2 to the Social Security and Veterans’ Entitlements Legislation Amendment (One‑off Payments and Other Budget Measures) Act 2008;
(zzag) economic security strategy payment under Part VIIG;
(zzah) a clean energy payment under Part IIIE;
(zzai) ETR payment under Part VIIH;
(zzb) the value of the benefit provided under the initiative known as the Tools for Your Trade initiative;
(zzc) a payment under the scheme determined under Schedule 4 to the Social Security and Veterans’ Entitlements Legislation Amendment (One‑off Payments to Increase Assistance for Older Australians and Carers and Other Measures) Act 2006;
(zzd) a payment under the scheme determined under Schedule 4 to the Social Security and Veterans’ Affairs Legislation Amendment (One‑off Payments and Other 2007 Budget Measures) Act 2007;
(zze) a payment under the scheme determined under Schedule 4 to the Social Security and Veterans’ Entitlements Legislation Amendment (One‑off Payments and Other Budget Measures) Act 2008;
(zzf) a payment under the scheme determined under Schedule 4 to the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Economic Security Strategy) Act 2008;
(zzg) a payment under the scheme determined under Schedule 4 to the Household Stimulus Package Act (No. 2) 2009;
(zzh) a payment under the scheme determined under Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Family Assistance and Other Legislation Amendment (Schoolkids Bonus Budget Measures) Act 2012.
Note: However:
(a) some of the amounts referred to in paragraphs (8)(zp), (zq), (zr) and (zu) are counted for the purposes of the hardship rules (see subsection 52Z(3A)); and
(b) the amounts referred to in paragraph (8)(zp) are counted for the purposes of rent assistance (see Module C of the Rate Calculator).
(8A) This subsection covers the amount of a reduction (by discount, remission or waiver) of an amount that would otherwise be payable by a person:
(a) to an educational institution for enrolment or tuition of the person by the institution in a course that:
(i) is determined, under section 5D of the Student Assistance Act 1973, to be a secondary course or a tertiary course for the purposes of that Act; or
(ii) is a Masters or Doctoral degree course accredited as a higher education course by the authority responsible for accrediting higher education courses in the State or Territory in which the course is conducted or by the institution, if it is permitted by a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory to accredit higher education courses that it conducts; or
(iii) is a course of vocational training; or
(b) to the Commonwealth as a result of the person’s enrolment in, or undertaking of, such a course at an educational institution.
(8B) This subsection covers a payment:
(a) that is made to discharge, or to prevent from arising, to any extent:
(i) a person’s actual or anticipated liability to an educational institution for enrolment or tuition of the person by the institution in a course described in paragraph (8A)(a); or
(ii) a person’s actual or anticipated liability to the Commonwealth resulting from the person’s enrolment in, or undertaking of, such a course at an educational institution; and
(b) that is made by someone other than the person; and
(c) that is made to the institution or the Commonwealth; and
(d) that is not made at the direction of the person.
(9) For the purposes of the application of subsection (8) in relation to income support supplement, the reference in subparagraph (8)(i)(iv) to pension age is taken to be a reference to the qualifying age.
Note: For qualifying age see section 5Q.
(10) An exchange trading system is an arrangement between a number of people (members) under which each member may obtain goods or services from another member that is wholly or partly in kind rather than in cash. Each member has, for the purposes of the arrangement, an account:
(a) to which is credited:
(i) the amount representing the value of any goods or services provided by the member to another member; or
(ii) if the goods or services were partly paid for in cash—the amount referred to in subparagraph (i) less the amount so paid in cash; and
(b) to which is debited:
(i) the amount representing the value of any goods or services supplied to the member by another member; or
(ii) if the goods or services were partly paid for in cash—the amount referred to in subparagraph (i) less the amount so paid in cash.
(11) An exchange trading system is an approved exchange trading system if the Commission is satisfied that:
(a) it is a local community‑based system; and
(b) its primary purpose is to help people maintain their labour skills and keep them in touch with the labour market; and
(c) it is not a system run by a person or organisation for profit.
(12) An amount received by a person is an exempt lump sum if:
(a) it is not a periodic amount (within the meaning of subsection (13)); and
(b) it is not income from remunerative work undertaken by the person; and
(c) it is an amount, or one of a class of amounts, that the Commission determines to be an exempt lump sum.
(13) An amount is a periodic amount if it is:
(a) the amount of one payment in a series of related payments, even if the payments are irregular in time and amount; or
(b) the amount of a payment making up for arrears in such a series.
5I Special Rate Disability Pension reduction amount
For the purposes of paragraphs 5H(8)(zr) and 52Z(3A)(i), the amount per fortnight is:
where:
Special Rate Disability Pension reduction amount means the amount by which the Special Rate Disability Pension (as reduced under subsection 204(3)) is reduced under subsection 204(6) of the MRCA (but not below zero).
5J Financial assets and income streams definitions
(1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
approved deposit fund has the same meaning as in the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.
asset‑tested income stream (long term) means an income stream that is an asset‑tested income stream (long term) under section 5JD or an income stream that:
(a) is not an asset‑test exempt income stream; and
(b) has, on its commencement day:
(i) a term of more than 5 years; or
(ii) if the person who has acquired the income stream has a life expectancy of 5 years or less—a term equal to or greater than the person’s life expectancy.
asset‑tested income stream (short term) means an income stream that is an asset‑tested income stream (short term) under section 5JD or an income stream that is neither:
(a) an asset‑test exempt income stream; nor
(b) an asset‑tested income stream (long term).
asset‑test exempt income stream has the meanings given by sections 5JA, 5JB and 5JBA.
ATO small superannuation account means an account kept in the name of an individual under the Small Superannuation Accounts Act 1995.
commencement day, in relation to an income stream, means the first day of the period to which the first payment under the income stream relates.
deductible amount, in relation to a defined benefit income stream for a year, means the sum of the amounts that are the tax free components (worked out under Subdivision 307‑C of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 or, if applicable, section 307‑125 of the Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997) of the payments received from the defined benefit income stream during the year.
deferred annuity means an annuity, within the meaning of section 10 of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993, that is not presently payable.
defined benefit income stream has the meaning given by subsection (1E).
designated NDIS amount means:
(a) an NDIS amount that is deposited in an account with a financial institution; and
(b) any return on the NDIS amount that a person earns, derives or receives.
family law affected income stream has the meaning given by section 5JC.
financial asset means:
(a) a financial investment; or
(b) a deprived asset.
Note: For deprived asset see subsection 5J(2B).
financial investment means:
(a) available money; or
(b) deposit money; or
(c) a managed investment; or
(d) a listed security; or
(e) a loan that has not been repaid in full; or
(f) an unlisted public security; or
(g) gold, silver or platinum bullion; or
(h) an asset‑tested income stream (short term); or
(i) an asset‑tested income stream (long term) that is an account‑based pension within the meaning of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994; or
(j) an asset‑tested income stream (long term) that is an annuity (within the meaning of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993) provided under a contract that meets the requirements determined in an instrument under subsection (1G);
but does not include an investment in an FHSA (within the meaning of the First Home Saver Accounts Act 2008) or a designated NDIS amount.
Note: For loan see subsections (2) and (2A).
friendly society means:
(a) a body that is a friendly society for the purposes of the Life Insurance Act 1995; or
(b) a body that is registered or incorporated as a friendly society under a law of a State or Territory; or
(c) a body that is permitted, by a law of a State or Territory, to assume or use the expression friendly society; or
(d) a body that, immediately before the date that is the transfer date for the purposes of the Financial Sector Reform (Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Act (No. 1) 1999, was registered or incorporated as a friendly society under a law of a State or Territory; or
(e) a body that had, before 13 December 1987, been approved for the purpose of the definition of friendly society in subsection 115(1) of the Social Security Act 1947.
governing rules, in relation to an income stream, means any trust instrument, other document or legislation, or combination of them, governing the establishment and operation of the income stream.
income stream means:
(a) an income stream arising under arrangements that are regulated by the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993; or
(b) an income stream arising under a public sector superannuation scheme (within the meaning of that Act); or
(c) an income stream arising under a retirement savings account; or
(d) an income stream provided as life insurance business by a life company registered under section 21 of the Life Insurance Act 1995; or
(f) an income stream designated in writing by the Commission for the purposes of this definition, having regard to the guidelines determined under subsection (1F); or
(fa) a family law affected income stream;
but does not include any of the following:
(g) available money;
(h) deposit money;
(i) a managed investment;
(j) a listed security;
(k) a loan that has not been repaid in full;
(l) an unlisted public security;
(m) gold, silver or platinum bullion.
investment:
(a) in relation to a superannuation fund, approved deposit fund or deferred annuity—has the meaning given by subsection (6); or
(b) in relation to an ATO small superannuation account—has the meaning given by subsection (6A); or
(c) in relation to an investment in an FHSA (within the meaning of the First Home Saver Accounts Act 2008)—has the meaning given by subsection (6B).
investor, in relation to an ATO small superannuation account, means the person in whose name the account is kept.
life expectancy has the same meaning as life expectation factor has in section 27H of the Income Tax Assessment Act.
listed security means:
(a) a share in a company; or
(b) another security;
listed on a stock exchange.
managed investment has the meaning given by subsections (1A), (1B) and (1C).
original family law affected income stream has the meaning given by section 5JC.
primary FLA income stream has the meaning given by section 5JC.
public unit trust means a unit trust that:
(a) except where paragraph (b) applies—was, in relation to the unit trust’s last year of income, a public unit trust for the purposes of Division 6B of Part III of the Income Tax Assessment Act; or
(b) where the first year of income of the unit trust has not yet finished—has, at some time since the trust was established, satisfied at least one of the paragraphs of subsection 102G(1) of the Income Tax Assessment Act.
purchase price, in relation to an income stream, means the sum of the payments made to purchase the income stream (including amounts paid by way of employer and employee contributions) less any commuted amounts.
relevant number, in relation to an income stream, means:
(a) if the income stream is payable for a fixed number of years—that number; or
(b) if the income stream is payable during the lifetime of a person and no longer—the number of years of the person’s life expectancy; or
(c) if the income stream:
(i) is jointly owned by a person and his or her partner and is payable for the lifetime of the person or the partner; or
(ii) is payable during the lifetime of a person and then for the lifetime of a reversionary beneficiary;
the number of years in the longer of the relevant life expectancies; or
(d) in any other case—the number that the Commission considers appropriate having regard to the number of years in the total period during which the income stream will be, or may reasonably be expected to be, payable.
residual capital value, in relation to an income stream, means the capital amount payable on the termination of the income stream.
Note: An account‑based income stream does not have a residual capital value (see subsection (9) of this section).
retirement savings account has the meaning that it has in the Retirement Savings Accounts Act 1997.
return:
(a) in relation to an ATO small superannuation account—means so much of the balance of the account as is attributable to interest; or
(aa) in relation to an investment in an FHSA (within the meaning of the First Home Saver Accounts Act 2008)—means any increase, whether of a capital or income nature and whether or not distributed, in the value or amount of the investment; or