Contents
Part 1—Introduction 1
1............................ Short title............................................................................ 1
2............................ Commencement.................................................................. 1
3............................ Objects................................................................................ 1
4............................ Regulatory policy................................................................ 3
5............................ Simplified outline................................................................ 3
6............................ Main index.......................................................................... 7
7............................ Definitions.......................................................................... 8
8............................ Crown to be bound........................................................... 22
9............................ Extra‑territorial application................................................ 22
10.......................... Extension to external Territories....................................... 22
11.......................... Extension to offshore areas............................................... 22
11A....................... Application of the Criminal Code..................................... 23
12.......................... Act subject to Radiocommunications Act......................... 23
13.......................... Continuity of partnerships................................................ 24
14.......................... Controlled carriage services, controlled networks and controlled facilities 24
15.......................... Content service................................................................. 25
16.......................... Listed carriage services..................................................... 26
18.......................... Access to an emergency call service................................. 27
19.......................... Recognised person who operates an emergency call service 27
20.......................... Customer cabling.............................................................. 27
21.......................... Customer equipment......................................................... 28
22.......................... Customer cabling and customer equipment—boundary of a telecommunications network 29
23.......................... Immediate circle................................................................ 31
24.......................... Extended meaning of use.................................................. 36
Part 2—Network units 37
Division 1—Simplified outline 37
25.......................... Simplified outline.............................................................. 37
Division 2—Basic definition 38
26.......................... Single line links connecting distinct places in Australia.... 38
27.......................... Multiple line links connecting distinct places in Australia. 38
28.......................... Designated radiocommunications facility.......................... 39
29.......................... Facilities specified in Ministerial determination................ 40
Division 3—Related definitions 41
30.......................... Line links.......................................................................... 41
31.......................... Designated radiocommunications facility.......................... 41
32.......................... Public mobile telecommunications service........................ 43
33.......................... Intercell hand‑over functions............................................ 44
34.......................... When a base station is part of a terrestrial radiocommunications customer access network 45
35.......................... Fixed radiocommunications link....................................... 46
Division 4—Distinct places 48
36.......................... Distinct places—basic rules.............................................. 48
37.......................... Properties.......................................................................... 48
38.......................... Combined areas................................................................ 49
39.......................... Principal user of a property............................................... 50
40.......................... Eligible combined areas.................................................... 50
Part 3—Carriers 51
Division 1—Simplified outline 51
41.......................... Simplified outline.............................................................. 51
Division 2—Prohibitions relating to carriers 52
42.......................... Network unit not to be used without carrier licence or nominated carrier declaration 52
43.......................... Continuing offences.......................................................... 53
44.......................... Supply to the public.......................................................... 53
45.......................... Exemption—defence......................................................... 55
46.......................... Exemption—intelligence operations.................................. 56
47.......................... Exemption—transport authorities..................................... 56
48.......................... Exemption—broadcasting services................................... 57
49.......................... Exemption—electricity supply bodies............................... 59
50.......................... Exemption—line links authorised by or under previous laws 60
51.......................... Exemption—Ministerial determination............................. 62
Division 3—Carrier licences 64
52.......................... Applications for carrier licence......................................... 64
53.......................... Form of application etc..................................................... 64
53A....................... Copy of application to be given to Communications Access Co‑ordinator 64
54.......................... Application to be accompanied by charge......................... 64
55.......................... Further information........................................................... 65
56.......................... Grant of licence................................................................. 65
56A....................... Consultation with Communications Access Co‑ordinator 65
57.......................... Carrier licence has effect subject to this Act...................... 67
58.......................... Refusal of carrier licence—disqualified applicant............. 67
58A....................... Refusal of carrier licence—security.................................. 71
59.......................... Time limit on licence decision........................................... 72
60.......................... Notification of refusal of application................................. 74
61.......................... Conditions of carrier licence specified in Schedule 1........ 74
62.......................... Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152AZ of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 74
62A....................... Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152BCO of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 75
62B........................ Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152BDF of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 75
62C........................ Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152BEC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 75
62D....................... Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152CJC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 75
62E........................ Condition of carrier licence set out in section 37 of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011.......................................................................................... 76
63.......................... Conditions of carrier licence declared by Minister............ 76
64.......................... Consultation about declared licence conditions................. 78
65.......................... Conditions about foreign ownership or control................ 78
67.......................... Carrier licence conditions—special provisions................. 79
68.......................... Compliance with conditions.............................................. 79
69.......................... Remedial directions—breach of condition........................ 80
69AA.................... Remedial directions—breach of conditions relating to access 82
70.......................... Formal warnings—breach of condition............................ 83
71.......................... Surrender of carrier licence............................................... 85
72.......................... Cancellation of carrier licence........................................... 85
73.......................... Collection of charges relating to carrier licences............... 87
73A....................... Refund of application charge............................................ 89
74.......................... Collection of charges on behalf of the Commonwealth..... 89
75.......................... Cancellation of certain exemptions from charge................ 89
76.......................... Commonwealth not liable to charge.................................. 90
Division 4—Nominated carrier declarations 91
77.......................... Applications for nominated carrier declarations................ 91
78.......................... Application to be accompanied by charge etc.................... 91
79.......................... Form of application etc..................................................... 91
80.......................... Further information........................................................... 92
81.......................... Making a nominated carrier declaration............................ 92
81A....................... Obligations of nominated carrier....................................... 93
82.......................... Notification of refusal of application................................. 93
83.......................... Revocation of nominated carrier declaration..................... 93
Division 5—Register of nominated carrier declarations and carrier licences 95
84.......................... Register of nominated carrier declarations and carrier licences 95
Part 4—Service providers 96
Division 1—Simplified outline 96
85.......................... Simplified outline.............................................................. 96
Division 2—Service providers 97
86.......................... Service providers.............................................................. 97
Division 3—Carriage service providers 98
87.......................... Carriage service providers................................................ 98
88.......................... Supply to the public........................................................ 100
89.......................... Exemption from definition—customers located on the same premises 101
90.......................... Exemption from definition—defence.............................. 101
91.......................... Exemption from definition—intelligence operations....... 102
92.......................... Exemption from definition—transport authorities........... 102
93.......................... Exemption from definition—broadcasting services........ 103
94.......................... Exemption from definition—electricity supply bodies.... 104
95.......................... Exemption from definition—Ministerial determination... 104
96.......................... Exemption from certain regulatory provisions—Ministerial determination 105
Division 4—Content service providers 106
97.......................... Content service providers............................................... 106
Division 5—Service provider rules 107
98.......................... Service provider rules..................................................... 107
99.......................... Service provider determinations...................................... 108
100........................ Exemptions from service provider rules......................... 109
101........................ Service providers must comply with service provider rules 109
102........................ Remedial directions—breach of service provider rules... 110
103........................ Formal warnings—breach of service provider rules....... 112
Part 5—Monitoring of the performance of carriers and carriage service providers 114
104........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 114
105........................ Monitoring of performance—annual report.................... 114
105A..................... Monitoring of performance—additional report............... 116
105C...................... Monitoring of breaches by Telstra of an undertaking about structural separation 117
Part 6—Industry codes and industry standards 118
Division 1—Simplified outline 118
106........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 118
Division 2—Interpretation 119
107........................ Industry codes................................................................ 119
108........................ Industry standards.......................................................... 119
108A..................... Electronic messaging service provider............................ 119
108B...................... Telecommunications industry......................................... 120
109........................ Telecommunications activity........................................... 120
109B...................... Telemarketing activity..................................................... 120
109C...................... Fax marketing activity..................................................... 122
110........................ Sections of the telecommunications industry.................. 124
110B...................... Sections of the telemarketing industry............................ 126
110C...................... Sections of the fax marketing industry............................ 126
111........................ Participants in a section of the telecommunications industry 127
111AA.................. Participants in a section of the telemarketing industry..... 127
111AB................... Participants in a section of the fax marketing industry.... 128
111B...................... Unsolicited commercial electronic messages................... 128
Division 3—General principles relating to industry codes and industry standards 129
112........................ Statement of regulatory policy........................................ 129
113........................ Examples of matters that may be dealt with by industry codes and industry standards 131
114........................ Industry codes and industry standards may confer powers on the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman........................................................................................ 134
115........................ Industry codes and industry standards not to deal with certain design features and performance requirements........................................................................................ 134
116........................ Industry codes and industry standards not to deal with matters dealt with by codes and standards under Part 9 of the Broadcasting Services Act.................................... 136
116A..................... Industry codes and standards do not affect Privacy Act 1988 136
Division 4—Industry codes 137
117........................ Registration of industry codes........................................ 137
118........................ ACMA may request codes............................................. 139
119........................ Publication of notice where no body or association represents a section of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry 142
119A..................... Variation of industry codes............................................. 142
119B...................... Publication requirements for submissions...................... 145
120........................ Replacement of industry codes....................................... 148
121........................ Directions about compliance with industry codes........... 148
122........................ Formal warnings—breach of industry codes.................. 149
122A..................... De‑registering industry codes and provisions of industry codes 150
Division 5—Industry standards 151
123........................ ACMA may determine an industry standard if a request for an industry code is not complied with 151
124........................ ACMA may determine industry standard where no industry body or association formed 152
125........................ ACMA may determine industry standards where industry codes fail 153
125AA.................. ACMA must determine an industry standard if directed by the Minister 154
125A..................... ACMA must determine certain industry standards relating to the telemarketing industry 155
125B...................... ACMA must determine certain industry standards relating to the fax marketing industry 156
126........................ Industry standards not to be determined for certain privacy matters 157
128........................ Compliance with industry standards............................... 157
129........................ Formal warnings—breach of industry standards............ 158
130........................ Variation of industry standards....................................... 158
131........................ Revocation of industry standards.................................... 159
132........................ Public consultation on industry standards....................... 159
133........................ Consultation with ACCC and the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman 160
134........................ Consultation with Information Commissioner................ 160
135........................ Consultation with consumer body.................................. 161
135A..................... Consultation with the States and Territories.................... 161
Division 6—Register of industry codes and industry standards 162
136........................ ACMA to maintain Register of industry codes and industry standards 162
Division 6A—Reimbursement of costs of development or variation of consumer‑related industry codes 163
136A..................... Application for eligibility for reimbursement of costs of development or variation of consumer‑related industry code................................................................................ 163
136B...................... Declaration of eligibility for reimbursement of costs of development or variation of consumer‑related industry code................................................................................ 164
136C...................... Reimbursement of costs of developing or varying consumer‑related industry code 166
136D..................... Costs—transactions between persons not at arm’s length 169
136E...................... Refundable cost.............................................................. 169
Division 7—Miscellaneous 171
137........................ Protection from civil proceedings................................... 171
138........................ Implied freedom of political communication................... 171
139........................ Agreements for the carrying on of telemarketing activities or fax marketing activities must require compliance with this Part................................................................... 171
Part 7—Layer 2 bitstream services 173
140........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 173
141........................ Supply of Layer 2 bitstream services.............................. 173
141A..................... Exemptions..................................................................... 176
141B...................... Deemed networks........................................................... 176
141C...................... Certain installations and connections are not taken to be an extension, alteration or upgrade 178
141D..................... Local access line............................................................. 178
141E...................... Alteration........................................................................ 179
141F...................... Upgrade of telecommunications network........................ 179
141G..................... Small business customer................................................. 179
Part 8—Superfast fixed‑line networks 180
Division 1—Introduction 180
142........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 180
142A..................... Definitions...................................................................... 180
Division 2—Supply of eligible services to be on wholesale basis 183
143........................ Supply of eligible services to be on wholesale basis....... 183
144........................ Exemptions—Ministerial instrument.............................. 184
145........................ Exemption—transport authorities................................... 185
146........................ Exemption—electricity supply bodies............................. 186
147........................ Exemption—gas supply bodies...................................... 186
148........................ Exemption—water supply bodies................................... 187
149........................ Exemption—sewerage services bodies........................... 187
150........................ Exemption—storm water drainage services bodies......... 188
151........................ Exemption—State or Territory road authorities.............. 188
Division 3—Other provisions 190
152........................ Associate........................................................................ 190
153........................ Control............................................................................ 191
154........................ Control of a company..................................................... 191
155........................ When a person is in a position to exercise control of a network 191
156........................ Deemed networks........................................................... 193
157........................ Certain installations and connections are not taken to be an extension, alteration or upgrade 195
158........................ Local access line............................................................. 195
159........................ Alteration........................................................................ 196
160........................ Upgrade of telecommunications network........................ 196
Part 13—Protection of communications 197
Division 1—Introduction 197
270........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 197
271........................ Eligible person................................................................ 197
272........................ Number‑database operator and eligible number‑database person 198
273........................ Information..................................................................... 198
274........................ Telecommunications contractor....................................... 198
275........................ Number‑database contractor........................................... 199
275A..................... Location information....................................................... 199
275B...................... Emergency management person...................................... 199
275C...................... Emergency...................................................................... 200
275D..................... Emergency law............................................................... 200
275E...................... Relevant information....................................................... 200
Division 2—Primary disclosure/use offences 201
276........................ Primary disclosure/use offence—eligible persons.......... 201
277........................ Primary disclosure/use offence—eligible number‑database persons 203
278........................ Primary disclosure/use offence—emergency call persons 205
Division 3—Exceptions to primary disclosure/use offences 207
Subdivision A—Exceptions 207
279........................ Performance of person’s duties...................................... 207
280........................ Authorisation by or under law........................................ 208
281........................ Witnesses........................................................................ 209
284........................ Assisting the ACMA, the ACCC, the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman or TUSMA 209
285........................ Integrated public number database.................................. 210
285A..................... Data for emergency warnings......................................... 214
286........................ Calls to emergency service number................................. 215
287........................ Threat to person’s life or health...................................... 216
288........................ Communications for maritime purposes......................... 216
289........................ Knowledge or consent of person concerned................... 216
290........................ Implicit consent of sender and recipient of communication 217
291........................ Business needs of other carriers or service providers..... 217
291A..................... Location dependent carriage services.............................. 219
292........................ Circumstances prescribed in the regulations................... 220
293........................ Uses connected with exempt disclosures........................ 221
294........................ Effect of this Subdivision............................................... 221
Subdivision B—Burden of proof 221
295........................ Burden of proof.............................................................. 221
Division 3A—Integrated public number database authorisations 223
Subdivision A—ACMA scheme for the granting of authorisations 223
295A..................... ACMA to make integrated public number database scheme 223
295B...................... Scheme must deal with certain matters............................ 223
295C...................... Applications may be treated differently........................... 224
295D..................... Scope of authorisations................................................... 224
295E...................... Provisional and final authorisations................................ 224
295F...................... Conditions...................................................................... 224
295G..................... Varying or revoking authorisations................................ 224
295H..................... Scheme may confer administrative powers on the ACMA 225
295J....................... Ancillary or incidental provisions................................... 225
295K...................... Scheme‑making power not limited.................................. 225
295L...................... Variation of scheme........................................................ 225
295M..................... Consultation.................................................................... 225
Subdivision B—Ministerial instruments 226
295N..................... Criteria for deciding authorisation applications............... 226
295P...................... Conditions...................................................................... 226
295Q..................... Other reviewable decisions............................................. 227
Subdivision C—Enforcing compliance with conditions of authorisations 227
295R...................... Offence of breaching a condition.................................... 227
295S...................... Remedial directions for breaching a condition................ 227
295T...................... Formal warnings for breaching a condition.................... 228
Subdivision D—Report to Minister 228
295U..................... Report to Minister........................................................... 228
Division 3B—Emergency warnings 229
295V..................... Use or disclosure of information by emergency management persons 229
295W..................... Use or disclosure of information by other persons......... 230
295X..................... Effect on telecommunications network........................... 230
295Y..................... Coronial and other inquiries............................................ 230
295Z...................... Offence—use or disclosure of information by emergency management persons 231
295ZA................... Offence—use or disclosure of information by other persons.. 231
295ZB................... Reports of access............................................................ 232
295ZC................... Annual reports to the ACMA and Information Commissioner 232
295ZD................... Arrangements with States and Territories....................... 233
295ZE.................... Commonwealth immunity............................................... 233
Division 4—Secondary disclosure/use offences 234
296........................ Performance of person’s duties...................................... 234
297........................ Authorisation by or under law........................................ 234
299........................ Assisting the ACMA, the ACCC, the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman or TUSMA 234
299A..................... Integrated public number database.................................. 235
300........................ Threat to person’s life or health...................................... 236
301........................ Communications for maritime purposes......................... 237
302........................ Business needs of other carriers or service providers..... 237
302A..................... Location dependent carriage services.............................. 238
303........................ Secondary offence—contravening this Division............. 238
303A..................... Generality of Division not limited................................... 238
Division 4A—Relationship with the Privacy Act 1988 239
303B...................... Acts taken to be authorised by this Act for purposes of Privacy Act 239
303C...................... Prosecution of an offence against this Part does not affect proceedings under the Privacy Act 1988 239
Division 5—Record‑keeping requirements 240
304........................ Associate........................................................................ 240
305........................ Authorisations under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 240
306........................ Record of disclosures—general...................................... 240
306A..................... Record of disclosures—prospective authorisation under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.......................................................................... 242
307........................ Incorrect records............................................................. 243
308........................ Annual reports to the ACMA by carriers, carriage service providers or number‑database operators 244
309........................ Monitoring by the Information Commissioner............... 244
Division 6—Instrument‑making powers not limited 246
310........................ Instrument‑making powers not limited........................... 246
Part 14—National interest matters 247
311........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 247
312........................ ACMA’s obligations...................................................... 247
313........................ Obligations of carriers and carriage service providers.... 248
314........................ Terms and conditions on which help is to be given........ 250
315........................ Suspension of supply of carriage service in an emergency 252
316........................ Generality of Part not limited.......................................... 253
Part 16—Defence requirements and disaster plans 254
Division 1—Introduction 254
333........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 254
334........................ Defence authority............................................................ 254
Division 2—Supply of carriage services 255
335........................ Requirement to supply carriage services for defence purposes or for the management of natural disasters........................................................................................ 255
Division 3—Defence planning 257
336........................ Definitions...................................................................... 257
337........................ Preparation of draft agreement........................................ 257
338........................ ACMA’s certification of draft agreement....................... 258
339........................ Requirement to enter into certified agreement................. 259
340........................ Compliance with agreement............................................ 259
341........................ Withdrawal of certification of agreement........................ 259
342........................ Duration of agreement.................................................... 260
343........................ Variation of agreement.................................................... 260
Division 4—Disaster plans 262
344........................ Designated disaster plans................................................ 262
345........................ Carrier licence conditions about designated disaster plans 262
346........................ Service provider determinations about designated disaster plans 262
346A..................... Carrier and carriage service provider immunity.............. 262
Division 5—Delegation 264
347........................ Delegation....................................................................... 264
Part 17—Pre‑selection in favour of carriage service providers 265
348........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 265
349........................ Requirement to provide pre‑selection.............................. 265
350........................ When pre‑selection is provided in favour of a carriage service provider 271
350A..................... Declared carriage services............................................... 272
351........................ Pre‑selection to be provided............................................ 273
352........................ Exemptions from requirement to provide pre‑selection... 274
353........................ Use of over‑ride dial codes............................................. 274
Part 18—Calling line identification 276
354........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 276
355........................ Calling line identification................................................ 276
356........................ Exemptions from calling line identification requirement. 276
Part 20—International aspects of activities of the telecommunications industry 278
Division 1—Simplified outline 278
364........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 278
Division 2—Compliance with international agreements 279
365........................ INTELSAT and Inmarsat—directions to Signatories..... 279
366........................ Compliance with conventions......................................... 279
Division 3—Rules of conduct about dealings with international telecommunications operators 281
367........................ Rules of conduct about dealings with international telecommunications operators 281
368........................ ACCC to administer Rules of Conduct........................... 283
369........................ Rules of Conduct to bind carriers and carriage service providers 284
370........................ Unenforceability of agreements...................................... 284
371........................ Investigations by the ACCC........................................... 284
372........................ Reviews of the operation of this Division....................... 285
Part 20A—Deployment of optical fibre etc. 286
Division 1—Simplified outline 286
372A..................... Simplified outline............................................................ 286
Division 2—Deployment of optical fibre lines 288
372B...................... Deployment of optical fibre lines to building lots........... 288
372C...................... Deployment of optical fibre lines to building units......... 290
372D..................... Exemptions—Ministerial instrument.............................. 292
Division 3—Installation of fibre‑ready facilities 293
Subdivision A—Installation obligations 293
372E...................... Installation of fibre‑ready facilities—building lots.......... 293
372F...................... Installation of fibre‑ready facilities—building units........ 294
Subdivision B—Sale of building lots and building units 296
372G..................... Sale of building lots and building units—subdivisions... 296
372H..................... Sale of building units—other projects............................. 298
Subdivision C—NBN Co may issue statement about the non‑installation of optical fibre lines 300
372J....................... NBN Co may issue statement about the non‑installation of optical fibre lines 300
372JA.................... Register of Statements about the Non‑installation of Optical Fibre Lines 301
Subdivision D—Exemptions 301
372K...................... Exemptions—Ministerial instrument.............................. 301
Division 4—Third party access regime 304
372L...................... Third party access regime............................................... 304
372M..................... Terms and conditions of access...................................... 306
372N..................... Exemptions—Ministerial instrument.............................. 307
372NA.................. Code relating to access.................................................... 307
Division 5—Exemption of certain projects 309
372P...................... Exemption of certain projects.......................................... 309
Division 6—Miscellaneous 310
372Q..................... Real estate development projects etc............................... 310
372R...................... Subdivision of an area of land........................................ 312
372S...................... Building units................................................................. 312
372T...................... Sale of building lots........................................................ 312
372U..................... Sale of building units...................................................... 313
372V..................... Fixed‑line facilities.......................................................... 313
372W..................... Fibre‑ready facility.......................................................... 314
372X..................... Installation of a facility.................................................... 314
372Y..................... Installation of a fibre‑ready facility in proximity to a building lot or building unit 314
372Z...................... Sewerage services, electricity or water supplied to a building lot or building unit 315
372ZA................... Supply to the public........................................................ 316
372ZB................... Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws........... 317
372ZD................... NBN Co......................................................................... 317
Part 21—Technical regulation 318
Division 1—Simplified outline 318
373........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 318
Division 2—Interpretative provisions 320
374........................ Part applies to networks or facilities in Australia operated by carriers or carriage service providers 320
375........................ Manager of network or facility....................................... 320
Division 3—Technical standards about customer equipment and customer cabling 321
376........................ ACMA’s power to make technical standards................. 321
376A..................... ACMA must make technical standards if directed by the Minister 323
377........................ Adoption of voluntary standards.................................... 323
378........................ Procedures for making technical standards..................... 324
379........................ Making technical standards in cases of urgency............. 325
Division 4—Disability standards 326
380........................ Disability standards........................................................ 326
381........................ Adoption of voluntary standards.................................... 327
382........................ Procedures for making disability standards.................... 327
383........................ Effect of compliance with disability standards................ 328
Division 5—Technical standards about the interconnection of facilities 329
384........................ ACMA’s power to make technical standards................. 329
385........................ Adoption of voluntary standards.................................... 330
386........................ Procedures for making technical standards..................... 330
387........................ Procedures for making technical standards..................... 331
388........................ Provision of access......................................................... 332
389........................ Promotion of the long‑term interests of end‑users of carriage services and of services supplied by means of carriage services.............................................................. 333
Division 5A—Technical standards relating to Layer 2 bitstream services 334
389A..................... ACMA’s power to determine technical standards.......... 334
389B...................... Compliance with technical standards.............................. 334
Division 6—Connection permits and connection rules 336
Subdivision A—Connection permits authorising the connection of non‑standard customer equipment and non‑standard cabling 336
390........................ Application for connection permit................................... 336
391........................ Form of application......................................................... 336
392........................ Application to be accompanied by charge....................... 337
393........................ Further information......................................................... 337
394........................ Issue of connection permits............................................ 337
395........................ Connection permit has effect subject to this Act............. 338
396........................ Nominees of holder........................................................ 338
397........................ Duration of connection permits....................................... 338
398........................ Conditions of connection permits................................... 339
399........................ Offence of contravening condition.................................. 339
400........................ Formal warnings—breach of condition.......................... 340
401........................ Surrender of connection permit....................................... 340
402........................ Cancellation of connection permit................................... 340
403........................ Register of connection permits........................................ 341
Subdivision B—Connection rules 342
404........................ Connection rules............................................................. 342
405........................ Procedures for making connection rules......................... 342
Division 7—Labelling of customer equipment and customer cabling 344
406........................ Application of labels....................................................... 344
406A..................... Application of Division to agent of manufacturer or importer 344
407........................ Labelling requirements.................................................... 344
408........................ Requirements to apply labels—ancillary matters............. 345
409........................ Recognised testing authorities and competent bodies...... 347
410........................ Certification bodies......................................................... 347
411........................ Connection of customer equipment or customer cabling—breach of section 376 standards 347
412........................ Connection of labelled customer equipment or customer cabling not to be refused 349
413........................ Supply of unlabelled customer equipment or unlabelled customer cabling 351
414........................ Applying labels before satisfying requirements under subsection 408(5) 351
415........................ Failure to retain records etc............................................. 352
416........................ Application of labels containing false statements about compliance with standards 353
Division 8—Protected symbols 354
417........................ Protected symbols........................................................... 354
Division 9—Cabling providers 358
418........................ Cabling work.................................................................. 358
419........................ Types of cabling work.................................................... 358
420........................ Prohibition of unauthorised cabling work....................... 358
421........................ Cabling provider rules.................................................... 359
422........................ Procedures for making cabling provider rules................ 360
423........................ Application for cabling licence........................................ 361
424........................ Form of application......................................................... 361
425........................ Application to be accompanied by charge....................... 361
426........................ Further information......................................................... 361
427........................ Grant of cabling licence.................................................. 361
428........................ Time limit on licence decision......................................... 362
429........................ Notification of refusal of application............................... 363
430........................ Cabling licence has effect subject to this Act.................. 363
431........................ Duration of cabling licence............................................. 363
432........................ Conditions of cabling licence.......................................... 363
433........................ Procedures for changing licence conditions.................... 364
434........................ Offence in relation to contravening condition................. 364
435........................ Formal warnings—breach of condition.......................... 365
436........................ Surrender of cabling licence............................................ 365
437........................ Suspension of cabling licence......................................... 366
438........................ Cancellation of cabling licence........................................ 366
439........................ ACMA may limit application of Division in relation to customer cabling 367
440........................ Ministerial directions...................................................... 367
441........................ Delegation....................................................................... 368
442........................ Register of cabling licences............................................. 369
Division 10—Remedies for unauthorised connections to telecommunications networks etc. 370
443........................ Civil action for unauthorised connections to telecommunications networks etc. 370
444........................ Remedy for contravention of labelling requirements....... 371
445........................ Remedies for connection of unlabelled customer equipment or unlabelled customer cabling 372
446........................ Disconnection of dangerous customer equipment or customer cabling 374
447........................ Disconnection of customer equipment or customer cabling—protection of the integrity of networks and facilities........................................................................... 376
448........................ Civil action for dangerous connections to telecommunications networks etc. 377
449........................ Other remedies not affected............................................ 378
Division 11—Prohibited customer equipment and prohibited customer cabling 379
450........................ Declaration of prohibited customer equipment or prohibited customer cabling 379
452........................ Operation of prohibited customer equipment or customer cabling 380
Division 12—Pre‑commencement labels 381
453........................ Pre‑commencement labels............................................... 381
Division 13—Penalties payable instead of prosecution 382
453A..................... Penalties payable instead of prosecution......................... 382
Part 22—Numbering of carriage services and regulation of electronic addressing 383
Division 1—Simplified outline 383
454........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 383
Division 2—Numbering of carriage services 384
Subdivision A—Numbering plan 384
455........................ Numbering plan.............................................................. 384
456........................ Numbering plan—supply to the public........................... 386
457........................ Numbering plan—allocation otherwise than in accordance with an allocation system 386
458........................ Numbering plan—rules about portability of allocated numbers 386
459........................ ACMA to administer numbering plan............................ 387
460........................ Consultation about numbering plan................................ 387
461........................ Consultation with ACCC................................................ 388
462........................ Compliance with the numbering plan.............................. 389
Subdivision B—Allocation system for numbers 390
463........................ Allocation system for numbers....................................... 390
464........................ Consultation about an allocation system......................... 391
Subdivision C—Miscellaneous 392
465........................ Register of allocated numbers......................................... 392
466........................ Emergency service numbers........................................... 393
467........................ Delegation....................................................................... 394
468........................ Collection of numbering charges.................................... 395
469........................ Collection of charges on behalf of the Commonwealth... 397
470........................ Cancellation of certain exemptions from charge.............. 397
471........................ Commonwealth not liable to charge................................ 397
472........................ Integrated public number database.................................. 398
473........................ Letters and symbols taken to be numbers....................... 399
Division 3—Regulation of electronic addressing 400
474........................ Declared manager of electronic addressing..................... 400
475........................ ACMA may give directions to declared manager of electronic addressing 400
476........................ ACCC may give directions to declared manager of electronic addressing 401
477........................ ACCC’s directions to prevail over the ACMA’s directions 403
Part 23—Standard agreements for the supply of carriage services 404
478........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 404
479........................ Standard terms and conditions apply unless excluded.... 404
482........................ Concurrent operation of State/Territory laws.................. 405
483........................ Competition and Consumer Act not affected by this Part 406
Part 24—Carriers’ powers and immunities 407
484........................ Schedule 3...................................................................... 407
Part 24A—Submarine cables 408
484A..................... Schedule 3A................................................................... 408
Part 25—Public inquiries 409
Division 1—Simplified outline 409
485........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 409
Division 2—Inquiries by the ACMA 410
486........................ When inquiry must be held............................................. 410
487........................ When inquiry may be held.............................................. 410
488........................ Informing the public about an inquiry............................. 411
489........................ Discussion paper............................................................ 411
490........................ Written submissions and protection from civil actions.... 412
491........................ Hearings......................................................................... 412
492........................ Hearing to be in public except in exceptional cases......... 413
493........................ Confidential material not to be published........................ 414
494........................ Direction about private hearings..................................... 415
495........................ Reports on inquiries........................................................ 416
Division 3—Inquiries by the ACCC 417
496........................ When inquiry must be held............................................. 417
497........................ When inquiry may be held.............................................. 417
498........................ Informing the public about an inquiry............................. 417
499........................ Discussion paper............................................................ 418
500........................ Written submissions and protection from civil actions.... 418
501........................ Hearings......................................................................... 419
502........................ Hearing to be in public except in exceptional cases......... 420
503........................ Confidential material not to be published........................ 420
504........................ Direction about private hearings..................................... 421
505........................ Reports on inquiries........................................................ 422
505A..................... ACCC may use material presented to a previous public inquiry 423
505B...................... ACCC may adopt a finding from a previous public inquiry 424
506........................ ACCC’s other powers not limited.................................. 424
Part 26—Investigations 425
507........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 425
508........................ Matters to which this Part applies................................... 425
509........................ Complaints to the ACMA............................................... 426
510........................ Investigations by the ACMA.......................................... 428
511........................ Preliminary inquiries....................................................... 429
512........................ Conduct of investigations............................................... 429
513........................ Complainant and certain other persons to be informed of various matters 430
514........................ Reference of matters to Ombudsman or other responsible person 431
515........................ Reference of matters to the ACCC.................................. 433
515A..................... Reference of matters to Information Commissioner........ 433
516........................ Reports on investigations................................................ 435
517........................ Publication of reports...................................................... 435
518........................ Person adversely affected by report to be given opportunity to comment 436
519........................ Protection from civil actions........................................... 437
Part 27—The ACMA’s information‑gathering powers 438
Division 1—Simplified outline 438
520........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 438
Division 2—Information‑gathering powers 439
521........................ The ACMA may obtain information and documents from carriers and service providers 439
522........................ The ACMA may obtain information and documents from other persons 440
523........................ Copying documents—reasonable compensation............. 442
524........................ Self‑incrimination........................................................... 442
525........................ Giving false or misleading information or evidence........ 443
527........................ Copies of documents...................................................... 443
528........................ ACMA may retain documents........................................ 443
Division 3—Record‑keeping rules 445
529........................ ACMA may make record‑keeping rules......................... 445
530........................ Compliance with record‑keeping rules............................ 446
531........................ Incorrect records............................................................. 446
Part 28—Enforcement 447
Division 1—Introduction 447
532........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 447
532A..................... References to the Spam Act 2003.................................... 448
Division 2—Inspectors and identity cards 449
533........................ Inspectors....................................................................... 449
534........................ Identity cards.................................................................. 450
Division 3—Search warrants relating to breaches of the Spam Act 2003 or Part 21 of this Act 451
535........................ Magistrate may issue warrant......................................... 451
536........................ Reasonable grounds for issuing warrant etc................... 452
537........................ Contents of warrant........................................................ 452
538........................ Warrants may be issued by telephone etc........................ 452
539........................ Provisions relating to issue of warrant by telephone etc. 452
540........................ Proceedings involving warrant issued by telephone etc.. 454
Division 4—Searches and seizures relating to breaches of the Spam Act 2003 or Part 21 of this Act 455
541........................ When is a thing connected with an offence?................... 455
541A..................... When is a thing connected with a breach of the Spam Act 2003? 455
542........................ Searches and seizures..................................................... 455
543........................ Production of identity card etc........................................ 456
544........................ Evidence of commission of other offences against Part 21 of this Act or other breaches of the Spam Act 2003........................................................................................ 457
545........................ Emergency entry, search and seizure.............................. 458
546........................ Retention of things seized............................................... 459
Division 5—Searches to monitor compliance with Part 21 460
547........................ Searches to monitor compliance with Part 21................. 460
Division 5A—Searches to monitor compliance with the Spam Act 2003 461
547A..................... Powers available to inspectors for monitoring compliance 461
547B...................... Monitoring powers......................................................... 461
547C...................... Production of identity card etc........................................ 463
547D..................... Monitoring warrants....................................................... 463
547E...................... Details of warrant to be given to occupier etc................. 465
547F...................... Announcement before entry............................................ 465
547G..................... Compensation for damage to equipment......................... 465
547H..................... Occupier entitled to be present during search.................. 466
Division 5B—Access to computer data that is relevant to the Spam Act 2003 468
547J....................... Access to computer data that is relevant to the Spam Act 2003 468
Division 6—Other powers of inspectors 470
548........................ General powers of inspectors......................................... 470
549........................ Power to require information etc..................................... 471
550........................ Retention of documents.................................................. 473
Division 7—Forfeiture 474
551........................ Court may order forfeiture.............................................. 474
552........................ Forfeited goods may be sold........................................... 474
Division 8—Future offences 475
553........................ Offences that are going to be committed......................... 475
Part 29—Review of decisions 476
554........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 476
555........................ Decisions that may be subject to reconsideration by the ACMA 476
556........................ Deadlines for reaching certain decisions......................... 476
557........................ Statements to accompany notification of decisions......... 477
558........................ Applications for reconsideration of decisions................. 477
559........................ Reconsideration by the ACMA...................................... 478
560........................ Deadlines for reconsiderations........................................ 478
561........................ Statements to accompany notification of decisions on reconsideration 478
562........................ Review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal............ 479
Part 30—Injunctions 480
563........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 480
564........................ Injunctions...................................................................... 480
565........................ Interim injunctions.......................................................... 484
566........................ Discharge etc. of injunctions........................................... 484
567........................ Certain limits on granting injunctions not to apply.......... 484
568........................ Other powers of the court unaffected.............................. 485
Part 31—Civil penalties 486
569........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 486
570........................ Pecuniary penalties for contravention of civil penalty provisions 486
571........................ Civil action for recovery of pecuniary penalties.............. 488
572........................ Criminal proceedings not to be brought for contravention of civil penalty provisions 490
Part 31A—Enforceable undertakings 491
572A..................... Simplified outline............................................................ 491
572B...................... Acceptance of undertakings............................................ 491
572C...................... Enforcement of undertakings.......................................... 492
Part 31B—Infringement notices for contraventions of civil penalty provisions 493
572D..................... Simplified outline............................................................ 493
572E...................... When an infringement notice can be given...................... 493
572F...................... Matters to be included in an infringement notice............. 497
572G..................... Amount of penalty.......................................................... 498
572H..................... Withdrawal of an infringement notice............................. 499
572J....................... What happens if the penalty is paid................................. 499
572K...................... Effect of this Part on civil proceedings........................... 500
572L...................... Appointment of authorised infringement notice officer... 500
572M..................... Guidelines relating to infringement notices..................... 501
572N..................... Regulations..................................................................... 501
Part 32—Vicarious liability 502
573........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 502
574........................ Proceedings under this Act............................................. 502
574A..................... Definition........................................................................ 502
575........................ Liability of corporations.................................................. 503
576........................ Liability of persons other than corporations.................... 504
Part 33—Voluntary undertakings given by Telstra 506
Division 1—Introduction 506
577........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 506
Division 2—Structural separation 507
Subdivision A—Undertaking about structural separation 507
577A..................... Acceptance of undertaking about structural separation... 507
577AA.................. Acceptance of undertaking about structural separation may be subject to the occurrence of events 512
577AB................... When undertaking about structural separation comes into force 514
577AC................... Publication requirements for undertaking about structural separation 515
577AD.................. Compliance with undertaking about structural separation 516
577B...................... Variation of undertaking about structural separation....... 516
577BA................... Authorised conduct—subsection 51(1) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 517
Subdivision B—Migration plan 524
577BB................... Migration plan principles................................................ 524
577BC................... Migration plan................................................................ 525
577BD................... Approval of draft migration plan by the ACCC—plan given after undertaking about structural separation comes into force.............................................................. 527
577BDA................ Approval of draft migration plan by the ACCC—plan given before undertaking about structural separation comes into force.............................................................. 529
577BDB................ Approval of draft migration plan by the ACCC—plan given in compliance with a direction 531
577BDC................ Approval of draft migration plan by the ACCC—plan given in response to a request 532
577BE................... Effect of approval of draft migration plan....................... 534
577BF................... Variation of final migration plan..................................... 535
Division 3—Hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks 537
577C...................... Acceptance of undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks 537
577CA................... Acceptance of undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks may be subject to the occurrence of events........................................................................................ 538
577CB................... When undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks comes into force 540
577CC................... Publication requirements for undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks 541
577CD................... Compliance with undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks 542
577D..................... Variation of undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks 542
Division 4—Subscription television broadcasting licences 544
577E...................... Acceptance of undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences 544
577EA................... Acceptance of undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences may be subject to the occurrence of events....................................................... 545
577EB................... When undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences comes into force 547
577EC................... Publication requirements for undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences 548
577ED................... Compliance with undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences 549
577F...................... Variation of undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences 549
Division 5—Enforcement of undertakings 551
577G..................... Enforcement of undertakings.......................................... 551
Division 6—Limits on allocation of spectrum licences etc. 553
577GA.................. Excluded spectrum regime.............................................. 553
577H..................... Designated part of the spectrum...................................... 553
577J....................... Limits on allocation of certain spectrum licences to Telstra 553
577K...................... Limits on use of certain spectrum licences by Telstra..... 556
577L...................... Limits on assignment of certain spectrum licences to Telstra etc. 558
Division 7—Other provisions 560
577M..................... Associate........................................................................ 560
577N..................... Control............................................................................ 561
577P...................... Control of a company..................................................... 561
577Q..................... When Telstra is in a position to exercise control of a network 561
Part 34—Special provisions relating to functions and powers of the ACMA and the Attorney‑General in respect of telecommunications 564
579........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 564
580........................ ACMA must have regard to conventions....................... 564
581........................ Power to give directions to carriers and service providers 565
Part 35—Miscellaneous 567
582........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 567
583........................ Penalties for certain continuing offences......................... 568
584........................ Procedure relating to certain continuing offences............ 569
585........................ Treatment of partnerships............................................... 569
586........................ Giving of documents to partnerships.............................. 570
587........................ Nomination of address for service of documents............ 571
588........................ Service of summons or process on foreign corporations—criminal proceedings 572
589........................ Instruments under this Act may provide for matters by reference to other instruments 572
590........................ Arbitration—acquisition of property............................... 574
591........................ Compensation—constitutional safety net........................ 574
592........................ Act not to affect performance of State or Territory functions 575
593........................ Funding of consumer representation, and of research, in relation to telecommunications 576
594........................ Regulations..................................................................... 577
Schedule 1—Standard carrier licence conditions 578
Part 1—Compliance with this Act 578
1............................ Compliance with this Act................................................ 578
Part 3—Access to supplementary facilities 579
16.......................... Simplified outline............................................................ 579
17.......................... Access to supplementary facilities.................................. 579
18.......................... Terms and conditions of access...................................... 581
19.......................... Ministerial pricing determinations................................... 582
Part 4—Access to network information 584
20.......................... Simplified outline............................................................ 584
21.......................... Access to network information....................................... 584
22.......................... Access to information in databases................................. 585
23.......................... Access to network planning information........................ 585
24.......................... Access to information about likely changes to network facilities—completion success rate of calls 586
25.......................... Access to quality of service information etc.................... 587
26.......................... Security procedures........................................................ 588
27.......................... Terms and conditions of compliance............................... 588
27A....................... Code relating to access to information............................ 589
28.......................... Ministerial pricing determinations................................... 589
29.......................... Consultation about reconfiguration etc............................ 590
29A....................... Code relating to consultation........................................... 591
Part 5—Access to telecommunications transmission towers and to underground facilities 592
30.......................... Simplified outline............................................................ 592
31.......................... Definitions...................................................................... 592
32.......................... Extended meaning of access........................................... 593
33.......................... Access to telecommunications transmission towers........ 593
34.......................... Access to sites of telecommunications transmission towers 595
35.......................... Access to eligible underground facilities......................... 598
36.......................... Terms and conditions of access...................................... 600
37.......................... Code relating to access.................................................... 602
38.......................... Industry co‑operation about sharing of sites and eligible underground facilities 602
39.......................... This Part does not limit Part 3 of this Schedule.............. 602
Part 6—Inspection of facilities etc. 603
40.......................... Simplified outline............................................................ 603
41.......................... Records relating to underground facilities....................... 603
42.......................... Regular inspection of facilities........................................ 604
43.......................... Prompt investigation of dangerous facilities................... 604
44.......................... Remedial action............................................................... 605
Part 7—Any‑to‑any connectivity 606
44A....................... Simplified outline............................................................ 606
45.......................... Definitions...................................................................... 606
46.......................... Carriers must obtain designated interconnection services from carriage service providers for the purpose of ensuring any‑to‑any connectivity.................................... 607
47.......................... Designated interconnection services............................... 608
Part 9—Functional separation of Telstra 610
Division 1—Introduction 610
68.......................... Simplified outline............................................................ 610
69.......................... Definitions...................................................................... 610
70.......................... Declared network services.............................................. 611
71.......................... Regulated services.......................................................... 612
72.......................... Notional contracts........................................................... 612
Division 2—Functional separation undertaking 613
73.......................... Contents of draft or final functional separation undertaking 613
74.......................... Functional separation principles...................................... 614
75.......................... Functional separation requirements determination.......... 615
76.......................... Draft functional separation undertaking to be given to Minister 620
77.......................... Approval of draft functional separation undertaking by Minister 623
78.......................... Time limit for making an approval decision.................... 625
79.......................... Effect of approval........................................................... 625
80.......................... Variation of final functional separation undertaking....... 626
81.......................... Publication of final functional separation undertaking.... 628
82.......................... Compliance with final functional separation undertaking 628
Part 10—Control and use by Telstra of certain spectrum licences 629
Division 1—Introduction 629
83.......................... Simplified outline............................................................ 629
Division 2—Control and use by Telstra of certain spectrum licences 630
84.......................... Control by Telstra of certain spectrum licences............... 630
85.......................... Use by Telstra of certain spectrum licences.................... 631
Division 3—Other provisions 633
86.......................... Associate........................................................................ 633
87.......................... Control............................................................................ 634
88.......................... When Telstra is in a position to exercise control of a spectrum licence 634
Schedule 2—Standard service provider rules 636
Part 1—Compliance with this Act 636
1............................ Compliance with this Act................................................ 636
Part 2—Operator services 637
2............................ Simplified outline............................................................ 637
3............................ Scope of Part.................................................................. 637
4............................ Operator services must be provided to end‑users of a standard telephone service 637
5............................ Access to end‑users of other carriage service providers. 637
Part 3—Directory assistance services 639
6............................ Simplified outline............................................................ 639
7............................ Directory assistance services must be provided to end‑users 639
8............................ Access by end‑users of other carriage service providers 639
Part 4—Integrated public number database 641
9............................ Simplified outline............................................................ 641
10.......................... Carriage service providers must give information to Telstra 641
11.......................... Carriage service providers must give information to another person or association 642
Part 5—Itemised billing 643
12.......................... Simplified outline............................................................ 643
13.......................... Itemised billing............................................................... 643
14.......................... Exemptions from itemised billing requirements.............. 645
15.......................... Details that are not to be specified in an itemised bill...... 645
Part 6—Priority assistance 646
16.......................... Simplified outline............................................................ 646
17.......................... Priority assistance industry code..................................... 646
18.......................... Compliance with the priority assistance industry code.... 647
19.......................... Information for prospective residential customers of a carriage service provider who does not offer priority assistance........................................................................ 647
20.......................... Requirements for Telstra................................................. 648
Schedule 3—Carriers’ powers and immunities 649
Part 1—General provisions 649
Division 1—Simplified outline and definitions 649
1............................ Simplified outline............................................................ 649
2............................ Definitions...................................................................... 651
3............................ Designated overhead line................................................ 654
4............................ Extension to a tower to be treated as the installation of a facility 654
Division 2—Inspection of land 656
5............................ Inspection of land........................................................... 656
Division 3—Installation of facilities 658
6............................ Installation of facilities.................................................... 658
Division 4—Maintenance of facilities 660
7............................ Maintenance of facilities................................................. 660
Division 5—Conditions relating to the carrying out of authorised activities 663
8............................ Carrier to do as little damage as practicable..................... 663
9............................ Carrier to restore land..................................................... 663
10.......................... Management of activities................................................ 663
11.......................... Agreements with public utilities...................................... 664
12.......................... Compliance with industry standards............................... 664
13.......................... Compliance with international agreements...................... 664
14.......................... Conditions specified in the regulations........................... 665
15.......................... Conditions specified in a Ministerial Code of Practice.... 665
16.......................... Conditions to which a facility installation permit is subject 665
17.......................... Notice to owner of land—general................................... 666
18.......................... Notice to owner of land—lopping of trees etc................ 668
19.......................... Notice to roads authorities, utilities etc............................ 669
20.......................... Roads etc. to remain open for passage............................ 670
Division 6—Facility installation permits 671
21.......................... Application for facility installation permit....................... 671
22.......................... Form of application......................................................... 671
23.......................... Application to be accompanied by charge....................... 671
24.......................... Withdrawal of application............................................... 671
25.......................... Issue of facility installation permit.................................. 671
26.......................... Deemed refusal of facility installation permit.................. 672
27.......................... Criteria for issue of facility installation permit................ 673
28.......................... Special provisions relating to environmental matters...... 680
29.......................... Consultation with the ACCC.......................................... 681
30.......................... Facility installation permit has effect subject to this Act.. 681
31.......................... Duration of facility installation permit............................. 681
32.......................... Conditions of facility installation permit......................... 682
33.......................... Surrender of facility installation permit........................... 682
34.......................... Cancellation of facility installation permit....................... 682
35.......................... Review of decisions by Administrative Appeals Tribunal 683
Division 7—Exemptions from State and Territory laws 684
36.......................... Activities not generally exempt from State and Territory laws 684
37.......................... Exemption from State and Territory laws....................... 684
38.......................... Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws........... 685
39.......................... Liability to taxation not affected...................................... 685
Division 8—Miscellaneous 686
41.......................... Guidelines....................................................................... 686
42.......................... Compensation................................................................. 686
43.......................... Power extends to carrier’s employees etc....................... 687
44.......................... State and Territory laws that discriminate against carriers and users of carriage services 687
45.......................... State and Territory laws may confer powers and immunities on carriers 689
46.......................... ACMA may limit tort liability in relation to the supply of certain carriage services 689
47.......................... Ownership of facilities.................................................... 690
48.......................... ACMA may inform the public about designated overhead lines, telecommunications transmission towers and underground facilities..................................................... 690
50.......................... Monitoring of progress in relation to placing facilities underground 692
51.......................... Removal of certain overhead lines.................................. 692
52.......................... Commonwealth laws not displaced................................. 695
53.......................... Subdivider to pay for necessary alterations..................... 695
54.......................... Service of notices............................................................ 695
Part 2—Transitional provisions 697
60.......................... Existing buildings, structures and facilities—application of State and Territory laws 697
61.......................... Existing buildings, structures and facilities—application of the common law 697
Part 3—Compensation for acquisition of property 698
62.......................... Compensation for acquisition of property....................... 698
63.......................... Application of this Part................................................... 699
Schedule 3A—Protection of submarine cables 700
Part 1—Preliminary 700
1............................ Simplified outline............................................................ 700
2............................ Definitions...................................................................... 700
2A......................... Extension to offshore areas............................................. 706
2B.......................... Submarine cable installed in a protection zone................ 706
Part 2—Protection zones 707
Division 1—Simplified outline 707
3............................ Simplified outline............................................................ 707
Division 2—Declaration of protection zones 708
Subdivision A—Declarations 708
4............................ ACMA may declare a protection zone............................ 708
5............................ Declaration on ACMA’s initiative or in response to request 708
6............................ Response to a request to declare a protection zone.......... 708
7............................ Decision not to declare a requested protection zone or to declare a different protection zone 709
8............................ Location of submarine cable to be specified in declaration 710
9............................ Area of a protection zone................................................ 710
10.......................... Prohibited activities......................................................... 711
11.......................... Restricted activities......................................................... 713
12.......................... Conditions...................................................................... 714
13.......................... When a declaration takes effect....................................... 714
14.......................... Duration of declaration................................................... 714
Subdivision B—Prerequisites to declaration of a protection zone 715
15.......................... ACMA to develop a proposal for a protection zone....... 715
16.......................... ACMA to refer proposal to advisory committee............. 715
17.......................... ACMA to publish proposal etc....................................... 716
17A....................... ACMA to publish summary of proposal........................ 716
18.......................... Cable must be a submarine cable of national significance 717
19.......................... Consultation with Environment Secretary....................... 717
20.......................... Matters the ACMA must have regard to......................... 718
21.......................... Environment and heritage considerations........................ 718
22.......................... Deadline for final decision about protection zone........... 719
Division 3—Varying or revoking a declaration of a protection zone 721
Subdivision A—Variation or revocation 721
23.......................... ACMA may vary or revoke a declaration of a protection zone 721
24.......................... Variation or revocation on ACMA’s initiative or in response to request 721
25.......................... ACMA to notify affected carrier of request to vary or revoke a declaration 721
26.......................... Response to a request to vary or revoke a declaration..... 722
27.......................... Decision not to vary or revoke a declaration after a request to do so 722
28.......................... When a variation or revocation takes effect..................... 723
29.......................... Protection zone as varied must not exceed permitted area 723
Subdivision B—Prerequisites to variation or revocation of declaration 723
30.......................... ACMA to develop a variation or revocation proposal.... 723
31.......................... ACMA to refer proposal to advisory committee............. 723
32.......................... ACMA to publish proposal etc....................................... 724
32A....................... ACMA to publish summary of proposal........................ 724
33.......................... Consultation with Environment Secretary....................... 726
34.......................... Matters the ACMA must have regard to......................... 726
35.......................... Deadline for final decision about varying or revoking a protection zone 726
Division 4—Offences in relation to a protection zone 727
Subdivision A—Damaging a submarine cable 727
36.......................... Damaging a submarine cable.......................................... 727
37.......................... Negligently damaging a submarine cable........................ 727
38.......................... Defence to offences of damaging a submarine cable....... 727
39.......................... Master or owner of ship used in offence of damaging a submarine cable 728
Subdivision B—Engaging in prohibited or restricted activities 728
40.......................... Engaging in prohibited or restricted activities................. 728
41.......................... Aggravated offence of engaging in prohibited or restricted activities 729
42.......................... Defences to offences of engaging in prohibited or restricted activities 730
43.......................... Alternative verdict if aggravated offence not proven....... 730
44.......................... Master or owner of ship used in offence of engaging in prohibited or restricted activities 730
Subdivision C—Foreign nationals and foreign ships 731
44A....................... Foreign nationals and foreign ships................................ 731
Division 5—Miscellaneous 733
45.......................... Person may claim damages............................................. 733
46.......................... Indemnity for loss of anchor etc..................................... 734
47.......................... ACMA to notify relevant authorities of declaration, variation etc. of protection zone 734
48.......................... Notice if carrier decommissions a submarine cable......... 735
49.......................... Composition of advisory committee............................... 735
Part 3—Permits to install submarine cables 737
Division 1—Simplified outline 737
50.......................... Simplified outline............................................................ 737
Division 2—Protection zone installation permits 739
51.......................... Application for a protection zone installation permit....... 739
52.......................... Form of application etc................................................... 739
53.......................... Application to be accompanied by charge....................... 740
54.......................... Withdrawal of application............................................... 740
54A....................... Notification of change of circumstances......................... 740
55.......................... Further information......................................................... 741
55A....................... Consultation.................................................................... 741
56.......................... Grant or refusal of permit............................................... 743
57.......................... Matters to which the ACMA must have regard in making a decision about a permit 744
57A....................... Refusal of permit—security............................................ 744
58.......................... Timing of decision on application................................... 745
58A....................... Conditions of permit....................................................... 747
59.......................... Duration of permit.......................................................... 748
60.......................... Surrender of permit......................................................... 748
61.......................... Extension of permit......................................................... 748
62.......................... Suspension or cancellation of permit.............................. 748
63.......................... Exemption from State and Territory laws....................... 749
Division 3—Non‑protection zone installation permits 751
64.......................... Application for a permit to install an international submarine cable in Australian waters (otherwise than in a protection zone or coastal waters)................................... 751
65.......................... Form of application etc................................................... 751
66.......................... Application to be accompanied by charge....................... 752
67.......................... Withdrawal of application............................................... 752
67A....................... Notification of change of circumstances......................... 752
68.......................... Further information......................................................... 752
69.......................... Grant or refusal of permit............................................... 753
70.......................... Consultation.................................................................... 753
71.......................... Matters to which the ACMA must have regard in making a decision about a permit 755
72A....................... Refusal of permit—security............................................ 755
73.......................... Timing of decision on application................................... 756
73A....................... Conditions of permit....................................................... 758
74.......................... Duration of permit.......................................................... 759
75.......................... Surrender of permit......................................................... 759
76.......................... Extension of permit......................................................... 759
77.......................... Suspension or cancellation of permit.............................. 760
Division 4—Conditions applicable to the installation of submarine cables 761
78.......................... Application of this Division............................................ 761
79.......................... Installation to do as little damage as practicable.............. 761
80.......................... Management of installation activities.............................. 761
81.......................... Compliance with industry standards............................... 762
82.......................... Compliance with international agreements...................... 762
83.......................... Conditions specified in the regulations........................... 762
83A....................... Attorney‑General’s consent required for certain enforcement proceedings 762
Division 5—Offences in relation to installation of submarine cables 764
84.......................... Installing an international submarine cable without a permit 764
84A....................... Installing a domestic submarine cable without a permit.. 764
85.......................... Breaching conditions of a permit.................................... 765
86.......................... Failing to comply with ACMA direction to remove an unlawfully installed international submarine cable........................................................................................ 766
86A....................... Failing to comply with ACMA direction to remove an unlawfully installed domestic submarine cable 766
Part 4—Compensation 768
87.......................... Compensation................................................................. 768
88.......................... Compensation for acquisition of property....................... 768
Part 5—Miscellaneous 770
89.......................... Delegation by the Secretary of the Attorney‑General’s Department 770
Schedule 4—Reviewable decisions of the ACMA 771
Part 1—Decisions that may be subject to reconsideration by the ACMA 771
1............................ Reviewable decisions of the ACMA.............................. 771
Part 2—Decisions to which section 556 does not apply 775
2............................ Decisions to which section 556 does not apply.............. 775
Endnotes 776
Endnote 1—About the endnotes 776
Endnote 2—Abbreviation key 777
Endnote 3—Legislation history 778
Endnote 4—Amendment history 795
An Act about telecommunications, and for related purposes
Part 1—Introduction
1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Telecommunications Act 1997.
2 Commencement
(1) The following provisions of this Act commence on the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent:
(a) this Part;
(b) Part 2;
(c) Divisions 2, 3 and 4 of Part 4;
(d) Division 3 of Part 25;
(f) section 589;
(g) section 594.
(2) Sections 52 to 55 (inclusive) commence on 5 June 1997.
(3) The remaining provisions of this Act commence on 1 July 1997.
3 Objects
(1) The main object of this Act, when read together with Parts XIB and XIC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, is to provide a regulatory framework that promotes:
(a) the long‑term interests of end‑users of carriage services or of services provided by means of carriage services; and
(b) the efficiency and international competitiveness of the Australian telecommunications industry; and
(c) the availability of accessible and affordable carriage services that enhance the welfare of Australians.
(2) The other objects of this Act, when read together with Parts XIB and XIC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, are as follows:
(a) to ensure that standard telephone services and payphones are:
(i) reasonably accessible to all people in Australia on an equitable basis, wherever they reside or carry on business; and
(ii) are supplied as efficiently and economically as practicable; and
(iii) are supplied at performance standards that reasonably meet the social, industrial and commercial needs of the Australian community;
(c) to promote the supply of diverse and innovative carriage services and content services;
(d) to promote the development of an Australian telecommunications industry that is efficient, competitive and responsive to the needs of the Australian community;
(e) to promote the effective participation by all sectors of the Australian telecommunications industry in markets (whether in Australia or elsewhere);
(f) to promote:
(i) the development of the technical capabilities and skills of the Australian telecommunications industry; and
(ii) the development of the value‑adding and export‑oriented activities of the Australian telecommunications industry; and
(iii) research and development that contributes to the growth of the Australian telecommunications industry;
(g) to promote the equitable distribution of benefits from improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of:
(i) the provision of telecommunications networks and facilities; and
(ii) the supply of carriage services;
(h) to provide appropriate community safeguards in relation to telecommunications activities and to regulate adequately participants in sections of the Australian telecommunications industry;
(i) to promote the placement of lines underground, taking into account economic and technical issues, where placing such lines underground is supported by the affected community;
(j) to promote responsible practices in relation to the sending of commercial electronic messages;
(k) to promote responsible practices in relation to the making of telemarketing calls;
(l) to promote responsible practices in relation to the sending of marketing faxes.
4 Regulatory policy
The Parliament intends that telecommunications be regulated in a manner that:
(a) promotes the greatest practicable use of industry self‑regulation; and
(b) does not impose undue financial and administrative burdens on participants in the Australian telecommunications industry;
but does not compromise the effectiveness of regulation in achieving the objects mentioned in section 3.
5 Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Act:
• This Act sets up a system for regulating telecommunications.
• The main entities regulated by this Act are carriers and service providers.
• A carrier is the holder of a carrier licence granted under this Act.
• The owner of a network unit that is used to supply carriage services to the public must hold a carrier licence unless responsibility for the unit is transferred from the owner to a carrier.
• There are 4 types of network unit:
(a) a single line link connecting distinct places in Australia, where the line link meets certain minimum distance requirements;
(b) multiple line links connecting distinct places in Australia, where the line links meet certain minimum distance requirements;
(c) a designated radiocommunications facility;
(d) a facility specified in a Ministerial determination.
• Carrier licences are subject to conditions.
• There are 2 types of service provider:
(a) a carriage service provider;
(b) a content service provider.
• A carriage service provider is a person who supplies, or proposes to supply, certain carriage services.
• A content service provider is a person who supplies, or proposes to supply, certain content services.
• Service providers must comply with the service provider rules.
• The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is to monitor, and report each year to the Minister on, significant matters relating to the performance of carriers and carriage service providers.
• Bodies and associations that represent sections of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry may develop industry codes.
• Industry codes may be registered by the ACMA.
• Compliance with an industry code is voluntary unless the ACMA directs a particular participant in the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry to comply with the code.
• The ACMA has a reserve power to make an industry standard if there are no industry codes or if an industry code is deficient.
• Compliance with industry standards is mandatory.
• Carriers and carriage service providers must protect the confidentiality of communications.
• The ACMA, carriers and carriage service providers must do their best to prevent telecommunications networks and facilities from being used to commit offences.
• Carriers and carriage service providers must ensure that it is possible to execute a warrant issued under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.
• Carriage service providers may be required to supply carriage services for defence purposes or for the management of natural disasters.
• A carrier or carriage service provider may be required to enter into an agreement with the Commonwealth about:
(a) planning for network survivability; or
(b) operational requirements in times of crisis.
• The ACMA may require certain carriers and carriage service providers to provide pre‑selection in favour of carriage service providers in relation to calls made using a standard telephone service.
• The ACMA must require certain carriers and carriage service providers to provide pre‑selection in favour of carriage service providers in relation to calls made using a declared carriage service.
• Carriers and carriage service providers may be required to comply with certain international conventions.
• The Minister may make Rules of Conduct about dealings with international telecommunications operators.
• Provision is made for the technical regulation of customer equipment, customer cabling and cabling work.
• The ACMA may regulate numbering by means of a numbering plan.
• Provision is made for standard agreements for the supply of carriage services.
• The ACMA and the ACCC may hold public inquiries about certain matters relating to telecommunications.
• The ACMA may investigate certain matters relating to telecommunications.
• Certain switching systems must be capable of providing calling line identification.
• Provision is made for the following ancillary matters:
(a) information‑gathering powers;
(b) powers of search, entry and seizure;
(c) review of decisions;
(d) injunctions.
6 Main index
The following is a main index to this Act:
| Main Index | | |
| Item | Topic | Provisions |
| | | |
| 2 | Calling line identification | Part 18 |
| 3 | Carriers’ powers and immunities | Part 24, Schedule 3 |
| 4 | Carrier licence conditions | Part 3, Schedule 1 |
| 5 | Carriers | Part 3 |
| 6 | Communications, protection of | Part 13 |
| 8 | Decisions, review of | Part 29, Schedule 4 |
| 9 | Defence requirements and disaster plans | Part 16 |
| 10 | Enforceable undertakings | Part 31A |
| 11 | Enforcement | Part 28 |
| 12 | Industry codes and industry standards | Part 6 |
| 13 | Information‑gathering powers | Part 27 |
| 14 | Injunctions | Part 30 |
| 15 | Inquiries, public | Part 25 |
| 16 | International aspects | Part 20 |
| 17 | Investigations | Part 26 |
| 19 | Liability, vicarious | Part 32 |
| 21 | National interest matters | Part 14 |
| 22 | Network units | Part 2 |
| 23 | Numbering and electronic addressing | Part 22 |
| 24 | Penalties, civil | Part 31 |
| 25 | Performance of carriers and carriage service providers, monitoring of | Part 5 |
| 26 | Pre‑selection | Part 17 |
| 28 | Service provider rules | Part 4, Schedule 2 |
| 29 | Service providers | Part 4 |
| 30 | Standard agreements for the supply of carriage services | Part 23 |
| 32 | Technical regulation | Part 21 |
| | | |
7 Definitions
In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
ACCC means the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
ACCC’s telecommunications functions and powers means the functions and powers conferred on the ACCC by or under:
(a) this Act; or
(b) the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999; or
(ba) the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011; or
(c) Part XIB of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010; or
(d) Part XIC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010; or
(e) any other provision of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, in so far as that provision applies to a matter connected with telecommunications.
For this purpose, telecommunications means the carriage of communications by means of guided and/or unguided electromagnetic energy.
access, in relation to an emergency call service, has a meaning affected by section 18.
ACMA means the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
ACMA’s telecommunications functions means the functions that are telecommunications functions, in relation to the ACMA, for the purposes of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005.
ACMA’s telecommunications powers means the powers conferred on the ACMA by:
(a) this Act; or
(b) the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999; or
(baa) Part 6 of the Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency Act 2012; or
(ba) Chapter 4 or 5 of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979; or
(c) the Spam Act 2003; or
(ca) the Do Not Call Register Act 2006; or
(d) Part XIC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010; or
(e) section 12 of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005, in so far as that section relates to the ACMA’s telecommunications functions.
ACNC type of entity means an entity that meets the description of a type of entity in column 1 of the table in subsection 25‑5(5) of the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission Act 2012.
aircraft includes a balloon.
Australia, when used in a geographical sense, includes the eligible Territories.
Australian number has the same meaning as in the Do Not Call Register Act 2006.
authorised infringement notice officer means:
(a) the Chair of the ACMA; or
(b) a member of the staff of the ACMA appointed under section 572L.
base station that is part of a terrestrial radiocommunications customer access network has the meaning given by section 34.
broadcasting service has the same meaning as in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
building lot has the meaning given by section 372Q.
building unit has the meaning given by section 372S.
cabling licence means a licence granted under section 427.
carriage service means a service for carrying communications by means of guided and/or unguided electromagnetic energy.
carriage service intermediary means a person who is a carriage service provider under subsection 87(5).
carriage service provider has the meaning given by section 87.
carrier means the holder of a carrier licence.
carrier licence means a licence granted under section 56.
carry includes transmit, switch and receive.
civil penalty provision means:
(a) a provision of this Act that is declared by this Act to be a civil penalty provision; or
(b) a provision of the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 that is declared by that Act to be a civil penalty provision.
commercial electronic message has the same meaning as in the Spam Act 2003.
communications includes any communication:
(a) whether between persons and persons, things and things or persons and things; and
(b) whether in the form of speech, music or other sounds; and
(c) whether in the form of data; and
(d) whether in the form of text; and
(e) whether in the form of visual images (animated or otherwise); and
(f) whether in the form of signals; and
(g) whether in any other form; and
(h) whether in any combination of forms.
Communications Access Co‑ordinator has the meaning given by section 6R of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.
connected, in relation to:
(a) a telecommunications network; or
(b) a facility; or
(c) customer cabling; or
(d) customer equipment;
includes connection otherwise than by means of physical contact, for example, a connection by means of radiocommunication.
connection permit means a permit issued under section 394.
constitutional corporation means a corporation to which paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution applies.
content service has the meaning given by section 15.
content service provider has the meaning given by section 97.
controlled carriage service has the meaning given by section 14.
controlled facility has the meaning given by section 14.
controlled network has the meaning given by section 14.
customer cabling has the meaning given by section 20.
customer equipment has the meaning given by section 21.
data processing device means any article or material (for example, a disk) from which information is capable of being reproduced, with or without the aid of any other article or device.
Defence Department means the Department of State that deals with defence and that is administered by the Minister administering section 1 of the Defence Act 1903.
defence purposes means any one or more of the following:
(a) the operation of command or control systems;
(b) the operation, direction or use of a defence organisation;
(c) the operation of intelligence systems;
(d) the collection or dissemination of information relevant to the security or defence of:
(i) the Commonwealth; or
(ii) a foreign country that is allied or associated with the Commonwealth;
(e) the operation or control of weapons systems, including any thing that, by itself or together with any other thing or things, is intended for defensive or offensive use in combat;
(f) any other matter specified in the regulations.
designated part of the spectrum has the meaning given by section 577H.
designated radiocommunications facility has the meaning given by section 31.
directory assistance services means services that are:
(a) provided to an end‑user of a standard telephone service to help the end‑user find the number of another end‑user of a standard telephone service; and
(b) provided by an operator or by means of:
(i) an automated voice response system; or
(ii) another technology‑based system.
distinct places has the meaning given by section 36.
draft functional separation undertaking means a draft functional separation undertaking under Division 2 of Part 9 of Schedule 1.
draft migration plan means a draft migration plan under Subdivision B of Division 2 of Part 33.
eligible partnership means a partnership where each partner is a constitutional corporation.
eligible Territory means:
(a) the Territory of Christmas Island; or
(b) the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands; or
(c) an external Territory prescribed for the purposes of section 10.
emergency call contractor means a person who performs services for or on behalf of a recognised person who operates an emergency call service, but does not include a person who performs such services in the capacity of an employee of the person who operates the emergency call service.
Note: Recognised person who operates an emergency call service is defined by section 19.
emergency call person means:
(a) a recognised person who operates an emergency call service; or
(b) an employee of such a person; or
(c) an emergency call contractor; or
(d) an employee of an emergency call contractor.
Note: Recognised person who operates an emergency call service is defined by section 19.
emergency call service means a service for:
(a) receiving and handling calls to an emergency service number; and
(b) transferring such calls to:
(i) a police force or service; or
(ii) a fire service; or
(iii) an ambulance service; or
(iv) a service specified in the numbering plan for the purposes of this subparagraph; or
(v) a service for despatching a force or service referred to in subparagraph (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv).
For the purposes of paragraph (b), transferring a call includes giving information in relation to the call for purposes connected with dealing with the matter or matters raised by the call.
emergency service number has the meaning given by section 466.
exempt network‑user means:
(a) a person:
(i) who is entitled to use a network unit to supply a carriage service; and
(ii) whose entitlement derives, directly or indirectly, from rights granted to a carrier; or
(b) if:
(i) a police force or service; or
(ii) a fire service; or
(iii) an ambulance service; or
(iv) an emergency service specified in the regulations;
(the first force or service) uses a network unit for the sole or principal purpose of enabling either or both of the following:
(v) communication between the members of the first force or service;
(vi) communication between the members of the first force or service and the members of another force or service, where the other force or service is of a kind covered by subparagraph (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv);
the first force or service.
For the purposes of paragraph (b), an employee of a force or service is taken to be a member of the force or service.
facility means:
(a) any part of the infrastructure of a telecommunications network; or
(b) any line, equipment, apparatus, tower, mast, antenna, tunnel, duct, hole, pit, pole or other structure or thing used, or for use, in or in connection with a telecommunications network.
fax marketing industry means an industry that involves carrying on a fax marketing activity (as defined by section 109C).
Federal Court means the Federal Court of Australia.
fibre‑ready facility has the meaning given by section 372W.
final functional separation undertaking means a final functional separation undertaking under Division 2 of Part 9 of Schedule 1.
final migration plan means a final migration plan under Subdivision B of Division 2 of Part 33.
Finance Minister means the Minister administering the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
fixed‑line facility has the meaning given by section 372V.
fixed radiocommunications link has the meaning given by section 35.
hybrid fibre‑coaxial network means a telecommunications network:
(a) that is for use for the transmission of any broadcasting service; and
(b) that is also capable of being used to supply an internet carriage service; and
(c) the line component of which consists of optical fibre to connecting nodes, supplemented by coaxial cable connections from the nodes to the premises of end‑users.
immediate circle has the meaning given by section 23.
import means import into Australia.
industry levy means levy imposed by the Telecommunications (Industry Levy) Act 2012.
infringement notice means an infringement notice under section 572E.
inspector has the meaning given by section 533.
integrated public number database scheme means the scheme in force under section 295A.
intercell hand‑over functions has the meaning given by section 33.
internet carriage service means a carriage service that enables end‑users to access the internet.
internet service provider has the same meaning as in Schedule 5 to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
Layer 2 bitstream service means a carriage service that is:
(a) either:
(i) a Layer 2 Ethernet bitstream service; or
(ii) a Layer 2 bitstream service specified in a legislative instrument made by the ACMA for the purposes of this subparagraph; and
(b) a listed carriage service; and
(c) supplied using a line to premises occupied or used by an end‑user.
For this purpose, Layer 2 has the same meaning as in the Open System Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model for data exchange.
line means a wire, cable, optical fibre, tube, conduit, waveguide or other physical medium used, or for use, as a continuous artificial guide for or in connection with carrying communications by means of guided electromagnetic energy.
line link has the meaning given by section 30.
listed carriage service has the meaning given by section 16.
marketing fax means:
(a) a marketing fax (within the meaning of the Do Not Call Register Act 2006) that is sent to an Australian number; or
(b) a fax (within the meaning of the Do Not Call Register Act 2006) that is sent to an Australian number, where, having regard to:
(i) the content of the fax; and
(ii) the presentational aspects of the fax;
it would be concluded that the purpose, or one of the purposes, of the fax is:
(iii) to conduct opinion polling; or
(iv) to carry out standard questionnaire‑based research.
member means a member of the ACMA (and does not include an associate member).
NBN corporation has the same meaning as in the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011. This definition does not apply to:
(a) section 577BA; or
(b) section 577BC; or
(c) clause 17 of Schedule 1; or
(d) Part 5 of Schedule 1.
network unit has the meaning given by Division 2 of Part 2.
nominated carrier means a carrier in respect of whom a nominated carrier declaration is in force.
nominated carrier declaration means a declaration under section 81.
numbering plan has the meaning given by section 455.
optical fibre line means a line that consists of, or encloses, optical fibre.
owner, in relation to a network unit, means a person who legally owns the unit (whether alone or together with one or more other persons).
person includes a partnership.
point‑to‑multipoint service means a carriage service which allows a person to transmit a communication to more than one end‑user simultaneously.
project area for a real estate development project has the meaning given by section 372Q.
public body means:
(a) the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; or
(b) an authority, or institution, of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; or
(c) an incorporated company all the stock or shares in the capital of which is beneficially owned by one of the following:
(i) the Commonwealth;
(ii) a State;
(iii) a Territory; or
(d) an incorporated company limited by guarantee, where the interests and rights of the members in or in relation to the company are beneficially owned by one of the following:
(i) the Commonwealth;
(ii) a State;
(iii) a Territory.
public mobile telecommunications service has the meaning given by section 32.
radiocommunication has the same meaning as in the Radiocommunications Act 1992.
radiocommunications device has the same meaning as in the Radiocommunications Act 1992.
radiocommunications receiver has the same meaning as in the Radiocommunications Act 1992.
radiocommunications transmitter has the same meaning as in the Radiocommunications Act 1992.
real estate development project has the meaning given by section 372Q.
recognised person who operates an emergency call service has the meaning given by section 19.
recognised testing authority has the meaning given by section 409.
record‑keeping rule means a rule under section 529.
registered charity means an entity that is registered under the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission Act 2012 as the type of entity mentioned in column 1 of item 1 of the table in subsection 25‑5(5) of that Act.
satellite‑based facility means a radiocommunications transmitter, or a radiocommunications receiver, in a satellite.
sell:
(a) when used in relation to a building lot—has the meaning given by section 372T; or
(b) when used in relation to a building unit—has the meaning given by section 372U.
service provider has the meaning given by section 86.
service provider rules has the meaning given by section 98.
spectrum has the same meaning as in the Radiocommunications Act 1992.
spectrum licence has the same meaning as in the Radiocommunications Act 1992.
standard questionnaire‑based research means research that involves people being asked to answer one or more standard questions, but does not include:
(a) opinion polling; or
(b) research of a kind specified in the regulations.
standard telephone service has the meaning given by section 6 of the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999.
subdivision of an area of land has a meaning affected by section 372R.
subscription television broadcasting licence has the same meaning as in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
telecommunications industry includes an industry that involves:
(a) carrying on business as a carrier; or
(b) carrying on business as a carriage service provider; or
(c) supplying goods or services for use in connection with the supply of a listed carriage service; or
(d) supplying a content service using a listed carriage service; or
(e) manufacturing or importing customer equipment or customer cabling; or
(f) installing, maintaining, operating or providing access to:
(i) a telecommunications network; or
(ii) a facility;
used to supply a listed carriage service.
Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman has the same meaning as in the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999.
Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman scheme has the same meaning as in the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999.
telecommunications network means a system, or series of systems, that carries, or is capable of carrying, communications by means of guided and/or unguided electromagnetic energy.
telemarketing call means:
(a) a telemarketing call (within the meaning of the Do Not Call Register Act 2006) that is made to an Australian number; or
(b) a voice call (within the meaning of the Do Not Call Register Act 2006) that is made to an Australian number, where, having regard to:
(i) the content of the call; and
(ii) the presentational aspects of the call;
it would be concluded that the purpose, or one of the purposes, of the call is:
(iii) to conduct opinion polling; or
(iv) to carry out standard questionnaire‑based research.
telemarketing industry means an industry that involves carrying on a telemarketing activity (as defined by section 109B).
Telstra has the same meaning as in the Telstra Corporation Act 1991.
this Act includes the regulations.
TUSMA means the Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency.
universal service levy means levy imposed by the Telecommunications (Universal Service Levy) Act 1997.
universal service obligation has the same meaning as in the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999.
universal service provider has the same meaning as in the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999.
vessel means a vessel or boat of any description, and includes:
(a) an air‑cushion vehicle; and
(b) any floating structure.
8 Crown to be bound
(1) This Act binds the Crown in right of the Commonwealth, of each of the States, of the Australian Capital Territory, of the Northern Territory and of Norfolk Island.
(2) This Act does not make the Crown liable to a pecuniary penalty or to be prosecuted for an offence.
(3) The protection in subsection (2) does not apply to an authority of the Crown.
9 Extra‑territorial application
This Act applies both within and outside Australia.
10 Extension to external Territories
This Act extends to:
(a) the Territory of Christmas Island; and
(b) the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands; and
(c) such other external Territories (if any) as are prescribed.
11 Extension to offshore areas
(1) This Act applies in relation to the offshore areas of:
(a) each of the States; and
(b) each of the eligible Territories;
as if references in this Act to Australia included references to those offshore areas. This subsection has effect subject to subsection (2).
(2) The application of this Act in accordance with subsection (1) in relation to an offshore area extends only in relation to acts, matters and things touching, concerning, arising out of or connected with:
(a) the exploration of the continental shelf of Australia; or
(b) the exploitation of the resources of the continental shelf of Australia.
(3) The application of this Act in accordance with subsection (1) in relation to an offshore area extends in relation to all acts done by or in relation to, and all matters, circumstances and things affecting, any person who is in the offshore area for a reason touching, concerning, arising out of or connected with:
(a) the exploration of the continental shelf of Australia; or
(b) the exploitation of the resources of the continental shelf of Australia.
(4) Subsection (3) does not, by implication, limit subsection (2).
(5) In this section:
offshore area, in relation to a State or Territory, has the same meaning as in the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006.
11A Application of the Criminal Code
Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code (except Part 2.5) applies to all offences against this Act.
Note: Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.
12 Act subject to Radiocommunications Act
(1) This Act has effect subject to the Radiocommunications Act 1992.
(2) However, to avoid doubt, the fact that a person is authorised to do something under a licence under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 does not entitle the person to do that thing if the person is prohibited by or under this Act from doing it, unless a condition of the licence requires the person to do it.
13 Continuity of partnerships
For the purposes of this Act, a change in the composition of a partnership does not affect the continuity of the partnership.
14 Controlled carriage services, controlled networks and controlled facilities
Controlled carriage services
(1) For the purposes of this Act, if:
(a) a carrier or carriage service provider supplies, or proposes to supply, a carriage service; and
(b) the carriage service involves, or will involve, the use of a controlled network, or a controlled facility, of the carrier or of the provider, as the case may be;
the carriage service is a controlled carriage service of the carrier or the provider, as the case may be.
Controlled networks
(2) For the purposes of this Act, if:
(a) a carrier or carriage service provider operates a telecommunications network; and
(b) the network satisfies the geographical test set out in subsection (4);
the network is a controlled network of the carrier or the provider, as the case may be.
Controlled facilities
(3) For the purposes of this Act, if:
(a) a carrier or carriage service provider operates a facility; and
(b) the facility satisfies the geographical test set out in subsection (4);
the facility is a controlled facility of the carrier or provider, as the case may be.
Geographical test
(4) For the purposes of this section, a telecommunications network, or a facility, satisfies the geographical test if:
(a) the whole or any part of the network or facility, as the case requires, is, or will be, located in Australia; or
(b) all of the following conditions are satisfied:
(i) a person, or a group of persons, operates the network or the facility, as the case requires;
(ii) the person, or at least one of the members of the group, carries on, or will carry on, a telecommunications‑related business wholly or partly in Australia;
(iii) the network, or the facility, as the case requires, is used, or will be used, to supply a listed carriage service, or a service that is ancillary or incidental to such a service.
Definition
(5) In this section:
telecommunications‑related business means a business that consists of, or includes:
(a) supplying a carriage service; or
(b) supplying goods or services for use in connection with the supply of a carriage service; or
(c) supplying a content service; or
(d) installing, maintaining, operating or providing access to:
(i) a telecommunications network; or
(ii) a facility.
15 Content service
(1) For the purposes of this Act, a content service is:
(a) a broadcasting service; or
(b) an on‑line information service (for example, a dial‑up information service); or
(c) an on‑line entertainment service (for example, a video‑on‑demand service or an interactive computer game service); or
(d) any other on‑line service (for example, an education service provided by a State or Territory government); or
(e) a service of a kind specified in a determination made by the Minister for the purposes of this paragraph.
(2) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make a determination for the purposes of paragraph (1)(e).
16 Listed carriage services
(1) For the purposes of this Act, the following carriage services are listed carriage services:
(a) a carriage service between a point in Australia and one or more other points in Australia;
(b) a carriage service between a point and one or more other points, where the first‑mentioned point is in Australia and at least one of the other points is outside Australia;
(c) a carriage service between a point and one or more other points, where the first‑mentioned point is outside Australia and at least one of the other points is in Australia.
(2) For the purposes of this section, a point includes a mobile or potentially mobile point, whether on land, underground, in the atmosphere, in outer space, underwater, at sea or anywhere else.
(3) For the purposes of this section, a point that is:
(a) in the atmosphere; and
(b) in or below the stratosphere; and
(c) above Australia;
is taken to be a point in Australia.
(4) For the purposes of this section, a point that is:
(a) on a satellite; and
(b) above the stratosphere;
is taken to be a point outside Australia.
18 Access to an emergency call service
For the purposes of this Act, a person is taken not to have access to an emergency call service unless, in the event that the person attempts to place a call to the relevant emergency service number, the call can be established and maintained.
19 Recognised person who operates an emergency call service
(1) A reference in this Act to a recognised person who operates an emergency call service is a reference to a person who:
(a) operates an emergency call service; and
(b) is specified, in a written determination made by the ACMA for the purposes of this paragraph, as:
(i) a national operator of emergency call services; or
(ii) a regional operator of emergency call services.
(2) A copy of a determination under paragraph (1)(b) is to be published in the Gazette.
(3) A person may be specified in a determination under paragraph (1)(b) even if the person does not operate an emergency call service at the time the determination is made.
(4) Subsection (3) is enacted for the avoidance of doubt.
20 Customer cabling
(1) For the purposes of this Act, customer cabling means a line that, under the regulations, is treated as customer cabling.
(2) Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1) may deal with a matter by reference to the boundary of a telecommunications network.
Note: Boundary of a telecommunications network is defined by section 22.
(3) Subsection (2) does not, by implication, limit subsection (1).
(4) If no regulations are in force for the purposes of subsection (1), then, for the purposes of this Act, customer cabling means a line that is used, installed ready for use or intended for use on the customer side of the boundary of a telecommunications network.
Note: Boundary of a telecommunications network is defined by section 22.
21 Customer equipment
(1) For the purposes of this Act, customer equipment means:
(a) any equipment, apparatus, tower, mast, antenna or other structure or thing; or
(b) any system (whether software‑based or otherwise);
that:
(c) is used, installed ready for use or intended for use in connection with a carriage service; and
(d) under the regulations, is treated as customer equipment;
but does not include a line.
(2) Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1) may deal with a matter by reference to the boundary of a telecommunications network.
Note: Boundary of a telecommunications network is defined by section 22.
(3) Subsection (2) does not, by implication, limit subsection (1).
(4) If no regulations are in force for the purposes of subsection (1), then, for the purposes of this Act, customer equipment means:
(a) any equipment, apparatus, tower, mast, antenna or other structure or thing that is used, installed ready for use or intended for use on the customer side of the boundary of a telecommunications network; or
(b) any system (whether software‑based or otherwise) that is used, installed ready for use or intended for use on the customer side of the boundary of a telecommunications network;
but does not include:
(c) a line; or
(d) equipment of a kind specified in regulations made for the purposes of this paragraph; or
(e) an apparatus, tower, mast, antenna or other structure or thing that is of a kind specified in regulations made for the purposes of this paragraph; or
(f) a system (whether software‑based or otherwise) that is of a kind specified in regulations made for the purposes of this paragraph.
Note : Boundary of a telecommunications network is defined by section 22.
22 Customer cabling and customer equipment—boundary of a telecommunications network
(1) For the purposes of sections 20, 21, 30, 349, 372B, 372C and 372V, the boundary of a telecommunications network is to be ascertained in accordance with the regulations.
(2) Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1) may deal with a matter by reference to any or all of the following:
(a) the terms of an agreement between 2 or more carriers, where the agreement is entered into for the purposes of those regulations;
(b) the terms of an agreement between 2 or more carriage service providers, where the agreement is entered into for the purposes of those regulations;
(c) the terms of an agreement between a carrier and a carriage service provider, where the agreement is entered into for the purposes of those regulations;
(d) the terms of an agreement between a carrier and a customer of the carrier, where the agreement is entered into for the purposes of those regulations;
(e) the terms of an agreement between a carriage service provider and a customer of the provider, where the agreement is entered into for the purposes of those regulations.
(3) Subsection (2) does not, by implication, limit subsection (1).
(4) If no regulations are in force for the purposes of subsection (1), then, for the purposes of sections 20, 21, 30, 349, 372B, 372C and 372V, the boundary of a telecommunications network is:
(a) in a case where a telecommunications network is used to supply a carriage service to an end‑user in a building by means of a line that enters the building—the point agreed between the customer and the carrier or carriage service provider who operates the telecommunications network, or, failing agreement:
(i) if there is a main distribution frame in the building and the line is connected to the frame—the side of the frame nearest to the end‑user; or
(ii) if subparagraph (i) does not apply but the line is connected to a network termination device located in, on or within close proximity to, the building—the side of the device nearest to the end‑user; or
(iii) if neither subparagraph (i) nor (ii) applies but the line is connected to one or more sockets in the building—the side nearest to the end‑user of the first socket after the building entry point; or
(b) in a case where a telecommunications network is used to supply a carriage service to an end‑user by means of a satellite‑based facility that transmits to, or receives transmissions from, the point where the end user is located—the outer surface of the satellite‑based facility; or
(c) in a case where:
(i) a telecommunications network is used to supply a carriage service to an end‑user; and
(ii) paragraphs (a) and (b) do not apply;
the outer surface of the fixed facility nearest to the end‑user, where the facility is used, installed ready for use or intended for use to supply the carriage service.
(5) If, immediately before 1 July 1997, the boundary of a telecommunications network used to supply a standard telephone service to an end‑user in a building by means of a line that enters the building is the side of a main distribution frame, or a telephone socket, nearest to the end‑user, paragraph (4)(a) has effect, on and after 1 July 1997, as if the customer and the carrier or carriage service provider who operates the network had agreed to the boundary at that point.
(6) Subsection (5) does not prevent the customer and the carrier or carriage service provider agreeing to a boundary at a different point.
(7) For the purposes of subsection (4), the building entry point is the point at which a line that is used to provide a carriage service to an end‑user in a building meets the outer surface of that building, immediately before entering the building.
(8) In this section:
building includes a structure, a caravan and a mobile home.
23 Immediate circle
(1) For the purposes of this Act, a person’s immediate circle consists of the person, together with the following persons:
(a) if the person is an individual—an employee of the individual;
(b) if the person is a partnership—an employee of the partnership;
(c) if the person is a body corporate:
(i) an officer of the body corporate;
(ii) if another body corporate is related to the first‑mentioned body corporate (within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001)—that other body corporate and an officer of that other body corporate;
(d) if the person is the Commonwealth:
(i) an authority or institution of the Commonwealth (other than an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function) and a constituent member or an employee of such an authority or institution;
(ii) an officer or employee of the Commonwealth;
(iii) a member of the Australian Defence Force;
(iv) a member of the Australian Federal Police;
(v) a member of the Parliament and a member of the staff of a member of the Parliament;
(vi) a person who holds or performs the duties of an office under the Constitution or a law of the Commonwealth;
(e) if the person is a State:
(i) an authority or institution of the State (other than an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function) and a constituent member or an employee of such an authority or institution;
(ii) an officer or employee of the State;
(iii) a member of the police force of the State;
(iv) a member of the Parliament of the State and a member of the staff of a member of the Parliament of the State;
(v) a person who holds or performs the duties of an office under a law of the State;
(f) if the person is a Territory:
(i) an authority or institution of the Territory (other than an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function) and a constituent member or an employee of such an authority or institution;
(ii) an officer or employee of the Territory;
(iii) a member of the police force of the Territory;
(iv) a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory and a member of the staff of a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory;
(v) a person who holds or performs the duties of an office under a law of the Territory;
(g) if the person is an authority or institution of the Commonwealth (other than an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function):
(i) a constituent member or an employee of the authority or institution;
(ii) the Commonwealth;
(iii) an officer or employee of the Commonwealth;
(iv) a member of the Australian Defence Force;
(v) a member of the Australian Federal Police;
(vi) a member of the Parliament and a member of the staff of a member of the Parliament;
(vii) a person who holds or performs the duties of an office under the Constitution or a law of the Commonwealth;
(viii) another authority or institution of the Commonwealth (other than an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function) and a constituent member or an employee of the other authority or institution;
(h) if the person is an authority or institution of the Commonwealth, being an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function—a constituent member or an employee of the authority or institution;
(i) if the person is an authority or institution of a State (other than an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function):
(i) a constituent member or an employee of the authority or institution;
(ii) the State;
(iii) an officer or employee of the State;
(iv) a member of the police force of the State;
(v) a member of the Parliament of the State and a member of the staff of a member of the Parliament of the State;
(vi) a person who holds or performs the duties of an office under a law of the State;
(vii) another authority or institution of the State (other than an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function) and a constituent member or an employee of the other authority or institution;
(j) if the person is an authority or institution of a State, being an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function—a constituent member or an employee of the authority or institution;
(k) if the person is an authority or institution of a Territory (other than an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function):
(i) a constituent member or an employee of the authority or institution;
(ii) the Territory;
(iii) an officer or employee of the Territory;
(iv) a member of the police force of the Territory;
(v) a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory and a member of the staff of a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory;
(vi) a person who holds or performs the duties of an office under a law of the Territory;
(vii) another authority or institution of the Territory (other than an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function) and a constituent member or an employee of the other authority or institution;
(l) if the person is an authority or institution of a Territory, being an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function—a constituent member or employee of the authority or institution;
(m) if the person is a tertiary education institution:
(i) a member of the governing body of the tertiary education institution;
(ii) an officer or employee of the tertiary education institution;
(iii) a student of the tertiary education institution;
(n) a person specified in a determination under subsection (2).
(2) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make a determination specifying persons for the purposes of paragraph (1)(n).
(3) A determination under subsection (2) may be unconditional or subject to such conditions (if any) as are specified in the determination.
(4) Paragraphs (1)(a) to (m) (inclusive) do not, by implication, limit subsections (2) and (3).
(5) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make a determination providing that a specified authority or specified institution is taken to carry on a business as a core function for the purposes of subsection (1).
(6) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make a determination providing that a specified authority or specified institution is taken not to carry on a business as a core function for the purposes of subsection (1).
(7) A determination under subsection (2), (5) or (6) has effect accordingly.
(9) For the purposes of this section, a person who holds or performs the duties of the office of Administrator of the Northern Territory is taken to be an officer of that Territory.
(10) For the purposes of this section, the Australian Federal Police is taken to be the police force of the Australian Capital Territory.
(11) In this section:
core function, in relation to an authority or institution, means a function of the authority or institution other than a secondary or incidental function.
director includes a constituent member of a body corporate incorporated for a public purpose by a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory.
executive officer, in relation to a body corporate, means a person, by whatever name called and whether or not a director of the body, who is concerned in, or takes part in, the management of the body.
officer, in relation to a body corporate, includes a director, secretary, executive officer or employee of the body.
tertiary education institution means:
(a) a higher education institution (within the meaning of the Student Assistance Act 1973); or
(b) a technical and further education institution (within the meaning of that Act).
24 Extended meaning of use
Unless the contrary intention appears, a reference in this Act to the use of a thing is a reference to the use of the thing either:
(a) in isolation; or
(b) in conjunction with one or more other things.
Part 2—Network units
Division 1—Simplified outline
25 Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Part:
• The object of this Part is to define the expression network unit.
• There are 4 types of network unit:
(a) a single line link connecting distinct places in Australia, where the line link meets certain minimum distance requirements;
(b) multiple line links connecting distinct places in Australia, where the line links meet certain minimum distance requirements;
(c) a designated radiocommunications facility;
(d) a facility specified in a Ministerial determination.
Division 2—Basic definition
26 Single line links connecting distinct places in Australia
(1) If:
(a) a line link connects distinct places in Australia; and
(b) the distinct places are at least the statutory distance apart;
the line link is a network unit.
(2) For the purposes of this section, the statutory distance is:
(a) 500 metres; or
(b) if a longer distance, not exceeding 50 kilometres, is specified in the regulations—that longer distance.
27 Multiple line links connecting distinct places in Australia
(1) If:
(a) the same person owns, or the same persons own, 2 or more line links; and
(b) each of those line links connects distinct places in Australia; and
(c) the aggregate of the distances between the distinct places is more than the statutory distance;
each of those line links is a network unit.
Note: Statutory distance is defined by subsection (3).
(2) If:
(a) the following conditions are satisfied in relation to 2 or more line links:
(i) the owners of the line links are bodies corporate;
(ii) the owners of the line links are all members of the same related company group; and
(b) each of those line links connects distinct places in Australia; and
(c) the aggregate of the distances between the distinct places is more than the statutory distance;
each of those line links is a network unit.
Note: Statutory distance is defined by subsection (3).
(3) For the purposes of this section, the statutory distance is:
(a) 5 kilometres; or
(b) if a longer distance, not exceeding 500 kilometres, is specified in the regulations—that longer distance.
(4) In this section:
owner means legal or beneficial owner, and own has a corresponding meaning.
related company group means a group of 2 or more bodies corporate, where each member of the group is related to each other member of the group.
(5) For the purposes of this section, the question whether a body corporate is related to another body corporate is to be determined in the same manner as that question is determined under the Corporations Act 2001.
28 Designated radiocommunications facility
(1) If a designated radiocommunications facility is used, or is for use, to supply a carriage service between a point in Australia and one or more other points in Australia, the facility is a network unit.
(2) It does not matter whether the supply involves:
(a) the use of a satellite; or
(b) the use of a line or other facility outside Australia.
(3) For the purposes of this section, a point includes a mobile or potentially mobile point, whether on land, underground, in the atmosphere, in outer space, underwater, at sea or anywhere else.
(4) For the purposes of this section, a point that is:
(a) in the atmosphere; and
(b) in or below the stratosphere; and
(c) above Australia;
is taken to be a point in Australia.
(5) For the purposes of this section, a point that is:
(a) on a satellite; and
(b) above the stratosphere;
is taken to be a point outside Australia.
29 Facilities specified in Ministerial determination
(1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that a specified facility is a network unit for the purposes of this Act.
(2) The determination has effect accordingly.
(4) To avoid doubt, nothing in the other provisions of this Part limits the power conferred by subsection (1).
Division 3—Related definitions
30 Line links
(1) A line constitutes a line link.
(2) If:
(a) a line is connected to another line; and
(b) the other line constitutes, or forms part of, a line link;
the first‑mentioned line, and the line link referred to in paragraph (b), together constitute a line link.
(3) Subsection (2) is recursive, that is, the reference in paragraph (2)(b) to a line link is a reference to something that is a line link because of any other application or applications of this section.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (2), a line is connected to another line if, and only if:
(a) the lines are connected to each other; or
(b) each of the lines is connected to the same facility (other than a line);
in such a way that a communication can be carried, by means of the 2 lines, or by means of facilities including the 2 lines, in the same way as if the 2 lines were a single line.
(4A) A line does not form part of any line link to the extent that the line is on the customer side of the boundary of a telecommunications network.
Note: Boundary of a telecommunications network is defined by section 22.
(5) A facility other than a line does not form part of any line link.
31 Designated radiocommunications facility
(1) A reference in this Act to a designated radiocommunications facility is a reference to:
(a) a base station used, or for use, to supply a public mobile telecommunications service; or
(b) a base station that is part of a terrestrial radiocommunications customer access network; or
(c) a fixed radiocommunications link; or
(d) a satellite‑based facility; or
(e) a radiocommunications transmitter of a kind specified in a determination under subsection (2); or
(f) a radiocommunications receiver of a kind specified in a determination under subsection (3);
but does not include a reference to:
(g) a base station of a kind declared under subsection (5) to be exempt from this section; or
(h) a fixed radiocommunications link of a kind declared under subsection (5) to be exempt from this section; or
(i) a satellite‑based facility of a kind declared under subsection (5) to be exempt from this section.
Note 1: Public mobile telecommunications service is defined by section 32.
Note 2: Base station that is part of a terrestrial radiocommunications customer access network is defined by section 34.
Note 3: Fixed radiocommunications link is defined by section 35.
Note 4: Satellite‑based facility is defined by section 7.
(2) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make a determination for the purposes of paragraph (1)(e).
(3) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make a determination for the purposes of paragraph (1)(f).
(5) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make a declaration for the purposes of paragraph (1)(g), (h) or (i).
(7) To avoid doubt, nothing in the other provisions of this Part limits a power conferred by subsection (2), (3) or (5).
32 Public mobile telecommunications service
(1) For the purposes of this Act, if:
(a) an end‑user can use a carriage service while moving continuously between places; and
(b) the customer equipment used for or in relation to the supply of the service is not in physical contact with any part of the telecommunications network by means of which the service is supplied; and
(c) the service is supplied by use of a telecommunications network that has intercell hand‑over functions; and
(d) the service is not an exempt service (as defined by subsection (2), (3) or (4));
the service is a public mobile telecommunications service.
(2) For the purposes of this section, a carriage service is an exempt service if:
(a) the service is supplied by means of a telecommunications network (a primary network) that is connected to one or more line links or other facilities that, apart from this section, are eligible network units; and
(b) the principal function of the primary network is to supply carriage services between customer equipment connected to the primary network and other such equipment; and
(c) the supply of carriage services between such equipment and equipment connected to the network units is, at most, an ancillary function of the primary network; and
(d) despite the connection or connections referred to in paragraph (a), the primary network cannot be used in carrying a communication, as a single transaction, between equipment connected to the network units and other such equipment.
(3) For the purposes of this section, a carriage service is an exempt service if the service is:
(a) a one‑way only, store‑and‑forward communications service; or
(b) a service that performs the same functions as such a service.
(4) For the purposes of this section, a carriage service is an exempt service if all of the end‑users of the service are located at the same distinct place.
(5) In this section:
eligible network unit means a network unit:
(a) that is owned by one or more carriers; or
(b) in relation to which a nominated carrier declaration is in force.
33 Intercell hand‑over functions
(1) For the purposes of this Act, a telecommunications network is taken to have intercell hand‑over functions if, and only if:
(a) the facilities of the network include at least 2 base stations each of which transmits and receives signals to and from customer equipment (mobile equipment) that is:
(i) used for or in relation to the supply of an eligible mobile telecommunications service; and
(ii) located within a particular area (a cell); and
(b) the network includes the functions necessary to do the following while the network is carrying a communication made to or from particular mobile equipment:
(i) determine in which cell the equipment is located and cause the base station in that cell to transmit and receive signals to and from the equipment;
(ii) when the equipment moves from one cell to another, cause the base station in the one cell to stop, and the base station in the other cell to start, transmitting and receiving signals to and from the equipment.
(2) For the purposes of this section, a carriage service is an eligible mobile telecommunications service if:
(a) an end‑user can use it while moving continuously between places; and
(b) customer equipment used for or in relation to the supply of the service is not in physical contact with any part of the telecommunications network by means of which the service is supplied.
34 When a base station is part of a terrestrial radiocommunications customer access network
(1) For the purposes of this Act, a base station is part of a terrestrial radiocommunications customer access network if, and only if:
(a) the base station is part of a telecommunications network; and
(b) the base station is not an exempt base station (as defined by subsection (2)); and
(c) the base station is used, or for use, in connection with the supply of a carriage service; and
(d) customer equipment used for or in relation to the supply of the service is not in physical contact with any part of the telecommunications network by means of which the service is supplied; and
(e) the service is wholly or principally used, or wholly or principally for use, by each end‑user:
(i) at premises occupied or used by the end‑user; or
(ii) in the immediate vicinity of those premises; and
(f) the network does not have intercell hand‑over functions; and
(g) the conditions (if any) specified in the regulations are satisfied; and
(h) the network is not an exempt network (as defined by subsection (3)).
(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), a base station is an exempt base station if the sole use of the base station is use by a broadcaster to:
(a) supply broadcasting services to the public; or
(b) supply a secondary carriage service by means of the main carrier signal of a primary broadcasting service;
or both.
(3) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(h), a network is an exempt network if:
(a) the network is used, or for use, for the sole purpose of supplying carriage services on a non‑commercial basis; or
(b) the network is of a kind specified in the regulations.
(4) In this section:
broadcaster means:
(a) the Australian Broadcasting Corporation; or
(b) the Special Broadcasting Service Corporation; or
(c) the holder of a licence under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992; or
(d) a person who provides a broadcasting service under a class licence under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
35 Fixed radiocommunications link
(1) For the purposes of this Act, a fixed radiocommunications link is a facility, or a combination of facilities, where:
(a) the facility or combination is used, or for use, in connection with the supply of a carriage service between 2 or more fixed points by means of radiocommunication; and
(b) some or all of the communications carried by means of the facility or combination have the characteristic of double‑ended interconnection (as defined by subsection (3)); and
(c) the facility or combination does not consist of:
(i) one or more base stations that are part of a terrestrial radiocommunications customer access network; or
(ii) one or more base stations that would be part of such a network if paragraph 34(1)(h) had not been enacted.
(2) For the purposes of this section, a fixed point is a fixed point on:
(a) land; or
(b) a building or structure on land.
(3) For the purposes of this section, if:
(a) a communication is carried over a line link or other facility that, apart from this section, is an eligible network unit; and
(b) the communication is then carried (immediately or with a transmission delay of not longer than 30 seconds), by means of radiocommunication, between 2 or more fixed points; and
(c) the communication is then carried (immediately or with a transmission delay of not longer than 30 seconds) over another line link or other facility that, apart from this section, is an eligible network unit;
the communication referred to in paragraph (b) has the characteristic of double‑ended interconnection.
(4) In this section:
eligible network unit means a network unit:
(a) that is owned by one or more carriers; or
(b) in relation to which a nominated carrier declaration is in force.
Division 4—Distinct places
36 Distinct places—basic rules
(1) Places are distinct unless they are all in the same area because of subsection (2), (3) or (4).
(2) Places are in the same area if they are all situated in the same property as defined by section 37.
(3) Places are in the same area if they are situated in properties each of which forms part of a combined area as defined by section 38 and:
(a) the same person or persons is or are the principal user (as defined by section 39) of all the properties that together constitute that combined area; or
(b) because of a determination in force under section 40, that combined area is an eligible combined area for the purposes of this paragraph.
(4) Places are in the same area if they are all situated in the same eligible Territory.
(5) The later provisions of this Division have effect only for the purposes of this Division.
37 Properties
(1) An area of land is a property if:
(a) there is a single freehold or leasehold title in relation to that area (whether or not that title is registered under a law of a State or Territory relating to the registration of interests in land); and
(b) no part of that area is subject to a lease granted by the holder of that title; and
(c) the title to the area is defined by reference to geographical coordinates.
(2) If:
(a) there is a single freehold or leasehold title (as mentioned in paragraph (1)(a)) in relation to an area of land; and
(b) some but not all of that area is subject to a lease granted by the holder of that title;
then, an area of land:
(c) all of which is within the area referred to in paragraph (a) of this subsection; and
(d) none of which is subject to such a lease;
is a property unless it is only part of another such area.
(3) An area of land is not a property except as provided in this section.
(4) The regulations may prescribe the circumstances in which an area of land in relation to which there is a single freehold or leasehold title is not to constitute a property for the purposes of this Division.
(5) Despite paragraph (1)(c), the regulations may prescribe the circumstances in which an area of land, the title to which is defined otherwise than by reference to geographical coordinates, is a property.
(6) In this section:
land includes premises and a part of premises, but does not include unalienated Crown land.
lease includes sublease and leasehold title has a corresponding meaning.
38 Combined areas
(1) 2 contiguous properties form a combined area.
(2) If:
(a) a property is contiguous with another property; and
(b) the other property forms part of a combined area;
the first‑mentioned property, and the combined area referred to in paragraph (b), together form a combined area.
(3) Subsection (2) is recursive, that is, the reference in paragraph (2)(b) to a combined area is a reference to something that is a combined area because of any other application or applications of this section.
39 Principal user of a property
(1) The principal user of a property is the person who:
(a) occupies the property; or
(b) uses the property for the purpose that is the sole or principal purpose for which the property is used.
(2) However, if 2 or more persons:
(a) together occupy a property; or
(b) together use a property for the purpose that is the sole or principal purpose for which the property is used;
they are taken to together be the principal user of the property.
40 Eligible combined areas
The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that specified combined areas are eligible combined areas for the purposes of paragraph 36(3)(b).
Part 3—Carriers
Division 1—Simplified outline
41 Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Part:
• The owner of a network unit that is used to supply carriage services to the public must hold a carrier licence unless:
(a) a nominated carrier declaration is in force in relation to the network unit; or
(b) an exemption applies.
• Carrier licences are granted by the ACMA.
• The holder of a carrier licence is known as a carrier.
• If responsibility for a network unit is transferred from the owner of the unit to a carrier, the ACMA may make a nominated carrier declaration that declares the carrier to be the nominated carrier in relation to the unit.
• Carrier licences are subject to conditions.
Division 2—Prohibitions relating to carriers
42 Network unit not to be used without carrier licence or nominated carrier declaration
(1) If there is only one owner of a network unit, the owner of the network unit must not use the unit, either alone or jointly with one or more other persons, to supply a carriage service to the public, unless:
(a) the owner holds a carrier licence; or
(b) a nominated carrier declaration is in force in relation to the unit.
(2) If there is only one owner of a network unit, the owner of the network unit must not allow or permit another person to use the unit to supply a carriage service to the public unless:
(a) the owner holds a carrier licence; or
(b) a nominated carrier declaration is in force in relation to the unit.
(3) If there are 2 or more owners of a network unit, an owner of the network unit must not use the unit, either alone or jointly with one or more other persons, to supply a carriage service to the public, unless:
(a) the owner holds a carrier licence; or
(b) a nominated carrier declaration is in force in relation to the unit.
(4) If there are 2 or more owners of a network unit, an owner of the network unit must not, either alone or together with one or more other owners, allow or permit another person to use the unit to supply a carriage service to the public unless:
(a) the owner holds a carrier licence; or
(b) a nominated carrier declaration is in force in relation to the unit.
(5) A person who contravenes subsection (1), (2), (3) or (4) is guilty of an offence punishable on conviction by a fine not exceeding 20,000 penalty units.
Note: See also sections 4AA and 4B of the Crimes Act 1914.
43 Continuing offences
A person who contravenes section 42 is guilty of a separate offence in respect of each day (including a day of a conviction under this section or any later day) during which the contravention continues.
44 Supply to the public
(1) This section sets out the circumstances in which a network unit is taken, for the purposes of section 42, to be used to supply a carriage service to the public.
(2) If:
(a) there is only one owner of a network unit; and
(b) no nominated carrier declaration is in force in relation to the unit; and
(c) any of the following conditions is satisfied:
(i) the unit is used for the carriage of communications between 2 end‑users, where each end‑user is outside the immediate circle of the owner of the unit;
(ii) the unit is used to supply point‑to‑multipoint services to end‑users, where at least one end‑user is outside the immediate circle of the owner of the unit;
(iii) the unit is used to supply designated content services (other than point‑to‑multipoint services) to one or more end‑users, where at least one end‑user is outside the immediate circle of the owner of the unit;
the unit is used to supply a carriage service to the public.
(3) If:
(a) there are 2 or more owners of a network unit; and
(b) no nominated carrier declaration is in force in relation to the unit; and
(c) any of the following conditions is satisfied:
(i) the unit is used for the carriage of communications between 2 end‑users, where each end‑user is outside the overlap of the immediate circles of the owners of the unit;
(ii) the unit is used to supply point‑to‑multipoint services to end‑users, where at least one end‑user is outside the overlap of the immediate circles of the owners of the unit;
(iii) the unit is used to supply designated content services (other than point‑to‑multipoint services) to one or more end‑users, where at least one end‑user is outside the overlap of the immediate circles of the owners of the unit;
the unit is used to supply a carriage service to the public.
(4) If:
(a) a nominated carrier declaration is in force in relation to a network unit; and
(b) any of the following conditions is satisfied:
(i) the unit is used for the carriage of communications between 2 end‑users, where each end‑user is outside the immediate circle of the nominated carrier in relation to the unit;
(ii) the unit is used to supply point‑to‑multipoint services to end‑users, where at least one end‑user is outside the immediate circle of the nominated carrier in relation to the unit;
(iii) the unit is used to supply designated content services (other than point‑to‑multipoint services) to one or more end‑users, where at least one end‑user is outside the immediate circle of the nominated carrier in relation to the unit;
the unit is used to supply a carriage service to the public.
(5) For the purposes of this section, a person is outside the overlap of the immediate circles of the owners of a network unit unless the person is:
(a) within the immediate circles of each of the owners of the unit; or
(b) the owner, or one of the owners, of the unit.
(6) For the purposes of this section, a designated content service is a content service of a kind specified in a written determination made by the Minister.
(7) A determination under subsection (6) is a legislative instrument.
45 Exemption—defence
(1) If the sole use of a network unit is use by, or on behalf of, a defence organisation to carry communications necessary or desirable for defence purposes, section 42 does not apply to the unit.
(2) If:
(a) the principal use of a network unit is use by, or on behalf of, a defence organisation to carry communications necessary or desirable for defence purposes; and
(b) the remaining use of the unit is use by one or more carriers, or by one or more exempt network‑users, to supply carriage services and/or content services;
section 42 does not apply to the unit.
(3) In this section:
defence organisation means:
(a) the Defence Department; or
(b) the Australian Defence Force; or
(c) an organisation of a foreign country, so far as the organisation:
(i) has functions corresponding to functions of, or of a part of, the Defence Department or the Australian Defence Force; and
(ii) is authorised by the Commonwealth to operate or train in Australia or an external Territory; or
(d) a part of such an organisation or body.
46 Exemption—intelligence operations
Section 42 does not apply to a network unit that is used wholly or principally:
(a) by the Australian Secret Intelligence Service; or
(b) by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.
47 Exemption—transport authorities
(1) Section 42 does not apply to a network unit if the sole use of the unit is use by Airservices Australia to carry communications necessary or desirable for the workings of aviation services.
(3) Section 42 does not apply to a network unit if the sole use of the unit is use by a State or Territory transport authority to carry communications necessary or desirable for the workings of any or all of the following services:
(a) train services of a kind provided by the authority;
(b) bus or other road services of a kind provided by the authority;
(c) tram services of a kind provided by the authority.
(4) Section 42 does not apply to a network unit if the sole use of the unit is use by a rail corporation to carry communications necessary or desirable for the workings of train services.
(5) Section 42 does not apply to a network unit if:
(a) the principal use of the unit is use by Airservices Australia to carry communications necessary or desirable for the workings of aviation services; and
(b) the remaining use of the unit is use by one or more carriers, or by one or more exempt network‑users, to supply carriage services and/or content services.
(7) Section 42 does not apply to a network unit if:
(a) the principal use of the unit is use by a State or Territory transport authority to carry communications necessary or desirable for the workings of any or all of the following services:
(i) train services of a kind provided by the authority;
(ii) bus or other road services of a kind provided by the authority;
(iii) tram services of a kind provided by the authority; and
(b) the remaining use of the unit is use by one or more carriers, or by one or more exempt network‑users, to supply carriage services and/or content services.
(8) Section 42 does not apply to a network unit if:
(a) the principal use of the unit is use by a rail corporation to carry communications necessary or desirable for the workings of train services; and
(b) the remaining use of the unit is use by one or more carriers, or by one or more exempt network‑users, to supply carriage services and/or content services.
(9) In this section:
rail corporation means a body corporate that manages or operates either or both of the following:
(a) rail transport services;
(b) rail transport infrastructure.
48 Exemption—broadcasting services
(1) If :
(a) the sole use of a network unit is use to carry communications that are necessary or desirable for either or both of the following purposes:
(i) the supply of broadcasting services to the public;
(ii) the supply of a secondary carriage service by means of the main carrier signal of a primary broadcasting service; and
(b) the unit does not consist of, or include, a facility used to carry communications between:
(i) the head end of a cable transmission system; and
(ii) the equipment used by an end‑user to receive a broadcasting service; and
(c) the unit does not consist of a broadcasting transmitter transmitting a signal of a broadcasting service to its intended audience;
section 42 does not apply to the unit.
(2) If:
(a) the principal use of a network unit is use to carry communications that are necessary or desirable for either or both of the following purposes:
(i) the supply of broadcasting services to the public;
(ii) the supply of a secondary carriage service by means of the main carrier signal of a primary broadcasting service; and
(b) the unit does not consist of, or include, a facility used to carry communications between:
(i) the head end of a cable transmission system; and
(ii) the equipment used by an end‑user to receive a broadcasting service; and
(c) the unit does not consist of a broadcasting transmitter transmitting a signal of a broadcasting service to its intended audience; and
(d) the remaining use of the unit is use by one or more carriers, or by one or more exempt network‑users, to supply carriage services and/or content services;
section 42 does not apply to the unit.
(3) If the sole use of a line link is use for the purpose of a re‑transmission of a kind mentioned in paragraph 212(1)(a) or (b) of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, section 42 of this Act does not apply to the line link.
(4) If:
(a) the principal use of a line link is use for the purpose of a re‑transmission of a kind mentioned in paragraph 212(1)(a) or (b) of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992; and
(b) the remaining use of the line link is use by one or more carriers, or by one or more exempt network‑users, to supply carriage services and/or content services;
section 42 of this Act does not apply to the line link.
(4A) For the purposes of this section, disregard subsection 212(3) of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
(5) In this section:
broadcasting transmitter means a radiocommunications transmitter used, or for use, to deliver a broadcasting service.
head end of a cable transmission system means a facility that:
(a) is connected to a line link; and
(b) is used, or for use, in connection with the delivery of a broadcasting service; and
(c) processes signals for delivery by the line link to end‑users having equipment appropriate for receiving the service.
49 Exemption—electricity supply bodies
(1) If the sole use of a network unit is use by an electricity supply body to carry communications necessary or desirable for:
(a) managing the generation, transmission, distribution or supply of electricity; or
(b) charging for the supply of electricity;
section 42 does not apply to the unit.
(2) If:
(a) the principal use of a network unit is use by an electricity supply body to carry communications necessary or desirable for:
(i) managing the generation, transmission, distribution or supply of electricity; or
(ii) charging for the supply of electricity; and
(b) the remaining use of the unit is use by one or more carriers, or by one or more exempt network‑users, to supply carriage services and/or content services;
section 42 does not apply to the unit.
(3) In this section:
electricity supply body means an authority, or a body corporate, that carries on a business, or performs a function, of:
(a) generating, transmitting, distributing or supplying electricity; or
(b) managing the generation, transmission, distribution or supply of electricity.
50 Exemption—line links authorised by or under previous laws
(1) If:
(a) a line link consists of facilities in relation to which an authorisation was in force under paragraph 13(1)(a) of the Telecommunications Act 1975 immediately before the repeal of that Act; and
(b) the sole use of the line link is use as provided in, and in accordance with any conditions specified in, the authorisation;
section 42 of this Act does not apply to the line link.
(2) If:
(a) a line link consists of facilities in relation to which an authorisation was in force under paragraph 13(1)(a) of the Telecommunications Act 1975 immediately before the repeal of that Act; and
(b) the principal use of the line link is use as provided in, and in accordance with any conditions specified in, the authorisation; and
(c) the remaining use of the line link is use by one or more carriers, or by one or more exempt network‑users, to supply carriage services and/or content services;
section 42 of this Act does not apply to the line link.
(3) If a line link consists of facilities that:
(a) were installed before the repeal of section 45 of the Telecommunications Act 1989; and
(b) immediately before that repeal, were permitted by that section to be maintained and operated;
section 42 of this Act does not apply to the line link.
(4) If:
(a) a line link consists of facilities in relation to which an authorisation was in force under section 46 of the Telecommunications Act 1989 immediately before the repeal of that Act; and
(b) the sole use of the line link is use as provided in, and in accordance with any conditions specified in, the authorisation;
section 42 of this Act does not apply to the line link.
(5) If:
(a) a line link consists of facilities in relation to which an authorisation was in force under section 46 of the Telecommunications Act 1989 immediately before the repeal of that Act; and
(b) the principal use of the line link is use as provided in, and in accordance with any conditions specified in, the authorisation; and
(c) the remaining use of the line link is use by one or more carriers, or by one or more exempt network‑users, to supply carriage services and/or content services;
section 42 of this Act does not apply to the line link.
(6) If:
(a) a line link consists of facilities in relation to which an authorisation was in force under section 108 of the Telecommunications Act 1991 immediately before the repeal of that Act; and
(b) the sole use of the line link is use as provided in, and in accordance with any conditions specified in, the authorisation;
section 42 of this Act does not apply to the line link.
(7) If:
(a) a line link consists of facilities in relation to which an authorisation was in force under section 108 of the Telecommunications Act 1991 immediately before the repeal of that Act; and
(b) the principal use of the line link is use as provided in, and in accordance with any conditions specified in, the authorisation; and
(c) the remaining use of the line link is use by one or more carriers, or by one or more exempt network‑users, to supply carriage services and/or content services;
section 42 of this Act does not apply to the line link.
51 Exemption—Ministerial determination
(1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that section 42 does not apply in relation to:
(a) a specified network unit; or
(b) a specified person; or
(c) a specified use of a network unit.
(2) A determination under this section may be unconditional or subject to such conditions (if any) as are specified in the determination.
(3) A determination under this section has effect accordingly.
Division 3—Carrier licences
52 Applications for carrier licence
A person may apply to the ACMA for a carrier licence, so long as the person is:
(a) a constitutional corporation; or
(b) an eligible partnership; or
(c) a public body.
53 Form of application etc.
An application must be:
(a) in writing; and
(b) in accordance with the form approved in writing by the ACMA.
53A Copy of application to be given to Communications Access Co‑ordinator
(1) The ACMA must give a copy of the application to the Communications Access Co‑ordinator.
(2) For the purposes of sections 56A and 59, the application is taken not to have been received by the ACMA until the copy is received by the Communications Access Co‑ordinator.
54 Application to be accompanied by charge
An application must be accompanied by the charge (if any) imposed on the application by Part 2 of the Telecommunications (Carrier Licence Charges) Act 1997.
55 Further information
(1) The ACMA may, within 20 business days after an application is made, request the applicant to give the ACMA, within the period specified in the request, further information about the application.
(2) The ACMA may refuse to consider the application until the applicant gives the ACMA the information.
(3) In this section:
business day means a day on which the ACMA is open for business in the Australian Capital Territory and in Victoria.
56 Grant of licence
(1) After considering an application, the ACMA may grant a carrier licence in accordance with the application.
(2) If the ACMA grants a carrier licence to a person, the ACMA must give the person a written notice stating that the licence has been granted.
(3) If the ACMA grants a carrier licence, the ACMA must cause to be published in the Gazette a notice stating that the licence has been granted.
56A Consultation with Communications Access Co‑ordinator
(1) The ACMA must not grant a carrier licence unless it has consulted the Communications Access Co‑ordinator about the licence application.
(2) Within 15 business days after the date on which the ACMA received the licence application, the Communications Access Co‑ordinator may give a written notice to the ACMA, stating that the Communications Access Co‑ordinator does not require any further consultation about the application. The notice cannot be revoked.
Note: Under section 53A, the application is treated as not being received by the ACMA until a copy has been received by the Communications Access Co‑ordinator.
(3) Within 15 business days after the date on which the ACMA received the licence application, the Communications Access Co‑ordinator may give a written notice to the ACMA:
(a) stating that, while the notice remains in force, the ACMA must not grant the carrier licence; and
(b) specifying the period during which the notice remains in force (unless earlier revoked), which period cannot end more than 3 months after the date of the notice.
However, the Communications Access Co‑ordinator cannot give such a notice if the Communications Access Co‑ordinator has earlier given a notice under subsection (2) in relation to the application.
(4) At any time while a notice is in force under subsection (3), or under this subsection, the Communications Access Co‑ordinator may give a further written notice to the ACMA:
(a) stating that, while the notice remains in force, the ACMA must not grant the carrier licence; and
(b) specifying the period during which the notice remains in force (unless earlier revoked), which period cannot end more than 3 months after the date of the notice or more than 12 months after the date of the notice under subsection (3).
(5) The Communications Access Co‑ordinator may, by notice in writing to the ACMA, revoke a notice under subsection (3) or (4).
(6) The Communications Access Co‑ordinator cannot issue a further notice under subsection (3) or (4) in respect of the application after it has revoked such a notice.
(7) The ACMA must give the applicant a copy of each notice that the ACMA receives from the Communications Access Co‑ordinator under subsection (3), (4) or (5).
(8) The ACMA must not grant the carrier licence while a notice is in force under subsection (3) or (4).
(9) In this section:
business day means a day on which the ACMA is open for business in the Australian Capital Territory and in Victoria.
57 Carrier licence has effect subject to this Act
(1) A carrier licence has effect subject to this Act.
(2) In this section:
this Act includes:
(a) the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 and regulations under that Act; and
(b) Part 6 of the Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency Act 2012.
58 Refusal of carrier licence—disqualified applicant
(1) The ACMA may refuse to grant a carrier licence to an applicant if, immediately before the ACMA makes its decision on the application, the applicant is disqualified.
When body corporate is disqualified
(2) For the purposes of this section, a body corporate is disqualified at a particular time (the test time) if:
(a) at any time before the test time, a carrier licence held by the body corporate was cancelled under subsection 72(1), (2) or (2A); or
(b) at any time before the test time, a carrier licence held by a partnership in which the body corporate was a partner was cancelled under subsection 72(1), (2) or (2A); or
(c) at the test time, any of the following individuals is disqualified:
(i) a director of the body corporate;
(ii) the secretary of the body corporate;
(iii) a person (by whatever name called and whether or not a director of the body corporate) who is concerned in, or takes part in, the management of the body corporate.
When individual is disqualified—failure to pay annual charge
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), an individual is disqualified at a particular time (the test time) if:
(a) at any time before the test time, a carrier licence held by a body corporate or partnership was cancelled under subsection 72(1) because of a failure by the body corporate or partnership to pay in full the charge referred to in that subsection; and
(b) in the case of a body corporate—at the time when the charge referred to in subsection 72(1) was due and payable, the individual was:
(i) a director of the body corporate; or
(ii) the secretary of the body corporate; or
(iii) a person (by whatever name called and whether or not a director of the body corporate) who was concerned in, or took part in, the management of the body corporate; and
(c) in the case of a partnership—at the time when the charge referred to in subsection 72(1) was due and payable, the individual:
(i) was an employee of the partnership; and
(ii) was concerned in, or took part in, the management of the partnership; and
(d) the individual:
(i) aided, abetted, counselled or procured the failure of the body corporate or partnership; or
(ii) was in any way, by act or omission, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, the failure of the body corporate or partnership.
When individual is disqualified—failure to pay universal service levy
(4) For the purposes of subsection (2), an individual is disqualified at a particular time (the test time) if:
(a) at any time before the test time, a carrier licence held by a body corporate or partnership was cancelled under subsection 72(2) because of a failure by the body corporate or partnership to pay in full the universal service levy referred to in that subsection; and
(b) in the case of a body corporate—at the time when the universal service levy referred to in subsection 72(2) was due and payable, the individual was:
(i) a director of the body corporate; or
(ii) the secretary of the body corporate; or
(iii) a person (by whatever name called and whether or not a director of the body corporate) who was concerned in, or took part in, the management of the body corporate; and
(c) in the case of a partnership—at the time when the universal service levy referred to in subsection 72(2) was due and payable, the individual:
(i) was an employee of the partnership; and
(ii) was concerned in, or took part in, the management of the partnership; and
(d) the individual:
(i) aided, abetted, counselled or procured the failure of the body corporate or partnership; or
(ii) was in any way, by act or omission, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, the failure of the body corporate or partnership.
When individual is disqualified—failure to pay industry levy
(4A) For the purposes of subsection (2), an individual is disqualified at a particular time (the test time) if:
(a) at any time before the test time, a carrier licence held by a body corporate or partnership was cancelled under subsection 72(2A) because of a failure by the body corporate or partnership to pay in full the industry levy referred to in that subsection; and
(b) in the case of a body corporate—at the time when the industry levy referred to in subsection 72(2A) was due and payable, the individual was:
(i) a director of the body corporate; or
(ii) the secretary of the body corporate; or
(iii) a person (by whatever name called and whether or not a director of the body corporate) who was concerned in, or took part in, the management of the body corporate; and
(c) in the case of a partnership—at the time when the industry levy referred to in subsection 72(2A) was due and payable, the individual:
(i) was an employee of the partnership; and
(ii) was concerned in, or took part in, the management of the partnership; and
(d) the individual:
(i) aided, abetted, counselled or procured the failure of the body corporate or partnership; or
(ii) was in any way, by act or omission, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, the failure of the body corporate or partnership.
When partnership is disqualified
(5) For the purposes of this section, a partnership is disqualified at a particular time (the test time) if:
(a) at any time before the test time, a carrier licence held by the partnership was cancelled under subsection 72(1), (2) or (2A); or
(b) at the test time, any of the partners is disqualified; or
(c) at the test time, an individual who:
(i) is an employee of the partnership; and
(ii) is concerned in, or takes part in, the management of the partnership;
is disqualified.
This section does not limit grounds for refusal to grant carrier licence
(6) This section does not, by implication, limit the grounds on which the ACMA may refuse to grant a carrier licence.
58A Refusal of carrier licence—security
(1) If the Attorney‑General, after consulting the Prime Minister and the Minister administering this Act, considers that the grant of a carrier licence to a particular person would be prejudicial to security, the Attorney‑General may give a written direction to the ACMA not to grant a carrier licence to the person.
(2) The ACMA must comply with a direction under subsection (1).
(3) While a direction is in force under this section:
(a) the ACMA cannot reconsider a non‑compulsory refusal to grant a carrier licence to the person; and
(b) the Administrative Appeals Tribunal cannot consider an application for review of a non‑compulsory refusal to grant a carrier licence to the person.
(4) If an application for a carrier licence is pending at the time when the Attorney‑General gives a direction to the ACMA under this section, then the application lapses.
Note: Section 73A provides for refund of the application charge.
(5) In this section:
non‑compulsory refusal means a refusal to grant a carrier licence, other than a refusal that is required by section 56A or this section.
security has the same meaning as in the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979.
59 Time limit on licence decision
Deemed refusal of licence application if no decision by deadline
(1) If the ACMA neither grants, nor refuses to grant, a carrier licence before the end of the deadline day worked out under the following subsections, then the ACMA is taken, at the end of that day, to have refused to grant the licence.
Case 1: no section 55 request and no section 56A notice in force
(2) If:
(a) the ACMA did not give a section 55 request; and
(b) there is no section 56A notice in force at the end of the 20th business day after the application day;
then the deadline day is the 20th business day after the application day.
Case 2: no section 55 request but section 56A notice in force
(3) If:
(a) the ACMA did not give a section 55 request; and
(b) there is a section 56A notice in force at the end of the 20th business day after the application day;
then the deadline day is the fifth business day after the section 56A expiration day. For this purpose, the section 56A expiration day is the first day after the end of that 20th business day on which there is no notice in force under section 56A.
Case 3: section 55 request complied with and no section 56A notice in force
(4) If:
(a) the ACMA gave a section 55 request; and
(b) the request was complied with; and
(c) there is no section 56A notice in force at the end of the tenth business day after the day on which the request was complied with;
then the deadline day is the tenth business day after the day on which the request was complied with.
Case 4: section 55 request complied with and section 56A notice in force
(5) If:
(a) the ACMA gave a section 55 request; and
(b) the request was complied with; and
(c) there is a section 56A notice in force at the end of the tenth business day after the day on which the request was complied with;
then the deadline day is the fifth business day after the section 56A expiration day. For this purpose, the section 56A expiration day is the first day after the end of that tenth business day on which there is no notice in force under section 56A.
Case 5: section 55 request not complied with and no section 56A notice in force
(6) If:
(a) the ACMA gave a section 55 request; and
(b) the request was not complied with; and
(c) there is no section 56A notice in force at the end of the tenth business day after the day specified in the section 55 request;
then the deadline day is the tenth business day after the day specified in the section 55 request.
Case 6: section 55 request not complied with and section 56A notice in force
(7) If:
(a) the ACMA gave a section 55 request; and
(b) the request was not complied with; and
(c) there is a section 56A notice in force at the end of the tenth business day after the day specified in the section 55 request;
then the deadline day is the fifth business day after the section 56A expiration day. For this purpose, the section 56A expiration day is the first day after the end of that tenth business day on which there is no notice in force under section 56A.
(8) In this section:
application day means the day on which the ACMA received the licence application.
Note: Under section 53A, the application is treated as not being received by the ACMA until a copy has been received by the Communications Access Co‑ordinator.
business day means a day on which the ACMA is open for business in the Australian Capital Territory and in Victoria.
section 55 request means a request under section 55 in relation to the licence application.
section 56A notice means a notice under subsection 56A(3) or (4) in relation to the licence application.
60 Notification of refusal of application
If the ACMA refuses to grant a carrier licence, the ACMA must give written notice of the refusal to the applicant.
61 Conditions of carrier licence specified in Schedule 1
A carrier licence is subject to the conditions specified in Schedule 1.
62 Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152AZ of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010
A carrier licence is subject to the condition set out in section 152AZ of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Section 152AZ of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 deals with standard access obligations.
62A Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152BCO of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010
A carrier licence is subject to the condition set out in section 152BCO of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Section 152BCO of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 deals with access determinations.
62B Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152BDF of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010
A carrier licence is subject to the condition set out in section 152BDF of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Section 152BDF of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 deals with binding rules of conduct.
62C Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152BEC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010
A carrier licence is subject to the condition set out in section 152BEC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Section 152BEC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 deals with access agreements.
62D Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152CJC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010
A carrier licence held by an NBN corporation is subject to the condition set out in section 152CJC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Section 152CJC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 deals with rules about the supply of services by NBN corporations.
62E Condition of carrier licence set out in section 37 of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011
A carrier licence held by an NBN corporation is subject to the condition set out in section 37 of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011.
Note: Section 37 of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011 deals with rules about:
(a) the supply of goods and services by NBN corporations; and
(b) the investment of money by NBN corporations; and
(c) the functional separation of NBN corporations; and
(d) the divestment of assets by NBN corporations.
63 Conditions of carrier licence declared by Minister
Conditions applying to each carrier licence
(1) The Minister may, by written instrument, declare that each carrier licence is subject to such conditions as are specified in the instrument.
Conditions applying to specified existing carrier licences
(2) The Minister may, by written instrument, declare that a specified carrier licence is subject to such conditions as are specified in the instrument.
Note: A licence may be specified by name, by inclusion in a specified class or in any other way.
Conditions applying to specified future carrier licences
(3) The Minister may, by written instrument, declare that, in the event that a carrier licence is granted to a specified person during a specified period, the carrier licence is subject to such conditions as are specified in the instrument.
Declarations have effect
(4) A declaration under this section has effect accordingly.
Variation of conditions
(5) The Minister may, by written instrument, vary an instrument under subsection (1), (2) or (3).
Revocation of conditions
(6) The Minister may, by written instrument, revoke an instrument under subsection (1), (2) or (3).
Notification of conditions—existing licences
(7) As soon as practicable after the Minister makes an instrument under subsection (1), (2), (5) or (6) that relates to a licence, the Minister must give the holder of the licence a copy of the instrument.
Notification of conditions—future licences
(8) As soon as practicable after the Minister makes an instrument under subsection (3) that relates to a licence, the Minister must give the applicant for the licence a copy of the instrument.
Validity not affected by failure to notify conditions
(9) A contravention of subsection (7) or (8) does not affect the validity of an instrument.
Gazettal
(10) A copy of an instrument under subsection (1), (2), (3), (5) or (6) is to be published in the Gazette.
Date of effect—existing licences
(11) An instrument under subsection (1), (2), (5) or (6) takes effect:
(a) on the day on which a copy of the instrument is published in the Gazette; or
(b) if the instrument specifies a later day—on that later day.
Date of effect—future licences
(12) An instrument under subsection (3) relating to a licence takes effect when the licence is granted.
Disallowable instrument
(13) An instrument under subsection (1), (2), (3), (5) or (6) is a disallowable instrument for the purposes of section 46A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
64 Consultation about declared licence conditions
(1) Before making an instrument under subsection 63(1), (2), (5) or (6) that relates to a licence, the Minister must first:
(a) cause the holder of the licence to be given a written notice setting out a draft version of the instrument and inviting the holder to make submissions to the Minister on the draft; and
(b) consider any submissions that were received within the time limit specified in the notice.
(2) The time limit specified in a notice under subsection (1) must be at least 30 days.
(3) Before making an instrument under subsection 63(3) that relates to a licence, the Minister must first:
(a) cause the applicant for the licence to be given a written notice setting out a draft version of the instrument and inviting the applicant to make submissions to the Minister on the draft; and
(b) consider any submissions that were received within the time limit specified in the notice.
65 Conditions about foreign ownership or control
(1) A condition of a carrier licence may relate to the extent of foreign ownership or control (whether direct or indirect) of the holder.
(2) Subsection (1) does not, by implication, limit the conditions that may be declared under section 63.
67 Carrier licence conditions—special provisions
(1) A condition of a carrier licence held by a carrier has effect subject to the provisions of a licence under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 under which the carrier is authorised to do something.
(2) A condition of a carrier licence held by a carrier may remove or restrict a right or privilege that the carrier would otherwise have under a provision of this Act (whether or not in the carrier’s capacity as a carrier).
(3) In this section:
this Act includes:
(a) the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 and regulations under that Act; and
(b) the Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency Act 2012.
68 Compliance with conditions
(1) A carrier must not contravene a condition of the carrier licence held by the carrier.
(2) A person must not:
(a) aid, abet, counsel or procure a contravention of subsection (1); or
(b) induce, whether by threats or promises or otherwise, a contravention of subsection (1); or
(c) be in any way, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, a contravention of subsection (1); or
(d) conspire with others to effect a contravention of subsection (1).
(3) Subsections (1) and (2) are civil penalty provisions.
Note: Part 31 provides for pecuniary penalties for breaches of civil penalty provisions.
69 Remedial directions—breach of condition
(1) This section applies if a carrier has contravened, or is contravening, a condition of the carrier licence held by the carrier.
(2) The ACMA may give the carrier a written direction requiring the carrier to take specified action directed towards ensuring that the carrier does not contravene the condition, or is unlikely to contravene the condition, in the future.
(3) The following are examples of the kinds of direction that may be given to a carrier under subsection (2):
(a) a direction that the carrier implement effective administrative systems for monitoring compliance with a condition of the licence;
(b) a direction that the carrier implement a system designed to give the carrier’s employees, agents and contractors a reasonable knowledge and understanding of the requirements of a condition of the licence, in so far as those requirements affect the employees, agents or contractors concerned.
(4) A carrier must not contravene a direction under subsection (2).
(5) Subsection (1) does not apply to a condition set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1 in so far as that condition relates to section 369.
Note: Section 369 deals with Rules of Conduct under section 367.
(5A) Subsection (1) does not apply to a condition set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1 in so far as that condition relates to section 577AD, 577CD or 577ED.
Note: Sections 577AD, 577CD and 577ED deal with undertakings given by Telstra.
(6) Subsection (1) does not apply to a condition set out in Part 3, 4 or 5 of Schedule 1.
Note: Parts 3, 4 and 5 of Schedule 1 deal with access to network information and access to facilities.
(6B) Subsection (1) does not apply to the condition set out in clause 84 of Schedule 1.
Note: Clause 84 of Schedule 1 deals with control by Telstra of certain spectrum licences.
(7) Subsection (1) does not apply to the condition set out in section 152AZ of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Section 152AZ of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 deals with standard access obligations.
(7A) Subsection (1) does not apply to the condition set out in section 152BCO of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Section 152BCO of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 deals with access determinations.
(7B) Subsection (1) does not apply to the condition set out in section 152BDF of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Section 152BDF of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 deals with binding rules of conduct.
(7C) Subsection (1) does not apply to the condition set out in section 152BEC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Section 152BEC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 deals with access agreements.
(7D) Subsection (1) does not apply to the condition set out in section 152CJC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Section 152CJC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 deals with rules about the supply of services by NBN corporations.
(7E) Subsection (1) does not apply to the condition set out in section 37 of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011.
Note: Section 37 of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011 deals with rules about:
(a) the supply of goods and services by NBN corporations; and
(b) the investment of money by NBN corporations; and
(c) the functional separation of NBN corporations; and
(d) the divestment of assets by NBN corporations.
(7F) Subsection (1) does not apply to a condition covered by section 41 of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011.
Note: Section 41 of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011 deals with rules about the supply of services by NBN corporations.
(8) A direction under subsection (2) is not a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
69AA Remedial directions—breach of conditions relating to access
Scope
(1) This section applies if:
(a) a carrier has contravened, or is contravening, a condition of the carrier licence held by the carrier; and
(b) the condition is set out in Part 3, 4 or 5 of Schedule 1.
Note: Parts 3, 4 and 5 of Schedule 1 deal with access to network information and access to facilities.
Direction
(2) The ACCC may give the carrier a written direction requiring the carrier to take specified action directed towards ensuring that the carrier does not contravene the condition, or is unlikely to contravene the condition, in the future.
(3) The following are examples of the kinds of direction that may be given to a carrier under subsection (2):
(a) a direction that the carrier implement effective administrative systems for monitoring compliance with the condition;
(b) a direction that the carrier implement a system designed to give the carrier’s employees, agents and contractors a reasonable knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the condition, in so far as those requirements affect the employees, agents or contractors concerned.
(4) The ACCC must not give a direction under subsection (2) if the direction would have the effect of:
(a) preventing Telstra from complying with an undertaking in force under section 577A, 577C or 577E; or
(b) if a final migration plan is in force—requiring Telstra to engage in conduct in connection with matters covered by the final migration plan.
(5) A carrier must not contravene a direction under subsection (2).
(6) A direction under subsection (2) is not a legislative instrument.
70 Formal warnings—breach of condition
(1) The ACMA may issue a formal warning if a carrier contravenes a condition of the carrier licence held by the carrier.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a condition set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1 in so far as that condition relates to section 369.
Note: Section 369 deals with Rules of Conduct under section 367.
(2A) Subsection (1) does not apply to a condition set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1 in so far as that condition relates to section 577AD, 577CD or 577ED.
Note: Sections 577AD, 577CD and 577ED deal with undertakings given by Telstra.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to a condition set out in Part 3, 4 or 5 of Schedule 1.
Note: Parts 3, 4 and 5 of Schedule 1 deal with access to network information and access to facilities.
(3B) Subsection (1) does not apply to the condition set out in clause 84 of Schedule 1.
Note: Clause 84 of Schedule 1 deals with control by Telstra of certain spectrum licences.
(4) Subsection (1) does not apply to the condition set out in section 152AZ of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Section 152AZ of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 deals with standard access obligations.
(4A) Subsection (1) does not apply to the condition set out in section 152BCO of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Section 152BCO of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 deals with access determinations.
(4B) Subsection (1) does not apply to the condition set out in section 152BDF of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Section 152BDF of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 deals with binding rules of conduct.
(4C) Subsection (1) does not apply to the condition set out in section 152BEC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Section 152BEC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 deals with access agreements.
(4D) Subsection (1) does not apply to the condition set out in section 152CJC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Section 152CJC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 deals with rules about the supply of services by NBN corporations.
(4E) Subsection (1) does not apply to the condition set out in section 37 of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011.
Note: Section 37 of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011 deals with rules about:
(a) the supply of goods and services by NBN corporations; and
(b) the investment of money by NBN corporations; and
(c) the functional separation of NBN corporations; and
(d) the divestment of assets by NBN corporations.
(4F) Subsection (1) does not apply to a condition covered by section 41 of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011.
Note: Section 41 of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011 deals with rules about the supply of services by NBN corporations.
(5) The ACCC may issue a formal warning if a carrier contravenes any of the following conditions of the carrier licence held by the carrier:
(a) the condition set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1 in so far as that condition relates to section 369;
(aa) the condition set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1 in so far as that condition relates to section 577AD, 577CD or 577ED;
(b) a condition set out in Part 3, 4 or 5 of Schedule 1;
(c) the condition set out in section 152AZ of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010;
(d) the condition set out in section 152BCO of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010;
(e) the condition set out in section 152BDF of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010;
(f) the condition set out in section 152BEC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010;
(g) the condition set out in section 152CJC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010;
(h) the condition set out in section 37 of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011;
(i) a condition covered by section 41 of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011.
71 Surrender of carrier licence
A carrier may, by written notice given to the ACMA, surrender the carrier licence held by the carrier.
72 Cancellation of carrier licence
Failure to pay annual charge
(1) The ACMA may cancel a carrier licence held by a carrier if the carrier fails to pay in full any annual charge on or before the date on which the charge becomes due and payable. For this purpose, annual charge means charge imposed by Part 3 of the Telecommunications (Carrier Licence Charges) Act 1997.
Failure to pay universal service levy
(2) The ACMA may cancel a carrier licence held by a carrier if the carrier fails to pay in full any universal service levy on or before the date on which the universal service levy becomes due and payable.
Note: Universal service levy is defined by section 7 to mean levy imposed by the Telecommunications (Universal Service Levy) Act 1997.
Failure to pay industry levy
(2A) The ACMA may cancel a carrier licence held by a carrier if the carrier fails to pay in full any industry levy on or before the date on which the industry levy becomes due and payable.
Note: Industry levy is defined by section 7 to mean levy imposed by the Telecommunications (Industry Levy) Act 2012.
Becoming a disqualified body corporate
(3) If the holder of a carrier licence becomes a disqualified body corporate (within the meaning of section 58), the ACMA may cancel the licence.
Becoming a disqualified partnership
(4) If the holder of a carrier licence becomes a disqualified partnership (within the meaning of section 58), the ACMA may cancel the licence.
Ceasing to be a constitutional corporation, eligible partnership or public body
(5) If, at a particular time, the holder of a carrier licence is none of the following:
(a) a constitutional corporation;
(b) an eligible partnership;
(c) a public body;
the licence is taken to have been cancelled at that time.
Submissions relating to proposed cancellation
(6) The ACMA must not cancel a carrier licence under subsection (1), (2), (3) or (4) unless the ACMA has first:
(a) given the carrier a written notice:
(i) setting out a proposal to cancel the licence; and
(ii) inviting the carrier to make a submission to the ACMA on the proposal; and
(b) considered any submission that was received within the time limit specified in the notice.
Time limit
(7) A time limit specified in the notice under subsection (6) must run for at least 7 days.
Notification of cancellation
(8) If a carrier licence held by a person is cancelled, the ACMA must give written notice of the cancellation to the person.
73 Collection of charges relating to carrier licences
Definitions
(1) In this section:
annual charge means charge imposed by Part 3 of the Telecommunications (Carrier Licence Charges) Act 1997.
application charge means charge imposed by Part 2 of the Telecommunications (Carrier Licence Charges) Act 1997.
late payment penalty means an amount that is payable by way of penalty in accordance with a determination under subsection (4).
When application charge due and payable
(2) Application charge imposed on an application for a carrier licence is due and payable when the application is made.
When annual charge due and payable
(3) Annual charge is due and payable at the time ascertained in accordance with a written determination made by the ACMA.
Late payment penalty
(4) The ACMA may, by written instrument, determine that, if any annual charge payable by a person remains unpaid after the time when it became due for payment, the person is liable to pay to the Commonwealth, by way of penalty, an amount calculated at the rate of:
(a) 20% per annum; or
(b) if the determination specifies a lower percentage—that lower percentage per annum;
on the amount unpaid, computed from that time.
Determination has effect
(5) A determination under subsection (4) has effect accordingly.
Remission of penalty
(6) A determination under subsection (4) may authorise the ACMA to make decisions about the remission of the whole or a part of an amount of late payment penalty.
Payment of charge and late payment penalty
(7) Annual charge, application charge and late payment penalty are payable to the ACMA on behalf of the Commonwealth.
Recovery of charge and penalty
(8) Annual charge, application charge and late payment penalty may be recovered by the ACMA, on behalf of the Commonwealth, as debts due to the Commonwealth.
Payment to the Commonwealth
(9) Amounts received by way of annual charge, application charge or late payment penalty must be paid to the Commonwealth.
Legislative instrument
(10) A determination under subsection (3) or (4) is a legislative instrument.
73A Refund of application charge
(1) This section applies to application charge that has been paid in respect of an application for a carrier licence if:
(a) the application lapses under section 58A; or
(b) the application has been refused and there is no longer any possibility of the refusal decision being set aside.
(2) The ACMA, on behalf of the Commonwealth, must refund the application charge to the applicant.
(3) The Consolidated Revenue Fund is appropriated for payments under this section.
(4) In this section:
application charge means charge imposed by Part 2 of the Telecommunications (Carrier Licence Charges) Act 1997.
74 Collection of charges on behalf of the Commonwealth
The ACMA may enter into an arrangement with a person under which the person may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, collect payments of charge imposed by the Telecommunications (Carrier Licence Charges) Act 1997.
75 Cancellation of certain exemptions from charge
(1) This section cancels the effect of a provision of another Act that would have the effect of exempting a person from liability to pay charge imposed by the Telecommunications (Carrier Licence Charges) Act 1997.
(2) The cancellation does not apply if the provision of the other Act is enacted after the commencement of this section and refers specifically to charge imposed by the Telecommunications (Carrier Licence Charges) Act 1997.
76 Commonwealth not liable to charge
(1) The Commonwealth is not liable to pay charge imposed by the Telecommunications (Carrier Licence Charges) Act 1997.
(2) A reference in this section to the Commonwealth includes a reference to an authority of the Commonwealth that cannot, by law of the Commonwealth, be made liable to taxation by the Commonwealth.
Division 4—Nominated carrier declarations
77 Applications for nominated carrier declarations
A carrier may apply to the ACMA for a nominated carrier declaration in relation to one or more specified network units.
Note: A network unit may be specified by name, by inclusion in a specified class or in any other way.
78 Application to be accompanied by charge etc.
(1) An application must be accompanied by:
(a) the charge (if any) fixed by a determination under section 60 of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005; and
(b) the consent of the owner, or each of the owners, of the network units; and
(c) the election of the applicant accepting responsibility for the units for the purposes of this Act.
(2) In this section:
this Act includes:
(a) the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 and regulations under that Act; and
(b) the Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency Act 2012.
79 Form of application etc.
The application, consent and election must be:
(a) in writing; and
(b) in accordance with a form approved in writing by the ACMA.
80 Further information
(1) The ACMA may request the applicant to give the ACMA, within the period specified in the request, further information about the application.
(2) The ACMA may refuse to consider the application until the applicant gives the ACMA the information.
81 Making a nominated carrier declaration
(1) After considering the application, the ACMA may declare in writing that the applicant is the nominated carrier in relation to the network units if the ACMA is satisfied that:
(a) if the declaration were made, the applicant would be in a position to comply with all of the obligations imposed on the applicant in the applicant’s capacity as the nominated carrier in relation to the units; and
(b) the making of the declaration will not impede the efficient administration of this Act.
(2) The ACMA may only declare one carrier to be the nominated carrier in relation to the network units.
(3) The ACMA must give a copy of the declaration to:
(a) the applicant; and
(b) the owner, or each of the owners, of the network units.
(4) A copy of the declaration is to be published in the Gazette.
(5) In this section:
this Act includes:
(a) the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 and regulations under that Act; and
(b) the Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency Act 2012.
81A Obligations of nominated carrier
(1) If at any time the nominated carrier does not own or operate the network units, this Act nevertheless applies to the nominated carrier in relation to the network units as if they were owned or operated by the nominated carrier.
(2) Subsection (1) does not affect the application of this Act in relation to any other person who owns or operates the network units.
(3) In this section:
this Act includes:
(a) the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 and regulations under that Act; and
(b) the Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency Act 2012.
82 Notification of refusal of application
If the ACMA refuses to make a nominated carrier declaration, the ACMA must give written notice of the refusal to:
(a) the applicant; and
(b) the owner, or each of the owners, of the network units.
83 Revocation of nominated carrier declaration
(1) The ACMA may, by writing, revoke a nominated carrier declaration relating to a nominated carrier if the ACMA is satisfied that, if it were assumed that the nominated carrier were to apply for the declaration, the ACMA would refuse to make the declaration.
(2) The ACMA must, by writing, revoke the nominated carrier declaration relating to a nominated carrier and relating to one or more network units if:
(a) the owner, or any of the owners, of the network units gives the ACMA a written notice stating that the owner does not consent to the continued operation of the declaration; or
(b) the nominated carrier gives the ACMA a written notice stating that it does not accept responsibility for the units for the purposes of this Act.
(3) The ACMA must give a copy of the revocation to:
(a) the former nominated carrier; and
(b) the owner, or each of the owners, of the network units concerned.
(4) A copy of the revocation must be published in the Gazette.
(5) A revocation under subsection (1) or (2) takes effect on the date specified in the revocation.
(6) The ACMA must not revoke a nominated carrier declaration under subsection (1) unless the ACMA has first:
(a) given the nominated carrier a written notice:
(i) setting out a proposal to revoke the declaration; and
(ii) inviting the nominated carrier to make a submission to the ACMA on the proposal; and
(b) considered any submission that was received within the time limit specified in the notice.
(7) A time limit specified in a notice under subsection (6) must run for at least 7 days.
(8) In this section:
this Act includes:
(a) the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 and regulations under that Act; and
(b) the Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency Act 2012.
Division 5—Register of nominated carrier declarations and carrier licences
84 Register of nominated carrier declarations and carrier licences
(1) The ACMA is to maintain a Register in which the ACMA includes:
(a) all nominated carrier declarations currently in force; and
(b) all carrier licences currently in force; and
(c) all conditions of such licences.
(2) The Register may be maintained by electronic means.
(3) A person may, on payment of the charge (if any) fixed by a determination under section 60 of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005:
(a) inspect the Register; and
(b) make a copy of, or take extracts from, the Register.
(4) For the purposes of this section, if the Register is maintained by electronic means, a person is taken to have made a copy of, or taken an extract from, the Register if the ACMA gives the person a printout of, or of the relevant parts of, the Register.
(5) If a person requests that a copy be provided in an electronic form, the ACMA may provide the relevant information:
(a) on a data processing device; or
(b) by way of electronic transmission.
Part 4—Service providers
Division 1—Simplified outline
85 Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Part:
• A service provider is:
(a) a carriage service provider; or
(b) a content service provider.
• A carriage service provider is a person who supplies, or proposes to supply, certain carriage services.
• A content service provider is a person who supplies, or proposes to supply, certain content services.
• Service providers must comply with the service provider rules.
Division 2—Service providers
86 Service providers
For the purposes of this Act, a service provider is:
(a) a carriage service provider; or
(b) a content service provider.
Note 1: Carriage service provider is defined by section 87.
Note 2: Content service provider is defined by section 97.
Division 3—Carriage service providers
87 Carriage service providers
Basic definition
(1) For the purposes of this Act, if a person supplies, or proposes to supply, a listed carriage service to the public using:
(a) a network unit owned by one or more carriers; or
(b) a network unit in relation to which a nominated carrier declaration is in force;
the person is a carriage service provider.
International carriage service providers
(2) For the purposes of this Act, if:
(a) a person supplies, or proposes to supply, a listed carriage service to the public using:
(i) a line link connecting a place in Australia and a place outside Australia; or
(ii) a satellite‑based facility; and
(b) the carriage service is mentioned in paragraph 16(1)(b) or (c);
the person is a carriage service provider.
Secondary users of exempt network units
(3) For the purposes of this Act, if:
(a) a carrier or an exempt network‑user supplies a carriage service as mentioned in any of the following provisions:
(i) paragraph 45(2)(b);
(ii) paragraph 47(5)(b);
(iii) paragraph 47(6)(b);
(iv) paragraph 47(7)(b);
(v) paragraph 47(8)(b);
(vi) paragraph 48(2)(d);
(vii) paragraph 48(4)(b);
(viii) paragraph 49(2)(b);
(ix) paragraph 50(2)(c);
(x) paragraph 50(5)(c);
(xi) paragraph 50(7)(c); and
(b) the carriage service is supplied to the public;
the carrier or the exempt network‑user, as the case may be, is a carriage service provider.
Declared carriage service providers
(4) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, declare that a specified person who supplies, or proposes to supply, a specified listed carriage service is a carriage service provider for the purposes of this Act. A declaration under this subsection has effect accordingly.
Note: For specification by class, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
Intermediaries
(5) For the purposes of this Act, if:
(a) a person (the first person), for reward, arranges, or proposes to arrange, for the supply of a listed carriage service by a carriage service provider to a third person; and
(b) the first person would be a carriage service provider under subsection (1) or (2) if the person had supplied that carriage service; and
(c) the commercial relationship between the first person and the third person is, or is to be, governed (in whole or in part) by an agreement between the first person and the third person that deals with one or more matters relating to the continuing supply of the service (whether or not that supply is, or is to be, for a readily ascertainable period); and
(d) the conditions (if any) specified in a determination under subsection (8) are satisfied;
the person is a carriage service provider.
Note: Under section 7, carriage service intermediary is defined to mean a person who is a carriage service provider under this subsection.
(6) For the purposes of paragraph (5)(a), it does not matter whether the first person makes arrangements as agent for:
(a) the carriage service provider; or
(b) the third person; or
(c) any other person.
(7) The reference in paragraph (5)(a) to reward does not include a reference to remuneration received in the capacity of employee.
(8) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make a determination for the purposes of paragraph (5)(d).
88 Supply to the public
(1) This section sets out the circumstances in which a carriage service is taken, for the purposes of subsections 87(1), (2) and (3), to be supplied to the public.
(2) If:
(a) a carriage service is used for the carriage of communications between 2 end‑users; and
(b) each end‑user is outside the immediate circle of the supplier of the service;
the service is supplied to the public.
(3) If:
(a) a carriage service is used to supply point‑to‑multipoint services to end‑users; and
(b) at least one end‑user is outside the immediate circle of the supplier of the service;
the service is supplied to the public.
(4) If:
(a) a carriage service is used to supply designated content services (other than point‑to‑multipoint services) to end‑users; and
(b) at least one end‑user is outside the immediate circle of the supplier of the service;
the service is supplied to the public.
(5) For the purposes of this section, a designated content service is a content service of a kind specified in a written determination made by the Minister.
(6) A determination under subsection (5) is a legislative instrument.
89 Exemption from definition—customers located on the same premises
(1) If:
(a) the supplier of a carriage service manages a business or other activity carried on at particular premises; and
(b) that business or activity is the sole or principal use of the premises; and
(c) all of the customers of the service are physically present on the premises;
subsections 87(1) and (2) do not apply to the carriage service.
(2) In this section:
premises includes:
(a) land; and
(b) a group of buildings that is located in the same vicinity.
90 Exemption from definition—defence
(1) If the sole or principal use of a carriage service is use by, or on behalf of, a defence organisation to carry communications necessary or desirable for defence purposes, subsections 87(1) and (2) do not apply to the service.
(2) In this section:
defence organisation means:
(a) the Defence Department; or
(b) the Australian Defence Force; or
(c) an organisation of a foreign country, so far as the organisation:
(i) has functions corresponding to functions of, or of a part of, the Defence Department or the Australian Defence Force; and
(ii) is authorised by the Commonwealth to operate or train in Australia or an external Territory; or
(d) a part of such an organisation or body.
91 Exemption from definition—intelligence operations
Subsections 87(1) and (2) do not apply to a carriage service that is used wholly or principally:
(a) by the Australian Secret Intelligence Service; or
(b) by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.
92 Exemption from definition—transport authorities
(1) Subsections 87(1) and (2) do not apply to a carriage service if the sole or principal use of the carriage service is use by Airservices Australia to carry communications necessary or desirable for the workings of aviation services.
(3) Subsections 87(1) and (2) do not apply to a carriage service if the sole or principal use of the unit is use by a State or Territory transport authority to carry communications necessary or desirable for the workings of the following services:
(a) train services of a kind provided by the authority;
(b) bus or other road services of a kind provided by the authority;
(c) tram services of a kind provided by the authority.
(4) Subsections 87(1) and (2) do not apply to a carriage service if the sole or principal use of the carriage service is use by a rail corporation to carry communications necessary or desirable for the workings of train services.
(5) In this section:
rail corporation means a body corporate that manages or operates either or both of the following:
(a) rail transport services;
(b) rail transport infrastructure.
93 Exemption from definition—broadcasting services
(1) If:
(a) the sole or principal use of a carriage service is use to carry communications that are necessary or desirable for either or both of the following purposes:
(i) the supply of broadcasting services to the public;
(ii) the supply of a secondary carriage service by means of the main carrier signal of a primary broadcasting service; and
(b) those communications are neither:
(i) communications carried between the head end of a cable transmission system and the equipment used by an end‑user to receive a broadcasting service; nor
(ii) communications carried from a broadcasting transmitter transmitting a signal of a broadcasting service to its intended audience;
subsections 87(1) and (2) do not apply to the carriage service.
(2) If the sole or principal use of a carriage service is use for the purpose of a re‑transmission of a kind mentioned in paragraph 212(1)(a) or (b) of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, subsections 87(1) and (2) of this Act do not apply to the service.
(2A) For the purposes of this section, disregard subsection 212(3) of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
(3) In this section:
broadcasting transmitter means a radiocommunications transmitter used, or for use, to deliver a broadcasting service.
head end of a cable transmission system means a facility that:
(a) is connected to a line link; and
(b) is used, or for use, in connection with the delivery of a broadcasting service; and
(c) processes signals for delivery by the line link to end‑users having equipment appropriate for receiving the service.
94 Exemption from definition—electricity supply bodies
(1) If the sole or principal use of a carriage service is use by an electricity supply body to carry communications necessary or desirable for:
(a) managing the generation, transmission, distribution or supply of electricity; or
(b) charging for the supply of electricity;
subsection 87(1) does not apply to the service.
(2) In this section:
electricity supply body means an authority, or a body corporate, that carries on a business, or performs a function, of:
(a) generating, transmitting, distributing or supplying electricity; or
(b) managing the generation, transmission, distribution or supply of electricity.
95 Exemption from definition—Ministerial determination
(1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that a specified eligible definition provision does not apply in relation to:
(a) a specified carriage service; or
(b) a specified person.
Note: For specification by class, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
(2) A determination under this section may be unconditional or subject to such conditions (if any) as are specified in the determination.
(3) A determination under this section has effect accordingly.
(5) For the purposes of this section, each of the following provisions is an eligible definition provision:
(a) subsection 87(1);
(b) subsection 87(2);
(c) subsection 87(3);
(d) subsection 87(5).
96 Exemption from certain regulatory provisions—Ministerial determination
(1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that a specified regulatory provision does not apply to a specified person in the person’s capacity as a designated carriage service provider. For this purpose, a designated carriage service provider is a person who is a carriage service provider under subsection 87(4) or (5).
Note: For specification by class, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
(2) A determination under this section may be unconditional or subject to such conditions (if any) as are specified in the determination.
(3) A determination under this section has effect accordingly.
(5) For the purposes of this section, a regulatory provision is a provision of:
(a) this Act; or
(b) any other law of the Commonwealth;
that contains a reference to a carriage service provider or to carriage service providers.
Division 4—Content service providers
97 Content service providers
(1) For the purposes of this Act, if a person uses, or proposes to use, a listed carriage service to supply a content service to the public, the person is a content service provider.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a content service is supplied to the public if, and only if, at least one end‑user of the content service is outside the immediate circle of the supplier of the content service.
Division 5—Service provider rules
98 Service provider rules
(1) For the purposes of this Act, the following are the service provider rules:
(a) the rules set out in Schedule 2;
(b) the rules (if any) set out in service provider determinations in force under section 99.
(2) In addition to the rules mentioned in subsection (1), the rule set out in subsection 152BA(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 is a service provider rule for the purposes of this Act.
Note: Subsection 152BA(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 provides that a carriage service provider must comply with any standard access obligations that are applicable to the provider.
(3) In addition to the rules mentioned in subsection (1), the rule set out in subsection 152BCP(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 is a service provider rule for the purposes of this Act.
Note: Subsection 152BCP(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 provides that a carriage service provider must comply with any access determinations that are applicable to the provider.
(4) In addition to the rules mentioned in subsection (1), the rule set out in subsection 152BDG(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 is a service provider rule for the purposes of this Act.
Note: Subsection 152BDG(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 provides that a carriage service provider must comply with any binding rules of conduct that are applicable to the provider.
(5) In addition to the rules mentioned in subsection (1), the rule set out in subsection 152BED(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 is a service provider rule for the purposes of this Act.
Note: Subsection 152BED(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 deals with access agreements.
(6) In addition to the rules mentioned in subsection (1), the rule set out in subsection 152CJD(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 is a service provider rule for the purposes of this Act.
Note: Subsection 152CJD(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 deals with rules about the supply of services by NBN corporations.
(7) In addition to the rules mentioned in subsection (1), the rule set out in subsection 38(2) of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011 is a service provider rule for the purposes of this Act.
Note: Subsection 38(2) of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011 deals with rules about:
(a) the supply of goods and services by NBN corporations; and
(b) the investment of money by NBN corporations; and
(c) the functional separation of NBN corporations; and
(d) the divestment of assets by NBN corporations.
99 Service provider determinations
(1) The ACMA may, by legislative instrument, make a determination setting out rules that apply to service providers in relation to the supply of either or both of the following:
(a) specified carriage services;
(b) specified content services.
The determination is called a service provider determination.
(2) A service provider determination has effect only to the extent that:
(a) it is authorised by paragraph 51(v) of the Constitution (either alone or when read together with paragraph 51(xxxix) of the Constitution); or
(b) both:
(i) it is authorised by section 122 of the Constitution; and
(ii) it would have been authorised by paragraph 51(v) of the Constitution (either alone or when read together with paragraph 51(xxxix) of the Constitution) if section 51 of the Constitution extended to the Territories.
(3) The ACMA must not make a service provider determination unless the determination relates to a matter specified in the regulations or in section 346.
(4) Before making a service provider determination, the ACMA must consult the ACCC.
(5) A service provider determination may make provision for or in relation to a particular matter by empowering the ACMA to make decisions of an administrative character.
100 Exemptions from service provider rules
(1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that a specified service provider is exempt from the service provider rules.
(2) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that a specified service provider is exempt from a specified service provider rule.
(3) A determination under this section may be unconditional or subject to such conditions (if any) as are specified in the determination.
(4) A determination under this section has effect accordingly.
101 Service providers must comply with service provider rules
(1) A service provider must comply with the service provider rules that apply to the provider.
Note: Service provider rules is defined by section 98.
(2) A person must not:
(a) aid, abet, counsel or procure a contravention of subsection (1); or
(b) induce, whether by threats or promises or otherwise, a contravention of subsection (1); or
(c) be in any way, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, a contravention of subsection (1); or
(d) conspire with others to effect a contravention of subsection (1).
(3) Subsections (1) and (2) are civil penalty provisions.
Note: Part 31 provides for pecuniary penalties for breaches of civil penalty provisions.
102 Remedial directions—breach of service provider rules
(1) This section applies if a service provider has contravened, or is contravening, a service provider rule.
(2) The ACMA may give the provider a written direction requiring the provider to take specified action directed towards ensuring that the provider does not contravene the rule, or is unlikely to contravene the rule, in the future.
(3) The following are examples of the kinds of direction that may be given to a service provider under subsection (2):
(a) a direction that the provider implement effective administrative systems for monitoring compliance with a service provider rule;
(b) a direction that the provider implement a system designed to give the provider’s employees, agents and contractors a reasonable knowledge and understanding of the requirements of a service provider rule, in so far as those requirements affect the employees, agents or contractors concerned.
(4) A service provider must not contravene a direction under subsection (2).
(5) Subsection (1) does not apply to the rule set out in Part 1 of Schedule 2 in so far as that rule relates to section 369.
Note: Section 369 deals with Rules of Conduct under section 367.
(6) Subsection (1) does not apply to the rule set out in subsection 152BA(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Subsection 152BA(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 provides that a carriage service provider must comply with any standard access obligations that are applicable to the provider.
(6A) Subsection (1) does not apply to the rule set out in subsection 152BCP(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Subsection 152BCP(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 provides that a carriage service provider must comply with any access determinations that are applicable to the provider.
(6B) Subsection (1) does not apply to the rule set out in subsection 152BDG(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Subsection 152BDG(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 provides that a carriage service provider must comply with any binding rules of conduct that are applicable to the provider.
(6C) Subsection (1) does not apply to the rule set out in subsection 152BED(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Subsection 152BED(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 deals with access agreements.
(6D) Subsection (1) does not apply to the rule set out in subsection 152CJD(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Subsection 152CJD(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 deals with rules about the supply of services by NBN corporations.
(6E) Subsection (1) does not apply to the rule set out in subsection 38(2) of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011.
Note: Subsection 38(2) of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011 deals with rules about:
(a) the supply of goods and services by NBN corporations; and
(b) the investment of money by NBN corporations; and
(c) the functional separation of NBN corporations; and
(d) the divestment of assets by NBN corporations.
(7) A direction under subsection (2) is not a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
103 Formal warnings—breach of service provider rules
(1) The ACMA may issue a formal warning if a person contravenes a service provider rule.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the rule set out in Part 1 of Schedule 2 in so far as that rule relates to section 369.
Note: Section 369 deals with Rules of Conduct under section 367.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to the rule set out in subsection 152BA(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Subsection 152BA(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 provides that a carriage service provider must comply with any standard access obligations that are applicable to the provider.
(3A) Subsection (1) does not apply to the rule set out in subsection 152BCP(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Subsection 152BCP(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 provides that a carriage service provider must comply with any access determinations that are applicable to the provider.
(3B) Subsection (1) does not apply to the rule set out in subsection 152BDG(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Subsection 152BDG(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 provides that a carriage service provider must comply with any binding rules of conduct that are applicable to the provider.
(3C) Subsection (1) does not apply to the rule set out in subsection 152BED(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Subsection 152BED(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 deals with access agreements.
(3D) Subsection (1) does not apply to the rule set out in subsection 152CJD(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Note: Subsection 152CJD(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 deals with rules about the supply of services by NBN corporations.
(3E) Subsection (1) does not apply to the rule set out in subsection 38(2) of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011.
Note: Subsection 38(2) of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011 deals with rules about:
(a) the supply of goods and services by NBN corporations; and
(b) the investment of money by NBN corporations; and
(c) the functional separation of NBN corporations; and
(d) the divestment of assets by NBN corporations.
(4) The ACCC may issue a formal warning if a person contravenes the service provider rule set out in subsection 152BA(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
(4A) The ACCC may issue a formal warning if a person contravenes the service provider rule set out in subsection 152BCP(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
(4B) The ACCC may issue a formal warning if a person contravenes the service provider rule set out in subsection 152BDG(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
(4C) The ACCC may issue a formal warning if a person contravenes the service provider rule set out in subsection 152BED(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
(4D) The ACCC may issue a formal warning if a person contravenes the service provider rule set out in subsection 152CJD(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
(4E) The ACCC may issue a formal warning if a person contravenes the service provider rule set out in subsection 38(2) of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011.
(5) The ACCC may issue a formal warning if a person contravenes the service provider rule set out in Part 1 of Schedule 2 in so far as that rule relates to section 369.
Part 5—Monitoring of the performance of carriers and carriage service providers
104 Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Part:
• The ACMA is to monitor, and report each year to the Minister on, significant matters relating to the performance of carriers and carriage service providers.
• The ACMA may be directed by the Minister to monitor, and report on, specified matters relating to the performance of carriers and carriage service providers.
• The ACCC is to monitor, and report each financial year to the Minister on, breaches by Telstra of an undertaking about structural separation.
105 Monitoring of performance—annual report
(1) The ACMA must monitor, and report each financial year to the Minister on, all significant matters relating to the performance of:
(a) carriers; and
(b) carriage service providers;
with particular reference to:
(c) consumer satisfaction; and
(d) consumer benefits; and
(e) quality of service.
(2) In performing its functions under subsection (1), the ACMA must have regard to such world best practice performance indicators as the ACMA considers appropriate. This subsection does not, by implication, limit subsection (1).
(3) A report under subsection (1) must set out details of the following matters:
(a) the efficiency with which carriers and carriage service providers supply:
(i) carriage services; or
(ii) ancillary goods; or
(iii) ancillary services;
(b) the adequacy and quality of the:
(i) carriage services; or
(ii) billing services; or
(iii) billing information services; or
(iv) ancillary goods; or
(v) ancillary services;
supplied by carriers or carriage service providers;
(c) the adequacy of each carrier’s and each carriage service provider’s compliance with its obligations under Part 6;
(d) the adequacy of each carrier’s and each carriage service provider’s compliance with:
(i) codes registered under Part 6; and
(ii) standards determined under Part 6;
(e) if there are any obligations under Part 2 of the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999—the adequacy of compliance with those obligations;
(ea) the operation of Parts 2 and 5 of the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999;
(eb) the adequacy of compliance with obligations under Part 6 of the Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency Act 2012;
(ec) the operation of Part 6 of the Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency Act 2012;
(f) such other matters relating to the performance of carriers or carriage service providers as the ACMA thinks appropriate.
(4) The ACMA must monitor, and report each financial year to the Minister on, the appropriateness and adequacy of the approaches taken by the carriage service providers in carrying out their obligations, and discharging their liabilities, under Part 5 of the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999.
(5A) The ACMA must monitor, and report each financial year to the Minister on, the operation of Part 14 and on the costs of compliance with the requirements of that Part.
(6) The ACMA must give a report under subsection (1), (4) or (5A) to the Minister as soon as practicable after the end of the financial year concerned.
(7) The Minister must cause a copy of a report under subsection (1), (4) or (5A) to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after receiving the report.
(8) In this section:
ancillary goods means goods for use in connection with a carriage service.
ancillary service means a service for use in connection with a carriage service.
105A Monitoring of performance—additional report
(1) The ACMA must monitor, and report to the Minister on, specified matters relating to the performance of carriers and carriage service providers in accordance with any written direction given by the Minister to the ACMA.
(2) The ACMA must give a report under subsection (1) to the Minister:
(a) if paragraph (b) does not apply—as soon as practicable after the end of a period specified in the direction; or
(b) if the direction requires the report to be given before a specified time—before that time.
105C Monitoring of breaches by Telstra of an undertaking about structural separation
Monitoring
(1) The ACCC must monitor, and report each financial year to the Minister on, breaches by Telstra of an undertaking in force under section 577A.
Report
(2) The ACCC must give a report under subsection (1) to the Minister as soon as practicable after the end of the financial year concerned.
(3) The Minister must cause a copy of a report under subsection (1) to be tabled in each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after receiving the report.
Part 6—Industry codes and industry standards
Division 1—Simplified outline
106 Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Part.
• Bodies and associations that represent sections of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry may develop industry codes.
• Industry codes may be registered by the ACMA.
• Compliance with an industry code is voluntary unless the ACMA directs a particular participant in the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry to comply with the code.
• The ACMA has a reserve power to make an industry standard if there are no industry codes or if an industry code is deficient.
• Compliance with industry standards is mandatory.
Division 2—Interpretation
107 Industry codes
For the purposes of this Part, an industry code is a code developed under this Part (whether or not in response to a request under this Part).
108 Industry standards
For the purposes of this Part, an industry standard is a standard determined under this Part.
108A Electronic messaging service provider
(1) For the purposes of this Part, if a person supplies, or proposes to supply, an electronic messaging service to the public, the person is an electronic messaging service provider.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a service is supplied to the public if, and only if, at least one end‑user of the service is outside the immediate circle of the supplier of the service.
(3) In this section:
electronic message has the same meaning as in the Spam Act 2003.
electronic messaging service means a service that enables any or all of the following electronic messages to be sent or received:
(a) web‑based email;
(b) instant messages;
(c) text messages;
(d) messages of a kind specified in the regulations.
message has the same meaning as in the Spam Act 2003.
108B Telecommunications industry
For the purposes of this Part, the telecommunications industry includes an industry that involves carrying on business as an electronic messaging service provider.
109 Telecommunications activity
For the purposes of this Part, a telecommunications activity is an activity that consists of:
(a) carrying on business as a carrier; or
(b) carrying on business as a carriage service provider; or
(c) supplying goods or services for use in connection with the supply of a listed carriage service; or
(d) supplying a content service using a listed carriage service; or
(e) manufacturing or importing customer equipment or customer cabling; or
(f) installing, maintaining, operating or providing access to:
(i) a telecommunications network; or
(ii) a facility;
used to supply a listed carriage service; or
(g) carrying on business as an electronic messaging service provider.
109B Telemarketing activity
(1) For the purposes of this Part, a telemarketing activity is an activity to which subsection (2), (3) or (4) applies.
(2) This subsection applies to an activity that:
(a) is carried on by a person (the first person) under a contract or arrangement (other than a contract of employment); and
(b) consists of:
(i) using telemarketing calls to market, advertise or promote goods or services, where the first person is not the supplier or prospective supplier of the goods or services; or
(ii) using telemarketing calls to advertise or promote a supplier or prospective supplier of goods or services, where the first person is not the supplier or prospective supplier of the goods or services; or
(iii) using telemarketing calls to market, advertise or promote land or interests in land, where the first person is not the supplier or prospective supplier of the land or interests in land; or
(iv) using telemarketing calls to advertise or promote a supplier or prospective supplier of land or interests in land, where the first person is not the supplier or prospective supplier of the land or interests in land; or
(v) using telemarketing calls to market, advertise or promote business opportunities or investment opportunities, where the first person is not the provider or prospective provider of the business opportunities or investment opportunities; or
(vi) using telemarketing calls to advertise or promote a provider, or prospective provider, of business opportunities or investment opportunities, where the first person is not the provider or prospective provider of the business opportunities or investment opportunities.
(3) This subsection applies to an activity carried on by a person if the activity consists of:
(a) using telemarketing calls to market, advertise or promote goods or services, where the person is the supplier or prospective supplier of the goods or services; or
(b) using telemarketing calls to advertise or promote a supplier or prospective supplier of goods or services, where the person is the supplier or prospective supplier of the goods or services; or
(c) using telemarketing calls to market, advertise or promote land or interests in land, where the person is the supplier or prospective supplier of the land or interests in land; or
(d) using telemarketing calls to advertise or promote a supplier or prospective supplier of land or interests in land, where the person is the supplier or prospective supplier of the land or interests in land; or
(e) using telemarketing calls to market, advertise or promote business opportunities or investment opportunities, where the person is the provider or prospective provider of the business opportunities or investment opportunities; or
(f) using telemarketing calls to advertise or promote a provider, or prospective provider, of business opportunities or investment opportunities, where the person is the provider or prospective provider of the business opportunities or investment opportunities.
(4) This subsection applies to an activity carried on by a person if the activity consists of:
(a) using telemarketing calls to solicit donations; or
(b) using telemarketing calls to conduct opinion polling; or
(c) using telemarketing calls to carry out standard questionnaire‑based research.
(5) An expression (other than telemarketing call) used in this section and in section 5 of the Do Not Call Register Act 2006 has the same meaning in this section as it has in that section.
109C Fax marketing activity
(1) For the purposes of this Part, a fax marketing activity is an activity to which subsection (2), (3) or (4) applies.
(2) This subsection applies to an activity that:
(a) is carried on by a person (the first person) under a contract or arrangement (other than a contract of employment); and
(b) consists of:
(i) using marketing faxes to market, advertise or promote goods or services, where the first person is not the supplier or prospective supplier of the goods or services; or
(ii) using marketing faxes to advertise or promote a supplier or prospective supplier of goods or services, where the first person is not the supplier or prospective supplier of the goods or services; or
(iii) using marketing faxes to market, advertise or promote land or interests in land, where the first person is not the supplier or prospective supplier of the land or interests in land; or
(iv) using marketing faxes to advertise or promote a supplier or prospective supplier of land or interests in land, where the first person is not the supplier or prospective supplier of the land or interests in land; or
(v) using marketing faxes to market, advertise or promote business opportunities or investment opportunities, where the first person is not the provider or prospective provider of the business opportunities or investment opportunities; or
(vi) using marketing faxes to advertise or promote a provider, or prospective provider, of business opportunities or investment opportunities, where the first person is not the provider or prospective provider of the business opportunities or investment opportunities.
(3) This subsection applies to an activity carried on by a person if the activity consists of:
(a) using marketing faxes to market, advertise or promote goods or services, where the person is the supplier or prospective supplier of the goods or services; or
(b) using marketing faxes to advertise or promote a supplier or prospective supplier of goods or services, where the person is the supplier or prospective supplier of the goods or services; or
(c) using marketing faxes to market, advertise or promote land or interests in land, where the person is the supplier or prospective supplier of the land or interests in land; or
(d) using marketing faxes to advertise or promote a supplier or prospective supplier of land or interests in land, where the person is the supplier or prospective supplier of the land or interests in land; or
(e) using marketing faxes to market, advertise or promote business opportunities or investment opportunities, where the person is the provider or prospective provider of the business opportunities or investment opportunities; or
(f) using marketing faxes to advertise or promote a provider, or prospective provider, of business opportunities or investment opportunities, where the person is the provider or prospective provider of the business opportunities or investment opportunities.
(4) This subsection applies to an activity carried on by a person if the activity consists of:
(a) using marketing faxes to solicit donations; or
(b) using marketing faxes to conduct opinion polling; or
(c) using marketing faxes to carry out standard questionnaire‑based research.
(5) An expression (other than marketing fax) used in this section and in section 5B of the Do Not Call Register Act 2006 has the same meaning in this section as it has in that section.
110 Sections of the telecommunications industry
(1) For the purposes of this Part, sections of the telecommunications industry are to be ascertained in accordance with this section.
(2) For the purposes of this Part, each of the following groups is a section of the telecommunications industry:
(a) carriers;
(b) service providers;
(c) carriage service providers;
(d) carriage service providers who supply standard telephone services;
(e) carriage service providers who supply public mobile telecommunications services;
(f) content service providers;
(g) persons who perform cabling work (within the meaning of Division 9 of Part 21);
(h) persons who manufacture or import customer equipment or customer cabling;
(i) electronic messaging service providers;
(j) persons who install:
(i) optical fibre lines; or
(ii) facilities used, or for use, in or in connection with optical fibre lines.
(3) The ACMA may, by written instrument, determine that persons carrying on, or proposing to carry on, one or more specified kinds of telecommunications activity constitute a section of the telecommunications industry for the purposes of this Part.
(4) The section must be identified in the determination by a unique name and/or number.
(5) A determination under subsection (3) has effect accordingly.
(6) Sections of the telecommunications industry determined under subsection (3):
(a) need not be mutually exclusive; and
(b) may consist of the aggregate of any 2 or more sections of the telecommunications industry mentioned in subsection (2) or determined under subsection (3); and
(c) may be subsets of a section of the telecommunications industry mentioned in subsection (2) or determined under subsection (3).
(7) Subsection (6) does not, by implication, limit subsection (3).
(8) A copy of a determination under subsection (3) is to be published in the Gazette.
110B Sections of the telemarketing industry
(1) For the purposes of this Part, sections of the telemarketing industry are to be ascertained in accordance with this section.
(2) If no determination is in force under subsection (3), all of the persons carrying on, or proposing to carry on, telemarketing activities constitute a single section of the telemarketing industry for the purposes of this Part.
(3) The ACMA may, by legislative instrument, determine that persons carrying on, or proposing to carry on, one or more specified kinds of telemarketing activity constitute a section of the telemarketing industry for the purposes of this Part.
(4) The section must be identified in the determination by a unique name and/or number.
(5) A determination under subsection (3) has effect accordingly.
(6) Sections of the telemarketing industry determined under subsection (3):
(a) need not be mutually exclusive; and
(b) may consist of the aggregate of any 2 or more sections of the telemarketing industry mentioned in subsection (2) or determined under subsection (3); and
(c) may be subsets of a section of the telemarketing industry mentioned in subsection (2) or determined under subsection (3).
(7) Subsection (6) does not, by implication, limit subsection (3).
110C Sections of the fax marketing industry
(1) For the purposes of this Part, sections of the fax marketing industry are to be ascertained in accordance with this section.
(2) If no determination is in force under subsection (3), all of the persons carrying on, or proposing to carry on, fax marketing activities constitute a single section of the fax marketing industry for the purposes of this Part.
(3) The ACMA may, by legislative instrument, determine that persons carrying on, or proposing to carry on, one or more specified kinds of fax marketing activity constitute a section of the fax marketing industry for the purposes of this Part.
(4) The section must be identified in the determination by a unique name and/or number.
(5) A determination under subsection (3) has effect accordingly.
(6) Sections of the fax marketing industry determined under subsection (3):
(a) need not be mutually exclusive; and
(b) may consist of the aggregate of any 2 or more sections of the fax marketing industry mentioned in subsection (2) or determined under subsection (3); and
(c) may be subsets of a section of the fax marketing industry mentioned in subsection (2) or determined under subsection (3).
(7) Subsection (6) does not, by implication, limit subsection (3).
111 Participants in a section of the telecommunications industry
For the purposes of this Part, if a person is a member of a group that constitutes a section of the telecommunications industry, the person is a participant in that section of the telecommunications industry.
111AA Participants in a section of the telemarketing industry
For the purposes of this Part, if a person is a member of a group that constitutes a section of the telemarketing industry, the person is a participant in that section of the telemarketing industry.
111AB Participants in a section of the fax marketing industry
For the purposes of this Part, if a person is a member of a group that constitutes a section of the fax marketing industry, the person is a participant in that section of the fax marketing industry.
111B Unsolicited commercial electronic messages
(1) For the purposes of this Part, an unsolicited commercial electronic message is a commercial electronic message that is sent:
(a) without the consent of the relevant electronic account‑holder; or
(b) to a non‑existent electronic address.
(2) An expression used in this section and in the Spam Act 2003 has the same meaning in this section as it has in that Act.
Division 3—General principles relating to industry codes and industry standards
112 Statement of regulatory policy
(1) The Parliament intends that bodies or associations that the ACMA is satisfied represent sections of the telecommunications industry should develop codes (industry codes) that are to apply to participants in the respective sections of the industry in relation to the telecommunications activities of the participants.
(1B) The Parliament intends that bodies or associations that the ACMA is satisfied represent sections of the telemarketing industry should develop codes (industry codes) that are to apply to participants in the respective sections of the industry in relation to the telemarketing activities of the participants.
(1C) The Parliament intends that bodies or associations that the ACMA is satisfied represent sections of the fax marketing industry should develop codes (industry codes) that are to apply to participants in the respective sections of the industry in relation to the fax marketing activities of the participants.
(2) The Parliament intends that the ACMA, in exercising its powers under sections 117, 118, 119, 123, 124, 125, 125AA, 125A and 125B, will act in a manner that, in the opinion of the ACMA, enables public interest considerations to be addressed in a way that does not impose undue financial and administrative burdens on participants in sections of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry.
(3) In determining whether public interest considerations are being addressed in a way that does not impose undue financial and administrative burdens on participants in sections of the telecommunications industry (other than electronic messaging service providers), the ACMA must have regard to:
(a) the number of customers who would be likely to benefit from the code or standard concerned; and
(b) the extent to which those customers are residential or small business customers; and
(c) the legitimate business interests of participants in sections of the telecommunications industry; and
(d) the public interest, including the public interest in the efficient, equitable and ecologically sustainable supply of:
(i) carriage services; and
(ii) goods for use in connection with carriage services; and
(iii) services for use in connection with carriage services;
in a manner that reflects the legitimate expectations of the Australian community.
(3A) In determining whether public interest considerations are being addressed in a way that does not impose undue financial and administrative burdens on participants in the section of the telecommunications industry that consists of electronic messaging service providers, the ACMA must have regard to:
(a) the number of end‑users who would be likely to benefit from the code or standard concerned; and
(b) the extent to which those end‑users are residential or small business end‑users; and
(c) the legitimate business interests of electronic messaging service providers.
(3C) In determining whether public interest considerations are being addressed in a way that does not impose undue financial and administrative burdens on participants in sections of the telemarketing industry, the ACMA must have regard to:
(a) the number of persons who would be likely to benefit from the code or standard concerned; and
(b) the extent to which those persons are householders or small business operators; and
(c) the legitimate business interests of participants in sections of the telemarketing industry.
(3D) In determining whether public interest considerations are being addressed in a way that does not impose undue financial and administrative burdens on participants in sections of the fax marketing industry, the ACMA must have regard to:
(a) the number of persons who would be likely to benefit from the code or standard concerned; and
(b) the extent to which those persons are householders or small business operators; and
(c) the legitimate business interests of participants in sections of the fax marketing industry.
(4) Subsections (3), (3A), (3B), (3C) and (3D) do not, by implication, limit the matters to which regard may be had.
113 Examples of matters that may be dealt with by industry codes and industry standards
(1) This section sets out examples of matters that may be dealt with by industry codes and industry standards.
(2) The applicability of a particular example will depend on which section of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry is involved.
(3) The examples are as follows:
(a) telling customers about:
(i) goods or services on offer; and
(ii) the prices of those goods or services; and
(iii) the other terms and conditions on which those goods or services are offered;
(b) giving customers information about performance indicators customers can use to evaluate the quality of services;
(c) regular reporting to customers about performance against those performance indicators;
(d) the internal handling of customer complaints;
(e) reporting about customer complaints;
(f) privacy and, in particular:
(i) the protection of personal information; and
(ii) the intrusive use of telecommunications by carriers or service providers; and
(iii) the monitoring or recording of communications; and
(iv) calling number display; and
(v) the provision of directory products and services;
(g) the “churning” of customers;
(h) security deposits given by customers;
(i) debt collection practices;
(j) customer credit practices;
(k) disconnection of customers;
(l) ensuring that customers have an informed basis on which to enter into agreements of a kind mentioned in paragraph 22(2)(d) or (e) or (4)(a) (which deal with boundaries of telecommunications networks);
(m) the quality of standard telephone services;
(n) the accuracy of billing of customers of carriage service providers in relation to the supply of standard telephone services;
(o) the timeliness and comprehensibility of bills;
(p) the procedures to be followed in order to generate standard billing reports to assist in the investigation of customer complaints about bills;
(pa) the design features of:
(i) optical fibre lines; or
(ii) facilities used, or for use, in or in connection with optical fibre lines;
(pb) performance requirements to be met by:
(i) optical fibre lines; or
(ii) facilities used, or for use, in or in connection with optical fibre lines;
(pc) the characteristics of carriage services supplied using optical fibre lines;
(pd) performance requirements to be met by carriage services supplied using optical fibre lines;
(q) procedures to be followed by:
(i) internet service providers; and
(ii) electronic messaging service providers;
in dealing with unsolicited commercial electronic messages (including procedures relating to the provision or use of regularly updated software for filtering unsolicited commercial electronic messages);
(r) giving customers information about the availability, use and appropriate application of software for filtering unsolicited commercial electronic messages;
(s) action to be taken to assist in the development and evaluation of software for filtering unsolicited commercial electronic messages;
(t) action to be taken in order to minimise or prevent the sending or delivery of unsolicited commercial electronic messages, including:
(i) the configuration of servers so as to minimise or prevent the sending or delivery of unsolicited commercial electronic messages; and
(ii) the shutdown of open relay servers;
(u) action to be taken to ensure responsible practices in relation to the use of commercial electronic messages to market, advertise or promote goods or services to individuals who are under 18 years of age;
(v) procedures to be followed in relation to the giving of consent by relevant electronic account‑holders (within the meaning of the Spam Act 2003) to the sending of commercial electronic messages;
(w) record‑keeping practices to be followed in relation to telemarketing calls made or attempted to be made;
(x) action to be taken to limit the total number of telemarketing calls attempted to be made, by a particular participant in a section of the telemarketing industry, during a particular period, where the recipient answers the attempted call, but the attempted call does not have any content;
(y) action to be taken to limit the total number of telemarketing calls made, or attempted to be made, by a particular participant in a section of the telemarketing industry, during a particular period to a particular Australian number;
(z) record‑keeping practices to be followed in relation to marketing faxes sent or attempted to be sent;
(za) action to be taken to limit the total number of marketing faxes sent or attempted to be sent, by a particular participant in a section of the fax marketing industry, during a particular period to a particular Australian number.
114 Industry codes and industry standards may confer powers on the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman
(1) If the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman consents, an industry code or industry standard may confer functions and powers on the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman.
(2) The continuity of a consent under subsection (1) is not affected by:
(a) a change in the occupancy of the position of Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman; or
(b) a vacancy in the position of Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman that does not continue for more than 4 months.
115 Industry codes and industry standards not to deal with certain design features and performance requirements
(1) For the purposes of this Part, an industry code or an industry standard has no effect:
(a) to the extent (if any) to which compliance with the code or standard is likely to have the effect (whether direct or indirect) of requiring customer equipment, customer cabling, a telecommunications network or a facility:
(i) to have particular design features; or
(ii) to meet particular performance requirements; or
(b) to the extent (if any) to which it deals with the content of content services.
(2) The rule in subsection (1) does not apply to an industry code or an industry standard to the extent (if any) to which compliance with the code or standard is likely:
(a) to have the indirect effect of requiring customer equipment, customer cabling, a telecommunications network or a facility to have particular design features that relate to:
(i) the accuracy of billing of customers of carriage service providers in relation to the supply of standard telephone services; or
(ii) the quality of standard telephone services; or
(iii) a matter specified in the regulations; or
(b) to have the direct or indirect effect of requiring customer equipment, customer cabling, a telecommunications network or a facility to meet performance requirements that relate to:
(i) the accuracy of billing of customers of carriage service providers in relation to the supply of standard telephone services; or
(ii) the quality of standard telephone services; or
(iii) a matter specified in the regulations.
(3) The rule in subsection (1) does not apply to an industry code or an industry standard to the extent (if any) to which the code or standard deals with a matter referred to in paragraph 113(3)(f) or (t).
(4) The rule in subsection (1) does not apply to an industry code made for the purposes of Division 2AA of Part V of the Copyright Act 1968.
(5) The rule in subsection (1) does not apply to an industry code or an industry standard to the extent (if any) to which compliance with the code or standard is likely to have the effect (whether direct or indirect) of requiring:
(a) optical fibre lines; or
(b) facilities used, or for use, in or in connection with optical fibre lines;
to:
(c) have particular design features; or
(d) meet particular performance requirements.
116 Industry codes and industry standards not to deal with matters dealt with by codes and standards under Part 9 of the Broadcasting Services Act
For the purposes of this Part, an industry code or an industry standard that deals with a matter relating to a content service has no effect to the extent (if any) to which the matter is dealt with by a code registered, or standard determined, under Part 9 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
116A Industry codes and standards do not affect Privacy Act 1988
Neither an industry code nor an industry standard derogates from a requirement made by or under the Privacy Act 1988 or a registered APP code (as defined in that Act).
Division 4—Industry codes
117 Registration of industry codes
(1) This section applies if:
(a) the ACMA is satisfied that a body or association represents a particular section of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry; and
(b) that body or association develops an industry code that applies to participants in that section of the industry and deals with one or more matters relating to the telecommunications activities, telemarketing activities or fax marketing activities, as the case may be, of those participants; and
(c) the body or association gives a copy of the code to the ACMA; and
(d) the ACMA is satisfied that:
(i) in a case where the code deals with matters of substantial relevance to the community—the code provides appropriate community safeguards for the matters covered by the code; or
(ii) in a case where the code does not deal with matters of substantial relevance to the community—the code deals with the matters covered by the code in an appropriate manner; and
(e) the ACMA is satisfied that, before giving the copy of the code to the ACMA:
(i) the body or association published a draft of the code on its website, and invited participants in that section of the industry to make submissions to the body or association about the draft within a specified period; and
(ii) the body or association gave consideration to any submissions that were received from participants in that section of the industry within that period; and
(iii) the body or association complied with the section 119B publication requirements in relation to any submissions that were received from participants in that section of the industry within that period; and
(f) the ACMA is satisfied that, before giving the copy of the code to the ACMA:
(i) the body or association published a draft of the code on its website, and invited members of the public to make submissions to the body or association about the draft within a specified period; and
(ii) the body or association gave consideration to any submissions that were received from members of the public within that period; and
(iii) the body or association complied with the section 119B publication requirements in relation to any submissions that were received from members of the public within that period; and
(g) the ACMA is satisfied that the ACCC has been consulted about the development of the code; and
(h) except in a case where:
(i) the code applies to participants in a section of the telemarketing industry and deals with one or more matters relating to the telemarketing activities of those participants; or
(ii) the code applies to participants in a section of the fax marketing industry and deals with one or more matters relating to the fax marketing activities of those participants;
the ACMA is satisfied that the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman has been consulted about the development of the code; and
(i) the ACMA is satisfied that at least one body or association that represents the interests of consumers has been consulted about the development of the code; and
(j) in a case where the code deals with a matter set out in paragraph 113(3)(f)—the ACMA is satisfied that the Information Commissioner has been consulted by the body or association about the development of the code before the body or association gave the copy of the code to the ACMA; and
(k) the ACMA has consulted the Information Commissioner about the code and consequently believes that he or she is satisfied with the code, if the code deals directly or indirectly with a matter dealt with by:
(i) the Australian Privacy Principles; or
(ii) other provisions of the Privacy Act 1988 that relate to those principles; or
(iii) a registered APP code (as defined in that Act) that binds a participant in that section of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry; or
(iv) provisions of that Act that relate to the registered APP code
(2) The ACMA must register the code by including it in the Register of industry codes kept under section 136.
(3) A period specified under subparagraph (1)(e)(i) or (1)(f)(i) must run for at least 30 days.
(4) If:
(a) an industry code (the new code) is registered under this Part; and
(b) the new code is expressed to replace another industry code;
the other code ceases to be registered under this Part when the new code is registered.
Note: An industry code also ceases to be registered when it is removed from the Register of industry codes under section 122A.
118 ACMA may request codes
(1) If the ACMA is satisfied that a body or association represents a particular section of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry, the ACMA may, by written notice given to the body or association, request the body or association to:
(a) develop an industry code that applies to participants in that section of the industry and deals with one or more specified matters relating to the telecommunications activities, telemarketing activities or fax marketing activities, as the case may be, of those participants; and
(b) give the ACMA a copy of the code within the period specified in the notice.
Note: The ACMA may request the body or association to develop the industry code to replace an earlier industry code that the Information Commissioner (exercising functions under the Privacy Act 1988) has advised the ACMA is inconsistent with the Australian Privacy Principles or a relevant registered APP code (as defined in that Act).
(2) The period specified in a notice under subsection (1) must run for at least 120 days.
(3) The ACMA must not make a request under subsection (1) in relation to a particular section of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry unless the ACMA is satisfied that:
(a) the development of the code is necessary or convenient in order to:
(i) provide appropriate community safeguards; or
(ii) otherwise deal with the performance or conduct of participants in that section of the industry; and
(b) in the absence of the request, it is unlikely that an industry code would be developed within a reasonable period.
(4) The ACMA must not make a request under subsection (1) in relation to a code if:
(a) the code would deal with a matter referred to in paragraph 113(3)(f) (which relates to privacy); and
(b) compliance with the code would be likely to have the effect (whether direct or indirect) of requiring customer equipment, customer cabling, a telecommunications network or a facility:
(i) to have particular design features; or
(ii) to meet particular performance requirements.
However, this rule does not apply if the ACMA is satisfied that the benefits to the community from the operation of the code would outweigh the costs of compliance with the code.
(4AA) The rule in subsection (4) does not apply to a code to the extent (if any) to which compliance with the code is likely to have the effect (whether direct or indirect) of requiring:
(a) optical fibre lines; or
(b) facilities used, or for use, in or in connection with optical fibre lines;
to:
(c) have particular design features; or
(d) meet particular performance requirements.
(4A) The ACMA must consult the Information Commissioner before making a request under subsection (1) for the development of an industry code that could reasonably be expected to deal directly or indirectly with a matter dealt with by:
(a) the Australian Privacy Principles; or
(b) other provisions of the Privacy Act 1988 relating to those principles; or
(c) a registered APP code (as defined in that Act) that binds one or more participants in the section of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry to which the request relates; or
(d) provisions of that Act that relate to the registered APP code.
(5) The ACMA may vary a notice under subsection (1) by extending the period specified in the notice.
(6) Subsection (5) does not, by implication, limit the application of subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(7) A notice under subsection (1) may specify indicative targets for achieving progress in the development of the code (for example, a target of 60 days to develop a preliminary draft of the code).
119 Publication of notice where no body or association represents a section of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry
(1) If the ACMA is satisfied that a particular section of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry is not represented by a body or association, the ACMA may publish a notice in the Gazette:
(a) stating that, if such a body or association were to come into existence within a specified period, the ACMA would be likely to give a notice to that body or association under subsection 118(1); and
(b) setting out the matter or matters relating to telecommunications activities, telemarketing activities or fax marketing activities, as the case may be, that would be likely to be specified in the subsection 118(1) notice.
(2) The period specified in a notice under subsection (1) must run for at least 60 days.
119A Variation of industry codes
Scope
(1) This section applies if:
(a) an industry code is registered under this Part; and
(b) the code:
(i) applies to participants in a particular section of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry; and
(ii) deals with one or more matters relating to the telecommunications activities, telemarketing activities or fax marketing activities, as the case may be, of those participants; and
(c) the body or association that developed the code gives a draft variation of the code to the ACMA; and
(d) disregarding any provisions of the code that are not affected (whether directly or indirectly) by the variation, the ACMA is satisfied that:
(i) in a case where the code (as proposed to be varied) deals with matters of substantial relevance to the community—the code (as proposed to be varied) provides appropriate community safeguards for the matters covered by the code (as proposed to be varied); or
(ii) in a case where the code (as proposed to be varied) does not deal with matters of substantial relevance to the community—the code (as proposed to be varied) deals with the matters covered by the code (as proposed to be varied) in an appropriate manner; and
(e) except in a case where the draft variation is of a minor nature—the ACMA is satisfied that, before giving the copy of the draft variation to the ACMA:
(i) the body or association published the draft variation on its website and invited participants in that section of the industry to make submissions to the body or association about the draft variation within a specified period; and
(ii) the body or association gave consideration to any submissions that were received from participants in that section of the industry within that period; and
(iii) the body or association complied with the section 119B publication requirements in relation to any submissions that were received from participants in that section of the industry within that period; and
(f) except in a case where the draft variation is of a minor nature—the ACMA is satisfied that, before giving the copy of the draft variation to the ACMA:
(i) the body or association published the draft variation on its website and invited members of the public to make submissions to the body or association about the draft variation within a specified period; and
(ii) the body or association gave consideration to any submissions that were received from members of the public within that period; and
(iii) the body or association complied with the section 119B publication requirements in relation to any submissions that were received from members of the public within that period; and
(g) the ACMA is satisfied that the ACCC has been consulted about the development of the draft variation; and
(h) except in a case where:
(i) the code (as proposed to be varied) applies to participants in a section of the telemarketing industry and deals with one or more matters relating to the telemarketing activities of those participants; or
(ii) the code (as proposed to be varied) applies to participants in a section of the fax marketing industry and deals with one or more matters relating to the fax marketing activities of those participants;
the ACMA is satisfied that the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman has been consulted about the development of the draft variation; and
(i) the ACMA is satisfied that at least one body or association that represents the interests of consumers has been consulted about the development of the draft variation; and
(j) in a case where the draft variation deals with a matter set out in paragraph 113(3)(f)—the ACMA is satisfied that the Information Commissioner has been consulted by the body or association about the development of the draft variation before the body or association gave the copy of the draft variation to the ACMA; and
(k) the ACMA has consulted the Information Commissioner about the draft variation and consequently believes that he or she is satisfied with the draft variation, if the draft variation deals directly or indirectly with a matter dealt with by:
(i) the Australian Privacy Principles; or
(ii) other provisions of that Act that relate to those Principles; or
(iii) an approved privacy code (as defined in that Act) that binds a participant in that section of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry; or
(iv) provisions of that Act that relate to the approved privacy code.
Approval of variation
(2) The ACMA must, by written notice given to the body or association, approve the draft variation.
(3) If the ACMA approves the draft variation, the code is varied accordingly.
Period for making submissions
(4) A period specified under subparagraph (1)(e)(i) or (1)(f)(i) must run for at least 30 days.
119B Publication requirements for submissions
(1) This section sets out the publication requirements that apply to submissions that:
(a) are about a particular draft; and
(b) were received by a body or association as mentioned in:
(i) subparagraph 117(1)(e)(iii); or
(ii) subparagraph 117(1)(f)(iii); or
(iii) subparagraph 119A(1)(e)(iii); or
(iv) subparagraph 119A(1)(f)(iii).
Publication of submissions
(2) The body or association must publish those submissions on its website.
(3) Subsection (2) has effect subject to subsections (4) and (6).
Confidential or commercially sensitive material
(4) If:
(a) a submission made by a person consists wholly or partly of material that is claimed by the person to be confidential or commercially sensitive; and
(b) the person has requested the body or association not to publish the material; and
(c) the body or association is satisfied that the material is confidential or commercially sensitive;
then:
(d) if the submission consists wholly of the material—the body or association is not required to publish the submission on its website; or
(e) if:
(i) the submission consists partly of the material; and
(ii) it is practicable for the body or association to remove the material from the submission;
the body or association may remove the material from the submission before publishing the submission on its website; or
(f) if:
(i) the submission consists partly of the material; and
(ii) it is not practicable for the body or association to remove the material from the submission;
the body or association is not required to publish the submission on its website.
(5) If, under subsection (4), the body or association removes material from a submission before publishing the submission on its website, the body or association must publish on its website a statement to the effect that confidential or commercially sensitive material in the submission has not been published.
Defamatory material
(6) If the body or association considers that a submission consists wholly or partly of material that is, or is likely to be, defamatory:
(a) if the submission consists wholly of the material—the body or association is not required to publish the submission on its website; or
(b) if:
(i) the submission consists partly of the material; and
(ii) it is practicable for the body or association to remove the material from the submission;
the body or association may remove the material from the submission before publishing the submission on its website; or
(c) if:
(i) the submission consists partly of the material; and
(ii) it is not practicable for the body or association to remove the material from the submission;
the body or association is not required to publish the submission on its website.
(7) If, under subsection (6), the body or association removes material from a submission before publishing the submission on its website, the body or association must publish on its website a statement to the effect that material in the submission has not been published on the grounds that the material is, or is likely to be, defamatory.
Statistical statement
(8) The body or association must publish on its website a statement that sets out:
(a) the total number of those submissions; and
(b) if a number of those submissions have not been published, or have been published in a modified form, because of subsection (4) or (6)—that number.
120 Replacement of industry codes
Changes to an industry code may be achieved by replacing the code instead of varying the code. However, this does not prevent the ACMA from removing under section 122A an industry code, or a provision of an industry code, from the Register of industry codes kept under this Part.
121 Directions about compliance with industry codes
(1) If:
(a) a person is a participant in a particular section of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry; and
(b) the ACMA is satisfied that the person has contravened or is contravening an industry code that:
(i) is registered under this Part; and
(ii) applies to participants in that section of the industry;
the ACMA may, by written notice given to the person, direct the person to comply with the industry code.
(1A) If the ACMA is satisfied that the contravention of the industry code relates directly or indirectly to a matter dealt with by the Australian Privacy Principles or by a registered APP code (within the meaning of the Privacy Act 1988), the ACMA must consult the Information Commissioner before giving the direction.
(1B) If:
(a) at a time when an industry code (the original code) was registered under this Part, a direction could have been given to a person under subsection (1) in respect of the original code; and
(b) the original code has been replaced by another code that is registered under this Part; and
(c) the person could have been given a direction under subsection (1) in respect of the replacement code, if the conduct concerned had occurred after the replacement code was registered;
then, during the period when the replacement code is registered under this Part, the person may be given a direction under subsection (1) in respect of the replacement code.
(2) A person must comply with a direction under subsection (1).
(3) A person must not:
(a) aid, abet, counsel or procure a contravention of subsection (2); or
(b) induce, whether by threats or promises or otherwise, a contravention of subsection (2); or
(c) be in any way, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, a contravention of subsection (2); or
(d) conspire with others to effect a contravention of subsection (2).
(4) Subsections (2) and (3) are civil penalty provisions.
Note: Part 31 provides for pecuniary penalties for breaches of civil penalty provisions.
(5) A direction under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
122 Formal warnings—breach of industry codes
(1) This section applies to a person who is a participant in a particular section of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry.
(2) The ACMA may issue a formal warning if the person contravenes an industry code registered under this Part.
(3) If the ACMA is satisfied that the contravention of the industry code relates directly or indirectly to a matter dealt with by the Australian Privacy Principles or by a registered APP code (within the meaning of the Privacy Act 1988), the ACMA must consult the Information Commissioner before issuing the warning.
(4) If:
(a) at a time when an industry code (the original code) was registered under this Part, a formal warning could have been given to a person under subsection (2) in respect of the original code; and
(b) the original code has been replaced by another code that is registered under this Part; and
(c) the person could have been given a formal warning under subsection (2) in respect of the replacement code, if the conduct concerned had occurred after the replacement code was registered;
then, during the period when the replacement code is registered under this Part, the person may be given a formal warning under subsection (2) in respect of the replacement code.
122A De‑registering industry codes and provisions of industry codes
(1) The ACMA may remove from the Register of industry codes kept under section 136:
(a) an industry code; or
(b) a provision of an industry code.
(2) An industry code ceases to be registered when it is removed from the Register.
(3) If the ACMA removes a provision of an industry code from the Register, this Part has effect in relation to things occurring after the removal of the provision as if the code registered under this Part did not include the provision removed.
Division 5—Industry standards
123 ACMA may determine an industry standard if a request for an industry code is not complied with
(1) This section applies if:
(a) the ACMA has made a request under subsection 118(1) in relation to the development of a code that is to:
(i) apply to participants in a particular section of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry; and
(ii) deal with one or more matters relating to the telecommunications activities, telemarketing activities or fax marketing activities, as the case may be, of those participants; and
(b) any of the following conditions is satisfied:
(i) the request is not complied with;
(ii) if indicative targets for achieving progress in the development of the code were specified in the notice of request—any of those indicative targets were not met;
(iii) the request is complied with, but the ACMA subsequently refuses to register the code; and
(c) the ACMA is satisfied that it is necessary or convenient for the ACMA to determine a standard in order to:
(i) provide appropriate community safeguards in relation to that matter or those matters; or
(ii) otherwise regulate adequately participants in that section of the industry in relation to that matter or those matters.
(2) The ACMA may, by legislative instrument, determine a standard that applies to participants in that section of the industry and deals with that matter or those matters. A standard under this subsection is to be known as an industry standard.
(3) Before determining an industry standard under this section, the ACMA must consult the body or association to whom the request mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) was made.
124 ACMA may determine industry standard where no industry body or association formed
(1) This section applies if:
(a) the ACMA is satisfied that a particular section of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry is not represented by a body or association; and
(b) the ACMA has published a notice under subsection 119(1) relating to that section of the industry; and
(c) that notice:
(i) states that, if such a body or association were to come into existence within a particular period, the ACMA would be likely to give a notice to that body or association under subsection 118(1); and
(ii) sets out one or more matters relating to the telecommunications activities, telemarketing activities or fax marketing activities, as the case may be, of the participants in that section of the industry; and
(d) no such body or association comes into existence within that period; and
(e) the ACMA is satisfied that it is necessary or convenient for the ACMA to determine a standard in order to:
(i) provide appropriate community safeguards in relation to that matter or those matters; or
(ii) otherwise regulate adequately participants in that section of the industry in relation to that matter or those matters.
(2) The ACMA may, by legislative instrument, determine a standard that applies to participants in that section of the industry and deals with that matter or those matters. A standard under this subsection is to be known as an industry standard.
125 ACMA may determine industry standards where industry codes fail
(1) This section applies if:
(a) an industry code that:
(i) applies to participants in a particular section of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry; and
(ii) deals with one or more matters relating to the telecommunications activities, telemarketing activities or fax marketing activities, as the case may be, of those participants;
has been registered under this Part for at least 180 days; and
(b) the ACMA is satisfied that the code is deficient (as defined by subsection (7)); and
(c) the ACMA has given the body or association that developed the code a written notice requesting that deficiencies in the code be addressed within a specified period; and
(d) that period ends and the ACMA is satisfied that it is necessary or convenient for the ACMA to determine a standard that applies to participants in that section of the industry and deals with that matter or those matters.
(2) The period specified in a notice under paragraph (1)(c) must run for at least 30 days.
(3) The ACMA may, by legislative instrument, determine a standard that applies to participants in that section of the industry and deals with that matter or those matters. A standard under this subsection is to be known as an industry standard.
(4) If the ACMA is satisfied that a body or association represents that section of the industry, the ACMA must consult the body or association before determining an industry standard under subsection (3).
(6) The industry code ceases to be registered under this Part on the day on which the industry standard comes into force.
(7) For the purposes of this section, an industry code that applies to participants in a particular section of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry and deals with one or more matters relating to the telecommunications activities, telemarketing activities or fax marketing activities, as the case may be, of those participants is deficient if, and only if:
(a) the code is not operating to provide appropriate community safeguards in relation to that matter or those matters; or
(b) the code is not otherwise operating to regulate adequately participants in that section of the industry in relation to that matter or those matters.
125AA ACMA must determine an industry standard if directed by the Minister
(1) The ACMA may, by legislative instrument, determine a standard that:
(a) applies to participants in a particular section of the telecommunications industry; and
(b) deals with one or more matters relating to the telecommunications activities of those participants.
Note 1: For examples of matters that may be dealt with by industry standards, see section 113.
Note 2: For variation and revocation, see subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(2) A standard under subsection (1) is to be known as an industry standard.
(3) If the ACMA is satisfied that a body or association represents that section of the telecommunications industry, the ACMA must consult the body or association before determining a standard under subsection (1).
(4) The Minister may, in writing, direct the ACMA to:
(a) determine a standard under subsection (1) that:
(i) applies to participants in a specified section of the telecommunications industry; and
(ii) deals with one or more specified matters relating to the telecommunications activities of those participants; and
(b) do so within a specified period.
(5) The ACMA must not determine a standard under subsection (1) unless it does so in accordance with a direction under subsection (4).
125A ACMA must determine certain industry standards relating to the telemarketing industry
(1) Before the commencement of Part 2 of the Do Not Call Register Act 2006, the ACMA must, by legislative instrument, determine a standard that:
(a) applies to participants in each section of the telemarketing industry; and
(b) deals with the following matters relating to the telemarketing activities of those participants:
(i) restricting the hours and/or days during which telemarketing calls may be made or attempted to be made;
(ii) requiring that a telemarketing call must contain specified information about the relevant participant;
(iii) requiring that, if a person other than the relevant participant caused a telemarketing call to be made, the call must contain specified information about the person who caused the call to be made;
(iv) requiring the relevant participant to terminate a telemarketing call if a specified event happens;
(v) requiring the relevant participant to ensure that calling line identification is enabled in respect of the making of a telemarketing call; and
(c) is expressed to commence at the same time as the commencement of Part 2 of the Do Not Call Register Act 2006.
(2) A standard under subsection (1) is to be known as an industry standard.
(3) If the ACMA is satisfied that a body or association represents a section of the telemarketing industry, the ACMA must consult the body or association before determining a standard under subsection (1).
(4) The ACMA must ensure that a standard is in force under subsection (1) at all times after the commencement of Part 2 of the Do Not Call Register Act 2006.
125B ACMA must determine certain industry standards relating to the fax marketing industry
(1) The ACMA may, by legislative instrument, determine a standard that:
(a) applies to participants in each section of the fax marketing industry; and
(b) deals with the following matters relating to the fax marketing activities of those participants:
(i) restricting the hours and/or days during which marketing faxes may be sent, or attempted to be sent, to an Australian number;
(ii) requiring that a marketing fax sent to an Australian number must contain specified information about the person who authorised the sending of the fax;
(iii) restricting the total number of marketing faxes sent, or attempted to be sent, by the relevant participant during a particular period to a particular Australian number;
(iv) requiring that, if a marketing fax sent to an Australian number is authorised by a particular person (the authorising person), the fax must contain information about how the recipient of the fax may send a message to the effect that the recipient does not want to receive any marketing faxes authorised by the authorising person.
Note: For variation and revocation, see subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(2) A standard under subsection (1) is to be known as an industry standard.
(3) If the ACMA is satisfied that a body or association represents a section of the fax marketing industry, the ACMA must consult the body or association before determining a standard under subsection (1).
(4) The ACMA must ensure that a standard is in force under subsection (1) at all times after the commencement of this section.
(5) For the purposes of this section, authorise, when used in relation to a marketing fax, has the same meaning as in the Do Not Call Register Act 2006.
126 Industry standards not to be determined for certain privacy matters
The ACMA must not determine an industry standard if:
(a) the standard would deal with a matter referred to in paragraph 113(3)(f) (which relates to privacy); and
(b) compliance with the standard would be likely to have the effect (whether direct or indirect) of requiring customer equipment, customer cabling, a telecommunications network or a facility:
(i) to have particular design features; or
(ii) to meet particular performance requirements.
However, this rule does not apply if the ACMA is satisfied that the benefits to the community from the operation of the standard would outweigh the costs of compliance with the standard.
128 Compliance with industry standards
(1) If an industry standard that applies to participants in a particular section of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry is registered under this Part, each participant in that section of the industry must comply with the standard.
(2) A person must not:
(a) aid, abet, counsel or procure a contravention of subsection (1); or
(b) induce, whether by threats or promises or otherwise, a contravention of subsection (1); or
(c) be in any way, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, a contravention of subsection (1); or
(d) conspire with others to effect a contravention of subsection (1).
(3) Subsections (1) and (2) are civil penalty provisions.
Note: Part 31 provides for pecuniary penalties for breaches of civil penalty provisions.
129 Formal warnings—breach of industry standards
(1) This section applies to a person who is a participant in a particular section of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry.
(2) The ACMA may issue a formal warning if the person contravenes an industry standard registered under this Part.
130 Variation of industry standards
The ACMA may, by legislative instrument, vary an industry standard that applies to participants in a particular section of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry if it is satisfied that it is necessary or convenient to do so to:
(a) provide appropriate community safeguards in relation to one or more matters relating to the telecommunications activities, telemarketing activities or fax marketing activities, as the case may be, of those participants; and
(b) otherwise regulate adequately those participants in relation to one or more matters relating to the telecommunications activities, telemarketing activities or fax marketing activities, as the case may be, of those participants.
Note: The ACMA may be satisfied that it is necessary or convenient to vary an industry standard that is inconsistent with the Australian Privacy Principles or a registered APP code (as defined in the Privacy Act 1988), following advice given by the Information Commissioner in the exercise of his or her functions under that Act.
131 Revocation of industry standards
(1) The ACMA may, by legislative instrument, revoke an industry standard.
(2) If:
(a) an industry code is registered under this Part; and
(b) the code is expressed to replace an industry standard;
the industry standard is revoked when the code is registered.
132 Public consultation on industry standards
(1) Before determining or varying an industry standard, the ACMA must:
(a) cause to be published in a newspaper circulating in each State a notice:
(i) stating that the ACMA has prepared a draft of the industry standard or variation; and
(ii) stating that free copies of the draft will be made available to members of the public during normal office hours throughout the period specified in the notice; and
(iii) specifying the place or places where the copies will be available; and
(iv) inviting interested persons to give written comments about the draft to the ACMA within the period specified under subparagraph (ii); and
(b) make copies of the draft available in accordance with the notice.
(2) The period specified under subparagraph (1)(a)(ii) must run for at least 30 days after the publication of the notice.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to a variation if the variation is of a minor nature.
(4) If interested persons have given comments in accordance with a notice under subsection (1), the ACMA must have due regard to those comments in determining or varying the industry standard, as the case may be.
(5) In this section:
State includes the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory.
133 Consultation with ACCC and the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman
(1) Before determining or varying an industry standard, the ACMA must consult the ACCC.
(1A) Before determining or varying an industry standard (other than an industry standard under section 125A or 125B), the ACMA must consult the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman.
(2) Before revoking an industry standard under subsection 131(1), the ACMA must consult the ACCC and the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman.
134 Consultation with Information Commissioner
(1) This section applies to an industry standard that deals with a matter set out in paragraph 113(3)(f), including a matter dealt with by:
(a) the Australian Privacy Principles; or
(b) other provisions of the Privacy Act 1988 relating to those principles; or
(c) a registered APP code (as defined in that Act); or
(d) provisions of that Act that relate to a registered APP code.
(2) Before determining or varying the industry standard, the ACMA must consult the Information Commissioner.
(3) Before revoking the industry standard under subsection 131(1), the ACMA must consult the Information Commissioner.
135 Consultation with consumer body
(1) Before determining or varying an industry standard, the ACMA must consult at least one body or association that represents the interests of consumers.
(2) Before revoking an industry standard under subsection 131(1), the ACMA must consult at least one body or association that represents the interests of consumers.
135A Consultation with the States and Territories
Before determining or varying an industry standard under section 125A or 125B, the ACMA must consult:
(a) each State; and
(b) the Australian Capital Territory; and
(c) the Northern Territory.
Division 6—Register of industry codes and industry standards
136 ACMA to maintain Register of industry codes and industry standards
(1) The ACMA is to maintain a Register in which the ACMA includes:
(a) all industry codes required to be registered under this Part, as those codes are in force from time to time; and
(b) all industry standards; and
(c) all requests made under section 118; and
(d) all notices under section 119; and
(e) all directions given under section 121.
(1A) Paragraph (1)(a) does not require the ACMA to continue to include in the Register an industry code, or a provision of an industry code, removed from the Register under section 122A.
(2) The Register may be maintained by electronic means.
(3) A person may, on payment of the charge (if any) fixed by a determination under section 60 of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005:
(a) inspect the Register; and
(b) make a copy of, or take extracts from, the Register.
(4) For the purposes of this section, if the Register is maintained by electronic means, a person is taken to have made a copy of, or taken an extract from, the Register if the ACMA gives the person a printout of, or of the relevant parts of, the Register.
(5) If a person requests that a copy be provided in an electronic form, the ACMA may provide the relevant information:
(a) on a data processing device; or
(b) by way of electronic transmission.
Division 6A—Reimbursement of costs of development or variation of consumer‑related industry codes
136A Application for eligibility for reimbursement of costs of development or variation of consumer‑related industry code
(1) If a body or association proposes to develop or vary an industry code that:
(a) applies to participants in a particular section of the telecommunications industry; and
(b) deals with one or more matters relating to the telecommunications activities of those participants; and
(c) deals wholly or mainly with one or more matters relating to the relationship between carriage service providers and their retail customers;
the body or association may apply to the ACMA for a declaration that the body or association is eligible for reimbursement of refundable costs incurred by it in developing the code or varying the code, as the case may be.
Note: For refundable cost, see section 136E.
Form of application etc.
(2) An application must be:
(a) in writing; and
(b) in accordance with the form approved in writing by the ACMA; and
(c) accompanied by:
(i) an estimate of the total of the refundable costs likely to be incurred by the body or association in developing the code or varying the code, as the case may be; and
(ii) a statement breaking down that estimate into categories of refundable costs.
Further information
(3) The ACMA may, within 20 business days after an application is made, request the applicant to give the ACMA, within the period specified in the request, further information about the application.
(4) The ACMA may refuse to consider the application until the applicant gives the ACMA the information.
Definition
(5) In this section:
business day means a day on which the ACMA is open for business in the Australian Capital Territory and in Victoria.
136B Declaration of eligibility for reimbursement of costs of development or variation of consumer‑related industry code
Development of code
(1) If a body or association makes an application under subsection 136A(1) for a declaration in relation to the development of a code, the ACMA must make the declaration if it is satisfied that:
(a) the body or association represents the section of the telecommunications industry referred to in paragraph 136A(1)(a); and
(b) the code will deal wholly or mainly with one or more matters relating to the relationship between carriage service providers and their retail customers; and
(c) the process for developing the code, as outlined in the application, is likely to ensure that the interests of those retail customers are adequately represented in relation to the development of the code; and
(d) the total of the refundable costs likely to be incurred by the body or association in developing the code, as set out in the estimate that accompanied the application, is reasonable.
(2) If the ACMA is not satisfied as to the matters set out in subsection (1), the ACMA must, by written notice given to the applicant, refuse to make the declaration.
Variation of code
(2A) If a body or association makes an application under subsection 136A(1) for a declaration in relation to the variation of a code, the ACMA must make the declaration if it is satisfied that:
(a) the body or association represents the section of the telecommunications industry referred to in paragraph 136A(1)(a); and
(b) the code is registered under this Part; and
(c) the code deals wholly or mainly with one or more matters relating to the relationship between carriage service providers and their retail customers; and
(d) the process for varying the code, as outlined in the application, is likely to ensure that the interests of those retail customers are adequately represented in relation to the variation of the code; and
(e) the total of the refundable costs likely to be incurred by the body or association in varying the code, as set out in the estimate that accompanied the application, is reasonable.
(2B) If the ACMA is not satisfied as to the matters set out in subsection (2A), the ACMA must, by written notice given to the applicant, refuse to make the declaration.
General provisions
(3) A declaration under this section is irrevocable, and remains in force for 2 years.
(4) A declaration under this section is not a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
136C Reimbursement of costs of developing or varying consumer‑related industry code
Reimbursement of costs—development of code
(1) If:
(a) a section 136B declaration was made in relation to the development of an industry code by a body or association; and
(b) when the section 136B declaration was in force, the body or association gave a copy of the code to the ACMA under section 117; and
(c) the ACMA is satisfied that the code deals wholly or mainly with one or more matters relating to the relationship between carriage service providers and their retail customers; and
(d) the ACMA is satisfied that the process for the development of the code ensured that the interests of those retail customers were adequately represented in relation to the development of the code; and
(e) the copy of the code was accompanied by:
(i) a written statement itemising one or more costs incurred by the body or association in developing the code; and
(ii) a written claim for reimbursement of those costs; and
(iii) a written declaration by an approved auditor that he or she is of the opinion that the subparagraph (i) statement complies with the approved auditing requirements; and
(iv) a written statement describing the process for the development of the code; and
(f) the ACMA is satisfied that each of the costs itemised in the subparagraph (e)(i) statement:
(i) is a refundable cost incurred by the body or association in developing the code; and
(ii) was incurred when the section 136B declaration was in force;
the ACMA must, by written notice given to the body or association, determine that the body or association is entitled to be paid a specified amount.
Note: For refundable cost, see section 136E.
(2) The specified amount must be equal to whichever is the lesser of the following:
(a) the total of the costs itemised in the subparagraph (1)(e)(i) statement;
(b) the estimate that accompanied the application for the section 136B declaration.
(3) The ACMA, on behalf of the Commonwealth, must pay the specified amount to the body or association within 30 days after the day on which the body or association was notified under subsection (1) of its entitlement to be paid that amount.
Reimbursement of costs—variation of code
(3A) If:
(a) a section 136B declaration was made in relation to the variation of an industry code by a body or association; and
(b) when the section 136B declaration was in force, the body or association gave a copy of the variation to the ACMA under section 119A; and
(c) the ACMA is satisfied that the code deals wholly or mainly with one or more matters relating to the relationship between carriage service providers and their retail customers; and
(d) the ACMA is satisfied that the process for the variation of the code ensured that the interests of those retail customers were adequately represented in relation to the variation of the code; and
(e) the copy of the variation was accompanied by:
(i) a written statement itemising one or more costs incurred by the body or association in varying the code; and
(ii) a written claim for reimbursement of those costs; and
(iii) a written declaration by an approved auditor that he or she is of the opinion that the subparagraph (i) statement complies with the approved auditing requirements; and
(iv) a written statement describing the process for the variation of the code; and
(f) the ACMA is satisfied that each of the costs itemised in the subparagraph (e)(i) statement:
(i) is a refundable cost incurred by the body or association in varying the code; and
(ii) was incurred when the section 136B declaration was in force;
the ACMA must, by written notice given to the body or association, determine that the body or association is entitled to be paid a specified amount.
Note: For refundable cost, see section 136E.
(3B) The specified amount must be equal to whichever is the lesser of the following:
(a) the total of the costs itemised in the subparagraph (3A)(e)(i) statement;
(b) the estimate that accompanied the application for the section 136B declaration.
(3C) The ACMA, on behalf of the Commonwealth, must pay the specified amount to the body or association within 30 days after the day on which the body or association was notified under subsection (3A) of its entitlement to be paid that amount.
Appropriation
(4) The Consolidated Revenue Fund is appropriated for payments under this section.
Approved auditors and approved auditing requirements
(5) The ACMA may make a written determination specifying:
(a) the persons who are to be approved auditors for the purposes of this section; and
(b) the requirements that are to be approved auditing requirements for the purposes of this section.
Note: For specification by class, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
(6) A determination under subsection (5) has effect accordingly.
(7) A determination under subsection (5) is a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
136D Costs—transactions between persons not at arm’s length
If:
(a) a body or association has incurred a cost in connection with a transaction where the parties to the transaction are not dealing with each other at arm’s length in relation to the transaction; and
(b) apart from this section, the cost is counted for the purposes of the application of this Division to the body or association; and
(c) the amount of the cost is greater than is reasonable;
the amount of the cost is taken, for the purposes of the application of this Division in relation to the body or association, to be the amount that would have been reasonable if the parties were dealing with each other at arm’s length.
136E Refundable cost
(1) For the purposes of this Division, a refundable cost incurred by a body or association in developing or varying a code is a cost incurred by the body or association in developing the code or varying the code, as the case may be, other than a cost specified in a written determination made by the ACMA under this subsection.
Note: For specification by class, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
(2) A determination under subsection (1) is a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
Division 7—Miscellaneous
137 Protection from civil proceedings
Civil proceedings do not lie against:
(a) an internet service provider; or
(b) an electronic messaging service provider;
in respect of anything done by the provider in connection with:
(c) an industry code registered under this Part; or
(d) an industry standard;
in so far as the code or standard deals with the procedures referred to in paragraph 113(3)(q).
138 Implied freedom of political communication
This Part does not apply to the extent (if any) that it would infringe any constitutional doctrine of implied freedom of political communication.
139 Agreements for the carrying on of telemarketing activities or fax marketing activities must require compliance with this Part
(1) A person (the first person) must not enter into a contract or arrangement, or arrive at an understanding, with another person, if:
(a) under the contract, arrangement or understanding, the other person undertakes to carry on one or more telemarketing activities or fax marketing activities; and
(b) the contract, arrangement or understanding does not contain an express provision to the effect that the other person will comply with this Part in relation to the telemarketing activities or fax marketing activities covered by the contract, arrangement or understanding.
Ancillary contraventions
(2) A person must not:
(a) aid, abet, counsel or procure a contravention of subsection (1); or
(b) induce, whether by threats or promises or otherwise, a contravention of subsection (1); or
(c) be in any way, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, a contravention of subsection (1); or
(d) conspire with others to effect a contravention of subsection (1).
Civil penalty provisions
(3) Subsections (1) and (2) are civil penalty provisions.
Note: Part 31 provides for pecuniary penalties for breaches of civil penalty provisions.
Validity of contracts, arrangements or understandings
(4) A failure to comply with subsection (1) does not affect the validity of any contract, arrangement or understanding.
Part 7—Layer 2 bitstream services
140 Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Part:
• A local access line that belongs to a telecommunications network (other than the national broadband network) must not be used to supply a fixed‑line carriage service if:
(a) the network is used, or is proposed to be used, to supply a superfast carriage service wholly or principally to residential or small business customers, or prospective residential or small business customers, in Australia; and
(b) no Layer 2 bitstream service is available for supply to those customers or prospective customers using the network; and
(c) the network came into existence, or was upgraded, on or after 1 January 2011.
141 Supply of Layer 2 bitstream services
Scope
(1) This section applies to a local access line if:
(a) the local access line is:
(i) part of the infrastructure of a telecommunications network in Australia; or
(ii) used, or for use, in or in connection with a telecommunications network in Australia; and
(b) the network is not the national broadband network; and
(c) the network is used, or is proposed to be used, to supply a superfast carriage service wholly or principally to residential or small business customers, or prospective residential or small business customers, in Australia; and
(d) no Layer 2 bitstream service is available for supply to those customers or prospective customers using the network; and
(e) either:
(i) the network came into existence on or after 1 January 2011; or
(ii) the network was altered or upgraded on or after 1 January 2011 and, as a result of the alteration or upgrade, the network became capable of being used to supply a superfast carriage service to residential or small business customers, or prospective residential or small business customers, in Australia.
Note 1: See also section 141B (deemed networks).
Note 2: For exemptions, see section 141A.
Sole owner of local access line
(2) If there is only one owner of the local access line, the owner of the local access line must not:
(a) use the local access line, either alone or jointly with one or more other persons, to supply a fixed‑line carriage service; or
(b) allow or permit another person to use the local access line to supply a fixed‑line carriage service.
Multiple owners of local access line
(3) If there are 2 or more owners of the local access line, an owner of the local access line must not:
(a) use the local access line, either alone or jointly with one or more other persons, to supply a fixed‑line carriage service; or
(b) either alone or together with one or more other owners, allow or permit another person to use the local access line to supply a fixed‑line carriage service.
Offence
(4) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person is subject to a requirement under subsection (2) or (3); and
(b) the person engages in conduct; and
(c) the person’s conduct breaches the requirement.
Penalty: 20,000 penalty units.
Definitions
(10) In this section:
alter, in relation to a telecommunications network, has a meaning affected by section 141E.
fixed‑line carriage service means:
(a) a carriage service that is supplied using a line to premises occupied or used by an end‑user; or
(b) a service that facilitates the supply of a carriage service covered by paragraph (a).
local access line has the meaning given by section 141D.
national broadband network has the same meaning as in the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011.
small business customer has the meaning given by section 141G.
superfast carriage service means a carriage service, where:
(a) the carriage service enables end‑users to download communications; and
(b) the download transmission speed of the carriage service is normally more than 25 megabits per second; and
(c) the carriage service is supplied using a line to premises occupied or used by an end‑user.
upgrade, in relation to a telecommunications network, has a meaning affected by section 141F.
141A Exemptions
(1) The Minister may, by written instrument, exempt a specified network from section 141.
Note: For specification by class, see the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(2) The Minister may, by written instrument, exempt a specified local access line from section 141.
Note: For specification by class, see the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(3) The Minister may, by written instrument, exempt a specified owner from subsections 141(2) and (3).
Note: For specification by class, see the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(4) An instrument under subsection (1), (2) or (3) may be:
(a) unconditional; or
(b) subject to such conditions (if any) as are specified in the instrument.
(5) Before making an instrument under subsection (1), (2) or (3), the Minister must consult:
(a) the ACCC; and
(b) the ACMA.
(6) An instrument under subsection (1), (2) or (3) is not a legislative instrument.
(7) In this section:
local access line has the meaning given by section 141D.
141B Deemed networks
(1) For the purposes of this Part, if:
(a) a telecommunications network is altered or upgraded on or after 1 January 2011; and
(b) as a result of the alteration or upgrade, a part of the network became capable of being used to supply a superfast carriage service to residential or small business customers, or prospective residential or small business customers, in Australia;
then:
(c) that part is taken to be a network in its own right; and
(d) the network referred to in paragraph (c) is taken to have come into existence on or after 1 January 2011.
(2) For the purposes of this Part, if:
(a) a telecommunications network is extended on or after 1 January 2011; and
(b) the extended part of the network is capable of being used to supply a superfast carriage service to residential or small business customers, or prospective residential or small business customers, in Australia;
then:
(c) the extended part is taken to be a network in its own right; and
(d) the network referred to in paragraph (c) is taken to have come into existence on or after 1 January 2011.
(3) If:
(a) a part of the infrastructure of a telecommunications network is situated in a particular area that is being or was developed as a particular stage of a real estate development project (within the ordinary meaning of that expression); and
(b) the network is extended to another area that is being, or is to be, developed as another stage of the project;
subsection (2) does not apply to the extension.
(4) If:
(a) a telecommunications network was in existence immediately before 1 January 2011; and
(b) the network is extended on or after 1 January 2011; and
(c) no point on the infrastructure of the extension is located more than:
(i) 1 kilometre; or
(ii) if a longer distance is specified in the regulations—that longer distance;
from a point on the infrastructure of the network as the network stood immediately before 1 January 2011;
subsection (2) does not apply to the extension.
(5) The regulations may provide that subsection (2) does not apply to a specified extension of a telecommunications network.
Note: For specification by class, see the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
141C Certain installations and connections are not taken to be an extension, alteration or upgrade
For the purposes of this Part, if:
(a) a line is or was installed for the purposes of connecting particular premises to a telecommunications network; and
(b) the installation of the line enables or enabled the occupier of the premises to become a customer in relation to carriage services supplied using the network; and
(c) the premises are in close proximity to a line that forms part of the infrastructure of the network; and
(d) the network is capable of being used to supply a superfast carriage service; and
(e) the network came into existence before 1 January 2011;
neither the installation of the line mentioned in paragraph (a), nor the connection of the premises, is taken to be an extension, alteration or upgrade of the network.
141D Local access line
(1) For the purposes of this Part, a local access line is a line that is part of the infrastructure of a local access network.
(2) However, a line does not form part of a local access line to the extent that the line is on the customer side of the boundary of a telecommunications network.
(3) For the purposes of this section, the boundary of a telecommunications network is to be determined in the same manner in which it is determined under section 22 for the purposes of sections 20, 21 and 30.
(4) For the purposes of this section, local access network has the meaning generally accepted within the telecommunications industry.
141E Alteration
For the purposes of this Part, an alteration of a telecommunications network does not include an extension of the network.
141F Upgrade of telecommunications network
For the purposes of this Part, an upgrade of a telecommunications network does not include an extension of the network.
141G Small business customer
For the purposes of this Part, small business customer means:
(a) a customer who is a small business employer (within the meaning of the Fair Work Act 2009); or
(b) a customer who:
(i) carries on a business; and
(ii) does not have any employees.
For the purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, it is to be assumed that each reference in section 23 of the Fair Work Act 2009 to a national system employer were a reference to an employer (within the ordinary meaning of that expression).
Part 8—Superfast fixed‑line networks
Division 1—Introduction
142 Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Part:
• A controller of a telecommunications network (other than the national broadband network) must not use a local access line to supply an eligible service to a person other than a carrier or a service provider, if:
(a) the local access line is part of the infrastructure of the network; and
(b) the network is used, or is proposed to be used, to supply a superfast carriage service wholly or principally to residential or small business customers, or prospective residential or small business customers, in Australia; and
(c) the network came into existence, or was upgraded, on or after 1 January 2011.
142A Definitions
In this Part:
alter, in relation to a telecommunications network, has a meaning affected by section 159.
electricity supply body has the same meaning as in the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011.
eligible service has the same meaning as in section 152AL of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
gas supply body has the same meaning as in the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011.
local access line has the meaning given by section 158.
national broadband network has the same meaning as in the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011.
rail corporation has the same meaning as in the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011.
sewerage services body has the same meaning as in the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011.
small business customer means:
(a) a customer who is a small business employer (within the meaning of the Fair Work Act 2009); or
(b) a customer who:
(i) carries on a business; and
(ii) does not have any employees.
For the purposes of paragraph (a) of this definition, it is to be assumed that each reference in section 23 of the Fair Work Act 2009 to a national system employer were a reference to an employer (within the ordinary meaning of that expression).
State or Territory road authority has the same meaning as in the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011.
storm water drainage services has the same meaning as in the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011.
storm water drainage services body has the same meaning as in the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011.
superfast carriage service means a carriage service, where:
(a) the carriage service enables end‑users to download communications; and
(b) the download transmission speed of the carriage service is normally more than 25 megabits per second; and
(c) the carriage service is supplied using a line to premises occupied or used by an end‑user.
upgrade, in relation to a telecommunications network, has a meaning affected by section 160.
water supply body has the same meaning as in the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011.
Division 2—Supply of eligible services to be on wholesale basis
143 Supply of eligible services to be on wholesale basis
Scope
(1) This section applies to a local access line if:
(a) the local access line is part of the infrastructure of a telecommunications network in Australia; and
(b) the network is used, or proposed to be used, to supply a superfast carriage service wholly or principally to residential or small business customers, or prospective residential or small business customers, in Australia; and
(c) the network is not the national broadband network; and
(d) either:
(i) the network came into existence on or after 1 January 2011; or
(ii) the network was altered or upgraded on or after 1 January 2011 and, as a result of the alteration or upgrade, the network became capable of being used to supply a superfast carriage service to residential or small business customers, or prospective residential or small business customers, in Australia.
Note 1: See also section 156 (deemed networks).
Note 2: For exemptions, see sections 144 to 151.
Person in position to exercise control of network
(2) A person who is in a position to exercise control of the network, or a person who is an associate of such a person, must not use the local access line, either alone or jointly with one or more other persons, to supply an eligible service unless the service is supplied to:
(a) a carrier; or
(b) a service provider.
Note 1: For when a person is in a position to exercise control of a network, see section 155.
Note 2: For control of a company, see section 154.
Offence
(3) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person is subject to a requirement under subsection (2); and
(b) the person engages in conduct; and
(c) the person’s conduct breaches the requirement.
Penalty: 20,000 penalty units.
144 Exemptions—Ministerial instrument
(1) The Minister may, by written instrument, exempt a specified network from section 143.
Note: For specification by class, see the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(2) The Minister may, by written instrument, exempt a specified local access line from section 143.
Note: For specification by class, see the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(3) The Minister may, by written instrument, exempt a specified person from subsection 143(2).
Note: For specification by class, see the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(4) An instrument under subsection (1), (2) or (3) may be:
(a) unconditional; or
(b) subject to such conditions (if any) as are specified in the instrument.
(5) Before making an instrument under subsection (1), (2) or (3), the Minister must consult:
(a) the ACCC; and
(b) the ACMA.
(6) An instrument under subsection (1), (2) or (3) is not a legislative instrument.
145 Exemption—transport authorities
(1) Subsection 143(2) does not apply if:
(a) both:
(i) the eligible service is a carriage service; and
(ii) the sole use of the carriage service is use by Airservices Australia to carry communications necessary or desirable for the workings of aviation services; or
(b) the eligible service is a service that facilitates the supply of a carriage service covered by paragraph (a) of this subsection.
(2) Paragraph (1)(a) does not apply to a carriage service supplied to Airservices Australia unless the carriage service is supplied on the basis that Airservices Australia must not re‑supply the carriage service.
(3) Subsection 143(2) does not apply if:
(a) the eligible service is a carriage service, and the sole use of the carriage service is use by a State or Territory transport authority to carry communications necessary or desirable for the workings of the following services:
(i) train services of a kind provided by the authority;
(ii) bus or other road services of a kind provided by the authority;
(iii) tram services of a kind provided by the authority; or
(b) the eligible service is a service that facilitates the supply of a carriage service covered by paragraph (a) of this subsection.
(4) Paragraph (3)(a) does not apply to a carriage service supplied to a State or Territory transport authority unless the carriage service is supplied on the basis that the State or Territory transport authority must not re‑supply the carriage service.
(5) Subsection 143(2) does not apply if:
(a) both:
(i) the eligible service is a carriage service; and
(ii) the sole use of the carriage service is use by a rail corporation to carry communications necessary or desirable for the workings of train services; or
(b) the eligible service is a service that facilitates the supply of a carriage service covered by paragraph (a) of this subsection.
(6) Paragraph (5)(a) does not apply to a carriage service supplied to a rail corporation unless the carriage service is supplied on the basis that the rail corporation must not re‑supply the carriage service.
146 Exemption—electricity supply bodies
(1) Subsection 143(2) does not apply if:
(a) the eligible service is a carriage service, and the sole use of the carriage service is use by an electricity supply body to carry communications necessary or desirable for:
(i) managing the generation, transmission, distribution or supply of electricity; or
(ii) charging for the supply of electricity; or
(b) the eligible service is a service that facilitates the supply of a carriage service covered by paragraph (a) of this section.
(2) Paragraph (1)(a) does not apply to a carriage service supplied to an electricity supply body unless the carriage service is supplied on the basis that the electricity supply body must not re‑supply the carriage service.
147 Exemption—gas supply bodies
(1) Subsection 143(2) does not apply if:
(a) the eligible service is a carriage service, and the sole use of the carriage service is use by a gas supply body to carry communications necessary or desirable for:
(i) managing the transmission or distribution of natural gas in a pipeline; or
(ii) charging for the supply of natural gas transmitted or distributed in a pipeline; or
(b) the eligible service is a service that facilitates the supply of a carriage service covered by paragraph (a) of this section.
(2) Paragraph (1)(a) does not apply to a carriage service supplied to a gas supply body unless the carriage service is supplied on the basis that the gas supply body must not re‑supply the carriage service.
148 Exemption—water supply bodies
(1) Subsection 143(2) does not apply if:
(a) the eligible service is a carriage service, and the sole use of the carriage service is use by a water supply body to carry communications necessary or desirable for:
(i) managing the distribution of water in a pipeline; or
(ii) charging for the supply of water distributed in a pipeline; or
(b) the eligible service is a service that facilitates the supply of a carriage service covered by paragraph (a) of this section.
(2) Paragraph (1)(a) does not apply to a carriage service supplied to a water supply body unless the carriage service is supplied on the basis that the water supply body must not re‑supply the carriage service.
149 Exemption—sewerage services bodies
(1) Subsection 143(2) does not apply if:
(a) the eligible service is a carriage service, and the sole use of the carriage service is use by a sewerage services body to carry communications necessary or desirable for:
(i) managing the supply of sewerage services; or
(ii) charging for the supply of sewerage services; or
(b) the eligible service is a service that facilitates the supply of a carriage service covered by paragraph (a) of this section.
(2) Paragraph (1)(a) does not apply to a carriage service supplied to a sewerage services body unless the carriage service is supplied on the basis that the sewerage services body must not re‑supply the carriage service.
150 Exemption—storm water drainage services bodies
(1) Subsection 143(2) does not apply if:
(a) the eligible service is a carriage service, and the sole use of the carriage service is use by a storm water drainage services body to carry communications necessary or desirable for:
(i) managing the supply of storm water drainage services; or
(ii) charging for the supply of storm water drainage services; or
(b) the eligible service is a service that facilitates the supply of a carriage service covered by paragraph (a) of this section.
(2) Paragraph (1)(a) does not apply to a carriage service supplied to a storm water drainage services body unless the carriage service is supplied on the basis that the storm water drainage services body must not re‑supply the carriage service.
151 Exemption—State or Territory road authorities
(1) Subsection 143(2) does not apply if:
(a) the eligible service is a carriage service, and the sole use of the carriage service is use by a State or Territory road authority to carry communications necessary or desirable for the management or control of road traffic; or
(b) the eligible service is a service that facilitates the supply of a carriage service covered by paragraph (a) of this section.
(2) Paragraph (1)(a) does not apply to a carriage service supplied to a State or Territory road authority unless the carriage service is supplied on the basis that the State or Territory road authority must not re‑supply the carriage service.
Division 3—Other provisions
152 Associate
(1) For the purposes of this Part, an associate of a person (the controller) in relation to control of:
(a) a telecommunications network; or
(b) a company;
is:
(c) a partner of the controller; or
(d) if the controller or another person who is an associate of the controller under another paragraph receives benefits or is capable of benefiting under a trust—the trustee of the trust; or
(e) a person (whether a company or not) who:
(i) acts, or is accustomed to act; or
(ii) under a contract or an arrangement or understanding (whether formal or informal) is intended or expected to act;
in accordance with the directions, instructions or wishes of, or in concert with:
(iii) the controller; or
(iv) the controller and another person who is an associate of the controller under another paragraph; or
(f) another company if:
(i) the other company is a related body corporate of the controller for the purposes of the Corporations Act 2001; or
(ii) the controller, or the controller and another person who is an associate of the controller under another paragraph, is or are in a position to exercise control of the other company.
(2) However, persons are not associates of each other if the ACCC is satisfied that:
(a) they do not act together in any relevant dealings relating to the network or company; and
(b) neither of them is in a position to exert influence over the business dealings of the other in relation to the network or company.
153 Control
In this Part, control includes control as a result of, or by means of, trusts, agreements, arrangements, understandings and practices, whether or not having legal or equitable force and whether or not based on legal or equitable rights.
154 Control of a company
(1) For the purposes of this Part, the question of whether a person is in a position to exercise control of a company is to be determined under Schedule 1 to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
(2) However, in determining that question:
(a) the definition of associate in subsection 6(1) of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 does not apply; and
(b) the definition of associate in section 152 of this Act applies instead.
155 When a person is in a position to exercise control of a network
(1) For the purposes of this Part, a person (the controller) is in a position to exercise control of a telecommunications network if:
(a) the controller legally or beneficially owns the network (whether alone or together with one or more other persons); or
(b) the controller is in a position, either alone or together with an associate of the controller and whether directly or indirectly:
(i) to exercise control of the operation of all or part of the network; or
(ii) to exercise control of the selection of the kinds of services that are supplied using the network; or
(iii) to exercise control of the supply of services using the network; or
(c) a company other than the controller legally or beneficially owns the network (whether alone or together with one or more other persons), and:
(i) the controller is in a position, either alone or together with an associate of the controller, to exercise control of the company; or
(ii) the controller, either alone or together with an associate of the controller, is in a position to veto any action taken by the board of directors of the company; or
(iii) the controller, either alone or together with an associate of the controller, is in a position to appoint or secure the appointment of, or veto the appointment of, at least half of the board of directors of the company; or
(iv) the controller, either alone or together with an associate of the controller, is in a position to exercise, in any other manner, whether directly or indirectly, direction or restraint over any substantial issue affecting the management or affairs of the company; or
(v) the company or more than 50% of its directors act, or are accustomed to act, in accordance with the directions, instructions or wishes of, or in concert with, the controller, the controller and an associate of the controller acting together, or the directors of the controller; or
(vi) the company or more than 50% of its directors, under a contract or an arrangement or understanding (whether formal or informal), are intended or expected to act in accordance with the directions, instructions or wishes of, or in concert with, the controller, the controller and an associate of the controller acting together, or the directors of the controller.
(2) An employee is not, except through an association with another person, to be regarded as being in a position to exercise control of a network under subsection (1) purely because of being an employee.
(3) More than one person may be in a position to exercise control of a network.
156 Deemed networks
(1) For the purposes of this Part, if:
(a) a telecommunications network is altered or upgraded on or after 1 January 2011; and
(b) as a result of the alteration or upgrade, a part of the network became capable of being used to supply a superfast carriage service to residential or small business customers, or prospective residential or small business customers, in Australia;
then:
(c) that part is taken to be a network in its own right; and
(d) the network referred to in paragraph (c) is taken to have come into existence on or after 1 January 2011.
(2) For the purposes of this Part, if:
(a) a telecommunications network is extended on or after 1 January 2011; and
(b) the extended part of the network is capable of being used to supply a superfast carriage service to residential or small business customers, or prospective residential or small business customers, in Australia;
then:
(c) the extended part is taken to be a network in its own right; and
(d) the network referred to in paragraph (c) is taken to have come into existence on or after 1 January 2011.
(3) If:
(a) a part of the infrastructure of a telecommunications network is situated in a particular area that is being or was developed as a particular stage of a real estate development project (within the ordinary meaning of that expression); and
(b) the network is extended to another area that is being, or is to be, developed as another stage of the project;
subsection (2) does not apply to the extension.
(4) If:
(a) a telecommunications network was in existence immediately before 1 January 2011; and
(b) the network is extended on or after 1 January 2011; and
(c) no point on the infrastructure of the extension is located more than:
(i) 1 kilometre; or
(ii) if a longer distance is specified in the regulations—that longer distance;
from a point on the infrastructure of the network as the network stood immediately before 1 January 2011;
subsection (2) does not apply to the extension.
(5) The regulations may provide that subsection (2) does not apply to a specified extension of a telecommunications network.
Note: For specification by class, see the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
157 Certain installations and connections are not taken to be an extension, alteration or upgrade
For the purposes of this Part, if:
(a) a line is or was installed for the purposes of connecting particular premises to a telecommunications network; and
(b) the installation of the line enables or enabled the occupier of the premises to become a customer in relation to carriage services supplied using the network; and
(c) the premises are in close proximity to a line that forms part of the infrastructure of the network; and
(d) the network is capable of being used to supply a superfast carriage service; and
(e) the network came into existence before 1 January 2011;
neither the installation of the line mentioned in paragraph (a), nor the connection of the premises, is taken to be an extension, alteration or upgrade of the network.
158 Local access line
(1) For the purposes of this Part, a local access line is a line that is part of the infrastructure of a local access network.
(2) However, a line does not form part of a local access line to the extent that the line is on the customer side of the boundary of a telecommunications network.
(3) For the purposes of this section, the boundary of a telecommunications network is to be determined in the same manner in which it is determined under section 22 for the purposes of sections 20, 21 and 30.
(4) For the purposes of this section, local access network has the meaning generally accepted within the telecommunications industry.
159 Alteration
For the purposes of this Part, an alteration of a telecommunications network does not include an extension of the network.
160 Upgrade of telecommunications network
For the purposes of this Part, an upgrade of a telecommunications network does not include an extension of the network.
Part 13—Protection of communications
Division 1—Introduction
270 Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Part:
• Carriers, carriage service providers, number‑database operators, emergency call persons and their respective associates must protect the confidentiality of information that relates to:
(a) the contents of communications that have been, or are being, carried by carriers or carriage service providers; and
(b) carriage services supplied by carriers and carriage service providers; and
(c) the affairs or personal particulars of other persons.
• The disclosure or use of protected information is authorised in limited circumstances (for example, disclosure or use for purposes relating to the enforcement of the criminal law).
• An authorised recipient of protected information may only disclose or use the information for an authorised purpose.
• Certain record‑keeping requirements are imposed in relation to authorised disclosures or uses of information.
271 Eligible person
For the purposes of this Part, an eligible person is a person who is:
(a) a carrier; or
(b) a carriage service provider; or
(c) an employee of a carrier; or
(d) an employee of a carriage service provider; or
(e) a telecommunications contractor; or
(f) an employee of a telecommunications contractor.
272 Number‑database operator and eligible number‑database person
(1) For the purposes of this Part, a number‑database operator is a person in respect of which a determination is in force under subsection 472(1).
(2) For the purposes of this Part, an eligible number‑database person is a person who is:
(a) a number‑database operator; or
(b) an employee of a number‑database operator; or
(c) a number‑database contractor; or
(d) an employee of a number‑database contractor.
273 Information
A reference in this Part to information includes a reference to opinion.
274 Telecommunications contractor
A reference in this Part to a telecommunications contractor is a reference to a person who performs services for or on behalf of:
(a) a carrier; or
(b) a carriage service provider;
but does not include a reference to a person who performs such services in the capacity of an employee of the carrier or provider.
275 Number‑database contractor
A reference in this Part to a number‑database contractor is a reference to a person who performs services for or on behalf of a number‑database operator, but does not include a reference to a person who performs such services in the capacity of an employee of the operator.
275A Location information
(1) For the purposes of this Part, information about the location of:
(a) a mobile telephone handset; or
(b) any other mobile communications device;
is taken to be information that relates to the affairs of the customer responsible for the handset or device.
(2) For the purposes of this Part, a document about the location of:
(a) a mobile telephone handset; or
(b) any other mobile communications device;
is taken to be a document that relates to the affairs of the customer responsible for the handset or device.
(3) This section is enacted for the avoidance of doubt.
275B Emergency management person
(1) In this Part:
emergency management person means a person who holds, occupies or performs the duties of an office or position specified under subsection (2).
(2) The Minister administering the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 may, by legislative instrument, specify either or both of the following for the purposes of the definition of emergency management person in subsection (1) of this section:
(a) offices;
(b) positions.
(3) Offices or positions established by or under a law of a State or Territory may be specified under subsection (2).
(4) Subsection (3) does not limit subsection (2).
(5) Before making an instrument under subsection (2), the Minister administering the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 must consult the Minister administering this Act.
275C Emergency
In this Part:
emergency means an emergency or disaster (however described) within the meaning of an emergency law.
275D Emergency law
(1) In this Part:
emergency law means a law specified under subsection (2).
(2) The Minister administering the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 may, by legislative instrument, specify a law of a State or a Territory for the purposes of the definition of emergency law in subsection (1) of this section.
275E Relevant information
In this Part:
relevant information means information, or the contents of a document, disclosed as permitted by section 285A.
Division 2—Primary disclosure/use offences
276 Primary disclosure/use offence—eligible persons
Current eligible persons
(1) An eligible person must not disclose or use any information or document that:
(a) relates to:
(i) the contents or substance of a communication that has been carried by a carrier or carriage service provider; or
(ii) the contents or substance of a communication that is being carried by a carrier or carriage service provider (including a communication that has been collected or received by such a carrier or provider for carriage by it but has not been delivered by it); or
(iii) carriage services supplied, or intended to be supplied, to another person by a carrier or carriage service provider; or
(iv) the affairs or personal particulars (including any unlisted telephone number or any address) of another person; and
(b) comes to the person’s knowledge, or into the person’s possession:
(i) if the person is a carrier or carriage service provider—in connection with the person’s business as such a carrier or provider; or
(ii) if the person is an employee of a carrier or carriage service provider—because the person is employed by the carrier or provider in connection with its business as such a carrier or provider; or
(iii) if the person is a telecommunications contractor—in connection with the person’s business as such a contractor; or
(iv) if the person is an employee of a telecommunications contractor—because the person is employed by the contractor in connection with its business as such a contractor.
Former eligible persons
(2) A person who has been an eligible person must not disclose or use any information or document that:
(a) relates to a matter mentioned in paragraph (1)(a); and
(b) came to the person’s knowledge, or into the person’s possession:
(i) if the person was a carrier or carriage service provider—in connection with the person’s business as such a carrier or provider; or
(ii) if the person was an employee of a carrier or carriage service provider—because the person was employed by the carrier or provider in connection with its business as such a carrier or provider; or
(iii) if the person was a telecommunications contractor—in connection with the person’s business as such a contractor; or
(iv) if the person was an employee of a telecommunications contractor—because the person was employed by the contractor in connection with its business as such a contractor.
Offence
(3) A person who contravenes this section is guilty of an offence punishable on conviction by imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years.
Note 1: This section is subject to the exceptions in Division 3 of this Part and in Chapter 4 of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.
Note 2: See also sections 4AA and 4B of the Crimes Act 1914.
Scope of subsection (1)—carriage by means of electromagnetic energy
(4) Subparagraphs (1)(a)(i) and (ii) do not apply to a communication that is or has been carried by a carrier or carriage service provider unless the carriage was by means of, is by means of, or is proposed to be delivered by means of, guided and/or unguided electromagnetic energy.
277 Primary disclosure/use offence—eligible number‑database persons
Current eligible number‑database persons
(1) An eligible number‑database person must not disclose or use any information or document that:
(a) relates to:
(i) carriage services supplied, or intended to be supplied, to another person by a carrier or carriage service provider; or
(ii) the affairs or personal particulars (including any unlisted telephone number or any address) of another person; and
(b) comes to the person’s knowledge, or into the person’s possession:
(i) if the person is a number‑database operator—in connection with the person’s business as such an operator; or
(ii) if the person is an employee of a number‑database operator—because the person is employed by the operator in connection with its business as such an operator; or
(iii) if the person is a number‑database contractor—in connection with the person’s business as such a contractor; or
(iv) if the person is an employee of a number‑database contractor—because the person is employed by the contractor in connection with its business as such a contractor.
Former eligible number‑database persons
(2) A person who has been an eligible number‑database person must not disclose or use any information or document that:
(a) relates to a matter mentioned in paragraph (1)(a); and
(b) came to the person’s knowledge, or into the person’s possession:
(i) if the person was a number‑database operator—in connection with the person’s business as such an operator; or
(ii) if the person was an employee of a number‑database operator—because the person was employed by the operator in connection with its business as such an operator; or
(iii) if the person was a number‑database contractor—in connection with the person’s business as such a contractor; or
(iv) if the person was an employee of a number‑database contractor—because the person was employed by the contractor in connection with its business as such a contractor.
Offence
(3) A person who contravenes this section is guilty of an offence punishable on conviction by imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years.
Note 1: This section is subject to the exceptions in Division 3 of this Part and in Chapter 4 of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.
Note 2: See also sections 4AA and 4B of the Crimes Act 1914.
278 Primary disclosure/use offence—emergency call persons
Current emergency call persons
(1) An emergency call person must not disclose or use any information or document that:
(a) relates to:
(i) the contents or substance of a communication that has been carried by a carrier or carriage service provider; or
(ii) the contents or substance of a communication that is being carried by a carrier or carriage service provider; or
(iii) the affairs or personal particulars (including any unlisted telephone number or any address) of another person; and
(b) comes to the person’s knowledge, or into the person’s possession, in connection with the operation of an emergency call service.
Former emergency call persons
(2) A person who has been an emergency call person must not disclose or use any information or document that:
(a) relates to a matter mentioned in paragraph (1)(a); and
(b) came to the person’s knowledge, or into the person’s possession, in connection with the operation of an emergency call service.
Offence
(3) A person who contravenes this section is guilty of an offence punishable on conviction by imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years.
Note 1: This section is subject to the exceptions in Division 3 of this Part and in Chapter 4 of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.
Note 2: See also sections 4AA and 4B of the Crimes Act 1914.
Scope of subsection (1)—carriage by means of electromagnetic energy
(4) Subparagraphs (1)(a)(i) and (ii) do not apply to a communication that is or has been carried by a carrier or carriage service provider unless the carriage was by means of, is by means of, or is proposed to be delivered by means of, guided and/or unguided electromagnetic energy.
Division 3—Exceptions to primary disclosure/use offences
Subdivision A—Exceptions
279 Performance of person’s duties
(1) Section 276 does not prohibit a disclosure or use by a person of information or a document if:
(a) the person is an employee of:
(i) a carrier; or
(ii) a carriage service provider; or
(iii) a telecommunications contractor; and
(b) the disclosure or use is made in the performance of the person’s duties as such an employee.
(2) Section 276 does not prohibit a disclosure or use by a person of information or a document if:
(a) the person is a telecommunications contractor; and
(b) the disclosure or use is made in the performance of the person’s duties as such a contractor.
(3) Section 277 does not prohibit a disclosure or use by a person of information or a document if:
(a) the person is an employee of:
(i) a number‑database operator; or
(ii) a number‑database contractor; and
(b) the disclosure or use is made in the performance of the person’s duties as such an employee.
(4) Section 277 does not prohibit a disclosure or use by a person of information or a document if:
(a) the person is a number‑database contractor; and
(b) the disclosure or use is made in the performance of the person’s duties as such a contractor.
(5) Section 278 does not prohibit a disclosure or use by a person of information or a document if:
(a) the person is an employee of:
(i) a recognised person who operates an emergency call service; or
(ii) an emergency call contractor; and
(b) the disclosure or use is made in the performance of the person’s duties as such an employee.
(6) Section 278 does not prohibit a disclosure or use by a person of information or a document if:
(a) the person is an emergency call contractor; and
(b) the disclosure or use is made in the performance of the person’s duties as such a contractor.
280 Authorisation by or under law
(1) Division 2 does not prohibit a disclosure or use of information or a document if:
(a) in a case where the disclosure or use is in connection with the operation of an enforcement agency—the disclosure or use is required or authorised under a warrant; or
(b) in any other case—the disclosure or use is required or authorised by or under law.
(1A) In applying paragraph (1)(a) to the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity, the reference in that paragraph to the operation of an enforcement agency is taken to be a reference to the performance of the functions of the Integrity Commissioner (within the meaning of the Law Enforcement Integrity Commissioner Act 2006).
(2) In this section:
enforcement agency has the same meaning as in the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.
281 Witnesses
Division 2 does not prohibit a disclosure by a person of information or a document if the person makes the disclosure as a witness summoned to give evidence or to produce documents.
284 Assisting the ACMA, the ACCC, the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman or TUSMA
(1) Sections 276 and 277 do not prohibit a disclosure by a person of information or a document if:
(a) the disclosure is made to, or to a member of the staff of, the ACMA; and
(b) the information or document may assist the ACMA to carry out its functions or powers.
(2) Sections 276 and 277 do not prohibit a disclosure by a person of information or a document if:
(a) the disclosure is made to, or to a member of the staff of, the ACCC; and
(b) the information or document may assist the ACCC to carry out its telecommunications functions and powers.
(3) Sections 276 and 277 do not prohibit a disclosure by a person of information or a document if:
(a) the disclosure is made to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, or to an employee of the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman; and
(b) the information or document may assist the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman in the consideration of a complaint made to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman.
(4) Sections 276 and 277 do not prohibit a disclosure by a person of information or a document if:
(a) the disclosure is made to, or to a member of the staff of, TUSMA; and
(b) the information or document may assist TUSMA to carry out its functions or powers.
285 Integrated public number database
Permitted uses
(1) Sections 276 and 277 do not prohibit a use by a person of information or a document if:
(a) the information or document relates to information (other than information relating to an unlisted telephone number) contained in an integrated public number database; and
(b) the information or document relates to:
(i) carriage services supplied, or intended to be supplied, to another person by a carrier or carriage service provider; or
(ii) the affairs or personal particulars of another person (other than an address relating to an unlisted telephone number); and
(c) the use is made for purposes connected with:
(i) the provision of directory assistance services by or on behalf of a carriage service provider; or
(ii) the publication and maintenance of a public number directory; or
(iii) dealing with the matter or matters raised by a call to an emergency service number.
Permitted disclosures
(1A) Sections 276 and 277 do not prohibit a disclosure by a person of information or a document if:
(a) the information or document relates to information (other than information relating to an unlisted telephone number) contained in an integrated public number database; and
(b) the information or document relates to:
(i) carriage services supplied, or intended to be supplied, to another person by a carrier or carriage service provider; or
(ii) the affairs or personal particulars of another person (other than an address relating to an unlisted telephone number); and
(c) the disclosure is made to another person for purposes connected with:
(i) the provision of directory assistance services by or on behalf of a carriage service provider; or
(ii) the publication and maintenance of a public number directory; or
(iii) dealing with the matter or matters raised by a call to an emergency service number; or
(iv) the conduct of research of a kind specified in an instrument under subsection (3); and
(d) if the disclosure to the other person is for a purpose covered by subparagraph (c)(ii) or (iv)—the other person holds an authorisation in force under the integrated public number database scheme permitting the other person to use and disclose the information or document.
Definitions
(2) In this section:
business includes a venture or concern in trade or commerce, whether or not conducted on a regular, repetitive or continuous basis.
educational institution includes:
(a) a pre‑school; and
(b) a school; and
(c) a college; and
(d) a university.
integrated public number database means:
(a) an integrated public number database maintained by Telstra as mentioned in Part 4 of Schedule 2; or
(b) an integrated public number database maintained by a person as mentioned in section 472.
public number means a number specified in the numbering plan as mentioned in subsection 455(3), but does not include an unlisted number.
public number directory means a record:
(a) that contains either or both of the following:
(i) the names of persons and their public numbers (whether or not it also contains their addresses);
(ii) the names of bodies and their public numbers (whether or not it also contains their addresses); and
(b) that, in relation to a person or body that is not a qualifying entity, contains no other information about the person or body; and
(c) that, in relation to a person or body that is a qualifying entity, contains no other information about the person or body apart from information:
(i) that is of a kind specified in an instrument under subsection (4); and
(ii) that is applicable in relation to the person or body; and
(d) that:
(i) does not enable a person who only knows the public number of an end‑user of a carriage service to readily identify the end‑user’s name and/or address; and
(ii) does not enable a person who only knows the whole or a part of the address of an end‑user of a carriage service to readily identify the end‑user’s name and/or public number; and
(e) that satisfies each requirement specified in an instrument under subsection (5).
qualifying entity means:
(a) a person, or body, that is:
(i) carrying on a business; and
(ii) registered under the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission Act 2012, or not an ACNC type of entity; or
(b) a registered charity; or
(c) an educational institution that is:
(i) registered under the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission Act 2012; or
(ii) not an ACNC type of entity; or
(e) a department of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; or
(f) an agency, authority or instrumentality of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; or
(g) any other person or body of a kind specified in an instrument under subsection (6) that is:
(i) registered under the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission Act 2012; or
(ii) not an ACNC type of entity.
Research
(3) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, specify kinds of research for the purposes of subparagraph (1A)(c)(iv). The Minister must not specify a kind of research unless the Minister is satisfied that the kind of research is in the public interest.
Additional information in public number directory
(4) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, specify kinds of information for the purposes of subparagraph (c)(i) of the definition of public number directory in subsection (2). The Minister may specify different kinds of information in relation to different kinds of qualifying entities.
Further requirements for public number directory
(5) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, specify requirements for the purposes of paragraph (e) of the definition of public number directory in subsection (2).
Qualifying entities
(6) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, specify kinds of persons or bodies for the purposes of paragraph (g) of the definition of qualifying entity in subsection (2).
285A Data for emergency warnings
(1) Sections 276 and 277 do not prohibit a disclosure by a person (the discloser) of information or a document if:
(a) the information is, or the document consists of, information (including unlisted telephone numbers) contained in an integrated public number database; and
(b) the disclosure is made to an emergency management person; and
(c) the emergency management person has given the discloser a written notice stating that the disclosure is for the purpose of the information, or the contents of the document, being later used or disclosed for either or both of the following:
(i) for a purpose connected with persons being alerted to an emergency or a likely emergency;
(ii) for the purpose of reasonable testing of whether, in the event of an emergency occurring, persons would be able to be alerted to that emergency.
(1A) A notice given as mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) may cover one or more disclosures (including each disclosure in a series of disclosures under an arrangement between the discloser and the emergency management person).
(1B) A notice given as mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) is not a legislative instrument.
(2) In this section:
integrated public number database means:
(a) an integrated public number database maintained by Telstra as mentioned in Part 4 of Schedule 2; or
(b) an integrated public number database maintained by a person as mentioned in section 472.
286 Calls to emergency service number
Division 2 does not prohibit a disclosure by a person of information or a document if:
(a) the information or document came to the person’s knowledge, or into the person’s possession, because of a call to an emergency service number; and
(b) the information, or the contents of the document, consists of any or all of the following:
(i) a name;
(ii) a telephone number;
(iii) an address;
(iv) a location;
(v) the matter or matters raised by the call; and
(c) the disclosure is made to:
(i) a member of a police force or service; or
(ii) a member of a fire service; or
(iii) a member of an ambulance service; or
(iv) an emergency call person; or
(v) a member of a service specified in the numbering plan for the purposes of this subparagraph; or
(vi) a service for despatching a force or service referred to in subparagraph (i), (ii), (iii) or (v);
for purposes connected with dealing with the matter or matters raised by the call.
287 Threat to person’s life or health
Division 2 does not prohibit a disclosure or use by a person (the first person) of information or a document if:
(a) the information or document relates to the affairs or personal particulars (including any unlisted telephone number or any address) of another person; and
(b) the first person believes on reasonable grounds that the disclosure or use is reasonably necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to the life or health of a person.
288 Communications for maritime purposes
Division 2 does not prohibit a disclosure or use of information or a document if:
(a) the disclosure or use is reasonably necessary for the purpose of the preservation of human life at sea; or
(b) the disclosure or use:
(i) relates to the location of a vessel at sea; and
(ii) is made for maritime communications purposes.
289 Knowledge or consent of person concerned
Division 2 does not prohibit a disclosure or use by a person of information or a document if:
(a) the information or document relates to the affairs or personal particulars (including any unlisted telephone number or any address) of another person; and
(b) the other person:
(i) is reasonably likely to have been aware or made aware that information or a document of that kind is usually disclosed, or used, as the case requires, in the circumstances concerned; or
(ii) has consented to the disclosure, or use, as the case requires, in the circumstances concerned.
290 Implicit consent of sender and recipient of communication
Section 276 does not prohibit a disclosure or use by a person if:
(a) the information or document relates to the contents or substance of a communication made by another person; and
(b) having regard to all the relevant circumstances, it might reasonably be expected that the sender and the recipient of the communication would have consented to the disclosure or use, if they had been aware of the disclosure or use.
291 Business needs of other carriers or service providers
(1) Section 276 does not prohibit a disclosure or use by a person of information or a document if:
(a) the disclosure or use is made by or on behalf of:
(i) a carrier (the first carrier); or
(ii) a carriage service provider (the first provider); and
(b) the disclosure or use is made for a purpose of, or is connected with, any other carrier or service provider carrying on its business as such a carrier or provider; and
(c) the information or document relates to a person (the third person) who is a customer or former customer of:
(i) the first carrier or the first provider; or
(ii) the other carrier or the other provider; and
(d) the disclosure or use is made for a purpose of, or is connected with:
(i) the supply, or proposed supply, by the other carrier or other provider to the third person of a carriage service or a content service; or
(ii) the supply, or proposed supply, by the other carrier or other provider to the third person of goods or services for use in connection with the supply of a carriage service or a content service; or
(iii) the installation, maintenance, operation or provision of access to a telecommunications network or a facility, where the network or facility is used, or for use, by the other carrier or the other provider to supply a carriage service or a content service to the third person; and
(e) if the information or document relates to the location of:
(i) a mobile telephone handset; or
(ii) any other mobile communications device;
the third person has consented to the disclosure, or use, as the case requires, in the circumstances concerned.
(2) Section 276 does not prohibit a disclosure or use by a person of information or a document if:
(a) the disclosure or use is made by or on behalf of a carriage service provider; and
(b) the disclosure or use is made for a purpose of, or is connected with, an arrangement, or proposed arrangement, made by a carriage service intermediary for the supply of a carriage service by the provider to a third person; and