Contents
Chapter 4—Registration of transfers of, and dealings in, petroleum titles 1
Part 4.1—Introduction 1
466........ Simplified outline................................................................................ 1
467........ Definitions.......................................................................................... 1
468........ Dealing—series of debentures............................................................ 2
Part 4.2—Register of titles and petroleum special prospecting authorities 3
469........ Register to be kept............................................................................... 3
470........ Entries in Register—general................................................................ 3
471........ Entry in Register—cessation, revocation or expiry of title.................. 5
471A..... Notation in Register—applicable datum.............................................. 6
Part 4.3—Transfer of titles 7
472........ Approval and registration of transfers................................................. 7
473........ Application for approval of transfer.................................................... 7
474........ Documents to accompany application................................................. 7
476........ Time limit for application.................................................................... 8
477........ Date of application to be entered in Register....................................... 8
478........ Approval of transfer............................................................................ 8
479........ Registration of transfer........................................................................ 9
480........ Instrument of transfer does not create an interest in the title.............. 10
481........ Limit on effect of approval of transfers............................................. 10
Part 4.4—Devolution of title 11
482........ Application to have name entered on the Register as the holder of a title 11
483........ Entry of name in the Register............................................................ 11
Part 4.5—Change in name of company 12
484........ Application to have new name entered on the Register..................... 12
485........ Alteration in the Register................................................................... 12
Part 4.6—Dealings relating to existing titles 13
486........ Dealings to which this Part applies................................................... 13
487........ Approval and registration of dealings............................................... 14
488........ Application for approval of dealing................................................... 14
489........ Documents to accompany application............................................... 15
491........ Timing of application........................................................................ 16
492........ Application date to be entered in Register......................................... 16
493........ Approval of dealing.......................................................................... 16
494........ Entry of dealing in Register............................................................... 17
495........ Retention, inspection and return of instruments................................ 18
496........ Strict compliance with application provisions not required............... 19
497........ Limit on effect of approval of dealing............................................... 19
Part 4.7—Dealings in future interests 20
498........ Provisional application for approval of dealing................................. 20
499........ Documents to accompany provisional application............................. 21
501........ Timing of provisional application...................................................... 21
502........ Provisional application to be treated as an application under section 488 when title comes into existence 22
503........ Limit on approval of dealing............................................................. 23
Part 4.8—Correction and rectification of Register 24
504........ Corrections of clerical errors or obvious defects............................... 24
505........ General power of correction of Register........................................... 24
506........ Rectification of Register.................................................................... 25
Part 4.9—Information‑gathering powers 27
507........ Titles Administrator may obtain information from applicants........... 27
508........ Titles Administrator may obtain information from a party to an approved dealing 29
509........ Production and inspection of documents........................................... 31
510........ Titles Administrator may retain documents....................................... 33
Part 4.10—Other provisions 34
511........ Titles Administrator etc. not concerned with the effect of instrument lodged under this Chapter 34
513........ Making a false entry in a Register..................................................... 34
514........ Falsified documents.......................................................................... 34
515........ Inspection of Register and instruments............................................. 35
516........ Evidentiary provisions...................................................................... 35
516A..... Application fee.................................................................................. 37
Chapter 5—Registration of transfers of, and dealings in, greenhouse gas titles 38
Part 5.1—Introduction 38
518........ Simplified outline.............................................................................. 38
519........ Definitions........................................................................................ 38
520........ Dealing—series of debentures.......................................................... 39
Part 5.2—Register of titles and greenhouse gas search authorities 40
521........ Register to be kept............................................................................. 40
522........ Entries in Register—general.............................................................. 40
523........ Entry in Register—cessation or expiry of title................................... 42
523A..... Notation in Register—applicable datum............................................ 42
Part 5.3—Transfer of titles 43
524........ Approval and registration of transfers............................................... 43
525........ Application for approval of transfer.................................................. 43
526........ Documents to accompany application............................................... 43
527........ Time limit for application.................................................................. 44
528........ Date of application to be entered in Register..................................... 44
529........ Approval of transfer.......................................................................... 44
530........ Registration of transfer...................................................................... 46
531........ Instrument of transfer does not create an interest in the title.............. 47
532........ Limit on effect of approval of transfers............................................. 47
Part 5.4—Devolution of title 48
533........ Application to have name entered on the Register as the holder of a title 48
534........ Entry of name in the Register............................................................ 48
Part 5.5—Change in name of company 49
535........ Application to have new name entered on the Register..................... 49
536........ Alteration in the Register................................................................... 49
Part 5.6—Dealings relating to existing titles 50
537........ Dealings to which this Part applies................................................... 50
538........ Approval and registration of dealings............................................... 51
539........ Application for approval of dealing................................................... 51
540........ Documents to accompany application............................................... 52
541........ Timing of application........................................................................ 53
542........ Application date to be entered in Register......................................... 53
543........ Approval of dealing.......................................................................... 53
544........ Entry of dealing in Register............................................................... 54
545........ Retention, inspection and return of instruments................................ 55
546........ Strict compliance with application provisions not required............... 56
547........ Limit on effect of approval of dealing............................................... 56
Part 5.7—Dealings in future interests 57
548........ Provisional application for approval of dealing................................. 57
549........ Documents to accompany provisional application............................. 58
550........ Timing of provisional application...................................................... 58
551........ Provisional application to be treated as an application under section 539 when title comes into existence 59
552........ Limit on approval of dealing............................................................. 60
Part 5.8—Correction and rectification of Register 61
553........ Corrections of clerical errors or obvious defects............................... 61
554........ General power of correction of Register........................................... 61
555........ Rectification of Register.................................................................... 62
Part 5.9—Information‑gathering powers 64
556........ Titles Administrator may obtain information from applicants........... 64
557........ Titles Administrator may obtain information from a party to an approved dealing 65
558........ Production and inspection of documents........................................... 66
559........ Titles Administrator may retain documents....................................... 68
Part 5.10—Other provisions 69
560........ Titles Administrator not concerned with the effect of instrument lodged under this Chapter 69
562........ Making a false entry in the Register.................................................. 69
563........ Falsified documents.......................................................................... 69
564........ Inspection of Register and instruments............................................. 70
565........ Evidentiary provisions...................................................................... 70
565A..... Application fee.................................................................................. 72
Chapter 6—Administration 73
Part 6.1—Operations 73
567........ Simplified outline.............................................................................. 73
568........ Commencement of works or operations............................................ 73
569........ Work practices.................................................................................. 74
570........ Work practices.................................................................................. 79
571........ Financial assurance—petroleum titles............................................... 83
571A..... Insurance—greenhouse gas titles...................................................... 85
572........ Maintenance and removal of property etc. by titleholder................... 86
Part 6.1A—Polluter pays 89
Division 1—General 89
572A..... Simplified outline.............................................................................. 89
572AA.. Land or waters of a State or the Northern Territory.......................... 90
572AB.. Land or waters of a designated external Territory............................. 90
572B..... Relationship with significant offshore petroleum incident directions 90
Division 2—Polluter pays 91
572C..... Escape of petroleum—titleholder’s duty........................................... 91
572D..... Escape of petroleum—reimbursement of NOPSEMA...................... 92
572E...... Escape of petroleum—reimbursement of responsible Commonwealth Minister 93
572F...... Escape of petroleum—reimbursement of State or Northern Territory 94
572G..... Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws.............................. 96
572H..... Constitutional basis of this Part......................................................... 96
572J...... Additional operation of this Part....................................................... 96
Part 6.2—Directions relating to petroleum 97
Division 1—Simplified outline 97
573........ Simplified outline.............................................................................. 97
Division 2—General power to give directions 99
574........ General power to give directions—NOPSEMA............................... 99
574A..... General power to give directions—responsible Commonwealth Minister 101
574B..... Directions may extend outside of title area...................................... 105
575........ Notification of a direction that has an extended application............. 105
576........ Directions under sections 574 and 574A—compliance................... 108
Division 2A—Directions for significant offshore petroleum incidents 111
576A..... Directions for significant offshore petroleum incidents—definitions for Division 2A 111
576B..... Directions for significant offshore petroleum incidents—NOPSEMA power to give directions 112
576C..... Directions for significant offshore petroleum incidents—related matters 116
576D..... Directions for significant offshore petroleum incidents—compliance 117
576E...... Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws............................ 119
576F...... Constitutional basis of this Division............................................... 119
576G..... Additional operation of this Division.............................................. 119
Division 3—NOPSEMA or the responsible Commonwealth Minister may take action if there is a breach of a direction 121
577........ NOPSEMA may take action if there is a breach of a direction........ 121
577A..... Responsible Commonwealth Minister may take action if there is a breach of a direction 122
Division 4—Defence of taking reasonable steps to comply with a direction 124
578........ Defence of taking reasonable steps to comply with a direction....... 124
Part 6.3—Directions relating to greenhouse gas 125
Division 1—Simplified outline 125
579........ Simplified outline of this Part.......................................................... 125
Division 2—General power to give directions 126
579A..... General power to give directions—NOPSEMA............................. 126
580........ General power to give directions—responsible Commonwealth Minister 128
580A..... Directions may extend outside of title area...................................... 131
581........ Notification of a direction that has an extended application............. 132
582........ Compliance with directions............................................................. 134
Division 3—NOPSEMA or the responsible Commonwealth Minister may take action if there is a breach of a direction 135
582A..... NOPSEMA may take action if there is a breach of a direction........ 135
583........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may take action if there is a breach of a direction 136
Division 4—Defence of taking reasonable steps to comply with a direction 138
584........ Defence of taking reasonable steps to comply with a direction....... 138
Part 6.4—Restoration of the environment 139
Division 1—Petroleum 139
585........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 139
585A..... Remedial directions for petroleum—power to issue directions under different provisions 140
586........ Remedial directions to current holders of permits, leases and licences—NOPSEMA 140
586A..... Remedial directions to current holders of permits, leases and licences—responsible Commonwealth Minister 143
587........ Remedial directions to former holders of permits, leases, licences and authorities etc.—NOPSEMA 145
587A..... Remedial directions to former holders of permits, leases, licences and authorities etc.—responsible Commonwealth Minister........................................................................................... 148
587B..... Remedial directions—compliance................................................... 150
588........ NOPSEMA may take action if a direction has been breached......... 152
589........ Removal, disposal or sale of property by NOPSEMA—breach of direction 153
590........ Removal, disposal or sale of property—limitation of action etc...... 156
590A..... Responsible Commonwealth Minister may take action if a direction has been breached 157
Division 2—Greenhouse gas 158
591........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 158
591A..... Remedial directions for greenhouse gas—power to issue directions under different provisions 158
591B..... Remedial directions to current holders of permits, leases and licences—NOPSEMA 159
592........ Remedial directions to current holders of permits, leases and licences—responsible Commonwealth Minister 161
593........ Site closing directions to current holders of greenhouse gas injection licences 164
594........ Consultation—directions................................................................. 168
594A..... Remedial directions to former holders of permits, leases, licences and authorities etc.—NOPSEMA 170
595........ Remedial directions to former holders of permits, leases, licences and authorities etc.—responsible Commonwealth Minister........................................................................................... 172
595A..... NOPSEMA may take action if a direction has been breached......... 174
596........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may take action if a direction has been breached 175
596A..... Removal, disposal or sale of property by NOPSEMA—breach of direction 177
597........ Removal, disposal or sale of property by responsible Commonwealth Minister—breach of direction 180
598........ Removal, disposal or sale of property—limitation of action etc...... 182
Part 6.5—Compliance and enforcement 184
Division 1—Petroleum and greenhouse gas 184
599........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 184
600........ Definitions—this Division.............................................................. 184
601........ Meaning of listed NOPSEMA law................................................... 185
602........ NOPSEMA inspectors—appointment............................................ 188
602A..... NOPSEMA inspectors—directions by CEO.................................. 189
602B..... NOPSEMA inspectors—reimbursement for exercise of powers relating to the Titles Administrator 189
602C..... Listed NOPSEMA laws—monitoring powers (general)................ 190
602D..... Listed NOPSEMA laws—investigation powers (general).............. 193
602E...... Listed NOPSEMA laws—additional powers................................. 195
602F...... Listed NOPSEMA laws—monitoring and investigation powers (special provisions) 197
602G..... Listed NOPSEMA laws—monitoring and investigation powers (reasonable facilities and assistance) 198
602H..... Listed NOPSEMA laws—monitoring and investigation powers (Greater Sunrise visiting inspectors) 199
602J...... Environmental management laws—additional powers.................... 200
602JA... Well integrity laws—additional powers.......................................... 200
602K..... NOPSEMA inspections—titleholder’s representative.................... 200
602L...... Listed NOPSEMA laws—monitoring and investigation powers (relationship with other powers) 203
603........ Interfering with offshore petroleum installations or operations....... 203
604........ Forfeiture orders etc........................................................................ 204
609........ Interfering with greenhouse gas installations or operations............. 205
610........ Forfeiture orders etc........................................................................ 206
Division 3—Time for bringing proceedings for offences 208
611........ Time for bringing proceedings for offences.................................... 208
Division 4—Civil penalties 209
611A..... Simplified outline............................................................................ 209
611B..... Civil penalty provisions.................................................................. 209
611C..... Contravening civil penalty provisions............................................. 212
Division 5—Infringement notices 213
611D..... Simplified outline............................................................................ 213
611E...... Infringement notices........................................................................ 213
611F...... Infringement notice—multiple contraventions................................. 216
611G..... Evidentiary matters.......................................................................... 216
Division 6—Injunctions 218
611H..... Simplified outline............................................................................ 218
611J...... Injunctions...................................................................................... 218
Division 7—Adverse publicity orders 224
611K..... Simplified outline............................................................................ 224
611L...... Adverse publicity orders................................................................. 224
Division 8—Enforceable undertakings 227
611M.... Simplified outline of this Division.................................................. 227
611N..... Enforceable undertakings................................................................ 227
611P...... Publication of enforceable undertakings.......................................... 232
611Q..... Compliance with enforceable undertaking....................................... 234
Part 6.6—Safety zones and the area to be avoided 235
Division 1—Introduction 235
612........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 235
613........ Simplified map of the area to which Schedule 2 applies.................. 236
614........ Definitions...................................................................................... 237
615........ Authorised persons......................................................................... 241
Division 2—Petroleum safety zones 242
616........ Petroleum safety zones.................................................................... 242
Division 3—Greenhouse gas safety zones 244
617........ Greenhouse gas safety zones.......................................................... 244
Division 4—Unauthorised vessel not to enter area to be avoided 246
618........ NOPSEMA may authorise entry into area to be avoided................ 246
619........ Unauthorised vessel not to enter area to be avoided........................ 246
Division 5—Powers of authorised persons 249
620........ Requirement to move vessel etc...................................................... 249
621........ Other powers of authorised persons............................................... 250
622........ Warrants.......................................................................................... 253
623........ Exercise of powers in serious circumstances.................................. 254
Part 6.7—Collection of fees and royalties 255
Division 3—Royalties payable under the Royalty Act 255
631........ When royalty due for payment........................................................ 255
632........ When adjusted amount due for payment......................................... 255
633........ Late payment penalty....................................................................... 256
634........ Recovery of royalty debts............................................................... 256
635........ Amounts payable to the Titles Administrator.................................. 257
Division 4—Fees payable under this Act 258
636........ Fees payable under this Act............................................................ 258
Part 6.8—Occupational health and safety 259
637........ Occupational health and safety........................................................ 259
638........ Listed OHS laws............................................................................. 259
639........ Regulations relating to occupational health and safety..................... 260
640........ Commonwealth maritime legislation does not apply in relation to facilities located in offshore areas 260
641........ Commonwealth maritime legislation does not apply in relation to facilities located in designated coastal waters 261
Part 6.9—National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority 263
Division 1—Introduction 263
642........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 263
643........ Definitions...................................................................................... 264
644........ Designated coastal waters............................................................... 269
Division 2—Establishment, functions and powers of NOPSEMA 270
645........ National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority 270
646........ NOPSEMA’s functions.................................................................. 270
646A..... Limits on functions conferred on NOPSEMA................................ 274
647........ Policy principles.............................................................................. 280
648........ NOPSEMA’s ordinary powers...................................................... 281
649........ Functions and powers of NOPSEMA under State or Territory PSLA 282
650........ Additional functions and powers.................................................... 282
652........ NOPSEMA is a body corporate..................................................... 284
Division 3—National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority Board 286
Subdivision A—Establishment, functions and membership 286
653........ National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority Board 286
654........ Functions of the Board.................................................................... 286
655........ Powers of the Board....................................................................... 288
656........ Membership.................................................................................... 288
Subdivision B—Board procedures 289
657........ Board procedures............................................................................ 289
Subdivision C—Terms and conditions for Board members 289
658........ Term of appointment and related matters for Board members......... 289
659........ Remuneration and allowances of Board members........................... 290
660........ Leave of absence of Board members............................................... 290
661........ Resignation of Board members....................................................... 290
662........ Termination of appointment of Board members.............................. 291
663........ Other terms and conditions of Board members............................... 291
664........ Acting Board members................................................................... 292
Division 4—Chief Executive Officer and staff of NOPSEMA 293
665........ Appointment of the CEO................................................................ 293
666........ Duties of the CEO........................................................................... 293
667........ Working with the Board.................................................................. 293
668........ Remuneration and allowances of the CEO...................................... 294
669........ Leave of absence of the CEO.......................................................... 294
670........ Resignation of the CEO.................................................................. 295
672........ Termination of CEO’s appointment................................................ 295
673........ Other terms and conditions............................................................. 296
674........ Acting appointments....................................................................... 296
675........ Delegation by CEO......................................................................... 297
676........ Staff of NOPSEMA....................................................................... 297
677........ Consultants and persons seconded to NOPSEMA......................... 298
Division 5—Corporate plans 299
678........ Corporate plan................................................................................. 299
679........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister’s response to corporate plan 299
Division 7—NOPSEMA’s finances 301
682........ Commonwealth payments to NOPSEMA...................................... 301
683........ Application of money by NOPSEMA............................................ 303
Division 8—Other financial matters 304
685........ Fees for expenses incurred by NOPSEMA.................................... 304
686........ Safety investigation levy................................................................. 304
687........ Safety case levy............................................................................... 305
688........ Well investigation levy.................................................................... 307
688A..... Annual well levy............................................................................. 308
688B..... Well activity levy............................................................................. 309
688C..... Environment plan levy.................................................................... 310
689........ Liability to taxation.......................................................................... 311
Division 9—Miscellaneous 312
690........ Annual reports................................................................................ 312
691........ Ministers may require NOPSEMA to prepare reports or give information 313
692........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may give directions to NOPSEMA 314
693........ Prosecutions by the Director of Public Prosecutions under mirror provisions 316
694........ Fair Work Commission may exercise powers under mirror provisions 316
695........ Reviews of operations of NOPSEMA............................................ 317
Part 6.10—National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator 319
Division 1—Introduction 319
695AB.. Simplified outline............................................................................ 319
Division 2—National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator 320
695A..... National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator.......................... 320
695B..... Functions of the Titles Administrator.............................................. 320
695C..... Acting Titles Administrator............................................................. 322
695D..... Delegation by the Titles Administrator............................................ 323
695E...... Titles Administrator to be assisted by APS employees in the Department 324
695F...... Other persons assisting the Titles Administrator............................. 324
695G..... Consultants..................................................................................... 324
Division 3—National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator Special Account 325
695H..... National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator Special Account 325
695J...... Credits to the Account..................................................................... 325
695K..... Purposes of the Account and transfers to general CRF................... 326
Division 4—Other financial matters 327
695L...... Fees................................................................................................. 327
695M.... Annual titles administration levy..................................................... 327
Division 5—Miscellaneous 330
695N..... Annual report.................................................................................. 330
695P...... Reviews of activities of Titles Administrator.................................. 330
695Q..... Judicial notice of signature of Titles Administrator......................... 332
695R..... Communications with responsible Commonwealth Minister.......... 332
Part 6.11—Using and sharing offshore information and things 333
Division 1—Introduction 333
695S...... Simplified outline............................................................................ 333
695T...... Definitions...................................................................................... 333
695U..... Scope of Part................................................................................... 334
Division 2—NOPSEMA’s use of offshore information or things 336
695V..... Purposes for which NOPSEMA may use offshore information or things 336
Division 3—Sharing offshore information or things 337
695W.... Sharing offshore information or things for the purposes of this Act 337
695X..... CEO of NOPSEMA may share offshore information or things with other agencies 337
695XA.. CEO of NOPSEMA may share offshore information or things with Timorese Designated Authority 338
695Y..... Personal information....................................................................... 338
Chapter 7—Information relating to petroleum 340
Part 7.1—Data management and gathering of information 340
Division 1—Introduction 340
696........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 340
Division 2—Data management 341
697........ Direction to keep records................................................................ 341
698........ Regulations about data management................................................ 343
Division 3—Information‑gathering powers 345
699........ Titles Administrator or NOPSEMA inspector may obtain information and documents 345
700........ Copying documents—reasonable compensation............................. 348
701........ Power to examine on oath or affirmation........................................ 348
702........ Self‑incrimination............................................................................ 348
703........ Copies of documents....................................................................... 349
704........ Titles Administrator or NOPSEMA inspector may retain documents 349
705........ False or misleading information...................................................... 349
706........ False or misleading documents....................................................... 350
707........ False or misleading evidence........................................................... 350
707A..... Directions by Titles Administrator.................................................. 350
Part 7.2—Release of regulatory information 352
708........ Notifiable events—Gazette notice................................................... 352
709........ Titles Administrator to make documents available to responsible Commonwealth Minister 353
Part 7.3—Release of technical information 354
Division 1—Introduction 354
710........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 354
711........ Definitions...................................................................................... 354
Division 2—Protection of confidentiality of information and samples 356
Subdivision A—Information and samples obtained by the Titles Administrator 356
712........ Protection of confidentiality of documentary information obtained by the Titles Administrator 356
713........ Protection of confidentiality of petroleum mining samples obtained by the Titles Administrator 356
714........ Titles Administrator may make information or samples available to a Minister, a State Minister or a Northern Territory Minister........................................................................................... 357
Subdivision B—Information and samples obtained by a recipient Minister 357
715........ Protection of confidentiality of information obtained by a recipient Minister 357
716........ Protection of confidentiality of petroleum mining samples obtained by a recipient Minister 358
Subdivision C—Miscellaneous 359
717........ Fees................................................................................................. 359
718........ Review by Minister......................................................................... 359
719........ Privacy Act..................................................................................... 360
Division 3—Copyright 361
720........ Publishing or making copies of applicable documents not an infringement of copyright 361
Division 4—Release of technical information given to the Designated Authority before 7 March 2000 362
721........ Release of technical information given to the Designated Authority before 7 March 2000 362
Chapter 8—Information relating to greenhouse gas 363
Part 8.1—Data management and gathering of information 363
Division 1—Introduction 363
722........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 363
Division 2—Data management 364
723........ Direction to keep records................................................................ 364
724........ Regulations about data management................................................ 365
Division 3—Information‑gathering powers (general) 367
725........ Titles Administrator or NOPSEMA inspector may obtain information and documents 367
726........ Copying documents—reasonable compensation............................. 369
727........ Power to examine on oath or affirmation........................................ 369
728........ Self‑incrimination............................................................................ 369
729........ Copies of documents....................................................................... 370
730........ Titles Administrator or NOPSEMA inspector may retain documents 370
731........ False or misleading information...................................................... 370
732........ False or misleading documents....................................................... 371
733........ False or misleading evidence........................................................... 371
733A..... Directions by Titles Administrator.................................................. 371
Division 4—Information‑gathering powers (cross‑boundary) 373
733B..... Responsible Commonwealth Minister may obtain information and documents 373
733C..... Copying documents—reasonable compensation............................. 374
733D..... Self‑incrimination............................................................................ 375
733E...... Copies of documents....................................................................... 375
733F...... Responsible Commonwealth Minister may retain documents......... 375
733G..... False or misleading information...................................................... 376
733H..... False or misleading documents....................................................... 376
733J...... Crown to be bound......................................................................... 376
Part 8.2—Release of regulatory information 378
734........ Notifiable events—Gazette notice................................................... 378
734A..... Titles Administrator to make documents available to responsible Commonwealth Minister 379
Part 8.3—Release of technical information 380
Division 1—Introduction 380
735........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 380
736........ Definitions...................................................................................... 380
737........ Documents and samples given to the responsible Commonwealth Minister 381
Division 2—Protection of confidentiality of information and samples 383
Subdivision A—Information and samples obtained by the responsible Commonwealth Minister or the Titles Administrator 383
738........ Protection of confidentiality of documentary information obtained by the responsible Commonwealth Minister or the Titles Administrator........................................................................ 383
739........ Protection of confidentiality of eligible samples obtained by the responsible Commonwealth Minister or the Titles Administrator.................................................................................. 383
740........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister or the Titles Administrator may make information or samples available to a Minister, a State Minister or a Northern Territory Minister............ 384
Subdivision AA—Information and samples obtained by a recipient Minister 384
740A..... Protection of confidentiality of information obtained by a recipient Minister 384
740B..... Protection of confidentiality of eligible samples obtained by a recipient Minister 385
Subdivision B—Miscellaneous 386
741........ Fees................................................................................................. 386
742........ Privacy Act..................................................................................... 386
Division 3—Copyright 387
743........ Publishing or making copies of applicable documents not an infringement of copyright 387
Chapter 9—Miscellaneous 388
Part 9.1—Review of decisions 388
744........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 388
745........ Definitions...................................................................................... 388
747........ Review of reviewable Ministerial decision...................................... 389
747A..... Review of reviewable Titles Administrator decision....................... 389
Part 9.2—Expert advisory committees 390
748........ Establishment of expert advisory committees.................................. 390
749........ Function of expert advisory committees.......................................... 390
750........ Appointment of expert advisory committee members etc................ 393
751........ Procedures of expert advisory committees...................................... 393
752........ Remuneration and allowances......................................................... 394
753........ Leave of absence............................................................................. 395
754........ Resignation..................................................................................... 395
755........ Disclosure of interests to the responsible Commonwealth Minister 395
756........ Disclosure of interests to an expert advisory committee.................. 395
757........ Other terms and conditions............................................................. 396
758........ Protection of information................................................................ 396
Part 9.3—Information relevant to the making of designated agreements 399
Division 1—Information‑gathering powers of the responsible Commonwealth Minister 399
759........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may obtain information and documents 399
760........ Copying documents—reasonable compensation............................. 401
761........ Self‑incrimination............................................................................ 401
762........ Copies of documents....................................................................... 402
763........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may retain documents......... 402
764........ False or misleading information...................................................... 402
765........ False or misleading documents....................................................... 403
Division 2—Protection of information given to the responsible Commonwealth Minister under section 759 etc. 404
766........ Protection of information................................................................ 404
767........ Disclosure of information to titleholder etc..................................... 405
Division 3—Protection of certain information given to the responsible Commonwealth Minister under section 733B etc. 406
767A..... Protection of information................................................................ 406
767B..... Disclosure of information to titleholder etc..................................... 407
Part 9.4—Liability for acts and omissions 408
768........ Liability for acts and omissions....................................................... 408
Part 9.5—Jurisdiction of courts 410
769........ Jurisdiction of State courts.............................................................. 410
770........ Jurisdiction of Territory courts........................................................ 410
Part 9.6A—Multiple titleholders 411
Division 1—Eligible voluntary action by multiple titleholders 411
775A..... Definitions...................................................................................... 411
775B..... Eligible voluntary action by multiple holders of a petroleum title.... 412
775C..... Eligible voluntary action by multiple holders of a greenhouse gas title (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas title)........................................................................................................ 414
775CA.. Eligible voluntary action by multiple holders of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas title 416
Division 2—Obligations of multiple titleholders 419
775D..... Obligations of multiple holders of a petroleum title......................... 419
775E...... Obligations of multiple holders of a greenhouse gas title................ 420
Part 9.7—Publication in Gazette 421
776........ Publication in Gazette—State or external Territory......................... 421
777........ Publication in Gazette—Northern Territory.................................... 421
Part 9.8—Delegation by responsible Commonwealth Minister 422
778........ Delegation by responsible Commonwealth Minister....................... 422
Part 9.9—Public interest 424
779........ Public interest.................................................................................. 424
Part 9.10—Compensation for acquisition of property 425
780........ Compensation for acquisition of property....................................... 425
Part 9.10A—Inquiries into significant offshore incidents 426
780A..... Appointment of Commissioner....................................................... 426
780B..... Hearings.......................................................................................... 428
780C..... Commissioner not bound by the rules of evidence.......................... 428
780D..... Departmental officers...................................................................... 428
780E...... Application of the Royal Commissions Act 1902............................ 429
780F...... Conferral of inspection powers....................................................... 429
780G..... Application of laws relating to disclosure....................................... 432
Part 9.10B—Personal property securities 433
780H..... Titles, and interests etc. in titles, are not personal property for the purposes of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009........................................................................................................ 433
Part 9.10C—Commonwealth reserves 434
Division 1—Introduction 434
780J...... Simplified outline of this Part.......................................................... 434
Division 2—Validation etc. 435
780K..... Validation of certain renewals and extensions................................. 435
780L...... Application of EPIC exemption regime to certain petroleum titles.. 436
Part 9.10D—Greater Sunrise special regime area 439
Division 1—Bodies exercising Australia’s rights and responsibilities 439
780M.... Bodies exercising Australia’s rights and responsibilities relating to the Greater Sunrise special regime area 439
Division 2—Limits on Australian law in Greater Sunrise special regime area 440
780N..... Australian law subject to legislation made under the Timor Sea Maritime Boundaries Treaty 440
Division 3—Declaration of Greater Sunrise pipeline international offshore area 441
780P...... Declaration of Greater Sunrise pipeline international offshore area. 441
Part 9.11—Regulations 442
781........ Regulations..................................................................................... 442
782........ Regulations dealing with specific matters........................................ 442
782A..... Regulations—service of documents................................................ 446
783........ Regulations may provide for matters by reference to codes of practice or standards 446
784........ Unconditional or conditional prohibition......................................... 447
785........ Regulations not limited by conditions provisions............................ 447
786........ Exercise of Australia’s rights under international law—petroleum in the continental shelf 447
787........ Exercise of Australia’s rights under international law—injection and storage of greenhouse gas substances in the continental shelf.............................................................................. 447
788........ Exercise of Australia’s rights under international law—petroleum within territorial limits 448
789........ Exercise of Australia’s rights under international law—injection and storage of greenhouse gas substances within territorial limits................................................................................ 448
790........ Offences.......................................................................................... 449
790A..... Regulations dealing with the Regulatory Powers Act..................... 449
790B..... Environment.................................................................................... 452
790C..... Constitutional basis of Environment Regulations............................ 452
790D..... Additional operation of Environment Regulations.......................... 452
Part 9.12—Transitional provisions 454
791........ Transitional provisions.................................................................... 454
Chapter 4—Registration of transfers of, and dealings in, petroleum titles
Part 4.1—Introduction
466 Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Chapter:
• The Titles Administrator must keep a Register, for each offshore area, of petroleum titles and petroleum special prospecting authorities that relate to that offshore area.
• A transfer of a petroleum title must be approved by the Titles Administrator, and an instrument of transfer must be registered under this Part.
• A dealing in a petroleum title must be approved by the Titles Administrator, and the approval must be entered in the relevant Register.
467 Definitions
In this Chapter:
Register means a Register kept under section 469.
relevant Register:
(a) in relation to a title or a petroleum special prospecting authority—means the Register for the offshore area to which the title or petroleum special prospecting authority relates; or
(b) in relation to a notice under subsection 191(5), (6) or (7) that relates to a petroleum pool that is wholly or partly situated in an offshore area—means the Register for the offshore area.
title means:
(a) a petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) a petroleum retention lease; or
(c) a petroleum production licence; or
(d) an infrastructure licence; or
(e) a pipeline licence; or
(f) a petroleum access authority.
468 Dealing—series of debentures
For the purposes of this Chapter, if a dealing forms a part of the issue of a series of debentures, all of the dealings constituting the issue of that series of debentures are taken to be one dealing.
Part 4.2—Register of titles and petroleum special prospecting authorities
469 Register to be kept
The Titles Administrator must keep a Register, for each offshore area, of:
(a) titles; and
(b) petroleum special prospecting authorities;
relating to the offshore area.
470 Entries in Register—general
Memorial
(1) The Titles Administrator must enter in the relevant Register a memorial for each title and petroleum special prospecting authority.
(2) The memorial must comply with the table:
| Content of memorial |
| Item | In the case of... | the memorial must... |
| 1 | a title or petroleum special prospecting authority | specify the name of the holder of the title or petroleum special prospecting authority. |
| 2 | a petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease, petroleum production licence, petroleum special prospecting authority or petroleum access authority | set out an accurate description (including, where convenient, a map) of the permit area, lease area, licence area or authority area. |
| 3 | an infrastructure licence | set out details of the licence area. |
| 4 | a pipeline licence | set out an accurate description of the route of the pipeline. |
| 5 | a title or petroleum special prospecting authority | specify the term of the title or petroleum special prospecting authority. |
| 6 | a title or petroleum special prospecting authority | set out such other matters and things as are required by this Act to be entered in the Register. |
| 7 | a title or petroleum special prospecting authority | set out such further matters relating to the registered holder, or to the conditions of the title or petroleum special prospecting authority, as the Titles Administrator thinks proper and expedient in the public interest. |
(3) The Titles Administrator must enter in the relevant Register a memorial of:
(a) a notice or instrument:
(i) varying; or
(ii) cancelling (to any extent); or
(iii) surrendering (to any extent); or
(iv) otherwise affecting;
a title or petroleum special prospecting authority; or
(b) a notice under subsection 191(5), (6) or (7); or
(c) a notice or instrument varying or revoking a notice or instrument referred to in paragraph (a) or (b).
Note 1: Subparagraph (a)(iv) would cover, for example, a notice terminating a petroleum production licence, infrastructure licence or pipeline licence, or a notice revoking a petroleum retention lease or petroleum access authority.
Note 2: Subsections 191(5), (6) and (7) deal with unit development.
Copy of title may be entered instead of memorial
(4) It is a sufficient compliance with the requirements of subsection (1), (2) or (3) if the Titles Administrator enters a copy of the title, petroleum special prospecting authority, notice or instrument in the relevant Register.
Date of entry to be endorsed
(5) The Titles Administrator must endorse on:
(a) the memorial; or
(b) the copy of the title, petroleum special prospecting authority, notice or instrument;
a memorandum of the date on which the memorial or copy was entered in the relevant Register.
471 Entry in Register—cessation, revocation or expiry of title
If an event specified in the table happens, the Titles Administrator must enter in the relevant Register a memorial of the fact.
| Cessation of title etc. |
| Item | Event |
| 1 | A petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease ceases to be in force over a block in relation to which a petroleum production licence is granted. |
| 2 | A petroleum exploration permit ceases to be in force over a block in relation to which a petroleum retention lease is granted. |
| 3 | A petroleum exploration permit is wholly or partly revoked. |
| 4 | A petroleum retention lease is wholly or partly revoked otherwise than under section 158. |
| 5 | A petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease, petroleum production licence, petroleum special prospecting authority or petroleum access authority expires. |
471A Notation in Register—applicable datum
The Titles Administrator may make a notation in the relevant Register about the applicable datum for a title, petroleum special prospecting authority, notice or instrument.
Part 4.3—Transfer of titles
472 Approval and registration of transfers
A transfer of a title is of no force until:
(a) it has been approved by the Titles Administrator; and
(b) an instrument of transfer is registered as provided by this Part.
473 Application for approval of transfer
(1) One of the parties to a proposed transfer of a title may apply to the Titles Administrator for approval of the transfer.
(2) The application must be in writing.
Note: Section 516A requires the application to be accompanied by an application fee.
474 Documents to accompany application
An application for approval of a transfer must be accompanied by:
(a) an instrument of transfer in the prescribed form executed by:
(i) the registered holder or, if there are 2 or more registered holders, by each registered holder; and
(ii) the transferee or, if there are 2 or more transferees, by each transferee; and
(b) if the transferee, or one or more of the transferees, is not a registered holder or are not registered holders of the title—a document setting out:
(i) the technical qualifications of that transferee or those transferees; and
(ii) details of the technical advice that is or will be available to that transferee or those transferees; and
(iii) details of the financial resources that are or will be available to that transferee or those transferees; and
(d) in any case—a copy of the instrument referred to in paragraph (a).
476 Time limit for application
(1) An application for approval of a transfer must be made within:
(a) 90 days after the day on which the party who last executed the instrument of transfer so executed the instrument of transfer; or
(b) such longer period as the Titles Administrator allows.
(2) The Titles Administrator may allow a longer period under paragraph (1)(b) only if there are sufficient grounds to warrant allowing the longer period.
477 Date of application to be entered in Register
If an application is made for approval of a transfer, the Titles Administrator:
(a) must enter a memorandum in the relevant Register of the date on which the application was lodged; and
(b) may make such other notation in the relevant Register as the Titles Administrator considers appropriate.
478 Approval of transfer
Scope
(1) This section applies if an application is made for approval of a transfer.
Decision
(2) The Titles Administrator must:
(a) approve the transfer; or
(b) refuse to approve the transfer.
(4) The Titles Administrator must, by written notice given to the applicant, notify the applicant of the Titles Administrator’s decision.
(5) If the Titles Administrator refuses to approve the transfer, the Titles Administrator must make a notation of the refusal in the relevant Register.
479 Registration of transfer
Scope
(1) This section applies if the Titles Administrator approves the transfer of a title.
Endorsement
(2) The Titles Administrator must immediately endorse on:
(a) the instrument of transfer; and
(b) the copy of the instrument of transfer;
a memorandum of approval.
(3) The Titles Administrator must enter in the relevant Register a memorandum of:
(a) the transfer; and
(b) the name of the transferee or of each transferee.
(4) On the entry in the relevant Register of the memorandum:
(a) the transfer is taken to be registered; and
(b) the transferee becomes the registered holder, or the transferees become the registered holders, of the title.
(5) If the transfer is registered:
(a) the copy of the instrument of transfer endorsed with the memorandum of approval must be:
(i) retained by the Titles Administrator; and
(ii) made available for inspection in accordance with this Chapter; and
(b) the instrument of transfer endorsed with the memorandum of approval must be returned to the person who applied for approval of the transfer.
480 Instrument of transfer does not create an interest in the title
The mere execution of an instrument of transfer of a title creates no interest in the title.
481 Limit on effect of approval of transfers
The approval of a transfer of a title does not give to the transfer any force, effect or validity that the transfer would not have had if this Chapter had not been enacted.
Part 4.4—Devolution of title
482 Application to have name entered on the Register as the holder of a title
(1) If the rights of the registered holder of a particular title have devolved on a person by operation of law, the person may apply to the Titles Administrator to have the person’s name entered in the relevant Register as the holder of the title.
(2) The application must be in writing.
483 Entry of name in the Register
Scope
(1) This section applies if an application is made under section 482 in relation to a title.
Entry in Register
(2) If:
(a) the Titles Administrator is satisfied that the rights of the holder have devolved on the applicant by operation of law; and
(b) the applicant has paid the prescribed fee;
the Titles Administrator must enter the name of the applicant in the relevant Register as the holder of the title.
(3) On that entry being made, the applicant becomes the registered holder of the title.
Part 4.5—Change in name of company
484 Application to have new name entered on the Register
(1) If:
(a) a company is the registered holder of a particular title; and
(b) the company has changed its name;
the company may apply to the Titles Administrator to have its new name substituted for its previous name in the relevant Register in relation to that title.
(2) The application must be in writing.
485 Alteration in the Register
Scope
(1) This section applies if a company applies under section 484 to have its new name substituted for its previous name in the relevant Register in relation to a particular title.
Alteration
(2) If:
(a) the Titles Administrator is satisfied that the company has changed its name; and
(b) the company has paid the prescribed fee;
the Titles Administrator must make the necessary alterations in the relevant Register.
Part 4.6—Dealings relating to existing titles
486 Dealings to which this Part applies
This Part applies to a dealing (other than a transfer of a title) that would have one or more of the effects set out in the table:
| Effects of dealings |
| Item | Effect |
| 1 | The creation or assignment of an interest in an existing title. |
| 2 | The creation or assignment of a right (conditional or otherwise) to the assignment of an interest in an existing title. |
| 3 | The determination of the manner in which persons may: (a) exercise the rights conferred by an existing title; or (b) comply with the obligations imposed by an existing title; or (c) comply with the conditions of an existing title; (including the exercise of those rights, or the compliance with those obligations or conditions, under cooperative arrangements to recover petroleum). |
| 4 | The creation or assignment of an interest in relation to an existing petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease or petroleum production licence, where the interest is known as: (a) an overriding royalty interest; or (b) a production payment; or (c) a net profits interest; or (d) a carried interest. |
| 5 | The creation or assignment of an interest that is similar to an interest covered by item 4, where the interest relates to: (a) petroleum produced from operations authorised by an existing petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease or petroleum production licence; or (b) revenue derived as a result of the carrying out of operations authorised by an existing petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease or petroleum production licence. |
| 6 | The creation or assignment of an option (conditional or otherwise) to enter into a dealing, where the dealing would have one or more of the effects referred to in items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. |
| 7 | The creation or assignment of a right (conditional or otherwise) to enter into a dealing, where the dealing would have one or more of the effects referred to in items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. |
| 8 | The alteration or termination of a dealing, where the dealing would have one or more of the effects referred to in items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. |
487 Approval and registration of dealings
A dealing is of no force, in so far as the dealing would have an effect of a kind referred to in the table in section 486 in relation to a particular title, until:
(a) the Titles Administrator has approved the dealing, in so far as it relates to that title; and
(b) the Titles Administrator has made an entry in the relevant Register in relation to the dealing under section 494.
488 Application for approval of dealing
(1) An application for approval of a dealing must be made in accordance with subsection (2) or (3).
Application—dealing relates to only one title
(2) If a dealing relates to only one title, a party to the dealing may apply to the Titles Administrator for approval of the dealing in so far as it relates to that title.
Application—dealing relates to 2 or more titles
(3) If a dealing relates to 2 or more titles, a party to the dealing may make a separate application to the Titles Administrator for approval of the dealing in so far as it relates to each title.
Written application
(4) An application must be in writing.
Note: Section 516A requires the application to be accompanied by an application fee.
489 Documents to accompany application
Instrument evidencing dealing
(1) An application for approval of a dealing must be accompanied by:
(a) the instrument evidencing the dealing; or
(b) if that instrument has already been lodged with the Titles Administrator for the purposes of another application—a copy of that instrument.
Supplementary instrument
(2) An application for approval of a dealing may be accompanied by an instrument setting out such details (if any) as are prescribed for the purposes of an application for approval of a dealing of that kind.
(3) An instrument under subsection (2) is called a supplementary instrument.
(4A) An application for approval of the dealing must be accompanied by:
(b) a copy, or an additional copy, of the instrument referred to in subsection (1); and
(c) a copy of any supplementary instrument.
491 Timing of application
(1) An application for approval of a dealing must be made within:
(a) 90 days after the day on which the party who last executed the instrument evidencing the dealing so executed the instrument; or
(b) such longer period as the Titles Administrator allows.
(2) The Titles Administrator may allow a longer period under paragraph (1)(b) only if there are sufficient grounds to warrant allowing the longer period.
(3) This section has effect subject to section 503.
Note: Section 503 is about approval of a dealing that was entered into before the title came into existence.
492 Application date to be entered in Register
If an application is made for approval of a dealing, the Titles Administrator:
(a) must enter a memorandum in the relevant Register of the date on which the application was lodged; and
(b) may make such other notation in the relevant Register as the Titles Administrator considers appropriate.
493 Approval of dealing
Scope
(1) This section applies if an application is made for approval of a dealing in so far as it relates to a particular title.
Decision
(2) The Titles Administrator must:
(a) approve the dealing; or
(b) refuse to approve the dealing;
in so far as it relates to that title.
Note: Section 503 limits the power conferred on the Titles Administrator by this section. Section 503 is about approval of a dealing that was entered into before the title came into existence.
Notification of decision
(4) The Titles Administrator must, by written notice given to the applicant, notify the applicant of the Titles Administrator’s decision.
Refusal to approve dealing—notation in Register
(5) If the Titles Administrator refuses to approve the dealing in so far as it relates to that title, the Titles Administrator must make a notation of the refusal in the relevant Register.
494 Entry of dealing in Register
Scope
(1) This section applies if the Titles Administrator approves a dealing in so far as it relates to a particular title.
Endorsement
(2) The Titles Administrator must immediately endorse a memorandum of approval:
(a) on the original instrument evidencing the dealing and on the copy of that instrument; or
(b) if the original instrument was not lodged with the application for approval—on both of the copies of that instrument.
Entry in Register
(3) The Titles Administrator must make an entry of the approval of the dealing in the relevant Register on:
(a) the memorial relating to that title; or
(b) the copy of that title.
495 Retention, inspection and return of instruments
Scope
(1) This section applies if the Titles Administrator makes an entry of the approval of a dealing in the relevant Register.
Application accompanied by supplementary instrument
(2) If the application for approval of the dealing was accompanied by a supplementary instrument:
(a) a copy of the supplementary instrument, endorsed with a copy of the memorandum of approval, must be:
(i) retained by the Titles Administrator; and
(ii) made available for inspection in accordance with this Chapter; and
(b) the supplementary instrument must be returned to the person who applied for approval; and
(c) a copy of the instrument evidencing the dealing must not be made available for inspection in accordance with this Chapter; and
(d) the original instrument evidencing the dealing, or a copy of the original instrument, as the case requires, endorsed with a memorandum of approval, must be returned to the person who applied for approval.
Note: For inspection, see section 515.
Application not accompanied by supplementary instrument
(3) If the application for approval of the dealing was not accompanied by a supplementary instrument:
(a) one copy of the instrument evidencing the dealing, endorsed with a memorandum of approval, must be:
(i) retained by the Titles Administrator; and
(ii) made available for inspection in accordance with this Chapter; and
(b) the original instrument evidencing the dealing, or a copy of the original instrument, as the case requires, endorsed with a memorandum of approval, must be returned to the person who applied for approval.
Note: For inspection, see section 515.
Definition
(4) In this section:
supplementary instrument has the meaning given by subsection 489(3) or 499(3).
496 Strict compliance with application provisions not required
The approval of a dealing, or the making of an entry in a Register in relation to a dealing, is not made ineffective because of any failure to comply, in relation to the application for approval of the dealing, with the requirements of this Part.
497 Limit on effect of approval of dealing
The approval of a dealing does not give to the dealing any force, effect or validity that the dealing would not have had if this Chapter had not been enacted.
Part 4.7—Dealings in future interests
498 Provisional application for approval of dealing
Scope
(1) This section applies if:
(a) 2 or more persons enter into a dealing relating to a title that may come into existence in the future; and
(b) that dealing would, if the title came into existence, become a dealing to which Part 4.6 applies.
Provisional application—dealing relates to only one title
(2) If the dealing relates to only one title that may come into existence in the future, a party to the dealing may make a provisional application to the Titles Administrator for approval of the dealing.
Provisional application—dealing relates to 2 or more titles
(3) If the dealing relates to 2 or more titles that may come into existence in the future, a party to the dealing may make a separate provisional application to the Titles Administrator for approval of the dealing in relation to each title that may come into existence in the future.
Written provisional application
(4) A provisional application must be in writing.
Note: Section 516A requires the provisional application to be accompanied by an application fee.
499 Documents to accompany provisional application
Instrument evidencing dealing
(1) A provisional application for approval of a dealing must be accompanied by:
(a) the instrument evidencing the dealing; or
(b) if that instrument has already been lodged with the Titles Administrator for the purposes of another provisional application—a copy of that instrument.
Supplementary instrument
(2) A provisional application for approval of a dealing may be accompanied by an instrument setting out such details (if any) as are prescribed for the purposes of a provisional application for approval of a dealing of that kind.
(3) An instrument under subsection (2) is called a supplementary instrument.
(4A) A provisional application for approval of the dealing must be accompanied by:
(b) a copy, or an additional copy, of the instrument referred to in subsection (1); and
(c) a copy of any supplementary instrument.
501 Timing of provisional application
A provisional application must be made within the period worked out using the table:
| Period for making a provisional application |
| Item | In this case... | the period begins on... | and ends on... |
| 1 | a provisional application for approval of a dealing relating to any of the following titles that may come into existence in the future: (a) a petroleum exploration permit; (b) a petroleum retention lease; (c) a petroleum production licence; (d) an infrastructure licence; (e) a pipeline licence | the day on which an offer document that relates to the application for the title is given to the applicant for the title | the day on which the title comes into existence. |
| 2 | a provisional application for approval of a dealing relating to a petroleum access authority that may come into existence in the future | the day on which the application for the grant of the petroleum access authority is made | the day on which the petroleum access authority comes into existence. |
502 Provisional application to be treated as an application under section 488 when title comes into existence
If:
(a) a provisional application is made for approval of a dealing; and
(b) the title to which the dealing relates comes into existence; and
(c) on that title coming into existence, the dealing becomes a dealing to which Part 4.6 applies;
the provisional application is to be treated as if it were an application made under section 488 on the day on which that title came into existence.
503 Limit on approval of dealing
(1) If:
(a) Part 4.6 applies to a dealing relating to a title; and
(b) immediately before the title came into existence, the dealing was a dealing referred to in subsection 498(1);
the Titles Administrator may approve the dealing under section 493 only if:
(c) a provisional application for approval of the dealing was made under section 498; or
(d) an application for approval of the dealing was made under section 488 within:
(i) 90 days after the day on which the title came into existence; or
(ii) such longer period as the Titles Administrator allows.
(2) The Titles Administrator may allow a longer period under subparagraph (1)(d)(ii) only if there are sufficient grounds to warrant allowing the longer period.
Part 4.8—Correction and rectification of Register
504 Corrections of clerical errors or obvious defects
The Titles Administrator may alter a Register for the purposes of correcting a clerical error or an obvious defect in the Register.
505 General power of correction of Register
Power of correction
(1) The Titles Administrator may make such entries in a Register as the Titles Administrator considers appropriate for the purposes of ensuring that the Register accurately records the interests and rights existing in relation to a title.
(2) The Titles Administrator may exercise the power conferred by subsection (1):
(a) on written application being made to the Titles Administrator by a person; or
(b) on the Titles Administrator’s own initiative.
Consultation
(3) Before the Titles Administrator makes an entry in a Register under subsection (1), the Titles Administrator must cause to be published in the Gazette a notice:
(a) setting out the terms of the entry that the Titles Administrator proposes to make in the Register; and
(b) inviting interested persons to give the Titles Administrator written submissions about the making of the entry; and
(c) specifying a time limit for the making of those submissions.
(4) The time limit must not be shorter than 45 days after the publication of the notice.
(5) In deciding whether to make the entry in the Register, the Titles Administrator must take into account any submissions made in accordance with the notice.
Gazettal of terms of entry
(6) If the Titles Administrator makes an entry in a Register under subsection (1), the Titles Administrator must cause to be published in the Gazette a notice setting out the terms of the entry.
506 Rectification of Register
Application for rectification
(1) If a person is aggrieved by any of the following:
(a) the omission of an entry from a Register;
(b) an entry made in a Register without sufficient cause;
(c) an entry wrongly existing in a Register;
(d) an error or defect in an entry in a Register;
the person may apply to:
(e) the Federal Court; or
(f) the Supreme Court of, or having jurisdiction in, the State or Territory to which the relevant offshore area relates;
for the rectification of the Register.
Court orders
(2) If an application is made under subsection (1) to a court for the rectification of a Register, the court may make such order as it thinks fit directing the rectification of the Register.
(3) In proceedings under this section, the court may decide any question that it is necessary or expedient to decide in connection with the rectification of the Register.
Appearance of Titles Administrator
(4) Notice of an application under this section must be given to the Titles Administrator concerned, who:
(a) may appear and be heard; and
(b) must appear if so directed by the court.
Copy of order to be given to Titles Administrator
(5) An office copy of an order made by the court may be given to the Titles Administrator.
Compliance with order
(6) The Titles Administrator must, on receipt of the order, rectify the Register accordingly.
Principal Northern Territory offshore area and Eastern Greater Sunrise offshore area
(7) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(f):
(a) the Principal Northern Territory offshore area; and
(b) the Eastern Greater Sunrise offshore area;
are taken to relate to the Northern Territory.
Part 4.9—Information‑gathering powers
507 Titles Administrator may obtain information from applicants
Scope
(1) This section applies if:
(a) an application for approval of the transfer of a title is made under section 473; or
(b) an application is made under section 482 or 484 in relation to a title; or
(c) an application for approval of a dealing is made under section 488; or
(d) a provisional application for approval of a dealing is made under section 498; or
(e) an application is made under section 505 in relation to a title.
Requirement to give information
(2) The Titles Administrator may, by written notice given to the applicant, require the applicant to give the Titles Administrator, within the period and in the manner specified in the notice, such information about the matter to which the application relates as the Titles Administrator considers necessary or advisable.
(3) A period specified under subsection (2) must not be shorter than 14 days after the notice is given.
Offences
(4) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person has been given a notice under subsection (2); and
(b) the person omits to do an act; and
(c) the omission contravenes a requirement in the notice.
Penalty: 50 penalty units.
(5) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the Titles Administrator requires the person to give information under subsection (2); and
(b) the person gives information; and
(c) the person does so knowing that the information is false or misleading in a material particular.
Penalty: 50 penalty units.
Civil penalty
(5A) A person is liable to a civil penalty if the person contravenes a requirement in a notice under subsection (2).
Civil penalty: 90 penalty units.
Continuing offences and continuing contraventions of civil penalty provisions
(5B) The maximum penalty for each day that an offence under subsection (4) continues is 10% of the maximum penalty that can be imposed in respect of that offence.
Note: Subsection (4) is a continuing offence under section 4K of the Crimes Act 1914.
(5C) The maximum civil penalty for each day that a contravention of subsection (5A) continues is 10% of the maximum civil penalty that can be imposed in respect of that contravention.
Note: Subsection (5A) is a continuing civil penalty provision under section 93 of the Regulatory Powers Act.
Notice to set out the effect of offence and civil penalty provisions
(6) A notice under subsection (2) must set out the effect of the following provisions:
(a) subsection (4);
(b) subsection (5);
(c) subsection (5A);
(d) subsection (5B);
(e) subsection (5C).
Note: The same conduct may be an offence against both subsection (5) of this section and section 137.1 of the Criminal Code.
508 Titles Administrator may obtain information from a party to an approved dealing
Scope
(1) This section applies if:
(a) a person is a party to a dealing relating to a title; and
(b) the dealing has been approved under section 493.
Requirement to give information
(2) The Titles Administrator may, by written notice given to the person, require the person to give to the Titles Administrator, within the period and in the manner specified in the notice, such information about alterations in the interests or rights existing in relation to the title as the Titles Administrator considers necessary or advisable.
(3) A period specified under subsection (2) must not be shorter than 14 days after the notice is given.
Offences
(4) A person commits an offence of strict liability if:
(a) the person has been given a notice under subsection (2); and
(b) the person omits to do an act; and
(c) the omission contravenes a requirement in the notice.
Penalty: 50 penalty units.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(5) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the Titles Administrator requires the person to give information under subsection (2); and
(b) the person gives information; and
(c) the person does so knowing that the information is false or misleading in a material particular.
Penalty: 50 penalty units.
Civil penalty
(5A) A person is liable to a civil penalty if the person contravenes a requirement in a notice under subsection (2).
Civil penalty: 90 penalty units.
Continuing offences and continuing contraventions of civil penalty provisions
(5B) The maximum penalty for each day that an offence under subsection (4) continues is 10% of the maximum penalty that can be imposed in respect of that offence.
Note: Subsection (4) is a continuing offence under section 4K of the Crimes Act 1914.
(5C) The maximum civil penalty for each day that a contravention of subsection (5A) continues is 10% of the maximum civil penalty that can be imposed in respect of that contravention.
Note: Subsection (5A) is a continuing civil penalty provision under section 93 of the Regulatory Powers Act.
Notice to set out the effect of offence and civil penalty provisions
(6) A notice under subsection (2) must set out the effect of the following provisions:
(a) subsection (4);
(b) subsection (5);
(c) subsection (5A);
(d) subsection (5B);
(e) subsection (5C).
Note: The same conduct may be an offence against both subsection (5) of this section and section 137.1 of the Criminal Code.
509 Production and inspection of documents
Scope
(1) This section applies if the Titles Administrator has reason to believe that a document:
(a) is in the possession or under the control of a person; and
(b) relates to:
(i) a transfer or dealing for which approval is sought under this Chapter; or
(ii) an application under section 482, 484 or 505.
Requirement
(2) The Titles Administrator may, by written notice given to the person, require the person:
(a) to produce the document to the Titles Administrator, within the period and in the manner specified in the notice; or
(b) to make the document available for inspection by or on behalf of the Titles Administrator.
(3) A period specified under subsection (2) must not be shorter than 14 days after the notice is given.
Offences
(4) A person commits an offence of strict liability if:
(a) the person has been given a notice under subsection (2); and
(b) the person omits to do an act; and
(c) the omission contravenes a requirement in the notice.
Penalty: 50 penalty units.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(6) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person has been given a notice under subsection (2); and
(b) the person:
(i) produces a document to the Titles Administrator; or
(ii) makes a document available for inspection by or on behalf of the Titles Administrator; and
(c) the person does so knowing that the document is false or misleading in a material particular; and
(d) the document is produced or made available in compliance or purported compliance with the notice.
Penalty: 50 penalty units.
Civil penalty
(6A) A person is liable to a civil penalty if the person contravenes a requirement in a notice under subsection (2).
Civil penalty: 90 penalty units.
Continuing offences and continuing contraventions of civil penalty provisions
(6B) The maximum penalty for each day that an offence under subsection (4) continues is 10% of the maximum penalty that can be imposed in respect of that offence.
Note: Subsection (4) is a continuing offence under section 4K of the Crimes Act 1914.
(6C) The maximum civil penalty for each day that a contravention of subsection (6A) continues is 10% of the maximum civil penalty that can be imposed in respect of that contravention.
Note: Subsection (6A) is a continuing civil penalty provision under section 93 of the Regulatory Powers Act.
Notice to set out the effect of offence and civil penalty provisions
(7) A notice under subsection (2) must set out the effect of the following provisions:
(a) subsection (4);
(b) subsection (6);
(c) subsection (6A);
(d) subsection (6B);
(e) subsection (6C).
Note: The same conduct may be an offence against both subsection (6) of this section and section 137.2 of the Criminal Code.
510 Titles Administrator may retain documents
(1) The Titles Administrator may take possession of a document produced under section 509, and retain it for as long as is necessary.
(2) The person otherwise entitled to possession of the document is entitled to be supplied, as soon as practicable, with a copy certified by the Titles Administrator to be a true copy.
(3) The certified copy must be received in all courts and tribunals as evidence as if it were the original.
(4) Until a certified copy is supplied, the Titles Administrator must provide the person otherwise entitled to possession of the document, or a person authorised by that person, reasonable access to the document for the purposes of inspecting and making copies of, or taking extracts from, the document.
Part 4.10—Other provisions
511 Titles Administrator etc. not concerned with the effect of instrument lodged under this Chapter
None of the following is concerned with the effect in law of an instrument lodged under this Chapter:
(a) the Joint Authority;
(b) the Titles Administrator;
(c) a person acting under the direction or authority of the Joint Authority or the Titles Administrator.
513 Making a false entry in a Register
A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person:
(i) makes an entry in a Register; or
(ii) causes an entry to be made in a Register; or
(iii) concurs in the making of an entry in a Register; and
(b) the person does so knowing that the entry is false.
Penalty: 50 penalty units.
Note: The same conduct may be an offence against both this section and section 145.4 of the Criminal Code.
514 Falsified documents
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person produces or tenders in evidence a document; and
(b) the document falsely purports to be:
(i) a copy of or extract from an entry in a Register; or
(ii) a copy of or extract from an instrument given to the Titles Administrator under this Chapter.
Penalty: 50 penalty units.
Note: The same conduct may be an offence against both this section and section 137.2 of the Criminal Code.
(2) An offence against subsection (1) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
515 Inspection of Register and instruments
Inspection of Register
(1) The Titles Administrator must ensure that each Register is open for inspection, at all convenient times, by any person on payment of a fee calculated under the regulations.
Instruments
(2) The Titles Administrator must ensure that all instruments, or copies of instruments, subject to inspection under this Chapter are open for inspection, at all convenient times, by any person on payment of a fee calculated under the regulations.
516 Evidentiary provisions
Register
(1) A Register is to be received in all courts and proceedings as prima facie evidence of all matters required or authorised by this Chapter to be entered in the Register.
Certified copies and extracts
(2) The Titles Administrator may, on payment of a fee calculated under the regulations, supply:
(a) a copy of or extract from a Register; or
(b) a copy of or extract from any instrument lodged with the Titles Administrator under this Chapter;
certified by the Titles Administrator to be a true copy or true extract, as the case may be.
(3) The certified copy or extract is admissible in evidence in all courts and proceedings without further proof or production of the original.
Evidentiary certificate
(4) The Titles Administrator may, on payment of a fee calculated under the regulations, issue a written certificate:
(a) stating that an entry, matter or thing required or permitted by or under this Chapter to be made or done:
(i) has been made or done; or
(ii) has not been made or done; or
(b) stating that an entry, matter or thing required by or under this Chapter not to be made or done:
(i) has not been made or done; or
(ii) has been made or done.
(5) The certificate is to be received in all courts and proceedings as prima facie evidence of the statements in the certificate.
Criminal proceedings—copy of certificate to be given to defendant 14 days before certificate admitted in evidence
(6) A certificate must not be admitted in evidence under subsection (5) in proceedings for an offence unless:
(a) the person charged with the offence; or
(b) a barrister or solicitor who has appeared for the person in those proceedings;
has, at least 14 days before the certificate is sought to be so admitted, been given a copy of the certificate together with notice of the intention to produce the certificate as evidence in the proceedings.
Person signing the certificate may be called to give evidence
(7) If, under subsection (5), a certificate is admitted in evidence in proceedings for an offence, the person charged with the offence may require the person who signed the certificate to be:
(a) called as a witness for the prosecution; and
(b) cross‑examined as if the person who signed the certificate had given evidence of the matters stated in the certificate.
(8) However, subsection (7) does not entitle the person charged to require the person who signed the certificate to be called as a witness for the prosecution unless:
(a) the prosecutor has been given at least 4 days notice of the person’s intention to require the person who signed the certificate to be so called; or
(b) the court, by order, allows the person charged to require the person who signed the certificate to be so called.
Evidence in support, or in rebuttal, of matters in certificate to be considered on its merits
(9) Any evidence given in support, or in rebuttal, of a matter stated in a certificate issued under subsection (4) must be considered on its merits, and the credibility and probative value of such evidence must be neither increased nor diminished by reason of this section.
516A Application fee
(1) An eligible application must be accompanied by the fee (if any) prescribed by the regulations.
Note: For eligible application, see subsection (4).
(2) Different fees may be prescribed for different eligible applications.
(3) A fee must not be such as to amount to taxation.
(4) For the purposes of this section, each of the following is an eligible application:
(a) an application for the approval of the transfer of a title;
(b) an application for the approval of a dealing (other than an application covered by section 502);
(c) a provisional application for the approval of a dealing.
Chapter 5—Registration of transfers of, and dealings in, greenhouse gas titles
Part 5.1—Introduction
518 Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Chapter:
• The Titles Administrator must keep a Register of greenhouse gas titles and greenhouse gas search authorities.
• A transfer of a greenhouse gas title must be approved by the Titles Administrator, and an instrument of transfer must be registered under this Part.
• A dealing in a greenhouse gas title must be approved by the Titles Administrator, and the approval must be entered in the Register.
519 Definitions
In this Chapter:
Register means the Register kept under section 521.
title means:
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(b) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licence; or
(d) a greenhouse gas special authority.
520 Dealing—series of debentures
For the purposes of this Chapter, if a dealing forms a part of the issue of a series of debentures, all of the dealings constituting the issue of that series of debentures are taken to be one dealing.
Part 5.2—Register of titles and greenhouse gas search authorities
521 Register to be kept
The Titles Administrator must keep a Register of:
(a) titles; and
(b) greenhouse gas search authorities.
522 Entries in Register—general
Memorial
(1) The Titles Administrator must enter in the Register a memorial for each title and greenhouse gas search authority.
(2) The memorial must comply with the table:
| Content of memorial |
| Item | In the case of... | the memorial must... |
| 1 | a title or greenhouse gas search authority | specify the name of the holder of the title. |
| 2 | a greenhouse gas assessment permit, greenhouse gas holding lease, greenhouse gas injection licence, greenhouse gas search authority or greenhouse gas special authority | set out an accurate description (including, where convenient, a map) of the permit area, lease area, licence area or authority area. |
| 3 | a title or greenhouse gas search authority | specify the term of the title or greenhouse gas search authority. |
| 4 | a title or greenhouse gas search authority | set out such other matters and things as are required by this Act to be entered in the Register. |
| 5 | a title or greenhouse gas search authority | set out such further matters relating to the registered holder, or to the conditions of the title or greenhouse gas search authority, as the Titles Administrator thinks proper and expedient in the public interest. |
(3) The Titles Administrator must enter in the Register a memorial of:
(a) a notice or instrument:
(i) varying; or
(ii) cancelling; or
(iii) surrendering (to any extent); or
(iv) otherwise affecting;
a title or greenhouse gas search authority; or
(b) a notice or instrument varying or revoking a notice or instrument referred to in paragraph (a).
Note: Subparagraph (a)(iv) would cover, for example, a notice revoking a greenhouse gas special authority.
Copy of title may be entered instead of memorial
(4) It is a sufficient compliance with the requirements of subsection (1), (2) or (3) if the Titles Administrator enters a copy of the title, greenhouse gas search authority, notice or instrument in the Register.
Date of entry to be endorsed
(5) The Titles Administrator must endorse on:
(a) the memorial; or
(b) the copy of the title, greenhouse gas search authority, notice or instrument;
a memorandum of the date on which the memorial or copy was entered in the Register.
523 Entry in Register—cessation or expiry of title
If an event specified in the table happens, the Titles Administrator must enter in the Register a memorial of the fact.
| Cessation of title etc. |
| Item | Event |
| 1 | A greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse gas holding lease ceases to be in force over a block in relation to which a greenhouse gas injection licence is granted. |
| 2 | A greenhouse gas assessment permit ceases to be in force over a block in relation to which a greenhouse gas holding lease (other than a special greenhouse gas holding lease) is granted. |
| 3 | A greenhouse gas assessment permit or a greenhouse gas holding lease (other than a special greenhouse gas holding lease) ceases to be in force over a block in relation to which a special greenhouse gas holding lease is granted. |
| 4 | A greenhouse gas injection licence ceases to be in force over a block in relation to which a greenhouse gas holding lease is granted. |
| 5 | A greenhouse gas assessment permit, greenhouse gas holding lease (other than a special greenhouse gas holding lease), greenhouse gas search authority or greenhouse gas special authority expires. |
523A Notation in Register—applicable datum
The Titles Administrator may make a notation in the Register about the applicable datum for a title, greenhouse gas search authority, notice or instrument.
Part 5.3—Transfer of titles
524 Approval and registration of transfers
A transfer of a title is of no force until:
(a) it has been approved by the Titles Administrator; and
(b) an instrument of transfer is registered as provided by this Part.
525 Application for approval of transfer
(1) One of the parties to a proposed transfer of a title may apply to the Titles Administrator for approval of the transfer.
(2) The application must be in writing.
Note: Section 565A requires the application to be accompanied by an application fee.
526 Documents to accompany application
An application for approval of a transfer must be accompanied by:
(a) an instrument of transfer in the prescribed form executed by:
(i) the registered holder or, if there are 2 or more registered holders, by each registered holder; and
(ii) the transferee or, if there are 2 or more transferees, by each transferee; and
(b) if the transferee, or one or more of the transferees, is not a registered holder or are not registered holders of the title—a document setting out:
(i) the technical qualifications of that transferee or those transferees; and
(ii) details of the technical advice that is or will be available to that transferee or those transferees; and