Contents
Part X—International liner cargo shipping 1
Division 1—Preliminary 1
10.01..................... Objects of Part.................................................................... 1
10.01A.................. Simplified outline................................................................ 2
10.02..................... Interpretation....................................................................... 3
10.02A.................. Inland terminals................................................................ 11
10.03..................... Designated shipper bodies................................................ 12
Division 2—Additional restrictive trade practice provisions applying to ocean carriers 15
10.04..................... Application of section 46 in relation to conference agreements 15
Division 3—Minimum standards for conference agreements 16
10.06..................... Application of Australian law to outwards conference agreements and withdrawal from agreements 16
10.07..................... Minimum levels of shipping services to be specified in conference agreements 16
10.08..................... Conference agreements may include only certain restrictive trade practice provisions 16
10.09..................... Where may consequences of conference agreements not complying with minimum standards be found?.......................................................................................... 18
Division 4—Registers and files and public inspection of them 19
10.10..................... Registers and conference agreement files open to public inspection 19
10.11..................... What registers are to be kept by the Registrar?................. 19
10.12..................... What conference agreement files are to be kept by the Registrar? 19
10.13..................... What register is to be kept by the Commission?............... 20
Division 5—Exemptions from certain restrictive trade practice prohibitions 21
Subdivision A—Exemptions relating to conference agreements 21
10.14..................... Exemptions apply only to certain activities....................... 21
10.15..................... When do exemptions commence to apply in relation to registered conference agreements? 21
10.16..................... Exemptions do not apply to variations of conference agreement unless varying agreement registered 22
10.17..................... Exemptions from sections 45AF, 45AG, 45AJ, 45AK and 45 22
10.17A.................. Exemptions from sections 45AF, 45AG, 45AJ, 45AK and 45 for freight rate agreements 23
10.18..................... Exemption from section 47............................................... 24
10.18A.................. Exemptions from section 47 for freight rate agreements... 24
Subdivision B—Exemptions relating to loyalty agreements 25
10.19..................... Exemptions from sections 45AF, 45AG, 45AJ, 45AK and 45 25
10.20..................... Exemption from section 47............................................... 26
10.21..................... Exemptions cease to apply in relation to a shipper at the shipper’s option 26
Subdivision D—Other exemptions 26
10.24..................... Exemptions from sections 45AF, 45AG, 45AJ, 45AK, 45 and 47 in relation to certain negotiations 26
10.24A.................. Exemptions from sections 45AF, 45AG, 45AJ, 45AK, 45 and 47 in relation to stevedoring contracts 27
Division 6—Registration of conference agreements 29
Subdivision A—Provisional registration 29
10.25..................... Application for provisional registration of conference agreement 29
10.26..................... How application is to be made and verified...................... 29
10.27..................... Copy of agreement to be filed with application etc............ 29
10.27A.................. Copy of conference agreement to be given to designated peak shipper body 30
10.28..................... Decision on application for provisional registration.......... 31
10.29..................... Parties to conference agreement to negotiate minimum level of shipping services after provisional registration of agreement..................................................................... 33
Subdivision B—Final registration 35
10.30..................... Application for final registration of conference agreement 35
10.31..................... How application is to be made and verified...................... 35
10.32..................... Copy of agreement to be filed with application etc............ 35
10.33..................... Decision on application for final registration.................... 36
Subdivision C—Confidentiality requests 38
10.34..................... Request for confidentiality................................................ 38
10.35..................... Abstract to accompany request for confidentiality............ 38
10.36..................... Examination of abstract..................................................... 38
10.37..................... Decision on request for confidentiality............................. 39
10.38..................... Application for registration to be returned where request for confidentiality refused etc. 40
Subdivision D—Miscellaneous 40
10.39..................... Application also to be made for registration of varying conference agreements 40
10.40..................... Notification of happening of affecting events prior to final registration etc. 41
Division 7—Obligations of ocean carriers in relation to registered conference agreements 43
10.41..................... Parties to registered conference agreement to negotiate with certain designated shipper bodies etc. 43
10.42..................... Application to be made for registration of varying conference agreements 45
10.43..................... Parties to registered conference agreement to notify happening of affecting events etc. 45
Division 8—Powers of Minister in relation to registered conference agreements 47
10.44..................... Powers exercisable by Minister in relation to registered conference agreements etc. 47
10.45..................... Circumstances in which Minister may exercise powers in relation to registered conference agreements 48
10.46..................... Action to be taken where powers exercised by Minister without first obtaining Commission report 52
10.47..................... Investigation and report by Commission on reference by Minister 53
10.48..................... Investigation and report by Commission on own initiative or on application by affected person 53
10.49..................... Undertakings by parties to registered conference agreement 55
10.49A.................. Enforcement of undertakings............................................ 55
Division 9—Obligations of non‑conference ocean carriers with substantial market power 57
10.50..................... Investigations by Commission into market power of ocean carriers 57
10.51..................... Determination by Minister of market power of ocean carriers 57
10.52..................... Non‑conference ocean carrier with substantial market power to negotiate with certain designated shipper bodies etc.......................................................................... 58
10.53..................... Non‑conference ocean carrier with substantial market power not to hinder Australian flag shipping operators etc..................................................................................... 60
Division 10—Powers of Minister in relation to non‑conference ocean carriers with substantial market power 61
10.54..................... Powers exercisable by Minister in relation to obligations of non‑conference ocean carriers with substantial market power.................................................................... 61
10.55..................... Circumstances in which Minister may exercise powers.... 61
10.56..................... Action to be taken where powers exercised by Minister without first obtaining Commission report 62
10.57..................... Investigation and report by Commission on reference by Minister 63
10.58..................... Investigation and report by Commission on application by affected person 63
10.59..................... Undertakings by ocean carrier.......................................... 64
10.60..................... Enforcement of orders and undertakings.......................... 65
Division 11—Unfair pricing practices 66
10.61..................... Powers exercisable by Minister in relation to pricing practices etc. 66
10.62..................... Circumstances in which Minister may exercise powers.... 66
10.63..................... Investigation and report by Commission.......................... 67
10.64..................... Undertakings not to engage in pricing practices................ 67
10.65..................... Enforcement of orders and undertakings.......................... 68
10.66..................... Determination of normal freight rates for shipping services 68
10.67..................... Determination of whether practice contrary to national interest 69
Division 12—Registration of ocean carrier agents 71
10.68..................... Ocean carrier who provides international liner cargo shipping services to have registered agent 71
10.69..................... Representation of ocean carrier by registered agent.......... 71
10.70..................... Application by ocean carrier for registration of agent....... 72
10.71..................... Registration of agent......................................................... 72
10.72..................... Change of agent etc........................................................... 73
Division 12A—Exemption orders for inwards conference agreements etc. 74
10.72A.................. Exemption orders for inwards conference agreements etc. 74
10.72B................... Criteria for making exemption order................................. 75
10.72C................... Duration of exemption order may be limited..................... 75
10.72D.................. Conditions of exemption order......................................... 75
Division 13—General provisions relating to registers and conference agreement files 76
10.73..................... Form of registers and conference agreement files............. 76
10.74..................... Deletion of entries wrongly existing in certain registers... 76
10.75..................... Deletion of obsolete entries in certain registers................. 76
10.76..................... Correction of clerical errors and other mistakes in certain registers etc. 76
Division 14—Administration 77
10.77..................... Registrar of Liner Shipping.............................................. 77
10.78..................... Appointment of Registrar etc............................................ 77
10.79..................... Acting Registrar................................................................ 77
10.80..................... Registrar and staff to be public servants........................... 77
10.81..................... Delegation by Minister..................................................... 77
10.82..................... Delegation by Registrar.................................................... 78
Division 14A—Review of decisions of Commission 79
10.82A.................. Review by Tribunal.......................................................... 79
10.82B................... Functions and powers of Tribunal.................................... 79
10.82C................... Provisions that do not apply in relation to a Tribunal review 80
Division 14B—Review of decisions of Minister 81
10.82D.................. Review by Tribunal.......................................................... 81
10.82E................... Functions and powers of Tribunal.................................... 82
10.82F................... Modifying register after Tribunal review.......................... 82
10.82G.................. Provisions that do not apply in relation to a Tribunal review 83
Division 15—Miscellaneous 84
10.83..................... Act not to affect rights under Freedom of Information Act 84
10.84..................... Review of decisions of Registrar...................................... 84
10.85..................... Statement to accompany notices of Registrar.................... 84
10.86..................... Evidence........................................................................... 85
10.87..................... Notification by Commission of references etc.................. 85
10.88..................... Exclusion of documents etc. from register of Commission investigations 86
10.89..................... Disclosure of confidential information.............................. 87
10.90..................... Fees.................................................................................. 89
10.91..................... Application of Part XID and section 155 to investigations under Part 89
Part XI—Application of the Australian Consumer Law as a law of the Commonwealth 90
Division 1—Preliminary 90
130........................ Definitions........................................................................ 90
130A..................... Expressions defined in Schedule 2................................... 92
Division 2—Application of the Australian Consumer Law as a law of the Commonwealth 93
Subdivision A—Application of the Australian Consumer Law 93
131........................ Application of the Australian Consumer Law in relation to corporations etc. 93
131A..................... Division does not apply to financial services.................... 94
131B...................... Division does not apply to interim bans imposed by State or Territory Ministers 95
131C...................... Saving of other laws and remedies................................... 95
Subdivision B—Effect of other Commonwealth laws on the Australian Consumer Law 96
131D..................... Effect of Part VIB on Chapter 5 of the Australian Consumer Law 96
131E...................... Application of the Legislation Act 2003............................ 96
131F...................... Section 4AB of the Crimes Act does not apply................ 97
131G..................... Application of the Criminal Code..................................... 97
Division 3—Conferences for proposed bans and recall notices 98
Subdivision A—Conference requirements before a ban or compulsory recall 98
132........................ Commonwealth Minister must issue a proposed ban notice 98
132A..................... Commonwealth Minister must issue a proposed recall notice 99
132B...................... Commonwealth Minister to be notified if no person wishes a conference to be held 100
132C...................... Notification of conference............................................... 100
132D..................... Recommendation after conclusion of conference............ 100
Subdivision B—Conference requirements after an interim ban is imposed 102
132E...................... Opportunity for a conference after an interim ban has been imposed by the Commonwealth Minister 102
132F...................... Notification of conference............................................... 102
132G..................... Recommendation after conclusion of conference............ 103
Subdivision C—Conduct of conferences 103
132H..................... Conduct of conferences.................................................. 103
Subdivision D—Miscellaneous 105
132J....................... Interim ban and recall notice without delay in case of danger to the public 105
132K...................... Copy of notices under this Division to be given to suppliers 105
Division 4—Enforcement 107
Subdivision A—Inspectors 107
133........................ Appointment of inspectors.............................................. 107
133A..................... Identity cards.................................................................. 107
Subdivision B—Premises to which the public is given access 108
133B...................... Power to enter premises to which the public has access—consumer goods 108
133C...................... Power to enter premises to which the public has access—product related services 109
Subdivision C—Disclosure notices relating to the safety of goods or services 110
133D..................... Power to obtain information etc...................................... 110
133E...................... Self‑incrimination........................................................... 111
133F...................... Compliance with disclosure notices................................ 112
133G..................... False or misleading information etc................................ 112
Subdivision D—Court orders relating to the destruction etc. of goods 113
133H..................... Court orders relating to consumer goods that do not comply with a safety standard etc. 113
133J....................... Recovery of reasonable costs of seizing, and destroying or disposing of, consumer goods 114
Division 5—Infringement notices 115
134........................ Purpose and effect of this Division................................. 115
134A..................... Issuing an infringement notice........................................ 115
134B...................... Matters to be included in an infringement notice............. 116
134C...................... Amount of penalty.......................................................... 117
134D..................... Effect of compliance with an infringement notice........... 121
134E...................... Effect of failure to comply with an infringement notice.. 122
134F...................... Infringement notice compliance period for infringement notice 122
134G..................... Withdrawal of an infringement notice............................. 123
Division 6—Search, seizure and entry 125
Subdivision A—Powers of inspectors 125
135........................ Inspector may enter premises.......................................... 125
135A..................... Search‑related powers of inspectors............................... 126
135B...................... Inspector may ask questions and seek production of documents 128
135C...................... Failure to answer questions or produce documents........ 128
135D..................... Persons assisting inspectors........................................... 129
135E...................... Use of force in executing a search warrant..................... 130
135F...................... Announcement before entry under warrant..................... 130
135G..................... Inspector must be in possession of search warrant......... 131
Subdivision B—Obligations of inspectors 131
135H..................... Consent........................................................................... 131
135J....................... Details of search warrant etc. must be given to the occupier of the premises 131
Subdivision C—Occupier’s etc. rights and responsibilities 132
135K...................... Occupier etc. entitled to observe execution of search warrant 132
135L...................... Occupier etc. to provide inspector etc. with facilities and assistance 132
135M..................... Receipts for seized consumer goods and equipment....... 133
135N..................... Return of seized consumer goods and equipment........... 133
135P...................... Judge may permit consumer goods or equipment to be retained 134
Subdivision D—Provisions relating to seizure 135
135Q..................... Recovery of reasonable costs of seizing consumer goods or equipment 135
135R...................... Destruction or disposal of seized consumer goods or equipment 135
Subdivision E—Embargo notices 136
135S...................... Embargo notices............................................................. 136
135T...................... Embargo period for embargo notices.............................. 138
135U..................... Multiple embargo notices for the same consumer goods or product related services 139
135V..................... Power of inspectors to secure consumer goods.............. 139
135W..................... Power of inspectors to secure equipment used to supply product related services 139
135X..................... Consent to supply etc. embargoed consumer goods etc.. 140
135Y..................... Compliance with embargo notices.................................. 140
Subdivision F—Issue of search warrants 141
135Z...................... Issue of search warrants................................................. 141
136........................ Search warrants by telephone, fax etc............................. 142
136A..................... Offence relating to warrants by telephone, fax etc.......... 144
Subdivision G—Miscellaneous 145
136B...................... Powers of judges............................................................ 145
Division 7—Remedies 146
137........................ Limit on occupational liability......................................... 146
137A..................... Contributory acts or omissions to reduce compensation in defective goods actions 147
137B...................... Reduction of the amount of loss or damage if the claimant fails to take reasonable care 148
137C...................... Limits on recovery of amounts for death or personal injury 148
137D..................... Compensation orders etc. arising out of unfair contract terms 149
137E...................... Limits on compensation orders etc. for death or personal injury 150
137F...................... Court may make orders for the purpose of preserving money or other property held by a person 151
137G..................... Compliance with orders made under section 137F......... 154
137H..................... Findings and admissions of fact in proceedings to be evidence 154
Division 8—Jurisdictional matters 156
138........................ Conferring jurisdiction on the Federal Court.................. 156
138A..................... Conferring jurisdiction on the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) 156
138B...................... Conferring jurisdiction on State and Territory Courts..... 157
138C...................... Transfer of matters by the Federal Court........................ 157
138D..................... Transfer of matters by a State or Territory court............. 158
138E...................... Transfer of proceedings to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) 159
Division 9—Miscellaneous 162
139........................ Intervention by the Commission..................................... 162
139A..................... Terms excluding consumer guarantees from supplies of recreational services 162
139B...................... Conduct of directors, employees or agents of bodies corporate 163
139C...................... Conduct of employees or agents of persons other than bodies corporate 164
139D..................... Enforcement and recovery of certain fines...................... 165
139DA.................. Application of section 229 of the Australian Consumer Law to a person other than a body corporate 166
139E...................... Cessation of enforcement orders etc............................... 167
139F...................... Compensation for acquisition of property....................... 168
139G..................... Regulations..................................................................... 168
Part XIAA—Application of the Australian Consumer Law as a law of a State or Territory 171
140........................ Definitions...................................................................... 171
140A..................... Object of this Part........................................................... 172
140B...................... The applied Australian Consumer Law........................... 173
140C...................... Federal Court may exercise jurisdiction under application laws of Territories 173
140D..................... Exercise of jurisdiction under cross‑vesting provisions.. 173
140E...................... Commonwealth consent to conferral of functions etc. on Commonwealth entities 173
140F...................... How duty is imposed...................................................... 174
140G..................... When an application law imposes a duty........................ 175
140H..................... Application laws may operate concurrently with this Act 175
140J....................... No doubling‑up of liabilities........................................... 175
140K...................... References in instruments to the Australian Consumer Law 176
Part XIA—The Competition Code 177
150A..................... Definitions...................................................................... 177
150B...................... Objects of this Part......................................................... 178
150C...................... The Competition Code.................................................... 178
150D..................... Federal Court may exercise jurisdiction under application laws of Territories 179
150E...................... Exercise of jurisdiction under cross‑vesting provisions.. 179
150F...................... Commonwealth consent to conferral of functions etc. on Commonwealth entities 179
150FA................... How duty is imposed...................................................... 180
150FB................... When an application law imposes a duty........................ 181
150G..................... Application laws may operate concurrently with this Act 181
150H..................... No doubling‑up of liabilities........................................... 181
150I....................... References in instruments to the Competition Code........ 182
150J....................... Authorisations etc. under this Act may relate also to Competition Code 182
150K...................... Gazettal of jurisdictions that excessively modify the Code 182
Part XIB—The Telecommunications Industry: Anti‑competitive conduct and record‑keeping rules 183
Division 1—Introduction 183
151AA.................. Simplified outline............................................................ 183
151AB................... Definitions...................................................................... 184
151AC................... Extension to external Territories..................................... 186
151AD.................. Continuity of partnerships.............................................. 186
151AE................... Additional operation of Part............................................ 186
151AF................... Telecommunications market............................................ 187
151AG.................. When a body corporate is related to a partnership........... 187
151AH.................. Degree of power in a telecommunications market........... 188
151AI.................... Interpretation of Part IV or VII not affected by this Part 190
Division 2—Anti‑competitive conduct 191
151AJ.................... Anti‑competitive conduct................................................ 191
151AK................... The competition rule....................................................... 194
Division 3—Competition notices and exemption orders 195
Subdivision A—Competition notices 195
151AKA................ Part A competition notices.............................................. 195
151AL................... Part B competition notices.............................................. 196
151AM.................. Competition notice to be given to carrier or carriage service provider 197
151AN.................. Evidentiary effect of competition notice.......................... 197
151AO.................. Duration of Part A competition notice............................ 197
151AOA............... Variation of competition notice....................................... 198
151AOB................ Revocation of competition notice.................................... 198
151AP................... Guidelines....................................................................... 198
151AQ.................. Commission to act expeditiously.................................... 199
151AQA............... Stay of proceedings relating to competition notices........ 199
151AQB................ Advisory notices............................................................. 200
151AR................... Register of competition notices....................................... 201
Subdivision B—Exemption orders 202
151AS................... Exemption orders............................................................ 202
151AT................... Form of application......................................................... 202
151AU.................. Further information......................................................... 203
151AV.................. Withdrawal of application............................................... 203
151AW.................. Commission must publicise receipt of applications......... 203
151AX.................. Commission may refuse to consider application if it relates to the same conduct as an authorisation application........................................................................................ 203
151AY.................. Commission may refuse to consider application if it relates to the same conduct as a Part VII notification........................................................................................ 204
151AZ................... Commission may convene conference to discuss application.. 205
151BA................... Commission must grant or reject application.................. 205
151BB................... Commission to give opportunity for submissions.......... 205
151BC................... Criteria for making exemption order............................... 205
151BD................... Notification of decision................................................... 207
151BE................... Duration of exemption order may be limited................... 207
151BF................... Conditions of exemption order....................................... 207
151BG................... Revocation of exemption order....................................... 207
151BH................... Register of exemption orders.......................................... 208
Subdivision C—Miscellaneous 209
151BJ.................... Conduct includes proposed conduct............................... 209
Division 6—Record‑keeping rules and disclosure directions 210
151BU................... Commission may make record‑keeping rules................. 210
151BUAA............. Minister may give directions to Commission.................. 212
151BUAB............. Request for disclosure.................................................... 213
151BUA................ Commission gives access to reports............................... 214
151BUB................ Carrier or carriage service provider gives access to reports 217
151BUC................ Carrier or carriage service provider gives access to periodic reports 220
151BUD................ Exemption of reports from access requirements............. 224
151BUDA............. Commission gives access to Ministerially‑directed reports 225
151BUDB............. Carrier or carriage service provider gives access to Ministerially‑directed reports 227
151BUDC............. Carrier or carriage service provider gives access to Ministerially‑directed periodic reports 229
151BUE................ Access via the internet.................................................... 232
151BUF................ Self‑incrimination........................................................... 232