Economic Regulation Authority Act 2003

 

Economic Regulation Authority Act 2003

CONTENTS

Part 1 — Preliminary

1.           Short title                                                                         2

2.           Commencement                                                               2

3.           Definitions                                                                       2

Part 2 — Economic Regulation Authority

4.           Economic Regulation Authority established                        4

5.           Status                                                                              4

6.           Management of Authority                                                 4

7.           Members                                                                         4

8.           Term of office                                                                  5

9.           Casual vacancy                                                                5

10.         Alternate chairman                                                           6

11.         Alternate members                                                           7

12.         Remuneration and conditions of members                          7

13.         Meetings of governing body                                              8

Part 3 — Administration

Division 1 — Chief employee

14.         Chief employee                                                                9

15.         Term of office                                                                  9

16.         Casual vacancy                                                                9

17.         Remuneration and conditions of chief employee                10

18.         Appointment of public service officer                               10

Division 2 — Other staff and facilities

19.         Other staff                                                                     11

20.         Use of government staff and facilities                              11

Division 3 — Financial provisions

21.         Bank account                                                                 12

22.         Borrowing from Treasurer                                              13

23.         Application of Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985                 13

24.         Separate financial records                                               14

Part 4 — Functions of Authority

25.         Functions                                                                       15

26.         Authority to have regard to certain matters                       15

27.         Powers                                                                          16

28.         Independence of Authority                                              16

29.         Delegation                                                                      17

30.         Conflict of interest                                                          18

Part 5 — References

Division 1 — References on regulated industries

31.         Definition                                                                       19

32.         References                                                                    19

33.         Amendment or withdrawal of reference                           20

34.         Notice of reference, amendment or withdrawal                20

35.         Authority to conduct inquiry                                             21

36.         Reports                                                                          21

Division 2 — References on other industries

37.         Definition                                                                       21

38.         References                                                                    21

39.         Amendment or withdrawal of reference                           22

40.         Notice of reference, amendment or withdrawal                22

41.         Authority to conduct inquiry                                             22

42.         Reports                                                                          22

43.         Preparation of reports for purposes of section 42(2)          23

Division 3 — General

44.         Definition                                                                       23

45.         Authority to act through a member or members when conducting inquiry   23

46.         Conduct of inquiry                                                          24

47.         Powers relating to inquiry                                                24

48.         Offences in relation to inquiry                                          25

49.         Incriminating answers or documents                                26

50.         Protection for person assisting Authority                          26

Part 6 — Collection and use of information

51.         Power to obtain information and documents                      27

52.         Offences                                                                        27

53.         Incriminating information or documents                            28

54.         Protection for person giving information or document        28

55.         Restriction on disclosure of confidential information          28

Part 7 — Miscellaneous

56.         Protection from liability for wrongdoing                            30

57.         Confidentiality                                                                30

58.         Intimidation                                                                    31

59.         Execution of documents                                                  31

60.         Supplementary provision about laying documents before Parliament          32

61.         Regulations                                                                    33

62.         Amendments to other Acts                                              33

63.         Transitional and saving provisions                                    33

64.         Review of Act                                                                34

Schedule 1 — Meetings of governing body

1.           Definition                                                                       36

2.           Application                                                                     36

3.           General procedure                                                          36

4.           Presiding member                                                           36

5.           Quorum                                                                         36

6.           Voting                                                                            36

7.           Minutes                                                                          37

8.           Resolution without meeting                                              37

9.           Holding meetings remotely                                              37

10.         Leave of absence from meetings                                     37

Schedule 2 — Amendments to other Acts

Division 1 — Builders' Registration Act 1939

1.           The Act amended                                                           38

2.           Section 12A amended                                                     38

Division 2 — Conservation and Land Management Act 1984

3.           The Act amended                                                           38

4.           Section 53 amended                                                        38

Division 3 — Constitution Acts Amendment Act 1899

5.           The Act amended                                                           38

6.           Schedule V amended                                                      39

Division 4 — Energy Coordination Act 1994

7.           The Act amended                                                           39

8.           Long title amended                                                         39

9.           Section 3 amended                                                          40

10.         Section 6 amended                                                          40

11.         Section 7 amended                                                          40

12.         Section 10 amended                                                        40

13.         Part 2A Division 1A inserted                                           40

Division 1A — Role of Economic Regulation Authority

11AA.       Functions of Authority                                            40

14.         Section 11H amended                                                     41

15.         Section 11K amended                                                     41

16.         Section 11S amended                                                      41

17.         Section 11U amended                                                     41

18.         Section 11WA inserted                                                   41

11WA.      Regulations about public consultation              42

19.         Section 11ZA amended                                                   42

20.         Section 11ZC amended                                                   42

21.         Section 11ZG repealed                                                    42

22.         Schedule 1 amended                                                       42

23.         Various references to “Coordinator” changed to “Authority”43

24.         Various references to “Minister” changed to “Authority”  43

Division 5 — Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985

25.         The Act amended                                                           43

26.         Schedule 1 amended                                                       44

Division 6 — Fire Brigades Act 1942

27.         The Act amended                                                           44

28.         Section 54 amended                                                        44

Division 7 — Freedom of Information Act 1992

29.         The Act amended                                                           44

30.         Glossary amended                                                          45

Division 8 — Gas Pipelines Access (Western Australia) Act 1998

31.         The Act amended                                                           46

32.         Long title amended                                                         46

33.         Section 11 amended                                                        46

34.         Section 19 amended                                                        46

35.         Part 6 Division 1 Subdivision 1 heading deleted                 47

36.         Section 26 amended                                                        47

37.         Part 6 Division 1 Subdivision 2 repealed                           47

38.         Part 6 Division 1 Subdivision 3 heading deleted                 47

39.         Section 36 amended                                                        47

40.         Section 37 repealed                                                         47

41.         Section 38 amended                                                        48

42.         Sections 39, 40 and 41 repealed                                       48

43.         Part 6 Division 1 Subdivisions 4, 5 and 6 repealed             48

44.         Section 76 amended                                                        48

45.         Section 87 amended                                                        48

Division 9 — Metropolitan Water Authority Act 1982

46.         The Act amended                                                           48

47.         Section 4 amended                                                          48

48.         Section 5 amended                                                          48

Division 10 — Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1971

49.         The Act amended                                                           49

50.         Schedule 1 amended                                                       49

Division 11 — Public Sector Management Act 1994

51.         The Act amended                                                           49

52.         Schedule 2 amended                                                       50

Division 12 — Railways (Access) Act 1998

53.         The Act amended                                                           50

54.         Long title amended                                                         50

55.         Section 3 amended                                                          50

56.         Part 3 Division 1 repealed                                               50

57.         Part 3 Division 2 heading deleted                                     50

58.         Section 20 amended                                                        51

59.         Sections 20A, 20B and 20C repealed                               51

60.         Section 22 amended                                                        51

61.         Section 22B amended                                                     51

62.         Section 22C amended                                                     51

63.         Section 23 amended                                                        52

64.         Part 3 Divisions 3, 4 and 5 repealed                                 52

Division 13 — Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914

65.         The Act amended                                                           52

66.         Section 26GZJ amended                                                  52

67.         Section 26GZP amended                                                 52

68.         Section 27 amended                                                        53

69.         Schedule 1 amended                                                       53

Division 14 — Swan River Trust Act 1988

70.         The Act amended                                                           53

71.         Section 12 amended                                                        53

Division 15 — Water Agencies (Powers) Act 1984

72.         The Act amended                                                           54

73.         Long title amended                                                         54

74.         Section 3 amended                                                          54

75.         Section 34 amended                                                        54

76.         Section 38 amended                                                        54

77.         Section 65 amended                                                        54

78.         Section 66 amended                                                        55

79.         Section 82 amended                                                        55

Division 16 — Water Boards Act 1904

80.         The Act amended                                                           55

81.         Section 3 amended                                                          55

82.         Section 3A amended                                                       55

83.         Section 5 amended                                                          55

84.         Section 110 amended                                                      56

Division 17 — Water Corporation Act 1995

85.         The Act amended                                                           56

86.         Section 27 amended                                                        56

87.         Section 91 amended                                                        57

Division 18 — Water Services Coordination Act 1995

88.         The Act amended                                                           57

89.         Long title amended                                                         57

90.         Section 1 amended                                                          57

91.         Section 3 amended                                                          57

92.         Part 2 replaced                                                               58

Part 2 — Role of Economic Regulation Authority

4.              Functions of Authority                                            58

93.         Section 19 amended                                                        59

94.         Section 23 replaced                                                         60

23.            Matters relevant to grant of licence                     60

95.         Section 27 amended                                                        60

96.         Section 28 amended                                                        60

97.         Section 30 replaced                                                         61

30.            Transfer of licence                                                 61

98.         Section 31 amended                                                        62

99.         Sections 31A and 31B inserted                                        62

31A.          Matters relevant to determination of public interest          62

31B.         Regulations about public consultation              63

100.       Section 33 amended                                                        63

101.       Section 37 amended                                                        63

102.       Section 40 amended                                                        63

103.       Section 43 repealed                                                         63

104.       Section 44 amended                                                        63

105.       Section 47 amended                                                        64

106.       Section 53 amended                                                        64

107.       Part 5 repealed                                                               64

108.       Section 59B amended                                                     64

109.       Section 60 repealed                                                         64

110.       Section 60A amended                                                     64

111.       Section 60B amended                                                     64

112.       Section 62 amended                                                        65

113.       Schedule 1 amended                                                       65

114.       Various references to “Coordinator” changed to “Authority”66

115.       Various references to “Minister” changed to “Authority”  66

Division 19 — Western Australian Planning Commission Act 1985

116.       The Act amended                                                           67

117.       Section 19 amended                                                        67

Schedule 3 — Transitional and saving provisions for amendments in Schedule 2 Divisions 8, 12 and 18

1.           Definitions                                                                      68

2.           Interpretation Act 1984 to apply                                    68

3.           Decisions of Gas Pipelines Access Regulator                   68

4.           Decisions of Rail Access Regulator                                 69

5.           Licences under Part 3 of the Water Services Coordination Act 1995     69

6.           Continuing effect of things done                                       69

7.           Completion of things begun                                              69

8.           Proceedings etc.                                                             69

9.           Records                                                                         70

10.         Bank accounts                                                                70

11.         References to former official in agreements and instruments70

12.         References to former official in written law                      70

13.         Immunity to continue                                                       71

14.         Saving                                                                            71

Schedule 4 — Transitional and saving provisions for amendments in Schedule 2 Division 4

1.           Definitions                                                                      72

2.           Interpretation Act 1984 to apply                                    72

3.           Licences under Part 2A                                                  72

4.           Continuing effect of things done                                       72

5.           Completion of things begun                                              72

6.           Proceedings etc.                                                             73

7.           Records                                                                         73

8.           References to Coordinator in agreements and instruments 73

9.           References to Coordinator in written law                         73

10.         Immunity to continue                                                       74

11.         Saving                                                                            74

Defined Terms

 

 

Economic Regulation Authority Act 2003

No. 67 of 2003

An Act to establish the Economic Regulation Authority with inquiry, reporting, access regulation, licensing and other functions in respect of certain industries, to make consequential and other amendments to various Acts, and for related purposes.

 

[Assented to 5 December 2003]

 

The Parliament of Western Australia enacts as follows:

Part 1 Preliminary

1.           Short title

             This Act may be cited as the Economic Regulation Authority Act 2003.

2.           Commencement

     (1)    Except as stated in subsection (3), this Act comes into operation on a day fixed by proclamation.

     (2)    Different days may be fixed under subsection (1) for different provisions.

     (3)    Sections 25(b) and 63(2) and Schedule 4 come into operation on the day on which Schedule 2 Division 4 comes into operation.

3.           Definitions

             In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears —

              Authority means the Economic Regulation Authority established by section 4(1);

              chairman means the person appointed under section 6(1)(a) and includes an alternate chairman appointed under section 10;

              chief employee means the chief employee of the Authority under section 14;

              functions, in relation to the Authority, means its functions under this Act or any other written law;

              governing body means the governing body of the Authority referred to in section 6;

              member means a member of the governing body and includes an alternate member appointed under section 11;

              price means any charge, fee, rate, tariff, or other valuable consideration (however described), but does not include —

                      (a)    any local government rate or charge; or

                      (b)    any stamp duty, land tax, pay‑roll tax, or other duty or tax payable under a written law;

              public sector employee means an employee as defined in section 3(1) of the Public Sector Management Act 1994;

              regulated industry means —

                      (a)    the electricity industry;

                      (b)    the gas industry;

                      (c)    the rail industry;

                      (d)    the water industry; or

                      (e)    any other industry prescribed for the purposes of this definition;

              “staff member means —

                      (a)    the chief employee;

                      (b)    a public service officer referred to in section 19;

                      (c)    an officer or employee referred to in section 20(1); or

                      (d)    a person engaged or appointed under section 100 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994 for the purposes of the Authority.

Part 2 Economic Regulation Authority

4.           Economic Regulation Authority established

     (1)    A body called the Economic Regulation Authority is established.

     (2)    The Authority is a body corporate with perpetual succession.

     (3)    Proceedings may be taken by or against the Authority in its corporate name.

5.           Status

             The Authority is an agent of the State and has the status, immunities and privileges of the State.

6.           Management of Authority

     (1)    The Authority is to have a governing body consisting of —

                 (a)    one member appointed as the chairman of the governing body; and

                 (b)    such other members, if any, as the Governor considers necessary for the proper performance of the Authority’s functions.

     (2)    The governing body, in the name of the Authority, is to determine the policies of, control the affairs of, and otherwise perform the functions of, the Authority.

7.           Members

     (1)    The members are to be appointed by the Governor on the nomination of the Minister and are to be persons who, in the opinion of the Minister, have knowledge or experience relevant to the functions of the Authority in industry, commerce, economics, law, public administration or consumer advocacy.

     (2)    A person cannot be appointed or hold office as a member if the person is a public sector employee.

     (3)    The chairman must be appointed on a full‑time basis.

     (4)    A member other than the chairman need not be appointed on a full‑time basis.

8.           Term of office

     (1)    The term for which a person is appointed to be a member must be fixed in the instrument of appointment and must be not more than 5 years.

     (2)    A person’s eligibility for reappointment or the term for which a person may be reappointed is not affected by an earlier appointment.

     (3)    A person whose term of office expires may continue to perform the functions of the office for not more than 3 months after the term of office expires until another appointment to the office comes into effect unless the Minister, by notice in writing given to the person, otherwise directs.

9.           Casual vacancy

     (1)    A member may resign from office by notice in writing given to the Minister.

     (2)    The Governor may remove a person who is a member from office on the grounds of —

                 (a)    mental or physical incapacity to carry out the person’s duties in a satisfactory manner;

                 (b)    the person being an insolvent under administration within the meaning of that term in the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth;

                 (c)    neglect of duty;

                 (d)    misconduct;

                 (e)    incompetence; or

                  (f)    the person’s absence, without leave or reasonable excuse, from 3 consecutive meetings of the governing body of which the person had notice.

     (3)    If, before the term of office for which a person was appointed as a member expires, the person dies, resigns, becomes a public sector employee, or is removed from office, the office becomes vacant.

10.         Alternate chairman

     (1)    If the chairman is unable to act because of sickness, absence, disqualification under section 30(2) or other cause, or if there is no chairman, the Governor may appoint a person nominated by the Minister as the alternate chairman to act in the chairman’s place.

     (2)    A person can only be nominated for the purposes of subsection (1) if, in the opinion of the Minister, the person has knowledge or experience of the kind described in section 7(1).

     (3)    A person who is a public sector employee can be appointed as the alternate chairman.

     (4)    The alternate chairman need not be appointed on a full‑time basis.

     (5)    If the chairman is disqualified under section 30(2) in relation to a matter, the alternate chairman may perform functions of the chairman in relation to that matter even though the chairman is at the same time performing functions in relation to another matter.

     (6)    While acting in accordance with the appointment the alternate chairman is to be taken to be the chairman.

     (7)    An act or omission of the alternate chairman cannot be questioned on the ground that the occasion for the alternate chairman’s appointment or acting had not arisen or had ceased.

     (8)    The appointment of a person as the alternate chairman may be terminated at any time by the Governor.

11.         Alternate members

     (1)    If a member, other than the chairman, is unable to act because of sickness, absence, disqualification under section 30(2) or other cause, the Governor may appoint a person nominated by the Minister as an alternate member to act in the member’s place.

     (2)    A person can only be nominated for the purposes of subsection (1) if, in the opinion of the Minister, the person has knowledge or experience of the kind described in section 7(1).

     (3)    A person who is a public sector employee can be appointed as an alternate member.

     (4)    If a member is disqualified under section 30(2) in relation to a matter, an alternate member may perform functions of the member in relation to that matter even though the member is at the same time performing functions in relation to another matter.

     (5)    While acting in accordance with the appointment the alternate member is to be taken to be a member.

     (6)    An act or omission of an alternate member cannot be questioned on the ground that the occasion for the alternate member’s appointment or acting had not arisen or had ceased.

     (7)    The appointment of a person as an alternate member may be terminated at any time by the Governor.

12.         Remuneration and conditions of members

     (1)    The remuneration and allowances and other conditions of office of a member are to be determined by the Governor on the recommendation of the Minister for Public Sector Management.

     (2)    Subsection (1) has effect subject to the Salaries and Allowances Act 1975 if that Act applies to the member.

     (3)    The remuneration and allowances and conditions of office of a member must not be varied while the member is in office so as to become less favourable to the member.

13.         Meetings of governing body

             Schedule 1 has effect with respect to meetings of the governing body.

Part 3Administration

Division 1Chief employee

14.         Chief employee

     (1)    Despite section 44(1) of the Public Sector Management Act 1994, the Authority is to have a chief employee.

     (2)    The chief employee is to be appointed by the Authority.

     (3)    The chief employee is not, and is not to become, a member of the Senior Executive Service within the meaning of the Public Sector Management Act 1994.

     (4)    For the purposes of paragraph (b) of the definition of “employing authority” in section 5(1) of the Public Sector Management Act 1994, the governing body is the employer of the chief employee.

     (5)    The chief employee is responsible for, and has the powers needed to administer, the day to day operations of the Authority, but is to comply with any directions given by the governing body.

15.         Term of office

     (1)    The term for which a person is appointed to be the chief employee is to be fixed in the instrument of appointment and is to be not longer than 5 years.

     (2)    A person’s eligibility for reappointment or the term for which a person may be reappointed is not affected by an earlier appointment.

16.         Casual vacancy

     (1)    The chief employee may resign from office by notice in writing given to the chairman.

     (2)    The governing body may remove a person who is the chief employee from office on the grounds of —

                 (a)    mental or physical incapacity to carry out the person’s duties in a satisfactory manner;

                 (b)    the person being an insolvent under administration within the meaning of that term in the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth;

                 (c)    neglect of duty;

                 (d)    misconduct; or

                 (e)    incompetence.

     (3)    If, before the term of office for which a person was appointed as chief employee expires, the person dies, resigns, or is removed from office, the office becomes vacant.

17.         Remuneration and conditions of chief employee

     (1)    The remuneration and allowances and other conditions of office of the chief employee are to be determined by the Authority.

     (2)    Subsection (1) has effect subject to the Salaries and Allowances Act 1975 if that Act applies to the chief employee.

18.         Appointment of public service officer

     (1)    In this section —

              “public service officer has the same meaning as it has in the Public Sector Management Act 1994.

     (2)    If, immediately before appointment as the chief employee, a person was a public service officer, the person —

                 (a)    retains existing and accruing rights as if service as the chief employee were a continuation of service as a public service officer; and

                 (b)    is entitled, if the term of office for which the person was appointed as chief employee expires and the person is not reappointed, to be appointed to an office in the Public Service not lower in status than the office occupied by the person before being appointed as chief employee.

     (3)    If a person ceases to be the chief employee and becomes a public service officer, the person’s service as the chief employee is to be regarded as service in the Public Service for the purposes of determining the person’s rights as a public service officer.

Division 2 — Other staff and facilities

19.         Other staff

             Public service officers are to be appointed or made available under Part 3 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994 to enable the Authority to perform its functions.

20.         Use of government staff and facilities

     (1)    The Authority may by arrangement with the relevant employer make use, either full‑time or part‑time, of the services of any officer or employee —

                 (a)    in the Public Service;

                 (b)    in a State agency or instrumentality; or

                 (c)    otherwise in the service of the Crown in right of the State,

             other than an officer or employee of a party to an access agreement or of a relevant entity.

     (2)    The Authority may by arrangement with —

                 (a)    a department of the Public Service that is not a party to an access agreement; or

                 (b)    a State agency or instrumentality that is not a party to an access agreement or a relevant entity,

             make use of any facilities of the department, agency or instrumentality.

     (3)    An arrangement under subsection (1) is to provide, without limiting its other provisions, that while the Authority is making use of the services of an officer or employee —

                 (a)    the Authority has authority to control and supervise the officer to the exclusion of any person who would normally have any such authority; and

                 (b)    the salary and allowances of the officer are to be paid out of money available to the Authority for that purpose.

     (4)    Subject to subsection (3), an arrangement under subsection (1) or (2) is to be made on terms agreed to by the parties.

     (5)    In this section —

              access agreement has the same meaning as it has in the Railways (Access) Act 1998;

              relevant entity means —

                      (a)    a water board constituted under the Water Boards Act 1904;

                      (b)    the Water Corporation established by the Water Corporation Act 1995; or

                      (c)    the Western Power Corporation established by the Electricity Corporation Act 1994.

Division 3Financial provisions

21.         Bank account

     (1)    The Authority is to have an account at a bank approved by the Treasurer.

     (2)    The account is to be called the “Economic Regulation Authority Account”.

     (3)    The account is to be — 

                 (a)    credited with all funds received by, made available to, or payable to, the Authority including — 

                              (i)    money appropriated by Parliament; and

                             (ii)    fees referred to in section 61(2);

                         and

                 (b)    charged with all expenditure incurred under this Act or any other written law to enable the functions of the Authority to be performed, including the remuneration and allowances referred to in section 12 and the salary and allowances referred to in section 20(3)(b).

22.         Borrowing from Treasurer

             The Authority may borrow from the Treasurer any amounts approved by the Treasurer on terms and conditions relating to repayment and payment of interest imposed by the Treasurer.

23.         Application of Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985

     (1)    The provisions of the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985 regulating the financial administration, audit and reporting of statutory authorities apply to and in respect of the Authority and the Authority’s operations.

     (2)    Despite subsection (1), any requirement under the Treasurer’s Instructions (issued under section 58 of the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985) that the Authority prepare performance indicators is to be limited to the Authority’s management functions (including financial management), and is not to apply to the performance of any other function of the Authority.

     (3)    Despite subsection (1), section 42 of the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985 does not apply in respect of the Authority, but the expenditure that may be incurred to enable the functions of the Authority under a particular written law to be performed in any one financial year is limited to the amount specified by the Minister under this subsection in respect of that written law for that year.

24.         Separate financial records

             Without limiting section 43 of the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985, the Authority must cause separate records to be kept of expenditure incurred in respect of each written law under which it has functions.

Part 4  Functions of Authority

25.         Functions

             The functions of the Authority are —

                 (a)    the inquiry, reporting and other functions it is given by this Act;

                 (b)    the functions referred to in section 11AA of the Energy Coordination Act 1994;

                 (c)    the functions referred to in section 36(1) of the Gas Pipelines Access (Western Australia) Act 1998;

                 (d)    the functions referred to in section 20(1) of the Railways (Access) Act 1998;

                 (e)    the functions referred to in section 4 of the Water Services Licensing Act 1995; and

                  (f)    the functions it is given by or under any other enactment.

26.         Authority to have regard to certain matters

     (1)    In performing its functions, other than the functions described in section 25(c) and (d), the Authority must have regard to —

                 (a)    the need to promote regulatory outcomes that are in the public interest;

                 (b)    the long‑term interests of consumers in relation to the price, quality and reliability of goods and services provided in relevant markets;

                 (c)    the need to encourage investment in relevant markets;

                 (d)    the legitimate business interests of investors and service providers in relevant markets;

                 (e)    the need to promote competitive and fair market conduct;

                  (f)    the need to prevent abuse of monopoly or market power;

                 (g)    the need to promote transparent decision‑making processes that involve public consultation.

     (2)    The Authority has a discretion as to the weight it gives to each of the matters referred to in subsection (1) in the performance of a particular function.

     (3)    Nothing in subsection (1) limits a provision of another written law that requires the Authority, in performing a particular function, to have regard to, or take into account, particular objectives, considerations or other matters.

     (4)    If there is any conflict or inconsistency between subsection (1) and a provision described in subsection (3), the latter provision prevails to the extent of the conflict or inconsistency.

27.         Powers

     (1)    The Authority may do all things necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the performance of its functions.

     (2)    Without limiting subsection (1), the Authority may produce and publish information on matters relating to its functions.

28.         Independence of Authority

     (1)    Except as provided in subsection (2), the Authority is independent of direction or control by the State or any Minister or officer of the State in the performance of the Authority’s functions.

     (2)    The Minister may give directions in writing to the Authority to the extent allowed by subsection (3), and the Authority must give effect to any such direction.

     (3)    Directions under subsection (2) —

                 (a)    can only relate to general policies to be followed by the Authority in matters of administration, including financial administration; and

                 (b)    cannot constrain the Authority with respect to the performance of any function referred to in section 36(1) of the Gas Pipelines Access (Western Australia) Act 1998 or section 20(1) of the Railways (Access) Act 1998.

     (4)    Nothing in this section affects the operation of section 8(2) of the Public Sector Management Act 1994.

     (5)    Within 14 days after a direction is given under subsection (2), the Authority —

                 (a)    must cause the text of the direction to be published in the Gazette; and

                 (b)    if the direction relates to a matter of administration under the Gas Pipelines Access (Western Australia) Act 1998, must send a copy of the direction to the Code Registrar within the meaning of that Act.

     (6)    The Minister must cause the text of any direction under subsection (2) to be laid before each House of Parliament, or dealt with under section 60, within 14 days after the direction is given.

     (7)    The text of a direction under subsection (2) must be included in the annual report submitted by the accountable authority of the Authority under section 66 of the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985.

29.         Delegation

     (1)    Subject to subsection (2), the Authority may delegate to a member or a staff member any power or duty of the Authority under another provision of this Act or under any other written law.

     (2)    The Authority cannot delegate a power or duty of the Authority under section 35, 36, 41 or 42.

     (3)    A delegation must be in writing executed by the Authority.

     (4)    A person to whom a power or duty is delegated under this section cannot delegate that power or duty.

     (5)    A person exercising or performing a power or duty that has been delegated to the person under this section, is to be taken to do so in accordance with the terms of the delegation unless the contrary is shown.

     (6)    Nothing in this section limits the ability of the Authority to perform a function through a staff member or an agent.

30.         Conflict of interest

     (1)    A member must inform the Minister in writing of —

                 (a)    any direct or indirect interest that the member has or acquires in any business, or in any body corporate carrying on business, in Australia or elsewhere; or

                 (b)    any other direct or indirect interest that the member has or acquires that conflicts or may conflict with the member’s duties.

              Penalty: $10 000.

     (2)    The Minister may —

                 (a)    direct the member to resolve a conflict between a direct or indirect interest and a duty of the member in relation to a particular matter; and

                 (b)    if the conflict is not resolved to the Minister’s satisfaction, disqualify the member from acting in relation to the matter.

Part 5References

Division 1References on regulated industries

31.         Definition

             In this Division —

              reference means a notice under section 32(1).

32.         References

     (1)    The Minister may, by written notice, refer to the Authority for an inquiry any matter relating to a regulated industry other than a matter governed by the operation of the Gas Pipelines Access (Western Australia) Law or the Code in force under section 4 of the Railways (Access) Act 1998.

     (2)    Without limiting subsection (1), the matters that can be referred to the Authority include —

                 (a)    prices and pricing policy in respect of goods and services provided in the industry concerned;

                 (b)    quality and reliability of goods and services provided in the industry concerned;

                 (c)    investment and business practices in the industry concerned; and

                 (d)    costs of compliance with written laws that apply to the industry concerned.

     (3)    Before referring a matter to the Authority under subsection (1) the Minister must consult with the Authority.

     (4)    A reference —

                 (a)    must specify the terms of reference for the inquiry;

                 (b)    may require the inquiry to be conducted on an annual or other periodic basis;

                 (c)    may specify the nature and degree of public consultation that is to be undertaken for the purposes of the inquiry;

                 (d)    may specify a period within which the Authority must submit a report to the Minister under section 36(1); and

                 (e)    may require the Authority to make a draft report publicly available or available to specified persons or bodies.

33.         Amendment or withdrawal of reference

             The Minister may, by written notice given to the Authority, amend or withdraw a reference at any time before the Minister has received from the Authority a report under section 36(1) in respect of the reference.

34.         Notice of reference, amendment or withdrawal

     (1)    The Authority must publish notice of any reference, or the amendment or withdrawal of any reference —

                 (a)    in the Gazette;

                 (b)    in a daily newspaper circulating generally in the State; and

                 (c)    on the Internet.

     (2)    Notice of a reference must specify —

                 (a)    the terms of reference for the inquiry;

                 (b)    the period during which the inquiry is to be held;

                 (c)    the period within which, and the form in which, members of the public may make submissions, including details of any public hearings; and

                 (d)    the matters that the Authority would like submissions to deal with.

     (3)    Notice of an amendment of a reference must give particulars of the amendment.

35.         Authority to conduct inquiry

             The Authority must conduct an inquiry into any matter referred to the Authority under section 32(1).

36.         Reports

     (1)    The Authority must submit a report to the Minister on the outcome of the inquiry.

     (2)    The Authority must identify in the report any information contained in the report that the Authority considers is of a confidential or commercially sensitive nature.

     (3)    The Minister must cause a copy of the report (excluding any information identified under subsection (2)) to be laid before each House of Parliament, or dealt with under section 60, within 28 days after the Minister receives the report.

     (4)    If information is excluded from a copy of the report because of its confidential or commercially sensitive nature, the copy of the report must contain a statement to that effect at the place in the report where the information excluded would have otherwise appeared.

Division 2References on other industries

37.         Definition

             In this Division —

              reference means a notice under section 38(1).

38.         References

     (1)    The Minister may, by written notice, refer to the Authority for —

                 (a)    an inquiry; or

                 (b)    a report,

             any matter relating to an industry that is not a regulated industry.

     (2)    Without limiting subsection (1), the matters that can be referred to the Authority include the matters described in section 32(2).

     (3)    Before referring a matter to the Authority under subsection (1) the Minister must consult with the Authority.

     (4)    A reference —

                 (a)    must specify the terms of reference for the inquiry or report;

                 (b)    may specify the nature and degree of public consultation that is to be undertaken for the purposes of the inquiry or report;

                 (c)    may specify a period within which the Authority must submit a report to the Minister under section 42(1) or (2); and

                 (d)    may require the Authority to make a draft report publicly available or available to specified persons or bodies.

39.         Amendment or withdrawal of reference

             The Minister may, by written notice given to the Authority, amend or withdraw a reference at any time before the Minister has received from the Authority a report under section 42(1) or (2) in respect of the reference.

40.         Notice of reference, amendment or withdrawal

             The Minister may, but is not required to, cause notice of any reference, or the amendment or withdrawal of any reference, to be published in the Gazette or in some other manner.

41.         Authority to conduct inquiry

             The Authority must conduct an inquiry into any matter referred to the Authority under section 38(1)(a).

42.         Reports

     (1)    If a matter is referred to the Authority under section 38(1)(a) the Authority must submit a report to the Minister on the outcome of the inquiry.

     (2)    If a matter is referred to the Authority under section 38(1)(b) the Authority must submit a report to the Minister on the matter.

     (3)    The Authority must identify in a report under subsection (1) or (2) any information contained in the report that the Authority considers is of a confidential or commercially sensitive nature.

     (4)    The Minister must cause a copy of the report, excluding any information identified under subsection (3), to be laid before each House of Parliament within 28 days after the Minister receives the report.

     (5)    If information is excluded from a copy of the report made available under subsection (4) because of its confidential or commercially sensitive nature, the copy of the report must contain a statement to that effect at the place in the report where the information excluded would have otherwise appeared.

43.         Preparation of reports for purposes of section 42(2)

             In preparing a report for the purposes of section 42(2), the Authority may inform itself on any matter in any manner it considers appropriate.

Division 3General

44.         Definition

             In this Division —

              inquiry means an inquiry under Division 1 or 2.

45.         Authority to act through a member or members when conducting inquiry

     (1)    In conducting an inquiry the Authority is to act through a member or members specified by the chairman.

     (2)    Any 2 or more members through whom the Authority conducts an inquiry do not act as the governing body, and Schedule 1 does not apply to their proceedings and deliberations.

     (3)    The Authority may conduct an inquiry through a member or members even though it is at the same time conducting another inquiry through any other member or members.

46.         Conduct of inquiry

     (1)    In conducting an inquiry the Authority —

                 (a)    is to act with as little formality as possible;

                 (b)    is not bound by the rules of evidence and may inform itself on any matter in any manner it considers appropriate;

                 (c)    may receive written or oral submissions; and

                 (d)    may establish working groups and task forces.

     (2)    The Authority —

                 (a)    has a discretion as to whether any person may appear before the Authority in person or be represented by another person; and

                 (b)    may determine that proceedings, or any part of proceedings, before the Authority are to be held in private if the Authority is satisfied that —

                              (i)    it is in the public interest to do so; or

                             (ii)    the evidence is of a confidential or commercially sensitive nature.

     (3)    Except as otherwise stated in this Division, the Authority may conduct an inquiry in any manner it considers appropriate.

47.         Powers relating to inquiry

             For the purposes of an inquiry, the Authority may —

                 (a)    by summons signed on behalf of the Authority by a member or the chief employee, require any person —

                              (i)    to attend before the Authority; or

                             (ii)    to produce any document specified in the summons to the Authority;

                 (b)    inspect any document produced, and retain it for any reasonable period that the Authority thinks appropriate, and make copies of the document or any of its contents;

                 (c)    require any person to swear to truly answer any relevant question put to that person by the Authority or any person appearing before the Authority (and for that purpose a member may administer an oath or affirmation); or

                 (d)    require any person attending before the Authority to answer any relevant question put to that person by the Authority or any person appearing before the Authority.

48.         Offences in relation to inquiry

             A person must not —

                 (a)    having been served with a summons under section 47 to attend before the Authority, fail without reasonable excuse (proof of which lies upon the person) to attend in obedience to the summons;

                 (b)    having been served with a summons under section 47 to produce any document, fail without reasonable excuse (proof of which lies upon the person) to comply with the summons;

                 (c)    fail without reasonable excuse (proof of which lies upon the person) —

                              (i)    to swear; or

                             (ii)    to answer any question,

                         when required under section 47 to do so;

                 (d)    give to the Authority any answer or other information that the person knows to be false or misleading in a material particular; or

                 (e)    wilfully insult the Authority or a member, or interrupt or obstruct the conduct of an inquiry.

              Penalty: $10 000.

49.         Incriminating answers or documents

             An individual is not excused from complying with a requirement under section 47 on the ground that the answer to a question or the production of a document might incriminate the individual or render the individual liable to a penalty, but neither —

                 (a)    an answer given by the individual that was given to comply with the requirement; nor

                 (b)    the fact that a document produced by the individual to comply with the requirement was produced,

             is admissible in evidence in any civil or criminal proceedings against the individual other than proceedings for an offence against section 48(d).

50.         Protection for person assisting Authority

             A person is not liable in any way for any loss, damage or injury suffered by another person because of the giving in good faith of information, or the production in good faith of a document, to the Authority for the purposes of an inquiry or report, whether or not the information is given, or the document is produced, in connection with a written submission or a public hearing.

Part 6 Collection and use of information

51.         Power to obtain information and documents

     (1)    If the Authority has reason to believe that a person has information or a document that may assist the Authority in the performance of its functions, the Authority may require the person to give the Authority the information or a copy of a document.

     (2)    The reference in subsection (1) to functions does not include —

                 (a)    the functions described in section 25(c) and (d); or

                 (b)    the function of preparing a report for the purposes of section 42(2).

     (3)    A requirement under this section must be made in a written notice that —

                 (a)    identifies the information or document concerned;

                 (b)    states that the requirement is made under this section;

                 (c)    specifies the period within which the requirement must be complied with; and

                 (d)    specifies the form in which the information or copy of the document must be given to the Authority.

     (4)    The notice must be accompanied by a copy of this section.

52.         Offences

     (1)    A person must not fail without reasonable excuse (proof of which lies on the person) to comply with a requirement under section 51.

              Penalty: $10 000 or imprisonment for 12 months.

     (2)    A person must not, in purported compliance with a requirement under section 51, give to the Authority information that the person knows to be false or misleading in a material particular.

              Penalty: $10 000 or imprisonment for 12 months.

53.         Incriminating information or documents

             An individual is not excused from complying with a requirement under section 51 on the ground that the giving of information or a document might incriminate the individual or render the individual liable to a penalty, but neither —

                 (a)    information given by the individual that was given to comply with the requirement; nor

                 (b)    the fact that a document given by the individual to comply with the requirement was given,

             is admissible in evidence in any civil or criminal proceedings against the individual other than proceedings for an offence against section 52(2).

54.         Protection for person giving information or document

             A person is not liable in any way for any loss, damage or injury suffered by another person because of the giving in good faith of information or a document to the Authority under section 51.

55.         Restriction on disclosure of confidential information

     (1)    This section applies if information or a document is given to the Authority under section 47 or 51 and, at the time it is given, the person giving it states that it is of a confidential or commercially sensitive nature.

     (2)    The Authority must not disclose the information or the contents of the document to any person unless the Authority is of the opinion —

                 (a)    that the disclosure of the information or document would not cause detriment to the person giving it or another person; or

                 (b)    that, although the disclosure of the information or document would cause detriment to the person giving it or another person, the public benefit in disclosing it outweighs that detriment.

     (3)    Subsection (2) does not prevent the Authority —

                 (a)    from disclosing information or the contents of a document to a staff member; or

                 (b)    from using information or a document for the purposes of civil or criminal proceedings.

     (4)    For the purposes of this section, the disclosure of anything that is already in the public domain at the time the Authority wishes to disclose it cannot cause detriment to a person.

     (5)    In this section —

              given, in relation to a document, includes produced.

Part 7 Miscellaneous

56.         Protection from liability for wrongdoing

     (1)    An action in tort does not lie against a member or a staff member for anything that the person has done, in good faith, in the performance or purported performance of a function under this Act or any other written law.

     (2)    The protection given by subsection (1) applies even though the thing done as described in that subsection may have been capable of being done whether or not this Act or any other written law had been enacted.

     (3)    Despite subsection (1), neither the Authority nor the State is relieved of any liability that it might have for another person having done anything as described in that subsection.

     (4)    In this section, a reference to the doing of anything includes a reference to an omission to do anything.

57.         Confidentiality

     (1)    This section applies to a person who is or has been a member or a staff member.

     (2)    A person to whom this section applies must not, directly or indirectly, record, disclose or make use of any information obtained in the course of duty except —

                 (a)    for the purpose of performing functions under this Act or another written law;

                 (b)    as required or allowed by this Act or under another written law;

                 (c)    with the written consent of the person to whom the information relates; or

                 (d)    in other prescribed circumstances.

              Penalty: $10 000 or imprisonment for 12 months.

     (3)    Subsection (2) does not apply to the disclosure of any summary or statistical information that could not reasonably be expected to enable particulars relating to any person to be ascertained.

58.         Intimidation

             A person must not —

                 (a)    threaten, intimidate or coerce another person; or

                 (b)    take, threaten to take, incite or be involved in any action that causes another person to suffer any loss, injury or disadvantage,

             because the person referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) or any other person —

                 (c)    has assisted, is assisting or may assist an inquiry under Part 5 Division 1 or 2; or

                 (d)    has complied, is complying or may comply with a requirement under section 51.

              Penalty: $10 000 or imprisonment for 12 months.

59.         Execution of documents

     (1)    The Authority is to have a common seal.

     (2)    A document is duly executed by the Authority, if —

                 (a)    the common seal of the Authority is affixed to it in accordance with subsections (3) and (4); or

                 (b)    it is signed on behalf of the Authority by a person or persons authorised to do so under subsection (5).

     (3)    The common seal of the Authority is not to be affixed to any document except as authorised by the Authority.

     (4)    The common seal of the Authority is to be affixed to a document in the presence of —

                 (a)    the chairman, if the governing body consists of the chairman;

                 (b)    2 members, if the governing body consists of more than one member,

             and the chairman or each member, as the case requires, is to sign the document to attest that the common seal was so affixed.

     (5)    The Authority may, by writing under its common seal, authorise a member or members or a staff member or staff members to sign documents on behalf of the Authority, either generally or subject to such conditions or restrictions as are specified in the authorisation.

     (6)    A document purporting to be executed in accordance with this section is to be presumed to be duly executed until the contrary is shown.

     (7)    When a document is produced bearing a seal purporting to be the common seal of the Authority, it is to be presumed that the seal is the common seal of the Authority until the contrary is shown.

60.         Supplementary provision about laying documents before Parliament

     (1)    If a provision of this Act requires the Minister to cause a document to be laid before each House of Parliament, or dealt with under this section, within a period and —

                 (a)    at the commencement of the period, a House of Parliament is not sitting; and

                 (b)    the Minister is of the opinion that the House will not sit during that period,

             the Minister must transmit a copy of the document to the Clerk of that House.

     (2)    A copy of a document transmitted to the Clerk of a House is to be regarded —

                 (a)    as having been laid before that House; and

                 (b)    as being a document published by order or under the authority of that House.

     (3)    The laying of a copy of a document that is regarded as having occurred under subsection (2)(a) is to be recorded in the Minutes, or Votes and Proceedings, of the House on the first sitting day of the House after the Clerk received the copy.

61.         Regulations

     (1)    The Governor may make regulations prescribing all matters that are required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed, or are necessary or convenient to be prescribed for giving effect to the purposes of this Act.

     (2)    Without limiting subsection (1), regulations may make provision for and in relation to the imposition and payment of fees and charges in connection with the performance of the Authority’s functions.

     (3)    If it is inappropriate to prescribe a set fee or charge in connection with the performance of a particular function, the regulations may provide for the method of calculating the fee or charge, including calculation according to the cost of performing the function.

     (4)    A fee or charge imposed under subsection (2), or a method of calculation provided for under subsection (3), in connection with the performance of a function under a particular written law is not to allow the recovery of expenditure attributable, or to the extent that it is attributable, to the performance of a function under another written law.

62.         Amendments to other Acts

             Schedule 2 has effect.

63.         Transitional and saving provisions

     (1)    Schedule 3 has effect to make transitional and saving provisions in respect of the amendments made in Schedule 2 Divisions 8, 12 and 18.

     (2)    Schedule 4 has effect to make transitional and saving provisions in respect of the amendments made in Schedule 2 Division 4.

     (3)    If there is no sufficient provision in this Act for dealing with a transitional matter, regulations made under section 61(1) may include any provision that is required, or is necessary or convenient, for dealing with the transitional matter.

     (4)    In subsection (3) —

              “transitional matter means a matter that needs to be dealt with for the purpose of effecting the transition from the provisions of the Acts amended by this Act as in effect before this Act comes into operation to the provisions of those Acts as in force after this Act comes into operation.

     (5)    A regulation including a provision described in subsection (3) may be expressed to have effect before the day on which it is published in the Gazette.

     (6)    To the extent that a regulation including a provision described in subsection (3) may have effect before the day of its publication in the Gazette, it does not —

                 (a)    affect in a manner prejudicial to any person (other than the Authority or the State), the rights of that person existing before the day of its publication; or

                 (b)    impose liabilities on any person (other than the Authority or the State) in respect of anything done or omitted to be done before the day of its publication.

64.         Review of Act

     (1)    A Joint Standing Committee of both Houses of Parliament appointed for the purposes of this section must carry out a review of the operation and effectiveness of this Act as soon as is practicable after the expiry of 2 years from the commencement of this section and thereafter at 5 yearly intervals.

     (2)    In the course of that review the Joint Standing Committee must consider and have regard to —

                 (a)    the effectiveness of the operations of the Authority;

                 (b)    the need for the continuation of the functions of the Authority; and

                 (c)    any other matters that appear to the Joint Standing Committee to be relevant to the operation and effectiveness of this Act.

     (3)    The Joint Standing Committee must prepare a report based on the review and, as soon as is practicable after the report is prepared, must cause it to be laid before each House of Parliament.

 

Schedule 1Meetings of governing body

[s. 13]

1.           Definition

             In this Schedule —

              meeting means a meeting of the governing body.

2.           Application

             This Schedule applies if the governing body consists of more than one member.

3.           General procedure

             The procedure for the calling of meetings and for the conduct of business at meetings is, except as otherwise stated in this Schedule, to be determined by the governing body.

4.           Presiding member

     (1)    The chairman must preside at all meetings at which the chairman is present.

     (2)    If the chairman is absent from a meeting the members present must appoint one of the members present to preside.

5.           Quorum

             A quorum for a meeting is —

                 (a)    2 members if the governing body consists of 2 members; or

                 (b)    otherwise, at least one half of the number of members in office.

6.           Voting

     (1)    At a meeting each member present has a deliberative vote.

     (2)    Subject to subclause (3), if there is an equality of votes on a question, the question remains unresolved until a subsequent meeting.

     (3)    If, at a subsequent meeting, there is an equality of votes on a question referred to in subclause (2), the question is resolved in the negative.

7.           Minutes

             The governing body must cause accurate minutes to be kept of the proceedings at each meeting.

8.           Resolution without meeting

     (1)    A resolution in writing signed by each member, or assented to by each member by letter, telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or email, has the same effect as if it had been passed at a meeting.

     (2)    The governing body must cause a record to be kept of each resolution under subclause (1).

9.           Holding meetings remotely

             The presence of a member at a meeting need not be by attendance in person but may be by that member and each other member at the meeting being simultaneously in contact by telephone or other means of instantaneous communication.

10.         Leave of absence from meetings

             The governing body may, on any terms and conditions it thinks fit, grant a member leave to be absent from a meeting.

Schedule 2Amendments to other Acts

[s. 62]

Division 1 — Builders' Registration Act 1939

1.           The Act amended

             The amendments in this Division are to the Builders’ Registration Act 1939*.

             [* Reprinted as at 11 January 2002.]

2.           Section 12A amended

             Section 12A(7) is amended by deleting “Coordination” and inserting instead —

             “ Licensing ”.

Division 2 — Conservation and Land Management Act 1984

3.           The Act amended

             The amendments in this Division are to the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984*.

             [* Reprinted as at 26 March 1999.

                 For subsequent amendments see 2001 Index to Legislation of Western Australia, Table 1, p. 62, and Acts Nos. 6 and 20 of 2002.]

4.           Section 53 amended

             Section 53 is amended in paragraph (b) of the definition of “relevant water utility” by deleting “Coordination” and inserting instead —

             “ Licensing ”.

Division 3Constitution Acts Amendment Act 1899

5.           The Act amended

             The amendments in this Division are to the Constitution Acts Amendment Act 1899*.

             [* Reprinted as at 8 June 2001.

                 For subsequent amendments see 2001 Index to Legislation of Western Australia, Table 1, p. 72, and Acts Nos. 2 and 76 of 2000 and 5, 20 and 30 of 2002.]

6.           Schedule V amended

     (1)    Schedule V Part 1 Division 2 is amended by deleting the items relating to the Western Australian Independent Gas Pipelines Access Regulator and the Western Australian Independent Rail Access Regulator.

     (2)    Schedule V Part 3 is amended as follows:

                 (a)    by deleting the item relating to any committee established under section 60 of the Water Services Coordination Act 1995;

                 (b)    by inserting after the item relating to the East Perth Redevelopment Authority the following item —

            The Economic Regulation Authority established by the Economic Regulation Authority Act 2003.

”;

                 (c)    in the item relating to the Plumbers Licensing Board by deleting “Coordination” and inserting instead —

                         “ Licensing ”.

Division 4Energy Coordination Act 1994

7.           The Act amended

             The amendments in this Division are to the Energy Coordination Act 1994*.

              [* Reprinted as at 5 May 2000.

                 For subsequent amendments see 2001 Index to Legislation of Western Australia, Table 1, p. 114.]

8.           Long title amended

             The long title is amended as follows:

                 (a)    by inserting after “the State;” the following item —

·the conferral of functions on the Economic Regulation Authority in respect of the licensing scheme;

”;

                 (b)    by deleting “, to administer the licensing scheme”.

9.           Section 3 amended

             Section 3 is amended by inserting in the appropriate alphabetical position the following definition —

    “Authority” means the Economic Regulation Authority established by the Economic Regulation Authority Act 2003;

”.

10.         Section 6 amended

             Section 6(aa) is deleted.

11.         Section 7 amended

             Section 7(b) is amended by deleting “Western Australian Independent Gas Pipelines Access Regulator referred to in section 27 of the Gas Pipelines Access (Western Australia) Act 1998.” and inserting instead —

             “ Authority. ”.

12.         Section 10 amended

             Section 10(1a) is repealed.

13.         Part 2A Division 1A inserted

             Before Part 2A Division 1 the following Division is inserted —

Division 1A — Role of Economic Regulation Authority

11AA.   Functions of Authority

            The functions of the Authority under this Part are —

    (a)    to administer the licensing scheme provided for in this Part;

    (b)    to monitor and report to the Minister on the operation of that licensing scheme and on compliance by licensees with their licences;

    (c)    to inform the Minister about any failure by a licensee to meet performance criteria or other requirements of its licence; and

    (d)    the other functions conferred on the Authority by this Part.

”.

14.         Section 11H amended

             After section 11H(3)(f) the following paragraph is inserted —

   (fa)    the policy objectives of government in relation to the supply of gas;

”.

15.         Section 11K amended

             Section 11K(1) is amended by deleting “he or she” and inserting instead —

             “ the Authority ”.

16.         Section 11S amended

             Section 11S(1) is amended by deleting “he or she” and inserting instead —

             “ the Authority ”.

17.         Section 11U amended

             Section 11U is amended by deleting “the Coordinator’s” and inserting instead —

             “ its ”.

18.         Section 11WA inserted

             After section 11W the following section is inserted in Part 2A Division 4 —

11WA.  Regulations about public consultation

            Regulations made under section 26 may require the Authority, before it makes a decision on any application for the grant, renewal or transfer of a licence under this Division, to undertake public consultation in accordance with the procedure specified in the regulations.

”.

19.         Section 11ZA amended

             Section 11ZA(3) is amended by deleting “his or her” and inserting instead —

             “ its ”.

20.         Section 11ZC amended

             Section 11ZC is amended by deleting “he or she” and inserting instead —

             “ it ”.

21.         Section 11ZG repealed

             Section 11ZG is repealed.

22.         Schedule 1 amended

             Schedule 1 paragraph (h) is deleted and the following paragraph is inserted instead —

    (h)    requiring the licensee to provide to the Authority, in the manner and form determined by the Authority, specified information on any matter relevant to the operation of the licence, the operation of the licensing scheme provided for in Part 2A, or the performance of the Authority’s functions under that Part;

”.

23.         Various references to “Coordinator” changed to “Authority”

             The provisions specified in the Table to this clause are amended by deleting “Coordinator” in each place where it occurs and inserting instead —

             “ Authority ”.

Table

s. 11G(1) and (2)

s. 11T(1) and (3)

s. 11K(1) and (2)

s. 11U

s. 11L(1)(a), (2) and (3)

s. 11W(1) and (4)

s. 11M(1)

s. 11Y(1)(b) and (c)

s. 11N(1)

s. 11ZA(1) and (3)

s. 11O

s. 11ZE(3)

s. 11P(a)

s. 11ZH(2), (8), (9) and (12)

s. 11Q(1) and (3)

Sch. 1 para. (b), (id) and (n)(ii)

s. 11R(1), (2) and (3)(a)

s. 11S(1) and (2)

 

24.         Various references to “Minister” changed to “Authority”

             The provisions specified in the Table to this clause are amended by deleting “Minister” in each place where it occurs and inserting instead —

             “ Authority ”.

Table

s. 11ZB(1), (2), (3) and (4)

s. 11ZC

s. 11ZD

Division 5Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985

25.         The Act amended

             The amendments in this Division are to the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985*.

              [* Reprinted as at 16 September 2002.

                 For subsequent amendments see Act No. 30 of 2002.]

26.         Schedule 1 amended

             Schedule 1 is amended as follows:

                 (a)    by inserting in the appropriate alphabetical position —

                         “ Economic Regulation Authority ”;

                 (b)    by deleting “Western Australian Independent Gas Pipelines Access Regulator” and “Western Australian Independent Rail Access Regulator”.

Division 6 — Fire Brigades Act 1942

27.         The Act amended

             The amendments in this Division are to the Fire Brigades Act 1942*.

              [* Reprinted as at 18 February 2000.

                 For subsequent amendments see Gazettes 28 March 2002 p. 1761‑2 and 6 September 2002 p. 4487-8.]

28.         Section 54 amended

             Section 54(3)(ca) is amended by deleting “Coordination” and inserting instead —

             “ Licensing ”.

Division 7Freedom of Information Act 1992

29.         The Act amended

             The amendments in this Division are to the Freedom of Information Act 1992*.

              [* Reprinted as at 3 March 2000.

                 For subsequent amendments see 2001 Index to Legislation of Western Australia, Table 1, p. 144, and Act No. 21 of 2002.]

30.         Glossary amended

     (1)    Clause 7A(1) of the Glossary is amended as follows:

                 (a)    by inserting before the definition of “arbitrator” the following definition —

    “access regulation functions” means the functions referred to in section 36(1) of the Gas Pipelines Access (Western Australia) Act 1998;

”;

                 (b)    by deleting the definition of “ “Board” and “Regulator”  and inserting the following definitions instead —

    “Authority” means the Economic Regulation Authority established by the Economic Regulation Authority Act 2003;

    “Board” has the meaning given by section 49 of the Gas Pipelines Access (Western Australia) Act 1998.

”.

     (2)    Clause 7A(2) of the Glossary is amended as follows:

                 (a)    in paragraphs (a) and (b) by deleting “Regulator” and inserting instead —

             Authority (because of its access regulation functions)

”;

                 (b)    by deleting “Regulator” in the third and fourth places where it occurs and inserting instead —

                         “ Authority ”.

Division 8Gas Pipelines Access (Western Australia) Act 1998

31.         The Act amended

             The amendments in this Division are to the Gas Pipelines Access (Western Australia) Act 1998*.

              [* Reprinted as at 11 August 2000.

                 For subsequent amendments see 2001 Index to Legislation of Western Australia, Table 1, p. 148.]

32.         Long title amended

             The long title is amended by deleting “to establish certain offices and a board for that purpose including” and inserting instead —

         for that purpose to establish a board and provide for

”.

33.         Section 11 amended

             Section 11 is amended by deleting the definition of “local Regulator” and inserting instead —

    “local Regulator” means the Economic Regulation Authority established by the Economic Regulation Authority Act 2003;

”.

34.         Section 19 amended

             Section 19 is amended as follows:

                 (a)    by deleting paragraph (b) and inserting the following paragraph instead —

    (b)    the Economic Regulation Authority established by the Economic Regulation Authority Act 2003;

”;

                 (b)    by inserting after “the Minister,” —

                         “ Authority, ”.

35.         Part 6 Division 1 Subdivision 1 heading deleted

             The heading to Part 6 Division 1 Subdivision 1 is deleted.

36.         Section 26 amended

             Section 26 is amended by deleting the definition of “Regulator” and inserting the following definition instead —

    “Authority” means the Economic Regulation Authority established by the Economic Regulation Authority Act 2003.

”.

37.         Part 6 Division 1 Subdivision 2 repealed

             Part 6 Division 1 Subdivision 2 is repealed.

38.         Part 6 Division 1 Subdivision 3 heading deleted

             The heading to Part 6 Division 1 Subdivision 3 is deleted.

39.         Section 36 amended

     (1)    Section 36(1) is amended by deleting “Regulator” in the first place where it occurs and inserting instead —

             “ Authority ”.

     (2)    Section 36(3) is repealed.

     (3)    Section 36(4) is amended by deleting “his or her functions the Regulator” and inserting instead —

             “ its functions under subsection (1) the Authority.

40.         Section 37 repealed

             Section 37 is repealed.

41.         Section 38 amended

             Section 38(1)(a) and (2) are amended by deleting “Regulator” and inserting instead —

             “ Authority ”.

42.         Sections 39, 40 and 41 repealed

             Sections 39, 40 and 41 are repealed.

43.         Part 6 Division 1 Subdivisions 4, 5 and 6 repealed

             Part 6 Division 1 Subdivisions 4, 5 and 6 are repealed.

44.         Section 76 amended

             Section 76 is amended by deleting “Regulator.” and inserting instead —

             “ local Regulator as defined in section 11. ”.

45.         Section 87 amended

             Section 87(1) is amended by deleting “the Regulator,”.

Division 9 — Metropolitan Water Authority Act 1982

46.         The Act amended

             The amendments in this Division are to the Metropolitan Water Authority Act 1982*.

              [* Reprinted as at 21 January 2000.]

47.         Section 4 amended

             Section 4(1) is amended by deleting the definition of “Coordinator”.

48.         Section 5 amended

             Section 5(2) is amended by deleting “, the Coordinator”.

Division 10Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1971

49.         The Act amended

             The amendments in this Division are to the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1971*.

              [* Reprinted as at 16 March 2001.]

50.         Schedule 1 amended

             Schedule 1 is amended as follows:

                 (a)    by inserting after the item relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions the following item —

             The Economic Regulation Authority established by the Economic Regulation Authority Act 2003 to the extent of its functions referred to in section 36(1) of the Gas Pipelines Access (Western Australia) Act 1998 and section 20(1) of the Railways (Access) Act 1998.

”;

                 (b)    by deleting the items relating to the Western Australian Independent Gas Pipelines Access Regulator and the Western Australian Independent Rail Access Regulator.

Division 11Public Sector Management Act 1994

51.         The Act amended

             The amendment in this Division is to the Public Sector Management Act 1994*.

              [* Reprinted as at 9 February 2001.

                 For subsequent amendments see Acts Nos. 53 of 2000, 24 of 2001 and 20 of 2002.]

52.         Schedule 2 amended

             After Schedule 2 item 10 the following item is inserted —

10AA

Economic Regulation Authority, established under the Economic Regulation Authority Act 2003.

”.

Division 12Railways (Access) Act 1998

53.         The Act amended

             The amendments in this Division are to the Railways (Access) Act 1998*.

              [* Reprinted as at 12 October 2001.

                 For subsequent amendments see Act No. 7 of 2002.]

54.         Long title amended

             The long title is amended by deleting “establishing an office with” and inserting instead —

             “ conferring on the Economic Regulation Authority ”.

55.         Section 3 amended

             Section 3 is amended by deleting the definition of “Regulator” and inserting the following definition instead —

    “Regulator” means the Economic Regulation Authority established by the Economic Regulation Authority Act 2003.

”.

56.         Part 3 Division 1 repealed

             Part 3 Division 1 is repealed.

57.         Part 3 Division 2 heading deleted

             The heading to Part 3 Division 2 is deleted.

58.         Section 20 amended

     (1)    Section 20(2) is amended as follows:

                 (a)    by deleting “his or her” and inserting instead —

                         “ its ”;

                 (b)    by deleting “, and may do all things that are necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the performance of those functions”.

     (2)    Section 20(3) is amended by deleting “Division” and inserting instead —

             “ Part ”.

59.         Sections 20A, 20B and 20C repealed

             Sections 20A, 20B and 20C are repealed.

60.         Section 22 amended

             Section 22 is amended as follows:

                 (a)    by deleting “him or her” and inserting instead —

                         “ the Regulator ”;

                 (b)    in paragraph (a) by deleting “he or she” and inserting instead —

                         “ the Regulator ”.

61.         Section 22B amended

             Section 22B(1) and (2) are amended by deleting “Division” and inserting instead —

             “ Part ”.

62.         Section 22C amended

             Section 22C is amended by deleting “Division” and inserting instead —

             “ Part ”.

63.         Section 23 amended

             Section 23 is amended as follows:

                 (a)    by deleting “his or her” and inserting instead —

                         “ its ”;

                 (b)    by deleting “Division” and inserting instead —

                         “ Part ”;

                 (c)    in paragraph (a) by deleting “the Regulator’s functions” and inserting instead —

                         “ its functions under this Act and the Code ”.

64.         Part 3 Divisions 3, 4 and 5 repealed

             Part 3 Divisions 3, 4 and 5 are repealed.

Division 13 — Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914

65.         The Act amended

             The amendments in this Division are to the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914*.

              [* Reprinted as at 10 January 2001.]

66.         Section 26GZJ amended

             Section 26GZJ(3) is amended by deleting “Coordination” and inserting instead —

             “ Licensing ”.

67.         Section 26GZP amended

     (1)    Section 26GZP(1) is amended by deleting “Coordinator of Water Services” and inserting instead —

             “ Authority ”.

     (2)    Section 26GZP(2) is repealed and the following subsection is inserted instead —

    (2)    In subsection (1) —

“Authority” means the Economic Regulation Authority established by the Economic Regulation Authority Act 2003.

”.

68.         Section 27 amended

             Section 27(1)(ga) is amended by deleting “Coordination” and inserting instead —

             “ Licensing ”.

69.         Schedule 1 amended

             The Appendix to Schedule 1 is amended in clause 1(b) by deleting “Coordination” and inserting instead —

             “ Licensing ”.

Division 14 — Swan River Trust Act 1988

70.         The Act amended

             The amendments in this Division are to the Swan River Trust Act 1988*.

             [* Reprinted as at 1 December 2000.]

71.         Section 12 amended

             Section 12(1) is amended as follows —

                 (a)    by deleting paragraph (e);

                 (b)    in paragraph (g) by deleting “2” and inserting instead —

                         “         3   ”.

Division 15 — Water Agencies (Powers) Act 1984

72.         The Act amended

             The amendments in this Division are to the Water Agencies (Powers) Act 1984*.

              [* Reprinted as at 4 January 2000.]

73.         Long title amended

             The long title is amended by deleting “, the Water and Rivers Commission and the Coordinator of Water Services” and inserting instead —

             “ and the Water and Rivers Commission ”.

74.         Section 3 amended

             Section 3(1) is amended as follows:

                 (a)    by deleting the definition of “Coordinator”;

                 (b)    in the definition of “statutory authority” by deleting “, the Coordinator”.

75.         Section 34 amended

             Section 34(3)(l) is amended by deleting “Coordination” and inserting instead —

             “ Licensing ”.

76.         Section 38 amended

             Section 38(1) is amended by deleting “Coordinator” and inserting instead —

             “ Minister ”.

77.         Section 65 amended

             Section 65(c) is amended by deleting “Coordinator” and inserting instead —

             “ Minister ”.

78.         Section 66 amended

             Section 66 is amended as follows:

                 (a)    by inserting after “interested” —

                         “ the Minister, ”;

                 (b)    by deleting “, the Coordinator”.

79.         Section 82 amended

             Section 82(1a) is amended by deleting “Coordination” and inserting instead —

             “ Licensing ”.

Division 16 — Water Boards Act 1904

80.         The Act amended

             The amendments in this Division are to the Water Boards Act 1904*.

              [* Reprinted as at 4 November 1996.

                 For subsequent amendments see 2001 Index to Legislation of Western Australia, Table 1, p. 403.]

81.         Section 3 amended

             Section 3(1) is amended by deleting the definition of “Coordinator”.

82.         Section 3A amended

             Section 3A is amended by deleting “Coordination” and inserting instead —

             “ Licensing ”.

83.         Section 5 amended

     (1)    Section 5(1) is amended by deleting “, and the Coordinator where the Minister in writing so directs the Coordinator,”.

     (2)    Section 5(2) is amended by deleting “Coordinator” and inserting instead —

             “ Minister ”.

     (3)    After section 5(2) the following subsections are inserted —

  (2a)    On the dissolution of a Board, the Minister may, by instrument, delegate to a person —

    (a)    the powers and authorities referred to in subsection (1); and

    (b)    the power to recover anything that the Minister is authorised to recover under subsection (2).

  (2b)    The immunities referred to in subsection (1) extend to a delegate of the Minister under subsection (2a).

”.

84.         Section 110 amended

             Section 110 is amended by deleting “or the Coordinator”.

Division 17 — Water Corporation Act 1995

85.         The Act amended

             The amendments in this Division are to the Water Corporation Act 1995*.

              [* Reprinted as at 4 May 2001.

                 For subsequent amendments see 2001 Index to Legislation of Western Australia, Table 1, p. 403, Act No. 20 of 2002 and Gazette 24 May 2002 p. 2605‑17.]

86.         Section 27 amended

             Section 27(3) is amended by deleting “Coordination” and inserting instead —

             “ Licensing ”.

87.         Section 91 amended

             Section 91(2) is amended by deleting “Coordination” and inserting instead —

             “ Licensing ”.

Division 18Water Services Coordination Act 1995

88.         The Act amended

             The amendments in this Division are to the Water Services Coordination Act 1995*.

              [* Reprinted as at 28 July 2000.

                 For subsequent amendments see 2001 Index to Legislation of Western Australia, Table 1, p. 404.]

89.         Long title amended

             The long title is amended by deleting the passage beginning “to provide for a public officer — ” and ending “to confer powers,” and inserting instead —

to confer functions on the Economic Regulation Authority in respect of that scheme and other matters,

”.

90.         Section 1 amended

             Section 1 is amended by deleting “Coordination” and inserting instead —

             “ Licensing ”.

91.         Section 3 amended

             Section 3 is amended as follows:

                 (a)    by inserting before the definition of “Board” the following definition —

    “Authority” means the Economic Regulation Authority established by the Economic Regulation Authority Act 2003;

”;

                 (b)    by deleting the definition of “Coordinator”;

                 (c)    in the definition of “inspector” by deleting “the Coordinator” and inserting instead —

                         “ a member of the Authority ”.

92.         Part 2 replaced

             Part 2 is repealed and the following Part is inserted instead —

Part 2 — Role of Economic Regulation Authority

4.           Functions of Authority

            The functions of the Authority under this Act are —

    (a)    to administer the licensing scheme provided for in Part 3;

    (b)    to monitor and report to the Minister on the operation of that licensing scheme and on compliance by licensees with their licences;

    (c)    to inform the Minister about any failure by a licensee to meet operational standards or other requirements of its licence;

    (d)    to monitor —

     (i)    the performance of the water services industry and of those participating in that industry; and

     (ii)    the performance of providers of water services,

             and, for the purposes of such monitoring, to consult with interested groups and persons; and

    (e)    the other functions conferred on the Authority by this Act.

”.

93.         Section 19 amended

             After section 19(1) the following subsections are inserted —

  (1a)    The Governor must not make an order under subsection (1) unless he or she is satisfied that it would not be contrary to the public interest to do so.

  (1b)    The Governor, in determining whether the making of the order would not be contrary to the public interest, may take into account one or more of the following matters —

    (a)    environmental considerations;

    (b)    social welfare and equity considerations, including community service obligations;

    (c)    economic and regional development, including employment and investment growth;

    (d)    the interests of water services customers generally or of a class of water services customers;

    (e)    the interests of any licensee, or applicant for a licence, in respect of the controlled area or part of a controlled area to which the order, if made, would apply;

     (f)    the importance of competition in water services industry markets;

    (g)    public health considerations in relation to the provision of a safe drinking water supply;

    (h)    the policy objectives of government in relation to water services;

     (i)    any other matter that he or she considers relevant.

”.

94.         Section 23 replaced

             Section 23 is repealed and the following section is inserted instead —

23.         Matters relevant to grant of licence

            The Authority is not to grant a licence unless the Authority is satisfied that —

    (a)    the applicant has, and is likely to continue to have, the financial and technical ability to provide the water services that will be covered by the licence; and

    (b)    it would not be contrary to the public interest to grant the licence.

”.

95.         Section 27 amended

             Section 27 is amended by deleting “Coordinator’s” and inserting instead —

             “ its ”.

96.         Section 28 amended

     (1)    Section 28 is amended by inserting before “An” the subsection designation “(1)”.

     (2)    At the end of section 28 the following subsection is inserted —

    (2)    The Authority is not to renew a licence unless the Authority is satisfied that it would not be contrary to the public interest to do so.

”.

97.         Section 30 replaced

             Section 30 is repealed and the following section is inserted instead —

30.         Transfer of licence

    (1)    The Authority may transfer a licence.

    (2)    An application for the transfer of a licence is to be —

    (a)    made in a form approved by the Authority by the person to whom the licence is to be transferred; and

    (b)    accompanied by —

     (i)    the licensee’s written consent to the transfer of the licence to the applicant; and

     (ii)    the prescribed fee.

    (3)    The applicant must provide any additional information that the Authority requires for the proper consideration of the application.

    (4)    The Authority is not to transfer a licence unless the Authority is satisfied that —

    (a)    the applicant has, and is likely to continue to have, the financial and technical ability to provide the water services covered by the licence; and

    (b)    it would not be contrary to the public interest to transfer the licence.

    (5)    The transfer of a licence may be subject to any terms and conditions that the Authority considers appropriate.

    (6)    The transfer of a licence does not affect the term of the licence.

    (7)    The Authority is to ensure that notice of the transfer of a licence is published in the Gazette as soon as is practicable after the transfer.

    (8)    The notice is to include —

    (a)    the classification of the licence;

    (b)    the name of the transferee;

    (c)    the term of the licence;

    (d)    the area or areas covered by the licence; and

    (e)    the place where a copy of the licence and any plan may be inspected under section 27.

”.

98.         Section 31 amended

             After section 31(1) the following subsection is inserted —

  (1a)    The Authority is not to make a determination under subsection (1) unless the Authority is satisfied that it would not be contrary to the public interest to do so.

”.

99.         Sections 31A and 31B inserted

             After section 31 the following sections are inserted in Part 3 Division 4 —

31A.      Matters relevant to determination of public interest

            Where the Authority is required under this Division to determine whether something would not be contrary to the public interest, the Authority, in making its determination, may take into account one or more of the matters referred to in section 19(1b).

31B.      Regulations about public consultation

            Regulations made under section 61 may require the Authority, before it makes a decision on any application for the grant, renewal or transfer of a licence under this Division, to undertake public consultation in accordance with the procedure specified in the regulations.

”.

100.       Section 33 amended

             Section 33(2)(c) is amended by deleting “Coordinator’s” and inserting instead —

             “ Authority’s ”.

101.       Section 37 amended

             Section 37(3) is amended by deleting “his or her” and inserting instead —

             “ its ”.

102.       Section 40 amended

             Section 40 is amended by deleting “he or she” and inserting instead —

             “ it ”.

103.       Section 43 repealed

             Section 43 is repealed.

104.       Section 44 amended

             Section 44(1)(a) is amended by deleting “or renew” and inserting instead —

             “ , renew or transfer ”.

105.       Section 47 amended

             Section 47(4) is amended by deleting “The Coordinator” and inserting instead —

             “ A member of the Authority ”.

106.       Section 53 amended

             Section 53(1) is amended by deleting “a water services” and inserting instead —

             “ an operating ”.

107.       Part 5 repealed

             Part 5 is repealed.

108.       Section 59B amended

             Section 59B(1)(a) and (b) are amended by deleting “and the Coordinator”.

109.       Section 60 repealed

             Section 60 is repealed.

110.       Section 60A amended

             After section 60A(1) the following subsection is inserted —

  (1a)    Subsection (1) does not apply to a person referred to in section 56(1) of the Economic Regulation Authority Act 2003.

”.

111.       Section 60B amended

     (1)    Section 60B(1) is repealed and the following subsection is inserted instead —

    (1)    This section applies to a person —

    (a)    who has been the Coordinator of Water Services under this Act;

    (b)    who is or has been a member of the Board; or

    (c)    who is or has been a person performing functions under this Act.

”.

     (2)    Section 60B is amended by deleting the penalty provision at the end of subsection (2) and inserting instead —

         Penalty: $5 000.

”.

112.       Section 62 amended

             Section 62(2)(a) and (b) are deleted.

113.       Schedule 1 amended

             Schedule 1 is amended as follows:

                 (a)    by deleting “A water services” and inserting instead —

                         “ An operating ”;

                 (b)    by deleting paragraph (h) and inserting the following paragraph instead —

    (h)    requiring the licensee to provide to the Authority, in the manner and form determined by the Authority, specified information on any matter relevant to the operation of the licence, the operation of the licensing scheme provided for in Part 3, or the performance of the Authority’s functions under this Act;

”.

114.       Various references to “Coordinator” changed to “Authority”

             The provisions specified in the Table to this clause are amended by deleting “Coordinator” in each place where it occurs and inserting instead —

             “ Authority ”.

Table

s. 18(1)

s. 37(3)

s. 20(1) and (2)

s. 38(1)

s. 22(1)(a), (2) and (3)

s. 42(3)

s. 24(1)

s. 44(1)

s. 25

s. 46H(3)(a) and (b)

s. 26

s. 46K

s. 27

s. 47(1)

s. 28(a)

s. 48(1)

s. 31(1) and (4)

s. 53(1) and (2)

s. 33(2)(b)

s. 54(1)

s. 36(1)(b) and (c)

Sch. 1 para. (b) and (m)(ii)

s. 37(1)

115.       Various references to “Minister” changed to “Authority”

             The provisions specified in the Table to this clause are amended by deleting “Minister” in each place where it occurs and inserting instead —

             “ Authority ”.

Table

s. 39(1), (2), (3) and (4)

s. 40

s. 41

Division 19 — Western Australian Planning Commission Act 1985

116.       The Act amended

             The amendments in this Division are to the Western Australian Planning Commission Act 1985*.

              [* Reprinted as at 16 March 2001.

                 For subsequent amendments see Act No. 7 of 2002.]

117.       Section 19 amended

             Section 19(1g)(a) is amended as follows:

                 (a)    by deleting subparagraph (iia);

                 (b)    after subparagraph (viii) by inserting the following subparagraph —

(viiia)the chief executive officer of the department principally assisting the Minister to whom the administration of the Water Agencies (Powers) Act 1984 is for the time being committed by the Governor in that administration, or a person nominated by that chief executive officer and approved by the Minister;

”.

Schedule 3 — Transitional and saving provisions for amendments in Schedule 2 Divisions 8, 12 and 18

[s. 63(1)]

1.           Definitions

             In this Schedule —

              commencement day means the day on which this Schedule comes into operation;

              “former official means —

                      (a)    the Coordinator of Water Services referred to in section 4 of the Water Services Coordination Act 1995 as in effect immediately before the commencement day;

                      (b)    the Gas Pipelines Access Regulator; or

                      (c)    the Rail Access Regulator;

              “Gas Pipelines Access Regulator means the Western Australian Independent Gas Pipelines Access Regulator referred to in section 27 of the Gas Pipelines Access (Western Australia) Act 1998 as in effect immediately before the commencement day;

              “Rail Access Regulator means the Western Australian Independent Rail Access Regulator referred to in section 13 of the Railways (Access) Act 1998 as in effect immediately before the commencement day.

2.           Interpretation Act 1984 to apply

             This Schedule does not limit the operation of the Interpretation Act 1984.

3.           Decisions of Gas Pipelines Access Regulator

             Without limiting the operation of clause 6, a decision made by the Gas Pipelines Access Regulator as the local Regulator for the purposes of the Gas Pipelines Access (Western Australia) Law that was in effect immediately before the commencement day continues, on and after that day, as if made by the Authority as the local Regulator for the purposes of that Law.

4.           Decisions of Rail Access Regulator

             Without limiting the operation of clause 6, a decision made by the Rail Access Regulator as the Regulator for the purposes of the Code (as defined in the Railways (Access) Act 1998) that was in effect immediately before the commencement day continues, on and after that day, as if made by the Authority as the Regulator for the purposes of that Code.

5.           Licences under Part 3 of the Water Services Coordination Act 1995

             Without limiting the operation of clause 6, an operating licence that was in effect under Part 3 of the Water Services Coordination Act 1995 immediately before the commencement day continues, on and after that day, as an operating licence in effect under that Part as amended by Schedule 2 Division 18.

6.           Continuing effect of things done

             On and after the commencement day any act, matter or thing done or omitted to be done before that day by, to, or in respect of, a former official (to the extent that that act, matter or thing has any force or effect) is to be taken to have been done or omitted by, to, or in respect of, the Authority.

7.           Completion of things begun

             On and after the commencement day anything lawfully commenced by a former official may, so far as it is not contrary to this Act or any other written law that gives functions to the Authority, be carried on and completed by the Authority.

8.           Proceedings etc.

             Any proceedings or remedy that immediately before the commencement day might have been brought or continued by or available against or to a former official, may, on and after that day, be brought or continued and are available, by or against or to the Authority.

9.           Records

             On and after the commencement day the Authority is to take delivery of all papers, documents, minutes, books of account and other records (however compiled, recorded or stored) relating to the operations of each former official.

10.         Bank accounts

     (1)    The moneys standing to the credit of the account referred to in section 45 of the Gas Pipelines Access (Western Australia) Act 1998 immediately before the commencement day are to be transferred to the account referred to in section 21 as soon as is practicable after that day.

     (2)    The moneys standing to the credit of the account referred to in section 23D of the Railways (Access) Act 1998 immediately before the commencement day are to be transferred to the account referred to in section 21 as soon as is practicable after that day.

11.         References to former official in agreements and instruments

             Any agreement or instrument subsisting immediately before the commencement day —

                 (a)    to which a former official is a party; or

                 (b)    which contains a reference to a former official,

             has effect after the commencement day as if —

                 (c)    the Authority were substituted for the former official as a party to the agreement or instrument; and

                 (d)    any reference in the agreement or instrument to the former official were (unless the context otherwise requires) amended to be or include a reference to the Authority.

12.         References to former official in written law

             A reference to a former official in an enactment in force immediately before the commencement day may, where the context so requires, be read as if it had been amended to be a reference to the Authority.

13.         Immunity to continue

             Despite the amendments made in Schedule 2 Divisions 8, 12 and 18, where a former official had the benefit of any immunity in respect of an act, matter or thing done or omitted before the commencement day, that immunity continues in that respect for the benefit of the Authority.

14.         Saving

             The operation of any provision of this Schedule is not to be regarded —

                 (a)    as a breach of contract or confidence or otherwise as a civil wrong;

                 (b)    as a breach of any contractual provision prohibiting, restricting or regulating the assignment or transfer of assets, rights or liabilities of the disclosure of information;

                 (c)    as giving rise to any remedy by a party to an instrument or as causing or permitting the termination of any instrument, because of a change in the beneficial or legal ownership of any asset, right or liability;

                 (d)    as causing any contract or instrument to be void or otherwise unenforceable; or

                 (e)    as releasing or allowing the release of any surety.

Schedule 4 — Transitional and saving provisions for amendments in Schedule 2 Division 4

[s. 63(2)]

1.           Definitions

             In this Schedule —

              “commencement day means the day on which this Schedule comes into operation;

              “Coordinator means the Coordinator of Energy referred to in section 4 of the Energy Coordination Act 1994;

              “licensing functions means the functions of the Coordinator under Part 2A;

              “Part 2A means Part 2A of the Energy Coordination Act 1994 as in effect before the commencement day.

2.           Interpretation Act 1984 to apply

             This Schedule does not limit the operation of the Interpretation Act 1984.

3.           Licences under Part 2A

             Without limiting the operation of clause 4, a licence that was in effect under Part 2A immediately before the commencement day continues, on and after that day, as a licence in effect under that Part as amended by Schedule 2 Division 4.

4.           Continuing effect of things done

             On and after the commencement day any act, matter or thing done or omitted to be done before that day by, to, or in respect of, the Coordinator in the performance of licensing functions (to the extent that that act, matter or thing has any force or effect) is to be taken to have been done or omitted by, to, or in respect of, the Authority.

5.           Completion of things begun

             On and after the commencement day, anything lawfully commenced by the Coordinator in the performance of licensing functions may, so far as it is not contrary to this Act or any other written law that gives functions to the Authority, be carried on and completed by the Authority.

6.           Proceedings etc.

             Any proceedings or remedy that immediately before the commencement day might have been brought or continued by or available against or to the Coordinator in relation to the performance of licensing functions, may, on and after that day, be brought or continued and are available, by or against or to the Authority.

7.           Records

             On and after the commencement day the Authority is to take delivery of all papers, documents, minutes, books of account and other records (however compiled, recorded or stored) that were, immediately before that day, in the possession or under the control of the Coordinator and related to the operations of the Coordinator under Part 2A.

8.           References to Coordinator in agreements and instruments

     (1)    Any agreement or instrument subsisting immediately before the commencement day —

                 (a)    to which the Coordinator is a party; or

                 (b)    which contains a reference to the Coordinator,

             has effect after the commencement day as if —

                 (c)    the Authority were substituted for the Coordinator as a party to the agreement or instrument; and

                 (d)    any reference in the agreement or instrument to the former official were (unless the context otherwise requires) amended to be or include a reference to the Coordinator.

     (2)    In this clause —

              “agreement or instrument means an agreement or instrument relating to licensing functions.

9.           References to Coordinator in written law

             A reference to the Coordinator in an enactment in force immediately before the commencement day that relates to licensing functions may, where the context so requires, be read as if it had been amended to be a reference to the Authority.

10.         Immunity to continue

             Despite the amendments made in Schedule 2 Division 4, where the Coordinator had the benefit of any immunity in respect of an act, matter or thing done or omitted before the commencement day in the performance of licensing functions, that immunity continues in that respect for the benefit of the Authority.

11.         Saving

             The operation of any provision of this Schedule is not to be regarded —

                 (a)    as a breach of contract or confidence or otherwise as a civil wrong;

                 (b)    as a breach of any contractual provision prohibiting, restricting or regulating the assignment or transfer of assets, rights or liabilities of the disclosure of information;

                 (c)    as giving rise to any remedy by a party to an instrument or as causing or permitting the termination of any instrument, because of a change in the beneficial or legal ownership of any asset, right or liability;

                 (d)    as causing any contract or instrument to be void or otherwise unenforceable; or

                 (e)    as releasing or allowing the release of any surety.

dline

 

 

Defined Terms

 

[This is a list of terms defined and the provisions where they are defined. The list is not part of the law.]

Defined Term                                                                                                 Provision(s)

access agreement.......................................................................................................20(5)

agreement or instrument............................................................................Sch. 4, cl. 8(2)

Authority...........................................................................................................................3

chairman.............................................................................................................................3

chief employee..................................................................................................................3

commencement day...................................................................Sch. 3, cl. 1, Sch. 4, cl. 1

Coordinator......................................................................................................Sch. 4, cl. 1

former official...................................................................................................Sch. 3, cl. 1

functions............................................................................................................................3

Gas Pipelines Access Regulator...................................................................Sch. 3, cl. 1

given............................................................................................................................55(5)

governing body................................................................................................................3

inquiry..............................................................................................................................44

licensing functions.........................................................................................Sch. 4, cl. 1

meeting.............................................................................................................Sch. 1, cl. 1

member...............................................................................................................................3

Part 2A..............................................................................................................Sch. 4, cl. 1

price....................................................................................................................................3

public sector employee....................................................................................................3

public service officer.................................................................................................18(1)

Rail Access Regulator....................................................................................Sch. 3, cl. 1

reference.....................................................................................................................31, 37

regulated industry............................................................................................................3

relevant entity.............................................................................................................20(5)

staff member......................................................................................................................3

transitional matter......................................................................................................63(4)