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2004-2005-2006
THE PARLIAMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
INSPECTOR OF TRANSPORT SECURITY BILL 2006
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM
(Circulated by authority of the Minister for Transport and Regional Services,
the Honourable Mark Vaile, MP)
INSPECTOR OF TRANSPORT SECURITY BILL 2006
OUTLINE
The Inspector of Transport Security Bill 2006 is a part of the Government's commitment
to ensuring a safe and secure transport system.
The object of this Bill is to provide a framework for independent inquiry and
recommendations in relation to transport security matters and offshore security matters,
to contribute to the improvement of transport security and the security of offshore
facilities.
The Government announced the intention to create the role of the Inspector of Transport
Security (the Inspector) in December 2003.
The Government decided to establish a legislative basis for inquiries by the Inspector to:
· conduct independent inquiries into transport security and offshore security
matters;
· protect information gathered or generated in the course of an inquiry; and
· ensure there is legal backing for the "no-blame" nature of the inquiries.
In broad terms, the Inspector's role is to undertake an inquiry, when required by the
Minister for Transport and Regional Services (the Minister), into a major transport
security incident, a major offshore facility security incident, or a pattern or series of
incidents that point to a systemic failure or possible weakness of the security regulatory
systems for aviation or maritime transport or offshore facilities.
The Bill also provides for the Inspector to undertake inquiries into major surface
transport security incidents when required by the Minister if the relevant State or
Territory Minister has agreed.
In practice, a direction given by the Minister to conduct an inquiry may follow a request
from the Prime Minister, another Australian Government Minister, a Minister of a State
or Territory Government or another person.
The Inspector's inquiries will be conducted on a "no-blame" basis, that is, the
information generated or gathered in the course of inquiries cannot be used as evidence in
civil or criminal proceedings except in very limited circumstances set out in the Bill.
This approach is consistent with Australia's international obligations with respect to the
collection and use of information arising from safety incidents involving transport.
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The Bill ensures that the Inspector has the capacity to conduct inquiries in relation to the
activities of Australian Government agencies where these agencies have a role in
transport security.
Final reports into a transport security matter will be given to the Minister in the first
instance. The Inspector will generally not have the capacity or requirement to publish or
otherwise distribute the outcomes of inquiries.
Where the report contains a particular conclusion or recommendation that affects an area
of responsibility of another Commonwealth Minister or a Minister in a State or Territory
Government, the Minister will be required to pass the final report, or the parts of the
report that are permitted under the Bill, to the relevant Minister.
The Bill has nine parts:
Part 1 Preliminary: This Part includes information on when the Bill will commence,
the definitions used in the Bill and its application both within and outside Australia.
Part 2 Objects and overview of this Act: This Part sets out the objects of the Bill,
and contains a general overview to assist the reader in navigating the Bill.
Part 3 Inquiries: This Part allows the Minister to commence an inquiry. It also
establishes the limits as to what an inquiry can investigate.
Part 4 Inspector of Transport Security: This Part creates the statutory office of
Inspector of Transport Security.
Part 5 Gathering information: This Part sets out the Inspector's powers to request
information and documents from persons and government agencies, including requesting
on-board recording (OBR) information and restricted information from the Executive
Director of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau) and other sources, and creates an
immunity for those who provide information and documents to the Inspector. It also
provides the Inspector with certain powers to enter (with consent) premises and vehicles
and to search such premises provided consent has been granted.
Part 6 Reports: This Part provides for the types of reports that may be generated by
the Inspector and sets out arrangements for distribution and use, and creates penalties for
unlawful uses.
Part 7 Protected information: This Part sets out the arrangements applying to the
disclosure of information gathered by the Inspector during the course of an inquiry. This
part also sets out the limited circumstances under which protected information may be
disclosed.
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Part 8 OBR information, CVR information, and restricted information given to
the Inspector by the Executive Director: This part specifies the manner in which the
Inspector may use OBR, Cockpit Voice Recording (CBR) and restricted information
given to the Inspector by the Executive Director.
Part 9 Miscellaneous: Amongst other things, this Part deals with:
· the power to delegate powers and functions conferred by the Bill on the Inspector
and the Executive Director;
· the circumstances when a person involved in an inquiry can provide information
to coronial inquiries;
· the confirmation that information-gathering powers of the Commonwealth
Parliament and Royal Commissions are not affected by the Bill;
· the requirements for the Commonwealth to pay compensation in some
circumstances where an acquisition of property has occurred; and
· the power to make regulations.
Financial impact statement
The Bill has no financial impact.
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INSPECTOR OF TRANSPORT SECURITY BILL 2005
NOTES ON CLAUSES
Part 1 - Preliminary
Clause 1: Short Title
This clause is a formal provision specifying the title of the proposed Act. The Bill once
enacted will be known as the Inspector of Transport Security Act 2006.
Clause 2: Commencement
This clause provides that the main operating provisions of the Bill commence on the date
of proclamation or the expiration of six months after Royal Assent, whichever is earlier.
This period allows sufficient time for the completion of the drafting of the regulations,
which will need to commence at the same time as the Bill.
Clause 3: Definitions
This clause defines certain terms in the Bill. In particular:
CVR information has the same meaning as in Part IIIB of the Civil Aviation Act 1988.
CVR stands for `cockpit voice recording'. The concept of CVR information captures
certain voice recordings not falling within the definition of OBR information in section
48 of the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 (discussed below).
OBR information means the same as it does in section 48 of the Transport Safety
Investigation Act 2003. OBR stands for on-board recording. Examples may include
cockpit voice recordings in respect of aircraft, and the voice component of voyage data
recordings in respect of ships that is being used by the Australian Transport Safety
Bureau in the investigation of an immediately reportable matter under the Transport
Safety Investigation Act 2003.
Protected information is defined in detail under clause 66. Protected information is
information that is obtained or generated by any person during the course of performing
functions or exercising powers under the Bill. The definition excludes documents that are
derived from a public source or information otherwise in the public domain. Where
restricted information is given to the Inspector by a person other than the Executive
Director of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau it will be treated as protected
information in the Bill.
Rail vehicle and road vehicle are defined broadly, so that when combined, the two
definitions cover the field of vehicles that are used on land.
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Restricted information means the same as it does in the Transport Safety Investigation
Act 2003. In broad terms, restricted information refers to certain types of information
obtained or generated in connection with an investigation under the Transport Safety
Investigation Act 2003. This Bill permits such information to be provided to the
Inspector for the purposes of an inquiry under the Bill notwithstanding the prohibitions
under the Transport Safety Investigation Ac 2003.
Security regulated offshore facility has the same meaning as in the Maritime Transport
and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003. In brief, this term refers to offshore facilities
nominated in a notice made by the Secretary of the Department of Transport and
Regional Services (DOTARS) under that Act.
Clause 4: Act binds the Crown
This clause provides that the Crown in right of the Commonwealth and all the States and
Territories is subject to the Bill, but the Crown cannot be prosecuted for an offence under
the Bill.
Clause 5: Application to external territories
This clause provides that the Bill applies in all external territories.
Clause 6: Application outside Australia
This clause clarifies that the Bill applies outside Australia. It is intended that the powers
of the Inspector may be exercised in respect of security incidents that may have occurred
outside Australia.
Clause 7: Relationships with other laws
This clause makes it clear that the Bill is not intended to "cover the field" in relation to
inquiries into transport security.
The Bill does not prevent a State or a Territory from conducting its own inquiries into
transport security matters under the laws of that jurisdiction so long as the law of the
State or Territory is not directly inconsistent with this Bill.
Clause 8: Geographical jurisdiction
In accordance with section 15.2 of the Criminal Code, this clause extends liability for
criminal offences established by this Bill to offences committed outside Australia.
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Part 2 Objects and overview of Act
Division 1 Objects
Clause 9: Objects of this Act
Subclause 9(1) sets out the main object of the Bill, which is to improve the security of
transport and security related offshore facilities by providing a framework for
independent inquiry and recommendations in relation to transport and offshore security
matters.
Subclause 9(2) makes it clear that it is an object of the Bill that the Inspector does not
interfere with the investigation of another agency even if the Minister directs an inquiry
be conducted as a result of a particular incident that might be the subject of investigation
by another agency.
That means:
· the Office of Transport Security will continue to investigate compliance/breaches
of legislation administered by the Minister;
· police agencies will continue to investigate criminal matters;
· the ATSB will continue to undertake transport safety investigations; and
· the investigative role of coroners is not affected.
It is intended that the Inspector's inquiries will be "a step behind" police and coroner
investigations, and will not interfere with the processes of other investigations, including
evidence gathering.
Subclause 9(3) explains that the Bill cannot be used to facilitate the apportionment of
blame or the allocation of liability.
The Bill is based on the same "no-blame" principle as the Transport Safety Investigation
Act 2003.
Except in specifically identified circumstances, information collected or generated under
this Bill cannot be used to determine liability or to assist in court proceedings.
No adverse inference should be drawn from a person being the subject of an inquiry
conducted by the Inspector.
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Division 2 Overview
Clause 10: General overview of Act
This Division provides an overview of the Bill.
Part 3 - Inquiries
Clause 11: Minister may initiate inquiry
Subclauses 11(1), (2) and (3) provide that the Inspector is to commence an inquiry into a
transport security matter or an offshore security matter (terms defined in clause 12) when
directed to do so by the Minister.
A direction by the Minister must be in writing and may include a reporting date. The
Minister may vary the terms of a direction, as set out in section 33 of the Acts
Interpretation Act 1901, in order to revoke a direction or prioritise an inquiry (for
example, by bringing forward the reporting date).
Subclause 11(4) clarifies that a direction from the Minister to the Inspector is not
legislative in character so does not fall within the definition of a legislative instrument
under section 5 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
Subclause 11(5) provides that the Inspector is not bound by a direction from the Minister
in relation to the inquiry or reports other than a direction in writing given under subclause
11(2).
Subclause 11(6) provides the Inspector is not bound by a direction of the Secretary of
Transport and Regional Services in regard to the conduct, or findings of an inquiry.
Subclauses 11(5) and 11(6) go to ensuring the independence of the Inspector.
Clause 12: What is a transport security matter?
This clause sets out the matters that constitute a transport security matter and therefore
matters into which the Minister may require the Inspector to inquire.
Subclause 12(a) provides that an incident occurring in the course of transport or involving
a transport vehicle that the Minister believes on reasonable grounds to be a major incident
and does (or may) demonstrate a problem with the security of transport can be the subject
of an inquiry.
The term `in the course of transport' is intended to include an incident that may occur at a
transport facility regardless of whether a transport vehicle was involved in the incident.
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Subclause 12(b) provides that a situation or set of circumstances that suggests a systemic
failure or weakness in the regulation of transport security can also be the subject of an
inquiry.
An example of such a weakness may be a pattern of unauthorised incursions into secure
areas of security regulated airports or ports.
Subclause 12(c) confers a general power to allow for the inquiry to be conducted where
the Minister believes the matter to be significant and may have implications for the
security of transport.
An example would be where a major incident occurs outside Australia that the Minister
believes may provide useful lessons for Australian transport security. Note, however,
that there are limits on the extent to which the Inspector may inquire into an incident that
occurs outside Australia see notes on clause 23.
Clause 13: What is an offshore security matter?
This clause sets out matters that constitute an offshore security matter and therefore
matters into which the Minister may require the Inspector to inquire.
Subclause 13(a) provides that an incident occurring on, around or in relation to a security
regulated offshore facility (a defined term discussed in the clause note to clause 3) that
the Minister believes on reasonable grounds to be a major incident and does (or may)
demonstrate a problem with the security of transport can be the subject of an inquiry.
Subclause 13(b) provides that a situation or set of circumstances that suggests a systemic
failure or weakness in the regulation of security regulated offshore facilities can be the
subject of an inquiry.
An example of such a weakness may be the occurrence of a pattern of unauthorised
access at a security regulated offshore facility.
Subclause 13(c) confers a general power to allow for an inquiry to be conducted where
the Minister believes the matter to be significant and may have implications for the
security of security regulated offshore facilities.
An example is a major incident that occurs outside Australia that the Minister believes
may provide useful lessons for the security of Australian offshore facilities. Note,
however, that there are limits on the extent to which the Inspector may inquire into an
incident that occurred outside Australia see notes on clause 23.
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Clause 14: Constitutional limitations air transport
This clause prescribes the limits within which the Inspector may inquire into a matter in
relation to air transport.
This clause is consistent with the Commonwealth's constitutional power to legislate in
respect of external affairs, trade and commerce with other countries and among the
States, foreign corporations and trading and financial corporations formed within the
limits of the Commonwealth, matters referred to the Commonwealth by any State or
States, power to legislate in respect of Territories and respect of Commonwealth places,
and in respect of any other matter to which the Commonwealth has the power to make
laws.
The Commonwealth's wide constitutional power to make laws relating to air navigation
has been confirmed by court decisions such as Airlines of New South Wales Pty Ltd v
New South Wales (Airlines No.2 (1965) 113 CLR 54).
Clause 15: Constitutional limitations maritime transport
This clause prescribes the limits within which the Inspector may inquire into a matter in
relation to maritime transport.
This clause is consistent with the Commonwealth's constitutional power to legislate in
respect of external affairs, trade and commerce with other countries and among the
States, foreign corporations and trading and financial corporations formed within the
limits of the Commonwealth, matters referred to the Commonwealth by any State or
States, power to legislate in respect of Territories and respect of Commonwealth places
and in respect of any other matter to which the Commonwealth has the power to make
laws.
Clause 16: Constitutional limitations rail transport
This clause prescribes the limits within which the Inspector may inquire into a matter in
relation to rail transport.
This clause is consistent with the Commonwealth's constitutional power to legislate in
respect of external affairs, trade and commerce with other countries and among the
States, foreign corporations and trading and financial corporations formed within the
limits of the Commonwealth, matters referred to the Commonwealth by any State or
States, power to legislate in respect of Territories and respect of Commonwealth places
and in respect of any other matter to which the Commonwealth has the power to make
laws.
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Clause 17: Constitutional limitations road transport
This clause prescribes the limits within which the Inspector may inquire into a matter in
relation to road transport.
This clause is consistent with the Commonwealth's constitutional power to legislate in
respect of external affairs, trade and commerce with other countries and among the
States, foreign corporations and trading and financial corporations formed within the
limits of the Commonwealth, matters referred to the Commonwealth by any State or
States, power to legislate in respect of Territories and respect of Commonwealth places
and in respect of any other matter to which the Commonwealth has the power to make
laws.
Clause 18: Constitutional limitations security-regulated offshore facilities
This clause prescribes the limits within which the Inspector may inquire into a matter in
relation to a security regulated offshore facility.
This clause is consistent with the Commonwealth's constitutional power to legislate in
respect of external affairs, trade and commerce with other countries and among the
States, foreign corporations and trading and financial corporations formed within the
limits of the Commonwealth, matters referred to the Commonwealth by any State or
States, power to legislate in respect of Territories and respect of Commonwealth places
and in respect of any other matter to which the Commonwealth has the power to make
laws.
Clause 19: Meaning of outside Australia in sections 14 to 18
In clauses 14 to 18, outside Australia means outside the baseline from which the breadth
of the territorial sea is measured. The territorial sea is considered outside Australia for
purposes of clauses 14 to 18.
This definition has been adopted to ensure that the Commonwealth's external affairs
power can be invoked to the maximum extent possible for the purposes of the Bill.
However, any references to `Australia' in other provisions of the Bill, have the ordinary
meaning in accordance with Section 15B of the Act Interpretation Act 1901 which
includes the coastal sea (including the territorial sea) of Australia. In other words, the
territorial sea would be considered within Australia for purposes of all provisions of the
Bill other than clauses 14-18.
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Clause 20: Consultation with other Ministers before direction made
This clause obliges the Minister to consult with all Commonwealth Ministers that may be
affected by an inquiry before an inquiry is initiated.
This consultation may lead to a decision not to initiate an inquiry or a decision to modify
the scope of an inquiry.
Clause 21: Defence aspects of a matter
This clause prevents the Minister from directing the Inspector to inquire into a defence
aspect of a transport or offshore security matter if the Defence Minister objects to the
inquiry.
A defence aspect of a transport security matter is defined in subclause 21(2) and includes
a range of circumstances where the Australian Defence Force or information in
possession the Australian Defence Force is involved.
Clause 22: Surface transport aspects of a transport security matter
This clause obliges the Minister to gain the agreement of the relevant State or Territory
Transport Minister on the proposed scope of an inquiry into a surface transport aspect
before an inquiry into that aspect may be initiated.
A surface transport aspect is defined in subclause 22(2) as including:
· rail vehicles operating within a particular State or Territory, other than rail
vehicles owned or operated by a Commonwealth agency;
· road vehicles operating within a particular State or Territory, other than road
vehicles owned or operated by a Commonwealth agency; or
· ships operating within the State or Territory waters of a particular State or
Territory, other than security regulated ships or ships owned or operated by a
Commonwealth agency.
Agreement from the States or Territory will be needed in this situation as the inquiry will
deal with matters within the responsibility of the State or Territory. The relevant
Transport Minister would be expected to consult with the appropriate State Government
Ministers about the inquiry and provide a whole of State or Territory Government
response to the request for agreement from the Minister.
Clause 23: Geographical reach of inquiry
This clause explains the limitations and conditions in which an inquiry may be conducted
either in Australia or overseas. Generally, an inquiry should only be conducted where a
security event occurs in Australia or involves Australian citizens or assets owned by an
Australian government or registered in Australia.
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However, the Minister can institute an inquiry into an incident that occurs overseas where
the Minister reasonably believes a matter has or may have implications for the
management of security in Australia, or where the matter relates to security arrangements
in place in a foreign country from which transport vehicles depart that may pose security
risks when they enter Australia.
Clause 24: Preservation of certain privileges and immunities
This clause ensures existing privileges and immunities conferred by Australian law are
not affected by the Bill.
Under international law, representatives of foreign governments, such as diplomats,
consular officials and heads of State, are immune from many Australian laws.
For example, an embassy's diplomatic bag may not be opened or detained by the
government which is hosting the diplomatic mission.
These immunities have been recognised in several existing Commonwealth Acts that are
listed in this clause.
Part 4 Inspector of Transport Security
Division 1 Appointment
Clauses 25: Inspector of Transport Security
This clause creates the statutory office of the Inspector of Transport Security and
recognises the "on-call" nature of the duties by specifically allowing for the appointment
to be made on a part-time basis.
Clause 26: Conduct of Inspector
This clause sets out the minimum standard for the conduct of the Inspector. The standard
required of the Inspector is similar to that required of APS employees as set out in the
Code of Conduct under the Public Service Act 1999.
Clause 27: Terms and conditions of employment
This clause sets out that the Minister can set terms and conditions for the employment for
the Inspector that are not otherwise dealt with in the Bill.
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Clause 28: Remuneration
This clause sets out that the Inspector's remuneration will be determined by the
Remuneration Tribunal. In the event that no determination is in operation the Minister for
Transport and Regional Services will set the remuneration.
Clause 29: Acting appointments
This clause allows an Inspector to be appointed during a vacancy in the office of the
Inspector, or when the Inspector is unable to perform the duties of the office.
Subclause 29(2) ensures that an acting appointment is not invalidated by an irregularity in
the way the acting appointment is made.
Clause 30: Resignation
This clause allows the Inspector to resign by notifying the Minister in writing.
Clause 31: Termination
The Minister may terminate the appointment of the Inspector for a range of circumstances
that would cause the Inspector to be considered unsuitable to continue to hold the office.
Division 2 Functions
Clause 32: Functions of the Inspector
This clause sets out the Inspector's functions as:
· conducting inquiries into transport security matters and offshore security matters
in accordance with a direction from the Minister; and
· preparing reports in relation to those inquiries.
Division 3 Powers
Clause 33: Powers of Inspector to be used for inquiries
This is a clause of limitation, designed to make it clear that the Inspector can only use the
position's statutory powers exclusively for the purposes of conducting an inquiry and
preparing reports and for no other reason.
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Part 5 Gathering Information
Division 1 Powers relating to information and documents
Clause 34: Simplified outline
This clause is a simplified outline of this Division, which relates to the information-
gathering powers of the Inspector.
Clause 35: Power to request information from persons generally
This clause permits the Inspector to request documents (other than OBR information or
restricted information a person has been given under section 62 of the Transport Safety
Investigation Act 2003) that the Inspector believes to be relevant to an inquiry.
The Inspector cannot ask for OBR information or restricted information a person has
been given access to under section 62 of the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.
OBR information and restricted information may only be requested of the Executive
Director of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and provided under clause 37.
Under subclause 35(4), a person may comply with the request, notwithstanding the terms
of any other law, including the Privacy Act 1988. "Any other law" for the purposes of
subclause 35(4) includes any law enacted after the commencement of this Bill (unless
that law expressly overrides subclause 35(4) of this Bill).
Subclauses 35(5) and (6) allow the Inspector or a person assisting in the exercise of
Inspector's powers or functions under the Bill to copy, make a record of or disclose
information given in response to a request under cl. 35.
Subclause 35(7) is an offence provision applying to the copying, use or disclosure in
certain circumstances of information obtained under subclauses 36(5) or (6).
This subclause applies to information that is gathered either by the Inspector or by a
person assisting another person in the exercise of the Inspector's powers. If, in the course
of the inquiry, the information is passed to another person who is not exercising powers
or performing functions under the Bill then that person commits an offence if they copy,
use or disclose the information. This offence includes disclosure to a court, a tribunal or a
coroner.
Subclause 35(8) provides that the offence provision in subclause 35(7) does not apply to
any conduct necessary for the purpose of assisting with an inquiry.
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Clause 36: Power to request information from government agencies
This clause allows the Inspector to seek similar information that may be sought under
clause 35 from government agencies.
The clause operates similarly to clause 35 with an additional element. Subclause 36(6)
prohibits disclosure by the Inspector or an assistant, of information provided by a
government agency without its consent, where the Inspector is of the opinion that
disclosure may either compromise an investigation being conducted by the agency or
may have a substantial adverse effect on the proper and efficient conduct of the
operations of the agency.
This is in keeping with subclause 9(2), which provides that it is an object of the Bill that
the Inspector not interfere with the investigations of other agencies.
Clause 37: Requesting OBR information and restricted information from the
Executive Director
This clause deals with occasions when the Executive Director of Transport Safety
Investigation (an office established under the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003,
currently occupied by the Executive Director of the ATSB) may provide OBR or
restricted information to the Inspector.
Subclause 37(1) allows the Inspector to ask the Executive Director for such information
that the Inspector believes may be relevant to the inquiry.
Subclause 37(2) only allows the Executive Director to provide the information after
considering whether the adverse effect on current or future investigations under the
Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 is outweighed by the public interest served by
providing the information.
Subclauses 37(3) and (4) have the effect of removing the possibility of commencing
criminal proceedings against a person for disclosing information to the Inspector,
notwithstanding the prohibitions contained in the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003
that would otherwise apply.
Subclause 37(5) permits the Executive Director to choose to comply with the request,
notwithstanding the terms of any other law, including the Privacy Act 1988. It is
intended that "any other law" for the purposes of subclause 37(5) includes any law
enacted after the commencement of this Bill (unless that law expressly overrides
subclause 37(5) of this Bill).
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Subclauses 37(6) and (7) allow the Inspector to copy, use and disclose OBR and
restricted information in the course of an inquiry. This would permit discussion and
sharing of the information amongst persons (eg. investigators engaged by the Inspector)
participating in the inquiry. OBR or restricted information may also need to be disclosed
to other persons, such as witnesses, in the course of obtaining information from these
persons. However, where the Inspector is of the opinion that disclosure of the OBR or
restricted information may compromise an investigation being conducted by the
Executive Director or may otherwise have a substantial adverse effect on the proper and
efficient conduct of the operations of the Executive Director, the information may be
disclosed only with the Executive Director's prior agreement.
The balancing exercise established by this clause reflects Australia's obligations to keep
these types of information strictly confidential in the light of Annex 13 of the Convention
on International Civil Aviation (the Chicago Convention) and section 10.1 of the
International Maritime Organization's Code for Investigation of Marine Casualties. Both
instruments anticipate that the objective of investigating incidents is to prevent such
incidents occurring in future rather than to attribute blame. Accordingly, information
should not normally be available for use other than for preparing the report into a
particular incident by the entity conducting the investigation, unless:
· the interests of justice requires it; and
· release will not adversely affect the provision of relevant information to
investigation agencies in the future.
Subclause 37(8) is a general offence provision applying to the copying, use or disclosure
of information obtained under subclauses 37(6) or (7).
This subclause applies to information that is gathered either by the Inspector or by a
person assisting another person in the exercise of the Inspector's powers. If, in the course
of the inquiry, the information is passed to another person who is not exercising powers
or performing functions under the Bill then that person commits an offence if they copy,
use or disclose the information. This offence includes disclosure to a court, a tribunal or a
coroner.
Subclause 37(9) provides that the offence provision in subclause 37(8) does not apply to
conduct necessary for the purpose of assisting with an inquiry.
Clause 38: Protection from liability
This clause provides immunity for those who provide information or documents in the
honest and reasonable belief that they are permitted by the terms of this Bill to do so,
from being the subject of either legal proceedings or disciplinary action as a result of
providing the information or documents to the Inspector.
This is designed to encourage people to assist the Inspector in the conduct of inquiries.
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Division 2 Search powers
Clause 39: Simplified outline
This clause provides a simplified outline of this Division.
Clause 40: Identity cards
This clause deals with the use and control of identity cards.
Subclause 40(1) imposes an obligation on the Inspector to ensure that identity cards are
issued to people entitled to exercise powers conferred by this Division.
Subclause 40(2) requires that the identity card must contain a photograph of the holder
and allows for regulations to be made prescribing the form of the identity card.
Subclauses 40(3) and (4) create a strict liability offence with a maximum penalty of five
penalty units if a person issued with an identity card does not return the card to the
Inspector when the person ceases to be entitled to hold a card.
This is to prevent, for example, a person continuing to exert the powers associated with
the card to gain access to premises or transport vehicles even though that person no
longer has the authority to exert those powers.
Subclause 40(5) creates a defence to the strict liability offence if the card is lost or
destroyed.
Subclause 40(6) requires the card holder to carry the card when exercising entry and
search powers.
This is to ensure that those permitted to exercise the powers of the Inspector in regard to
entry and search powers can be identified.
Clause 41: Obligations before entering premises or boarding transport vehicle
This clause explains the duties of persons delegated powers of the Inspector when
entering premises or boarding a transport vehicle.
The person must take reasonable steps to identify himself or herself to the controller of
the premises or transport vehicle, and show his/her identity card to the controller.
The person must also take reasonable steps to inform the controller of the reason for the
request to enter.
If the person fails to take these reasonable steps, the person cannot exercise powers under
this subdivision in relation to entering premises or boarding a transport vehicle.
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Clause 42: Security regulated offshore facilities occupational health and safety
requirements
To ensure that high standards of occupational health and safety are maintained, this
clause requires that the person (who has been delegated the relevant powers of the
Inspector) follows Australian occupational health and safety legislation when exercising
powers within the boundaries of a security regulated offshore facility.
Clause 43: Power to enter any premises with consent
Subclause 43(1) permits the Inspector to enter premises where a person gives voluntary
consent to the entry. This subclause does not apply to a private living area within a
security regulated offshore facility.
Under subclauses 43(2) and 43(3) the Inspector can only enter the private living areas of
security regulated offshore facilities or a security regulated ship with the consent of the
facility operator or the ship's master and those occupying the private area. While in this
area the Inspector must be accompanied by a facility operator or a person nominated by
the facility operator.
Under subclauses 43(4) and (5) the Inspector must explain to the person that consent can
be refused or withdrawn. If consent is refused the Inspector must leave the premises.
Involuntary consent is not consent for the purposes of this Bill.
Subclause 43(6) makes clear that no offence is committed if a person refuses the
Inspector to enter, or remain on the premises or vehicles.
Clause 44: Power to board any transport vehicle with consent
This clause allows the Inspector to board a transport vehicle with the consent of the
controller of the vehicle.
This clause operates in a similar way to clause 43.
Clause 45: Powers that may be exercised in relation to premises
This clause states the powers the Inspector may exercise when he/she enters premises
with consent. This gives the Inspector wide ranging powers to collect information and
documents sufficient for the conduct of the inquiry and completion of the reports.
Clause 46: Powers that may be exercised in relation to a transport vehicle
This clause states the powers the Inspector may exercise when he enters a transport
vehicle with consent. This gives the Inspector wide ranging powers to collect information
and documents sufficient for the conduct of the inquiry and completion of the reports.
Clause 47: Compensation for damage to electronic equipment
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This clause sets out the compensation rights available for damage to electronic equipment
when such equipment has been operated and damaged by the Inspector or by a person
operating the equipment.
Division 3 Where information or documents are volunteered
Clause 48: Protection from liability
This clause provides immunity for those who honestly and reasonably believe that
providing information (even without being requested by the Inspector to do so) would
assist an inquiry, from being the subject of either legal proceedings or disciplinary action
as a result of providing the information to the Inspector.
However, the immunity under this clause does not apply to a person who volunteers OBR
or restricted information or CVR information in breach of the Transport Safety
Investigation Act 2003 or Part IIIB of the Civil Aviation Act 1988.
Division 4 Information generated in the course of conducting an inquiry
Clause 49: Copying, making a record of or using or disclosing information
generated in the course of an inquiry
Subclause 49(1) allows the Inspector or a delegate or a person assisting the Inspector to
make records, copies, use or disclose information for the purposes of carrying out their
functions under the Bill.
Subclause 49(2) is a general offence provision applying to the copying, use or disclosure
of information obtained under subclause 49(1). This subclause applies to information that
is gathered either by the Inspector or by a person assisting another person in the exercise
of the Inspector's powers. If, in the course of the inquiry, the information is passed to
another person who is not exercising powers or performing functions under the Bill then
that person commits an offence if they copy, use or disclose the information. This offence
includes disclosure to a court, a tribunal or a coroner.
Subclause 49(3) provides that the offence provision in subclause 49(2) does not apply to
any conduct necessary for the purpose of assisting with the inquiry.
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Part 6 Reports
Clause 50: Simplified outline
This clause provides a simplified outline of this Part.
Division 2 Interim Reports
Clause 51: Interim report - no security issue found
This clause allows for the rapid termination of an inquiry where the Inspector considers
that a transport security matter or an offshore security matter demonstrates no significant
problem in, and has no significant implications for, the security of transport or security
regulated offshore facilities.
In this circumstance, the Minister must terminate the inquiry.
Clause 52: Disclosure of interim reports
This clause deals with how interim reports may be circulated and includes specific
restrictions on the distribution of interim reports that contain protected information, OBR,
CVR or restricted information.
Subclause 52(1) permits the Minister to provide all or part of a report to a person,
government agency or the Parliament when the Minister considers that it is in the public
interest to do so.
Subclause 52(2) ensures that the Minister discloses any part of an interim report that
relates to a transport security aspect of a transport security matter to the relevant State or
Territory Transport Minister.
Subclause 52(3) prevents the Minister from providing parts of an interim report
containing protected information provided to the Inspector by a government agency
without the relevant Minister's prior consent, if the disclosure may compromise an
investigation being conducted by the agency or publication would have a substantial
adverse effect on the proper and efficient conduct of the operations of the agency.
This is in keeping with subclause 9(2), which provides that it is an object of the Bill that
the Inspector not interfere with the investigations of other agencies.
Subclause 52(4) prevents disclosure or tabling of any part of an interim report that
contains OBR or CVR information, unless that information is already publicly available.
The provision in this clause is necessary to comply with Australia's obligations under
various international instruments (such as Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention) that seek
to limit the use of OBR and CVR.
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Subclause 52(5) prevents disclosure of restricted information provided to the Inspector by
the Executive Director, without the Executive Director's prior consent, if the disclosure
may compromise an investigation being conducted by the Executive Director or have a
substantial adverse effect on the proper and efficient conduct of the operations of the
Executive Director.
This is in keeping with subclause 9(2), which provides that it is an object of the Bill that
the Inspector not interfere with the investigations of other agencies.
Subclause 52(6) prevents disclosure or tabling of any part of an interim report that relates
to a surface transport aspect of a transport security matter without the agreement of the
State or Territory Minister of the relevant jurisdiction.
Clause 53: Admissibility of interim reports
This clause ensures that an interim report cannot be used in any proceedings defined in
clause 3 of the Bill to be civil proceedings (either in a court or tribunal), criminal
proceedings, coronial inquiries and disciplinary proceedings or processes.
The clause reflects the policy intention that such information is to be used only for the
purpose of inquiries into transport security matters and offshore security matters.
Division 3 Draft Reports
Clause 54: Information that may be included in draft reports
This clause makes clear a draft report can contain protected information, OBR
information, CVR information, and restricted information given to the Inspector by the
Executive Director.
Clause 55: Disclosure of the draft reports
This clause sets out when and how draft reports can be circulated.
Subclause 55(1) requires the Inspector to provide draft reports to anyone whose interests
may be adversely affected by the release of the report, so as to allow them to make
submissions or to give them advance notice of the likely form of the report. The
Inspector may also, at his or her discretion, give draft reports to any other people or
government agencies so as to allow them to make submissions or to give them advance
notice of the likely form of the report. However, the obligation and power to provide
draft reports are subject to the restrictions under subclauses (4) (6) see notes on these
provisions below.
Subclause 55(2) requires a Minister to disclose any part of the draft report that relates to a
security aspect of a surface transport matter which is the responsibility of a State or
Territory to the relevant Transport Minister. However, the obligation and power to
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provide draft reports are subject to the restrictions under subclauses (4) (6) see notes
on these provisions below.
Section 55(3) allows the Inspector to give the draft report to any person or government
agency to allow the person or agency the opportunity to respond or to give the person
notice of the content of the final report.
The arrangement for the provision of draft reports in section 55 (1) (3) is designed to
improve the accuracy of the contents of the report by allowing interested parties to view
and comment on the draft report. It would also provide those who may be adversely
affected with procedural fairness, so they can make submissions as to the appropriate
findings and recommendations that should be made by the Inspector in the final report.
The draft report is meant to be treated as an in-confidence document. Clause 56 sets out
penalties for using the report inappropriately.
Subclause 55(4) prevents the Inspector from providing any part of a draft report that
contains protected information provided by a government agency, without the prior
agreement of the agency, where the disclosure could compromise an investigation
conducted by the agency or have a substantial adverse effect on the conduct of the
operations of the agency.
Subclause 55(5) allows the Inspector to give part of the draft report that contains OBR or
CVR information to a person or agency who is being invited to comment on the draft
report to understand the conclusions made. The provision in this clause is necessary to
comply with Australia's obligations under various international instruments (such as
Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention) that seek to limit the use of OBR and CVR
information unless it the interests of justice require it.
Subclause 55(6) prevents the Inspector from providing any part of a draft report to a
person who is being provided an advance notice of the likely form of the final report if it
contains OBR or CVR information unless the information is publicly available. The
provision in this clause is necessary to comply with Australia's obligations under various
international instruments (such as Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention) that seek to limit
the use of OBR and CVR.
Subclause 55(7) prevents the Inspector from providing any part of a draft report that
contains restricted information given by the Executive Director, without the prior
agreement of the Executive Director, where the disclosure could compromise an
investigation conducted by the Executive Director or have a substantial adverse effect on
the conduct of the operations of the Executive Director.
Subclause 55(8) prevents the Inspector from giving a draft report (or part thereof) that is
associated with a surface transport aspect to any person, without the agreement of the
relevant State or Territory Transport Minister.
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Clause 56: Copying, disclosure and using the draft report
This clause reinforces the "in-confidence" nature of a draft report.
Subclause 56(1) makes it an offence for a person who receives a draft to then copy,
disclose, or use any contents of the report. The maximum penalty is 2 years
imprisonment.
This is to deter draft reports, which may contain information yet to be verified, from
being, for example, taken out of context or misused.
Subclause 56(2) provides a defence to a prosecution where the relevant action was taken
to either prepare a submission on the draft report or to take steps to remedy security
deficiencies that are identified in the report.
Subclause 56(3) makes clear that the prohibition on publishing a draft report includes
disclosing information to a court, tribunal or coroner.
This clause establishes the policy intention that such information is to be used only for
the purpose of inquires into transport security matters and offshore security matters, and
should not be used in the judicial system for the purpose of blame or liability.
Subclause 56(4) prohibits an employer disciplining an employee on the basis of the
contents of the draft report. This forms part of the policy intention of the Bill to promote
a "no blame" environment, so as to encourage the improvement of transport security.
Clause 57: Submissions on a draft report
This clause ensures that anyone who acts honestly and reasonably in making a
submission on a draft report is not liable to criminal or civil proceedings, or disciplinary
action, for the making of the submission.
Clause 58: Admissibility of draft reports
This clause ensures that a draft report cannot be used in any proceedings defined in
clause 3 of the Bill to be civil proceedings (either in a court or tribunal), criminal
proceedings, coronial inquiries and disciplinary proceedings or processes.
This clause is designed to be broad, so as to reinforce the policy intention that such
information is to be used only for the purpose of inquiries into transport security matters
and offshore security matters, and should not be used in the judicial system for the
purpose of blame or liability.
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Division 4 Final Reports
Clause 59: Final report
This clause deals with the preparation and provision of final reports.
Subclauses 59(1) (3) require the Inspector to give the Minister the final report in
writing, either as soon as practicable after an inquiry is completed or, if a time period is
specified by the Minister, within that period. The final report must include the
Inspector's conclusions and recommendations.
Subclause 59(4) permits protected information, OBR information, CVR information, and
restricted information given to the Inspector by the Executive Director, to be contained in
the final report.
Subclause 59(5) requires the final report to take into consideration any submissions made
on the draft report by persons given the draft report under clause 55.
Subclause 59(6) allows the Inspector to recommend to the Minister whether all or part of
the final report should be given to any other person. For example, if the Inspector
considers that the disclosure of a certain part of a final report would not be in the public
interest, he or she may recommend that the Minister limit the disclosure of that part of the
report.
Clause 60: Disclosure by the Minister to another person
This clause sets out to whom a Minister must, or may, give a final report.
Subclause 60(1) requires the Minister to provide a Commonwealth Minister or a Minister
of a State or Territory that part of a final report that contains a conclusion or
recommendation that affects the area of responsibility of that other Minister. This is
essential in facilitating any action that is necessary to correct any security deficiencies
identified in the report.
The obligation to provide a final report under subclause 59(1) is subject to the restrictions
under clauses 61 to 64.
Subclause 60(2) ensures the Minister discloses any part of the final report that relates to a
state or territory surface transport aspect of a transport security issue to the relevant State
or Territory Minister.
Subclause 60(3) permits the Minister to give a person or government agency all or part of
the report if it is in the public interest.
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Subclause 60(4) permits the Minister to impose conditions on the copying, making a
record of, or disclosure of a final report provided under subclause 60(3).
Subclause 60(5) establishes a criminal offence if a person breaches a condition imposed
under subclause 60(4). The maximum penalty is 2 years imprisonment.
Clause 61: Final reports containing protected information
This clause prevents the Minister from disclosing any part of a final report that contains
protected information provided to the Inspector by a government agency, without the
agreement of the Minister with administrative responsibility for that agency, if the
disclosure could compromise an investigation being conducted by that agency or may
have a substantial adverse effect on the proper and efficient conduct in the operations of
the agency.
Clause 62: Final reports relating to surface transport aspects of a matter
This clause prevents the Minister from providing part of a final report relating to a
surface transport aspect of a transport security matter without the agreement of the
relevant State or Territory Transport Minister.
Clause 63: Final reports containing OBR information, CVR information, and
restricted information given to the Inspector by the Executive Director
This clause restricts distribution of reports containing OBR or CVR information, or
restricted information provided to the Inspector by the Executive Director. These
constraints apply to restricted information only where the information was given to the
Inspector by the Executive Director and the constraints apply to OBR or CVR
information irrespective of its source. Restricted information from sources other than the
Executive Director is treated as protected information and is dealt with in accordance
with clause 60.
Subclause 63(1) precludes the provision of a report containing OBR and CVR
information unless the information is already publicly available, or the person receiving
the report is a Commonwealth, State or Territory Minister with responsibility for the
relevant area and would not be able to implement the recommendations without being
given the report.
Subclause 63(2) precludes the provision of part of a report containing restricted
information provided by the Executive Director unless the information is already publicly
available, or the person receiving the report is a Commonwealth, State or Territory
Minister with responsibility for the relevant area and would not be able to implement the
recommendations without being given that part of the report.
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Subclause 63(3) provides that a Minister receiving a report (or part of a report) containing
OBR, CVR or restricted information under this clause can only disclose the contents of
the report for the purposes of implementing the recommendations. The provision in this
clause is necessary to comply with Australia's obligations under various international
instruments (such as Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention) that seek to limit the use of
OBR and CVR information unless it prevents an incident from occurring again.
Subclauses 63(4) (6) mean that anyone who copies uses or discloses the contents of a
final report that contains OBR or CVR information, or restricted information given by the
Executive Director (including disclosing a report to a court, tribunal or a coroner) for a
purpose other than implementing the recommendations commits an offence. The
maximum penalty is 2 years imprisonment.
Clause 64: Tabling the report in the Parliament etc
This clause gives the Minister discretion to table all or part of a final report in Parliament,
other than any part of a report containing OBR or CVR information that is not publicly
available, or any part of a final report that deals with a surface transport aspect of a
transport security matter without the agreement of the relevant State or Territory
Transport Minister.
However, prior to tabling the report, given the "no blame" nature of the scheme put in
place in the Bill, the Minister must consider that publication is, on balance, in the public
interest.
Clause 65: Admissibility of reports
This clause provides that a final report is not admissible in any proceedings other than
coronial inquiries.
This clause reflects the policy intention that information obtained during an inquiry by
the Inspector may not be used to apportion blame or liability or in disciplinary
proceedings.
Part 7 Protected information
Clause 66: What is protected information?
This clause defines what is regarded to be protected information.
In general terms, information generated or obtained in the course of an inquiry is
considered protected information unless it is publicly available or in the open access
period prescribed in the Archives Act 1983 (i.e. where the record is more than 30 years
old and not otherwise exempt).
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`Protected information' also excludes OBR information and CVR information, which are
protected under the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 and the Civil Aviation Act
1988 respectively. The exclusion of such information from the definition of protected
information is intended to remove the overlap between the confidentiality regimes under
the aforementioned legislation and the new regime created by Part 7 of this Bill. While
the confidentiality requirements under the Transport Safety Investigation Act, the Civil
Aviation Act and this Bill are quite similar, they differ in a number of ways. To avoid
confusion, it is considered desirable to ensure that persons who have OBR information or
CVR information, and who have been called upon to participate in an inquiry under this
legislation, are subject only to one set of confidentiality restrictions - that is, the
restrictions under either the Transport Safety Investigation Act or the Civil Aviation Act
(as the case may be), but not the restrictions under Part 7 of this Bill.
Restricted information given to the Inspector by the Executive Director of the Australian
Transport Safety Bureau is also excluded from the definition of `protected information'.
Such information is subject to separate (but substantially similar) protections under clause
73.
Note that restricted information given by a person other than the Executive Director of
the Australian Transport Safety Bureau is treated as `protected information' under Part 7
of this Bill.
Clause 67: Offence copying, disclosing or using protected information
This clause governs when protected information can be copied, used or disclosed.
Subclause 67(1) prohibits a person who has obtained or generated protected information
in the course of an inquiry under this Bill from copying or using that information, or
disclosing the information to another person or a court, tribunal or coroner.
Non-compliance constitutes a criminal offence with a maximum penalty of 2 years
imprisonment.
Restrictions on the use and disclosure of protected information reinforce the notion that
information gathered or generated in the course of an inquiry under this Bill should not be
used for other purposes such as judicial proceedings (particularly criminal proceedings).
Subclause 67(2) provides exceptions to this prohibition, where:
· the Bill, by express words or necessary implication, permits the copying, use or
disclosure;
· the information is required for the purposes of prosecuting offences under this
Bill. An example would be prosecution of an offence under this clause itself for
unauthorised disclosure of protected information;
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· the information is required for the purposes of prosecuting certain specific
offences under the Criminal Code, which might include the provision of false or
misleading information or documents to the Inspector, or deliberate obstruction of
the Inspector in conducting an inquiry;
· the information is required for civil proceedings or coronial inquiries, where the
Minister has provided a certificate, and a court has ordered the information be
disclosed (this is discussed in subclause 67(5)); or
· the information is required for a criminal proceeding, where a number of
safeguards have been met. See discussion in subclause 67(4).
Subclauses 67(3) (6) set out when protected information can be used in the court
process.
Subclause 67(3) permits the Minister to issue a certificate indicating that disclosure of the
information in a civil proceeding or coronial inquiry is not likely to interfere with an
inquiry under this Bill. For the information to be disclosed to a court or coroner subclause
67(5) must also be satisfied.
Subclause 67(4) permits disclosure of information in a criminal proceeding where the
Minister has issued a certificate stating that the disclosure is not likely to interfere with an
inquiry. The Minister may only issue a certificate if the criminal proceeding is for a
serious offence and the disclosure is necessary to establish a chain of evidence. In
addition subclause 67(5) must be satisfied.
Subclause 67(5) permits a court or coroner to order disclosure when the court or coroner
considers the adverse impact of disclosing the information is outweighed by the public
interest in the administration of justice.
Subclause 67(6) permits a court or coroner to place conditions on the publication or
communication of protected information that is to be disclosed as ordered under
subclause (5), including any information that may be obtained from such information.
Subclause 67(7) confirms that a person who is prohibited by this clause from disclosing
protected information cannot be required by a court or a coroner to disclose the
information, and ensures that, if there is disclosure in contravention of this clause, the
disclosed information cannot be used in any proceedings (other than proceedings against
the person under subclause 67(1)).
This procedure again reinforces the policy intention that except in extraordinary
circumstances, information collected for the purposes of an inquiry under this Bill should
only be used for that purpose.
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Clause 68: Disclosing information where serious offence imminent
This clause allows the Inspector to disclose protected information to a government
agency to prevent the commission of an imminent offence where the offence is
punishable by more than 2 years imprisonment. The receiving body can only deal with
the information for the purpose of preventing such an offence.
It is not the purpose of this clause to permit disclosure of protected information for the
purposes of criminal investigations when an offence appears to have already been
committed. Nor could such information be used in any subsequent prosecution unless the
Minister issues a subclause 67(4) certificate and the court makes an order under subclause
67(5).
Clause 69: Disclosing information where not directly relevant to an inquiry
The Inspector may disclose protected information to a government agency if the
information was voluntarily disclosed and is not directly relevant the Inspector's inquiry,
where he/she believes that the information may be relevant to the prevention or
prosecution of a Commonwealth, state or territory offence. Under this clause the
information cannot be used for any reason that is not related to the prevention or
prosecution of such an offence.
Clause 70: Disclosing information to the Executive Director
This clause permits the Inspector to provide the Executive Director with protected
information where requested to do so and the information is relevant to an investigation
being conducted by the Executive Director, but only if the adverse effect the disclosure
may have on current and future inquiries of the Inspector is outweighed by the public
interest in disclosing the information to the Executive Director.
Clause 71: Immunity where copying, recording, using or disclosing protected
information permitted under this Act
This clause protects a person who has disclosed protected information for the purposes of
this Bill from liability in legal or disciplinary proceedings commenced because of the
disclosure. This would protect, for example, persons engaged by the Inspector to
participate in an inquiry, who need to discuss protected information amongst themselves
in analysing the information. It also expressly authorises any person, who is permitted by
this Bill to use and disclose protected information, to do so notwithstanding the terms of
any other law, such as the Privacy Act 1988. It is intended that "any other law" for the
purposes of subclause 71(2) includes any law enacted after the commencement of this
Bill (unless that law expressly overrides subclause 71(2) of this Bill).
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Part 8 OBR information, CVR information, and restricted information given to
the Inspector by the Executive Director
Clause 72: Simplified outline
This clause provides a simplified outline of the Part.
Clause 73: Application of other laws to copying, recording, use and disclosure of
OBR information
This clause provides that where the Bill permits the copying or disclosure of OBR
information, the provisions contained in the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 that
make copying and disclosing such information a criminal offence do not apply.
In addition, section 55 of the Transport Safety Investigation Act, which (with some
exceptions) makes OBR information inadmissible in criminal proceedings, does not
preclude admission of OBR information for prosecution of an offence against this Bill
(eg. an offence under clause 56 of this Bill for unauthorised disclosure of a draft report
given by the Inspector, including a draft report that contains OBR information).
Clause 74: Application of other laws to copying, recording, use and disclosure of
CVR information
This clause provides that where this Bill permits the copying or disclosure of CVR
information, the provisions contained in the Civil Aviation Act 1988 that make copying
and disclosing such information a criminal offence do not apply.
In addition, section 32AP of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which (with some exceptions)
makes CVR information inadmissible in criminal proceedings, does not preclude
admission of CVR information for prosecution of an offence against this Bill (eg. an
offence for unauthorised disclosure of a draft report given by the Inspector, including a
draft report that contains CVR information).
Clause 75: Application of other laws to copying, recording, use and disclosure of
restricted information given to the Inspector by the Executive Director
Subclause 75(1) provides that where this Bill permits the recording or disclosure of
restricted information given to the Inspector by the Executive Director, the provisions
contained in the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 that make the act of recording or
disclosing of such information a criminal offence do not apply.
Subclause 75(2) creates a criminal offence if restricted information given by the
Executive Director is copied, used or disclosed unlawfully. The maximum penalty is 2
years imprisonment.
Subclause 75(3) provides exceptions to this prohibition, where:
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· the Bill, by express words or necessary implication, permits the copying, use or
disclosure;
· the information is required for the purposes of prosecuting offences under this
Bill. An example would be prosecution of an offence under this clause itself for
unauthorised disclosure of restricted information;
· the information is required for the purposes of prosecuting certain specific
offences under the Criminal Code, which might include the provision of false or
misleading information or documents to the Inspector, or deliberate obstruction of
the Inspector in conducting an inquiry;
· the information is disclosed to a court in civil proceedings or coronial inquiries
where the Minister has issued a certificate, and a court has ordered the
information be disclosed; or
· The information is disclosed to a court in a criminal proceeding where the
Minister has issued a certificate and a court has ordered the information be
disclosed.
Subclause 75(4) permits the Minister to issue a certificate indicating that disclosure of the
restricted information given to the Inspector by the Executive Director in a civil
proceeding or coronial inquiry is not likely to interfere with an inquiry under this Bill.
For the information to be disclosed to a court or coroner subclause 75(6) must also be
satisfied.
Subclause 75(5) permits the disclosure of restricted information given to the Inspector by
the Executive Director in a criminal proceeding where the Minister has issued a
certificate stating that the disclosure is not likely to interfere with an inquiry. The
Minister may only issue a certificate if the criminal proceeding is for a serious offence
and the disclosure is necessary to establish a chain of evidence. In addition subclause
75(6) must be satisfied.
Subclause 75(6) permits the court or coroner to order disclosure when the court or
coroner considers the adverse impact of disclosing the information is outweighed by the
public interest in the administration of justice.
Subclause 75(7) permits a court to restrict the publication or communication of restricted
information provided to the Inspector by the Executive Director that is to be disclosed as
ordered under subclause 67 (6) including any information that may be obtained from such
information
Subclause 75(8) confirms that a person who is prohibited by this clause from disclosing
restricted information provided to the Inspector by the Executive Director cannot be
required by a court or a coroner to disclose the information, and ensures that, if there is
disclosure in contravention of this clause, that the disclosed information cannot be used in
any proceedings (other than for proceedings under clause 75(1).
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Clause 76: Immunity where copying, recording, using or disclosing OBR
information, CVR information, or restricted information given by the Executive
Director, permitted under this Act
This clause provides immunity from legal or disciplinary proceedings for someone who
deals with OBR or CVR information, or restricted information that has been given to the
Inspector by the Executive Director, for the purposes of this Bill. This would protect, for
example, people assisting the Inspector in an inquiry.
It also expressly authorises any person, who is permitted by this Bill to use and disclose
OBR, CVR or restricted information provided to the Inspector by the Executive Director
to do so notwithstanding the terms of any other law, such as the Privacy Act 1988. It is
intended that "any other law" for the purposes of subclause 74(2) includes any law
enacted after the commencement of this Bill (unless that law expressly overrides
subclause 76(2) of this Bill).
Clause 77: Disclosing OBR information, CVR information, and restricted
information given by the Executive Director, where serious offence imminent
This clause allows the Inspector to disclose OBR or CVR information, or restricted
information given by the Executive Director, to a government agency to prevent the
commission of an imminent offence where the offence is punishable by more than 2 years
imprisonment.
It is not the purpose of this clause to permit disclosure of OBR, CVR or restricted
information for the purposes of criminal investigations when an offence appears to have
already been committed.
Disclosure under this clause may occur only if it is authorised by an eligible Judge or a
nominated member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). The requirement for
this authorisation is necessary to comply with Australia's obligations under various
international instruments (such as Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention) that seek to limit
the use of OBR, CVR and restricted information except with the specific authorisation of
a court.
Subclauses 77(1) - (3) provide that an application to disclose OBR or CVR information,
or restricted information given by the Executive Director, may be made to an eligible
Judge or nominated AAT member and must be accompanied by a statement from the
Inspector (or delegate) indicating the grounds of suspicion of the serious imminent
offence, why the information may be relevant to the prevention of the offence, and a
statement by the Executive Director (or delegate) that the effect the disclosure may have
on investigations under the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 is outweighed by the
public interest served by disclosing the information. The proposed terms of the order
must also accompany the application. Urgent applications may be made by telephone.
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Subclause 77(4) provides that the accompanying statements and proposed orders must be
in writing if the application is made in writing.
Subclause 77(5) provides that if the application is made by telephone, the accompanying
statement may be given by telephone, as can the proposed terms of the orders sought.
However, the person making the statement must provide the Judge or AAT member on
the next business day an affidavit containing a copy of the telephone statement made to
the Judge or AAT member and a statement of the effect that the copy of the telephone
statement is a true record. The Inspector must inform the Judge or AAT member of the
urgent circumstances which formed the basis of the Inspector's belief that a telephone
application was necessary.
Subclause 77(6) permits the Judge or AAT member to issue a disclosure order, where he
or she is satisfied that the relevant offence is imminent and that the information may be
relevant to the prevention of the offence, and that it is appropriate to make the order,
having regard to the:
· extent to which the privacy of any person may be affected by the disclosure;
· seriousness of the offence;
· likelihood that the disclosure of the information would assist the agency in the
prevention of the offence;
· likelihood that the offence would be prevented without the disclosure of the
information to the agency; and
· effect that the disclosure may have on current or future investigations under the
Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.
Subclause 77(7) permits the Judge or AAT member to set conditions or restrictions on the
disclosure of the information.
Subclause 77(8) states that if an application is made by telephone the Judge or AAT
member making the order must inform the Inspector of the terms of the orders and details
of when they were made. A copy of the order must be given to the Inspector.
Subclause 77(9) states that the receiving body can only deal with the information for the
purpose of preventing a serious offence.
Subclauses 77(10) (11) allow the Judge or AAT member or a person assisting them
while exercising their powers under this section to copy, make record or use the
information.
Clause 78: Eligible Judge
This clause allows a Judge of a court created by the Parliament, who consents to
nomination, to be declared by the Attorney-General as an eligible Judge for the purposes
of this Bill (most relevantly, clause 77).
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Subclause 78(5) makes it clear that the Judge, in performing functions under clause 77, is
acting in a personal capacity and not as a member of the court of which they are a
member.
Clause 79: Nominated AAT member
This clause permits the Attorney-General to nominate the President or a Deputy President
or a senior member of the AAT to make orders under clause 77. A senior member of the
AAT may only be nominated for this purpose, if he or she has been enrolled as a legal
practitioner in Australia for more than 5 years
Part 9 Miscellaneous
Clause 80: Inspector to minimise disruption to transport
This clause requires that the Inspector must be cognisant of the commercial implications
caused by the disruption to transport services. This is to ensure, to the extent practicable,
that the inquiry process itself does not result in delays to transport services and operations
of security regulated offshore facilities.
It is anticipated that the Inspector would adopt procedures that enable him/her to conduct
inquiries efficiently while also minimising disruption to transport or operations or
offshore facilities.
Clause 81: Inspector to act consistently with Australia's international obligations
This clause requires the Inspector to exercise his/her powers in a manner consistent with
Australia's obligations under relevant international agreements that are identified in the
regulations.
Clause 82: Delegation
Subclause 82(1) permits the Inspector to delegate all or any of his/her powers under the
Bill to an SES employee, or an APS employee at Executive Level 1 or 2 or a person
(including a non-APS employee) in an equivalent position. (`Equivalent position' is
intended to refer to a position equivalent to Executive Level 1 or 2 within an agency that
has a classification structure different from the standard APS structure.)
The Inspector will also be able to delegate powers to individuals engaged by the
Commonwealth (eg. under a contract) who satisfy specific criteria set out in the
regulations.
Subclause 82(2) permits the Executive Director of the ATSB to delegate the powers
conferred on that position by this Bill to SES or Executive Level 1 or 2 (or equivalent)
employees.
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Clause 83: States and Territories may confer powers and functions on Inspector
Clause 83 clarifies the Parliament's intention to allow the Inspector to exercise powers
given to him/her by a State or Territory, to the maximum extent possible within the limits
under the Constitution.
Clause 84: Immunity for actions under this Act
The clause does not apply to the copying, recording, use or disclosure of protected
information, OBR information, CVR information or restricted information. Immunity for
disclosure of such information is provided in clause 76.
This clause protects a person from legal and disciplinary actions in relation to things done
by them either in exercising a power or performing a function set out in the Bill.
The immunity applies to anything done by a person expressly or implicitly permitted by
this Bill. This immunity is also intended to protect persons who do not themselves
exercise any power or perform any functions under the Bill, such as a person who
performs routine administrative tasks for the Inspector or for other people engaged by the
Inspector to participate in an inquiry.
Clause 85: Immunity for failure to act
This clause protects the Minister, the Inspector (or delegates) and other persons from
legal (but not disciplinary) proceedings in the event of failure to take specific actions in
exercising powers or performing functions contained in the Bill or in the course of doing
anything permitted by this Bill.
This clause is also intended to protect persons who do not themselves exercise any power
or perform any functions under the Bill, such as a person who performs routine
administrative tasks for the Inspector or for other people engaged by the Inspector to
participate in an inquiry.
Clause 86: Certification by Inspector of a person's involvement in an inquiry
This clause establishes arrangements that permit the Inspector to issue a certificate
indicating that a specified person has exercised powers or performed functions as part of
an inquiry. This clause is also applicable to staff assisting others in the exercise of powers
or the performance of a function.
Clause 87: Compellability as a witness
This clause states that if a certificate has been issued under clause 86 the person cannot
be compelled by a court (other than a coroner) or tribunal to be a witness in the court or
tribunal or to provide information (eg. by producing documents) to the court or tribunal.
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The non-compellability of a person under clause 87 overrides the provisions of any other
law, including any law that requires compliance with subpoenas or similar court
directions generally. It is intended that "any other law" for the purposes of subclause
87(3) includes any law enacted after the commencement of this Bill (unless that law
expressly overrides subclause 87(3) of this Bill).
Clause 88: Fees for attendance at coronial inquiries
Where a person covered by the Inspector's certificate is asked to give evidence as an
expert witness in a coronial inquiry, the Commonwealth is entitled to receive a fee from
the State or Territory concerned in respect of the person's appearance at the inquiry.
Clause 89: Legal representation at coronial inquiry
This clause provides that a person covered by the Inspector's certificate and who acts as
an expert witness at a coronial inquiry is entitled to be represented by a lawyer in relation
to their appearance at such an inquiry. This would apply even without leave of the
coroner.
Clause 90: Operation of section 503A of the Migration Act 1958 not affected
This clause preserves the effect of section 503A of the Migration Act 1958, which
restricts disclosure of certain information that has been provided to the Immigration
Department by certain Australian law enforcement or intelligence bodies or foreign law
enforcement bodies. Consequently, a person who is prevented by section 503A of the
Migration Act 1958 from disclosing such information is precluded from disclosing the
information to the Inspector under this Bill.
Clause 91: Powers of Parliament and Royal Commissions not affected
This clause makes clear that the prohibitions contained in this Bill do not affect the rights
of Parliaments and Royal Commissions to collect information.
Clause 92: Compensation for acquisition of property
This clause provides for compensation for the acquisition of property where
compensation is required for constitutional reasons.
Clause 93: Regulations
This clause allows regulations to be made where required or permitted by this Bill, or
where necessary or convenient for the purposes of the Bill.
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