Science and Industry Research Act 1949

No. 13, 1949

Compilation No. 15

Compilation date: 14 September 2022

Includes amendments up to: Act No. 38, 2022

Registered: 21 September 2022

About this compilation

This compilation

This is a compilation of the Science and Industry Research Act 1949 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 14 September 2022 (the compilation date).

The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.

Uncommenced amendments

The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Legislation Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.

Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments

If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.

Editorial changes

For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.

Modifications

If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.

Self - repealing provisions

If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.

Contents

Part I—Preliminary 1

1 Short title 1

2 Commencement 1

7 Interpretation 1

Part II—The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation 3

8 Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation 3

9 Functions of the Organisation 3

9AA Powers of the Organisation 5

9A Organisation may accept gifts etc. and act as trustee 5

10 Co-operation with other organizations 6

Part IIA—The Chief Executive of the Organisation 7

10A Chief Executive of the Organisation 7

10B Appointment of Chief Executive etc. 7

10C Leave of absence 7

10D Resignation 8

10E Termination of appointment 8

10F Disclosure of interests 9

10G Acting Chief Executive 9

10H Remuneration of Chief Executive 9

10J Delegation 10

Part III—The Board of the Organisation 12

11 Establishment of Board 12

12 Functions of Board 12

13 Directions and guidelines given by Minister 12

14A Constitution of Board 13

15 Meetings 14

15A Chief Executive not to take part in certain deliberations of Board 15

16 Terms and conditions of appointment etc. of part-time members 15

17 Remuneration of Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson 15

19 Remuneration of other part-time members 15

20 Resignation of part-time members 16

22 Termination of appointment 16

22A Delegation by Board 17

Part IV—Advisory committees 18

24 Advisory committees 18

Part VI—Staff 20

32 Staff 20

Part VII—Corporate plans 21

36 Compliance with corporate plan 21

Part VIII—Finance 22

46 Moneys payable to Organisation 22

48 Application of moneys 22

51 Extra matters to be included in annual report 22

53 Liability to taxation 23

Part IX—Miscellaneous 24

54 Inventions etc. by officers 24

56 Consultative Council 24

58 Regulations 24

Endnotes 26

Endnote 1—About the endnotes 26

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key 28

Endnote 3—Legislation history 29

Endnote 4—Amendment history 33

An Act relating to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation

 I Preliminary
1 Short title

This Act may be cited as the Science and Industry Research Act 1949.
2 Commencement

This Act shall come into operation on a date to be fixed by Proclamation.
7 Interpretation

In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:

advisory committee means an advisory committee established under subsection 24(1).

appoint includes re-appoint.

Board means the Board of the Organisation.

Chairperson means the Chairperson of the Board.

Chief Executive means the Chief Executive of the Organisation.

corporate plan means a corporate plan prepared by the members under section 35 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.

Deputy Chairperson means the Deputy Chairperson of the Board.

Finance Minister means the Minister administering the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.

member means a member of the Board and includes the Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson and the Chief Executive.

officer means an officer of the Organisation.

Organisation means the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation established under this Act.

Paris Agreement means the Paris Agreement, done at Paris on 12 December 2015, as amended and in force for Australia from time to time.

part-time member means a member of the Board other than the Chief Executive.

science includes technology.

Note: The Agreement is in Australian Treaty Series 2016 No. 24 ([2016] ATS 24) and could in 2022 be viewed in the Australian Treaties Library on the AustLII website (http://www.austlii.edu.au).
II The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
8 Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation 1

There shall be a Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.

 2

The Organisation:

 a

is a body corporate with perpetual succession; and

 b

must have a seal; and

 c

may acquire, hold and dispose of real and personal property; and

 d

may sue and be sued.

Note: The Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 applies to the Organisation. That Act deals with matters relating to corporate Commonwealth entities, including reporting and the use and management of public resources.

 3

All courts, judges and persons acting judicially must:

 a

take judicial notice of the imprint of the Organisation’s seal appearing on a document; and

 b

presume that the document was duly sealed.

 4

The seal of the Organisation must be kept in such custody as the Board directs and must not be used except as authorised by the Board.
9 Functions of the Organisation 1

The functions of the Organisation are:

 a

to carry out scientific research for any of the following purposes:

 i

assisting Australian industry;

 ii

furthering the interests of the Australian community;

 iii

contributing to the achievement of Australian national objectives or the performance of the national and international responsibilities of the Commonwealth;

 iiia

contributing to giving effect to Australia’s obligations under the Paris Agreement;

 iv

any other purpose determined by the Minister;

 b

to encourage or facilitate the application or utilization of the results of such research;

 ba

to encourage or facilitate the application or utilisation of the results of any other scientific research;

 bb

to carry out services, and make available facilities, in relation to science;

 c

to act as a means of liaison between and other countries in matters connected with scientific research;

 d

to train, and to assist in the training of, research workers in the field of science and to co-operate with tertiary-education institutions in relation to education in that field;

 e

to establish and award fellowships and studentships for research, and to make grants in aid of research, for a purpose referred to in paragraph (a);

 f

to recognize associations of persons engaged in industry for the purpose of carrying out industrial scientific research and to co-operate with, and make grants to, such associations;

 h

to collect, interpret and disseminate information relating to scientific and technical matters; and

 j

to publish scientific and technical reports, periodicals and papers.

 2

The Organisation shall:

 a

treat the functions referred to in paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) as its primary functions; and

 b

treat the other functions referred to in subsection (1) as its secondary functions.
9AA Powers of the Organisation 1

The Organisation has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the performance of its functions and, in particular, may:

 a

arrange for scientific research or other work to be undertaken, on behalf of the Organisation, by any person or body;

 b

form, or participate in the formation of, a partnership or company;

 c

make available to a person, on such conditions and on payment of such fees or royalties, or otherwise, as the Chief Executive determines, a discovery, invention or improvement that is the property of the Organisation;

 d

pay to officers, or to persons undertaking work on behalf of the Organisation, such bonuses as the Chief Executive, with the approval of the Board, determines in respect of discoveries or inventions made by them; and

 e

charge such fees, and agree to such conditions, as the Chief Executive determines for research and other services carried out, or facilities made available, by the Organisation at the request of any person.
9A Organisation may accept gifts etc. and act as trustee 1

The Organisation may, in or in connection with the performance of its functions and the exercise of its powers:

 a

accept money or other property given, devised, bequeathed, assigned or otherwise made available to the Organisation (whether on trust or otherwise); and

 b

agree to any conditions subject to which money or other property is given, devised, bequeathed, assigned or otherwise made available to the Organisation; and

 c

act as trustee of money or other property vested in the Organisation upon trust.

 2

Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, where the Organisation has agreed to any conditions subject to which moneys have, or other property has, been given, devised, bequeathed, assigned or otherwise made available to the Organisation or the Organisation holds any moneys or other property upon trust, the moneys or other property shall be dealt with by the Organisation in accordance with those conditions or in accordance with the powers and duties of the Organisation as trustee, as the case may be.
10 Co-operation with other organizations

The Organisation shall, as far as possible, co-operate with other organizations and authorities in the co-ordination of scientific research, with a view to:

 a

the prevention of unnecessary overlapping; and

 b

the most effective use of available facilities and staffs.
IIA The Chief Executive of the Organisation
10A Chief Executive of the Organisation 1

There shall be a Chief Executive of the Organisation.

 2

The affairs of the Organisation shall, subject to subsection (3), be conducted by the Chief Executive.

 3

(3) The Chief Executive shall, in conducting any of the affairs of the Organisation and in exercising any powers conferred on the Chief Executive by this Act or the regulations or by the Science and Industry Endowment Act 1926, act in accordance with any policies determined, and any directions given, by the Board.

 4

All acts and things done in the name of, or on behalf of, the Organisation by or with the authority of the Chief Executive shall be deemed to have been done by the Organisation.
10B Appointment of Chief Executive etc. 1

The Chief Executive shall be appointed by the Board and, subject to this Act, holds office on a full-time basis for such period, not exceeding 5 years, as is specified in the instrument of appointment.

 2

The Board must consult with the Minister before appointing a person as Chief Executive.

 4

The Chief Executive holds office on such terms and conditions (if any) in respect of matters not provided for by this Act as are determined by the Board.
10C Leave of absence 1

The Chief Executive has such recreation leave entitlements as are determined by the Remuneration Tribunal.

 2

The Board may grant the Chief Executive leave of absence, other than recreation leave, on such terms and conditions as to remuneration or otherwise as the Board determines.
10D Resignation

The Chief Executive may resign the office of Chief Executive by writing signed by the Chief Executive and delivered to the Board.
10E Termination of appointment 1

The Board may terminate the appointment of the Chief Executive for misbehaviour or physical or mental incapacity.

 2

If the Chief Executive:

 a

becomes bankrupt, applies to take the benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors, compounds with his or her creditors or makes an assignment of his or her remuneration for their benefit; or

 b

fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with section 10F; or

 c

is absent from duty, except on leave of absence, for 14 consecutive days or for 28 days in any period of 12 months; or

 d

is absent, except on leave granted by the Board, from 3 consecutive meetings of the Board; or

 e

engages in paid employment outside the duties of the office of Chief Executive without the consent of the Board;

the Board may terminate the appointment of the Chief Executive.

Note: The appointment of the Chief Executive may also be terminated under Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (which deals with terminating the appointment of an accountable authority, or a member of an accountable authority, for contravening general duties of officials).section 30 of the

3

The Board may terminate the appointment of the Chief Executive if the Board is satisfied that the performance of the Chief Executive has been unsatisfactory for a significant period.

 4

The Board must consult with the Minister before terminating the appointment of the Chief Executive.
10F Disclosure of interests 1

The Chief Executive shall give written notice to the Board of all direct or indirect pecuniary interests that the Chief Executive has or may have in any business or in any body corporate carrying on a business.

 2

(2) Subsection (1) applies in addition to Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (which deals with the duty to disclose interests).section 29 of the

10G Acting Chief Executive

The Board may appoint a person to act in the office of Chief Executive:

 a

during a vacancy in that office, whether or not an appointment has previously been made to that office; or

 b

during any period, or during all periods, when the person holding that office is absent from duty or from or is, for any other reason, unable to perform the functions of that office.

Note: For rules that apply to acting appointments, see Acts Interpretation Act 1901.section 33A of the

10H Remuneration of Chief Executive 1

The Chief Executive shall be paid such remuneration as is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal, but, if no determination of that remuneration is in operation, the Chief Executive shall be paid such remuneration as is prescribed.

 2

The Chief Executive shall be paid such allowances as are prescribed.

 3

(3) This section has effect subject to the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.
10J Delegation 1

The Chief Executive may, either generally or as otherwise provided by the instrument of delegation, by writing signed by the Chief Executive, delegate to an eligible person, or to a committee of eligible persons, all or any of the Chief Executive’s powers under this Act or the regulations, other than this power of delegation.

 2

The Chief Executive shall not delegate a power under subsection (1) except with the approval of the Board.

 3

A power so delegated, when exercised by the delegate, shall, for the purposes of this Act and the regulations, be deemed to have been exercised by the Chief Executive.

 4

A delegate is, in the exercise of a power so delegated, subject to the directions of the Chief Executive.

 5

Where the Chief Executive delegates a power to a committee of persons, the Chief Executive:

 a

shall appoint one of the members of the committee to be the Chairperson of the committee; and

 b

may determine the procedure to be followed in relation to meetings of the committee, including matters with respect to:

 i

the convening of meetings of the committee;

 ii

the number of members of the committee who are to constitute a quorum;

 iii

the selection of a member of the committee to preside at meetings of the committee at which the Chairperson of the committee is not present; and

 iv

the manner in which questions arising at a meeting of the committee are to be decided.

 6

A delegation under this section does not prevent the exercise of a power by the Chief Executive.

 7

(7) In this section, eligible person means:

 a

an officer; or

 b

a director or employee of a company where:

 i

the company and the Organisation are partners in a partnership; or

 ii

the Organisation holds a controlling interest in the company.
III The Board of the Organisation
11 Establishment of Board

There is established a Board of the Organisation.
12 Functions of Board 1

The functions of the Board are:

 a

to ensure the proper and efficient performance of the functions of the Organisation;

 b

to determine the policy of the Organisation with respect to any matter;

 c

to give directions to the Chief Executive under subsection 10A(3); and

 d

such other functions as are conferred on it by this Act.

 2

The Board has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the performance of its functions.
13 Directions and guidelines given by Minister 1

The Minister may give to the Board, in writing, directions and guidelines with respect to the performance of the functions, or the exercise of the powers, of the Board or of the Organisation, and the Board shall ensure that any directions or guidelines so given are complied with.

 2

The power of the Minister to give a direction or guideline to the Board under subsection (1) in relation to an act or thing may be exercised notwithstanding that the doing of the act or thing (whether by the Board or the Chief Executive) is subject to the approval of the Minister or of another person.

 3

Nothing in section 14 limits the generality of subsection (1) of this section.
14A Constitution of Board 1

The Board shall consist of:

 a

the Chief Executive; and

 b

not fewer than 7 and not more than 9 other members.

 2

The members of the Board other than the Chief Executive hold office on a part-time basis.

 3

The part-time members shall be appointed by the Governor-General.

 4

The Governor-General shall appoint one of the part-time members to be the Chairperson of the Board and another of the part-time members to be the Deputy Chairperson of the Board.

 5

A part-time member appointed as Chairperson or as Deputy Chairperson:

 a

subject to paragraph (c), holds office as Chairperson or as Deputy Chairperson until the end of his or her term of office as a part-time member;

 b

may resign the office of Chairperson or of Deputy Chairperson by writing signed by the part-time member and delivered to the Governor-General;

 c

ceases to be Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson if he or she ceases to be a part-time member; and

 d

ceases to be a part-time member if he or she resigns the office of Chairperson or of Deputy Chairperson.

 7

The performance of a function, or the exercise of a power, by the Board is not affected by reason only of:

 a

the number of part-time members falling below 7 for a period of not more than 6 months; or

 b

there being a vacancy in the office of Chairperson, of Deputy Chairperson or of Chief Executive.

Note: For the manner in which the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson may be referred to, see Acts Interpretation Act 1901.section 18B of the

15 Meetings 1

The Board shall hold such meetings as are necessary for the performance of its functions.

 2

The Chairperson may, at any time, convene a meeting of the Board, and shall do so if so directed by the Minister.

 3

At a meeting, a quorum is constituted:

 a

where the Board consists of 9 or 10 members—by 5 members; or

 b

in any other case—by 4 members.

 4

The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings at which he or she is present.

 5

If the Chairperson is not present at a meeting of the Board:

 a

the Deputy Chairperson must preside at the meeting; or

 b

if the Deputy Chairperson is not present at the meeting—the members present must elect one of their number to preside at the meeting.

 6

A question arising at a meeting shall be decided by a majority of the votes of members present and voting.

 7

At a meeting, the Chairperson or other member presiding has a deliberative vote and, in the event of votes being equal, also has a casting vote.
15A Chief Executive not to take part in certain deliberations of Board

The Chief Executive:

 a

must not take part in any deliberation or decision of the Board with respect to him or her; and

 b

is to be disregarded for the purpose of constituting a quorum of the Board for any such deliberation or decision.
16 Terms and conditions of appointment etc. of part-time members 1

Subject to this Act, a part-time member holds office for such period, not exceeding 5 years, as is specified in the instrument of appointment.

 2

A part-time member holds office on such terms and conditions (if any) in respect of matters not provided for by this Act as are determined by the Governor-General.
17 Remuneration of Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson 1

The Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson shall be paid such remuneration as is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal, but, if no determination of that remuneration is in operation, the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson shall be paid such remuneration as is prescribed.

 2

The Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson shall be paid such allowances as are prescribed.

 3

(3) This section has effect subject to the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.
19 Remuneration of other part-time members 1

A part-time member shall be paid such remuneration as is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal, but, if no determination of that remuneration by the Tribunal is in operation, the member shall be paid such remuneration as is prescribed.

 2

A part-time member shall be paid such allowances as are prescribed.

 3

(3) This section has effect subject to the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.

 4

A reference in this section to a part-time member does not include a reference to the Chairperson or the Deputy Chairperson.
20 Resignation of part-time members

A part-time member may resign the office of member by writing signed by the member and delivered to the Governor-General.
22 Termination of appointment 1

The Governor-General may terminate the appointment of a part-time member by reason of misbehaviour or physical or mental incapacity.

 2

If a part-time member:

 a

becomes bankrupt, applies to take the benefit of any law for relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors, compounds with his or her creditors or makes an assignment of his or her remuneration for their benefit; or

 b

is absent, except on leave granted by the Minister, from 3 consecutive meetings of the Board;

the Governor-General may terminate the appointment of the member.

Note: The appointment of a part-time member may also be terminated under Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (which deals with terminating the appointment of an accountable authority, or a member of an accountable authority, for contravening general duties of officials).section 30 of the

22A Delegation by Board 1

The Board may, by resolution, delegate to an eligible person, or to a committee of eligible persons, all or any of the Board’s powers under this Act or the regulations.

 2

A delegate is, in the exercise of a power so delegated, subject to the directions of the Board.

 3

If the Board delegates a power to a committee of eligible persons, the Board:

 a

must appoint one of the members of the committee to be the Chairperson of the committee; and

 b

may determine the procedure to be followed in relation to meetings of the committee, including matters with respect to the following:

 i

the convening of meetings of the committee;

 ii

the number of members of the committee who are to constitute a quorum;

 iii

the selection of a member of the committee to preside at meetings of the committee at which the Chairperson of the committee is not present;

 iv

the manner in which questions arising at a meeting of the committee are to be decided.

 4

In this section:

eligible person means:

 a

a member of the Board, other than the Chief Executive; or

 b

an officer of the Organisation who is concerned in, or takes part in, the management of the Organisation;

but does not include a person who is a member of the Consultative Council established under section 56.
IV Advisory committees
24 Advisory committees 1

The Board may establish advisory committees, consisting of such persons as the Board appoints, to give advice to the Board on particular matters or classes of matters relating to the functions of the Organisation.

 2

The Board shall appoint one of the members of each advisory committee to be the Chairperson of that committee.

 3

The Board may determine:

 a

the manner in which an advisory committee is to perform its functions; and

 b

the procedure to be followed in relation to meetings of an advisory committee, including matters with respect to:

 i

the convening of meetings of the advisory committee;

 ii

the number of members of the advisory committee who are to constitute a quorum;

 iii

the selection of a member of the advisory committee to preside at meetings of the advisory committee at which the Chairperson of the advisory committee is not present; and

 iv

the manner in which questions arising at a meeting of the advisory committee are to be decided.

 4

If the Board decides that the members of an advisory committee should be remunerated, those members shall be paid by the Organisation such remuneration as is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal.

 5

Members of an advisory committee shall be paid by the Organisation such allowances as are prescribed by the regulations.

 6

(6) Subsections (4) and (5) have effect subject to the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.
VI Staff
32 Staff 1

The Chief Executive may appoint such persons to be officers of the Organisation as the Chief Executive determines are necessary for the purposes of this Act.

 2

The terms and conditions of service (other than in respect of matters provided for by this Act) of officers appointed under this section are such as are determined by the Chief Executive.
VII Corporate plans
36 Compliance with corporate plan 1

When a corporate plan is in effect, the Organisation shall not perform its functions otherwise than in accordance with that plan.

 2

Nothing done by the Organisation is invalid on the ground that the Organisation has failed to comply with subsection (1).
VIII Finance
46 Moneys payable to Organisation 1

There are payable to the Organisation such moneys as are appropriated by the Parliament for the purposes of this Act.

 2

The Finance Minister may give directions as to the amounts in which, and the times at which, moneys referred to in subsection (1) are to be paid to the Organisation.
48 Application of moneys 1

The moneys of the Organisation shall be applied only:

 a

in payment or discharge of the costs, expenses and other obligations of the Organisation; and

 b

in payment of remuneration and allowances payable to any person under this Act.

 2

(2) Subsection (1) does not prevent investment, under Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, of money that is not immediately required for the purposes of the Organisation.section 59 of the

51 Extra matters to be included in annual report

The annual report prepared by the members and given to the Minister under Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 for a period must set out:section 46 of the

a

a statement of the policies of the Organisation in relation to the carrying out of the scientific research of the Organisation that were current at the beginning of the period; and

 b

a description of any developments in those policies that occurred during the period; and

 c

any determinations made by the Minister under subparagraph 9(1)(a)(iv) during the period; and

 d

any directions or guidelines given by the Minister under subsection 13(1) during the period.
53 Liability to taxation

The Organisation is not subject to taxation under any law of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory.
IX Miscellaneous
54 Inventions etc. by officers 1

A discovery, invention or improvement of or in any process, apparatus or machine made by an officer of the Organisation in the course of the officer’s official duties is the property of the Organisation.

 2

An officer of the Organisation shall not, except with the consent in writing of the Chief Executive, make application for a patent for an invention that is made by the officer in the course of the officer’s official duties or that relates to any matter or work connected with the officer’s official duties.
56 Consultative Council 1

There is established a Consultative Council comprising:

 a

persons nominated by the Board to represent the management of the Organisation; and

 b

representatives of organisations of officers.

 2

The functions of the Council are to consider, and to report to the Board on, any matter affecting, or of general interest to, the officers of the Organisation, including any such matter that is referred to the Council by the Board.

 3

The regulations shall prescribe the manner in which the Council is to be constituted, the manner in which the Council is to carry out its functions and any other matter relevant to the operations of the Council.
58 Regulations

The Governor-General may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act, prescribing all matters required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed, or necessary or convenient to be prescribed, for carrying out or giving effect to this Act.

Endnotes

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.

The following endnotes are included in every compilation:

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

Abbreviation key—Endnote 2

The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.

Legislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4

Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.

The legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.

The amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.

Editorial changes

The Legislation Act 2003 authorises First Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial and presentational changes to a compiled law in preparing a compilation of the law for registration. The changes must not change the effect of the law. Editorial changes take effect from the compilation registration date.

If the compilation includes editorial changes, the endnotes include a brief outline of the changes in general terms. Full details of any changes can be obtained from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.

Misdescribed amendments

A misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe how an amendment is to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, then the misdescribed amendment can be incorporated through an editorial change made under Legislation Act 2003.section 15V of the

If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the amendment is not incorporated and “(md not incorp)” is added to the amendment history.

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key
ad = added or inserted o = order(s)
am = amended Ord = Ordinance
amdt = amendment orig = original
c = clause(s) par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)
C[x] = Compilation No. x /sub-subparagraph(s)
Ch = Chapter(s) pres = present
def = definition(s) prev = previous
Dict = Dictionary (prev…) = previously
disallowed = disallowed by Parliament Pt = Part(s)
Div = Division(s) r = regulation(s)/rule(s)
ed = editorial change reloc = relocated
exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have renum = renumbered
effect rep = repealed
F = Federal Register of Legislation rs = repealed and substituted
gaz = gazette s = section(s)/subsection(s)
LA = Legislation Act 2003 Sch = Schedule(s)
LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003 Sdiv = Subdivision(s)
(md) = misdescribed amendment can be given SLI = Select Legislative Instrument
effect SR = Statutory Rules
(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment Sub-Ch = Sub-Chapter(s)
cannot be given effect SubPt = Subpart(s)
mod = modified/modification underlining = whole or part not
No. = Number(s) commenced or to be commenced

Endnote 3—Legislation history
Act Number and year Assent Commencement Application, saving and transitional provisions
Science and Industry Research Act 1949 13, 1949 19 May 1949 (see Gazette 1949, p. 1306A)
Science and Industry Research Act 1959 78, 1959 (see Gazette 1959, p. 4435) —
Statute Law Revision (Decimal Currency) Act 1966 93, 1966 —
Science and Industry Research Act 1968 7, 1968 8 May 1968 8 May 1968 —
Science and Industry Research Act (No. 2) 1968 52, 1968 24 June 1968 1 July 1968 s. 12
Statute Law Revision Act 1973 216, 1973 ss. 9(1) and 10
Administrative Changes (Consequential Provisions) Act 1976 91, 1976 22 Dec 1975 (s 2(7)) s. 4
Administrative Changes (Consequential Provisions) Act 1978 36, 1978 12 June 1978 12 June 1978 s. 8
Science and Industry Research Amendment Act 1978 143, 1978 (see Gazette 1978, No. S276) s. 10
Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act (No. 2) 1982 80, 1982 Part LXVI (s 248–252): (s 2(16)) —
Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (No. 1) 1985 65, 1985 5 June 1985 s 3: 3 July 1985 (s 2(1)) —
Science and Industry Research Legislation Amendment Act 1986 121, 1986 s 3–30: 5 Dec 1986 (s 2) s 4(2), (3), 8(2) and 30
Industry, Technology and Commerce Legislation Amendment Act 1991 66, 1991 15 June 1991 s 24, 25: 15 June 1991 (s 2(1)) s. 2(2)–(4)
Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Act 1991 122, 1991 27 June 1991 s 31(1): 10 Dec 1991 (s 2(3), (4)) s. 31(2)
Prime Minister and Cabinet Legislation Amendment Act 1991 199, 1991 —
Industry, Technology and Commerce Legislation Amendment Act 1992 168, 1992 s  23, 24: 11 Dec 1992 (s 2(1)) —
Statute Law Revision Act 1996 43, 1996 Sch 4 (items 131–134): 25 Oct 1996 (s 2(1)) —
Industry, Science and Tourism Legislation Amendment Act 1997 91, 1997 30 June 1997 Sch 1 (item 24): 1 July 1997 (s 2(3)) —
Audit (Transitional and Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 1997 152, 1997 Sch 2 (items 1178–1192): (s 2(2)) —
Public Employment (Consequential and Transitional) Amendment Act 1999 146, 1999 Sch 1 (item 807): 5 Dec 1999 (s 2(2)) —
Corporate Law Economic Reform Program Act 1999 156, 1999 Sch 10 (items 116, 117): (s 2(2), (3)) —
Abolition of Compulsory Age Retirement (Statutory Officeholders) Act 2001 159, 2001 Sch 1 (items 85, 97): 29 Oct 2001 (s 2(1)) Sch. 1 (item 97)
National Measurement Amendment Act 2004 27, 2004 Sch 1 (item 66): 1 July 2004 (s 2(1) item 2) —
Governance Review Implementation (Science Research Agencies) Act 2007 84, 2007 21 June 2007 Sch 3: 10 Sept 2007 (s 2(1) item 2) Sch. 3 (item 38)
Statute Law Revision Act 2011 5, 2011 22 Mar 2011 Sch 5 (items 188, 189): 19 Apr 2011 (s 2(1) item 13) —
Acts Interpretation Amendment Act 2011 46, 2011 27 June 2011 Sch 2 (items 1020–1022), Sch 3 (items 10, 11): 27 Dec 2011 (s 2(1) items 7, 12) Sch. 3 (items 10, 11)
Financial Framework Legislation Amendment Act (No. 1) 2011 89, 2011 4 Aug 2011 Sch 6: 5 Aug 2011 (s 2(1) item 1) Sch. 6 (item 5)
Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2014 62, 2014 30 June 2014 Sch 12 (items 76–97) and Sch 14 (items 1–6): 1 July 2014 (s 2(1) item 6) Sch 14 (items 1–6)
as amended by
Public Governance and Resources Legislation Amendment Act (No. 1) 2015 36, 2015 13 Apr 2015 Sch 2 and Sch 7: 14 April 2015 (s 2) Sch 2 (item 3) and Sch 7
as amended by
Acts and Instruments (Framework Reform) (Consequential Provisions) Act 2015 126, 2015 10 Sept 2015 Sch 1 (item 486): 5 Mar 2016 (s 2(1) item 2) —
Acts and Instruments (Framework Reform) (Consequential Provisions) Act 2015 126, 2015 10 Sept 2015 Sch 1 (item 495): 5 Mar 2016 (s 2(1) item 2) —
Climate Change (Consequential Amendments) Act 2022 38, 2022 13 Sept 2022 Sch 1 (items 57–59): 14 Sept 2022 (s 2(1) item 1) Sch 1 (item 59)

Endnote 4—Amendment history
Provision affected How affected
Title am. No. 121, 1986
Part I
s. 3 rs. No. 52, 1968
rep. No. 216, 1973
ss. 4–6 am. No. 143, 1978
rep. No. 121, 1986
s 7 am No 52, 1968
rs No 143, 1978
am No 80, 1982
rs No 121, 1986
am No 84, 2007; No 5, 2011; No 62, 2014; No 38, 2022
Part II
Heading to Part II am. No. 121, 1986
s. 8 am. No. 52, 1968; No. 121, 1986; No. 84, 2007
Note to s. 8(2) ad. No. 152, 1997
rs. No. 84, 2007; No 62, 2014
s 9 am No 216, 1973
rs No 143, 1978
am No 121, 1986; No 27, 2004; No 38, 2022
s. 9AA ad. No. 143, 1978
am. No. 121, 1986; No. 152, 1997; No. 84, 2007
s. 9AB ad. No. 143, 1978
am. No. 121, 1986
rep. No. 91, 1997
s. 9A ad. No. 52, 1968
am. No. 121, 1986; No. 66, 1991; No. 84, 2007
s. 10 am. No. 121, 1986
Part IIA
Part IIA ad. No. 121, 1986
s. 10A ad. No. 121, 1986
s. 10B ad. No. 121, 1986
am. No. 168, 1992; No. 159, 2001; No. 84, 2007
s. 10C ad. No. 121, 1986
rs. No. 122, 1991
am. No. 146, 1999; No. 84, 2007
s. 10D ad. No. 121, 1986
am. No. 84, 2007
s. 10E ad. No. 121, 1986
am. No. 122, 1991; No. 152, 1997; No. 156, 1999; No. 84, 2007; No 62, 2014
Note to s 10E(2) ad No 62, 2014
s. 10F ad. No. 121, 1986
am. No. 84, 2007; No 62, 2014
s. 10G ad. No. 121, 1986
am. No. 84, 2007; No. 46, 2011
Note to s. 10G ad. No. 46, 2011
s. 10H ad. No. 121, 1986
am. No. 43, 1996
s. 10J ad. No. 121, 1986
Part III
Heading to Part III am. No. 121, 1986
Part III rs. No. 143, 1978
s. 11 am. No. 78, 1959
rs. No. 143, 1978; No. 121, 1986
s. 12 rs. No. 143, 1978; No. 121, 1986
am. No. 84, 2007
s. 13 am. No. 78, 1959
rs. No. 143, 1978; No. 121, 1986
s. 14 am. No. 52, 1968
rs. No. 143, 1978; No. 121, 1986
rep. No. 152, 1997
s. 14A ad. No. 121, 1986
am. No. 152, 1997; No. 84, 2007
Note to s. 14A ad. No. 152, 1997
am. No. 84, 2007
s. 15 rs. No. 143, 1978
am. No. 121, 1986; No. 84, 2007
s. 15A ad. No. 84, 2007
s. 16 am. No. 52, 1968
rs. No. 143, 1978; No. 121, 1986
Heading to s. 17 am. No. 84, 2007
s. 17 rs. No. 143, 1978; No. 121, 1986
am. No. 43, 1996; No. 84, 2007
s. 18 rs. No. 143, 1978
rep. No. 121, 1986
s. 19 rs. No. 143, 1978
am. No. 121, 1986; No. 43, 1996; No. 84, 2007
s. 20 rs. No. 143, 1978; No. 121, 1986
s. 21 am. No. 93, 1966; No. 52, 1968
rs. No. 143, 1978
rep. No. 121, 1986
s. 22 am. No. 216, 1973
rs. No. 143, 1978
am. No. 121, 1986; No. 152, 1997; No. 156, 1999; No 62, 2014
Note to s 22(2) ad No 62, 2014
s. 23 rs. No. 143, 1978; No. 121, 1986
rep. No. 152, 1997
s. 22A ad. No. 84, 2007
Part IV
Heading to Part IV rep. No. 121, 1986
Part IV rs. No. 143, 1978; No. 121, 1986
s. 24 rs. No. 143, 1978; No. 121, 1986
am. No. 43, 1996
Part V rs. No. 143, 1978 rep. No. 121, 1986
s. 25 rs. No. 52, 1968
am. No. 36, 1978
rs. No. 143, 1978
rep. No. 121, 1986
s. 26 rs. No. 52, 1968; No. 143, 1978
rep. No. 121, 1986
ss. 26A, 26B ad. No. 52, 1968
rep. No. 143, 1978
s. 26C ad. No. 52, 1968
am. No. 36, 1978
rep. No. 143, 1978
ss. 26D–26F ad. No. 52, 1968
rep. No. 143, 1978
s. 26G ad. No. 52, 1968
am. No. 216, 1973
rep. No. 143, 1978
ss. 27–29 rs. No. 143, 1978
rep. No. 121, 1986
s. 30 rs. No. 52, 1968
am. No. 36, 1978
rs. No. 143, 1978
rep. No. 121, 1986
s. 31 rs. No. 143, 1978
rep No. 121, 1986
Part VI
Part VI rs. No. 52, 1968; No. 143, 1978
s. 32 am. No. 78, 1959; No. 7, 1968
rep. No. 91, 1976
ad. No. 143, 1978
am. No. 121, 1986; No. 199, 1991
Part VII
hdg to Pt VII rs No 62, 2014
Part VII rs. No. 143, 1978; No. 121, 1986
s. 33 rs. No. 143, 1978; No. 121, 1986
rep No 62, 2014
s. 34 ad. No. 143, 1978
rs. No. 121, 1986
rep No 62, 2014
s 35 ad. No. 143, 1978
rs. No. 121, 1986
rep No 62, 2014
hdg to s 36 rs No 62, 2014
s 36 ad. No. 143, 1978
rs. No. 121, 1986
am No 62, 2014
ss. 37, 38 ad. No. 143, 1978
rep. No. 121, 1986
s. 38A ad. No. 80, 1982
rep. No. 121, 1986
ss. 39, 40 ad. No. 143, 1978
am. No. 80, 1982
rep. No. 121, 1986
ss. 41–44 ad. No. 143, 1978
rep. No. 121, 1986
Part VIII
Part VIII ad. No. 143, 1978
s. 45 ad. No. 143, 1978
rep. No. 152, 1997
s. 46 ad. No. 143, 1978
am. No. 121, 1986; No. 5, 2011
s. 47 ad. No. 143, 1978
rep. No. 121, 1986
s. 48 ad. No. 143, 1978
am. No. 121, 1986; No. 152, 1997; No 62, 2014
s. 49 ad. No. 143, 1978
am. No. 121, 1986
rep. No. 152, 1997
s. 50 ad. No. 143, 1978
am. No. 121, 1986
rep. No. 84, 2007
Heading to s. 51 rs. No. 152, 1997
s. 51 ad. No. 143, 1978
rs. No. 121, 1986
am. No. 152, 1997; No. 89, 2011; No 62, 2014
s. 52 ad. No. 143, 1978
rep. No. 121, 1986
s. 53 ad. No. 143, 1978
am. No. 121, 1986
Part IX
Part IX ad. No. 143, 1978
s. 54 ad. No. 143, 1978
am. No. 121, 1986
s. 55 ad. No. 143, 1978
rep. No. 65, 1985
s. 56 ad. No. 143, 1978
am. No. 121, 1986
s. 57 ad. No. 143, 1978
rep. No. 121, 1986
s. 58 ad. No. 143, 1978
Schedules
First Schedule Renumbered Schedule 1 No. 143, 1978
Schedule 1 rep. No. 121, 1986
Second Schedule rep. No. 143, 1978