Hearing Services Administration Act 1997

No. 81, 1997

Compilation No. 13

Compilation date: 14 October 2024

Includes amendments: Act No. 38, 2024

About this compilation

This compilation

This is a compilation of the Hearing Services Administration Act 1997 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 14 October 2024 (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 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 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 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If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.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 1—Preliminary 1

1 Short title 1

2 Commencement 1

3 Simplified outline 1

4 Definitions 1

5 Eligible persons 3

6 Crown to be bound 4

6A Application of the Criminal Code 4

7 Continuity of partnerships 5

8 General criteria for administration of this Act 5

Part 2—Issue of vouchers to participants in the voucher system 6

Division 1—Simplified outline 6

9 Simplified outline 6

the Minister 7Division 2—Issue of vouchers by

10 Issue of vouchers by the Minister 7

11 Voucher rules 7

12 Vouchers do not have effect before 1 July 1997 7

Division 3—Participants in the voucher system 8

13 Participants in the voucher system 8

Part 3—Service providers 9

Division 1—Simplified outline 9

14 Simplified outline 9

Division 2—Accreditation 10

15 Accreditation of service providers 10

16 Conditions of accreditation 11

17 Rules of conduct 11

18 Compliance with rules of conduct 12

19 Disqualification for fraud, dishonesty etc. 13

Division 3—Contracted service providers 16

20 Contracted service providers 16

21 Payments to contracted service providers 16

23 Repayments by contracted service providers 17

24 Recovery of overpayments etc. 18

Part 4—Administration 19

25 Simplified outline 19

26 Arrangements for dealing with complaints 19

27 Delegation 19

Part 5—Review of decisions 21

28 Simplified outline 21

29 Decisions that may be subject to reconsideration by the Minister 21

30 Statements to accompany notification of decisions 21

31 Applications for reconsideration of decisions 22

32 Reconsideration by the Minister 22

33 Deadlines for reconsiderations 23

34 Statements to accompany notification of decisions on reconsideration 23

35 Review by the Administrative Review Tribunal 24

Part 6—Injunctions 25

36 Simplified outline 25

37 Injunctions 25

38 Interim injunctions 26

39 Discharge etc. of injunctions 26

40 Certain limits on granting injunctions not to apply 27

41 Other powers of the court unaffected 27

Part 7—Vicarious liability 28

42 Simplified outline 28

43 Liability of corporations 28

44 Liability of persons other than corporations 29

Part 8—Miscellaneous 31

45 Simplified outline 31

46 Application of Criminal Code 31

47 Treatment of partnerships 31

48 Giving of documents to partnerships 31

49 Nomination of address for service of documents 32

50 Regulations 32

Endnotes 33

Endnote 1—About the endnotes 33

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key 35

Endnote 3—Legislation history 36

Endnote 4—Amendment history 38

An Act relating to hearing services

 1 Preliminary
1 Short title

This Act may be cited as the Hearing Services Administration Act 1997.
2 Commencement

This Act commences on the day on which it receives the Royal Assent.
3 Simplified outline

The following is a simplified outline of this Act:

• This Act sets up a scheme under which hearing services are provided to voucher-holders by contracted service providers.

• The Minister may determine that specified persons are participants in the voucher system.

• Vouchers may be issued to participants in the voucher system.

• The Minister may accredit service providers and engage accredited service providers to provide hearing services to voucher-holders.
4 Definitions

In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:

accreditation means accreditation under the accreditation scheme.

accreditation scheme means the scheme in force under section 15.

accredited service provider means an entity accredited under the accreditation scheme.

AHS means Australian Hearing Services.

available, in relation to a hearing service, has the meaning given by section 13.

Australian permanent resident means a person in Australia whose presence in Australia is not subject to any limitation as to time imposed by law.

Chief Executive Medicare has the same meaning as in the Human Services (Medicare) Act 1973.

contracted service provider means an accredited service provider engaged under section 20.

data processing device means any article or material (for example, a disk) from which information is capable of being reproduced, with or without the aid of any other article or device.

eligible person has the meaning given by clause 5.

entity means:

 a

an individual; or

 b

a body corporate; or

 c

a partnership; or

 d

an authority of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; or

 e

a Department of the Government of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory.

hearing services means:

 a

services for purposes in connection with:

 i

hearing rehabilitation; or

 ii

assessment of hearing; or

 iii

hearing loss prevention; or

 b

goods for purposes in connection with:

 i

hearing rehabilitation; or

 ii

assessment of hearing; or

 iii

hearing loss prevention.

participant in the voucher system has the meaning given by section 13.

rules of conduct means rules of conduct formulated under section 17.

voucher means a voucher issued under section 10.

voucher-holder means a participant in the voucher system who holds a voucher.

voucher rules means rules formulated under section 11.
5 Eligible persons 1

(1) For the purposes of this Act, a person is an eligible person if the person:

 a

has reached the age of 21 years; and

 b

is an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident; and

 c

is covered by one of the categories specified in subsection (2).

 2

The following categories are specified for the purposes of paragraph (1)(c):

 a

a person who holds a card issued by the Commonwealth and known as a Pensioner Concession Card;

 b

a person who:

 i

holds a card issued by the Commonwealth and known as a Health Care Card; and

 ii

(ii) holds that card because the person is in receipt of sickness allowance under the Social Security Act 1991;

 c

a person who holds a card issued by the Commonwealth and known as a Repatriation Health Card, where the card is expressed to be issued for all conditions;

 d

a person who, for purposes connected with obtaining treatment for an injury, disease or condition that involves hearing loss, holds a card issued by the Commonwealth and known as a Repatriation Health Card, where the card is expressed to be issued for specific conditions;

 f

a member of the Australian Defence Force;

 g

(g) a person referred to the Minister in connection with the provision of an employment service under Disability Services Act 1986.Part II of, or the provision of a service under a rehabilitation program under Part III of, the former

3

(3) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that a specified person is an eligible person for the purposes of this Act. The determination has effect accordingly.

Note: For specification by class, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislation Act 2003.
6 Crown to be bound 1

This Act binds the Crown in right of the Commonwealth, of each of the States, of the Australian Capital Territory and of the Northern Territory.

 2

This Act does not make the Crown liable to be prosecuted for an offence.

 3

The protection in subsection (2) does not apply to an authority of the Crown.
6A Application of the Criminal Code

Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code applies to all offences against this Act.

Note: Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.
7 Continuity of partnerships

For the purposes of this Act, a change in the composition of a partnership does not affect the continuity of the partnership.
8 General criteria for administration of this Act 1

In administering this Act, due regard must be had to:

 a

the limited resources available to provide services and programs under this Act; and

 b

the need to consider equity and merit in accessing those resources.

 2

In this section:

this Act includes:

 a

the voucher rules; and

 b

the accreditation scheme; and

 c

the rules of conduct.
2 Issue of vouchers to participants in the voucher system 1 Simplified outline
9 Simplified outline

The following is a simplified outline of this Part:

• Vouchers may be issued to participants in the voucher system.

• The Minister may make rules relating to vouchers. The rules are to be known as the voucher rules.

• The Minister may determine that specified persons are participants in the voucher system.

• The Minister may determine that specified hearing services are available to a voucher-holder under a voucher.
2 Issue of vouchers by the Minister
10 Issue of vouchers by the Minister

The Minister has the function of issuing vouchers to participants in the voucher system.

Note: Participant in the voucher system is defined by section 13.
11 Voucher rules 1

(1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, formulate rules relating to vouchers. The rules are to be known as the voucher rules.

 2

The voucher rules may make provision for the following:

 a

the duration of vouchers;

 b

the replacement of vouchers.

 3

The voucher rules may make provision for or in relation to a matter by conferring a power on the Minister.

 4

Subsections (2) and (3) do not, by implication, limit subsection (1).
12 Vouchers do not have effect before 1 July 1997

A voucher does not have effect before 1 July 1997.
3 Participants in the voucher system
13 Participants in the voucher system 1

The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that:

 a

(a) each eligible person included in a specified class of eligible persons is a participant in the voucher system for the purposes of this Act; and

 b

(b) in the event that the Minister issues a voucher to such a person during a specified period, one or more specified hearing services are available to the person under the voucher.

 2

The specification of a hearing service may be expressed to be subject to such conditions as are specified in the determination.

 3

A determination under this section has effect accordingly.
3 Service providers 1 Simplified outline
14 Simplified outline

The following is a simplified outline of this Part:

• The Minister must formulate an accreditation scheme for the accreditation of entities as service providers.

• The Minister may accredit entities as service providers under the accreditation scheme. The accreditation may be subject to conditions. An entity accredited by the Minister is to be known as an accredited service provider.

• The Minister may engage an accredited service provider to provide available hearing services to voucher-holders. A service provider engaged by the Minister is to be known as a contracted service provider.

• The Minister must formulate rules of conduct that apply to contracted service providers in relation to the provision of hearing services to voucher-holders.
2 Accreditation
15 Accreditation of service providers 1

(1) The Minister must, by legislative instrument, formulate a scheme for the accreditation of entities as service providers. The scheme is to be known as the accreditation scheme.

Note 1: Entity is defined by section 4.

Note 2: Accreditation means that the entity is eligible to be engaged as a contracted service provider under section 20.

 2

The accreditation scheme must empower the Minister to make decisions:

 a

accrediting entities; and

 b

cancelling the accreditation of entities.

 3

The accreditation scheme may make provision for fees to be charged in respect of the making of applications under the scheme.

 4

The accreditation scheme may make provision for an entity to surrender its accreditation to the Minister.

 5

The accreditation scheme must make provision for and in relation to the keeping of a register by the Minister of entities accredited under the accreditation scheme. In particular, the accreditation scheme may make provision for the following:

 a

the register to be kept in such form and manner as the Minister directs;

 b

persons to inspect the register;

 c

persons to obtain information contained in the register;

 d

fees to be charged for such an inspection or providing such information.

 6

Subsections (2), (3), (4) and (5) do not, by implication, limit subsection (1).

 7

The Minister must give a free copy of the accreditation scheme to any person who requests a copy.
16 Conditions of accreditation 1

The accreditation scheme must empower the Minister to accredit an entity subject to one or more conditions specified in the instrument of accreditation. The accreditation scheme may also empower the Minister to:

 a

impose one or more further conditions to which the accreditation is subject; and

 b

revoke or vary any condition:

 i

specified in the instrument of accreditation; or

 ii

imposed under paragraph (a).

 2

A condition may be expressed to have effect only if the entity is engaged under section 20.

 3

A condition of an accreditation may make provision for or in relation to a matter by conferring a power on the Minister.

 4

The accreditation scheme may empower the Minister to make a decision cancelling the accreditation of an entity if the entity contravenes a condition of the accreditation. This subsection does not, by implication, limit paragraph 15(2)(b).

 5

The accreditation scheme may empower the Minister to issue a formal warning if an entity contravenes a condition of its accreditation.

 6

Subsections (2), (3), (4) and (5) do not, by implication, limit subsection (1).
17 Rules of conduct 1

The Minister must, by legislative instrument, formulate rules of conduct relating to the provision of hearing services to voucher-holders.

 2

Rules of conduct have effect only for the purposes of section 18.

Note: Section 18 provides that compliance with rules of conduct is a condition of an entity’s accreditation.

 3

Rules of conduct may make provision for or in relation to a matter by conferring a power on the Minister.

 4

Rules of conduct may prohibit or regulate the charging of fees or other consideration payable by a voucher-holder, where the fee or consideration is in respect of the provision by an accredited service provider of a hearing service that is available to the holder under the voucher.

 5

Rules of conduct may require an accredited service provider to:

 a

take all reasonable steps to ensure that each individual who (whether in the capacity of employee or otherwise) works, or is to work, for the service provider in the provision of specified hearing services to voucher-holders holds such qualifications as are ascertained in accordance with the rules; and

 b

inform the Minister of the names and qualifications of those individuals.

 6

Subsections (3), (4) and (5) do not, by implication, limit subsection (1).
18 Compliance with rules of conduct 1

In addition to the conditions to which an entity’s accreditation is subject under the accreditation scheme, the accreditation is subject to the condition mentioned in subsection (2).

 2

It is a condition of the accreditation of an entity that the entity must comply with the rules of conduct.

 3

The condition mentioned in subsection (2) has effect only if the entity is a contracted service provider.

 4

This section does not, by implication, limit the generality of section 16 (which deals with conditions under the accreditation scheme).
19 Disqualification for fraud, dishonesty etc. 1

The Minister must not accredit an individual or a body corporate under the accreditation scheme at a particular time if the individual or body corporate is a disqualified person at that time.

Note: Disqualified person is defined by subsection (5).

 2

The Minister must not accredit a body corporate under the accreditation scheme at a particular time if any of the following individuals is a disqualified person at that time:

 a

a director of the body corporate;

 b

a secretary of the body corporate;

 c

a person (by whatever name called and whether or not a director of the body corporate) who is concerned in, or takes part in, the management of the body corporate.

Note: Disqualified person is defined by subsection (5).

 3

The Minister must not accredit a partnership under the accreditation scheme at a particular time if:

 a

in a case where a partner is an individual—the partner is a disqualified person at that time; or

 b

in a case where a partner is a body corporate—any of the following individuals is a disqualified person at that time:

 i

a director of the body corporate;

 ii

a secretary of the body corporate;

 iii

a person (by whatever name called and whether or not a director of the body corporate) who is concerned in, or takes part in, the management of the body corporate.

Note: Disqualified person is defined by subsection (5).

 4

The Minister must cancel the accreditation of an entity under the accreditation scheme at a particular time if, assuming that the entity had not been accredited at that time, the Minister would have been prevented by this section from accrediting the entity at that time.

 5

(5) For the purposes of this section, a person is a disqualified person at a particular time if:

 a

the person has been convicted (whether before or after the commencement of this section) of a disqualifying offence (as defined by subsection (6)); and

 b

if the person was sentenced to imprisonment—the time occurs during the period:

 i

beginning when the person was convicted; and

 ii

ending 5 years after the person’s release from prison; and

 c

if the person was not sentenced to imprisonment—the time occurs during the period:

 i

beginning when the person was convicted; and

 ii

ending 5 years after the conviction.

 6

(6) For the purposes of this section, each of the following offences is a disqualifying offence:

 a

(a) an offence against Criminal Code in respect of a statement that is made to a person who is exercising powers or performing functions under, or in connection with, subsection 21(2) of this Act;section 136.1, 137.1 or 137.2 of the

b

an offence that:

 i

is an offence against a law of the Commonwealth, a State, a Territory or a foreign country; and

 ii

involves fraud or dishonesty; and

 iii

is punishable by imprisonment for life or for a period, or maximum period, of at least 2 years.

 7

(7) A reference in this section to a conviction of a person of an offence includes a reference to the making of an order under section 19B of the Crimes Act 1914, or under a corresponding provision of a law of a State, a Territory or a foreign country, in relation to a person in respect of an offence.

Note: Section 19B of the Crimes Act 1914 empowers a court that has found a person to have committed an offence to take action without proceeding to record a conviction.

 8

This section does not, by implication, limit the generality of sections 15 and 16 (which deal with the accreditation scheme).

 9

(9) This section does not affect the operation of Crimes Act 1914 (which includes provisions relieving persons from requirements to disclose convictions).Part VIIC of the

3 Contracted service providers
20 Contracted service providers 1

(1) The Minister may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, engage an accredited service provider to provide hearing services to voucher-holders, where each hearing service is available to the holder under the voucher. An accredited service provider engaged under this section is to be known as a contracted service provider.

 2

The terms and conditions of the engagement are to be set out in a written agreement between the Minister (on behalf of the Commonwealth) and the contracted service provider. The terms and conditions must be consistent with the accreditation scheme and the rules of conduct.

 3

Each condition of the accreditation of the contracted service provider is taken to be a condition of the engagement. This subsection does not limit subsection (2).

 4

The cancellation or surrender of the accreditation of the contracted service provider terminates the engagement without giving the service provider any entitlement to compensation or damages. This subsection does not limit subsection (2).

 5

AHS may enter into an agreement under this section at any time after the commencement of this section.
21 Payments to contracted service providers 1

An agreement under section 20 may provide for amounts to be paid by the Commonwealth to a contracted service provider. This subsection does not limit subsection 20(2).

 2

A payment referred to in subsection (1) must not be paid unless:

 a

a claim for the payment is given to the claims acceptance body; and

 b

the claims acceptance body accepts the claim on behalf of the Commonwealth.

 3

The claims acceptance body may authorise a claim for payment to be given to the claims acceptance body in accordance with specified software requirements:

 a

on a specified kind of data processing device; or

 b

by way of a specified kind of electronic transmission.

 4

A payment referred to in subsection (1) may be made by the claims payment body on behalf of the Commonwealth.

 6

(6) The Minister may, by writing, declare that a specified body is the claims acceptance body for the purposes of this section. The declaration has effect accordingly.

 7

(7) The Minister may, by writing, declare that a specified body is the claims payment body for the purposes of this section. The declaration has effect accordingly.

 8

This section does not prevent the claims acceptance body from being the same body as the claims payment body.

 9

The Minister must not make a determination under subsection (6) or (7) in relation to an incorporated company unless the company consents to the making of the determination.

 10

In this section:

body means:

 a

the Department; or

 b

an authority of the Commonwealth; or

 c

an incorporated company; or

 d

the Chief Executive Medicare.
23 Repayments by contracted service providers 1

If:

 a

an amount is paid to an entity as mentioned in subsection 21(1); and

 b

the amount is paid subject to a condition (whether a condition precedent or a condition subsequent); and

 c

the condition was contravened;

the entity is liable to repay the amount to the Commonwealth.

 2

A payment to an entity as mentioned in subsection 21(1) is taken to be made subject to a condition that a false or misleading statement has not been made by or on behalf of the entity in connection with a claim for the payment.

 3

This section does not, by implication, limit the generality of subsection 20(2) (which deals with the terms and conditions of the engagement of contracted service providers).
24 Recovery of overpayments etc. 1

(1) For the purposes of this section, each of the following amounts is a service provider debt:

 a

so much of an amount paid, or purportedly paid, to an entity as mentioned in subsection 21(1) as represents an overpayment;

 b

an amount that is repayable as mentioned in section 23 (which deals with conditional payments).

 2

A service provider debt is a debt due to the Commonwealth.

 3

A service provider debt may be recovered by the Commonwealth by action in a court of competent jurisdiction.

 4

If an entity is liable to pay a service provider debt, the service provider debt may be deducted from one or more other amounts that are payable to the entity as mentioned in subsection 21(1), and if it is so deducted, the other amounts are taken to have been paid to the entity to the extent of the deduction.
4 Administration
25 Simplified outline

The following is a simplified outline of this Part:

• The Minister must establish a complaints-handling mechanism.

• The Minister may delegate powers conferred on the Minister by this Act.
26 Arrangements for dealing with complaints

The Minister must take all reasonable steps to ensure that there are at all times in force arrangements under which:

 a

a participant in the voucher system has the right to make a complaint about the provision to the participant of hearing services in accordance with an agreement under Part 3; and

 b

a complaint so made will be properly considered and dealt with within 90 days after it was made.
27 Delegation 1

The Minister may, by writing, delegate all or any of the Minister’s functions and powers under this Act to:

 a

the Secretary of the Department; or

 b

any other officer of the Department.

 2

Subsection (1) does not apply to the Minister’s powers to make an instrument under subsection 5(3), 11(1), 13(1), 15(1) or 17(1).

 3

In this section:

this Act includes:

 a

the voucher rules; and

 b

the accreditation scheme; and

 c

the rules of conduct.
5 Review of decisions
28 Simplified outline

The following is a simplified outline of this Part:

• Certain decisions of the Minister may be reviewed by the Administrative Review Tribunal following a process of reconsideration by the Minister.
29 Decisions that may be subject to reconsideration by the Minister

An application may be made to the Minister for reconsideration of any of the following decisions:

 a

a decision by the Minister refusing to issue a voucher to a participant in the voucher system;

 b

a decision made by the Minister under the voucher rules;

 c

a decision made by the Minister under the accreditation scheme;

 d

a decision made by the Minister under a condition of accreditation;

 e

a decision made by the Minister under the rules of conduct;

 f

a decision of the Minister made under section 19 (which deals with disqualification for fraud, dishonesty etc.).
30 Statements to accompany notification of decisions 1

If the Minister makes a decision of a kind referred to in section 29 and gives written notice of the decision to a person whose interests are affected by the decision, the notice must include:

 a

a statement to the effect that a person affected by the decision may, if he or she is dissatisfied with the decision, seek a reconsideration of the decision by the Minister under subsection 31(1); and

 b

a statement to the effect that, if a person who has applied for a reconsideration is dissatisfied with the Minister’s decision on the reconsideration:

 i

(i) subject to the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024, application may be made to the Administrative Review Tribunal for review of the decision on that reconsideration; and

 ii

the person may, under section 268 of that Act, request a statement of reasons for the decision on that reconsideration.

 2

Failure to comply with this section does not affect the validity of a decision.
31 Applications for reconsideration of decisions 1

A person affected by a decision of a kind referred to in the Minister for the Minister to reconsider the decision.section 29 who is dissatisfied with the decision may apply to

2

The application must:

 a

be in a form approved in writing by the Minister; and

 b

set out the reasons for the application.

 3

The application must be made within:

 a

28 days after the applicant is informed of the decision; or

 b

if, either before or after the end of that period of 28 days, the Minister extends the period within which the application may be made—the extended period for making the application.

 4

An approved form of an application may provide for verification by statutory declaration of statements in applications.
32 Reconsideration by the Minister 1

Upon receiving such an application, the Minister must:

 a

reconsider the decision; and

 b

affirm, vary or revoke the decision.

 2

The Minister’s decision on reconsideration of a decision has effect as if it had been made under the provision under which the original decision was made.

 3

The Minister must give to the applicant a notice stating the Minister’s decision on the reconsideration together with a statement of the Minister’s reasons for the Minister’s decision.
33 Deadlines for reconsiderations 1

The Minister must make his or her decision on reconsideration of a decision within 90 days after receiving an application for reconsideration.

 2

The Minister is taken, for the purposes of this Part, to have made a decision affirming the original decision if the Minister has not informed the applicant of the Minister’s decision on the reconsideration before the end of the period of 90 days.
34 Statements to accompany notification of decisions on reconsideration 1

A notice under subsection 32(3) notifying the applicant that a decision has been affirmed or varied must include:

 a

(a) a statement to the effect that a person whose interests are affected by the decision so affirmed or varied may, subject to the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024, apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal for review of the decision; and

 b

a statement to the effect that the person may, under section 268 of that Act, request a statement of reasons for the decision so affirmed or varied.

 2

Failure to comply with this section does not affect the validity of a decision.
35 Review by the Administrative Review Tribunal

Applications may be made to the Administrative Review Tribunal to review a decision of a kind referred to in the Minister has affirmed or varied the decision under section 32.section 29 if

6 Injunctions
36 Simplified outline

The following is a simplified outline of this Part:

 The Federal Court may grant injunctions in relation to contraventions of:

 a

this Act; or

 b

the voucher rules; and

 c

a condition of an accreditation; or

 d

an agreement under section 20.
37 Injunctions

Restraining injunctions

 1

If an entity has engaged, is engaging or is proposing to engage, in any conduct in contravention of:

 a

this Act; or

 b

the voucher rules; or

 c

if the entity is accredited under the accreditation scheme—a condition of that accreditation; or

 d

if the entity is engaged under section 20—an agreement under that section;

the Federal Court may, on the application of the Minister, grant an injunction:

 e

restraining the entity from engaging in the conduct; and

 f

if, in the court’s opinion, it is desirable to do so—requiring the entity to do something.

Performance injunctions

 2

If:

 a

an entity has refused or failed, or is refusing or failing, or is proposing to refuse or fail, to do an act or thing; and

 b

the refusal or failure was, is or would be a contravention of:

 i

this Act; or

 ii

the voucher rules; or

 iii

if the entity is accredited under the accreditation scheme—a condition of that accreditation; or

 iv

if the entity is engaged under section 20—an agreement under that section;

the Federal Court may, on the application of the Minister, grant an injunction requiring the entity to do that act or thing.
38 Interim injunctions

Grant of interim injunction

 1

If an application is made to the court for an injunction under section 37, the court may, before considering the application, grant an interim injunction restraining an entity from engaging in conduct of a kind referred to in that section.

No undertakings as to damages

 2

The court is not to require an applicant for an injunction under section 37, as a condition of granting an interim injunction, to give any undertakings as to damages.
39 Discharge etc. of injunctions

The court may discharge or vary an injunction granted under this Part.
40 Certain limits on granting injunctions not to apply

Restraining injunctions

 1

The power of the court under this Part to grant an injunction restraining an entity from engaging in conduct of a particular kind may be exercised:

 a

if the court is satisfied that the entity has engaged in conduct of that kind—whether or not it appears to the court that the entity intends to engage again, or to continue to engage, in conduct of that kind; or

 b

if it appears to the court that, if an injunction is not granted, it is likely that the entity will engage in conduct of that kind—whether or not the entity has previously engaged in conduct of that kind and whether or not there is an imminent danger of substantial damage to any entity if the entity engages in conduct of that kind.

Performance injunctions

 2

The power of the court to grant an injunction requiring an entity to do an act or thing may be exercised:

 a

if the court is satisfied that the entity has refused or failed to do that act or thing—whether or not it appears to the court that the entity intends to refuse or fail again, or to continue to refuse or fail, to do that act or thing; or

 b

if it appears to the court that, if an injunction is not granted, it is likely that the entity will refuse or fail to do that act or thing—whether or not the entity has previously refused or failed to do that act or thing and whether or not there is an imminent danger of substantial damage to any entity if the entity refuses or fails to do that act or thing.
41 Other powers of the court unaffected

The powers conferred on the court under this Part are in addition to, and not instead of, any other powers of the court, whether conferred by this Act or otherwise.
7 Vicarious liability
42 Simplified outline

The following is a simplified outline of this Part:

• This Part deals with proof in civil proceedings of matters that involve employees, agents etc.
43 Liability of corporations

State of mind

 1

If, in a civil proceeding under this Act in respect of conduct engaged in by a corporation, it is necessary to establish the state of mind of the corporation, it is sufficient to show that:

 a

a director, employee or agent of the corporation engaged in that conduct; and

 b

the director, employee or agent was, in engaging in that conduct, acting within the scope of his or her actual or apparent authority; and

 c

the director, employee or agent had that state of mind.

Conduct

 2

If:

 a

conduct is engaged in on behalf of a corporation by a director, employee or agent of the corporation; and

 b

the conduct is within the scope of his or her actual or apparent authority;

the conduct is taken, for the purposes of a civil proceeding under this Act, to have been engaged in by the corporation unless the corporation establishes that it took reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence to avoid the conduct.

Extended meaning of state of mind

 3

(3) A reference in subsection (1) to the state of mind of a person includes a reference to:

 a

the knowledge, intention, opinion, belief or purpose of the person; and

 b

the person’s reasons for the intention, opinion, belief or purpose.

Extended meaning of director

 4

(4) A reference in this section to a director of a corporation includes a reference to a constituent member of a body corporate incorporated for a public purpose by a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory.

Extended meaning of engaging in conduct

 5

(5) A reference in this section to engaging in conduct includes a reference to failing or refusing to engage in conduct.
44 Liability of persons other than corporations

State of mind

 1

If, in civil proceedings under this Act in respect of conduct engaged in by a person other than a corporation, it is necessary to establish the state of mind of the person, it is sufficient to show that:

 a

the conduct was engaged in by an employee or agent of the person within the scope of his or her actual or apparent authority; and

 b

the employee or agent had that state of mind.

Conduct

 2

If:

 a

conduct is engaged in on behalf of a person other than a corporation by an employee or agent of the person; and

 b

the conduct is within the employee’s or agent’s actual or apparent authority;

the conduct is taken, for the purposes of a civil proceeding under this Act, to have been engaged in by the person unless the person establishes that he or she took reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence to avoid the conduct.

Extended meaning of state of mind

 3

(3) A reference in this section to the state of mind of a person includes a reference to:

 a

the knowledge, intention, opinion, belief or purpose of the person; and

 b

the person’s reasons for the intention, opinion, belief or purpose.

Extended meaning of engaging in conduct

 4

(4) A reference in this section to engaging in conduct includes a reference to failing or refusing to engage in conduct.
8 Miscellaneous
45 Simplified outline

The following is a simplified outline of this Part:

• The Criminal Code applies to offences against this Act.

• Partnerships are to be treated as persons for the purposes of this Act.

• Provision is made in relation to the service of documents.

• The Governor-General may make regulations for the purposes of this Act.
46 Application of Criminal Code

Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code applies to all offences against this Act.
47 Treatment of partnerships

This Act applies to a partnership as if the partnership were a person. However, obligations that would be imposed on the partnership are imposed instead on each partner, but may be discharged by any of the partners.
48 Giving of documents to partnerships

For the purposes of this Act, if a document is given to a partner of a partnership in accordance with Acts Interpretation Act 1901, the document is taken to have been given to the partnership.section 28A of the

49 Nomination of address for service of documents 1

For the purposes of this Act, a person may nominate an address for service in:

 a

an application made by the person under this Act; or

 b

any other document given by the person to the Minister.

The address must be in Australia.

 2

For the purposes of this Act, a document may be given to the person by leaving it at, or by sending it by pre-paid post to, the nominated address for service.

 3

(3) Subsection (2) has effect in addition to Acts Interpretation Act 1901.section 28A of the

Note: Section 28A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 deals with the service of documents.

 4

In this section:

this Act includes:

 a

the voucher rules; and

 b

the accreditation scheme; and

 c

the rules of conduct.
50 Regulations

The Governor-General may make regulations prescribing matters:

 a

required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed; or

 b

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
Hearing Services Administration Act 1997 81, 1997 18 June 1997 18 June 1997 (s 2)
Health Insurance Commission (Reform and Separation of Functions) Act 1997 159, 1997 11 Nov 1997 Sch 1 (items 35–37): 11 Nov 1997 (s 2(1)) —
Health and Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Application of Criminal Code) Act 2001 111, 2001 s 4 and Sch 1 (items 95–98): s 4
Human Services Legislation Amendment Act 2005 111, 2005 Sch 2 (items 396, 397): 1 Oct 2005 (s 2(1) item 7) —
Private Health Insurance (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 2007 32, 2007 Sch 2 (item 51): (s 2(1) item 7) —
Statute Law Revision Act 2011 5, 2011 22 Mar 2011 Sch 7 (item 71): 19 Apr 2011 (s 2(1) item 18) —
Human Services Legislation Amendment Act 2011 32, 2011 25 May 2011 Sch 4 (items 276, 277): 1 July 2011 (s 2(1) item 3) —
Acts Interpretation Amendment Act 2011 46, 2011 27 June 2011 Sch 2 (item 684) and Sch 3 (items 10, 11): 27 Dec 2011 (s 2(1) items 5, 12) Sch 3 (items 10, 11)
Acts and Instruments (Framework Reform) Act 2015 10, 2015 5 Mar 2015 Sch 3 (items 209–218, 348, 349): 5 Mar 2016 (s 2(1) item 2) Sch 3 (items 348, 349)
Acts and Instruments (Framework Reform) (Consequential Provisions) Act 2015 126, 2015 10 Sept 2015 Sch 1 (item 257): 5 Mar 2016 (s 2(1) item 2) —
Disability Services and Inclusion (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Act 2023 103, 2023 28 Nov 2023 Sch 2 (item 7): 1 Jan 2024 (s 2(1) item 2) —
Administrative Review Tribunal (Consequential and Transitional Provisions No. 1) Act 2024 38, 2024 31 May 2024 Sch 12 (items 10, 11, 40): 14 Oct 2024 (s 2(1) item 2) —

Endnote 4—Amendment history
Provision affected How affected
Part 1
s 4 am No 32, 2011
s 5 am No 32, 2007; No 46, 2011; No 10, 2015; No 126, 2015; No 103, 2023
s 6A ad No 111, 2001
Part 2
Division 2
s 11 am No 10, 2015
Division 3
s 13 am No 10, 2015
Part 3
Division 2
s 15 am No 10, 2015
s 17 am No 10, 2015
s 19 am No 111, 2001
Division 3
s 21 am No 159, 1997; No 111, 2005; No 32, 2011
s 22 rep No 111, 2001
Part 4
s 27 am No 5, 2011
Part 5
s 28 am No 38, 2024
s 30 am No 38, 2024
s 34 am No 38, 2024
s 35 am No 38, 2024
Part 8
s 47 am No 111, 2001