National Measurement Amendment Act 2013

No. 131, 2013

An Act to amend the law in relation to measurement, and for related purposes

Contents

1 Short title 1

2 Commencement 2

3 Schedule(s) 2

Schedule 1—Powers of trade measurement inspectors 3

National Measurement Act 1960 3

Schedule 2—Offences relating to use and repair of measuring instruments 21

National Measurement Act 1960 21

Schedule 3—Other amendments 25

National Measurement Act 1960 25

An Act to amend the law in relation to measurement, and for related purposes

[Assented to 1 July 2013]

The Parliament of Australia enacts:

1 Short title

This Act may be cited as the National Measurement Amendment Act 2013.

2 Commencement 1

Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.

Commencement information	Commencement information	Commencement information
Column 1	Column 2	Column 3
Provision(s)	Commencement	Date/Details
1. Sections 1 to 3 and anything in this Act not elsewhere covered by this table	The day this Act receives the Royal Assent.	1 July 2013
2. Schedules 1 to 3	The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.	2 July 2013

Note: This table relates only to the provisions of this Act as originally enacted. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of this Act.

Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this Act. Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it may be edited, in any published version of this Act.

3 Schedule(s)

Each Act that is specified in a Schedule to this Act is amended or repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this Act has effect according to its terms.

Powers of trade measurement inspectors

National Measurement Act 1960

1 Subsection 3(1)

Insert:

fuel tax credit has the same meaning as in the Fuel Tax Act 2006.

2 Subsection 3(1)

Insert:

like article, in relation to a notice to remedy, has the meaning given by subsection 18MMA(7).

3 Subsection 3(1)

Insert:

notice to remedy has the meaning given by subsection 18MMA(2).

4 Subsection 3(1)

Insert:

remedy period, for a notice to remedy, means the period specified in the notice under paragraph 18MMA(3)(e).

5 At the end of subsections 18GA(1) and (2) (after the penalty)

Add:

Note: Whether a measuring instrument is verified may be affected by a direction given under section 18GR.

6 At the end of subsections 18GE(1) and (2) (after the penalty)

Add:

Note: For an exception to this offence, see subsection (10).

7 At the end of section 18GE

Add:

Trade measurement inspector may give notice to remedy

Notice may specify conditions

Exception—all reasonable steps taken to remedy contravention etc.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (10) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

A trade measurement inspector may give a person a notice to remedy if:

the inspector reasonably believes that the person has contravened subsection (1) or (2) by using a measuring instrument for trade that gives an inaccurate measurement or gives other information inaccurately; and

the inspector is satisfied that, despite the contravention:

the measuring instrument could be used for trade during the remedy period for the notice without there being any material detriment to an affected person; or

the measuring instrument could be used for trade during the remedy period for the notice without there being any material detriment to an affected person if conditions specified in accordance with subsection (9) are complied with.

(9) A trade measurement inspector may specify in the notice to remedy one or more conditions that must be complied with by the person to whom the notice is given during the remedy period for the notice. A condition may only be imposed by the inspector if compliance with the condition would be reasonably likely to ensure that the measuring instrument could be used for trade during the remedy period without there being any material detriment to an affected person.

(10) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to the person in relation to a measuring instrument during the remedy period for the notice if:

where the inspector, in accordance with subsection (9), specifies in the notice one or more conditions that must be complied with during the remedy period—those conditions are complied with during the remedy period; and

during the remedy period, the person takes all reasonable steps to remedy the matters that gave rise to the contravention.

(11) For the purposes of this section, an affected person, in relation to a measuring instrument, means a person whose liability to pay consideration in respect of a transaction may be determined using the instrument. However, a person who is actually or apparently in control of the instrument is not an affected person.

8 At the end of Division 3 of Part IV

Add:

18GR Measuring instrument taken not to have failed test procedures in certain circumstances

When this section applies

Trade measurement inspector may give direction

Requirements for direction

Effect of complying with direction—instrument taken not to have failed test procedures

then, for the purposes of this Act and the regulations, the measuring instrument, or batch of instruments, is taken not to have failed when tested because of that matter.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in paragraph (6)(b) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

Direction not legislative instrument

This section applies if:

a person uses a measuring instrument for trade; and

a trade measurement inspector, in the course of exercising powers or performing functions or duties under this Act or the regulations, becomes aware that:

the measuring instrument no longer complies with the requirements for verification set out in section 18GK when tested in accordance with the national instrument test procedures; or

if the measuring instrument is treated as one of a batch under the national instrument test procedures—the measuring instrument is one of a batch that no longer complies with the requirements for verification set out in section 18GK when tested in accordance with those procedures.

A trade measurement inspector may give a person a direction in accordance with this section requiring the person to take specified action in relation to the matter that gave rise to the failure of the measuring instrument, or batch of instruments, when tested.

A direction may only be given by the inspector if the inspector is satisfied that the matter that gave rise to the failure of the measuring instrument, or batch of instruments, when tested will not materially affect the accuracy of the instrument if the direction is complied with.

A direction given under subsection (2) must:

be in writing; and

set out the name of the person to whom it is given; and

set out the name of the trade measurement inspector who gave the direction; and

state that the direction is given under this Act; and

state the period within which the action must be taken, in accordance with subsection (5); and

set out brief details of the reasons why the direction has been given; and

set out brief details of the matter that gave rise to the failure of the measuring instrument, or batch of instruments, when tested; and

explain the consequences of failing to comply with the direction; and

set out any other matters prescribed by the regulations.

The period stated in the direction must:

be a period of no more than 28 days; and

begin the day after the direction is given.

Where:

a direction is given to a person in accordance with this section in relation to a matter; and

the person complies with that direction;

To avoid doubt, the giving of a direction under this section to a person does not affect the liability of the person for a contravention of this Act or the regulations that is alleged to have occurred before the direction was given.

A direction given under this section is not a legislative instrument.

9 At the end of subsections 18HB(1), (2), (3) and (4) (after the penalty)

Add:

Note: For an exception to this offence, see subsection (9).

10 At the end of section 18HB

Add:

Trade measurement inspector may give notice to remedy

Note: Like article has the meaning given by subsection 18MMA(7).

Notice may specify conditions

Exception—all reasonable steps taken to remedy contravention etc.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (9) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

A trade measurement inspector may give a person a notice to remedy if:

the inspector reasonably believes that the person has contravened a provision of this section in relation to an article packed in advance ready for sale; and

the inspector is satisfied that, despite the contravention:

like articles could be sold during the remedy period for the notice without there being any material detriment to the purchaser; or

like articles could be sold during the remedy period for the notice without there being any material detriment to the purchaser if conditions specified in accordance with subsection (8) are complied with.

A trade measurement inspector may specify in the notice to remedy one or more conditions that must be complied with by the person during the remedy period for the notice. A condition may only be imposed by the inspector if compliance with the condition would be reasonably likely to ensure that a like article could be sold during the remedy period without there being any material detriment to the purchaser.

Subsections (1) to (4) do not apply to the person in relation to like articles during the remedy period for the notice if:

where the inspector, in accordance with subsection (8), specifies in the notice one or more conditions that must be complied with during the remedy period—those conditions are complied with during the remedy period; and

during the remedy period, the person takes all reasonable steps to remedy the matters that gave rise to the contravention.

11 At the end of subsections 18HC(1) and (2) (after the penalty)

Add:

Note: For an exception to this offence, see subsection (6).

12 At the end of section 18HC

Add:

Trade measurement inspector may give notice to remedy

Note: Like article has the meaning given by subsection 18MMA(7).

Notice may specify conditions

Exception—all reasonable steps taken to remedy contravention etc.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (6) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

A trade measurement inspector may give a person a notice to remedy if:

the inspector reasonably believes that the person has contravened subsection (1) or (2) in relation to an article that is not packed in advance ready for sale; and

the inspector is satisfied that, despite the contravention:

like articles could be sold during the remedy period for the notice without there being any material detriment to the purchaser; or

(5) A trade measurement inspector may specify in the notice to remedy one or more conditions that must be complied with by the person during the remedy period for the notice. A condition may only be imposed by the inspector if compliance with the condition would be reasonably likely to ensure that a like article could be sold during the remedy period without there being any material detriment to the purchaser.

Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to the person in relation to like articles during the remedy period for the notice if:

where the inspector, in accordance with subsection (5), specifies in the notice one or more conditions that must be complied with during the remedy period—those conditions are complied with during the remedy period; and

during the remedy period, the person takes all reasonable steps to remedy the matters that gave rise to the contravention.

13 Paragraph 18HD(1)(a)

After “the article”, insert “or utility”.

14 At the end of subsection 18HD(1) (after the penalty)

Add:

Note: For an exception to this offence, see subsection (6).

15 At the end of section 18HD

Add:

Trade measurement inspector may give notice to remedy

Note: Like article has the meaning given by subsection 18MMA(7).

Notice may specify conditions

Exception—all reasonable steps taken to remedy contravention etc.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (6) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

A trade measurement inspector may give a person a notice to remedy if:

(a) the inspector reasonably believes that the person has contravened subsection (1) in relation to the sale of an article (whether packed in advance ready for sale or otherwise) or a utility by reference to measurement of the article or utility in a unit of measurement that is not prescribed (the unauthorised unit); and

the inspector is satisfied that, despite the contravention:

like articles or the utility could be sold during the remedy period for the notice by reference to measurement in the unauthorised unit without there being any material detriment to the purchaser; or

(ii) like articles or the utility could be sold during the remedy period for the notice by reference to measurement in the unauthorised unit without there being any material detriment to the purchaser if conditions specified in accordance with subsection (5) are complied with.

(5) A trade measurement inspector may specify in the notice to remedy one or more conditions that must be complied with by the person during the remedy period for the notice. A condition may only be imposed by the inspector if compliance with the condition would be reasonably likely to ensure that a like article or the utility could be sold during the remedy period by reference to measurement in the unauthorised unit without there being any material detriment to the purchaser.

Subsection (1) does not apply to the person in relation to like articles or the utility during the remedy period for the notice if:

during the remedy period, the person takes all reasonable steps to remedy the matters that gave rise to the contravention.

16 Paragraph 18HE(1)(a)

After “the article”, insert “or utility”.

17 At the end of subsections 18HG(1) and (2) (after the penalty)

Add:

Note: For an exception to this offence, see subsection (6).

18 At the end of section 18HG

Add:

Trade measurement inspector may give notice to remedy

Notice may specify conditions

Exception—all reasonable steps taken to remedy contravention etc.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (6) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

A trade measurement inspector may give a person a notice to remedy if:

(a) the inspector reasonably believes that the person has contravened subsection (1) or (2) by using a measuring instrument for trade for a purpose that is not prescribed (the unauthorised purpose); and

the inspector is satisfied that, despite the contravention:

the measuring instrument could be used for trade for the unauthorised purpose during the remedy period for the notice without there being any material detriment to an affected person; or

the measuring instrument could be used for trade for the unauthorised purpose during the remedy period for the notice without there being any material detriment to an affected person if conditions specified in accordance with subsection (5) are complied with.

(5) A trade measurement inspector may specify in the notice to remedy one or more conditions that must be complied with by the person to whom the notice is given during the remedy period for the notice. A condition may only be imposed by the inspector if compliance with the condition would be reasonably likely to ensure that the measuring instrument could be used for trade for the unauthorised purpose during the remedy period without there being any material detriment to an affected person.

(6) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to the person in relation to a measuring instrument during the remedy period for the notice if:

during the remedy period, the person takes all reasonable steps to remedy the matters that gave rise to the contravention.

(7) For the purposes of this section, an affected person, in relation to a measuring instrument, means a person whose liability to pay consideration in respect of a transaction may be determined using the instrument. However, a person who is actually or apparently in control of the instrument is not an affected person.

19 At the end of subsections 18JA(1) and (2) and 18JB(1) and (2) (after the penalty)

Add:

Note: For an exception to this offence, see subsection (4) of this section and subsection 18JHA(3).

20 At the end of subsections 18JC(1) and (2) and 18JD(1) and (2) (after the penalty)

Add:

Note: For exceptions to this offence, see subsections (4) and (5) of this section and subsection 18JHA(3).

21 At the end of subsections 18JE(1) and (2) (after the penalty)

Add:

Note: For exceptions to this offence, see subsection (4) of this section and subsection 18JHA(3).

22 At the end of subsections 18JF(1) and (2) (after the penalty)

Add:

Note: For an exception to this offence, see subsection 18JHA(3).

23 At the end of subsections 18JG(1) and (2) and 18JH(1) and (2) (after the penalty)

Add:

Note: For exceptions to this offence, see subsection (4) of this section and subsection 18JHA(3).

24 At the end of Division 2 of Part VI

Add:

18JHA Trade measurement inspector may give notice to remedy

When a notice to remedy may be given

Note: Like article has the meaning given by subsection 18MMA(7).

Notice may specify conditions

Exception—all reasonable steps taken to remedy contravention etc.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (3) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

A trade measurement inspector may give a person a notice to remedy if:

the inspector reasonably believes that the person has contravened a provision of this Division in relation to an article packed in advance ready for sale; and

the inspector is satisfied that, despite the contravention:

like articles could be sold during the remedy period for the notice without there being any material detriment to the purchaser; or

(2) A trade measurement inspector may specify in the notice to remedy one or more conditions that must be complied with by the person during the remedy period for the notice. A condition may only be imposed by the inspector if compliance with the condition would be reasonably likely to ensure that a like article could be sold during the remedy period without there being any material detriment to the purchaser.

Offences against this Division do not apply to a person to whom a notice to remedy is given in relation to like articles during the remedy period for the notice if:

where the inspector, in accordance with subsection (2), specifies in the notice one or more conditions that must be complied with during the remedy period—those conditions are complied with during the remedy period; and

during the remedy period, the person takes all reasonable steps to remedy the matters that gave rise to the contravention.

25 At the end of subsections 18JK(2) and (3) and 18JL(1) to (6) (after the penalty)

Add:

Note: For an exception to this offence, see subsection 18JLA(3).

26 At the end of Subdivision 3-B of Division 3 of Part VI

Add:

18JLA Trade measurement inspector may give notice to remedy

When a notice to remedy may be given

Note: Like article has the meaning given by subsection 18MMA(7).

Notice may specify conditions

Exception—all reasonable steps taken to remedy contravention etc.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (3) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

A trade measurement inspector may give a person a notice to remedy if:

the inspector reasonably believes that the person has contravened a provision of this Subdivision in relation to an article packed in advance ready for sale; and

the inspector is satisfied that, despite the contravention:

like articles could be sold during the remedy period for the notice without there being any material detriment to the purchaser; or

(3) Offences against this Subdivision do not apply to a person to whom a notice to remedy is given in relation to like articles during the remedy period for the notice if:

during the remedy period, the person takes all reasonable steps to remedy the matters that gave rise to the contravention.

27 Section 18MD

Repeal the section, substitute:

18MD Overview

Overview of Division

Trade measurement inspectors may enter public areas of business premises to purchase articles and packages sold there (see section 18MDA).

Trade measurement inspectors may enter business or residential premises or stop, detain and inspect business vehicles to monitor compliance or collect evidential material (see sections 18ME and 18MF). A trade measurement inspector must not enter residential premises without consent or a warrant.

Section 18MG sets out the general powers of trade measurement inspectors when entering premises or inspecting vehicles to monitor compliance or collect evidential material.

Trade measurement inspectors may require a controller (or other person in or on the premises) to answer questions or produce documents (see section 18MH).

Trade measurement inspectors may give a controller of a business vehicle (or other person in the vehicle) reasonable directions for the purpose of exercising powers in relation to the vehicle (see section 18MIA).

18MDA Powers of trade measurement inspectors in public areas of business premises 1

A trade measurement inspector may enter a public area of business premises when the premises are open to the public and do one or more of the following for a purpose referred to in subsection (2):

inspect any article or package that is available for sale;

purchase any article or package that is available for sale;

inspect or collect written information, advertising or any other document that is available, or made available, to the public;

discuss with any person the features of any article or package that is available for sale;

observe practices relating to the supply of any article or package that is available for sale.

A trade measurement inspector may only exercise a power under subsection (1) for the purposes of:

finding out whether Part IV, V, VI or VII has been complied with; or

finding out whether a condition of a servicing licence under Part X or a public weighbridge licence under Part XI has been complied with; or

finding out whether a condition of an appointment of a utility meter verifier under Part XIII has been complied with.

Subsection (1) does not affect any right of the occupier of the business premises to refuse to allow a trade measurement inspector to enter, or remain on, the premises.

Subsection (1) does not limit the powers of a trade measurement inspector under any other provision of this Division or any other power of a person to enter a public area of business premises.

28 Paragraph 18ME(1)(a)

Before “inspect”, insert “stop, detain and”.

29 Paragraph 18MF(2)(a)

Before “inspect”, insert “stop, detain and”.

30 After subsection 18MG(2)

Insert:

When exercising powers under subsection (2) in relation to a business vehicle, a trade measurement inspector must ensure that the vehicle is not detained for longer than is necessary and reasonable for the purpose of exercising those powers in relation to the vehicle and any thing in or on the vehicle.

31 After section 18MI

Insert:

18MIA Trade measurement inspector may give directions to controllers of business vehicles etc. 1

If a trade measurement inspector is authorised to stop, detain and inspect a business vehicle under section 18ME or 18MF, the inspector may give reasonable directions to the controller of the vehicle and any person in the vehicle for the purpose of exercising those powers and the powers under section 18MG in relation to the vehicle or any thing in or on the vehicle.

Without limiting subsection (1), a trade measurement inspector may direct the controller of a business vehicle or a person in the vehicle to do any or all of the following:

drive or move the vehicle to or from a particular area;

remain in, leave or return to the vehicle;

unload or reload any thing in or on the vehicle.

Offence requiring fault element

Penalty: 200 penalty units.

Strict liability offence

Penalty: 40 penalty units.

Note: For strict liability, see Criminal Code.section 6.1 of the

A person commits an offence if:

the person is given a direction under this section; and

the person does not comply with the direction.

A person commits an offence if:

the person is given a direction under this section; and

the person does not comply with the direction.

Subsection (4) is an offence of strict liability.

32 At the end of section 18MM

Add:

Note: A measuring instrument may comply with the requirements for verification set out in section 18GK if the instrument is taken not to have failed when tested in accordance with the national instrument test procedures (see section 18GR).

33 At the end of Division 3 of Part IX

Add:

18MMA Notices to remedy

Trade measurement inspector may give notice to remedy

Requirements for notice

Effect of notice

Definition—like articles

Notice to remedy not legislative instrument

A trade measurement inspector may give a person a notice to remedy if permitted to do so under this Act.

(2) A notice to remedy is a notice that complies with subsections (3), (4) and (5).

A notice to remedy must:

be in writing; and

set out the name of the person to whom it is given; and

set out the name of the trade measurement inspector who gave the notice; and

state that the notice is a notice to remedy given under this Act; and

state the remedy period for the notice in accordance with subsection (5); and

set out brief details of the reasons why the notice has been given; and

specify the provision or provisions which the trade measurement inspector reasonably believes has, or have, been contravened; and

explain the consequences of failing to comply with the notice; and

set out any other matters prescribed by the regulations.

A notice to remedy may include a condition permitted under this Act.

The remedy period must:

be a period of no more than 28 days; and

begin the day after the notice to remedy is given.

To avoid doubt, the giving of a notice to remedy to a person does not affect the liability of the person for a contravention of this Act that is alleged to have occurred before or after the remedy period to which the notice to remedy relates.

(7) For the purposes of determining if a notice to remedy may be given under a provision of this Act for a contravention, an article (the second article) is a like article in relation to the article to which the contravention relates (the first article) if:

the second article is the same as, or substantially similar to, the first article; and

if the first article is packed in advance ready for sale:

the second article is packed in advance ready for sale; and

the second article is packaged in the same way as, or a substantially similar way to, the first article; and

iii

the markings on the package in which the second article is packed are the same as, or substantially similar to, the markings on the package in which the first article is packed.

A notice to remedy is not a legislative instrument.

Offences relating to use and repair of measuring instruments

National Measurement Act 1960

1 Paragraph 18GF(6)(e)

Omit “section 18GQ”, substitute “sections 18GPA and 18GQ”.

2 After section 18GP

Insert:

18GPA Obligation to obliterate verification mark—person who adjusts or repairs measuring instrument

Offence requiring fault element

Penalty: 200 penalty units.

Strict liability offence

Penalty: 40 penalty units.

Note: For strict liability, see Criminal Code.section 6.1 of the

Exception

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (4) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

A person commits an offence if:

the person adjusts or repairs a measuring instrument; and

the measuring instrument is used for trade; and

in adjusting or repairing the measuring instrument, the metrological performance of the measuring instrument is affected; and

the person does not obliterate, or cause to be obliterated, any verification mark that was on the measuring instrument immediately before the adjustment or repair.

A person commits an offence if:

the person adjusts or repairs a measuring instrument; and

the measuring instrument is used for trade; and

in adjusting or repairing the measuring instrument, the metrological performance of the measuring instrument is affected; and

the person does not obliterate, or cause to be obliterated, any verification mark that was on the measuring instrument immediately before the adjustment or repair.

Subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.

Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply if the effect on the measuring instrument can be corrected by normal operational adjustment of the measuring instrument.

3 Section 18GQ (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

18GQ Obligation to obliterate verification mark—person who causes adjustment or repair of measuring instrument 4 Paragraphs 18GQ(1)(a) and (b)

Repeal the paragraphs, substitute:

the person causes a measuring instrument to be adjusted or repaired; and

the measuring instrument is used for trade; and

5 Paragraph 18GQ(1)(d)

Repeal the paragraph.

6 Paragraph 18GQ(1)(e)

Omit “the measuring instrument bears”, substitute “was on the measuring instrument immediately before the adjustment or repair”.

7 Paragraphs 18GQ(2)(a) and (b)

Repeal the paragraphs, substitute:

the person causes a measuring instrument to be adjusted or repaired; and

the measuring instrument is used for trade; and

8 Paragraph 18GQ(2)(d)

Repeal the paragraph.

9 Paragraph 18GQ(2)(e)

Omit “the measuring instrument bears”, substitute “was on the measuring instrument immediately before the adjustment or repair”.

10 Subsection 18K(2)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

If the purchaser is present when the measurement is made, either the measurement of the article must be visible to the purchaser or the seller must give the purchaser a written statement of the measurement of the article. A seller who does not do so commits an offence (see section 18KA).

11 Subsection 18K(3)

Omit “at the point of sale”, substitute “when the measurement is made”.

12 Sections 18KA and 18KB

Repeal the sections, substitute:

18KA Requirements if purchaser present when measurement made 1

If:

a person sells an article for a price determined by reference to the measurement of the article; and

the article is not packed in advance ready for sale; and

the purchaser is present when the measurement is made;

the person must either:

Penalty: 200 penalty units.

Penalty: 40 penalty units.

Note: For strict liability, see Criminal Code.section 6.1 of the

ensure that the measuring process, and any reading or information displayed by the measuring instrument, is readily visible to the purchaser; or

give the purchaser a written statement of the measurement at the time the article is given to the purchaser.

A person commits an offence if the person contravenes subsection (1). The physical elements of the offence are set out in that subsection.

A person commits an offence of strict liability if the person contravenes subsection (1).

18KB Requirements if purchaser not present when measurement made 1

If:

a person sells an article for a price determined by reference to measurement of the article; and

the article is not packed in advance ready for sale; and

the purchaser is not present when the measurement is made;

the person must give the purchaser a written statement of the measurement at the time the article is given or delivered to the purchaser.

Penalty: 200 penalty units.

Penalty: 40 penalty units.

Note: For strict liability, see Criminal Code.section 6.1 of the

A person commits an offence if the person contravenes subsection (1). The physical elements of the offence are set out in that subsection.

A person commits an offence of strict liability if the person contravenes subsection (1).

13 Application

The amendment made by item 12 of this Schedule applies in relation to measurements made on or after the day this item commences.

Other amendments

National Measurement Act 1960

1 Subsection 3(1) (at the end of the definition of Australian certified reference material)

Add “and for which the certification is in effect”.

2 Subsection 3(1) (at the end of the definition of certified measuring instrument)

Add “and for which the certification is in effect”.

3 Subsection 3(1) (definition of reference standard of measurement)

Omit “period for which a certificate of verification is given under the regulations has not expired”, substitute “verification is in effect”.

4 Subsection 3(1) (paragraph (b) of the definition of use for trade)

Omit “either or both”, substitute “one or more”.

5 Subsection 3(1) (at the end of paragraph (b) of the definition of use for trade)

Add:

; (iii) if the regulations prescribe circumstances in which the use of a measuring instrument for the purpose of determining the amount of a tax credit (including a fuel tax credit) or adjustment is a use for trade—determining an amount of that kind in those circumstances.

6 Subsection 3(1) (definition of utility meter)

Repeal the definition, substitute:

utility meter means a measuring instrument that is:

a gas meter; or

an electricity meter; or

a water meter.

7 After subsection 3(6)

Insert:

(6A) The regulations may prescribe circumstances in which the use of a measuring instrument for the purpose of determining the amount of a tax credit (including a fuel tax credit) or adjustment is a use for trade for the purposes of subparagraph (b)(iii) of the definition of use for trade in subsection (1).

8 Subsection 4A(1)

Omit “subsections (2) and (3)”, substitute “this section”.

9 After subsection 4A(1)

Insert:

Exception—concurrent operation of State and Territory laws relating to exempt utility meters

Limited application of this Act and the regulations to exempt utility meters

This Act and the regulations are not intended to exclude or limit the concurrent operation of any State or Territory law to the extent the State or Territory law relates to:

verification of exempt utility meters for use for trade; or

approval of patterns of exempt utility meters for use for trade.

An exempt utility meter may be verified for use for trade under this Act.

Sections 18GM, 18GN and 18GO apply in relation to an exempt utility meter used for trade.

The pattern of an exempt utility meter may be approved for use for trade under section 19A of this Act.

Except as provided for in subsections (1B) to (1D), this Act and the regulations do not apply to an exempt utility meter used for trade.

10 Subsection 4A(2) (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

Exception—concurrent operation of State and Territory laws relating to improper practices

11 At the end of section 4A

Add:

Definition

exempt utility meter means a utility meter that is included in a class of utility meters that are prescribed to be exempt utility meters under paragraph 20(1)(f).

In this section:

12 Subsection 19AAA(1)

Omit “(1)”.

13 Subsection 19AAA(2)

Repeal the subsection.

14 Paragraph 20(1)(f)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

prescribing classes of utility meters that are exempt utility meters; and

15 Saving of regulations

Regulations in force for the purpose of the definition of utility meter in subsection 3(1) of the National Measurement Act 1960 immediately before the commencement of this item continue in force on and after that commencement as if they were regulations in force for the purposes of paragraph 20(1)(f) of that Act as amended by this Schedule.

[Minister’s second reading speech made in—

House of Representatives on 20 March 2013

Senate on 16 May 2013]

(43/13)