Fuel Industry Act 2020

1: Title
This Act is the Fuel Industry Act 2020.
2: Commencement
1: Sections 1 and 2 Part 1 Part 3 section 46
2: The rest of this Act comes into force on a date appointed by the Governor-General by Order in Council, and 1 or more orders may be made appointing different dates for different provisions and for different purposes.
3: To the extent that they are not previously brought into force under subsection (2)
a: subparts 1 2 Part 2 section 46 subpart 1 or 2 of Part 2
b: subparts 3 4 Part 2
4: In this section, provision Schedule 1
5: An order under this section is secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette LA19 s 69(1)﻿(c) Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)﻿(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 2(5) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
1: Preliminary provisions
3: Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to promote competition in engine fuel markets for the long-term benefit of end users of engine fuel products.
4: Interpretation
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— bulk storage facility chief executive Commission dealer distributor end user engine fuel Energy (Fuels, Levies, and References) Act 1989 fixed wholesale contract
a: means a wholesale contract that governs,—
i: for a fixed period, the wholesale price and other conditions of sale and supply of engine fuel during the period; or
ii: for a fixed amount of engine fuel, the wholesale price and other conditions of sale and supply for that engine fuel; but
b: does not include a wholesale contract for the sale and supply of engine fuel under the terminal gate pricing regime in subpart 1 of Part 2 fuel industry participant
a: an end user; or
b: an incidental part of the hiring, leasing, or selling of motor vehicles interconnected section 2(7) Minister reseller
a: means a person that purchases, or intends to purchase, engine fuel from a wholesale supplier to sell and supply to another person; but
b: does not include a person that does so, or intends to do so, only as an incidental part of their business retail fuel site
a: means a place at which engine fuel is sold and supplied to an end user (for example, a petrol station or a truck stop); but
b: does not include a place at which the primary business is the hiring, leasing, or selling of motor vehicles; and
c: does not include a bulk storage facility retailer
a: means a person that carries on a business of selling and supplying engine fuel to end users; but
b: does not include a person who sells and supplies engine fuel only as an incidental part of their primary business of hiring, leasing, or selling motor vehicles specified engine fuel section 8(2) terminal gate price section 9 wholesale contract wholesale supplier
5: Transitional, savings, and related provisions
The transitional, savings, and related provisions set out in Schedule 1
6: Act binds the Crown
This Act binds the Crown.
7: Status of examples
1: An example used in this Act or in an enactment made under this Act is only illustrative of the provisions to which it relates. It does not limit those provisions.
2: If an example and a provision to which it relates are inconsistent, the provision prevails.
2: Requirements applying to fuel industry participants
1: Terminal gate pricing
8: Application and definition
1: This subpart applies to—
a: a wholesale supplier that has a right to draw specified engine fuel at a bulk storage facility as the owner or co-owner of the fuel; and
b: a reseller.
2: In this subpart, specified engine fuel
a: means regular grade petrol, premium grade petrol, or diesel (each within the meaning of regulations made under section 35
b: includes any other engine fuel that is included in this definition by any regulations made under this subpart; but
c: does not include any engine fuel referred to in paragraph (a)
9: Obligation to post terminal gate price
1: A wholesale supplier must publicly post a price (a terminal gate price
2: The wholesale supplier must comply with any requirements of regulations made under this subpart relating to publicly posting a terminal gate price.
3: The wholesale supplier may change the terminal gate price for a specified engine fuel at any time.
10: Right to request same-day supply
1: A reseller may, in accordance with any regulations made under this subpart, request a wholesale supplier to supply, at a bulk storage facility and on the day of the request, an amount of a specified engine fuel at its terminal gate price.
2: The reseller may withdraw the request at any time before the request is accepted by the wholesale supplier.
11: Wholesale supplier must supply at terminal gate price
1: The wholesale supplier must supply the reseller with the requested amount at its terminal gate price, unless the wholesale supplier has reasonable grounds to refuse to supply.
2: The price payable by the reseller for the specified engine fuel must not exceed the terminal gate price posted at the time the request is made.
3: The wholesale supplier must comply with any terms and conditions prescribed by regulations made under this subpart that apply to the wholesale supplier.
12: Reasonable grounds to refuse to supply
1: The wholesale supplier has reasonable grounds to refuse to supply
a: the amount of specified engine fuel requested by the reseller is less than any minimum purchase amount prescribed by regulations made under this subpart; or
b: the wholesale supplier reasonably believes that the reseller is unable or unlikely to comply with any terms and conditions prescribed by regulations made under this subpart that apply to the reseller; or
c: the wholesale supplier reasonably believes that the reseller is unable or unlikely to receive or transport the requested amount in accordance with any health and safety requirements that apply in relation to the reseller, the specified engine fuel, or the bulk storage facility concerned; or
d: the wholesale supplier reasonably believes that the reseller is unable to pay for the requested amount; or
e: the wholesale supplier requires the requested amount—
i: to meet its obligations under its contracts with end users or its fixed wholesale contracts; or
ii: to meet forecast demand, over the period prescribed by regulations made under this subpart, for specified engine fuel sold by the wholesale supplier at retail fuel sites to end users; or
f: any other grounds prescribed by regulations made under this subpart apply.
2: A wholesale supplier is not entitled to rely on subsection (1)﻿(e) Example
The prescribed time period is a month. The prescribed minimum supply amount is 30,000 litres. A wholesale supplier has, to date during the month, supplied 20,000 litres of the specified engine fuel to independent resellers. An independent reseller requests the wholesale supplier to supply 15,000 litres of the specified engine fuel to the independent reseller during the month. The wholesale supplier— is not entitled to rely on subsection (1)﻿(e) is entitled to rely on subsection (1)﻿(e)
3: A wholesale supplier to which subsection (1)﻿(e)﻿(i) and (ii)
4: A wholesale supplier that has supplied the prescribed minimum supply amount to an independent reseller (or to independent resellers) during a prescribed time period must provide or publish a notice in accordance with any regulations made under this subpart.
5: For the purposes of this section, independent reseller
a: an interconnected body corporate of the wholesale supplier; or
b: a party to a fixed wholesale contract with the wholesale supplier or with an interconnected body corporate of the wholesale supplier.
13: Regulations under this subpart
1: The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations—
a: prescribing any engine fuels that are included in, or excluded from, the definition of specified engine fuel for the purpose of section 8(2)
b: prescribing requirements relating to posting terminal gate prices for the purpose of section 9(2)
i: how terminal gate prices must be expressed (for example, as cents per litre and whether they are inclusive or exclusive of tax); or
ii: how any additional charges must be itemised (for example, that additional charges, fees, duties, or taxes must be identified separately); or
iii: where terminal gate prices must be posted (for example, on a wholesale supplier’s Internet site); or
c: prescribing requirements relating to requests by resellers under section 10
d: prescribing the following terms and conditions for the purposes of sections 11(3) 12(1)﻿(b)
i: the documentation that must be provided by wholesale suppliers to resellers for each sale at the terminal gate price:
ii: providing for pre-certification to allow wholesale suppliers to determine before supply if the reseller is likely to pay or to meet health and safety requirements; or
e: prescribing the minimum purchase amount for the purpose of section 12(1)﻿(a)
f: prescribing the period over which demand may be forecast for the purpose of section 12(1)﻿(e)﻿(ii)
g: prescribing any other grounds to refuse to supply for the purpose of section 12(1)﻿(f)
h: prescribing the time period for the purpose of section 12(2)
i: prescribing the minimum supply amount for the purpose of section 12(2)
j: prescribing requirements relating to notices under section 12(3) and (4)
2: The Minister may make a recommendation only if—
a: the Minister has consulted any fuel industry participants that the Minister considers are likely to be significantly affected by the regulations:
b: in the case of regulations specifying engine fuels that are included in, or excluded from, the definition of specified engine fuel,—
i: the Minister has had regard to the impact of the regulations on incentives to innovate and to invest in markets for specified engine fuels; and
ii: the Minister is satisfied that a significant proportion of the relevant engine fuel is used by motor vehicles (as defined in section 2(1)
iii: the Minister is satisfied that the regulations are necessary or desirable after having regard to the purpose of this Act.
3: Regulations under this section are secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette LA19 s 69(1)﻿(c) Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)﻿(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 13(3) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
2: Fixed wholesale contractual terms
14: Application of this subpart
This subpart applies to fixed wholesale contracts for any engine fuel.
15: Transparency obligation
A wholesale supplier must ensure that the terms of its fixed wholesale contracts are expressed clearly, concisely, and in plain language.
16: Transparent pricing under fixed wholesale contracts
1: A wholesale supplier must ensure that—
a: its fixed wholesale contracts specify, in accordance with any regulations made under this subpart, the method ( pricing method
b: the price of any engine fuel supplied under its fixed wholesale contracts is calculated using that pricing method.
2: A wholesale supplier must not vary the pricing method specified in a fixed wholesale contract, except in accordance with any regulations made under this subpart.
17: Right to terminate certain fixed wholesale contracts
1: A distributor may terminate a fixed wholesale contract with a wholesale supplier at any time after it has been in force for longer than the maximum duration prescribed by any regulations made under this subpart.
2: Subsection (1)
a: it is reasonably necessary for the contract to be in force for longer than the prescribed maximum duration to enable, or to enable the recovery of, specific investment by the wholesale supplier for the benefit of the distributor; or
b: the contract does not require the distributor to purchase a minimum amount of engine fuel from the wholesale supplier.
3: A distributor may terminate a fixed wholesale contract under subsection (1)
18: Maximum percentage of annual requirement of engine fuel that may be subject to exclusivity
1: A provision in a fixed wholesale contract is of no effect to the extent that it requires the distributor to purchase from the wholesale supplier more than the maximum percentage (as prescribed by any regulations made under this subpart) of the distributor’s annual requirement for engine fuel.
2: A wholesale supplier must not enter into a fixed wholesale contract that contains a provision of the kind described in subsection (1)
3: Subsections (1) and (2) subsection (1)
4: A wholesale supplier may, in any fixed wholesale contract with a distributor, require the distributor,—
a: for the purpose of ensuring that the wholesale supplier can comply with subsections (1) and (2)
b: to give reasonable notice to the wholesale supplier of the distributor’s intention to take supply from another supplier.
19: Wholesale contractual terms that limit ability of reseller to compete
1: A wholesale supplier must not enter into a fixed wholesale contract that contains a provision that—
a: is likely to limit the ability of the reseller who is a party to that contract to compete with the wholesale supplier or any other person; and
b: is not reasonably necessary in order to protect the reasonable commercial interests of the supplier.
2: A provision that is prohibited under subsection (1)
3: In determining whether a provision of a wholesale contract is prohibited under subsection (1)
a: the fixed wholesale contract as a whole; and
b: any other matters that the court thinks are relevant.
4: Without limiting subsection (1)﻿(a)
a: provisions that limit the ability of the reseller to obtain supply of fuel from another wholesale supplier following the end of the term of the fixed wholesale contract (for example, a provision that gives the wholesale supplier a right to renewal of the fixed wholesale contract):
b: provisions that prevent the reseller from competing in any retail market that the wholesale supplier is active in, for example,—
i: a provision preventing the reseller from competing in a certain geographic area; or
ii: a provision that prioritises the allocation of engine fuel to the wholesale supplier’s retail fuel sites over allocation to the reseller, in the event of a supply constraint:
c: provisions that restrict the ability of the reseller to make independent decisions about the conduct of their business (for example, a provision that gives the wholesale supplier a first right of refusal for the transfer of ownership of the reseller’s business).
20: Regulations under this subpart
1: The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations—
a: relating to the specification of a pricing method in a fixed wholesale contract for the purpose of section 16(1)﻿(a)
b: prescribing the circumstances in which a pricing method may be varied for the purpose of section 16(2)
c: prescribing the maximum duration for the purpose of section 17
d: prescribing the maximum percentage for the purpose of section 18
2: The Minister may make a recommendation under subsection (1)
a: the Minister has consulted any fuel industry participants that the Minister considers are likely to be significantly affected by the regulations; and
b: the Minister is satisfied that the regulations are necessary or desirable after having regard to the purpose of this Act.
3: Regulations under this section are secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette LA19 s 69(1)﻿(c) Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)﻿(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 20(3) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
3: Consumer information requirements
21: Purpose of this subpart
The purpose of this subpart is to provide transparency in retail fuel prices so that end users are able to make informed purchasing decisions.
22: Obligation to comply with consumer information requirements
A retailer, or the person responsible for displaying information at a retail fuel site, must comply with any requirements prescribed by regulations made under this subpart.
23: Notice to take corrective action
1: If satisfied that a retailer, or a person responsible for displaying information at a retail fuel site, has failed to comply with any requirements prescribed by regulations under this subpart, the Commission may, by written notice given to the retailer or person, require the retailer or person to take any steps specified in the notice to—
a: remedy the non-compliance; or
b: ensure that the non-compliance is not continued or repeated.
2: A notice given under this section must specify a reasonable period (a specified period
3: A retailer, or person responsible for displaying information at a retail fuel site, given a notice under this section must comply with the notice within the specified period.
24: Consumer information requirements may be prescribed
1: The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations prescribing requirements relating to the display of information at retail fuel sites about the price of engine fuels.
2: In particular, the regulations may prescribe—
a: the engine fuels and kinds of retail fuel sites the regulations apply to; or
b: the information in relation to the price of those engine fuels that must be displayed; or
c: the circumstances in which the information must be displayed; or
d: the form and manner in which the information must be displayed; or
e: any information that must not be displayed (for example, discounts on the price of engine fuels).
3: The Minister may make a recommendation under subsection (1)
a: the Minister has consulted any fuel industry participants that the Minister considers are likely to be significantly affected by the regulations; and
b: the Minister is satisfied that the regulations are necessary or desirable after having regard to the purposes of this Act and this subpart.
4: Regulations under this section are secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette LA19 s 69(1)﻿(c) Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)﻿(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 24(4) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
4: Disclosure of information
25: Purposes of this subpart
The purposes of this subpart are—
a: to enable the chief executive and the Commission to monitor the performance of engine fuel markets; and
b: to ensure that sufficient information is readily available to the chief executive and the Commission to assess whether the purpose of this Act is being met.
26: Obligation to comply with information disclosure requirements
1: Every fuel industry participant to which requirements prescribed by the regulations made under this subpart apply must comply with those requirements.
2: Without limiting subsection (1)
3: The fuel industry participant must disclose the information in any form and manner specified by the chief executive or the Commission (as the case may be).
27: Information disclosure requirements may be prescribed
1: The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations prescribing requirements relating to record keeping, and the retention and disclosure of information, about engine fuel markets.
2: In particular, the regulations may prescribe—
a: the kinds of fuel industry participants, the engine fuels, and other matters that the regulations apply to; or
b: the information that must be recorded and retained; or
c: the methodologies that must be applied in recording the information, including—
i: how common costs are to be allocated; and
ii: how assets are to be valued; or
d: the circumstances in which information must be disclosed to the chief executive, the Commission, or both (for example, when requested by the chief executive or the Commission, at a specified time, or on the occurrence of a specified event); or
e: requirements relating to the publication of information that is required to be disclosed to the chief executive or the Commission.
3: The Minister may make a recommendation under subsection (1)
a: the Minister has consulted any fuel industry participants that the Minister considers are likely to be significantly affected by the regulations; and
b: the Minister is satisfied that the regulations are necessary or desirable after having regard to the purpose of this Act and this subpart.
4: Regulations under this section are secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette LA19 s 69(1)﻿(c) Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)﻿(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 27(4) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
28: Publication of analysis or summary
The chief executive or the Commission may,—
a: for the purposes of this subpart, analyse and summarise any information disclosed to them under this subpart; and
b: publish any resulting analysis or summary.
29: Information sharing between Commission and chief executive
1: The Commission may provide to the chief executive, and the chief executive may provide to the Commission, any information, or a copy of any document, that the Commission or the chief executive (as the case may be)—
a: holds in relation to the exercise of powers, or the performance of functions and duties, in respect of this subpart; and
b: considers may assist the other for the purposes of this subpart.
2: The Commission and the chief executive may use any information, or a copy of any document, provided under this section for the purposes of this subpart.
3: The Commission or the chief executive must not provide any information or document under this section unless satisfied that appropriate protections are or will be in place to maintain the confidentiality of the information or document (including information that is personal information within the meaning of the Privacy Act 2020
4: This section applies despite anything to the contrary in any contract, deed, or document.
5: Nothing in this section limits the Privacy Act 2020 or section 99AA Section 29(5) amended 5 May 2022 section 47(2) Commerce Amendment Act 2022
3: Proceedings and miscellaneous provisions
1: Proceedings
30: Pecuniary penalties
1: The High Court may, on the application of the Commission, order a person to pay to the Crown a pecuniary penalty if satisfied that the person—
a: has contravened any of the following provisions:
i: section 9 11
ii: section 15 16 18(2) 19(1)
iii: section 22
b: has attempted to contravene any of those provisions; or
c: has aided, abetted, counselled, or procured any other person to contravene any of those provisions; or
d: has induced, or attempted to induce, any other person, whether by threats or promises or otherwise, to contravene any of those provisions; or
e: has been in any way, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, the contravention by any other person of any of those provisions; or
f: has conspired with any other person to contravene any of those provisions.
2: The High Court may, on the application of the Commission or the chief executive, order a person to pay to the Crown a pecuniary penalty if satisfied that the person—
a: has contravened section 26
b: has attempted to contravene that provision; or
c: has aided, abetted, counselled, or procured any other person to contravene that provision; or
d: has induced, or attempted to induce, any other person, whether by threats or promises or otherwise, to contravene that provision; or
e: has been in any way, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, the contravention by any other person of that provision; or
f: has conspired with any other person to contravene that provision.
3: The amount of any pecuniary penalty under subsection (1) or (2)
a: in the case of an individual, $500,000 for each act or omission; or
b: in any other case, $5,000,000 for each act or omission.
4: The District Court may, on the application of the Commission, order a person to pay to the Crown a pecuniary penalty if satisfied that the person—
a: has failed to provide or publish a notice as required by section 12(3) or (4)
b: has failed to comply with a notice given by the Commission under section 23(1)
5: The amount of any pecuniary penalty under subsection (4)
a: in the case of an individual, $10,000 for each act or omission; or
b: in any other case, $30,000 for each act or omission.
6: In determining an appropriate penalty under this section, the court must have regard to,—
a: in the case of a contravention referred to in subsection (1)﻿(a) or (4)﻿(b)
i: the nature and extent of the contravention; and
ii: the nature and extent of any loss or damage suffered by any person because of the contravention; and
iii: any gains made or losses avoided by the person in contravention; and
iv: whether or not the person in contravention has paid an amount in compensation or taken other steps for reparation or restitution; and
b: the circumstances in which the contravention or other act or omission took place (including whether it was intentional, inadvertent, or caused by negligence); and
c: any previous contraventions of a similar nature; and
d: any other relevant matter.
7: Where conduct by any person constitutes a contravention of 2 or more provisions referred to in subsection (1)﻿(a)
8: However, no person is liable to more than 1 pecuniary penalty under this section in respect of the same conduct. 1986 No 5 s 80
31: Proceedings for pecuniary penalties
In any proceedings under this subpart for a pecuniary penalty,—
a: the standard of proof is the standard of proof that applies in civil proceedings; and
b: the Commission may, by order of the court, obtain discovery and administer interrogatories. 1986 No 5 s 79A
32: Court may order compensation
1: If a court orders a person to pay a pecuniary penalty under section 30
2: An application for orders under this section may be made by the Commission.
3: The application must be made as part of proceedings under section 30
4: In proceedings under this section, the court may make any orders as to costs that it thinks fit. 1986 No 5 s 87A Application of Commerce Act 1986
33: Application of Commerce Act 1986
The following provisions of the Commerce Act 1986
a: section 74A
b: section 74B
c: section 74C
d: section 79
e: section 90
f: section 98
g: sections 98A 98G
h: section 99
i: section 100
j: section 100A
34: Additional proceedings
Proceedings brought under this Act are in addition to any proceedings brought under any other Act. 2003 No 52 s 114 Injunctions
35: Court may grant injunction
1: The court may, on the application of the Commission or any other person, grant an injunction—
a: restraining a person from engaging in conduct that constitutes or would constitute a contravention of this Act (including any matter referred to in section 30(1) or (4)﻿(b)
b: requiring a person to do an act or a thing if—
i: that person has refused or failed, or is refusing or failing, or is proposing to refuse or fail, to do that act or thing; and
ii: the refusal or failure was, is, or would be a contravention of this Act.
2: The court may at any time rescind or vary an injunction granted under this subpart. 2013 No 69 s 480
36: When court may grant restraining injunctions
1: The court may grant an injunction restraining a person from engaging in conduct of a particular kind if—
a: it is satisfied that the person has engaged in conduct of that kind; or
b: it appears to the court that, if an injunction is not granted, it is likely that the person will engage in conduct of that kind.
2: The court may grant an interim injunction restraining a person from engaging in conduct of a particular kind if in its opinion it is desirable to do so.
3: Subsections (1)﻿(a) and (2)
4: Subsections (1)﻿(b) and (2)
a: the person has previously engaged in conduct of that kind; or
b: there is an imminent danger of substantial damage to any other person if the person engages in conduct of that kind. 2013 No 69 s 481
37: When court may grant performance injunctions
1: A court may grant an injunction requiring a person to do an act or a thing if—
a: it is satisfied that the person has refused or failed to do that act or thing; or
b: it appears to the court that, if an injunction is not granted, it is likely that the person will refuse or fail to do that act or thing.
2: The court may grant an interim injunction requiring a person to do an act or a thing if in its opinion it is desirable to do so.
3: Subsections (1)﻿(a) and (2)
4: Subsections (1)﻿(b) and (2)
a: the person has previously refused or failed to do that act or thing; or
b: there is an imminent danger of substantial damage to any other person if the person refuses or fails to do that act or thing.
38: Commission’s undertaking as to damages not required
1: If the Commission applies to the court for the grant of an interim injunction under this subpart, the court must not, as a condition of granting an interim injunction, require the Commission to give an undertaking as to damages.
2: In determining the Commission’s application for the grant of an interim injunction, the court must not take into account that the Commission is not required to give an undertaking as to damages. 2013 No 69 s 482 Other orders
39: Other orders
1: Where, in any proceedings under this subpart, the court finds that a party to the proceedings has suffered, or is likely to suffer, loss or damage because of another person’s contravention of any of the provisions of this Act, the court may (whether or not it grants an injunction or makes any other order under this subpart) make any order that it thinks appropriate against another party—
a: who is the person in contravention; or
b: who did any act referred to in section 30(1)﻿(b) to (f) or (2)﻿(b) to (f)
2: Where a contract is entered into in contravention of this Act, or contains a provision that (under this Act) is of no effect, the court may, in any proceedings under this subpart, make an order—
a: varying the contract as it thinks fit, but not so that it is inconsistent with the provisions of this Act; or
b: cancelling the contract; or
c: requiring any party to the contract to make restitution or pay compensation to any other party to the contract.
3: Nothing in subpart 5
4: Despite any enactment or rule of law, if a contract is entered into in contravention of this Act because the contract contains a particular provision, or the contract contains a provision that (under this Act) is of no effect, the enforceability of any other provision of the contract is not affected.
5: A person who has suffered, or is likely to suffer, loss or damage because of another person’s contravention of any of the provisions of subpart 2 subpart 2 1986 No 5 s 89 Jurisdiction
40: Jurisdiction of High Court
In accordance with this subpart, the High Court must hear and determine the following matters:
a: applications for orders under section 74C
b: proceedings to determine whether a provision of a wholesale contract is prohibited under section 19
c: proceedings for the recovery of pecuniary penalties under section 30(1) or (2)
d: applications for orders for compensation under section 32
e: applications for injunctions under section 35
f: applications for orders under section 39 1986 No 5 s 75
41: Jurisdiction of District Court
In accordance with this subpart, the District Court must hear and determine the following matters:
a: proceedings for the recovery of pecuniary penalties under section 30(4)
b: proceedings for offences against section 42
c: proceedings for offences against section 100 1986 No 5 s 76 Offences
42: Offences in respect of sections 98 and 98A of Commerce Act 1986
1: A person must not,—
a: without reasonable excuse, refuse or fail to comply with a notice under section 98
b: in purported compliance with such a notice, provide information, or produce a document, or give evidence, or authorise the making of a statement in a document, knowing it to be false or misleading; or
c: resist, obstruct, or delay an employee of the Commission acting under a warrant issued under section 98A
2: A person must not attempt to deceive or knowingly mislead the Commission in relation to any matter before it.
3: A person must not, having been required to appear before the Commission in accordance with section 98(1)﻿(c)
a: without reasonable excuse, refuse or fail to appear before the Commission to give evidence; or
b: refuse to take an oath or make an affirmation as a witness; or
c: refuse to answer any question; or
d: refuse to produce to the Commission any book or document that that person is required to produce.
4: A person who contravenes subsection (1), (2), or (3)
a: in the case of an individual, a fine not exceeding $100,000:
b: in any other case, a fine not exceeding $300,000. 1986 No 5 s 103 Other matters
43: Onus of proving certain provisions are reasonably necessary
In any proceedings relating to section 17 18 19 section 17(2)﻿(a), 18(3), or 19(1)﻿(b)
44: Limitation period for proceedings
1: Proceedings for offences against section 42 section 100
2: Any civil proceedings relating to a contravention of any of the provisions of this Act may be commenced—
a: no later than 3 years after the matter giving rise to the contravention was discovered or ought reasonably to have been discovered; and
b: no later than 10 years after the matter giving rise to the contravention.
2: Miscellaneous provisions
45: Application of Commerce Act 1986
The following provisions of the Commerce Act 1986
a: section 13
b: section 15
c: section 16
d: section 25
e: sections 101 102
f: section 106
g: section 106A
h: section 109
46: Dispute arising from subpart 1 or 2 of Part 2 must be referred to mediation
1: This section applies to any dispute between a wholesale supplier and a reseller that arises from the performance or non-performance of a duty or the exercise of a right under subpart 1 2 Part 2
2: If a dispute to which this section applies is unable to be resolved by agreement between the parties, the dispute must be referred to mediation.
3: Mediation under subsection (2)
4: If the parties are unable to resolve the dispute at mediation within any time frame prescribed by regulations made under this subpart, either party may refer the dispute to arbitration.
5: If a dispute is referred to arbitration under subsection (2) Arbitration Act 1996
6: Nothing in this section and no action taken under this section prevents proceedings from being brought by the Commission against a person for a failure to comply with any of that person’s obligations under this Act. 2013 No 91 s 117
47: Other regulations
1: The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations—
a: prescribing procedures for the purpose of section 46 subpart 1 2 Part 2
b: specifying or setting out a method of calculation for how mediation costs incurred under section 46
c: prescribing 1 or more dispute resolution schemes for the purpose of section 46
d: providing for any other matters contemplated by this Act, necessary for its administration, or necessary for giving it full effect.
2: The Minister may make a recommendation under this section only if the Minister has consulted any fuel industry participants that the Minister considers are likely to be significantly affected by the regulations.
3: Regulations under this section are secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette LA19 s 69(1)﻿(c) Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)﻿(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 47(3) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
48: Differential regulations
1: Regulations made under this Act may make different provision for different cases on any differential basis.
2: Without limiting subsection (1)
a: may prescribe requirements for a particular engine fuel or a class or classes of engine fuels; or
b: may prescribe different requirements for different engine fuels or classes of engine fuels; or
c: may prescribe different requirements for different fuel industry participants or other persons, or classes of such persons; or
d: may prescribe different requirements for different retail fuel sites or classes of such sites.
49: Chief executive may approve forms
For the purposes of this Act, the chief executive may approve forms of applications, notices, and other documents required for the purposes of this Act. 1986 No 5 s 109