Source: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2016C00155
Timestamp: 2019-07-21 17:23:48
Document Index: 484920039

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 6', 'art 7', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 5', 'art 6', 'art 7', 'art 8', 'art 9', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 6', 'art 6']

Details: C2016C00155
- C2016C00155
Act No. 99 of 2011 as amended, taking into account amendments up to Acts and Instruments (Framework Reform) (Consequential Provisions) Act 2015
An Act about the Australian National Registry of Emissions Units, and for other purposes
sch 1 (items 51-53)
C2016C00155
5 Electronic notice transmitted to the Regulator
Part 6—Voluntary cancellation of emissions units
Part 7—Civil penalty orders
No. 99, 2011
This is a compilation of the Australian National Registry of Emissions Units Act 2011 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 5 March 2016 (the compilation date).
5............ Electronic notice transmitted to the Regulator...................................... 9
Part 2—Australian National Registry of Emissions Units 11
8............ Simplified outline.............................................................................. 11
Division 2—Australian National Registry of Emissions Units 12
9............ Australian National Registry of Emissions Units.............................. 12
Division 3—Registry accounts 13
10.......... Registry accounts.............................................................................. 13
11.......... Opening of Registry accounts—identification procedures................ 14
12.......... Designation of Commonwealth Registry accounts............................ 14
13.......... Opening of new Commonwealth Registry accounts......................... 14
14.......... Units in certain accounts cannot be transferred................................. 15
15.......... Voluntary closure of Registry accounts............................................ 15
16.......... Unilateral closure of Registry accounts etc........................................ 15
Division 4—Entries in Registry accounts 18
17.......... Entries in Registry accounts.............................................................. 18
Division 5—Change in name of account holder 19
18.......... Change in name of account holder.................................................... 19
Division 6—Correction and rectification of Registry 20
19.......... Corrections of clerical errors, obvious defects or unauthorised entries etc. 20
20.......... General power of correction of Registry—Kyoto units..................... 21
22.......... Rectification of Registry.................................................................... 22
Division 7—Miscellaneous 24
23.......... Making a false entry in the Registry.................................................. 24
24.......... Falsified documents.......................................................................... 24
25.......... Evidentiary provisions...................................................................... 24
26.......... Use and disclosure of information obtained from the Registry......... 25
27.......... Regulations about the Registry.......................................................... 26
28.......... Suspension of operation of the Registry........................................... 27
28A....... Regulator may defer giving effect to a transfer instruction................ 28
28B....... Regulator may refuse to give effect to a transfer instruction.............. 29
28C....... Conditions restricting or limiting the operation of Registry accounts 31
28D....... Suspension of Registry accounts...................................................... 34
Part 3—Kyoto units 37
29.......... Simplified outline.............................................................................. 37
30.......... Entries for Kyoto units...................................................................... 37
31.......... Issue of Australia’s assigned amount units....................................... 37
32.......... Issue of removal units....................................................................... 38
32A....... Ownership of Kyoto unit.................................................................. 38
33.......... Transfer of Kyoto units..................................................................... 39
34.......... Domestic transfers of Kyoto units..................................................... 40
35.......... Outgoing international transfers of Kyoto units................................ 41
36.......... Incoming international transfers of Kyoto units................................ 42
37.......... Compliance by Australia with emissions trading eligibility requirements under the Kyoto rules 43
39.......... Kyoto rules........................................................................................ 43
40.......... Carry‑over restrictions...................................................................... 44
41.......... Commitment period reserve.............................................................. 45
42.......... Cancellation of temporary certified emission reductions or long‑term certified emission reductions 46
43.......... Replacement of long‑term certified emission reductions................... 46
44.......... Restrictions on transfer of Kyoto units to a Commonwealth Registry account 48
45.......... A registered Kyoto unit is personal property for certain purposes.... 48
45A....... Registration of equitable interests in relation to Kyoto units.............. 48
46.......... Equitable interests in relation to a Kyoto unit.................................... 49
47.......... Transmission of registered Kyoto units by operation of law etc........ 49
Part 5—Publication of information 52
58.......... Simplified outline.............................................................................. 52
59.......... Information about holders of Registry accounts................................ 52
60.......... Kyoto information............................................................................. 52
61.......... Publication of concise description of the characteristics of eligible international emissions units 53
61B....... Information about number of voluntarily cancelled Australian carbon credit units 53
62.......... Information about number of voluntarily cancelled Kyoto units........ 54
Part 6—Voluntary cancellation of emissions units 55
64B....... Voluntary cancellation of Australian carbon credit units................... 55
65.......... Voluntary cancellation of Kyoto units............................................... 56
Part 7—Civil penalty orders 58
67.......... Simplified outline.............................................................................. 58
68.......... References to Court........................................................................... 58
69.......... Civil penalty orders........................................................................... 58
70.......... Who may apply for a civil penalty order........................................... 59
71.......... Two or more proceedings may be heard together.............................. 60
72.......... Time limit for application for an order............................................... 60
73.......... Civil evidence and procedure rules for civil penalty orders............... 60
74.......... Civil proceedings after criminal proceedings..................................... 60
75.......... Criminal proceedings during civil proceedings................................. 60
76.......... Criminal proceedings after civil proceedings..................................... 61
77.......... Evidence given in proceedings for a civil penalty order not admissible in criminal proceedings 61
78.......... Mistake of fact.................................................................................. 61
79.......... State of mind..................................................................................... 62
80.......... Continuing contraventions................................................................ 62
Part 8—Review of decisions 64
81.......... Simplified outline.............................................................................. 64
82.......... Reviewable decisions........................................................................ 64
83.......... Applications for reconsideration of decisions made by delegates of the Regulator 65
84.......... Reconsideration by the Regulator...................................................... 66
85.......... Deadline for reconsideration............................................................. 66
86.......... Review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal............................... 66
Part 9—Miscellaneous 68
87.......... Computerised decision‑making......................................................... 68
88.......... Regulator’s power to require further information.............................. 68
89.......... Delegation by the Minister................................................................ 69
90.......... Delegation by the Secretary............................................................... 69
91.......... Liability for damages......................................................................... 69
92.......... Executive power of the Commonwealth............................................ 70
93.......... Notional payments by the Commonwealth........................................ 70
94.......... Compensation for acquisition of property......................................... 70
95.......... Prescribing matters by reference to other instruments....................... 71
96.......... Administrative decisions under the regulations................................. 71
97.......... Regulations....................................................................................... 71
This Act may be cited as the Australian National Registry of Emissions Units Act 2011.
2. Sections 3 to 97
• The Australian National Registry of Emissions Units is continued in existence.
• The Regulator may, in accordance with the regulations, open a Registry account in the name of a person.
account number, in relation to a Registry account, has the meaning given by subsection 10(4).
civil penalty order means an order under subsection 69(1).
designated, in relation to a Commonwealth Registry account, means designated under regulations made for the purposes of section 12.
electronic notice transmitted to the Regulator has the meaning given by section 5.
(a) a certified emission reduction (other than a temporary certified emission reduction or a long‑term certified emission reduction); or
(d) a prescribed unit issued in accordance with the Kyoto rules.
foreign registry means a registry that:
(a) is located in a foreign country; and
hold: a person holds an Australian carbon credit unit if the person is the registered holder of the unit.
Kyoto Australian carbon credit unit has the same meaning as in the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011.
It is immaterial whether a standard or instrument covered by paragraph (c), (d) or (e) was made before, at or after the commencement of this section. Despite anything in subsection 14(2) of the Legislation Act 2003, regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (e) may prescribe an instrument:
long‑term certified emission reduction means a certified emission reduction that is treated as a long‑term certified emission reduction for the purposes of the relevant provisions of the Kyoto rules.
long‑term certified emission reduction replacement (non‑certification) account means a Commonwealth Registry account designated as the long‑term certified emission reduction replacement (non‑certification) account for a particular commitment period.
long‑term certified emission reduction replacement (storage reversal) account means a Commonwealth Registry account designated as the long‑term certified emission reduction replacement (storage reversal) account for a particular commitment period.
open, in relation to a Registry account, means open under regulations made for the purposes of subsection 10(1).
registered holder, in relation to:
(b) a Kyoto unit.
Registry means the Australian National Registry of Emissions Units continued in existence under section 9.
Registry account means an account kept in accordance with regulations made for the purposes of subsection 10(1).
reviewable decision has the meaning given by section 82.
trust estate has the same meaning as in the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.
(6) Subsection (5) of this section has effect despite section 14A of the Electronic Transactions Act 1999.
(7) This section does not, by implication, limit the regulations that may be made under the Electronic Transactions Act 1999.
• A person may, in accordance with the regulations, request the Regulator to close the person’s Registry account.
• The Regulator is empowered to make corrections to the Registry.
• A person may apply to the Federal Court for the rectification of the Registry.
9 Australian National Registry of Emissions Units
(2) The Registry is to be kept by the Regulator.
Note: In this Act, Registry means the Australian National Registry of Emissions Units—see section 4.
(a) to be a registry for Australian carbon credit units;
10 Registry accounts
(1) The regulations may make provision for and in relation to empowering the Regulator to open accounts within the Registry.
(2) An account opened under regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1) is to be opened in the name of a particular person.
(3) An account kept in the name of a person is to be known as a Registry account of the person.
(4) Each Registry account is to be identified by a unique number, to be known as the account number of the Registry account.
(5) A person may have 2 or more Registry accounts.
(6) Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1) may make provision for or in relation to any or all of the following matters:
(a) requests to open Registry accounts;
(b) the approval by the Regulator of a form for such a request;
(c) information that must accompany such a request;
(d) the fee (if any) that must accompany such a request;
(e) verification by statutory declaration of statements in such a request;
(f) empowering the Regulator:
(i) to require a person who makes such a request to give the Regulator further information in connection with such a request; and
(ii) if the person breaches the requirement—to refuse to consider the request, or to refuse to take any action, or any further action, in relation to the request.
(7) Subsection (6) does not limit subsection (1).
(8) A fee mentioned in paragraph (6)(d) must not be such as to amount to taxation.
Note 1: See also section 11 (identification procedures).
Note 2: See also section 16 (unilateral closure of Registry accounts).
11 Opening of Registry accounts—identification procedures
(1) The regulations may prescribe identification procedures that must be carried out by the Regulator before the Regulator opens a Registry account in the name of the person.
(2) The regulations may declare that a specified number is a transaction limit for the purposes of this section.
(3) The regulations may make provision for identifying Registry accounts that are subject to a transaction limit.
(4) An identification procedure prescribed under regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1):
(a) may be expressed to apply to Registry accounts that are subject to a transaction limit; or
(b) may be expressed to apply to Registry accounts that are not subject to a transaction limit.
(5) The regulations may provide that, if a Registry account is subject to a particular transaction limit, the Regulator must not:
(a) issue any Australian carbon credit units to the account; or
(b) comply with an instruction to transfer units to the account;
if doing so would result in the account having entries for a number of units that exceeds the transaction limit.
12 Designation of Commonwealth Registry accounts
The regulations may empower the Regulator to designate a Commonwealth Registry account as an account with a name specified in the regulations.
13 Opening of new Commonwealth Registry accounts
The regulations may empower the Minister to direct the Regulator to:
14 Units in certain accounts cannot be transferred
(1) The regulations may provide that, if there is an entry for a Kyoto unit in a specified Commonwealth Registry account, the unit cannot be transferred.
(2) Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1) have effect despite any other provision of this Act or the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011.
15 Voluntary closure of Registry accounts
(1) The regulations may make provision for and in relation to empowering the Regulator to close a Registry account kept in the name of a person.
(2) Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1) must not empower the Regulator to close a Registry account unless:
(a) the person, by written notice given to the Regulator, requests the Regulator to close the account; and
16 Unilateral closure of Registry accounts etc.
(a) the person has contravened, or is contravening, this Part or regulations made for the purposes of this Part; and
(b) at least 30 days before closing the account, the Regulator gives the person a written notice:
(i) stating that the Regulator proposes to close the account; and
(ii) setting out the effect of any regulations made for the purposes of subsections (3), (4) and (6).
(3) The regulations may provide that, if immediately before the Regulator closes a Registry account under regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1), there is an entry for an Australian carbon credit unit in the account, the unit is cancelled.
(4) The regulations may provide that, if immediately before the Regulator closes a Registry account under regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1), there is an entry for a Kyoto unit in the account, the Regulator must transfer the unit to a voluntary cancellation account.
Refusal of request to open new Registry account
(6) The regulations may provide that, if:
(a) the Regulator has closed a person’s Registry account under regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1) of this section; and
(b) the person requests the Regulator, under regulations made for the purposes of subsection 10(1), to open a Registry account in the name of the person;
the Regulator must, under regulations made for the purposes of subsection 10(1), refuse the request.
(7) The Registry must set out a record of:
(a) each closure under regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1); and
(b) each cancellation under regulations made for the purposes of subsection (3).
Division 4—Entries in Registry accounts
17 Entries in Registry accounts
(1) An entry for an Australian carbon credit unit in a Registry account may be made in accordance with the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011.
(2) An entry for a Kyoto unit in a Registry account may be made in accordance with this Act.
Division 5—Change in name of account holder
18 Change in name of account holder
The regulations may provide that, if:
(c) the person applies in writing to the Regulator to have the new name substituted for the previous name in the Registry in relation to the account;
the Regulator may make the necessary alterations in the Registry.
Division 6—Correction and rectification of Registry
19 Corrections of clerical errors, obvious defects or unauthorised entries etc.
(1) The Regulator may alter the Registry for the purposes of correcting:
(a) a clerical error or an obvious defect in the Registry; or
(b) an entry made in the Registry without sufficient cause; or
(c) an entry wrongly existing in the Registry; or
(d) an entry wrongly removed from the Registry.
(2) The Regulator may exercise the power conferred by subsection (1):
(3) The Regulator must not exercise the power conferred by subsection (1) of this section in a manner contrary to a decision of the Federal Court in proceedings under section 22.
(3A) The Regulator must not exercise the power conferred by subsection (1) of this section in a manner contrary to:
(a) regulations made for the purposes of section 32A of this Act; or
(b) section 150A of the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011.
(4) If the Regulator makes an alteration to the Registry under subsection (1), the Regulator must cause to be published on the Regulator’s website a notice setting out the details of the alteration.
(a) the Regulator decides to refuse to alter the Registry under subsection (1); and
20 General power of correction of Registry—Kyoto units
(1) The Regulator may make such alterations to the Registry as the Regulator considers appropriate for the purposes of ensuring that the relevant provisions of the Kyoto rules are complied with.
(3) If the Regulator makes an alteration to the Registry under subsection (1), the Regulator must cause to be published on the Regulator’s website a notice setting out the details of the alteration.
22 Rectification of Registry
Application for rectification by the Regulator
(2) If the Regulator is concerned about any of the following:
the Regulator may apply to the Federal Court for the rectification of the Registry.
(3) If an application is made under subsection (1) or (2) to the Federal Court for the rectification of the Registry, the court may make such order as it thinks fit directing the rectification of the Registry.
(4) An order made by the court must not be expressed to take effect before the order is made.
(4A) The court must not make an order that is contrary to:
(5) In proceedings under this section, the court may decide any question that it is necessary or expedient to decide in connection with the rectification of the Registry.
Appearance of Regulator
(6) Notice of an application under subsection (1) must be given to the Regulator, whose representative:
Copy of order to be given to Regulator
(7) An office copy of an order made by the court may be given to the Regulator.
(8) The Regulator must, on receipt of the order, rectify the Registry accordingly.
23 Making a false entry in the Registry
Note: The same conduct may be an offence against both this section and section 145.4 of the Criminal Code.
24 Falsified documents
Note: The same conduct may be an offence against both this section and section 137.2 of the Criminal Code.
25 Evidentiary provisions
(1) The Regulator may supply a copy of or extract from the Registry certified by the Regulator to be a true copy or true extract, as the case may be.
Note: See also section 155 of the Evidence Act 1995.
(3) The Regulator may charge a fee specified in the regulations for supplying a certified copy or extract under subsection (1).
26 Use and disclosure of information obtained from the Registry
(2) A person (the first person) must not disclose information that:
(i) Australian carbon credit units; or
(ii) Kyoto units;
Note: For evidential burden, see section 4.
(6) Subsections (1), (2) and (5) are civil penalty provisions.
27 Regulations about the Registry
(2) Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1) may make provision requiring the holder of a Registry account to notify a matter to the Regulator.
(b) prohibit, restrict or limit the transfer of units to a restricted Registry account.
28 Suspension of operation of the Registry
(1) The Regulator may temporarily suspend the operation of the Registry if the Regulator is satisfied that:
(2) If the Regulator suspends the operation of the Registry, the Regulator must publish a notice on the Regulator’s website informing the public of the suspension.
(3) If the Regulator suspends the operation of the Registry, the Regulator may defer taking action in relation to the Registry until the suspension ends.
28A Regulator may defer giving effect to a transfer instruction
(1) This section applies if the Regulator receives an instruction to transfer one or more:
(a) Australian carbon credit units; or
(b) Kyoto units;
to or from a Registry account kept in the name of a person.
Regulator may defer giving effect to the instruction
(2) The Regulator may defer giving effect to the instruction, for a period that ends not later than the end of the fifth business day after the day on which the instruction was received, if the Regulator is satisfied that it is prudent to do so in order to:
(a) ensure the integrity of the Registry; or
(b) prevent, mitigate or minimise abuse of the Registry; or
(c) prevent, mitigate or minimise criminal activity involving the Registry.
Prior notice not required
(3) The Regulator is not required to give any prior notice of a deferral under subsection (2).
(b) anything in the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011.
28B Regulator may refuse to give effect to a transfer instruction
Regulator may refuse to give effect to instruction
(2) The Regulator may refuse to give effect to the instruction if the Regulator is satisfied that it is prudent to do so in order to:
(3) As soon as practicable after the Regulator refuses, under subsection (2), to give effect to the instruction, the Regulator must give written notice of the refusal to:
(a) in any case—the person; or
(b) if the instruction was given by another person—that other person.
(4) A notice given to a person under subsection (3) must invite the person to request the Regulator to cease to refuse to give effect to the instruction.
(b) be in a form approved, in writing, by the Regulator; and
(c) set out the reason for the request.
(6) If the person makes a request under subsection (4), the Regulator may, by written notice given to the person, require the person to give the Regulator, within the period specified in the notice, further information in connection with the request.
(7) The Regulator is not required to give any prior notice of a refusal under subsection (2).
(8) If the Regulator receives a request under subsection (4), the Regulator must:
(a) cease to refuse to give effect to the instruction; or
(b) decide to continue to refuse to give effect to the instruction.
(9) The Regulator must take all reasonable steps to ensure that a decision is made under subsection (8):
(a) if the Regulator requires the person to give further information under subsection (6) in relation to the request—within 7 days after the person gave the Regulator the information; or
(b) otherwise—within 7 days after the request was made.
(10) As soon as practicable after the Regulator makes a decision under subsection (8), the Regulator must notify the person, in writing, of the decision.
(11) This section has effect despite:
Note: For additional powers of refusal, see:
(a) paragraph 34(3)(a) of this Act; and
(b) paragraph 35(3)(a) of this Act; and
(c) subsection 36(2) of this Act.
28C Conditions restricting or limiting the operation of Registry accounts
(1) This section applies to a Registry account kept in the name of a person.
(2) The Regulator may, by written instrument, impose conditions restricting or limiting the operation of the Registry account for a specified period.
(b) on written request made to the Regulator by the person.
(4) The Regulator must not make an instrument under subsection (2) unless the Regulator is satisfied that it is prudent to do so in order to:
(5) A condition under subsection (2) may:
(a) prohibit, restrict or limit the transfer of units from the Registry account; or
(b) prohibit, restrict or limit the transfer of units to the Registry account.
(6) Subsection (5) does not limit subsection (2).
(7) As soon as practicable after making an instrument under subsection (2), the Regulator must give the person a copy of the instrument.
(8) If an instrument under subsection (2) is made on the Regulator’s own initiative, the copy of the instrument must be accompanied by a notice inviting the person to request the Regulator to:
(a) revoke the instrument; or
(b) vary the instrument in the manner specified in the request.
(9) A request under paragraph (3)(b) or subsection (8) must:
(10) If the person makes a request under subsection (8), the Regulator may, by written notice given to the person, require the person to give the Regulator, within the period specified in the notice, further information in connection with the request.
(11) The Regulator is not required to give any prior notice of a decision to make an instrument under subsection (2).
Decision in relation to instrument made on own initiative
(12) If the Regulator receives a request under subsection (8), the Regulator must:
(a) if the request is to revoke the instrument:
(i) revoke the instrument; or
(ii) decide not to revoke the instrument; or
(b) if the request is to vary the instrument:
(i) vary the instrument as requested; or
(ii) decide not to vary the instrument.
(13) The Regulator must take all reasonable steps to ensure that a decision is made under subsection (12):
(a) if the Regulator requires the person to give further information under subsection (10) in relation to the request—within 7 days after the person gave the Regulator the information; or
(14) As soon as practicable after the Regulator makes a decision under subsection (12), the Regulator must notify the person, in writing, of the decision.
Revocation of instrument made in response to a request
(a) an instrument is in force under subsection (2); and
(b) the instrument was made in response to a request under paragraph (3)(b);
the Regulator must, at the written request of the person, revoke the instrument.
(16) Subsections (12) and (15) do not, by implication, limit subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(17) This section has effect despite:
28D Suspension of Registry accounts
(2) The Regulator may, by written instrument, suspend the Registry account for a specified period.
(5) If an account is suspended under subsection (2):
(a) the Regulator must not:
(i) give effect to any instruction to transfer units to or from the Registry account; or
(ii) issue any Australian carbon credit units to the Registry account; and
(6) As soon as practicable after making an instrument under subsection (2), the Regulator must give the person a copy of the instrument.
(7) If an instrument under subsection (2) is made on the Regulator’s own initiative, the copy of the instrument must be accompanied by a notice inviting the person to request the Regulator to:
(8) A request under paragraph (3)(b) or subsection (7) must:
(9) If the person makes a request under subsection (7), the Regulator may, by written notice given to the person, require the person to give the Regulator, within the period specified in the notice, further information in connection with the request.
(10) The Regulator is not required to give any prior notice in relation to the decision to make an instrument under subsection (2).
(11) If the Regulator receives a request under subsection (7), the Regulator must:
(12) The Regulator must take all reasonable steps to ensure that a decision is made under subsection (11):
(a) if the Regulator requires the person to give further information under subsection (9) in relation to the request—within 7 days after the person gave the Regulator the information; or
(13) As soon as practicable after the Regulator makes a decision under subsection (11), the Regulator must notify the person, in writing, of the decision.
(15) Subsections (11) and (14) do not, by implication, limit subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(16) This section has effect despite:
• This Part sets out rules about dealings with Kyoto units.
30 Entries for Kyoto units
An entry for a Kyoto unit in a Registry account is to consist of the serial number of the unit.
31 Issue of Australia’s assigned amount units
(1) The object of this section is to provide for the issue of Australia’s assigned amount units for a commitment period.
(2) The Secretary may, by written notice given to the Regulator, direct the Regulator to issue to the Commonwealth, in accordance with the Kyoto rules, a specified number of assigned amount units for a specified commitment period.
(3) The Regulator must comply with a direction under subsection (2).
(4) The Regulator is to issue an assigned amount unit by making an entry for the unit in a Commonwealth holding account.
(5) This section does not, by implication, affect the validity of the issue of assigned amount units, where the units were issued before the commencement of this section under the executive power of the Commonwealth.
32 Issue of removal units
(1) The object of this section is to provide for the issue of Australia’s removal units.
(2) The Secretary may, by written notice given to the Regulator, direct the Regulator to issue to the Commonwealth, in accordance with the Kyoto rules, a specified number of removal units.
(4) The Regulator is to issue a removal unit by making an entry for the unit in a Commonwealth holding account.
(5) This section does not, by implication, affect the validity of the issue of removal units, where the units were issued before the commencement of this section under the executive power of the Commonwealth.
32A Ownership of Kyoto unit
(1) The regulations may provide that the registered holder of a Kyoto unit:
(b) may, subject to this Act, deal with the unit as its legal owner and give good discharges for any consideration for any such dealing.
(2) Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1) only protect a person who deals with the registered holder of the unit as a purchaser:
33 Transfer of Kyoto units
(1) For the purposes of this Act, if there is an entry for a Kyoto unit in a Registry account (the first Registry account) kept by a person (the first person):
(a) a transfer of the unit from the first Registry account to a Registry account kept by another person consists of:
(i) the removal of the entry for the unit from the first Registry account; and
(ii) the making of an entry for the unit in the Registry account kept by the other person; and
(b) the transfer of the unit from the first Registry account to another Registry account kept by the first person consists of:
(ii) the making of an entry for the unit in the other Registry account kept by the first person; and
(c) the transfer of the unit from the first Registry account to a foreign account kept by another person consists of:
(ii) the making of an entry for the unit in the foreign account kept by the other person; and
(d) the transfer of the unit from the first Registry account to a foreign account kept by the first person consists of:
(ii) the making of an entry for the unit in the foreign account kept by the first person.
(2) For the purposes of this Act, if there is an entry for a Kyoto unit in a foreign account, a transfer of the unit from the foreign account to a Registry account consists of:
(a) the removal of the entry for the unit from the foreign account; and
(b) the making of an entry for the unit in the Registry account.
34 Domestic transfers of Kyoto units
(1) If a person (the first person) is the registered holder of one or more Kyoto units, the person may, by electronic notice transmitted to the Regulator, instruct the Regulator to transfer the units from the relevant Registry account kept by the person (the first Registry account) to:
(a) a Registry account kept by another person; or
(b) another Registry account kept by the first person.
(2) An instruction under subsection (1) must set out:
(a) the account number of the first Registry account; and
(b) the account number of the Registry account mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) or (b); and
(c) such other information as is specified in the regulations.
(3) If the Regulator receives an instruction under subsection (1):
(a) if the Regulator is satisfied that giving effect to the instruction would breach:
(i) regulations made for the purposes of section 39 (Kyoto rules); or
(ii) regulations made for the purposes of section 41 (commitment period reserve); or
(iii) regulations made for the purposes of section 44 (Commonwealth Registry accounts);
the Regulator must, by written notice given to the first person, refuse to give effect to the instruction; and
(b) if paragraph (a) does not apply—the Regulator must give effect to the instruction as soon as practicable after receiving it.
(4) If the Regulator gives effect to an instruction under subsection (1), the Registry must set out a record of the instruction.
(5) If the first person is the Commonwealth, the Minister may give an instruction under subsection (1) on behalf of the first person.
35 Outgoing international transfers of Kyoto units
(a) there is in force a declaration under section 37 that Australia is in compliance with the emissions trading eligibility requirements under the Kyoto rules; and
(b) a person (the first person) is the registered holder of one or more Kyoto units;
the person may, by electronic notice transmitted to the Regulator, instruct the Regulator to transfer the units from the relevant Registry account kept by the person (the first Registry account) to:
(c) a foreign account kept by another person; or
(d) a foreign account kept by the first person.
(a) the account number of the relevant Registry account kept by the first person; and
(b) such other information as is specified in the regulations.
(ii) regulations made for the purposes of section 41 (commitment period reserve);
(b) if paragraph (a) does not apply—the Regulator must take such steps as are required by regulations made for the purposes of section 39.
(4) Regulations made for the purposes of section 39 may require the Regulator to remove the entry for the unit or units from the relevant Registry account.
(5) Subsection (4) does not limit section 39.
(6) If the Regulator takes steps under paragraph (3)(b) in relation to an instruction, the Registry must set out a record of the instruction.
(7) If the first person is the Commonwealth, the Minister may give an instruction under subsection (1) on behalf of the first person.
36 Incoming international transfers of Kyoto units
(b) the Regulator receives an instruction, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Kyoto rules, for the transfer of a Kyoto unit from a foreign account; and
(c) the Kyoto unit is not specified in the regulations as a unit that cannot be transferred to a Registry account; and
(d) making an entry for the Kyoto unit in the relevant Registry account would not breach regulations made for the purposes of section 39 (Kyoto rules); and
(e) making an entry for the Kyoto unit in the relevant Registry account would not breach regulations made for the purposes of section 44 (Commonwealth Registry accounts);
the Regulator must make an entry for the Kyoto unit in the relevant Registry account.
(2) However, the Regulator may refuse to make an entry for the Kyoto unit in the relevant Registry account if the Regulator has reasonable grounds to suspect that the instruction is fraudulent.
37 Compliance by Australia with emissions trading eligibility requirements under the Kyoto rules
(1) If the Minister is satisfied that Australia is in compliance with the eligibility requirements mentioned in paragraph 2 of the Annex to Decision 11/CMP.1 of the Meeting of the Kyoto Parties, the Minister must, by writing, declare that Australia is in compliance with the emissions trading eligibility requirements under the Kyoto rules.
(a) a declaration is in force under subsection (1); and
(b) the Minister is not satisfied that Australia is in compliance with the eligibility requirements mentioned in paragraph 2 of the Annex to Decision 11/CMP.1 of the Meeting of the Kyoto Parties;
the Minister must, by writing, revoke the declaration.
Declaration or revocation is not a legislative instrument
(3) An instrument made under subsection (1) or (2) is not a legislative instrument.
39 Kyoto rules
(1) The regulations may make provision for, or in relation to, giving effect to the Kyoto rules, so far as the Kyoto rules relate to:
(a) the transfer of a Kyoto unit from a Registry account to a foreign account; or
(b) the transfer of a Kyoto unit from a foreign account to a Registry account; or
(c) the transfer of a Kyoto unit from a Registry account to a Commonwealth Registry account; or
(d) the issue of a Kyoto unit; or
(e) the conversion of an assigned amount unit, or a removal unit, to an emission reduction unit.
(a) prevent, restrict or limit the transfer of Kyoto units from a Registry account to:
(i) a foreign account; or
(ii) a voluntary cancellation account; or
(b) prevent, restrict or limit the transfer of Kyoto units from a foreign account to a Registry account.
40 Carry‑over restrictions
Kyoto units for which carry‑over is permitted
(1) The regulations may make provision for, or in relation to, the following matters:
(i) assigned amount units in Registry accounts; or
(ii) certified emission reductions (other than temporary certified emission reductions or long‑term certified emission reductions) in Registry accounts; or
(iii) emission reduction units (other than emission reduction units that have been converted from removal units) in Registry accounts;
as Kyoto units for which carry‑over is permitted subject to such limits or restrictions (if any) as are specified in the regulations;
(b) the procedures for the carry‑over of such Kyoto units;
(c) requiring the Regulator to transfer from the relevant Registry account to a mandatory cancellation account any such Kyoto units that have not been carried over in accordance with those procedures.
Kyoto units for which carry‑over is not permitted
(2) The regulations may make provision for, or in relation to, the following matters:
(a) the identification of Kyoto units for which carry‑over is not permitted;
(b) requiring the Regulator to transfer from the relevant Registry account to a mandatory cancellation account any such Kyoto units held in the Registry account at a time ascertained in accordance with the regulations.
(3) Regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (2)(a) must identify the following units issued in relation to the relevant commitment period as units for which carry‑over is not permitted:
(a) removal units;
(b) temporary certified emission reductions;
(c) long‑term certified emission reductions;
(d) emission reduction units that have been converted from removal units.
(4) Regulations made for the purposes of this section must not be inconsistent with the Kyoto rules.
(1) The regulations may make provision for, or in relation to, the management of Australia’s commitment period reserve.
(2) Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1) may prevent, restrict or limit the transfer of Kyoto units from a Registry account to:
(a) a foreign account; or
(b) a voluntary cancellation account.
(3) Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1) may prevent, restrict or limit the giving of instructions, under paragraph 154(1)(b) of the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011, for the transfer of Kyoto Australian carbon credit units.
42 Cancellation of temporary certified emission reductions or long‑term certified emission reductions
(a) a person is the holder of a Registry account in which there is an entry for a temporary certified emission reduction or a long‑term certified emission reduction; and
(b) the temporary certified emission reduction or long‑term certified emission reduction expires.
(2) The Regulator must, in accordance with the regulations, transfer the temporary certified emission reduction or long‑term certified emission reduction to a mandatory cancellation account.
43 Replacement of long‑term certified emission reductions
(a) a person is the holder of a Registry account in which there is an entry for a long‑term certified emission reduction; and
(b) under the regulations, the person is required to replace the long‑term certified emission reduction by a particular time ascertained in accordance with the regulations; and
(c) the person breaches that requirement.
(2) The Regulator must, in accordance with the regulations, transfer the long‑term certified emission reduction to a mandatory cancellation account.
Replacement of long‑term certified emission reduction
(3) For the purposes of this section, if a long‑term certified emission reduction relates to a clean development mechanism project, the replacement by the person of the long‑term certified emission reduction consists of instructing the Regulator under section 34 to transfer:
(b) a removal unit; or
(d) a certified emission reduction (other than a temporary certified emission reduction or a long‑term certified emission reduction); or
(e) a long‑term certified emission reduction relating to the project;
from a Registry account kept by the person to whichever of the following accounts is taken, under the regulations, to be the appropriate account:
(f) the long‑term certified emission reduction replacement (storage reversal) account;
(g) the long‑term certified emission reduction replacement (non‑certification) account.
Identification of long‑term certified emission reductions for which replacement is required
(4) Regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (1)(b) may make provision for, or in relation to, the identification of long‑term certified emission reductions for which replacement is required.
44 Restrictions on transfer of Kyoto units to a Commonwealth Registry account
The regulations may prevent, restrict or limit the transfer of Kyoto units from:
(a) a Registry account; or
(b) a foreign account;
to a Commonwealth Registry account.
45 A registered Kyoto unit is personal property for certain purposes
(1) This section applies if there is an entry for a Kyoto unit in a Registry account.
(2) For each of the following purposes:
(a) the purposes of the Bankruptcy Act 1966;
(b) the purposes of Chapter 5 of the Corporations Act 2001;
(c) the purposes of the law relating to wills, intestacy and deceased estates;
(d) a prescribed purpose;
the unit is personal property and, subject to section 47, is transmissible by will and by devolution by operation of law.
45A Registration of equitable interests in relation to Kyoto units
(1) The regulations may make provision for or in relation to the registration in the Registry of equitable interests in relation to Kyoto units.
46 Equitable interests in relation to a Kyoto unit
equitable interests in relation to a Kyoto unit.
47 Transmission of registered Kyoto units by operation of law etc.
(a) under section 45, a Kyoto unit is personal property for a particular purpose; and
(b) the unit is transmitted from a person (the transferor) to another person (the transferee) by any lawful means for that purpose.
(1A) The transmission is of no force until the Regulator transfers the unit under subsection (7) or (8).
(2) The transferee must, within 90 days after the transmission, give the Regulator:
(a) a declaration of transmission; and
(b) such evidence of transmission as is specified in the regulations.
(3) A declaration of transmission must be made in accordance with the regulations.
(4) If the transferee does not already have a Registry account, the declaration of transmission must be accompanied by a request under regulations made for the purposes of subsection 10(1) for the Regulator to open a Registry account in the name of the transferee.
(5) If the Regulator is satisfied that special circumstances warrant the extension of the 90‑day period mentioned in subsection (2), the Regulator may extend that period.
(6) The Regulator may exercise the power conferred by subsection (5):
(a) on written application being made to the Regulator by the transferee; or
Transfer of unit—transferee already has a Registry account
(7) If the transferee already has a Registry account, the Regulator must, as soon as practicable after receiving the declaration of transmission, transfer the unit from the relevant Registry account kept by the transferor to a Registry account kept by the transferee.
Transfer of unit—transferee does not have a Registry account
(a) the transferee does not already have a Registry account; and
(b) in accordance with the request under regulations made for the purposes of subsection 10(1), the Regulator has opened a Registry account in the name of the transferee;
the Regulator must, as soon as practicable after opening the Registry account, transfer the unit from the relevant Registry account kept by the transferor to the Registry account kept by the transferee.
(9) If the Regulator transfers the unit under subsection (7) or (8), the Registry must set out a record of the declaration of transmission.
When the transferee is the Commonwealth
(10) If the transferee is the Commonwealth, the Minister may give:
(a) the declaration of transmission; and
(b) the evidence mentioned in paragraph (2)(b);
on behalf of the transferee.
(a) the Regulator decides to:
(i) extend the 90‑day period mentioned in subsection (2); or
(ii) refuse to extend the 90‑day period mentioned in subsection (2); and
59 Information about holders of Registry accounts
(a) publish on the Regulator’s website:
(i) the name of each person who has a Registry account; and
(ii) the person’s address last known to the Regulator; and
(b) keep that information up‑to‑date.
60 Kyoto information
(1) The regulations may make provision for, or in relation to, requiring the Regulator to publish on the Regulator’s website information that a provision of the Kyoto rules requires Australia’s national registry to make publicly available.
(2) The regulations may require the Regulator to:
(a) publish on the Regulator’s website the total number of specified Kyoto units for which there are entries in Registry accounts; and
61 Publication of concise description of the characteristics of eligible international emissions units
(a) within 30 days after the commencement of this section, publish on the Regulator’s website a statement setting out a concise description of the characteristics of each of the following types of eligible international emissions units:
(i) certified emission reductions (other than a temporary certified emission reduction or a long‑term certified emission reduction);
(ii) emission reduction units;
(iii) removal units; and
(a) within 30 days after the commencement of regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (d) of the definition of eligible international emissions unit in section 4, publish on the Regulator’s website a statement setting out a concise description of the characteristics of units prescribed by those regulations; and
61B Information about number of voluntarily cancelled Australian carbon credit units
As soon as practicable after one or more Australian carbon credit units held by a person are cancelled under section 64B, the Regulator must publish on the Regulator’s website:
(b) the total number of Australian carbon credit units cancelled.
62 Information about number of voluntarily cancelled Kyoto units
As soon as practicable after one or more Kyoto units held by a person are transferred under section 65 to a voluntary cancellation account, the Regulator must publish on the Regulator’s website:
(b) the total number of Kyoto units transferred.
• If a person is the registered holder of one or more Australian carbon credit units, the person may request the Regulator to cancel any or all of those units.
• If a person is the registered holder of one or more Kyoto units, the person may request the Regulator to transfer to a voluntary cancellation account any or all of those units.
64B Voluntary cancellation of Australian carbon credit units
(1) If a person is the registered holder of one or more Australian carbon credit units, the person may, by electronic notice transmitted to the Regulator, request the Regulator to cancel any or all of those units.
(a) specify the Australian carbon credit unit or units that are to be cancelled; and
(b) specify the account number or account numbers of the person’s Registry account, or the person’s Registry accounts, in which there is an entry or entries for the Australian carbon credit unit or units that are to be cancelled.
(3) If the Regulator receives a notice under subsection (1) in relation to an Australian carbon credit unit:
(c) if the unit is a Kyoto Australian carbon credit unit:
(i) the Minister must, by written notice given to the Regulator, direct the Regulator to transfer a Kyoto unit from a Commonwealth holding account to a voluntary cancellation account before the end of the true‑up period for the relevant commitment period; and
(ii) the Regulator must comply with a direction under subparagraph (i).
65 Voluntary cancellation of Kyoto units
(1) If a person is the registered holder of one or more Kyoto units, the person may, by electronic notice transmitted to the Regulator, request the Regulator to transfer to a voluntary cancellation account any or all of those units.
(a) specify the Kyoto unit or units that are to be transferred to the voluntary cancellation account; and
(b) specify the account number or account numbers of the person’s Registry account, or the person’s Registry accounts, in which there is an entry or entries for the Kyoto unit or units that are to be transferred to the voluntary cancellation account.
(a) a person requests that a Kyoto unit be transferred to a voluntary cancellation account; and
(b) the Regulator is satisfied that the transfer of the unit from the person’s Registry account to the voluntary cancellation account would not breach regulations made for the purposes of section 39 (Kyoto rules); and
(c) the Regulator is satisfied that the transfer of the unit from the person’s Registry account to the voluntary cancellation account would not breach regulations made for the purposes of section 41 (commitment period reserve);
the Regulator must comply with the request as soon as practicable after receiving it.
68 References to Court
69 Civil penalty orders
(a) in the case of a contravention of subsection 26(1), (2) or (5)—500 penalty units for each contravention; or
(b) otherwise—10,000 penalty units for each contravention.
(a) in the case of a contravention of subsection 26(1), (2) or (5)—100 penalty units for each contravention; or
(b) otherwise—2,000 penalty units for each contravention.
(6) A pecuniary penalty is a civil debt payable to the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth may enforce the civil penalty order as if it were an order made in civil proceedings against the person to recover a debt due by the person. The debt arising from the order is taken to be a judgement debt.
70 Who may apply for a civil penalty order
(1) Only the Regulator may apply for a civil penalty order.
71 Two or more proceedings may be heard together
72 Time limit for application for an order
73 Civil evidence and procedure rules for civil penalty orders
74 Civil proceedings after criminal proceedings
75 Criminal proceedings during civil proceedings
76 Criminal proceedings after civil proceedings
77 Evidence given in proceedings for a civil penalty order not admissible in criminal proceedings
78 Mistake of fact
79 State of mind
(a) subsection 26(1);
(c) subsection 27(4).
(3) Subsection (2) does not affect the operation of section 78.
80 Continuing contraventions
(2) A person who contravenes subsection 27(4), so far as that subsection relates to a requirement mentioned in subsection 27(2), commits a separate contravention of that provision in respect of each day (including a day of the making of a relevant civil penalty order or any subsequent day) during which the contravention continues.
(3) The pecuniary penalty payable under subsection 69(1) for such a separate contravention in respect of a particular day must not exceed 5% of the maximum pecuniary penalty that could have been imposed for the contravention if subsection (2) of this section had not been enacted.
81 Simplified outline
• Certain decisions of delegates of the Regulator may be reviewed by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal following a process of internal reconsideration by the Regulator.
• Certain decisions of the Regulator may be reviewed by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
82 Reviewable decisions
For the purposes of this Act, each of the following decisions of the Regulator is a reviewable decision:
A decision to refuse to extend a period under subsection 47(5).
A decision to refuse to make an entry in a Registry account under section 36.
A decision under regulations made for the purposes of subsection 10(1) to refuse to open a Registry account.
A decision under regulations made for the purposes of subsection 16(1) to close a Registry account.
A decision under section 19 to alter the Registry.
A decision to refuse to alter the Registry under section 19.
A decision under section 20 to make an alteration to the Registry.
A decision to refuse to make an alteration to the Registry under section 20.
A decision under subsection 28B(8) to continue to refuse to give effect to a transfer instruction.
A decision under subsection 28C(12) not to revoke an instrument imposing conditions restricting or limiting the operation of a Registry account.
A decision under subsection 28C(12) not to vary an instrument imposing conditions restricting or limiting the operation of a Registry account.
A decision under subsection 28D(11) not to revoke an instrument suspending a Registry account.
A decision under subsection 28D(11) not to vary an instrument suspending a Registry account.
83 Applications for reconsideration of decisions made by delegates of the Regulator
(1) This section applies to a reviewable decision if the decision is made by a delegate of the Regulator.
(2) A person affected by a reviewable decision who is dissatisfied with the decision may apply to the Regulator for the Regulator to reconsider the decision.
(a) be in a form approved in writing by the Regulator; and
(c) be accompanied by the fee (if any) specified in the regulations.
(b) if, either before or after the end of that period of 28 days, the Regulator extends the period within which the application may be made—the extended period.
(5) An approved form of an application may provide for verification by statutory declaration of statements in applications.
(6) A fee specified under paragraph (3)(c) must not be such as to amount to taxation.
84 Reconsideration by the Regulator
(1) Upon receiving such an application, the Regulator must:
(2) The Regulator’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 Regulator must give to the applicant a written notice stating the Regulator’s decision on the reconsideration.
(4) Within 28 days after making the decision on the reconsideration, the Regulator must give the applicant a written statement of the Regulator’s reasons for the decision.
85 Deadline for reconsideration
(1) The Regulator must make its decision on reconsideration of a decision within 90 days after receiving an application for reconsideration.
(2) The Regulator is taken, for the purposes of this Part, to have made a decision affirming the original decision if the Regulator has not informed the applicant of its decision on the reconsideration before the end of the period of 90 days.
86 Review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal
(1) Applications may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to review a reviewable decision if the Regulator has affirmed or varied the decision under section 84.
(2) Applications may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to review a reviewable decision if the decision was not made by a delegate of the Regulator.
87 Computerised decision‑making
(1) The Regulator may, by legislative instrument, arrange for the use, under the Regulator’s control, of computer programs for any purposes for which the Regulator may, or must, under this Act or the regulations:
(2) For the purposes of this Act and the regulations, the Regulator is taken to have:
88 Regulator’s power to require further information
(a) a person makes a request to the Regulator under the regulations; and
(b) the Regulator exercises a power, under another provision of the regulations, to require the person to give the Regulator further information in connection with the request;
(c) must ensure that the further information is relevant to the matter to which the request relates; and
(d) must ensure that the power is exercised in a reasonable way.
89 Delegation by the Minister
90 Delegation by the Secretary
91 Liability for damages
(d) a delegate of the Secretary;
(e) the Regulator;
(f) a delegate of the Regulator;
conferred by this Act or the regulations.
92 Executive power of the Commonwealth
93 Notional payments by the Commonwealth
(1) The purpose of this section is to ensure that amounts payable under this Act or the regulations are notionally payable by the Commonwealth (or parts of the Commonwealth).
(2) The Minister responsible for administering the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 may give written directions for the purposes of this section, including directions relating to the transfer of amounts within, or between, accounts operated by the Commonwealth.
94 Compensation for acquisition of property
95 Prescribing matters by reference to other instruments
(3) If the regulations make provision in relation to a matter by applying, adopting or incorporating, with or without modification, a matter contained in an instrument or writing, the Regulator must ensure that the text of the matter applied, adopted or incorporated is published on the Regulator’s website.
96 Administrative decisions under the regulations
The regulations may make provision in relation to a matter by conferring a power to make a decision of an administrative character on the Regulator.
s 3–97: 8 Dec 2011 (s 2(1) item 2)
Remainder: 15 Sept 2011 (s 2(1) item 1)
Sch 1 (items 5–7, 13, 15, 43–46, 215A): 2 Apr 2012 (s 2(1) item 2)
Sch 1 (items 229–256): 1 July 2012 (s 2(1) item 3)
Sch 4: 8 Dec 2011 (s 2(1) item 8)
Sch 1 (item 215A)
Sch 4: 29 June 2012 (s 2(1) item 4)
Sch 1 (items 1–27): 14 Dec 2012 (s 2(1) item 2)
Sch 8 (item 7): 24 June 2014 (s 2(1) item 9)
Sch 1 (items 13–91, 332): 1 July 2014 (s 2(1) items 2, 3)
Sch 1 (item 332)
Sch 1 (items 17–21): 13 Dec 2014 (s 2(1) item 2 and F2014L01691)
Sch 5 (items 4, 74‑77) and Sch 7: 14 Apr 2015 (s 2)
Sch 5 (items 74‑77) and Sch 7
Sch 1 (items 51‑53): 5 Mar 2015 (s 2(1) item 2)
am No 132, 2011; No 83, 2014
am No 132, 2011; Nos 84 and 204, 2012; No 31, 2014; No 83, 2014; No 126, 2015
am No 132, 2011; No 204, 2012
am No 132, 2011; No 84, 2012; No 83, 2014
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rep No 119, 2014
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rs No 132, 2011
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Division 2 of Part 4 heading.
Division 3 of Part 4 heading.
am No 132, 2011; No 204, 2012; No 83, 2014
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