Source: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2017A00002
Timestamp: 2017-09-26 16:31:28
Document Index: 547305296

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 2', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art.\n58']

Details: C2017A00002
- C2017A00002
Act No. 2 of 2017 as made
An Act to establish the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority, and for related purposes
Originating Bill: Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority Bill 2017
5 Benefits or expenses in connection with travel
6 Vacancy in the office of a member of the Authority
9 Extra-territorial operation
Part 2—Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority
Part 3—CEO of the Authority
Part 4—Staff of the Authority etc.
5............ Benefits or expenses in connection with travel.................................. 10
6............ Vacancy in the office of a member of the Authority.......................... 10
7............ Crown to be bound........................................................................... 10
9............ Extra‑territorial operation.................................................................. 11
Part 2—Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority 12
Division 2—Authority’s establishment, functions, powers and liabilities 14
11.......... Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority................................ 14
12.......... Functions of the Authority................................................................ 14
13.......... Powers of the Authority.................................................................... 18
14.......... Authority has privileges and immunities of the Crown..................... 19
Division 3—Membership of the Authority 20
15.......... Membership of the Authority............................................................ 20
16.......... Appointment of members of the Authority....................................... 20
17.......... Period of appointment for members of the Authority........................ 21
18.......... Acting members of the Authority...................................................... 21
Division 4—Terms and conditions for members of the Authority 23
19.......... Remuneration.................................................................................... 23
20.......... Disclosure of interests....................................................................... 23
21.......... Paid work.......................................................................................... 24
22.......... Leave of absence............................................................................... 24
23.......... Resignation....................................................................................... 24
24.......... Termination of appointment.............................................................. 24
25.......... Other terms and conditions............................................................... 25
Division 5—Decision‑making by the Authority 26
26.......... Holding of meetings.......................................................................... 26
27.......... Presiding at meetings........................................................................ 26
28.......... Quorum............................................................................................. 26
29.......... Voting at meetings etc....................................................................... 26
30.......... Conduct of meetings......................................................................... 26
31.......... Minutes............................................................................................. 27
Division 6—Delegation 28
32.......... Delegation by the Authority.............................................................. 28
Division 7—Other matters 29
33.......... Authority must give information to the Secretary.............................. 29
34.......... Secretary must give information to the Authority.............................. 29
Part 3—CEO of the Authority 30
35.......... Simplified outline of this Part............................................................ 30
36.......... CEO.................................................................................................. 30
37.......... Functions of the CEO....................................................................... 30
38.......... Powers of the CEO........................................................................... 30
39.......... Directions by the Authority............................................................... 31
Division 2—Appointments 32
40.......... Appointment of CEO........................................................................ 32
41.......... Appointment of acting CEO.............................................................. 32
Division 3—Terms and conditions for the CEO 33
42.......... Remuneration of the CEO................................................................. 33
43.......... Leave of absence of the CEO............................................................ 33
44.......... Other employment of the CEO.......................................................... 33
45.......... Resignation of the CEO.................................................................... 33
46.......... Termination of appointment of the CEO........................................... 34
47.......... Other terms and conditions of the CEO............................................ 34
Part 4—Staff of the Authority etc. 35
48.......... Simplified outline of this Part............................................................ 35
49.......... Staff.................................................................................................. 35
50.......... Persons assisting the Authority......................................................... 35
51.......... Consultants....................................................................................... 36
Part 5—Information‑gathering powers 37
53.......... Authority may obtain information and documents............................ 37
54.......... Copying documents—reasonable compensation............................... 38
55.......... Self‑incrimination.............................................................................. 38
56.......... Copies of documents......................................................................... 38
57.......... Authority may retain documents....................................................... 38
58.......... Relationship of information‑gathering powers to other laws............. 39
59.......... Simplified outline of this Part............................................................ 40
60.......... Sensitive information not to be included in public reports................. 40
61.......... Proceedings in the name of the Authority......................................... 41
62.......... Independent review........................................................................... 41
63.......... Transitional provisions...................................................................... 42
64.......... Legislative rules................................................................................ 43
This Act is the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority Act 2017.
(F2017N00036)
• This Act establishes the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority.
• The Authority has a CEO who is responsible for its administration and for assisting it to perform its functions.
appointed member of the Authority means a member of the Authority who is not the President of the Remuneration Tribunal.
Authority means the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority.
claim includes request.
designated parliamentary benefit means:
(a) a benefit (within the meaning of the Parliamentary Entitlements Act 1990) that is not a benefit under the parliamentary injury compensation scheme; or
(b) a benefit (however described) that:
(i) is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal under subsection 7(1) or (2) of the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973; and
(ii) is not salary; or
(c) a benefit (however described) that:
(i) is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal under subsection 7(4) of the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973 so far as that subsection relates to subsection 7(1) or (2) of that Act; and
(d) a benefit (however described) that:
(i) is in connection with travel by a Minister; and
(ii) is authorised by the executive power of the Commonwealth; or
(e) a benefit (however described) that:
(i) is in connection with travel by a former member of parliament; and
(ii) is authorised by or under a law of the Commonwealth (other than this Act); and
(iii) is not provided in accordance with the Act known as the Members of Parliament (Life Gold Pass) Act 2002 or the Parliamentary Retirement Travel Act 2002.
Note: This definition relates to the parliamentary expenses framework that was in existence in February 2017.
designated parliamentary travel benefit means:
(a) a designated parliamentary benefit (other than an MP travel allowance) that is in connection with travel by a member of parliament; or
(b) a designated parliamentary benefit that is in connection with travel by:
(i) the spouse of a member of parliament; or
for the purpose of accompanying a member of parliament when the member is travelling; or
(c) a designated parliamentary benefit that is in connection with travel by:
for the purpose of joining a member of parliament; or
(d) a designated parliamentary benefit that is in connection with travel by:
(ii) a person nominated by a member of parliament;
for the purpose of representing the member of parliament at a funeral or function; or
(e) a designated parliamentary benefit that is in connection with travel by:
for the purpose of attending an official government, parliamentary or vice‑regal function as an invitee; or
(f) a designated parliamentary benefit that:
(g) a designated parliamentary benefit that:
harm has the same meaning as in the Dictionary to the Criminal Code.
legislative rules means rules made under section 64.
(b) a member of the House of Representatives.
MOPS staff member means a person employed under Part III or IV of the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984.
MOPS travel allowance means an allowance payable to a MOPS staff member in connection with travel for official business.
MOPS travel expenditure matter means:
(a) a matter relating to a MOPS travel expense; or
(b) a matter relating to a claim for a MOPS travel expense; or
(c) a matter relating to a MOPS travel allowance; or
(d) a matter relating to a claim for a MOPS travel allowance.
MOPS travel expense means an expense incurred in connection with travel by a MOPS staff member for official business.
MP travel allowance means an allowance payable to a member of parliament in connection with one or more overnight stays by the member.
MP travel expenditure matter means:
(a) a matter relating to an MP travel expense; or
(b) a matter relating to a claim for an MP travel expense; or
(c) a matter relating to a designated parliamentary travel benefit; or
(d) a matter relating to a claim for a designated parliamentary travel benefit; or
(e) a matter relating to an MP travel allowance; or
(f) a matter relating to a claim for an MP travel allowance.
MP travel expense means:
(a) an expense incurred, after the transition time, in connection with travel by a member of parliament, so long as:
(i) that expense is authorised by or under a law of the Commonwealth (other than this Act); and
(ii) the travel meets the requirements prescribed by or under that law; or
(b) an expense incurred, after the transition time, in connection with travel by:
for the purpose of accompanying a member of parliament when the member is travelling, so long as that expense is authorised by or under a law of the Commonwealth (other than this Act); or
(c) an expense incurred, after the transition time, in connection with travel by:
for the purpose of joining a member of parliament, so long as that expense is authorised by or under a law of the Commonwealth (other than this Act); or
(d) an expense incurred, after the transition time, in connection with travel by:
for the purpose of representing the member of parliament at a funeral or function, so long as that expense is authorised by or under a law of the Commonwealth (other than this Act); or
(e) an expense incurred, after the transition time, in connection with travel by:
for the purpose of attending an official government, parliamentary or vice‑regal function as an invitee, so long as that expense is authorised by or under a law of the Commonwealth (other than this Act); or
(f) an expense incurred, after the transition time, in connection with travel by a former member of parliament, so long as that expense is authorised by or under a law of the Commonwealth, other than:
(ii) the Act known as the Members of Parliament (Life Gold Pass) Act 2002 or the Parliamentary Retirement Travel Act 2002.
Note: This definition relates to the new parliamentary expenses framework.
MP travel expenses law means an MP work expenses law, to the extent to which it relates to:
(a) MP travel expenses; or
(b) designated parliamentary travel benefits; or
(c) MP travel allowances.
MP work expense means:
(a) an MP travel expense; or
(b) an expense (other than an MP travel expense) incurred, after the transition time, to enable a member of parliament to conduct the business of the member, so long as:
(ii) that business is of a kind prescribed by or under that law.
MP work expense matter means:
(a) a matter relating to an MP work expense; or
(b) a matter relating to a claim for an MP work expense; or
(c) a matter relating to a designated parliamentary benefit (other than an MP travel allowance); or
(d) a matter relating to a claim for a designated parliamentary benefit (other than an MP travel allowance); or
MP work expenses law means:
(a) a law of the Commonwealth, to the extent that it relates to:
(i) MP work expenses; or
(ii) MP travel allowances;
(b) the Parliamentary Entitlements Act 1990, or a legislative instrument under that Act; or
(c) a determination of the Remuneration Tribunal under subsection 7(1) or (2) of the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973, to the extent to which the determination relates to a benefit (however described) that is not salary; or
(d) a determination of the Remuneration Tribunal under subsection 7(4) of the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973 so far as that subsection relates to subsection 7(1) or (2) of that Act, to the extent to which the determination relates to a benefit (however described) that is not salary; or
(e) the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973, to the extent to which that Act relates to a determination covered by paragraph (c) or (d) of this definition.
staff of the Authority means the staff described in section 49.
transition time means the time declared by an Act (other than this Act) to be the transition time for the purposes of this Act. That time must not be earlier than the commencement of this section.
vacancy, in relation to the office of a member of the Authority, has a meaning affected by section 6.
(1) For the purposes of this Act, the following are examples of benefits or expenses in connection with travel:
(b) the cost of the provision of charter services;
(c) the cost of accommodation;
(d) the cost of meals;
(e) the cost of incidentals.
(2) The following are examples of benefits or expenses in connection with travel overseas:
9 Extra‑territorial operation
• This Part establishes the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority.
• The Authority consists of the following members:
(b) the President of the Remuneration Tribunal;
(c) at least 2, and not more than 3, other members.
• The members of the Authority (other than the President of the Remuneration Tribunal) are to be appointed by the Governor‑General.
• The Authority is to hold meetings.
• The Authority may delegate its functions and powers.
• The Authority and the Secretary must share relevant information.
Division 2—Authority’s establishment, functions, powers and liabilities
11 Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority
(1) The Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority is established by this section.
Note 2: In this Act, Authority means the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority—see section 4.
(i) the Chair of the Authority;
(ii) the other members of the Authority;
(iii) the CEO;
(iv) the staff of the Authority referred to in section 49;
(v) persons whose services are made available to the Authority under section 50;
(vi) consultants engaged under section 51; and
(i) the functions of the Authority referred to in section 12; and
(ii) the functions of the CEO referred to in section 37.
(i) members of parliament; and
(ii) former members of parliament;
about MP travel expenditure matters;
(i) issue general advisory documents relating to MP travel expenditure matters; and
(ii) if the Authority considers that a particular general advisory document should be published—publish that general advisory document on the Authority’s website;
(c) to monitor MP travel expenditure matters;
(i) prepare regular reports about MP work expense matters; and
(ii) publish those reports on the Authority’s website;
(i) prepare other such reports about MP work expense matters as the Authority considers appropriate; and
(ii) if the Authority considers that a particular report should be published—publish that report on the Authority’s website;
(f) to conduct, or arrange for the conduct of, such audits relating to MP work expense matters as the Authority considers appropriate;
(g) on behalf of the Commonwealth, to process claims for:
(i) MP travel expenses; and
(ii) designated parliamentary travel benefits; and
(iii) MP travel allowances;
(h) on behalf of the Commonwealth, to incur an MP travel expense that is authorised by or under a law of the Commonwealth (other than this Act);
(i) on behalf of the Commonwealth, to pay an MP travel expense that is authorised by or under a law of the Commonwealth (other than this Act);
(j) on behalf of the Commonwealth, to pay an MP travel allowance that is authorised by or under a law of the Commonwealth (other than this Act);
(k) on behalf of the Commonwealth, to provide, or arrange for the provision of, goods, services or facilities by way of a designated parliamentary travel benefit;
(l) on behalf of the Commonwealth, to make a payment by way of a designated parliamentary travel benefit;
(m) if an MP travel expenses law authorises the Authority to give rulings—to give rulings under that MP travel expenses law;
(n) on behalf of the Commonwealth, to recover (whether by way of set‑off or otherwise):
(i) overpayments; and
(ii) repayments; and
(iii) cost recovery payments;
in relation to MP travel expenditure matters;
(o) on behalf of the Commonwealth, to recover (whether by way of set‑off or otherwise) amounts payable to the Commonwealth under the Parliamentary Entitlements Act 1990 in relation to:
(i) designated parliamentary travel benefits; or
(ii) claims for designated parliamentary travel benefits;
(p) to give personal advice to MOPS staff members about MOPS travel expenditure matters;
(q) to:
(i) issue general advisory documents relating to MOPS travel expenditure matters; and
(r) to monitor MOPS travel expenditure matters;
(s) to:
(i) prepare regular reports about MOPS travel expenditure matters; and
(t) to:
(i) prepare other such reports about MOPS travel expenditure matters as the Authority considers appropriate; and
(u) to conduct, or arrange for the conduct of, such audits relating to MOPS travel expenditure matters as the Authority considers appropriate;
(v) on behalf of the Commonwealth, to process claims for:
(i) MOPS travel expenses; and
(ii) MOPS travel allowances;
(w) on behalf of the Commonwealth, to incur a MOPS travel expense that is authorised:
(i) by or under a law of the Commonwealth (other than this Act); or
(ii) by an agreement made under a law of the Commonwealth (other than this Act); or
(iii) by the executive power of the Commonwealth;
(x) on behalf of the Commonwealth, to pay a MOPS travel expense that is authorised:
(y) on behalf of the Commonwealth, to pay a MOPS travel allowance that is authorised:
(ii) by an agreement made under a law of the Commonwealth (other than this Act);
(z) if a law of the Commonwealth authorises the Authority to give rulings relating to MOPS travel expenditure matters—to give those rulings;
(za) on behalf of the Commonwealth, to recover (whether by way of set‑off or otherwise):
in relation to MOPS travel expenditure matters;
(zb) such functions (if any) as are conferred on the Authority by an MP work expenses law;
(zc) such functions (if any) as are conferred on the Authority by any other law of the Commonwealth;
(zd) such other functions (if any) as are prescribed by the legislative rules;
(ze) to do anything incidental to or conducive to the performance of any of the above functions.
Note: For transitional provisions, see section 63.
(2) A report under paragraph (1)(d), (e), (s) or (t) may include personal information (within the meaning of the Privacy Act 1988).
(3) Paragraph (1)(h) does not, by implication, prevent an agent of the Commonwealth (other than the Authority) from having the authority to incur an MP travel expense on behalf of the Commonwealth.
(4) Paragraph (1)(k) does not, by implication, prevent an agent of the Commonwealth (other than the Authority) from having the authority to incur an expense, by way of the provision of a designated parliamentary travel benefit, on behalf of the Commonwealth.
(5) Paragraph (1)(w) does not, by implication, prevent an agent of the Commonwealth (other than the Authority) from having the authority to incur an MOPS travel expense on behalf of the Commonwealth.
14 Authority has privileges and immunities of the Crown
Division 3—Membership of the Authority
15 Membership of the Authority
16 Appointment of members of the Authority
(1) Each member of the Authority (other than a member who is the President of the Remuneration Tribunal) is to be appointed by the Governor‑General by written instrument.
(2) One appointed member of the Authority must be:
(3) One appointed member of the Authority must be a former member of parliament.
(4) One appointed member of the Authority must be a person who the Minister is satisfied has:
in the field of auditing.
(5) If the Authority consists of 5 members, one appointed member of the Authority must be a person who the Minister is satisfied has:
(c) public administration;
(6) A member of the Authority holds office on a part‑time basis.
(7) The performance of the functions, or the exercise of the powers, of the Authority is not affected merely because its membership is not as required by subsection (2), (3) or (4) unless a continuous period of 3 months has elapsed since its membership ceased to be as so required.
(8) An office of member of the Authority that is held by the President of the Remuneration Tribunal is taken not to be a public office for the purposes of paragraph 4(4)(c) of the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.
17 Period of appointment for members of the Authority
An appointed member of the Authority holds office for the period specified in the instrument of appointment. The period must not exceed 5 years.
18 Acting members of the Authority
(1) The Minister may, by written instrument, appoint a person to act as the Chair of the Authority:
(2) The Minister may, by written instrument, appoint a person to act as a member of the Authority (other than the Chair of the Authority):
Division 4—Terms and conditions for members of the Authority
(1) An appointed member of the Authority is to be paid the remuneration that is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal. If no determination of that remuneration by the Tribunal is in operation, an appointed member of the Authority is to be paid the remuneration that is prescribed by the legislative rules.
(2) An appointed member of the Authority is to be paid the allowances that are prescribed by the legislative rules.
(4) A member of the Authority who is the President of the Remuneration Tribunal is to be paid the fees and allowances that are prescribed by the legislative rules.
(1) A disclosure by a member of the Authority under section 29 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (which deals with the duty to disclose interests) must be made to the Minister.
(3) For the purposes of this Act and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, a member of the Authority is taken not to have complied with section 29 of that Act if the member does not comply with subsection (1) of this section.
21 Paid work
A member of the Authority must not engage in any paid work that conflicts or may conflict with the proper performance of his or her duties.
(1) The Minister may grant leave of absence to the Chair of the Authority on the terms and conditions as to remuneration or otherwise that the Minister determines.
(2) The Chair of the Authority may grant leave of absence to a member of the Authority on the terms and conditions that the Chair determines.
(1) A member of the Authority may resign his or her appointment by giving the Governor‑General a written resignation.
(1) The Governor‑General may terminate the appointment of an appointed member of the Authority:
(2) The Governor‑General may terminate the appointment of an appointed member of the Authority if:
(b) the member engages in paid work that conflicts or may conflict with the proper performance of his or her duties (see section 21); or
(c) the member fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with section 29 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (which deals with the duty to disclose interests) or rules made for the purposes of that section; or
(d) the member is absent, except on leave of absence, from 3 consecutive meetings of the Authority.
25 Other terms and conditions
A member of the Authority holds office on the terms and conditions (if any) in relation to matters not covered by this Act that are determined by the Governor‑General.
Division 5—Decision‑making by the Authority
26 Holding of meetings
29 Voting at meetings etc.
(1) A question arising at a meeting of the Authority is to be determined by a majority of the votes of the members of the Authority present and voting.
(2) The person presiding at a meeting of the Authority has a deliberative vote and, if the votes are equal, a casting vote.
30 Conduct of meetings
32 Delegation by the Authority
(1) The Authority may, in writing, delegate any or all of its functions and powers to:
(d) a person assisting the Authority under section 50.
(2) In performing a delegated function or exercising a delegated power, the delegate must comply with any written directions of the Authority.
(3) The delegation continues in force despite a change in the membership of the Authority.
(4) The delegation may be varied or revoked by the Authority (whether or not there has been a change in the membership of the Authority).
33 Authority must give information to the Secretary
(1) The Authority must give the Secretary such information or documents in relation to the Authority’s functions as the Secretary reasonably requires for the performance of the Secretary’s functions in relation to:
(a) MP work expense matters; or
(b) MOPS travel expenditure matters.
(2) The information mentioned in subsection (1) may include personal information (within the meaning of the Privacy Act 1988).
(3) A document mentioned in subsection (1) may contain personal information (within the meaning of the Privacy Act 1988).
34 Secretary must give information to the Authority
(1) The Secretary must give the Authority such information and documents as the Authority reasonably requires for the performance of the Authority’s functions.
• The CEO’s functions are to manage the Authority’s administration and assist it in the performance of its functions.
• The CEO must comply with certain directions given by the Authority.
• The CEO is to be appointed by the Minister.
36 CEO
There is to be a Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority.
37 Functions of the CEO
The CEO’s functions are:
(a) to manage the administration of the Authority; and
(b) to assist the Authority in the performance of its functions.
38 Powers of the CEO
The CEO has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the performance of his or her functions.
39 Directions by the Authority
(1) The Authority may give written directions to the CEO about the performance of the CEO’s function under paragraph 37(b) (assisting the Authority).
Compliance with a direction
When the CEO is not required to comply with a direction
(a) the direction deals with the allocation of resources for the performance of the Authority’s functions; or
(b) compliance with the direction would be inconsistent with the CEO’s performance of functions or exercise of powers under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 in relation to the Authority; or
(c) the direction relates to the CEO’s performance of functions or exercise of powers under the Public Service Act 1999 in relation to the Authority.
Division 2—Appointments
40 Appointment of CEO
(2) A person must not be appointed as the CEO unless the Minister is satisfied that the person has appropriate qualifications, knowledge or experience.
41 Appointment of acting CEO
(2) A person must not be appointed to act as the CEO unless the Minister is satisfied that the person has appropriate qualifications, knowledge or experience.
42 Remuneration of the CEO
(1) The CEO is to be paid the remuneration that is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal. If no determination of that remuneration by the Tribunal is in operation, the CEO is to be paid the remuneration that is prescribed by the legislative rules.
(2) The CEO is to be paid the allowances that are prescribed by the legislative rules.
43 Leave of absence of the CEO
44 Other employment of the CEO
45 Resignation of the CEO
46 Termination of appointment of the CEO
(c) the CEO engages, except with the Minister’s approval, in paid work outside the duties of his or her office (see section 44); or
47 Other terms and conditions of the CEO
• The staff of the Authority are to be persons engaged under the Public Service Act 1999.
• The Authority may also be assisted by certain officers and employees.
• The CEO may engage consultants.
50 Persons assisting the Authority
The CEO may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, engage consultants to assist in the performance of the Authority’s functions.
• The Authority may require a person to give the Authority information, or produce to the Authority a document, that is relevant to the performance of the Authority’s reporting or auditing functions.
53 Authority may obtain information and documents
(1) This section applies to a person if the Authority has reason to believe that the person has information or a document that is relevant to the performance of a function conferred on the Authority by paragraph 12(1)(d), (e), (f), (s), (t) or (u).
(2) The Authority may, by written notice given to the person, require the person:
(a) to give to the Authority, within the period and in the manner and form specified in the notice, any such information; or
(a) the Authority has given a notice to the person under subsection (2); and
(5) A notice under subsection (2) must set out the effect of:
(b) sections 137.1 and 137.2 of the Criminal Code.
54 Copying documents—reasonable compensation
A person is entitled to be paid by the Authority, on behalf of the Commonwealth, reasonable compensation for complying with a requirement covered by paragraph 53(2)(c).
55 Self‑incrimination
A person is excused from giving information or producing a document or a copy of a document under this Part if the information or the production of the document or copy might tend to incriminate the person or expose the person to a penalty.
56 Copies of documents
(1) The Authority may inspect a document or copy produced under this Part and may make and retain copies of, or take and retain extracts from, such a document.
(2) The Authority may retain possession of a copy of a document produced in accordance with a requirement covered by paragraph 53(2)(c).
57 Authority may retain documents
(1) The Authority may take, and retain for as long as is necessary, possession of a document produced under this Part.
58 Relationship of information‑gathering powers to other laws
(1) The operation of this Part is limited by laws of the Commonwealth relating to the powers, privileges and immunities of:
(2) This Part does not affect the law relating to legal professional privilege.
• This Part deals with miscellaneous matters, such as the making of legislative rules.
60 Sensitive information not to be included in public reports
(1) The Authority must not include particular information in a public report if:
(a) the Authority is of the opinion that disclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest because the disclosure would prejudice the security, defence or international relations of the Commonwealth; or
(b) the Attorney‑General has issued a certificate to the Authority stating that, in the opinion of the Attorney‑General, disclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest because the disclosure would prejudice the security, defence or international relations of the Commonwealth; or
(c) the Authority is of the opinion that disclosure of the information would be likely to result in serious harm to the individual, or any of the individuals, to whom the information relates.
(2) The Authority cannot be required, and is not permitted, to disclose to:
(3) If the Authority omits particular information from a public report because the Attorney‑General has issued a certificate under paragraph (1)(b) in relation to the information, the Authority must state in the report:
(b) that the Attorney‑General issued the certificate because the Attorney‑General was of the opinion that disclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest because the disclosure would prejudice the security, defence or international relations of the Commonwealth.
(4) If, because of subsection (1), the Authority:
the Authority may prepare a report under this subsection that includes the information concerned. The Authority must give a copy of each report under this subsection to:
(c) the Prime Minister; and
(5) For the purposes of this section, public report means a report that is to be published on the Authority’s website.
61 Proceedings in the name of the Authority
(1) Proceedings brought by the Commonwealth in relation to the functions or powers of the Authority may be brought in the name of the Authority.
(2) Proceedings brought against the Commonwealth in relation to the functions or powers of the Authority may be brought against the Commonwealth in the name of the Authority.
62 Independent review
(1) The Minister must cause an independent review to be conducted of the operation of this Act and the legislative rules.
63 Transitional provisions
(1) For the purposes of paragraphs 12(1)(a) and (p), it is immaterial whether a matter occurred before, at or after the commencement of this section.
(2) For the purposes of paragraphs 12(1)(g) and (v), it is immaterial whether:
(a) a claim relates to a matter that occurred before, at or after the commencement of this section; or
(b) a claim was made before, at or after the commencement of this section.
(3) For the purposes of paragraphs 12(1)(d), (e), (s) and (t), it is immaterial whether a matter occurred before, at or after the commencement of this section.
(4) For the purposes of paragraph 12(1)(x), it is immaterial whether an expense was incurred before, at or after the commencement of this section.
(5) For the purposes of paragraphs 12(1)(n) and (za), it is immaterial whether a recovery relates a matter that occurred before, at or after the commencement of this section.
(6) For the purposes of paragraphs 12(1)(j) and (y), it is immaterial whether an allowance became payable before, at or after the commencement of this section.
(7) For the purposes of paragraphs 12(1)(f) and (u), it is immaterial whether an audit relates to a matter that occurred before, at or after the commencement of this section.
Abolition of Executive Agency
(8) The legislative rules may prescribe matters of a transitional nature relating to the abolition of the body known as the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority that was established as an Executive Agency under section 65 of the Public Service Act 1999.
64 Legislative rules