Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:C2024C00057:schedule:15:p12
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:C2024C00057
Segment Type: schedule
Provision Reference: sch 15 (pt 12/15)
Character Range: 545406–548218

1 to a benefit means a pension, benefit or allowance payable under the social security laws of Australia.

ARTICLE 24

Exchange of Information and Mutual Assistance

1. The Competent Authorities, Competent Institutions and liaison bodies responsible for the application of this Agreement, to the extent permitted by the legislation they administer, shall:

(a) subject to paragraphs 3 and 4, communicate to each other any information necessary for the application of this Agreement;

(b) lend their good offices and furnish assistance to one another, including the communication to each other of any necessary information, with regard to the determination or payment of any benefit under this Agreement or under the social security laws of either Party as if the matter involved the application of their own legislation;

(c) communicate to each other, as soon as possible, all information about the measures taken by them for the application of the Agreement;

(d) at the request of one to another, assist each other in relation to agreements on social security entered into by either of the Parties with third States, only to the extent and in the circumstances specified in the Administrative Arrangement made in accordance with Article 25; and

(e) advise each other of any laws which amend, supplement, supersede or replace their respective legislations and which are relevant to the operation of this Agreement promptly after those laws are made.

2. The assistance referred to in paragraph 1 shall be provided free of charge, subject to any Administrative Arrangements made in accordance with Article 25.

3. Unless disclosure is required under the legislation of a Party, any information about an individual which is transmitted in accordance with this Agreement to a Competent Authority, Competent Institution or liaison body of that Party is confidential and shall only be used for purposes of implementing this Agreement and the social security laws of either Party. Where disclosure to a third party is required under the legislation or other laws of a Party, the first Party may withhold that information from the other Party.

4. In no case shall the provisions of this Article be construed so as to impose on the Competent Authority, Competent Institution or liaison body of a Party the obligation:

(a) to carry out administrative measures at variance with the laws or the administrative practice of that or the other Party; or

(b) to supply particulars which are not obtainable under the laws or in the normal course of the administration of that or of the other Party.

5. Communications between Competent Authorities, Competent Institutions, liaison bodies and persons to whom this Agreement applies may be made in any of the official languages of the Parties.

6. The diplomatic and consular