An Act to provide for national motor vehicle standards, and for related purposes
Part 1—Preliminary
1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989.
2 Commencement
(1) Sections 1 and 2 commence on the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), the remaining provisions of this Act commence on a day or days to be fixed by Proclamation.
(3) If a provision referred to in subsection (2) does not commence under that subsection before 1 September 1989, it commences on that day.
3 Objects of Act
The main objects of this Act are:
(a) to achieve uniform vehicle standards to apply to new vehicles when they begin to be used in transport in Australia; and
(b) to regulate the first supply to the market of used imported vehicles.
4 Operation of Act
(1) Without prejudice to its effect apart from this section, this Act also has, by force of this section, the effect it would have if the references in sections 12, 13G, 14 and 16 to a person were, by express provision, confined to a corporation.
(2) Parts 2 and 3 are enacted solely for the purposes of Part 4.
4A Application of the Criminal Code
Chapter 2 (except Part 2.5) of the Criminal Code applies to all offences created by this Act.
Note: Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.
5 Interpretation
(1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
Associate Administrator means an Associate Administrator of Vehicle Standards referred to in section 22.
Administrator means the Administrator of Vehicle Standards referred to in section 22.
Australia does not include:
(aa) Norfolk Island; or
(a) the Territory of Christmas Island; or
(b) the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
Australian Consumer Law means Schedule 2 to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 as applied under Subdivision A of Division 2 of Part XI of that Act.
component includes an assembly.
corporation means:
(a) a foreign corporation within the meaning of paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution; or
(b) a trading or financial corporation formed within the limits of the Commonwealth, within the meaning of that paragraph; or
(c) a corporation that is controlled by a corporation referred to in paragraph (a) or (b);
and includes a partnership at least one of the partners in which is a corporation.
engage in conduct means:
(a) do an act; or
(b) omit to perform an act.
export vehicle means a locally made vehicle that is to be exported from Australia without having been used in transport in Australia.
identification plate means a plate declaring the status of a road vehicle in relation to the national standards and approved to be placed on vehicles of that type or description under procedures and arrangements provided for in subsection 10(1).
import, in relation to a road vehicle or vehicle component, means do an act which constitutes importation of the vehicle or component for the purposes of the Customs Act 1901.
imported vehicle means a road vehicle imported on or after 1 July 1989.
locally made vehicle means a road vehicle in whose manufacture at least the last step was carried out in Australia, but does not include a road vehicle (if any) in whose manufacture none of the steps was carried out in Australia by a corporation.
manufacture, in relation to a road vehicle, includes modify the vehicle and assemble the vehicle.
motor vehicle means a vehicle that uses, or is designed to use, volatile spirit, gas, oil, electricity or any other power (not being human or animal power) as the principal means of propulsion, but does not include a vehicle used on a railway or tramway.
national standard means a vehicle standard determined under section 7.
new imported vehicle means an imported vehicle that has not been used in transport outside Australia.
new vehicle means a locally made vehicle, or a new imported vehicle, that has been neither:
(a) supplied to the market; nor
(b) used in transport in Australia by its manufacturer or importer;
and includes a locally made vehicle, or a new imported vehicle, that has been supplied to the market but not yet used in transport in Australia.
nonstandard, in relation to a road vehicle or a vehicle component, means not complying with the national standards and not taken to comply with the national standards by virtue of an approval given under subsection 10A(2).
placement, in relation to an identification plate, includes the engraving, or other like process, of information that would otherwise be contained on the plate.
plate includes mark.
premises includes:
(a) a structure, building, aircraft, vehicle or vessel; and
(b) land or a place (whether enclosed or built upon or not); and
(c) a part of premises (including premises of a kind referred to in paragraph (a) or (b)).
registered automotive workshop means a corporation in respect of which an approval is in force under section 21B.
road motor vehicle means:
(a) a motor vehicle designed solely or principally for the transport on public roads of people, animals or goods; or
(b) a motor vehicle that is permitted to be used on public roads.
road trailer means:
(a) a vehicle without motive power designed for attachment to a road motor vehicle; or
(b) a piece of machinery or equipment that is equipped with wheels and designed to be towed behind a road motor vehicle.
road vehicle means:
(a) a road motor vehicle; or
(b) a road trailer; or
(c) a partly completed road motor vehicle;
but does not include vehicles which the Minister has determined, under section 5B, are not road vehicles.
standard vehicle means a new vehicle that complies with the national standards, or which is taken to comply with the national standards by virtue of an approval given under subsection 10A(2), but does not include an export vehicle.
supply to the market, in relation to a road vehicle, means deliver the vehicle to a person for use in transport in Australia.
use means:
(a) in relation to a road motor vehicle—drive; or
(b) in relation to a road trailer—have attached to, or towed by, a road motor vehicle that is being driven.
used import plate, in relation to a used imported vehicle, means a plate approved to be placed on the vehicle by an approval in force under section 13D.
used imported vehicle means an imported vehicle that has been used in transport outside Australia.
use in transport, in relation to a road vehicle, means use the vehicle on a public road otherwise than:
(a) to move it in order to:
(i) have work done on it; or
(ii) have it registered under a law; or
(iii) protect it; or
(b) for a prescribed purpose.
vehicle component means a component to be used in the manufacture of a road vehicle, and includes a component of such a component.
vehicle standard means a standard for road vehicles or vehicle components that is designed to:
(a) make road vehicles safe to use; or
(b) control the emission of gas, particles or noise from road vehicles; or
(c) secure road vehicles against theft; or
(d) promote the saving of energy.
5A Meaning of vehicle
A reference in this Act to a vehicle is to be taken as including a type or class of vehicles, unless otherwise specified.
5B Determinations with respect to road vehicles
(1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that vehicles of a particular class or description are not road vehicles for the purposes of this Act or of a specified provision of this Act.
(2) The Minister may declare, in writing, that a vehicle is not a road vehicle for the purposes of this Act or of a specified provision of this Act.
(4) Declarations under subsection (2):
(a) are not legislative instruments; and
(b) are notifiable by publication in the Gazette.
6 Act to bind Crown
This Act binds the Crown in right of the Commonwealth, of each of the States, of the Australian Capital Territory and of the Northern Territory, but nothing in this Act renders the Crown liable to be prosecuted for an offence.
6A Application of the Criminal Code
Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code applies to offences against the following provisions of this Act:
(a) subsection 10A(6);
(b) subsection 13D(6);
(c) section 13G;
(d) subsections 16(1) and (7);
(e) subsection 21D(2).
Part 2—National standards
7 Minister may determine vehicle standards
The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine vehicle standards for road vehicles or vehicle components.
Note: Part 4 of Chapter 3 of the Legislation Act 2003, which deals with sunsetting of legislative instruments, does not apply to a determination under this section (see regulations made for the purposes of subsection 54(2) of that Act).
7A Incorporation of documents setting out standards
In determining vehicle standards, the Minister may incorporate documents that set out standards:
(a) produced by the Economic Commission for Europe, the International Electrotechnical Commission, the International Organization for Standardization or Standards Australia or by any other organisation that is determined, by legislative instrument, by the Minister; and
(b) in force from time to time.
8 Consultations before determinations
Before determining national standards, the Minister may consult with:
(a) relevant State or Territory authorities; or
(b) persons or organisations involved in the road vehicle industry; or
(c) organisations representing road vehicle users.
9 Procedures for testing vehicles
The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine procedures and arrangements for determining whether road vehicles or vehicle components comply with this Act, being procedures relating to:
(a) the testing and inspection of road vehicles or vehicle components; or
(b) the inspection of steps in the manufacture of road vehicles or vehicle components; or
(ba) the testing and inspection of materials, machinery, appliances, articles or facilities used in the manufacture of road vehicles or vehicle components; or
(c) the operation of facilities used in the carrying out of any testing and inspection referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (ba) and the assessment of those facilities by inspectors appointed under section 25; or
(d) the keeping of records relating to the manufacture, testing or inspection of road vehicles or vehicle components and the examination of those records by inspectors appointed under section 25.
Note: Part 4 of Chapter 3 of the Legislation Act 2003, which deals with sunsetting of legislative instruments, does not apply to a determination under this section (see regulations made for the purposes of subsection 54(2) of that Act).
Part 3—Certification and approval
Division 1—Identification plates
10 Type identification plates
(1) The Minister may determine, from time to time, procedures and arrangements for the placement of plates on road vehicles or vehicle components if approval has been given under subsection 10A(1), (2) or (3) for plates to be placed on the vehicles or vehicle components.
(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the Minister may determine procedures and arrangements in relation to identification plates, including procedures and arrangements with respect to:
(a) the categories of identification plates to be utilised; and
(b) the content, form and function of identification plates; and
(c) the nature, content, sources and format of evidence to be presented to establish whether, and to what extent, a road vehicle or vehicle component complies with the national standards; and
(d) the analysis, verification and supplementation of such evidence; and
(e) the manner in which partly completed road vehicles are to be provided for; and
(f) the manufacture and supply of identification plates; and
(g) the placement of identification plates; and
(h) the retention of records and information relevant to applications for, and the giving of, approvals under section 10A.
(3) A determination under this section is a legislative instrument.
10A Approval for the placement of identification plates
(1) If new vehicles of a particular type, or vehicle components of a particular type, comply with the national standards, the Minister must give written approval for identification plates to be placed on vehicles or components of that type.
(2) If:
(a) new vehicles of a particular type, or vehicle components of a particular type, do not comply with the national standards; but
(b) the Minister is satisfied that such noncompliance is only in minor and inconsequential respects;
the Minister may give written approval for identification plates to be placed on vehicles or components of that type.
(3) If:
(a) new vehicles of a particular type:
(i) are covered by an entry in the Register referred to in section 21; or
(ii) are prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subparagraph; and
(b) the vehicles of that type do not comply with the national standards; and
(c) the Minister is satisfied that the non‑compliance is not only in minor and inconsequential respects; and
(d) the Minister is satisfied that the vehicles of that type comply with the national standards to an extent that makes them suitable for supply to the market;
the Minister may give written approval for identification plates to be placed on vehicles of that type.
(4) An approval under subsection (1), (2) or (3) may be subject to written conditions determined by the Minister.
(5) In relation to an approval under subsection (3), those conditions may include a condition that the holder not place more than a specified number of identification plates on a specified class of vehicles during a specified period.
(6) If:
(a) the holder of an approval under subsection (1), (2) or (3) intentionally takes an action or omits to take an action; and
(b) the action or omission contravenes a condition of the approval; and
(c) the holder knows that the action or omission contravenes the condition or is reckless as to whether or not the action or omission contravenes the condition;
the holder commits an offence punishable, on conviction, by a fine not exceeding 60 penalty units.
10B Notification that approval has been given
(1) If the Minister:
(a) gives approval for the placement of identification plates on new vehicles, or on vehicle components, under subsection 10A(1); and
(b) that approval is given subject to conditions determined under subsection 10A(4);
the Minister must provide, to the person to whom the approval is given, a statement specifying the conditions to be met.
(2) If the Minister:
(a) gives approval for the placement of identification plates on new vehicles under subsection 10A(2) or (3) or on vehicle components under subsection 10A(2); and
(b) that approval is given subject to conditions determined under subsection 10A(4);
the Minister must provide, to the person to whom the approval is given, a statement specifying:
(c) the national standard or standards with which the vehicle or the component does not comply; and
(d) the conditions to be met; and
(e) the reasons for the imposition of those conditions.
(3) An approval given under subsection 10A(1), (2) or (3) must specify the subsection under which the approval was given and that the approval is a matter of public record.
(4) An identification plate placed on a new vehicle by virtue of an approval given under subsection 10A(3) must specify that:
(a) the vehicle is the nonstandard vehicle; and
(b) use of the vehicle may be subject to conditions, including conditions stated on the plate.
11 Withdrawal of identification plate approval
(1) Where:
(a) a person is approved under this Act to place identification plates on road vehicles of a type specified in the approval; and
(b) the Minister is satisfied:
(i) that the person has placed an identification plate on a road vehicle or any other vehicle otherwise than in accordance with arrangements of the kind referred to in section 10; or
(ii) that the person has made a false statement for the purpose of avoiding liability for fees payable under this Act or the regulations in relation to the placing of identification plates; or
(iii) that the person has failed, without reasonable excuse, to pay fees payable under this Act or the regulations in relation to the placing of identification plates; or
(iv) that the person has failed to observe procedures determined under section 9; or
(v) that the person has failed to comply with a condition to which his or her approval is subject under subsection 10A(4);
the Minister may, having regard to all the relevant circumstances, cancel, suspend or vary the person’s approval to place identification plates on road vehicles of that type.
(2) Before making a decision under subsection (1), the Minister is to:
(a) give written notice to the person of the facts and circumstances that, in the opinion of the Minister, warrant consideration being given to the cancellation, suspension or variation of the approval; and
(b) allow the person to show cause, within such reasonable time as is specified in the notice, why the approval should not be cancelled, suspended or varied.
(3) The Minister is to give written notice of a decision under subsection (1) and the grounds for the decision to the person, and the decision takes effect from the date the notice is given.
12 Offences in relation to identification plates
It is an offence for a person:
(b) to manufacture or supply a device purporting to be an identification plate; or
(c) to place a device purporting to be an identification plate on a road vehicle or a vehicle component knowing the device is not such a plate or reckless as to whether it is such a plate or not; or
(d) to place an identification plate on a road vehicle or a vehicle component.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
13 Vehicles taken to have identification plates
For the purposes of sections 17, 18, 19 and 20, a road vehicle is to be taken to have an identification plate if approval to place the plate on the vehicle has been given in accordance with procedures and arrangements determined under section 10.
Division 2—Standard vehicles not to be made nonstandard
13A Vehicles not to be made nonstandard
(1) Subject to subsection (3), a person must not do an act that results in the modification of a standard vehicle in a way that makes it nonstandard.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), a person must not hand over a standard vehicle to a person for modification, whether by that person or otherwise, in a way that makes it nonstandard.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
(3) A person may modify a standard vehicle in a way that makes it nonstandard, or hand over a new vehicle for such modification:
(a) in prescribed circumstances; or
(b) with the written approval of the Minister.
(4) An approval given under subsection (3) may be subject to written conditions determined by the Minister.
Division 3—Used import plates
13B Placement of used import plates
(1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine procedures and arrangements relating to the placement of used import plates on used imported vehicles.
(2) The procedures and arrangements may relate to one or more of the following:
(a) the categories of used import plates to be used;
(b) the content, form and function of used import plates;
(c) the nature, content and sources and form of evidence to be presented to establish to what extent a road vehicle complies with the national standards;
(d) the analysis, verification and supplementation of that evidence;
(e) the manufacture and supply of used import plates;
(f) the placement of used import plates;
(g) the retention of records and information relevant to applications for, and the giving of, approvals under section 13D.
(3) Subsection (2) does not limit subsection (1).
13C Application for approval to place a used import plate
(1) A registered automotive workshop may apply to the Minister for an approval to place a plate on a used imported vehicle.
(2) The application must be made in accordance with the regulations and can only be made in respect of a single used imported vehicle.
Further information
(3) The Minister may, by writing, request the applicant to give the Minister, within the period specified in the request, further information about the application.
(4) The Minister may refuse to consider the application until the applicant gives the Minister the information in accordance with the request.
13D Grant of approval
Grant
(1) The Minister may, by writing, grant a registered automotive workshop an approval to place a plate on a used imported vehicle if, having regard to a report in relation to the vehicle that is given to the Minister by the workshop, the Minister is satisfied that it is appropriate to grant the approval.
Determinations
(2) A report referred to in subsection (1) must be in such form, and contain such information, as is determined, by legislative instrument, by the Minister.
(3) The Minister must, by legislative instrument, determine guidelines that apply to the making of decisions under subsection (1). The Minister must comply with these guidelines in making such decisions.
Approval a matter of public record
(4) An approval under subsection (1) must specify that it is a matter of public record.
Conditions of approval
(5) An approval under subsection (1) is subject to any conditions specified in the approval.
Breach of conditions
(6) The holder of an approval under subsection (1) commits an offence if:
(a) the holder intentionally takes an action or omits to take an action; and
(b) the action or omission contravenes a condition of the approval; and
(c) the holder knows that the action or omission contravenes the condition or is reckless as to whether or not the action or omission contravenes the condition.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
Refusal
(7) If the Minister refuses to grant the approval, the Minister must give written notice of the refusal to the workshop. The notice must include a statement of the reasons why the approval was refused.
13E Number limits on placement of used import plates
The regulations may provide that the number of used import plates that a registered automotive workshop may be approved, under subsection 13D(1), to place on used imported vehicles of a specified class during a specified period must not exceed a specified number.
13F Variation, cancellation or suspension of approval
(1) The Minister may vary, cancel or suspend an approval that a registered automotive workshop holds under subsection 13D(1) if the Minister is satisfied that:
(a) the workshop has placed the used import plate on the used imported vehicle otherwise than in accordance with the procedures and arrangements referred to in section 13B; or
(b) the workshop has made a false or misleading statement in the application for the approval; or
(c) the workshop has failed to observe procedures and arrangements determined under section 9; or
(d) the workshop has contravened a condition of the approval.
Procedure
(2) If the Minister considers that there may be grounds to vary, cancel or suspend the approval, the Minister must:
(a) give the workshop written notice of the Minister’s opinion specifying the reasons for that opinion; and
(b) invite the workshop to make a written submission to the Minister about the matter within a reasonable period specified in the notice.
(3) In deciding whether to vary, cancel or suspend the approval, the Minister must consider the matters raised in any submission received within the period specified in the notice.
Effect of suspension
(4) If the approval is suspended, it ceases to be in force while suspended. It may be cancelled or varied even while it is suspended.
Notice
(5) The Minister must give the workshop written notice of a decision under subsection (1) specifying the reasons for the decision. The decision takes effect:
(a) on the day on which it is made; or
(b) if the notice specifies a later day as the day on which the decision takes effect—on that later day.
13G Offence in relation to the placement of used import plates
A person commits an offence if the person:
(a) manufactures or supplies a device purporting to be a used import plate and the person has not been authorised under an agreement between the Commonwealth and the person to manufacture and supply used import plates; or
(b) places a device purporting to be a used import plate on a road vehicle; or
(c) places a used import plate on a road vehicle in relation to which no approval for the placement of that plate on that vehicle is in force.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
Part 4—Supply and importation of vehicles
Division 1—Supply of new vehicles etc.
14 Nonstandard vehicles not to be supplied to market
(1) Subject to section 14A, a person must not supply to the market a new vehicle that:
(a) is nonstandard; or
(b) does not have an identification plate.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
14A Supply of nonstandard vehicles
(1) A person may supply to the market a vehicle to which section 14 applies:
(a) in prescribed circumstances; or
(b) with the written approval of the Minister.
(2) An approval given under subsection (1) may be subject to written conditions determined by the Minister.
14B No requirement to comply with certain standards
(1) A person may supply a new vehicle to the market even though it does not comply with a local standard.
(2) In this section:
local standard means a vehicle standard for new vehicles, other than a national standard, purported to be required by a law of a State or Territory.
15 Nonstandard vehicles not to be used by manufacturers
(1) Subject to subsection (2), a corporation that manufactured a new vehicle that:
(a) is nonstandard; or
(b) does not have an identification plate;
must not use the vehicle in transport in Australia.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
(2) A corporation that manufactured a vehicle to which subsection (1) applies may use the vehicle in transport in Australia:
(a) in prescribed circumstances; or
(b) with the written approval of the Minister, which may be approval subject to written conditions determined by the Minister.
Division 2—Supply of used imported vehicles
16 Supply of used imported vehicles
Supply offence
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person supplies to the market a used imported vehicle; and
(b) the vehicle does not have a used import plate; and
(c) the vehicle has not previously been supplied to the market; and
(d) the supply is not made in circumstances prescribed by the regulations; and
(e) the supply is not made with the approval of the Minister under subsection (2).
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
Application for approval
(2) The Minister may, by writing, grant a person an approval to supply to the market a used imported vehicle that does not have a used import plate.
(3) An application for such an approval must be made in accordance with the regulations. The application can only be made in respect of a single used imported vehicle.
(4) The Minister may, by writing, request the applicant to give the Minister, within the period specified in the request, further information about the application.
(5) The Minister may refuse to consider the application until the applicant gives the Minister the information in accordance with the request.
Approval subject to conditions
(6) An approval under subsection (2) is subject to any conditions specified in the approval.
Breach of conditions
(7) If:
(a) the holder of an approval under subsection (2) intentionally takes an action or omits to take an action; and
(b) the action or omission contravenes a condition of the approval; and
(c) the holder knows that the action or omission contravenes the condition or is reckless as to whether or not the action or omission contravenes the condition;
the holder commits an offence punishable, on conviction, by a fine not exceeding 60 penalty units.
16A Variation, cancellation or suspension of approval
(1) The Minister may vary, cancel or suspend an approval that a person holds under subsection 16(2):
(a) if the Minister is satisfied that the person has contravened a condition of the approval; or
(b) if the Minister is satisfied that the person has made a false or misleading statement in the application for the approval; or
(c) in any other circumstances that the Minister considers appropriate.
Procedure
(2) If the Minister considers that there may be grounds to vary, cancel or suspend the approval, the Minister must:
(a) give the person written notice of the Minister’s opinion specifying the reasons for that opinion; and
(b) invite the person to make a written submission to the Minister about the matter within a reasonable period specified in the notice.
(3) In deciding whether to vary, cancel or suspend the approval, the Minister must consider the matters raised in any submission received within the period specified in the notice.
Effect of suspension
(4) If the approval is suspended, it ceases to be in force while suspended. It may be cancelled or varied even while it is suspended.
Notice
(5) The Minister must give the person written notice of a decision under subsection (1) specifying the reasons for the decision. The decision takes effect:
(a) on the day on which it is made; or
(b) if the notice specifies a later day as the day on which the decision takes effect—on that later day.
Division 3—Import of new and used vehicles
17 Importation of road vehicles subject to conditions
(1) The importation of a road vehicle that:
(a) complies with the national standards; and
(b) has an identification plate;
is subject to the following conditions:
(c) the importer will do all things reasonable and necessary to ensure that, when the vehicle is supplied to the market, it:
(i) still complies with the national standards; and
(ii) still has an identification plate;
(d) the importer will not modify the vehicle in a way that makes it nonstandard;
(e) the importer will not hand over the vehicle to another person for modification, whether by that other person or otherwise, in a way that makes it nonstandard.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person is subject to a condition under subsection (1); and
(b) the person engages in conduct; and
(c) the person’s conduct contravenes the condition.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
(2A) Strict liability applies to paragraph (2)(a).
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
17A Authority to take delivery of imported vehicles
(1) An authority to deal with an imported road vehicle under the Customs Act 1901 is subject to the condition that an approval under this section for the importer to take delivery of the vehicle is given by the Minister or an officer of the Department authorised in writing by the Minister to give approvals under this section.
(2) An approval under this section must be granted if the importer produces to the Minister or to such an officer:
(a) if the vehicle has an identification plate—details of the plate; or
(b) in any other case—a copy of the approval under section 19, or under regulations referred to in subsection 20(3), in respect of the vehicle.
18 Prohibition of importation of nonstandard vehicles etc.
(1) Subject to sections 19 and 20, a person must not import a road vehicle that:
(a) is nonstandard; or
(b) does not have an identification plate.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
(2) Subject to sections 19 and 20, a person must not import a nonstandard prescribed vehicle component.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
19 Importation of vehicles requiring modification
(1) A person may import a nonstandard road vehicle, a road vehicle that does not have an identification plate or a nonstandard prescribed vehicle component with the written approval of the Minister, which may be approval subject to written conditions determined by the Minister.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the Minister grants an approval to the person under subsection (1) subject to conditions; and
(b) the person engages in conduct; and
(c) the person’s conduct results in the contravention of a condition of that approval.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
20 Approval to import certain nonstandard vehicles
(1) A person may import a nonstandard road vehicle or a road vehicle that does not have an identification plate:
(a) where the vehicle is to be exported from Australia (with or without further work being done on it) without having been used in transport in Australia; or
(b) in prescribed circumstances.
(2) A person may import a nonstandard prescribed vehicle component:
(a) where it is to be used in the manufacture of an export vehicle; or
(b) in prescribed circumstances.
(3) Regulations for the purposes of paragraph (1)(b) or (2)(b) may provide for the importation, whether generally or in specified circumstances, of a road vehicle, or a vehicle component, as the case may be:
(a) with the written approval of the Minister; or
(b) with such approval subject to written conditions determined by the Minister.
(3A) The regulations may provide that the number of used vehicles of a specified class that a specified person may be approved to import during a specified period must not exceed a specified number.
(3B) For the purposes of subsection (3A), used vehicle means a road vehicle that has been used in transport outside Australia.
(4) A person commits an offence if:
(a) an approval granted to the person under regulations for the purposes of paragraph (1)(b) or (2)(b) is subject to conditions as mentioned in paragraph (3)(b); and
(b) the person engages in conduct; and
(c) the person’s conduct results in the contravention of a condition of that approval.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
Division 4—Register of Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles
21 Register of Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles
(1) The regulations may make provision for and in relation to the Minister keeping a Register of Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles.
(2) The regulations may provide for any one or more of the following:
(a) the form in which the Register is to be kept;
(b) the procedures to be followed before road vehicles may be entered on the Register (which may require the making of applications);
(c) the criteria to be satisfied before road vehicles may be entered on the Register;
(d) the inspection of the Register;
(e) the procedures to be followed for removing road vehicles from the Register;
(f) the transitional arrangements that are to apply if road vehicles are removed from the Register;
(g) the notification of decisions made under the regulations;
(h) the review of decisions made under the regulations.
(3) Subsection (2) does not limit subsection (1).
Part 4A—Registered automotive workshops
21A Application for approval
(1) A corporation may apply to the Minister for an approval as a registered automotive workshop.
(2) The application must be made in accordance with the regulations.
Further information
(3) The Minister may, by writing, request the applicant to give the Minister, within the period specified in the request, further information about the application.
(4) The Minister may refuse to consider the application until the applicant gives the Minister the information in accordance with the request.
21B Grant of approval
(1) The Minister may, by writing, approve a corporation (the applicant) as a registered automotive workshop if the Minister is satisfied that:
(a) the applicant is a fit and proper person; and
(b) each of the directors, and each officer or shareholder who is in a position to influence the management of the applicant, is a fit and proper person; and
(c) any other criteria prescribed by the regulations are met.
(2) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine guidelines that the Minister may have regard to when deciding whether the criteria in paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) are satisfied.
(3) The criteria prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of paragraph (1)(c) may relate to:
(a) the relationship between the applicant and one or more other corporations; or
(b) the relationship one or more persons have with the applicant and one or more other corporations.
(4) Subsection (3) does not limit paragraph (1)(c).
Refusal
(6) If the Minister refuses to grant the approval, the Minister must give written notice of the refusal to the applicant. The notice must include a statement of the reasons why the approval was refused.
21C Period approval in force
(1) An approval under section 21B comes into force on the day it is granted and remains in force for a period of 2 years.
Renewal
(2) The holder of such an approval may, not earlier than 1 month before the day (the expiry day) the approval is due to expire, apply to the Minister to renew the approval.
(3) The application must be made in accordance with the regulations.
(4) The Minister may, by writing, request the applicant to give the Minister, within the period specified in the request, further information about the application.
(5) The Minister may refuse to consider the application until the applicant gives the Minister the information in accordance with the request.
(6) If the Minister has not decided the application before the end of the expiry day, the approval is taken to continue in force until the Minister decides the application.
(7) If the Minister decides to renew the approval, it is renewed for a period of 2 years starting on the day after the expiry day.
(8) The approval may be renewed more than once under this section.
Refusal
(9) If the Minister refuses to renew the approval, the Minister must give written notice of the refusal to the holder. The notice must include a statement of the reasons why the renewal was refused.
21D Conditions of approval
(1) An approval under section 21B is granted:
(a) subject to any conditions prescribed by the regulations; and
(b) subject to any conditions specified in the approval.
Note: An approval may be varied under section 21E. The Minister could impose further conditions or vary or revoke existing conditions.
(2) If:
(a) the holder of an approval under section 21B intentionally takes an action or omits to take an action; and
(b) the action or omission contravenes a condition of the approval; and
(c) the holder knows that the action or omission contravenes the condition or is reckless as to whether or not the action or omission contravenes the condition;
the holder commits an offence punishable, on conviction, by a fine not exceeding 60 penalty units.
21E Variation, cancellation or suspension of approval
Variation
(1) The Minister may, on his or her own initiative or on application by the holder of an approval under section 21B, vary such an approval.
(2) Such an application must be made in accordance with the regulations.
(3) The Minister may, by writing, request the applicant to give the Minister, within the period specified in the request, further information about the application.
(4) The Minister may refuse to consider the application until the applicant gives the Minister the information in accordance with the request.
Cancellation or suspension
(5) The Minister may cancel or suspend an approval under section 21B:
(a) if the Minister is satisfied that its holder has contravened a condition of the approval; or
(b) if the Minister is satisfied that its holder no longer complies with the criteria referred to in subsection 21B(1); or
(c) in any other circumstances that the Minister considers appropriate.
Procedure
(6) If the Minister considers that there may be grounds to:
(a) make a decision under subsection (1) (other than at the holder’s request); or
(b) make a decision under subsection (5);
the Minister must:
(c) give the holder written notice of the Minister’s opinion specifying the reasons for that opinion; and
(d) invite the holder to make a written submission to the Minister about the matter within a reasonable period specified in the notice.
(7) In deciding whether to make a decision under subsection (1) or (5), the Minister must consider the matters raised in any submission received within the period specified in the notice.
Effect of suspension
(8) If the approval is suspended, it ceases to be in force while suspended. It may be cancelled or varied even while it is suspended.
Notice
(9) The Minister must give the holder written notice of a decision under subsection (1) or (5). The decision takes effect:
(a) on the day on which it is made; or
(b) if the notice specifies a later day as the day on which the decision takes effect—on that later day.
Part 5—Administration
22 Administrator
(1) There are to be an Administrator of Vehicle Standards and such Associate Administrators of Vehicle Standards as are required.
(2) The Administrator:
(a) is to be appointed by the Secretary of the Department; and
(b) is to be an SES employee, or acting SES employee, in the Department.
(3) An Associate Administrator:
(a) is to be appointed by the Secretary of the Department; and
(b) is to be a person holding an office in the Department.
23 Delegation by Minister
The Minister may by signed instrument delegate to the Administrator or to an Associate Administrator all or any of the Minister’s functions or powers under this Act, other than:
(a) the power to determine that vehicles of a particular class or description are not road motor vehicles under subsection 5B(1); and
(b) the power to determine national standards under section 7; and
(c) the power to determine the organisations whose documents may be incorporated under section 7A; and
(d) procedures and arrangements for determining whether road vehicles or vehicle components comply with this Act under section 9; and
(e) the power to determine procedures and arrangements for the placement of identification plates on road vehicles under section 10; and
(f) the power to determine procedures and arrangements for the placement of used import plates on used imported vehicles under section 13B; and
(g) the requirement to determine guidelines under subsection 13D(3); and
(h) the power to determine guidelines under subsection 21B(2).
24 Fees
(1) The regulations may prescribe fees, or a method of calculating fees, to be paid to the Commonwealth in respect of:
(a) the placing, or approval of the placing, of identification plates, including the carrying out of tests to find out whether a road vehicle should have an identification plate or whether a road vehicle or road vehicles of a particular type should continue to have identification plates; or
(b) applications under section 13A, 13C, 14A, 15 or 16 for an approval; or
(c) applications for approval to import a road vehicle or a vehicle component under section 19; or
(d) applications for approval to import a road vehicle or a vehicle component under regulations referred to in subsection 20(3); or
(da) applications under section 21A for an approval, applications under section 21C to renew an approval or applications under section 21E to vary an approval; or
(e) the supply of copies of the national standards in force from time to time; or
(f) the provision of other services, or the supply of other documents or goods, by the Commonwealth under this Act or the regulations.
(2) Prescribed fees are due and payable in such manner and at such time or times as are prescribed.
(3) Where a fee that is required to be paid at the time of making an application or request is not so paid, the application or request is not to be taken to have been duly made.
(4) A prescribed fee is not to be such as to amount to taxation.
(5) The regulations may make provision for and in relation to the refund of any fees paid under this section in respect of an application under section 21A.
25 Appointment of inspectors
(1) The Minister may, in writing, appoint a person engaged under the Public Service Act 1999 to be an inspector.
(2) Arrangements may be made under section 71 of the Public Service Act 1999 for officers of the Public Service of a State or Territory or of an authority of a State or Territory to perform the functions or exercise the powers of inspectors.
(3) The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, give directions specifying the manner in which, and any conditions and qualifications subject to which, functions or powers given to inspectors are to be performed or exercised.
(4) An inspector must comply with directions given under subsection (3).
26 Identity cards
(1) The Minister may cause to be issued to an inspector an identity card in a form approved by the Minister and bearing a photograph of the inspector.
(2) A person who ceases to be an inspector must, as soon as practicable, return his or her identity card to the Minister.
Penalty: 1 penalty unit.
(3) An offence under subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
27 Powers of inspectors
(1) Subject to subsection (4), an inspector may, for the purpose of finding out whether the requirements of this Act, the regulations, procedures determined under section 9, or determinations under section 7, 10 or 13B, are being, or have been, met, enter any premises at any time during ordinary working hours or at any other time at which it is necessary to do so for that purpose, and exercise the powers of an inspector under this section.
(2) The powers of an inspector under this section in relation to premises are:
(a) to inspect any step in the manufacture of a road vehicle or a vehicle component; and
(b) to inspect any work, material, machinery, appliance, article or facility that relates to the manufacture or testing of a road vehicle or a vehicle component; and
(c) to take and retain samples of any goods or substance used in the manufacture or testing of a road vehicle or a vehicle component; and
(d) to inspect documents relating to the manufacture or testing of a road vehicle or a vehicle component; and
(e) to make copies of, or take extracts from, such a document.
(3) An inspector has no powers under this section in relation to export vehicles or vehicle components to be used in the manufacture of export vehicles.
(4) An inspector must not enter premises under subsection (1) unless:
(a) the occupier has consented; or
(b) the inspector is authorised to enter under a warrant issued under section 28.
(5) Immediately upon entering premises under subsection (1) an inspector must take all reasonable steps to notify the occupier of the purpose of the entry and must produce the inspector’s identity card for inspection by the occupier.
(6) In this section:
manufacture includes importation.
28 Monitoring warrants
(1) If, on an application made by an inspector, a Magistrate is satisfied, by information on oath, that it is reasonably necessary that the inspector should, for the purposes of finding out whether the requirements of this Act, the regulations, procedures determined under section 9, or determinations under section 7, 10 or 13B, are being, or have been, met, have access to premises, the Magistrate may issue a warrant naming the inspector and authorising him or her, with such assistance, and by such force, as is necessary and reasonable:
(a) to enter the premises; and
(b) to exercise those powers in relation to the premises.
(2) The warrant must state:
(a) whether entry is authorised to be made at any time of the day or night or during specified hours of the day or night; and
(b) a day, not being later than 6 months after the day of issue of the warrant, upon which the warrant ceases to have effect.
29 Power to require information
(1) Subject to subsection (2), an inspector who has entered premises under section 27 may, to the extent that it is reasonably necessary for the purpose of finding out whether this Act, the regulations, procedures determined under section 9, or determinations under section 7, 10 or 13B have, been complied with, require a person to answer any question put by the inspector and to produce any books, records or documents requested by the inspector.
(2) An inspector is not entitled to make a requirement of a person under subsection (1) unless the inspector produces his or her identity card for inspection by the person.
30 Offence‑related searches and seizures
(1) Where an inspector has reasonable grounds for suspecting that there is, or may be within the next 72 hours, on any premises a particular thing that may afford evidence as to the commission of an offence against this Act, the inspector may:
(a) with the consent of the occupier of the land or premises; or
(b) under a warrant issued under subsection (2);
enter the premises, and:
(c) search the premises for the thing; and
(d) if the inspector finds the thing on the premises—seize the thing.
(2) Where an information on oath is laid before a Magistrate alleging that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that there may be on any premises a particular thing that may afford evidence as to the commission of an offence against this Act and the information sets out those grounds, the Magistrate may issue a search warrant in accordance with the form prescribed for the purposes of this subsection authorising an inspector named in the warrant, with such assistance, and by such force, as is necessary and reasonable, to enter the premises and exercise the powers referred to in paragraphs (1)(c) and (d) in respect of the thing.
(3) A Magistrate must not issue a warrant under subsection (2) unless:
(a) the informant or some other person has given to the Magistrate, either orally or by affidavit, such further information (if any) as the Magistrate requires concerning the grounds on which the issue of the warrant is being sought; and
(b) the Magistrate is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for issuing the warrant.
(4) A warrant issued under subsection (2) must state:
(a) the purpose for which the warrant is issued, and the nature of the offence in relation to which the entry and search are authorised; and
(b) whether entry is authorised to be made at any time of the day or night or during specified hours of the day or night; and
(c) a description of the kind of documents, substances, equipment or things to be seized; and
(d) a day, not being later than one month after the day of issue of the warrant, upon which the warrant ceases to have effect.
(5) If, in the course of searching, under a warrant issued under this section, for a particular thing in relation to a particular offence, an inspector finds a thing that the inspector believes, on reasonable grounds, to be:
(a) a thing that will afford evidence as to the commission of the offence, although not the thing specified in the warrant; or
(b) a thing that will afford evidence as to the commission of another offence under this Act or the regulations;
and the inspector believes, on reasonable grounds, that it is necessary to seize that thing in order to prevent its concealment, loss or destruction, or its use in committing, continuing or repeating the offence or the other offence, the warrant is to be taken to authorise the inspector to seize that thing.
(6) Where an inspector seizes any thing under subsection (1) or (5), the inspector may retain the thing until the expiration of a period of 60 days after the seizure or, if proceedings for an offence against this Act in respect of which the thing may afford evidence are instituted within that period, until the proceedings (including any appeal to a court in relation to those proceedings) are completed.
(7) The Minister may authorise any thing seized under subsection (1) or (5) to be released to the owner, or to the person from whom the thing was seized, either unconditionally or on such conditions as the Minister thinks fit.
32 Failure to answer questions etc.
(1) A person must not fail to answer a question or produce a document when so required by an inspector under this Act.
Penalty: 30 penalty units.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person has a reasonable excuse.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).
(3) An offence under subsection (1) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
33 Agents
The Minister may appoint such agents as he or she thinks necessary to perform functions, whether inside or outside Australia, for the purposes of this Act.
Part 6—Court proceedings
34 Evidence
(1) The Minister or a person authorised in writing by the Minister to give certificates under this section may, for the purposes of proceedings for an offence against section 14, 15, 16 or 19, give a certificate stating that conditions specified in the certificate were the conditions to which the Minister’s written approval under section 14, 15, 16 or 19, as the case may be, was subject.
(2) A certificate given under subsection (1) is prima facie evidence of the matter stated in the certificate.
(3) In proceedings for an offence against section 14, 15, 16 or 19, a document purporting to be a certificate given under this section, unless the contrary intention is proved, is to be taken to be such a certificate and to have been duly given.
35 Injunctions
(1) Where a person has engaged, is engaging or is proposing to engage, in any conduct that constituted or would constitute a contravention of this Act or the regulations, the Federal Court may, on the application of the Minister or any other person, grant an injunction restraining the person from engaging in the conduct and, if in the court’s opinion it is desirable to do so, requiring the person to do any act or thing.
(2) Where:
(a) a person has refused or failed, or is refusing or failing, or is proposing to refuse or fail, to do an act or thing; and
(b) the refusal or failure was, is, or would be a contravention of this Act or the regulations;
the Federal Court may, on the application of the Minister or any other person, grant an injunction requiring the first‑mentioned person to do that act or thing.
(3) Where an application is made to the court for an injunction under this section, the court may, if in the court’s opinion it is desirable to do so, before considering the application, grant an interim injunction restraining a person from engaging in conduct of the kind referred to in that subsection pending the determination of the application.
(4) The court may discharge or vary an injunction granted under this section.
(5) The power of the court to grant an injunction restraining a person from engaging in conduct of a particular kind may be exercised:
(a) if the court is satisfied that the person has engaged in conduct of that kind—whether or not it appears to the court that the person intends to engage again, or to continue to engage, in conduct of that kind; or
(b) if it appears to the court that, in the event that an injunction is not granted, it is likely that the person will engage in conduct of that kind—whether or not the person has previously engaged in conduct of that kind and whether or not there is an imminent danger of substantial damage to any person if the first‑mentioned person engages in conduct of that kind.
(6) The power of the court to grant an injunction requiring a person to do a particular act or thing may be exercised:
(a) if the court is satisfied that the person has refused or failed to do that act or thing—whether or not it appears to the court that the person intends to refuse or fail again, or to continue to refuse or fail, to do that act or thing; or
(b) if it appears to the court that, in the event that an injunction is not granted, it is likely that the person will refuse or fail to do that act or thing—whether or not the person has previously refused or failed to do that act or thing and whether or not there is an imminent danger of substantial damage to any person if the first‑mentioned person refuses or fails to do that act or thing.
(7) Where the Minister makes an application to the court for the grant of an injunction under this section, the court is not to require the Minister or any other person, as a condition of the granting of an interim injunction, to give any undertakings as to damages.
(8) The powers conferred on the court under this section are in addition to, and not in derogation of, any powers of the court, whether conferred by this Act or otherwise.
36 Conduct by directors, employees and agents
(1) Where, in proceedings for an offence against this Act, it is necessary to establish the state of mind of a body corporate in relation to particular conduct, it is sufficient to show:
(a) that the conduct was engaged in by a director, employee or agent of the body corporate within the scope of his or her actual or apparent authority; and
(b) that the director, employee or agent had the state of mind.
(2) Any conduct engaged in on behalf of a body corporate by a director, employee or agent of the body corporate within the scope of his or her actual or apparent authority is to be taken, for the purposes of a prosecution for an offence against this Act, to have been engaged in also by the body corporate unless the body corporate establishes that the body corporate took reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence to avoid the conduct.
(3) Where, in proceedings for an offence against this Act, it is necessary to establish the state of mind of a person other than a body corporate in relation to particular conduct, it is sufficient to show:
(a) that the conduct was engaged in by an employee or agent of the person within the scope of his or her actual or apparent authority; and
(b) that the employee or agent had the state of mind.
(4) Any conduct engaged in on behalf of a person other than a body corporate by an employee or agent of the person within the scope of his or her actual or apparent authority is to be taken, for the purposes of a prosecution for an offence against this Act, to have been engaged in also by the first‑mentioned person unless the first‑mentioned person establishes that the first‑mentioned person took reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence to avoid the conduct.
(5) A reference in subsection (1) or (3) to the state of mind of a person includes a reference to:
(a) the knowledge, intention, opinion, belief or purpose of the person; and
(b) the person’s reasons for the intention, opinion, belief or purpose.
(6) A reference in this section to a director of a body corporate includes a reference to a constituent member of a body corporate incorporated for a public purpose by a law of the Commonwealth, of a State or of a Territory.
(7) A reference in this section to engaging in conduct includes a reference to failing or refusing to engage in conduct.
(8) A reference in this section to an offence against this Act includes a reference to:
(a) an offence created by the regulations; and
(b) an offence created by section 6 of the Crimes Act 1914, being an offence that relates to the regulations; and
(c) an offence created by Part 2.4 of the Criminal Code, being an offence that relates to the regulations.
37 Legal proceedings not to lie
No action or other proceeding lies against the Commonwealth in respect of any loss incurred, or any damage suffered, because of reliance on:
(a) an identification plate or a used import plate; or
(b) any test carried out under this Act or the regulations or a determination under this Act; or
(c) any express statement, or any statement or action implying, that a road vehicle or a vehicle component complied with a national standard.
Part 7—Miscellaneous
38 Law to apply in certain circumstances
(1) Where a law of a State purports to require new vehicles to comply with vehicle standards other than the national standards, the regulations may provide that that law is not to apply to:
(a) road vehicles to be used exclusively in trade, commerce and intercourse among the States or between a State and a Territory; or
(b) road vehicles owned or to be used by corporations.
(2) Where a law of a Territory purports to require new vehicles to comply with vehicle standards other than the national standards, the regulations may provide that that law is not to apply to road vehicles.
39 Application for review
(1) Subject to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975, an application may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of:
(aa) a decision of the Minister under section 10; and
(aaa) a decision of the Minister under section 10A; and
(a) a decision of the Minister under section 11; and
(ab) a decision of the Minister under section 13D to refuse an application for an approval; and
(ac) a decision of the Minister under section 13D to specify a condition in an approval; and
(ad) a decision of the Minister under section 13F to vary, cancel or suspend an approval; and
(b) a decision of the Minister for the purposes of section 14A; and
(c) a decision of the Minister for the purposes of subsection 15(2); and
(d) a decision of the Minister under section 16 to refuse an application for an approval; and
(da) a decision of the Minister under section 16 to specify a condition in an approval; and
(db) a decision of the Minister under section 16A to vary, cancel or suspend an approval; and
(e) a decision of the Minister for the purposes of section 19; and
(f) a decision of the Minister under the regulations for the purposes of section 20; and
(fa) a decision of the Minister under section 21B to refuse an application for an approval; and
(fb) a decision of the Minister under section 21C to refuse to renew an approval; and
(fc) a decision of the Minister under section 21D to specify a condition in an approval; and
(fd) a decision of the Minister under section 21E to vary, cancel or suspend an approval; and
(g) a decision under the regulations or a determination to give or refuse an identification plate or an identification plate authority.
(2) In subsection (1):
decision has the same meaning as in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975.
40 Statement to accompany notice of decisions
(1) Where the Minister makes a decision of a kind referred to in subsection 39(1) and gives to a person whose interests are affected by the decision notice in writing of the decision, that notice is to include a statement to the effect that:
(a) subject to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975, application may be made by or on behalf of that person to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of that decision; and
(b) except where subsection 28(4) of that Act applies, application may be made in accordance with section 28 of that Act by or on behalf of that person for a statement in writing setting out the reasons for the decision.
(2) Any contravention of subsection (1) in relation to a decision does not affect the validity of the decision.
41 Application of the Australian Consumer Law
For the purpose of sections 106 and 122 (other than subsection 106(7)) of the Australian Consumer Law, a national standard (including a standard designed for a purpose referred to in paragraph (b) or (c) of the definition of vehicle standard in section 5 of this Act) is to be taken to be a safety standard (within the meaning of the Australian Consumer Law).
42 Regulations
The Governor‑General may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act, prescribing matters:
(a) required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed; or
(b) necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to this Act;
and, in particular:
(c) prescribing fines, not exceeding 10 penalty units, for offences against the regulations; and
(d) providing that approvals given before the commencement of section 10 to place compliance plates on vehicles may be taken to have been given in accordance with the arrangements under section 10.
