Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (International Production Orders) Act 2021 (Cth)

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Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (International Production Orders) Act 2021

No. 78, 2021

An Act to amend the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979, and for other purposes

Contents

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (International Production Orders) Act 2021

No. 78, 2021

An Act to amend the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979, and for other purposes

[Assented to 23 July 2021]

The Parliament of Australia enacts:

1Short title

This Act is the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (International Production Orders) Act 2021.

2Commencement
  1. (1)

    Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.

Commencement information

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Provisions

Commencement

Date/Details

1.

Sections 1 to 3 and anything in this Act not elsewhere covered by this table

The day this Act receives the Royal Assent.

23 July 2021

2.

Schedule 1, Parts 1 and 2

The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.

24 July 2021

3.

Schedule 1, Part 3

The later of:

(a) immediately after the commencement of the provisions covered by table item 2; and

(b) the commencement of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021.

However, the provisions do not commence at all if the event mentioned in paragraph (b) does not occur.

1 September 2021

(paragraph (b) applies)

4.

Schedule 1, Part 4

The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.

24 July 2021

Note: This table relates only to the provisions of this Act as originally enacted. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of this Act.

  1. (2)

    Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this Act. Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it may be edited, in any published version of this Act.

3Schedules

Legislation that is specified in a Schedule to this Act is amended or repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this Act has effect according to its terms.

Schedule 1Amendments

Part 1General amendments

Australian Crime Commission Act 2002

1

Paragraph 19A(5)(d)

After “Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979”, insert “and clause 152 of Schedule 1 to that Act”.

2

Schedule 1

After “Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979,

sections 63 and 133”, insert “and clause 152 of Schedule 1”.

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979

3

At the end of section 18

Add:

Communicating information to the Australian Designated Authority etc.

  1. (5)

    A person referred to in subsection (1) may communicate information to:

    1. (a)

      the Australian Designated Authority (within the meaning of Schedule 1 to the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979); or

    2. (b)

      an APS employee in the Attorney‑General’s Department (within the meaning of that Schedule);

for the purpose of the Australian Designated Authority exercising a power, or performing a function, under that Schedule.

4

After subsection 94(2BB)

Insert:

  1. (2BBA)

    A report under subsection (1) must also include a statement of:

    1. (a)

      the relevant statistics about applications made by the Organisation under clause 83 of Schedule 1 to the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 during the period; and

    2. (b)

      the relevant statistics about applications made by the Organisation under clause 92 of that Schedule during the period; and

    3. (c)

      the relevant statistics about applications made by the Organisation under clause 101 of that Schedule during the period; and

    4. (d)

      the number of international production orders issued under clause 89 of that Schedule that were given by the Australian Designated Authority to prescribed communications providers during the period; and

    5. (e)

      the number of international production orders issued under clause 98 of that Schedule that were given by the Australian Designated Authority to prescribed communications providers during the period; and

    6. (f)

      the number of international production orders issued under clause 107 of that Schedule that were given by the Australian Designated Authority to prescribed communications providers during the period; and

    7. (g)

      for each designated international agreement—the number of international production orders issued under Part 4 of that Schedule that:

      1. (i)

        were given by the Australian Designated Authority to prescribed communications providers during the period; and

      2. (ii)

        invoked the designated international agreement; and

    8. (h)

      if subparagraph 89(2)(e)(ii) or (f)(ii) of that Schedule applied to one or more international production orders issued under clause 89 of that Schedule during the period—the number of those orders; and

    9. (i)

      the number of international production orders cancelled by the Australian Designated Authority under clause 112 of that Schedule during the period; and

    10. (j)

      the number of international production orders revoked by the Director‑General of Security under clause 116 of that Schedule during the period; and

    11. (k)

      if one or more international production orders issued under Part 4 of that Schedule were cancelled by the Australian Designated Authority under clause 122 of that Schedule during the period—the number of those orders; and

    12. (l)

      if there were one or more occasions during the period when protected information obtained in accordance with an international production order issued under Part 4 of that Schedule was communicated by an ASIO official to a person other than an ASIO official—the number of those occasions; and

    13. (m)

      if one or more objections were received by the Australian Designated Authority under clause 121 of that Schedule during the period in relation to international production orders issued under Part 4 of that Schedule:

      1. (i)

        the number of international production orders to which those objections relate; and

      2. (ii)

        the number of each type of those orders; and

      3. (iii)

        for each designated international agreement—the number of those orders that invoked the designated international agreement.

  2. (2BBB)

    An expression used in subsection (2BBA) has same meaning as in Schedule 1 to the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.

Freedom of Information Act 1982

5

Schedule 3

After “Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979,

sections 63 and 133”, insert “and clause 152 of Schedule 1”.

Inspector‑General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986

5A

After section 34

Insert:

34AADisclosure of IPO information to the Ombudsman and the Australian Designated Authority etc.

  1. (1)

    The Inspector‑General, or a member of the staff of the Inspector‑General, may divulge or communicate IPO information to an Ombudsman official if:

    1. (a)

      the information is relevant to the Ombudsman’s functions or powers; and

    2. (b)

      the Inspector‑General is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the Ombudsman has satisfactory arrangements in place for protecting the information.

  2. (2)

    The Inspector‑General, or a member of the staff of the Inspector‑General, may divulge or communicate IPO information to an Australian Designated Authority official if:

    1. (a)

      the information is relevant to the Australian Designated Authority’s functions or powers under Schedule 1 to the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979; and

    2. (b)

      the Inspector‑General is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the Australian Designated Authority has satisfactory arrangements in place for protecting the information.

  3. (3)

    In this section:

Australian Designated Authority has the same meaning as in Schedule 1 to the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.

Australian Designated Authority official means:

  1. (a)

    the Australian Designated Authority; or

  2. (b)

    a person who:

    1. (i)

      is an APS employee in the Department administered by the Attorney‑General; and

    2. (ii)

      has duties relating to the functions or powers of the Australian Designated Authority under Schedule 1 to the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.

IPO information means:

  1. (a)

    protected information within the meaning of Schedule 1 to the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979; or

  2. (b)

    information relevant to the operation of that Schedule.

Ombudsman official has the same meaning as in the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.

Intelligence Services Act 2001

5B

After paragraph 29(1)(be)

Insert:

  1. (bf)

    to commence, by the earlier of the following:

    1. (i)

      the fifth anniversary of the day on which Schedule 1 to the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 commences;

    2. (ii)

      the third anniversary of the day on which the first designated international agreement (within the meaning of that Schedule) enters into force for Australia;

a review of the operation, effectiveness and implications of that Schedule; and

International Criminal Court Act 2002

6

After subsection 69A(1)

Insert:

  1. (1A)

    The Attorney‑General may authorise, in writing, the provision of material to the ICC if:

    1. (a)

      the ICC has requested the material; and

    2. (b)

      the Attorney‑General is satisfied that the request relates to an investigation being conducted by the Prosecutor or a proceeding before the ICC; and

    3. (c)

      the material is or includes protected information (within the meaning of Schedule 1 to the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979) that:

      1. (i)

        was obtained in accordance with an international production order issued under Part 2 or 3 of that Schedule; or

      2. (ii)

        relates to such an international production order; and

    4. (d)

      if the material is or includes protected information (within the meaning of Schedule 1 to the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979) that:

      1. (i)

        was obtained in accordance with an international production order issued under clause 30 or 60 of that Schedule; or

      2. (ii)

        relates to such an international production order;

    the Attorney‑General is satisfied that the investigation is into, or the proceeding relates to, an offence punishable by a maximum penalty of imprisonment for 7 years or more, or imprisonment for life; and

    1. (e)

      the Attorney‑General is satisfied that the material is lawfully in the possession of a law enforcement agency.

7

Subsection 69A(2)

Omit “The authorisation”, substitute “An authorisation under subsection (1) or (1A)”.

Law Enforcement Integrity Commissioner Act 2006

  1. 8

    Subsection 5(1) (paragraph (c) of the definition of law enforcement secrecy provision)

After “Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979”, insert “and clause 152 of Schedule 1 to that Act”.

Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 1987

9

Subsection 3(1)

Insert:

international production order has the same meaning as in Schedule 1 to the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.

  1. 10

    Subsection 3(1) (definition of protected information)

Repeal the definition.

11

Subsection 3(1)

Insert:

protected IPO intercept information means information that:

  1. (a)

    is protected information (within the meaning of Schedule 1 to the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979); and

  2. (b)

    either:

    1. (i)

      was obtained in accordance with an international production order issued under clause 30 or 60 of that Schedule; or

    2. (ii)

      relates to such an international production order.

protected IPO stored communications information means information that:

  1. (a)

    is protected information (within the meaning of Schedule 1 to the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979); and

  2. (b)

    either:

    1. (i)

      was obtained in accordance with an international production order issued under clause 39 or 69 of that Schedule; or

    2. (ii)

      relates to such an international production order.

protected IPO telecommunications data information means information that:

  1. (a)

    is protected information (within the meaning of Schedule 1 to the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979); and

  2. (b)

    either:

    1. (i)

      is telecommunications data obtained in accordance with an international production order; or

    2. (ii)

      relates to an international production order that required the disclosure of telecommunications data.

protected SD information means information that is protected information within the meaning of paragraph 44(1)(a), (aa), (b) or (c) of the Surveillance Devices Act 2004.

telecommunications data (except when used in Part IIIB) has the same meaning as in Schedule 1 to the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.

12

Subsection 13A(2) (table item 1, column 1)

Omit “protected information”, substitute “protected SD information”.

13

Subsection 13A(2) (at the end of the table)

Add:

4

material that is or includes protected IPO intercept information

a serious offence punishable by a maximum penalty of imprisonment for 7 years or more, imprisonment for life or the death penalty

5

material that is or includes:

(a) protected IPO stored communications information; or

(b) protected IPO telecommunications data information

a serious offence punishable by a maximum penalty of imprisonment for 3 years or more, imprisonment for life or the death penalty

Ombudsman Act 1976

13A

After subsection 35(3)

Insert:

  1. (3A)

    Subsection (2) does not prevent an officer from divulging or communicating IPO information to an IGIS official if:

    1. (a)

      the information is relevant to the functions or powers of the Inspector‑General of Intelligence and Security; and

    2. (b)

      the Ombudsman is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the Inspector‑General of Intelligence and Security has satisfactory arrangements in place for protecting the information.

  2. (3B)

    Subsection (2) does not prevent an officer from divulging or communicating IPO information to an Australian Designated Authority official if:

    1. (a)

      the information is relevant to the Australian Designated Authority’s functions or powers under Schedule 1 to the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979; and

    2. (b)

      the Ombudsman is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the Australian Designated Authority has satisfactory arrangements in place for protecting the information.

13B

At the end of section 35

Add:

  1. (9)

    In this section:

Australian Designated Authority has the same meaning as in Schedule 1 to the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.

Australian Designated Authority official means:

  1. (a)

    the Australian Designated Authority; or

  2. (b)

    a person who:

    1. (i)

      is an APS employee in the Department administered by the Attorney‑General; and

    2. (ii)

      has duties relating to the functions or powers of the Australian Designated Authority under Schedule 1 to the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.

IGIS official has the same meaning as in the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.

IPO information means:

  1. (a)

    protected information within the meaning of Schedule 1 to the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979; or

  2. (b)

    information relevant to the operation of that Schedule.

Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979

14

Title

Omit “related”, substitute “other”.

  1. 15

    Subsection 5(1) (at the end of the definition of access)

Add “This definition does not apply to Schedule 1.”.

  1. 19

    Subsection 5(1) (at the end of the definition of equipment)

Add “This definition does not apply to Schedule 1.”.

  1. 20

    Subsection 5(1) (definition of intended recipient)

Before “has”, insert “(except when used in Schedule 1)”.

  1. 21

    Subsection 5(1) (definition of issuing authority)

Before “means”, insert “(except when used in Schedule 1)”.

  1. 22

    Subsection 5(1) (at the end of the definition of lawfully accessed information)

Add “, but does not include information obtained in accordance with an international production order (within the meaning of Schedule 1)”.

  1. 23

    Subsection 5(1) (definition of nominated AAT member)

Before “means”, insert “(except when used in Schedule 1)”.

24

Subsection 5(1) (definition of record)

Before “means” (first occurring), insert “(except when used in Schedule 1)”.

  1. 25

    Subsection 5(1) (definition of relevant statistics)

Before “means”, insert “(except when used in Schedule 1)”.

  1. 26

    Subsection 5(1) (definition of stored communication)

Before “means”, insert “(except when used in Schedule 1)”.

  1. 27

    Subsection 5(1) (at the end of the definition of telecommunications network)

Add “This definition does not apply to Schedule 1.”.

  1. 28

    Subsection 5(1) (definition of telephone application)

Before “means”, insert “(except when used in Schedule 1)”.

29

Section 5A

After “this Act”, insert “(other than Schedule 1)”.

30

Section 5F

After “this Act”, insert “(other than Schedule 1)”.

31

Section 5G

After “this Act”, insert “(other than Schedule 1)”.

32

Subsection 6(1)

After “this Act”, insert “(other than Schedule 1)”.

  1. 33

    Subsection 6D(1) (definition of eligible Judge)

Before “means”, insert “(except when used in Schedule 1)”.

34

Subsections 6D(3) and (4)

After “this Act”, insert “(other than Schedule 1)”.

35

After subsection 6DB(3)

Insert:

  1. (3A)

    An appointment under subsection (1) has no effect for the purposes of Schedule 1.

36

Subsection 6DB(4)

After “this Act”, insert “(other than Schedule 1)”.

37

Subsection 6E(1)

Omit “subsection (2)”, substitute “subsections (2) and (3)”.

38

At the end of section 6E

Add:

  1. (3)

    A reference in this Act to lawfully intercepted information does not include a reference to information obtained in accordance with an international production order (within the meaning of Schedule 1).

39

Section 6P

After “this Act”, insert “(other than Schedule 1)”.

40

After paragraph 7(2)(bb)

Insert:

  1. (bc)

    an act or thing done in compliance with an international production order (within the meaning of Schedule 1); or

41

After paragraph 108(2)(cb)

Insert:

  1. (cc)

    an act or thing done in compliance with an international production order (within the meaning of Schedule 1); or

42

After section 299

Insert:

299ASchedule 1

Schedule 1 has effect.

43

At the end of the Act

Add:

Schedule 1—International production orders

Note: See section 299A.

Part 1Introduction

1Simplified outline of this Schedule

• This Schedule provides for a scheme to facilitate cooperation in law enforcement matters between Australia and each foreign country that is a party to a designated international agreement.

• The scheme deals with electronic information held by, or under the control of, prescribed communications providers.

• The scheme has the following components:

  1. (a)

    the issue under this Schedule of international production orders that are directed to prescribed communications providers;

  2. (b)

    in a case where a corresponding order is issued by a competent authority of a foreign country in accordance with a designated international agreement—the exemption of acts or things done in compliance with such an order from Commonwealth laws restricting interception or disclosure.

• The scheme extends to matters outside Australia.

• An international production order may be issued for purposes in connection with:

  1. (a)

    the investigation of an offence of a serious nature; or

  2. (b)

    the monitoring of a person subject to a control order, so as to protect the public from terrorist acts, prevent support for terrorist acts and hostile acts overseas and detect breaches of the control order; or

  3. (c)

    the carrying out by the Organisation of its functions.

• There are 3 types of international production orders:

  1. (a)

    international production orders relating to interception; and

  2. (b)

    international production orders relating to stored communications; and

  3. (c)

    international production orders relating to telecommunications data.

2Definitions

In this Schedule:

access, when used in relation to material, includes:

  1. (a)

    access that is subject to a pre‑condition (for example, the use of a password); and

  2. (b)

    access by way of push technology; and

  3. (c)

    access by way of a standing request.

account includes:

  1. (a)

    a free account; and

  2. (b)

    a pre‑paid account; and

  3. (c)

    anything that may reasonably be regarded as the equivalent of an account.

ASIO official means:

  1. (a)

    the Director‑General of Security; or

  2. (b)

    a Deputy Director‑General of Security; or

  3. (c)

    an ASIO employee; or

  4. (d)

    an ASIO affiliate.

Attorney‑General’s Department means the Department administered by the Attorney‑General.

Australian Designated Authority means the Secretary of the Attorney‑General’s Department.

based in a foreign country has the meaning given by clause 10A.

certified copy:

  1. (a)

    in relation to an international production order issued under clause 30—has the meaning given by clause 174; or

  2. (b)

    in relation to an international production order issued under clause 39—has the meaning given by clause 175; or

  1. (c)

    in relation to an international production order issued under clause 48—has the meaning given by clause 176; or

  2. (d)

    in relation to an international production order issued under clause 60—has the meaning given by subclause 177(2); or

  3. (e)

    in relation to an international production order issued under clause 69—has the meaning given by subclause 177(4); or

  4. (f)

    in relation to an international production order issued under clause 78—has the meaning given by subclause 177(6); or

  5. (g)

    in relation to an international production order issued under clause 89—has the meaning given by subclause 178(2); or

  6. (h)

    in relation to an international production order issued under clause 98—has the meaning given by subclause 178(4); or

  7. (i)

    in relation to an international production order issued under clause 107—has the meaning given by subclause 178(6).

control order IPO agency means a control order warrant agency.

designated international agreement has the meaning given by clause 3.

eligible Judg e has the meaning given by clause 14.

eligible position‑holder means an ASIO employee, or an ASIO affiliate, who holds, or is acting in, a position in the Organisation that is equivalent to or higher than a position occupied by an Executive Level 2 APS employee.

general electronic content service has the meaning given by clause 8.

general electronic content service provider means a person who provides a general electronic content service to the public or a section of the public.

individual transmission service means a transmission service to the extent to which the service is supplied using a particular telecommunications identifier.

individual message/call application service means a message/call application service to the extent to which the service is provided using a particular telecommunications identifier.

intended recipient of a communication has the meaning given by clause 11.

intercept means:

  1. (a)

    record; or

  2. (b)

    live stream to a single destination.

international production order means an international production order issued under this Schedule.

issuing authority means a person in respect of whom an appointment is in force under clause 16.

manager of a prescribed communications provider means:

  1. (a)

    the chief executive officer (however described) of the provider; or

  2. (b)

    any other individual who is involved in the management of the provider.

material means material:

  1. (a)

    whether in the form of text; or

  2. (b)

    whether in the form of data; or

  3. (c)

    whether in the form of speech, music or other sounds; or

  4. (d)

    whether in the form of visual images (moving or otherwise); or

  5. (e)

    whether in the form of signals; or

  6. (f)

    whether in any other form; or

  7. (g)

    whether in any combination of forms.

meets the enforcement threshold has the meaning given by clause 125.

member of staff of the Attorney‑General’s Department means:

  1. (a)

    the Secretary of the Attorney‑General’s Department; or

  2. (b)

    an APS employee in that Department.

message means a message:

  1. (a)

    whether in the form of text; or

  2. (b)

    whether in the form of data; or

  3. (c)

    whether in the form of speech, music or other sounds; or

  4. (d)

    whether in the form of visual images (animated or otherwise); or

  5. (e)

    whether in the form of signals; or

  6. (f)

    whether in any other form; or

  7. (g)

    whether in any combination of forms.

message application service has the meaning given by clause 4.

message/call application service means:

  1. (a)

    a message application service; or

  2. (b)

    a voice call application service; or

  3. (c)

    a video call application service.

message/call application service provider means a person who provides a message/call application service to the public or a section of the public.

network entity means a person who owns or operates a telecommunications network that is used to supply a transmission service to the public or a section of the public.

nominated AAT member means a member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in respect of whom a nomination is in force under clause 15 to issue international production orders under Division 2 of Part 2, and Division 2 of Part 3, of this Schedule.

nominated AAT Security Division member means a member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in respect of whom a nomination is in force under clause 17 to issue international production orders under Part 4 of this Schedule.

operates in a foreign country has the meaning given by clause 10A.

posted on a general electronic content service has the meaning given by clause 9.

prescribed communications provider means:

  1. (a)

    a network entity; or

  2. (b)

    a transmission service provider; or

  3. (c)

    a message/call application service provider; or

  4. (d)

    a storage/back‑up service provider; or

  5. (e)

    a general electronic content service provider.

protected information means:

  1. (a)

    information obtained in accordance with an international production order; or

  2. (b)

    information about any of the following:

    1. (i)

      an application for an international production order;

    2. (ii)

      the issue of an international production order;

    3. (iii)

      the existence or non‑existence of an international production order;

    4. (iv)

      compliance or non‑compliance with an international production order;

    5. (v)

      the revocation of an international production order;

    6. (vi)

      the cancellation of an international production order.

relevant agency means:

  1. (a)

    an interception agency; or

  2. (b)

    a criminal law‑enforcement agency; or

  3. (c)

    an enforcement agency; or

  4. (d)

    a control order IPO agency.

relevant statistics, in relation to applications of a particular kind, means the following statistics:

  1. (a)

    how many applications of that kind were made;

  2. (b)

    how many applications of that kind were withdrawn;

  3. (c)

    how many applications of that kind were refused;

  4. (d)

    how many international production orders were issued in response to applications of that kind.

senior position‑holder has the same meaning as in the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979.

serious category 1 offence means:

  1. (a)

    an offence that is punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of 3 years or more; or

  2. (b)

    an offence that is punishable by imprisonment for life.

Note: For the definition of offence, see section 5.

serious category 2 offence means:

  1. (a)

    a serious offence (see section 5D); or

  2. (b)

    an offence that is punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of 7 years or more; or

  3. (c)

    an offence that is punishable by imprisonment for life.

Note: For the definition of offence, see section 5.

service includes a website. This definition does not apply to the definition of transmission service.

statutory requirements certificate means a certificate under subclause 3B(2).

storage/back‑up service has the meaning given by clause 7.

storage/back‑up service provider means a person who provides a storage/back‑up service to the public or a section of the public.

stored communication means:

  1. (a)

    a communication that:

    1. (i)

      has been carried by a transmission service; and

    2. (ii)

      is not being carried by a transmission service; and

    3. (iii)

      is held on equipment that is operated by, and is in the possession of, the transmission service provider who supplied the transmission service; or

  2. (b)

    a communication that:

    1. (i)

      has been carried by a transmission service; and

    2. (ii)

      is not being carried by a transmission service; and

    3. (iii)

      is held on equipment that is operated by, and is in the possession of, the network entity who owns or operates a telecommunications network used to supply the transmission service; or

  3. (c)

    a message that:

    1. (i)

      has been sent or received using a message/call application service provided by a message/call application service provider; and

    2. (ii)

      is held on equipment that is operated by, and is in the possession of, the message/call application service provider; or

  4. (d)

    a recording of a voice call that:

    1. (i)

      has been made or received using a message/call application service provided by a message/call application service provider; and

    2. (ii)

      is held on equipment that is operated by, and is in the possession of, the message/call application service provider; or

  5. (e)

    a recording of a video call that:

    1. (i)

      has been made or received using a message/call application service provided by a message/call application service provider; and

    2. (ii)

      is held on equipment that is operated by, and is in the possession of, the message/call application service provider; or

  6. (f)

    material that:

    1. (i)

      has been uploaded by an end‑user for storage or back‑up by a storage/back‑up service provided by a storage/back‑up service provider; and

    2. (ii)

      is held on equipment that is operated by, and is in the possession of, the storage/back‑up service provider; or

  7. (g)

    material that:

    1. (i)

      is accessible to, or deliverable to, one or more of the end‑users using a general electronic content service provided by a general electronic content service provider; and

    2. (ii)

      is held on equipment that is operated by, and is in the possession of, the general electronic content service provider.

telecommunications data:

  1. (a)

    when used in relation to a communication carried by an individual transmission service—means information about the communication (other than information that is the contents or substance of the communication); or

  2. (b)

    when used in relation to an individual transmission service—means information about the individual transmission service; or

  3. (c)

    when used in relation to a message sent or received using an individual message/call application service—means information about the message (other than information that is the contents or substance of the message); or

  4. (d)

    when used in relation to a voice call made or received using an individual message/call application service—means information about the voice call (other than information that is the contents or substance of the voice call); or

  5. (e)

    when used in relation to a video call made or received using an individual message/call application service—means information about the video call (other than information that is the contents or substance of the video call); or

  6. (f)

    when used in relation to an individual message/call application service—means information about the individual message/call application service; or

  7. (g)

    when used in relation to material that has been uploaded by an end‑user for storage or back‑up by a storage/back‑up service—means information about the material (other than information that is the content or substance of the material); or

  8. (h)

    when used in relation to an account that a person has with a storage/back‑up service—means information relating to the account; or

  9. (i)

    when used in relation to material that has been posted on a general electronic content service—means information about the material (other than information that is the content or substance of the material); or

  10. (j)

    when used in relation to an account that a person has with a general electronic content service—means information relating to the account; or

  11. (k)

    when used otherwise than in relation to a matter or thing mentioned in any of the preceding paragraphs—means:

    1. (i)

      information about a communication carried by an individual transmission service (other than information that is the contents or substance of the communication); or

    2. (ii)

      information about an individual transmission service; or

    3. (iii)

      information about a message sent or received using an individual message/call application service (other than information that is the contents or substance of the message); or

    4. (iv)

      information about a voice call made or received using an individual message/call application service (other than information that is the contents or substance of the voice call); or

    5. (v)

      information about a video call made or received using an individual message/call application service (other than information that is the contents or substance of the video call); or

    6. (vi)

      information about an individual message/call application service; or

    7. (vii)

      information about material that has been uploaded by an end‑user for storage or back‑up by a storage/back‑up service (other than information that is the content or substance of the material); or

    8. (viii)

      information relating to an account that a person has with a storage/back‑up service; or

    9. (ix)

      information about material that has been posted on a general electronic content service (other than information that is the content or substance of the material); or

    10. (x)

      information relating to an account that a person has with a general electronic content service.

telecommunications identifier means:

  1. (a)

    the address or identifier used by a network entity or a transmission service provider for the purposes of:

    1. (i)

      directing a communication to its intended destination; or

    2. (ii)

      identifying the origin of a communication; or

  2. (b)

    the address or identifier used by a message/call application service provider for the purposes of:

    1. (i)

      directing a message to its intended destination; or

    2. (ii)

      identifying the origin of a message; or

  3. (c)

    the address or identifier used by a message/call application service provider for the purposes of:

    1. (i)

      directing a voice call to its intended destination; or

    2. (ii)

      identifying the origin of a voice call; or

  4. (d)

    the address or identifier used by a message/call application service provider for the purposes of:

    1. (i)

      directing a video call to its intended destination; or

    2. (ii)

      identifying the origin of a video call;

and includes (for example):

  1. (e)

    a telephone number; and

  2. (f)

    a unique identifier for a device (for example, an electronic serial number or a Media Access Control address); and

  3. (g)

    a user account identifier; and

  4. (h)

    an internet protocol address; and

  5. (i)

    an email address.

telecommunications network means a system, or series of systems, that carries, or is capable of carrying, communications by means of guided and/or unguided electromagnetic energy.

telephone application means an application made by telephone for an international production order.

telephone number includes a mobile telephone number.

transmission service means a service for carrying communications by means of guided and/or unguided electromagnetic energy.

transmission service provider means a person who supplies a transmission service to the public or a section of the public.

uploaded has a meaning affected by clause 10.

urgent circumstances has a meaning affected by clause 17A.

use has a meaning affected by clause 12.

video call includes a video call that has an audio component.

video call application service has the meaning given by clause 6.

voice call includes a call that involves a recorded or synthetic voice.

voice call application service has the meaning given by clause 5.

3Designated international agreement

Bilateral agreement

  1. (1)

    For the purposes of this Schedule, if:

    1. (a)

      there is an agreement between Australia and a foreign country; and

    2. (b)

      a copy of the English text of the agreement is set out in the regulations; and

    3. (c)

      the agreement has entered into force for Australia and the foreign country;

then:

  1. (d)

    if the agreement is affected by an amendment, where:

    1. (i)

      a copy of the English text of the amendment is set out in the regulations; and

    2. (ii)

      the amendment has entered into force for Australia and the foreign country;

the agreement, as affected by such an amendment, is a designated international agreement; or

  1. (e)

    if paragraph (d) does not apply—the agreement is a designated international agreement.

Note: An agreement mentioned in paragraph (a) is a treaty to which Australia is a party. Proposed treaty actions, such as amendments of treaties and extensions of the duration of treaties, are subject to Australia’s treaty‑making process. In 2021, the parliamentary scrutiny process for proposed treaty actions included tabling in both Houses of the Parliament and consideration by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties.

  1. (1A)

    If:

    1. (a)

      there is an agreement between Australia and a foreign country; and

    2. (b)

      the agreement deals with (among other things) the issue of orders (however described) by a competent authority (however described) of the foreign country;

a copy of the English text of the agreement must not be set out in regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (1)(b) unless a statutory requirements certificate is in force under clause 3B in relation to the foreign country and the agreement.

  1. (2)

    If:

    1. (a)

      there is an agreement between Australia and a foreign country; and

    2. (b)

      the agreement deals with (among other things) the issue of orders (however described) by a competent authority (however described) of the foreign country; and

    3. (c)

      one or more offences against the law of the foreign country are death penalty offences;

a copy of the English text of the agreement must not be set out in regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (1)(b) unless the Minister has received a written assurance from the government of the foreign country, relating to the use or non‑use of Australian‑sourced information obtained by virtue of the agreement, in connection with any proceeding by way of a prosecution for a death penalty offence in the foreign country. For the purposes of this subclause, information is obtained by virtue of the agreement if it is obtained in accordance with such an order.

Note 1: For Australian‑sourced information, see subclause (8).

Note 2: For death penalty offence, see subclause (7A).

Multilateral agreement

  1. (3)

    For the purposes of this Schedule, if:

    1. (a)

      there is an agreement between Australia and 2 or more foreign countries; and

    2. (b)

      a copy of the English text of the agreement is set out in the regulations; and

    3. (c)

      the agreement has entered into force for Australia;

then:

  1. (d)

    if the agreement is affected by an amendment, where:

    1. (i)

      a copy of the English text of the amendment is set out in the regulations; and

    2. (ii)

      the amendment has entered into force for Australia;

the agreement, as affected by such an amendment, is a designated international agreement; or

  1. (e)

    if paragraph (d) does not apply—the agreement is a designated international agreement.

Note: An agreement mentioned in paragraph (a) is a treaty to which Australia is a party. Proposed treaty actions, such as amendments of treaties and extensions of the duration of treaties, are subject to Australia’s treaty‑making process. In 2021, the parliamentary scrutiny process for proposed treaty actions included tabling in both Houses of the Parliament and consideration by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties.

  1. (4)

    If there is an agreement between Australia and 2 or more foreign countries, the regulations may declare that one or more of those foreign countries are recognised parties to the agreement for the purposes of this Schedule.

  2. (4A)

    If:

    1. (a)

      there is an agreement between Australia and 2 or more foreign countries; and

    2. (b)

      the agreement deals with (among other things) the issue of orders (however described) by a competent authority (however described) of each of the foreign countries;

a foreign country that is a party to the agreement must not be declared under subclause (4) unless a statutory requirements certificate is in force under clause 3B in relation to the foreign country and the agreement.

  1. (5)

    If:

    1. (a)

      there is an agreement between Australia and 2 or more foreign countries; and

    2. (b)

      the agreement deals with (among other things) the issue of orders (however described) by a competent authority (however described) of each of the foreign countries; and

    3. (c)

      one or more offences against the law of one or more of those foreign countries are death penalty offences;

a foreign country covered by paragraph (c) must not be declared under subclause (4) unless the Minister has received a written assurance from the government of the foreign country, relating to the use or non‑use of Australian‑sourced information obtained by virtue of the agreement, in connection with any proceeding by way of a prosecution for a death penalty offence in the foreign country. For the purposes of this subclause, information is obtained by virtue of the agreement if it is obtained in accordance with such an order.

Note 1: For Australian‑sourced information, see subclause (8).

Note 2: For death penalty offence, see subclause (7A).

  1. (6)

    If:

    1. (a)

      apart from this subclause, there is a designated international agreement between Australia and one or more foreign countries; and

    2. (b)

      one or more of those foreign countries are not recognised parties to the agreement;

this Schedule (other than subclauses (3) and (4)) has effect as if those foreign countries were not parties to the agreement.

Note: For recognised parties, see subclause (4).

Announcement by Minister

  1. (7)

    The Minister must announce, by notifiable instrument, the day an agreement mentioned in subclause (1) or (3) enters into force for Australia.

Death penalty offence

  1. (7A)

    For the purposes of this clause, death penalty offence means an offence against a law of a foreign country that is punishable by death.

Australian‑sourced information

  1. (8)

    For the purposes of the application of subclause (2) or (5) to an order, information obtained in accordance with the order is Australian‑sourced information if the order:

    1. (a)

      requires an act or thing to be done in Australia; or

    2. (b)

      is directed to an individual who is physically present in Australia; or

    3. (c)

      is directed to a body corporate that is incorporated in Australia; or

    4. (d)

      is directed to a body established by or under a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory.

3ADisallowance of regulations relating to designated international agreements

Scope

  1. (1)

    This clause applies to regulations made for the purposes of clause 3.

Disallowance

  1. (2)

    Either House of the Parliament may, following a motion upon notice, pass a resolution disallowing the regulations. For the resolution to be effective:

    1. (a)

      the notice must be given in that House within 15 sitting days of that House after the copy of the regulations was tabled in that House under section 38 of the Legislation Act 2003; and

    2. (b)

      the resolution must be passed, in pursuance of the motion, within 15 sitting days of that House after the giving of that notice.

  2. (3)

    If neither House passes such a resolution, the regulations takes effect on the day immediately after the last day upon which such a resolution could have been passed if it were assumed that notice of a motion to disallow the regulations was given in each House on the last day of the 15 sitting day period of that House mentioned in paragraph (2)(a).

  3. (4)

    If:

    1. (a)

      notice of a motion to disallow the regulations is given in a House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the copy of the regulations was tabled in that House under section 38 of the Legislation Act 2003; and

    2. (b)

      at the end of 15 sitting days of that House after the giving of that notice of motion:

      1. (i)

        the notice has not been withdrawn and the motion has not been called on; or

      2. (ii)

        the motion has been called on, moved and (where relevant) seconded and has not been withdrawn or otherwise disposed of;

the regulations is then taken to have been disallowed, and subclause (3) does not apply to the regulations.

  1. (5)

    Section 42 (disallowance) of the Legislation Act 2003 does not apply to the regulations.

    Note 1: The 15 sitting day notice period mentioned in paragraph (2)(a) of this clause is the same as the 15 sitting day notice period mentioned in paragraph 42(1)(a) of the Legislation Act 2003.

    Note 2: The 15 sitting day disallowance period mentioned in paragraph (2)(b) of this clause is the same as the 15 sitting day disallowance period mentioned in paragraph 42(1)(b) of the Legislation Act 2003.

3BStatutory requirements certificate—designated international agreements

Scope

  1. (1)

    This section applies if:

    1. (a)

      there is an agreement between Australia and one or more foreign countries; and

    2. (b)

      the agreement deals with (among other things) the issue of orders (however described) by a competent authority (however described) of the foreign country, or each of the foreign countries, concerned.

Certificate

  1. (2)

    The Attorney‑General may, after consulting the Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, issue a certificate (a statutory requirements certificate) in relation to:

    1. (a)

      a foreign country that is a party to the agreement; and

    2. (b)

      the agreement.

  2. (3)

    A statutory requirements certificate is a notifiable instrument.

  3. (4)

    The Attorney‑General must not issue a statutory requirements certificate in relation to:

    1. (a)

      a foreign country that is a party to the agreement; and

    2. (b)

      the agreement;

unless the Attorney‑General is satisfied that:

  1. (c)

    the agreement is appropriate in the circumstances, having regard only to:

    1. (i)

      the foreign country’s respect for the rule of law; and

    2. (ii)

      the foreign country’s respect for its obligations under international law relating to human rights; and

  2. (d)

    the following requirements are met in relation to orders (however described) issued by a competent authority (however described) of the foreign country:

    1. (i)

      the agreement provides that orders are to be issued in compliance with the law of the foreign country;

    2. (ii)

      the agreement provides that orders may only be issued for the purposes of obtaining information relevant to the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of serious crime (as defined in the agreement);

    3. (iii)

      the agreement provides that orders may not be issued for the purposes of investigating, prosecuting or punishing a person on account of the person’s political opinions;

    4. (iv)

      the agreement, so far as it relates to orders, is appropriate in the circumstances, having regard only to the matters set out in subclause (5);

    5. (v)

      the agreement does not permit orders to be issued for the purposes of obtaining information about the communications of a person who is an Australian citizen or a permanent resident of Australia;

    6. (vi)

      the agreement provides for limitations and safeguards relating to the use, handling and disclosure of information obtained in accordance with orders;

    7. (vii)

      the agreement does not permit orders to be issued on behalf of another country;

    8. (viii)

      the agreement does not impose obligations on the foreign country to share information it has obtained in accordance with orders with another country; and

  3. (e)

    if one or more offences against the law of the foreign country are death penalty offences (within the meaning of clause 3)—the Minister has received a written assurance from the government of the foreign country in accordance with subclause 3(2) or (5).

  1. (5)

    For the purposes of subparagraph (4)(d)(iv), the matters are:

    1. (a)

      criteria for the issuing of orders; and

    2. (b)

      limitations on the scope and objects of orders; and

    3. (c)

      limits on the periods for which orders are in force;

set out in the agreement or the law of the foreign country.

Copy of certificate to be given to the Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties

  1. (6)

    If the Attorney‑General issues a statutory requirements certificate, the Attorney‑General must:

    1. (a)

      give a copy of the certificate to the Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties; and

    2. (b)

      do so as soon as practicable after the certificate is issued.

3CAustralia’s treaty‑making process

Nothing in this Schedule is intended to modify or limit the application of Australia’s treaty‑making process relating to a designated international agreement, including the following proposed treaty actions:

  1. (a)

    an amendment of a designated international agreement;

  2. (b)

    an extension of the duration of a designated international agreement.

4Message application service

  1. (1)

    For the purposes of this Schedule, message application service means a service that enables end‑users to send or receive messages to or from other end‑users using a transmission service.

  2. (2)

    For the purposes of subclause (1), it is immaterial whether the service also enables end‑users to send or receive messages to or from persons (other than end‑users) using a transmission service.

    Example: A webmail service that enables end‑users to send emails to, or receive emails from, any email address.

  3. (3)

    For the purposes of this Schedule, a person does not provide a message application service merely because the person supplies a transmission service that enables messages to be sent or received.

  4. (4)

    For the purposes of this Schedule, a person does not provide a message application service merely because the person provides a billing service, or a fee collection service, in relation to a message application service.

5Voice call application service

  1. (1)

    For the purposes of this Schedule, voice call application service means a service that enables end‑users to make or receive voice calls to or from other end‑users using a transmission service.

  2. (2)

    For the purposes of subclause (1), it is immaterial whether the service also enables end‑users to make or receive voice calls to or from persons (other than end‑users) using a transmission service.

    Example: A VOIP service that enables end‑users to make voice calls to, or receive voice calls from, any telephone number.

  3. (3)

    For the purposes of this Schedule, a person does not provide a voice call application service merely because the person supplies a transmission service that enables voice calls to be made or received.

  4. (4)

    For the purposes of this Schedule, a person does not provide a voice call application service merely because the person provides a billing service, or a fee collection service, in relation to a voice call application service.

6Video call application service

  1. (1)

    For the purposes of this Schedule, video call application service means a service that enables end‑users to make or receive video calls to or from other end‑users using a transmission service.

  2. (2)

    For the purposes of subclause (1), it is immaterial whether the service also enables end‑users to make or receive video calls to or from persons (other than end‑users) using a transmission service.

  3. (3)

    For the purposes of this Schedule, a person does not provide a video call application service merely because the person supplies a transmission service that enables video calls to be made or received.

  4. (4)

    For the purposes of this Schedule, a person does not provide a video call application service merely because the person provides a billing service, or a fee collection service, in relation to a video call application service.

7Storage/back‑up service

  1. (1)

    For the purposes of this Schedule, storage/back‑up service means a service that enables end‑users to store or back‑up material, where the uploading of the material for storage or back‑up is by means of a transmission service.

  2. (2)

    For the purposes of this Schedule, a person does not provide a storage/back‑up service merely because the person supplies a transmission service that enables material to be uploaded for storage or back‑up.

  3. (3)

    For the purposes of this Schedule, a person does not provide a storage/back‑up service merely because the person provides a billing service, or a fee collection service, in relation to a storage/back‑up service.

8General electronic content service

  1. (1)

    For the purposes of this Schedule, general electronic content service means:

    1. (a)

      a service that allows end‑users to access material using a transmission service; or

    2. (b)

      a service that delivers material to persons having equipment appropriate for receiving that material, where the delivery of the service is by means of a transmission service;

but does not include:

  1. (c)

    a message/call application service; or

  2. (d)

    a storage/back‑up service; or

  3. (e)

    a service prescribed by the regulations.

  1. (2)

    For the purposes of this Schedule, a person does not provide a general electronic content service merely because the person supplies a transmission service that enables material to be accessed or delivered.

  2. (3)

    For the purposes of this Schedule, a person does not provide a general electronic content service merely because the person provides a billing service, or a fee collection service, in relation to a general electronic content service.

9When material is posted on a general electronic content service

For the purposes of this Schedule, material is posted on a general electronic content service by a person if:

  1. (a)

    the person is an end‑user of the service; and

  2. (b)

    the person causes the material to be accessible to, or delivered to, one or more other end‑users using the service.

10Uploaded material

For the purposes of this Schedule, if:

  1. (a)

    a person uses a device; and

  2. (b)

    the device has software that automatically uploads material for storage or back‑up by a storage/back‑up service; and

  3. (c)

    as a result, material is automatically uploaded for storage or back‑up by the storage/back‑up service;

the person is taken have to uploaded the material for storage or back‑up by the storage/back‑up service.

10AWhen a prescribed communications provider is based in, or operates in, a foreign country

Based in a foreign country—individual

  1. (1)

    For the purposes of the application of this Schedule to a prescribed communications provider who is an individual, the provider is based in a foreign country if, and only if, the provider is ordinarily resident in the foreign country.

Based in a foreign country—body corporate

  1. (2)

    For the purposes of the application of this Schedule to a prescribed communications provider that is a body corporate, the provider is based in a foreign country if, and only if:

    1. (a)

      the provider is incorporated in the foreign country; or

    2. (b)

      the provider has its principal place of business in the foreign country.

Operates in a foreign country

  1. (3)

    For the purposes of this Schedule, a prescribed communications provider operates in a foreign country if, and only if:

    1. (a)

      the provider handles communications in the foreign country; or

    2. (b)

      the provider holds stored communications in the foreign country; or

    3. (c)

      the provider holds telecommunications data in the foreign country.

11Intended recipient of a communication

For the purposes of this Schedule, the intended recipient of a communication is:

  1. (a)

    if the communication is addressed to an individual (either in the individual’s own capacity or in the capacity of an employee or agent of another person)—the individual; or

  2. (b)

    if the communication is addressed to a person who is not an individual—the person; or

  3. (c)

    if the communication is not addressed to a person—the person who has, or whose employee or agent has, control over the individual transmission service that was used to receive the communication.

12Use of a thing

A reference in this Schedule to the use of a thing is a reference to the use of the thing either:

  1. (a)

    in isolation; or

  2. (b)

    in conjunction with one or more other things.

Note: See also section 18A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

13Identification of a particular person

For the purposes of this Schedule, a particular person may be identified:

  1. (a)

    by the person’s full name; or

  2. (b)

    by a name by which the person is commonly known; or

  3. (c)

    as the person to whom a particular individual transmission service is supplied; or

  4. (d)

    as the person to whom a particular individual message/call application service is provided; or

  5. (e)

    as the person who has a particular account with a prescribed communications provider; or

  6. (f)

    as the person who has a particular telephone number; or

  7. (g)

    as the person who has a particular email address; or

  8. (h)

    as the person who has a particular internet protocol address; or

  9. (i)

    as the person who has a device that has a particular unique identifier (for example, an electronic serial number or a Media Access Control address); or

  10. (j)

    by any other unique identifying factor that is applicable to the person.

14Eligible judge

  1. (1)

    For the purposes of this Schedule, eligible Judge means a Judge in relation to whom a consent under subclause (2) and a declaration under subclause (3) are in force.

  2. (2)

    A Judge may, by writing, consent to be nominated by the Attorney‑General under subclause (3).

  3. (3)

    The Attorney‑General may, by writing, declare Judges in relation to whom consents are in force under subclause (2) to be eligible Judges for the purposes of this Schedule.

  4. (4)

    An eligible Judge has, in relation to the performance or exercise of a function or power conferred on an eligible Judge by this Schedule, the same protection and immunity as a Justice of the High Court has in relation to proceedings in the High Court.

15Nominated AAT member

  1. (1)

    The Attorney‑General may, by writing, nominate a person who holds one of the following appointments to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to issue international production orders under Division 2 of Part 2, and Division 2 of Part 3, of this Schedule:

    1. (a)

      Deputy President;

    2. (b)

      senior member (of any level);

    3. (c)

      member (of any level).

  2. (2)

    Despite subclause (1), the Attorney‑General must not nominate a person who holds an appointment as a part‑time senior member or a member of the Tribunal unless the person:

    1. (a)

      is enrolled as a legal practitioner of the High Court, of another federal court or of the Supreme Court of a State or of the Australian Capital Territory; and

    2. (b)

      has been so enrolled for not less than 5 years.

  3. (3)

    A nomination ceases to have effect if the nominated AAT member ceases to hold an appointment of a kind set out in subclause (1).

  4. (4)

    A nominated AAT member has, in relation to the performance or exercise of a function or power conferred on a nominated AAT member by this Schedule, the same protection and immunity as a Justice of the High Court has in relation to proceedings in the High Court.

16Issuing authority

  1. (1)

    The Attorney‑General may, by writing, appoint as an issuing authority:

    1. (a)

      a person who is:

      1. (i)

        a judge of a court created by the Parliament; or

      2. (ii)

        a magistrate;

    and in relation to whom a consent under subclause (2) is in force; or

    1. (b)

      a person who:

      1. (i)

        holds an appointment to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal as Deputy President, senior member (of any level) or member (of any level); and

      2. (ii)

        is enrolled as a legal practitioner of a federal court or of the Supreme Court of a State or a Territory; and

      3. (iii)

        has been so enrolled for at least 5 years.

  2. (2)

    A person who is:

    1. (a)

      a judge of a court created by the Parliament; or

    2. (b)

      a magistrate;

may, by writing, consent to be appointed by the Attorney‑General under subclause (1).

  1. (3)

    A person’s appointment ceases to have effect if the person ceases to be a person whom the Attorney‑General could appoint under this clause.

  2. (4)

    An appointment under subclause (1) has no effect for the purposes of a provision of this Act (other than this Schedule).

  3. (5)

    An issuing authority has, in relation to the performance or exercise of a function or power conferred on an issuing authority by this Schedule, the same protection and immunity as a Justice of the High Court has in relation to proceedings in the High Court.

17Nominated AAT Security Division member

  1. (1)

    The Attorney‑General may, by writing, nominate a person who:

    1. (a)

      holds one of the following appointments to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal:

      1. (ii)

        senior member (of any level);

      2. (iii)

        member (of any level); and

    2. (b)

      is a member of the Security Division of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal;

to issue international production orders under Part 4 of this Schedule.

  1. (2)

    Despite subclause (1), the Attorney‑General must not nominate a person who holds an appointment as a part‑time senior member or a member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal unless the person:

    1. (a)

      is enrolled as a legal practitioner of the High Court, of another federal court or of the Supreme Court of a State or of the Australian Capital Territory; and

    2. (b)

      has been so enrolled for not less than 5 years.

  2. (3)

    A nomination of a person under subclause (1) ceases to have effect if:

    1. (a)

      the person ceases to hold an appointment of a kind set out in subclause (1); or

    2. (b)

      the person ceases to be a member of the Security Division of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

  3. (3A)

    The Attorney‑General may, by writing, nominate a person who is a Deputy President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to issue international production orders under Part 4 of this Schedule.

  4. (3B)

    A nomination of a person under subclause (3A) ceases to have effect if the person ceases to be a Deputy President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

  5. (4)

    A nominated AAT Security Division member has, in relation to the performance or exercise of a function or power conferred on a nominated AAT Security Division member by this Schedule, the same protection and immunity as a Justice of the High Court has in relation to proceedings in the High Court.

  6. (5)

    For the purposes of this clause, a person is a member of the Security Division of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal if the person:

    1. (a)

      is the head of that Division; or

    2. (b)

      has been assigned to that Division.

17AUrgent circumstances

  1. (1)

    For the purposes of this Schedule, it is necessary, because of urgent circumstances, to make an application under Part 2 or 3 of this Schedule for an international production order by telephone if, and only if:

    1. (a)

      an imminent risk of serious harm to a person or substantial damage to property exists; and

    1. (b)

      the order is necessary for the purpose of dealing with that risk; and

    2. (c)

      it is not practicable in the circumstances to make the application in writing.

  1. (2)

    For the purposes of this Schedule, it is necessary, because of urgent circumstances, to make an application under Part 4 of this Schedule for an international production order by telephone if, and only if:

    1. (a)

      the delay caused by making a written application may be prejudicial to security; and

    2. (b)

      it is not practicable in the circumstances to make the application in writing.

  2. (3)

    For the purposes of this Schedule, it is necessary, because of urgent circumstances, for the Attorney‑General to consent orally to the making of an application under Part 4 of this Schedule for an international production order if, and only if:

    1. (a)

      the delay caused by consenting in writing may be prejudicial to security; and

    2. (b)

      it is not practicable in the circumstances to consent in writing.

18Meaning of expressions in other provisions of this Act

In determining the meaning of an expression (other than “international production order”) used in a provision of this Act (other than this Schedule), an expression used in this Schedule is to be disregarded.

19Extra‑territorial application

This Schedule extends to acts, omissions, matters and things outside Australia.

20Constitutional basis of this Schedule

This Schedule relies on the Commonwealth’s legislative powers under paragraph 51(v) (communications) of the Constitution.

Part 2International production orders relating to the enforcement of the criminal law

Division 1Introduction

21Simplified outline of this Part

• An international production order may be issued for purposes in connection with the investigation of an offence of a serious nature.

• There are 3 types of international production orders:

  1. (a)

    international production orders relating to interception; and

  2. (b)

    international production orders relating to stored communications; and

  3. (c)

    international production orders relating to telecommunications data.

• An international production order is directed to a prescribed communications provider.

• An international production order may be issued in response to an application made by:

  1. (a)

    in the case of an order relating to interception—an interception agency; or

  2. (b)

    in the case of an order relating to stored communications—a criminal‑law enforcement agency; or

  3. (c)

    in the case of an order relating to telecommunications data—an enforcement agency.

• An application for an international production order must nominate a designated international agreement.

Note: An international production order comes into force when it is given to a prescribed communications provider under clause 111.

Division 2International production orders relating to interception: enforcement of the criminal law

Subdivision AApplications

22Application for international production order—enforcement of the criminal law

  1. (1)

    An interception agency may apply to an eligible Judge or nominated AAT member for an international production order under clause 30 that:

    1. (a)

      is in respect of:

      1. (i)

        one or more individual transmission services; or

      2. (ii)

        one or more individual message/call application services; and

    2. (b)

      is directed to a prescribed communications provider.

  2. (2)

    The application must nominate a designated international agreement.

  3. (3)

    The application must be made on the interception agency’s behalf by:

    1. (a)

      in the case of the Australian Federal Police—a member of the Australian Federal Police; or

    2. (b)

      in the case of the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity:

      1. (i)

        the Integrity Commissioner; or

      2. (ii)

        an Assistant Integrity Commissioner; or

      3. (iii)

        a staff member of the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity who is authorised in writing by the Integrity Commissioner for the purposes of this paragraph; or

    3. (c)

      in the case of the ACC:

      1. (i)

        the Chief Executive Officer of the ACC or an examiner; or

      2. (ii)

        a member of a police force who is a member of the staff of the ACC; or

    4. (d)

      in the case of the Police Force of a State—an officer of that Police Force; or

    5. (e)

      in the case of the Crime Commission:

      1. (i)

        a member of the Crime Commission; or

      2. (ii)

        a member of the staff of the Crime Commission; or

    6. (f)

      in the case of the Independent Commission Against Corruption—an officer of that Commission; or

    7. (g)

      in the case of the IBAC—an IBAC officer; or

    8. (h)

      in the case of the Crime and Corruption Commission—a commission officer (within the meaning of the Crime and Corruption Act); or

    9. (i)

      in the case of the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission:

      1. (i)

        the Chief Commissioner of the Commission; or

      2. (ii)

        the Commissioner for Integrity of the Commission; or

      3. (iii)

        an Assistant Commissioner of the Commission; or

      4. (iv)

        a member of the staff of the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission; or

    10. (j)

      in the case of the Corruption and Crime Commission—an officer of the Corruption and Crime Commission; or

    11. (k)

      in the case of the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption:

      1. (i)

        the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption; or

      2. (ii)

        the Deputy Commissioner referred to in section 9 of the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Act; or

      3. (iii)

        a member of the staff of the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption.

23Form of application

  1. (1)

    Subject to subclause (2), an application under clause 22 for an international production order must be in writing.

  2. (2)

    If the person making an application under clause 22 for an international production order on an interception agency’s behalf:

    1. (a)

      is the chief officer of the agency or a person in relation to whom an authorisation by the chief officer is in force under subclause (3); and

    2. (b)

      thinks it necessary, because of urgent circumstances, to make the application by telephone;

the person may make the application by telephone.

Note: See also clause 17A (urgent circumstances) and clause 172 (action required).

  1. (3)

    The chief officer of an interception agency may authorise in writing, for the purposes of subclause (2), persons who, or classes of persons who, are entitled under clause 22 to make applications on the agency’s behalf.

24Contents of application

A written application under clause 22 by an interception agency for an international production order must set out:

  1. (a)

    the name of the agency; and

  2. (b)

    the name of the person making the application on the agency’s behalf.

25Affidavits to accompany written application

  1. (1)

    A written application under clause 22 by an interception agency for an international production order must be accompanied by an affidavit complying with this clause.

  2. (2)

    The affidavit must set out the facts and other grounds on which the application is based.

  3. (3)

    If the application is for an international production order in respect of one or more individual transmission services, the affidavit must set out the following information, so far as it can be derived from the interception agency’s records:

    1. (a)

      the number of previous applications (if any) for international production orders that the agency has made under clause 22 in relation to those individual transmission services;

    2. (b)

      the number of international production orders (if any) previously issued in response to such applications;

    3. (c)

      particulars of the use made by the agency of intercepted communications made available to the agency under such orders.

  4. (4)

    If the application is for an international production order in respect of one or more individual message/call application services, the affidavit must set out the following information, so far as it can be derived from the interception agency’s records:

    1. (a)

      the number of previous applications (if any) for international production orders that the agency has made under clause 22 in relation to those individual message/call application services;

    2. (b)

      the number of international production orders (if any) previously issued in response to such applications;

    3. (c)

      particulars of the use made by the agency of intercepted messages, voice calls or video calls made available to the agency under such orders.

  5. (5)

    Despite subclause (1), a written application may be accompanied by 2 or more affidavits that together set out each matter that, apart from this subclause, this clause would have required an affidavit accompanying the application to set out.

26Information to be given on telephone application

The information given to an eligible Judge or nominated AAT member in connection with a telephone application under clause 22 to the eligible Judge or nominated AAT member:

  1. (a)

    must include particulars of the urgent circumstances because of which the person making the application on the interception agency’s behalf thinks it necessary to make the application by telephone; and

  2. (b)

    must include each matter that, if the application had been made in writing, clause 24 or 25 would have required the application, or an affidavit accompanying it, to set out; and

  3. (c)

    must be given orally or in writing, as the eligible Judge or nominated AAT member directs.

27Giving further information to eligible Judge or nominated AAT member

  1. (1)

    An eligible Judge or nominated AAT member may require further information to be given in connection with an application under clause 22 to the eligible Judge or nominated AAT member for an international production order.

  2. (2)

    The further information:

    1. (a)

      must be given on oath if the application was made in writing; and

    2. (b)

      must be given orally or otherwise, as the eligible Judge or nominated AAT member directs.

28Application by interception agency of Victoria

Scope

  1. (1)

    This clause applies if an interception agency of Victoria applies, under clause 22, to an eligible Judge or nominated AAT member for an international production order under clause 30 that is in respect of:

    1. (a)

      one or more individual transmission services; or

    2. (b)

      one or more individual message/call application services.

PIM may make submissions

  1. (2)

    A Victorian PIM may, orally or in writing, make submissions to the eligible Judge or nominated AAT member about the following matters:

    1. (a)

      in the case of an application for an international production order that is in respect of one or more individual transmission services—the matters mentioned in subparagraphs 30(5)(a)(i) to (vi);

    2. (b)

      in the case of an application for an international production order that is in respect of one or more individual message/call application services—the matters mentioned in subparagraphs 30(5)(b)(i) to (vi).

PIM may question certain persons

  1. (3)

    The Victorian PIM may, for the purpose of making submissions under subclause (2), question:

    1. (a)

      the person making the application for the international production order on the interception agency’s behalf; or

    2. (b)

      a person who, under clause 27, is required by the eligible Judge or nominated AAT member to give further information to the eligible Judge or nominated AAT member in connection with the application.

However, the Victorian PIM may only do so in the presence of the eligible Judge or nominated AAT member.

29Application by interception agency of Queensland

Scope

  1. (1)

    This clause applies if an interception agency of Queensland applies, under clause 22, to an eligible Judge or nominated AAT member for an international production order under clause 30 that is in respect of:

    1. (a)

      one or more individual transmission services; or

    2. (b)

      one or more individual message/call application services.

PIM may make submissions

  1. (2)

    A Queensland PIM may, orally or in writing, make submissions to the eligible Judge or nominated AAT member about the following matters:

    1. (a)

      in the case of an application for an international production order that is in respect of one or more individual transmission services—the matters mentioned in subparagraphs 30(5)(a)(i) to (vi);

    2. (b)

      in the case of an application for an international production order that is in respect of one or more individual message/call application services—the matters mentioned in subparagraphs 30(5)(b)(i) to (vi).

PIM may question certain persons

  1. (3)

    The Queensland PIM may, for the purpose of making submissions under subclause (2), question:

    1. (a)

      the person making the application for the international production order on the interception agency’s behalf; or

    2. (b)

      a person who, under clause 27, is required by the eligible Judge or nominated AAT member to give further information to the eligible Judge or nominated AAT member in connection with the application.

However, the Queensland PIM may only do so in the presence of the eligible Judge or nominated AAT member.

  1. (4)

    A Queensland PIM may, by writing, delegate to a Queensland deputy PIM the Queensland PIM’s power under subclause (2) or (3), or both.

  2. (5)

    In exercising powers under the delegation, the Queensland deputy PIM must comply with any directions of the Queensland PIM.

Subdivision BInternational production orders relating to interception

30Issue of international production order—enforcement of the criminal law

Scope

  1. (1)

    This clause applies if an interception agency applies, under clause 22, to an eligible Judge or nominated AAT member for an international production order that:

    1. (a)

      is in respect of:

      1. (i)

        one or more individual transmission services; or

      2. (ii)

        one or more individual message/call application services; and

    2. (b)

      is directed to a prescribed communications provider.

Issue of international production order

  1. (2)

    If the eligible Judge or nominated AAT member is satisfied, on the basis of the information given to the eligible Judge or nominated AAT member under this Division in connection with the application, that:

    1. (a)

      in the case of an application for an international production order that is in respect of one or more individual transmission services—there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that:

      1. (i)

        the prescribed communications provider owns or operates a telecommunications network that is, or is likely to be, used to supply those individual transmission services; or

      2. (ii)

        the prescribed communications provider supplies those individual transmission services; and

    2. (b)

      in the case of an application for an international production order that is in respect of one or more individual message/call application services—there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the prescribed communications provider provides those individual message/call application services; and

    3. (ba)

      the person who made the application on behalf of the agency reasonably suspects that the prescribed communications provider is based in, or operates in, a foreign country that is a party to the designated international agreement nominated in the application; and

    4. (c)

      Subdivision A has been complied with in relation to the application; and

    5. (d)

      in the case of a telephone application—because of urgent circumstances, it was necessary to make the application by telephone; and

    6. (e)

      in the case of an application for an international production order that is in respect of one or more individual transmission services—there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that a particular person is using, or is likely to use, those individual transmission services; and

    7. (f)

      in the case of an application for an international production order that is in respect of one or more individual message/call application services—there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that a particular person is using, or is likely to use, those individual message/call application services; and

    8. (g)

      in the case of an application for an international production order that is in respect of one or more individual transmission services—information that would be likely to be obtained by intercepting, under an order issued under this clause, communications that are being carried by those individual transmission services would be likely to assist in connection with the investigation by the interception agency of a serious category 2 offence, or serious category 2 offences, in which:

      1. (i)

        the particular person is involved; or

      2. (ii)

        another person is involved with whom the particular person is likely to communicate using those individual transmission services; and

    9. (h)

      in the case of an application for an international production order that is in respect of one or more individual message/call application services—information that would be likely to be obtained by intercepting, under an order issued under this clause, messages sent or received, voice calls made or received, or video calls made or received, using those individual message/call application services would be likely to assist in connection with the investigation by the interception agency of a serious category 2 offence, or serious category 2 offences, in which:

      1. (i)

        the particular person is involved; or

      2. (ii)

        another person is involved with whom the particular person is likely to communicate using those individual message/call application services;

the eligible Judge or nominated AAT member may issue an order (to be known as an international production order) directing the prescribed communications provider to:

  1. (i)

    in the case of an application for an international production order that is in respect of one or more individual transmission services:

    1. (i)

      intercept communications carried by those individual transmission services during a specified period; and

    2. (ii)

      make those intercepted communications available to the interception agency; and

    3. (iii)

      disclose to the interception agency specified telecommunications data that relates to those intercepted communications; and

    4. (iv)

      disclose to the interception agency specified telecommunications data that relates to those individual transmission services; or

  2. (j)

    in the case of an application for an international production order that is in respect of one or more individual message/call application services:

    1. (i)

      intercept messages sent or received, voice calls made or received, or video calls made or received, using those individual message/call application services during a specified period; and

    2. (ii)

      make those intercepted messages, voice calls or video calls available to the interception agency; and

    3. (iii)

      disclose to the interception agency specified telecommunications data that relates to those intercepted messages, voice calls or video calls; and

    4. (iv)

      disclose to the interception agency specified telecommunications data that relates to those individual message/call application services.

Note: Subclauses (6) and (7) restrict the issuing of international production orders if subparagraph (2)(g)(ii) or (h)(ii) applies.

Period specified in international production order

  1. (3)

    A period specified in an international production order for the purposes of subparagraph (2)(i)(i) or (j)(i) must not begin before the time when the order is given to the prescribed communications provider.

    Note: International production orders are given under clause 111.

  2. (4)

    The period specified in an international production order for the purposes of subparagraph (2)(i)(i) or (j)(i) must not be longer than:

    1. (a)

      if subparagraph (2)(g)(ii) or (h)(ii) applies (as the case requires)—45 days; or

    2. (b)

      otherwise—90 days.

Matters to which eligible Judge or nominated AAT member must have regard

  1. (5)

    In deciding whether to issue an international production order under subclause (2), the eligible Judge or nominated AAT member must have regard to the following matters:

    1. (a)

      in the case of an application for an international production order that is in respect of one or more individual transmission services:

      1. (i)

        how much the privacy of any person or persons would be likely to be interfered with by intercepting, under an international production order, communications that are being carried by those individual transmission services; and

      2. (ii)

        the gravity of the conduct constituting the serious category 2 offence or serious category 2 offences being investigated; and

      3. (iii)

        how much the information mentioned in paragraph (2)(g) would be likely to assist in connection with the investigation by the interception agency of the serious category 2 offence or serious category 2 offences; and

      4. (iv)

        to what extent methods of investigating the serious category 2 offence or serious category 2 offences that do not involve so intercepting communications have been used by, or are available to, the interception agency; and

      5. (v)

        how much the use of such methods would be likely to assist in connection with the investigation by the interception agency of the serious category 2 offence or serious category 2 offences; and

    1. (ii)

      a person who uses, or is likely to use, those individual transmission services or individual message/call application services (as the case may be);

  1. (e)

    issue a written certificate signed by the provider setting out such facts as the provider considers would assist in explaining:

    1. (i)

      the operation of those individual transmission services or individual message/call application services (as the case may be); or

    2. (ii)

      the way in which the intercepted communications, intercepted messages, intercepted voice calls or intercepted video calls (as the case may be) were made available by the provider to the relevant agency or the Organisation (as the case may be).

Stored communications

  1. (3)

    If:

    1. (a)

      an international production order is directed to a prescribed communications provider; and

    2. (b)

      the provider is not an individual; and

    3. (c)

      the order requires the provider to:

      1. (i)

        make a copy of stored communications; and

      2. (ii)

        make the copy available to a relevant agency or the Organisation; and

    4. (d)

      the stored communications consist of:

      1. (i)

        communications that a person has made using a transmission service; or

      2. (ii)

        messages that a person has sent or received using a message/call application service; or

      3. (iii)

        recordings of voice calls that a person has made or received using a message/call application service; or

      4. (iv)

        recordings of video calls that a person has made or received using a message/call application servicer; or

      5. (v)

        material that a person has uploaded for storage or back‑up by a storage/back‑up service; or

      6. (vi)

        material that a person has posted to a general electronic content service;

a manager of the provider may do either or both of the following:

  1. (e)

    issue a written certificate signed by the manager setting out such facts as the manager considers relevant with respect to acts or things done by the provider in order to voluntarily give the relevant agency or the Organisation (as the case may be) in connection with the international production order, information relating to:

    1. (i)

      those individual transmission services, those individual message/call application services, that storage/back‑up service or that general electronic content service (as the case may be); or

    2. (ii)

      the person;

  2. (f)

    issue a written certificate signed by the manager setting out such facts as the manager considers would assist in explaining:

    1. (i)

      the operation of those individual transmission services, those individual message/call application services, that storage/back‑up service or that general electronic content service (as the case may be); or

    2. (ii)

      the way in which the copy of the stored communications was made available by the provider to the relevant agency or the Organisation (as the case may be).

  1. (4)

    If:

    1. (a)

      an international production order is directed to a prescribed communications provider; and

    2. (b)

      the provider is an individual; and

    3. (c)

      the order requires the provider to:

      1. (i)

        make a copy of stored communications; and

      2. (ii)

        make the copy available to a relevant agency or the Organisation; and

    4. (d)

      the stored communications consist of:

      1. (i)

        communications that a person has made using a transmission service; or

      2. (ii)

        messages that a person has sent or received using a message/call application service; or

      3. (iii)

        recordings of voice calls that a person has made or received using a message/call application service; or

      4. (iv)

        recordings of video calls that a person has made or received using a message/call application servicer; or

      5. (v)

        material that a person has uploaded for storage or back‑up by a storage/back‑up service; or

      6. (vi)

        material that a person has posted to a general electronic content service;

the provider may do either or both of the following:

  1. (e)

    issue a written certificate signed by the provider setting out such facts as the provider considers relevant with respect to acts or things done by the provider in order to voluntarily give the relevant agency or the Organisation (as the case may be) in connection with the international production order, information relating to:

    1. (i)

      those individual transmission services, those individual message/call application services, that storage/back‑up service or that general electronic content service (as the case may be); or

    2. (ii)

      the person;

  2. (f)

    issue a written certificate signed by the provider setting out such facts as the provider considers would assist in explaining:

    1. (i)

      the operation of those individual transmission services, those individual message/call application services, that storage/back‑up service or that general electronic content service (as the case may be); or

    2. (ii)

      the way in which the copy of the stored communications was made available by the provider to the relevant agency or the Organisation (as the case may be).

Telecommunications data

  1. (5)

    If:

    1. (a)

      an international production order is directed to a prescribed communications provider; and

    2. (b)

      the provider is not an individual; and

    3. (c)

      the order requires the provider to disclose to a relevant agency, or to the Organisation, telecommunications data that relates to:

      1. (i)

        communications carried by an individual transmission service; or

      2. (ii)

        an individual transmission service; or

      3. (iii)

        messages sent or received using an individual message/call application service; or

      4. (iv)

        voice calls made or received using an individual message/call application service; or

      5. (v)

        video calls made or received using an individual message/call application service; or

      6. (vi)

        an individual message/call application service; or

      7. (vii)

        material that has been uploaded by an end‑user for storage or back‑up by a storage/back‑up service; or

      8. (viii)

        material that has been posted on a general electronic content service;

a manager of the provider may do either or both of the following:

  1. (d)

    issue a written certificate signed by the manager setting out such facts as the manager considers relevant with respect to acts or things done by the provider in order to voluntarily give the relevant agency or the Organisation (as the case may be) in connection with the international production order, information relating to those individual transmission services, those individual message/call application services, that storage/back‑up service or that general electronic content service (as the case may be);

  2. (e)

    issue a written certificate signed by the manager setting out such facts as the manager considers would assist in explaining:

    1. (i)

      the operation of those individual transmission services, those individual message/call application services, that storage/back‑up service or that general electronic content service (as the case may be); or

    2. (ii)

      the way in which the telecommunications data was disclosed by the provider to the relevant agency or the Organisation (as the case may be).

  1. (6)

    If:

    1. (a)

      an international production order is directed to a prescribed communications provider; and

    2. (b)

      the provider is an individual; and

    3. (c)

      the order requires the provider to disclose to a relevant agency, or to the Organisation, telecommunications data that relates to:

      1. (i)

        communications carried by an individual transmission service; or

      2. (ii)

        an individual transmission service; or

      3. (iii)

        messages sent or received using an individual message/call application service; or

      4. (iv)

        voice calls made or received using an individual message/call application service; or

      5. (v)

        video calls made or received using an individual message/call application service; or

      6. (vi)

        an individual message/call application service; or

      7. (vii)

        material that has been uploaded by an end‑user for storage or back‑up by a storage/back‑up service; or

      8. (viii)

        material that has been posted on a general electronic content service;

the provider may do either or both of the following:

  1. (d)

    issue a written certificate signed by the provider setting out such facts as the provider considers relevant with respect to acts or things done by the provider in order to voluntarily give the relevant agency or the Organisation (as the case may be) in connection with the international production order, information relating to those individual transmission services, those individual message/call application services, that storage/back‑up service or that general electronic content service (as the case may be);

  2. (e)

    issue a written certificate signed by the provider setting out such facts as the provider considers would assist in explaining:

    1. (i)

      the operation of those individual transmission services, those individual message/call application services, that storage/back‑up service or that general electronic content service (as the case may be); or

    2. (ii)

      the way in which the telecommunications data was disclosed by the provider to the relevant agency or the Organisation (as the case may be).

Evidentiary effect

  1. (7)

    A document purporting to be a certificate issued under subclause (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) or (6) in connection with an international production order:

    1. (a)

      is to be received in evidence in a proceeding in Australia without further proof; and

    2. (b)

      in a proceeding in Australia, is prima facie evidence of the matters stated in the document;

so long as information obtained in accordance with the order is admissible in those proceedings.

163Evidentiary certificates—interception

  1. (1)

    A certifying officer of an interception agency may issue a written certificate signed by the officer setting out such facts as the officer considers relevant with respect to:

    1. (a)

      the receipt by the agency of:

      1. (i)

        intercepted communications; or

      2. (ii)

        intercepted messages; or

      3. (iii)

        intercepted voice calls; or

      4. (iv)

        intercepted video calls;

    that were made available to the agency in accordance with an international production order issued under clause 30; or

    1. (b)

      the receipt by the agency of telecommunications data that was disclosed to the agency in accordance with an international production order issued under clause 30.

  2. (2)

    A certifying officer of a control order IPO agency may issue a written certificate signed by the officer setting out such facts as the officer considers relevant with respect to:

    1. (a)

      the receipt by the agency of:

      1. (i)

        intercepted communications; or

      2. (ii)

        intercepted messages; or

      3. (iii)

        intercepted voice calls; or

      4. (iv)

        intercepted video calls;

    that were made available to the agency in accordance with an international production order issued under clause 60; or

    1. (b)

      the receipt by the agency of telecommunications data that was disclosed to the agency in accordance with an international production order issued under clause 60.

  3. (3)

    A certifying person may issue a written certificate signed by the person setting out such facts as the person considers relevant with respect to:

    1. (a)

      the receipt by the Organisation of:

      1. (i)

        intercepted communications; or

      2. (ii)

        intercepted messages; or

      3. (iii)

        intercepted voice calls; or

      4. (iv)

        intercepted video calls;

    that were made available to the Organisation in accordance with an international production order issued under clause 89; or

    1. (b)

      the receipt by the Organisation of telecommunications data that was disclosed to the Organisation in accordance with an international production order issued under clause 89.

  4. (4)

    A document purporting to be a certificate issued under subclause (1), (2) or (3):

    1. (a)

      is to be received in evidence in a proceeding in Australia without further proof; and

    2. (b)

      in a proceeding in Australia, is prima facie evidence of the matters stated in the document.

164Evidentiary certificates—stored communications

  1. (1)

    A certifying officer of a criminal law‑enforcement agency may issue a written certificate signed by the officer setting out such facts as the officer considers relevant with respect to:

    1. (a)

      the receipt by the agency of a copy of stored communications that were made available to the agency in accordance with an international production order issued under clause 39; or

    2. (b)

      the receipt by the agency of telecommunications data that was disclosed to the agency in accordance with an international production order issued under clause 39.

  2. (2)

    A certifying officer of a control order IPO agency may issue a written certificate signed by the officer setting out such facts as the officer considers relevant with respect to:

    1. (a)

      the receipt by the agency of a copy of stored communications that were made available to the agency in accordance with an international production order issued under clause 69; or

    2. (b)

      the receipt by the agency of telecommunications data that was disclosed to the agency in accordance with an international production order issued under clause 69.

  3. (3)

    A certifying person may issue a written certificate signed by the person setting out such facts as the person considers relevant with respect to:

    1. (a)

      the receipt by the Organisation of a copy of stored communications that were made available to the Organisation in accordance with an international production order issued under clause 98; or

    2. (b)

      the receipt by the Organisation of telecommunications data that was disclosed to the Organisation in accordance with an international production order issued under clause 98.

  4. (4)

    A document purporting to be a certificate issued under subclause (1), (2) or (3):

    1. (a)

      is to be received in evidence in a proceeding in Australia without further proof; and

    2. (b)

      in a proceeding in Australia, is prima facie evidence of the matters stated in the document.

165Evidentiary certificates—telecommunications data

  1. (1)

    A certifying officer of an enforcement agency may issue a written certificate signed by the officer setting out such facts as the officer considers relevant with respect to the receipt by the agency of telecommunications data that was disclosed to the agency in accordance with an international production order issued under clause 48.

  2. (2)

    A certifying officer of a control order IPO agency may issue a written certificate signed by the officer setting out such facts as the officer considers relevant with respect to the receipt by the agency of telecommunications data that was disclosed to the agency in accordance with an international production order issued under clause 78.

  3. (3)

    A certifying person may issue a written certificate signed by the person setting out such facts as the person considers relevant with respect to the receipt by the Organisation of telecommunications data that was disclosed to the Organisation in accordance with an international production order issued under clause 107.

  4. (4)

    A document purporting to be a certificate issued under subclause (1), (2) or (3):

    1. (a)

      is to be received in evidence in a proceeding in Australia without further proof; and

    2. (b)

      in a proceeding in Australia, is prima facie evidence of the matters stated in the document.

166Evidentiary certificates—Australian Designated Authority

  1. (1)

    The Australian Designated Authority may issue a written certificate signed by the Australian Designated Authority setting out such facts as the Australian Designated Authority considers relevant with respect to:

    1. (a)

      giving an international production order to a prescribed communications provider; or

    2. (b)

      giving an instrument of revocation of an international production order to a prescribed communications provider; or

    3. (c)

      giving an instrument of cancellation to a prescribed communications provider.

  2. (2)

    If an international production order requires a prescribed communications provider to make intercepted communications, intercepted messages, intercepted voice calls or intercepted video calls available to:

    1. (a)

      an interception agency; or

    2. (b)

      a control order IPO agency; or

    3. (c)

      the Organisation;

indirectly via the Australian Designated Authority, the Australian Designated Authority may issue a written certificate signed by the Australian Designated Authority setting out such facts as the Australian Designated Authority considers relevant with respect to:

  1. (d)

    the receipt by the Australian Designated Authority of the intercepted communications, intercepted messages, intercepted voice calls or intercepted video calls; or

  2. (e)

    anything done by the Australian Designated Authority for the purposes of ensuring that the intercepted communications, intercepted messages, intercepted voice calls or intercepted video calls were passed on to the agency or Organisation, as the case requires.

  1. (3)

    If an international production order requires a prescribed communications provider to make a copy of stored communications available to:

    1. (a)

      a criminal law‑enforcement agency; or

    2. (b)

      a control order IPO agency; or

    3. (c)

      the Organisation;

indirectly via the Australian Designated Authority, the Australian Designated Authority may issue a written certificate signed by the Australian Designated Authority setting out such facts as the Australian Designated Authority considers relevant with respect to:

  1. (d)

    the receipt by the Australian Designated Authority of the copy; or

  2. (e)

    anything done by the Australian Designated Authority for the purposes of ensuring that the copy was passed on to the agency or Organisation, as the case requires.

  1. (4)

    If an international production order requires a prescribed communications provider to disclose telecommunications data to:

    1. (a)

      a relevant agency; or

    2. (b)

      the Organisation;

indirectly via the Australian Designated Authority, the Australian Designated Authority may issue a written certificate signed by the Australian Designated Authority setting out such facts as the Australian Designated Authority considers relevant with respect to:

  1. (c)

    the receipt by the Australian Designated Authority of the telecommunications data; or

  2. (d)

    anything done by the Australian Designated Authority for the purposes of ensuring that the telecommunications data was passed on to the agency or Organisation, as the case requires.

  1. (5)

    A document purporting to be a certificate issued under subclause (1), (2), (3) or (4):

    1. (a)

      is to be received in evidence in a proceeding in Australia without further proof; and

    2. (b)

      in a proceeding in Australia, is prima facie evidence of the matters stated in the document.

Part 13Incoming orders and requests

167Simplified outline of this Part

• If there is a designated international agreement between Australia and one or more foreign countries, and a competent authority of such a foreign country issues an order, or makes a request, covered by the agreement, an act or thing done in compliance with such an order or request is exempt from:

  1. (a)

    the provisions of this Act that prohibit intercepting communications and accessing stored communications; and

  2. (b)

    the provisions of this Act that prohibit disclosure of information; and

  3. (c)

    the provisions of the Telecommunications Act 1997 that prohibit the disclosure of information.

168Incoming orders and requests—exemptions from various prohibitions

If:

  1. (a)

    there is a designated international agreement between Australia and one or more foreign countries; and

  2. (b)

    the agreement deals with (among other things):

    1. (i)

      the issue of orders (however described); or

    2. (ii)

      the making of requests (however described);

by a competent authority (however described) of such a foreign country;

then:

  1. (c)

    subsections 7(1) and 108(1) do not apply to or in relation to:

    1. (i)

      an act or thing done in compliance with such an order or request; or

    2. (ii)

      the issue of such an order or the making of such a request; and

  2. (d)

    subsections 63(1) and 133(1) do not apply to or in relation to:

    1. (i)

      an act or thing done in compliance with such an order or request; or

    2. (ii)

      information obtained in accordance with such an order or request; and

  3. (e)

    sections 276, 277 and 278 of the Telecommunications Act 1997 do not apply to or in relation to:

    1. (i)

      an act or thing done in compliance with such an order or request; or

    2. (ii)

      information obtained in accordance with such an order or request.

Note 1: In a prosecution for an offence against subsection 7(1) or 108(1), a defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in paragraph (c): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

Note 2: In a prosecution for an offence against subsection 63(1) or 133(1), a defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in paragraph (d): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

Note 3: In a prosecution for an offence against section 276, 277 or 278 of the Telecommunications Act 1997, a defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in paragraph (e): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

169Interaction with the Privacy Act 1988

For the purposes of the Privacy Act 1988, if:

  1. (a)

    there is a designated international agreement between Australia and one or more foreign countries; and

  2. (b)

    the agreement deals with (among other things):

    1. (i)

      the issue of orders (however described); or

    2. (ii)

      the making of requests (however described);

by a competent authority (however described) of such a foreign country;

the disclosure of information in compliance with any such order or request, to the extent that the information contains personal information, is taken to be a disclosure that is authorised by this Act.

Part 14Miscellaneous

170Simplified outline of this Part

• This Part deals with miscellaneous matters, such as:

  1. (a)

    electronic service of documents; and

  2. (b)

    certified copies of international production orders; and

  3. (c)

    delegations.

171Electronic service of documents

  1. (1)

    If:

    1. (a)

      any of the following is required by this Schedule to be given to a person by the Australian Designated Authority:

      1. (i)

        an international production order;

      2. (ii)

        a certified copy of an international production order;

      3. (iii)

        an instrument of revocation of an international production order;

      4. (iv)

        an instrument of cancellation of an international production order; and

    2. (b)

      the person has nominated an electronic address for service in a document given by the person to the Australian Designated Authority;

the order, copy or instrument is taken to have been given to the person if it is sent to the nominated electronic address for service.

  1. (2)

    If:

    1. (a)

      any of the following is required by this Schedule to be given to the Australian Designated Authority by a person, a relevant agency or the Organisation:

      1. (i)

        an international production order;

      2. (ii)

        a certified copy of an international production order;

      3. (iii)

        an instrument of revocation of an international production order;

      4. (iv)

        an instrument of cancellation of an international production order; and

    2. (b)

      the Australian Designated Authority has nominated an electronic address for service in a document given by the Australian Designated Authority to the person, the relevant agency or the Organisation, as the case may be;

the order, copy or instrument is taken to have been given to the Australian Designated Authority if it is sent to the nominated electronic address for service.

172International production order issued in response to a telephone application—action required

Scope

  1. (1)

    This clause applies if a person (the issuing person) issues an international production order in response to a telephone application made by a person (the applicant) on behalf of:

    1. (a)

      a relevant agency; or

    2. (b)

      the Organisation.

Required action

  1. (2)

    Within one day after the day on which the international production order is issued, the applicant must:

    1. (a)

      cause each person who gave information to the issuing person in connection with the application to swear or affirm an affidavit setting out the information so given by the person; and

    2. (b)

      give to the issuing person:

      1. (i)

        the affidavit or affidavits; and

      2. (ii)

        if, as a result of an authorisation that was in force under clause 23, 34, 43, 53, 64 or 73 when the application was made, the applicant was authorised to make the application by telephone—a copy of the authorisation.

Cancellation if required action not taken

  1. (3)

    If the issuing person is satisfied that subclause (2) has not been complied with in relation to the order, the issuing person may cancel the order.

  2. (4)

    A cancellation under subclause (3) is to be set out in a written instrument.

  3. (5)

    If the international production order is cancelled by the issuing person under subclause (3):

    1. (a)

      the issuing person must:

      1. (i)

        give the instrument of cancellation to the Australian Designated Authority; and

      2. (ii)

        do so as soon as practicable after the order is cancelled; and

    2. (b)

      if the telephone application was made on behalf of a relevant agency—the Australian Designated Authority must:

      1. (i)

        inform the chief officer of the relevant agency of the cancellation; and

      2. (ii)

        do so as soon as practicable after the instrument of cancellation is given to the Australian Designated Authority; and

    3. (c)

      if the telephone application was made on behalf of the Organisation—the Australian Designated Authority must:

      1. (i)

        inform the Organisation of the cancellation; and

      2. (ii)

        do so as soon as practicable after the instrument of cancellation is given to the Australian Designated Authority.

  4. (6)

    If:

    1. (a)

      the Australian Designated Authority gave the international production order to the prescribed communications provider to whom the order is directed; and

    2. (b)

      the order was subsequently cancelled under subclause (3);

the Australian Designated Authority must:

  1. (c)

    give the instrument of cancellation to the prescribed communications provider; and

  2. (d)

    do so as soon as practicable after the instrument of cancellation is given to the Australian Designated Authority.

  1. (7)

    A cancellation under subclause (3) takes effect:

    1. (a)

      if the instrument of cancellation is required to be given to the prescribed communications provider concerned—when the instrument is given; or

    2. (b)

      otherwise—when the cancellation is made.

  2. (8)

    If:

    1. (a)

      an international production order is cancelled under this clause; and

    2. (b)

      when the cancellation takes effect, the Australian Designated Authority has not made a decision about the order under clause 111 or 112 (as the case may be);

clause 111 or 112 (as the case may be) ceases to apply to the order when the cancellation takes effect.

173Duty of nominated AAT Security Division member

It is the duty of a nominated AAT Security Division member to ensure, so far as the member is able to do so, that, in or in connection with the performance of a function, or the exercise of a power, conferred on the member by this Schedule, information is not communicated or made available to a person contrary to the requirements of security (within the ordinary meaning of that expression).

174Certified copy of international production order—interception agency

  1. (1)

    A document certified in writing by a certifying officer of an interception agency to be a true copy of an international production order issued under clause 30 is to be received in evidence in a proceeding mentioned in clause 153 or 157 as if it were the original international production order.

  2. (2)

    The document is to be known as a certified copy of the original international production order.

175Certified copy of international production order—criminal law‑enforcement agency

  1. (1)

    A document certified in writing by a certifying officer of a criminal law‑enforcement agency to be a true copy of an international production order issued under clause 39 is to be received in evidence in a proceeding mentioned in clause 153 or 158 as if it were the original international production order.

  2. (2)

    The document is to be known as a certified copy of the original international production order.

176Certified copy of international production order—enforcement agency

  1. (1)

    A document certified in writing by a certifying officer of an enforcement agency to be a true copy of an international production order issued under clause 48 is to be received in evidence in:

    1. (a)

      a proceeding mentioned in clause 153; or

    2. (b)

      a proceeding for a purpose mentioned in clause 159;

as if it were the original international production order.

  1. (2)

    The document is to be known as a certified copy of the original international production order.

177Certified copy of international production order—control order IPO agency

Interception

  1. (1)

    A document certified in writing by a certifying officer of a control order IPO agency to be a true copy of an international production order issued under clause 60 is to be received in evidence in:

    1. (a)

      a proceeding by way of a prosecution for an offence against:

      1. (i)

        Part 5.3 of the Criminal Code; or

      2. (ii)

        Part 5.5 of the Criminal Code; or

    2. (b)

      a proceeding mentioned in clause 153; or

    3. (c)

      a proceeding mentioned in clause 157;

as if it were the original international production order.

  1. (2)

    The document is to be known as a certified copy of the original international production order.

Stored communications

  1. (3)

    A document certified in writing by a certifying officer of a control order IPO agency to be a true copy of an international production order issued under clause 69 is to be received in evidence in:

    1. (a)

      a proceeding by way of a prosecution for an offence against:

      1. (i)

        Part 5.3 of the Criminal Code; or

      2. (ii)

        Part 5.5 of the Criminal Code; or

    2. (b)

      a proceeding mentioned in clause 153; or

    3. (c)

      a proceeding mentioned in clause 158;

as if it were the original international production order.

  1. (4)

    The document is to be known as a certified copy of the original international production order.

Telecommunications data

  1. (5)

    A document certified in writing by a certifying officer of a control order IPO agency to be a true copy of an international production order issued under clause 78 is to be received in evidence in:

    1. (a)

      a proceeding by way of a prosecution for an offence against:

      1. (i)

        Part 5.3 of the Criminal Code; or

      2. (ii)

        Part 5.5 of the Criminal Code; or

    2. (b)

      a proceeding mentioned in clause 153; or

    3. (c)

      a proceeding for a purpose mentioned in clause 159;

as if it were the original international production order.

  1. (6)

    The document is to be known as a certified copy of the original international production order.

178Certified copy of international production order—the Organisation

Interception

  1. (1)

    A document certified in writing by a certifying person to be a true copy of an international production order issued under clause 89 is to be received in evidence in a proceeding mentioned in clause 153 or 157 as if it were the original international production order.

  2. (2)

    The document is to be known as a certified copy of the original international production order.

Stored communications

  1. (3)

    A document certified in writing by a certifying person to be a true copy of an international production order issued under clause 98 is to be received in evidence in a proceeding mentioned in clause 153 or 158 as if it were the original international production order.

  2. (4)

    The document is to be known as a certified copy of the original international production order.

Telecommunications data

  1. (5)

    A document certified in writing by a certifying person to be a true copy of an international production order issued under clause 107 is to be received in evidence in:

    1. (a)

      a proceeding mentioned in clause 153; or

    2. (b)

      a proceeding for a purpose mentioned in clause 159;

as if it were the original international production order.

  1. (6)

    The document is to be known as a certified copy of the original international production order.

179Delegation by the Australian Designated Authority

  1. (1)

    The Australian Designated Authority may, by writing, delegate any or all of the Australian Designated Authority’s functions or powers under this Schedule to:

    1. (a)

      an SES employee, or acting SES employee, in the Attorney‑General’s Department; or

    2. (b)

      an APS employee who holds, or is acting in, an Executive Level 1 or 2 position in the Attorney‑General’s Department.

    Note: The expressions SES employee, acting SES employee and APS employee are defined in section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

  2. (2)

    In performing functions, or exercising powers, under a delegation under subclause (1), the delegate must comply with any directions of the Australian Designated Authority.

180Minor defects in connection with international production order

  1. (1)

    If:

    1. (a)

      information is purportedly obtained in accordance with an international production order; and

    2. (b)

      there is a defect or irregularity in relation to the international production order; and

    3. (c)

      apart from that defect or irregularity, the information would have been obtained in accordance with the international production order;

the information is taken to have been obtained in accordance with the international production order.

  1. (2)

    For the purposes of subclause (1), a defect or irregularity in relation to an international production order means a defect or irregularity:

    1. (a)

      that is not a substantial defect or irregularity; and

    2. (b)

      that is:

      1. (i)

        in, or in connection with the issue of, a document purporting to be the international production order; or

      2. (ii)

        in connection with compliance with the international production order; or

      3. (iii)

        in connection with purported compliance with a document purporting to be the international production order.

181Protection of persons—control order declared to be void

  1. (1)

    If:

    1. (a)

      an international production order was issued under Part 3 of this Schedule on the basis that an interim control order was in force; and

    2. (b)

      a court subsequently declares the interim control order to be void;

a criminal proceeding does not lie against a person in respect of anything done in good faith by the person in purported compliance with the international production order.

  1. (2)

    Subclause (1) does not apply to a thing done at a particular time if, at that time, the person knew, or ought reasonably to have known, of the declaration.

182Specification of international agreements

  1. (1)

    If:

    1. (a)

      there is an agreement between Australia and one or more foreign countries; and

    2. (b)

      the name of the agreement is specified in:

      1. (i)

        regulations made for the purposes of this Schedule; or

      2. (ii)

        an application made under this Schedule; or

      3. (iii)

        an international production order; or

      4. (iv)

        any other instrument made under this Schedule;

a reference in the regulations, application, order or other instrument (as the case may be) to the agreement is a reference to the agreement as amended and in force for Australia from time to time.

  1. (2)

    For the purposes of subclause (1), disregard an amendment of an agreement unless:

    1. (a)

      a copy of the English text of the amendment is set out in regulations made for the purposes of paragraph 3(1)(d) or (3)(d); and

    2. (b)

      the amendment has entered into force for Australia.

183Operation of the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 1987 not limited

This Schedule is not intended to limit the operation of the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 1987.

184Other functions or powers not limited

This Schedule is not intended to limit the functions or powers of:

  1. (a)

    a relevant agency; or

  2. (b)

    the Organisation; or

  3. (c)

    any other body or person;

to request or obtain assistance or information from:

  1. (d)

    a prescribed communications provider; or

  2. (e)

    any other body or person.

Part 2Application provisions

44

Application—declaration of eligible Judges

The amendment of subsection 6D(3) of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 made by this Schedule applies in relation to a declaration made after the commencement of this item.

Part 3Amendment contingent on the commencement of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021

Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979

45

Subclause 126(3) of Schedule 1

Omit “Federal Circuit Court of Australia”, substitute “Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia”.

Part 4Minor amendments

Surveillance Devices Act 2004

46

Subsection 42(6)

Omit “Attorney‑General”, substitute “Minister”.

Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979

47

Subsection 6DA(1)

Omit “or 3‑3”.

48

Subsection 6DA(4)

Omit “or 3‑3,”.

49

Transitional—nomination of AAT member

Scope

(1) This item applies if a nomination of a person under subsection 6DA(1) of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 to issue warrants under Part 2‑5 or 3‑3 of that Act was in force immediately before the commencement of this item.

Redundant references to Part 3‑3 of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979

(2) The nomination has effect as if each reference in the nomination to Part 3‑3 of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 were omitted.

[Minister’s second reading speech made in—

House of Representatives on 5 March 2020

Senate on 24 June 2021]

(25/20)

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