Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2005 (TAS)

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Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2005

An Act to provide for water efficiency labelling and the making of water efficiency standards and for other purposes

[Royal Assent 15 September 2005]

Be it enacted by His Excellency the Governor of Tasmania, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council and House of Assembly, in Parliament assembled, as follows:

PART 1Preliminary1Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2005 . 2CommencementThe provisions of this Act commence on a day or days to be proclaimed. Note This section differs from section 2 of the Commonwealth Act. 3Objects of ActThe objects of this Act are as follows: (a) to conserve water supplies by reducing water consumption; (b) to provide information for purchasers of water-use and water-saving products; (c) to promote the adoption of efficient and effective water-use and water-saving technologies. 4Act to bind the Crown (1)  This Act binds the Crown in right of Tasmania and, so far as the legislative power of Parliament permits, in all its other capacities. (2)  Nothing in this Act renders the Crown liable to be prosecuted for an offence. Note This section differs from section 4 of the Commonwealth Act. 5External Territories Note The Commonwealth Act includes a provision extending that Act to every external Territory other than Norfolk Island. 5ANumbering (1)  In order to maintain consistent numbering between this Act and the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2004 of the Commonwealth – (a) if the Commonwealth Act contains a section that is not required in this Act, the provision number and heading to the section appearing in the Commonwealth Act are included in this Act despite the omission of the body of the section; and (b) if this Act contains a section that is not included in the Commonwealth Act, the section is numbered so as to maintain consistency in numbering between sections common to both Acts. (2)  A provision number and heading referred to in subsection (1)(a) form part of this Act. Note 1A note appears under each heading of a kind referred to in subsection (1)(a) describing the omitted section of the Commonwealth Act. Note 2A note appears under each section of a kind referred to in subsection (1)(b) highlighting the non-appearance of an equivalent section in the Commonwealth Act. Note 3This section does not appear in the Commonwealth Act. PART 2Interpretation6Application of the Criminal Code Note The Commonwealth Act includes a provision applying Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code of the Commonwealth to offences against that Act. 7Interpretation (1)  In this Act – Administrative Appeals Tribunal means the Administrative Appeals Tribunal established by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 of the Commonwealth; affected person has the meaning given by section 69(2) and (3) ; agency – (a) in relation to the Commonwealth, includes the following: (i) an Agency within the meaning of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 of the Commonwealth; (ii) a body corporate established for a public purpose under a law of the Commonwealth; and (b) in relation to this or another State or a Territory, includes the following: (i) a Department of State (however described) of the State or Territory; (ii) a body corporate established for a public purpose under a law of the State or Territory; applicable WELS standard has the meaning given by section 32 ; Commonwealth Act means the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2004 of the Commonwealth; Commonwealth Minister has the same meaning as in the Commonwealth Act; corresponding law has the meaning given by section 12 ; damage, in relation to data, includes damage by erasure of data or addition of other data; evidential material means any thing that may be relevant to the investigation or prosecution of an offence against this Act; magistrate means a magistrate within the meaning of the Magistrates Court Act 1987 ; occupier, in relation to premises, includes a person who apparently represents the occupier of the premises; offence against this Act includes an offence against the regulations; penalty unit has the same meaning as it has for the purposes of the laws of the Commonwealth;

Note 1 Penalty unit is defined for the purposes of laws of the Commonwealth in section 4AA of the Crimes Act 1914 of the Commonwealth.
person who has WELS information has the meaning given by section 60 ; registered means registered under a WELS standard; Regulator means the Regulator established by section 21 of the Commonwealth Act; reviewable decision has the meaning given by section 69(1) ; supply means – (a) supply for consideration; or (b) offer to supply for consideration; water-saving product means a device, appliance or fitting that – (a) is not a water-use product; and (b) is designed to operate in place of a water-use product; water-use product means a device, appliance or fitting through which, or into which, water flows as part of its normal operation; WELS business premises means WELS premises that are open to the public on a regular basis; WELS inspector means a person appointed under section 45(1) ; WELS-labelled has the meaning given by section 20(1) ; WELS premises means premises used for, or in connection with, the supply of one or more WELS products; WELS product means a WELS product within the meaning of the Commonwealth Act; WELS scheme means the water efficiency labelling and standards scheme established by this Act and corresponding laws; WELS standard, in relation to a WELS product, means the WELS standard set out for the product in the determination under section 18(1) of the Commonwealth Act. (2)  A reference in this Act to the Commonwealth Act or a corresponding State-Territory law, within the meaning of the Commonwealth Act, is a reference to that Act or law – (a) as amended and in force for the time being; and (b) as re-enacted (and, if subsequently amended, as amended) and in force for the time being. Note This section differs from section 7 of the Commonwealth Act. 7AIncreased maximum fine for body corporate (1) If a body corporate is found guilty of an offence against this Act and the court has power to fine the body corporate, it may, unless the contrary intention appears, impose on the body corporate a fine not greater than 5 times the amount of the maximum fine that could be imposed by the court on a natural person found guilty of the same offence committed at the same time. (2)  This section has effect despite the prescription of a maximum fine for the offence applicable to all offenders. Note This section does not appear in the Commonwealth Act but a provision to the same effect is included in section 4B of the Crimes Act 1914 of the Commonwealth. PART 3National WELS Scheme8WELS scheme to be a national cooperative schemeIt is the intention of the Parliament that this Act form a part of a cooperative scheme between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories to provide for national water efficiency labelling and standards. 9Application of this Act Note The Commonwealth Act includes a provision about the application of that Act. 10Relationship to other State lawsThe provisions of this Act are in addition to, and do not limit or derogate from, the provisions of any other law of the State. Note This section differs from section 10 of the Commonwealth Act. 11State and Territory laws may operate concurrently Note The Commonwealth Act includes a provision allowing State and Territory laws to operate concurrently with that Act. 12Meaning of "corresponding law"For the purposes of this Act – corresponding law means – (a) the Commonwealth Act; or (b) a corresponding State-Territory law, within the meaning of the Commonwealth Act, other than this Act. Note 1This section differs from section 12 of the Commonwealth Act. Note 2See section 7(2) for construction of references in this Act to enactments. 13Commonwealth consent to conferral of functions, &c., on the Regulator or inspectors by corresponding State-Territory laws Note Section 13 of the Commonwealth Act provides Commonwealth consent to the conferral of functions or powers, or the imposition of duties, on the Regulator or WELS inspectors by corresponding State-Territory laws. 14How duty is imposed by corresponding State-Territory laws Note Section 14 of the Commonwealth Act deals with the imposing of duties on the Regulator or WELS inspectors by corresponding State-Territory laws. 15When a corresponding State-Territory law imposes a duty Note Section 15 of the Commonwealth Act provides a definition of the phrase "imposes a duty" for the purposes of sections 13 and 14 of that Act. 16No doubling-up of liabilities (1)  If – (a) an act or omission is an offence against this Act and is also an offence against the Commonwealth Act; and (b) the offender has been punished for the offence under the Commonwealth Act – the offender is not liable to be punished for the offence under this Act. (2) If a person has paid, or been ordered to pay, a pecuniary penalty under the Commonwealth Act, the person is not liable to a pecuniary penalty under this Act in respect of the same conduct. Note This section differs from section 16 of the Commonwealth Act. 17Review of decisions under this Act (1) Application may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of a reviewable decision if the decision is declared by the regulations made under the Commonwealth Act to be a reviewable State-Territory decision for the purposes of section 17 of the Commonwealth Act. (2)  The Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 of the Commonwealth (excluding Part IVA) and the regulations in force for the time being under that Act apply as laws of Tasmania in relation to reviewable decisions. (3)  For the purposes of this section, a reference in a provision of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 of the Commonwealth (as that provision applies as a law of Tasmania) to the whole or any part of Part IVA of that Act is taken to be a reference to the whole or any part of that Part as it has effect as a law of the Commonwealth. Note This section differs from section 17 of the Commonwealth Act. PART 4WELS Products and WELS Standards18WELS products Note Section 18 of the Commonwealth Act enables the Commonwealth Minister to determine that water-use or water-saving products of a specified kind are WELS products and to set out the WELS standard for the products. 19WELS standards Note Section 19 of the Commonwealth Act states what must be set out in WELS standards and enables WELS standards to require products to be registered, and registered products to be WELS-labelled, for the purposes of specified supplies of the products. 20Meaning of "WELS-labelled" (1)  A product is "WELS-labelled" if it is labelled in accordance with requirements set out in the WELS standard for products of that kind. (2)  Such requirements may relate to one or more of the following: (a) the characteristics, contents, placement and quality of labels attached to products or displayed on product packaging; (b) documents or other material used for, or provided in connection with, the supply of the product; (c) advertising the product. PART 5The WELS Regulator21The Regulator Note Section 21 of the Commonwealth Act appoints as the Regulator the Secretary of the Department of State of the Commonwealth that deals with the matters to which the Commonwealth Act relates. 22Functions of the RegulatorThe Regulator has the following functions: (a) to administer the WELS scheme; (b) to undertake or commission research in relation to water-use and water-saving products; (c) to provide advice in relation to determining that water-use or water-saving products are WELS products; (d) to undertake or commission research in relation to WELS standards; (e) to assist in the development of WELS standards; (f) to provide information and advice to the Minister about the operation of WELS standards; (g) to provide information and advice to – (i) the Minister; and (ii) the Secretary of the Department of State of Tasmania that deals with the matters to which this Act relates; and (iii) the public – about the operation of the WELS scheme; (h) to undertake or commission research in relation to the effectiveness of WELS standards in relation to reducing water usage; (i) such other functions as are conferred on the Regulator by this Act, the regulations or any other law. Note This section differs from section 22 of the Commonwealth Act. 23Powers of the RegulatorSubject to this Act, the Regulator has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the performance of the Regulator’s functions. 24Arrangements with other agenciesThe Regulator may make an arrangement with an agency of the State for the services of officers or employees of the agency to be made available to assist the Regulator in the performance of the functions or duties, or the exercise of the powers, of the Regulator. Note This section differs from section 24 of the Commonwealth Act. 25Delegation (1) The Regulator may, by writing, delegate one or more of the Regulator’s powers or functions under this Act to one or more of the following: (a) an officer or employee of an agency of the State; (b) an officer or employee of an agency of the Commonwealth; (c) an officer or employee of an agency of another State or a Territory. (2) However, the Regulator must not delegate a power or function, under subsection (1) , to an officer or employee of an agency of the State without the agreement of the State. (3) A delegate of the Regulator is, in the exercise of the delegate’s delegated powers and functions, subject to the Regulator’s directions. Note This section differs from section 25 of the Commonwealth Act. PART 6Registration of WELS Products26Applying for registration (1) The manufacturer of a WELS product may apply in writing to the Regulator for registration of the product. Note 1A WELS standard may require products to be registered for the purposes of specified supplies: see section 19(2) of the Commonwealth Act. It is an offence to supply an unregistered product if the product is required to be registered for the purposes of the supply: see section 33 .However, if a WELS standard permits a product to be registered for the purposes of specified supplies and such a product is registered despite not being required to be, WELS-labelling requirements may apply: see section 19(4) of the Commonwealth Act. It is an offence to supply a product that is not WELS-labelled if WELS-labelling requirements apply: see section 34 . Note 2 Section 39B provides offences in relation to false or misleading statements. (2) A person who is not the manufacturer of a WELS product is taken to be the manufacturer of the product for the purposes of subsection (1) and section 31(3)(b) if that person would be taken to be the manufacturer of the product for the purposes of sections 26(1) and 31(3)(b) of the Commonwealth Act. Note This section differs from section 26 of the Commonwealth Act. 27Documentation, &c., to be provided with application for registration (1) An application for registration of a WELS product must be made in the manner and form determined in writing by the Commonwealth Minister under section 27(1) of the Commonwealth Act, and must be accompanied by – (a) any documentation (including test results and sample labels) specified in the determination; and (b) any registration fee specified in the determination. (2)  A determination referred to in subsection (1) may also specify conditions that must be complied with in order for a product to remain registered. Note This section differs from section 27 of the Commonwealth Act. 28Registration of products (1)  If – (a) an application is made for registration of a WELS product; and (b) the Regulator does not refuse to register the product under section 29  – the Regulator must, by notice published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, register the product. (2) The Regulator must give the applicant written notice of the registration or refusal. (3)  If, at the end of the period of 3 months that begins on the day on which the application is made – (a) a notice registering the product has not been published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette; and (b) the applicant has not been notified, under subsection (2) , that the Regulator has refused to register the product – the Regulator is taken to have refused to register the product. 29Grounds for refusing to registerThe Regulator may refuse to register a WELS product if – (a) the application is not made in accordance with the applicable determination under section 27(1) of the Commonwealth Act; or (b) the Regulator is not satisfied that all of the information provided in the application is accurate; or (c) the product does not satisfy a minimum water efficiency or minimum general performance requirement that the product is required to satisfy by the WELS standard for products of that kind. 30Period of registration (1)  Unless subsection (2) applies, a WELS product that is registered remains registered until the first of the following happens: (a) the registration is cancelled or suspended under section 31 ; (b) the period of 5 years that begins on the day on which the product is registered ends. (2)  If – (a) a WELS product is registered under a WELS standard (the "first WELS standard"); and (b) the first WELS standard is replaced –the product remains registered under the first WELS standard until the first of the following happens: (c) the product is registered under a WELS standard other than the first WELS standard; (d) the period of one year that begins on the day on which the first WELS standard was replaced ends. (3) If the Commonwealth Minister, by writing, determines that, for specified purposes, the period of one year mentioned in section 30(2)(d) of the Commonwealth Act is extended by a further specified period, the period of one year mentioned in subsection (2)(d) of this section is extended for the same purposes by the same further period. Note This section differs from section 30 of the Commonwealth Act. 31Cancelling or suspending registration (1) The Regulator may, by notice published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, cancel or suspend the registration of a WELS product if – (a) registration conditions are not complied with (see section 27(2) ); or (b) the Regulator is satisfied that information provided in the application for registration of the product – (i) was not accurate at the time of the application; or (ii) is no longer accurate because changes have been made to the product. (2) If the Regulator cancels or suspends the registration of a WELS product under subsection (1) , the Regulator must give written notice of the cancellation or suspension to the person on whose application the product was registered. (3) The Regulator must, by notice published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, cancel the registration of a WELS product if – (a) the WELS standard included in the most recent determination made under section 18(1) of the Commonwealth Act that relates to products of that kind does not require the product to be registered; and (b) the manufacturer on whose application the product was registered makes a written request to the Regulator for the registration to be cancelled. PART 7Offences Relating to the Supply of WELS ProductsDivision 1Applicable WELS standards32Meaning of "applicable WELS standard" (1)  The "applicable WELS standard" for a WELS product that is registered is the WELS standard under which the product is registered. (2)  The "applicable WELS standard" for a WELS product that is not registered is the WELS standard included in the most recent determination made under section 18(1) of the Commonwealth Act that relates to products of that kind. Division 2Registration and labelling33Registration requirementA person commits an offence if – (a) the person supplies a WELS product; and (b) the applicable WELS standard requires the product to be registered for the purposes of the supply; and (c) the product is not registered.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 60 penalty units.

34Labelling registered productsA person commits an offence if – (a) the person supplies a WELS product; and (b) the product is registered; and (c) the applicable WELS standard requires registered products to be WELS-labelled for the purposes of the supply; and (d) the product is not WELS-labelled.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 60 penalty units.

Division 3Minimum efficiency and performance requirements35Minimum water efficiency—products required to be registeredA person commits an offence if – (a) the person supplies a WELS product; and (b) the applicable WELS standard requires the product – (i) to be registered for the purposes of the supply; and (ii) to comply with minimum water efficiency requirements for the purposes of the supply; and (c) the product does not comply with those minimum water efficiency requirements.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 60 penalty units.

36Minimum general performance—products required to be registeredA person commits an offence if – (a) the person supplies a WELS product; and (b) the applicable WELS standard requires the product – (i) to be registered for the purposes of the supply; and (ii) to comply with minimum general performance requirements for the purposes of the supply; and (c) the product does not comply with those minimum general performance requirements.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 60 penalty units.

Division 4Misuse of WELS standards, &c.37Misuse of WELS standards and informationA person commits an offence if the person – (a) supplies a WELS product; and (b) uses a WELS standard, or information included in a WELS standard, for, or in relation to, the supply of the product; and (c) uses the standard, or information, in a manner that is inconsistent with the standard.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 60 penalty units.

Note Section 39 sets out circumstances in which information is used for, or in relation to, the supply of a product. 38Information inconsistent with WELS standardsA person commits an offence if – (a) the person uses information for, or in relation to, the supply of a WELS product; and (b) the information is inconsistent with the information contained in the applicable WELS standard for the product.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 60 penalty units.

Note Section 39 sets out circumstances in which information is used for, or in relation to, the supply of a product. 39Using information in the supply of products (1)  For the purposes of sections 37 and 38 , information is used for, or in relation to, the supply of a product if the information is conveyed on, or by – (a) a label attached to the product; or (b) the packaging in which the product is supplied; or (c) any document or other material used for, or provided in connection with, the supply of the product; or (d) any advertising that relates to the product. (2)  Subsection (1) does not limit the general meaning of words used in sections 37 and 38 . Division 5Extensions of criminal responsibility39AAttempts (1)  A person who attempts to commit an offence against Division 2 , 3 or 4 (the relevant offence) is guilty of the offence of attempting to commit that offence and is liable to a fine not exceeding 60% of the maximum fine specified by that Division for the relevant offence. (2)  A person is not guilty of attempting to commit an offence against Division 2 , 3 or 4 unless the conduct of the person is – (a) more than merely preparatory to the commission of the offence; and (b) immediately and not remotely connected with the commission of the offence. (3)  For a person to be guilty of attempting to commit an offence against Division 2 , 3 or 4 , the person must – (a) intend that the offence the subject of the attempt be committed; and (b) intend or believe that any fact or circumstance the existence of which is an element of the offence will exist at the time the offence is to take place. (4)  A person may be guilty of attempting to commit an offence against Division 2 , 3 or 4 despite the existence of facts of which the person is unaware which make the commission of the offence attempted impossible. Note This section does not appear in the Commonwealth Act but a provision to the same effect (except as to penalty) is included in section 11.1 of the Criminal Code of the Commonwealth. 39BFalse or misleading information or documentA person must not – (a) in connection with an application made to the Regulator under this Act; or (b) in compliance or purported compliance with this Act (other than Division 4 of Part 9 ) –do either of the following: (c) give information (whether orally or in writing) that the person knows to be false or misleading in a material particular; (d) produce a document that the person knows to be false or misleading in a material particular without – (i) indicating to the person to whom the document is produced that it is false or misleading, and the respect in which it is false or misleading; and (ii) providing correct information to that person, if the person producing the document is in possession of, or can reasonably acquire, the correct information.

Penalty:  Imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or a fine not exceeding 60 penalty units.

Note This section does not appear in the Commonwealth Act but provisions to the same effect (except as to penalty) are included in Part 7.4 of the Criminal Code of the Commonwealth. PART 8Other EnforcementDivision 1Infringement notices40Power to serve a notice (1) A WELS inspector may serve an infringement notice on any person that he or she has reason to believe has committed an offence against Division 2 or 3 of Part 7 . (2)  The infringement penalty for an alleged offence is one-fifth of the maximum fine that a court could impose as a penalty for that offence. (3)  An infringement notice may be served on a person – (a) by delivering it personally to the person; or (b) by leaving it at the last known place of residence or business of the person with a person, apparently over the age of 18 years, who appears to live or work at the place; or (c) by sending it by post addressed to the person at the person’s last known place of residence or business. Note This section differs from section 40 of the Commonwealth Act. 40AForm of notice (1) An infringement notice must be in a form approved by the Regulator and must set out – (a) the date of the notice; and (b) the provision of this Act that creates the offence; and (c) the name and address of the person alleged to have committed the offence; and (d) the date, time and place of the alleged offence; and (e) the nature and a brief description of the alleged offence; and (f) the infringement penalty for the alleged offence; and (g) the manner in which, and the place at which, the infringement penalty may be paid; and (h) any other prescribed particulars. (2)  An infringement notice is to state that the person on whom it is served may disregard the infringement notice but that, on so doing, the person may be prosecuted for the alleged offence to which it relates. Note This section does not appear in the Commonwealth Act. 40BAcceptance of noticesA person may accept an infringement notice by either of the following within 21 days after being served with the infringement notice: (a) paying the amount of the infringement penalty at the place specified in the infringement notice; (b) lodging, at that place, a written undertaking to pay that amount. Note This section does not appear in the Commonwealth Act. 40CExtension of acceptance periodsIf an infringement notice is not accepted before the period referred to in section 40B expires, a clerk of petty sessions may allow a further period of 14 days commencing on that expiry for the acceptance of the infringement notice. Note This section does not appear in the Commonwealth Act. 40DPayment (1)  A person who undertakes under section 40B(b) to pay the amount payable under an infringement notice may make representations to a clerk of petty sessions in relation to the person’s ability to pay the amount. (2)  The clerk of petty sessions is to take the person’s representations into account before determining the period within which the amount is to be paid. (3)  The clerk of petty sessions may determine the period, not exceeding 60 days from the day on which the notice was served, within which the amount is to be paid. (4)  If a person fails to pay any amount in accordance with an undertaking, the same proceedings may be taken against the person in respect of the amount remaining outstanding as if it were a penalty imposed on the person on summary conviction. Note This section does not appear in the Commonwealth Act. 40EEffect of acceptance (1)  The acceptance of an infringement notice is not an admission of liability in any civil proceedings. (2)  Proceedings against a person for an offence to which an infringement notice that has not been withdrawn relates are not to be brought if the person accepts the infringement notice, or – (a) if the person has been allowed an additional period under section 40C , within 42 days after the infringement notice is served; or (b) if the person has not been allowed an additional period under section 40C , within 28 days after the infringement notice is served. Note This section does not appear in the Commonwealth Act. 40FWithdrawal of infringement notices (1) A WELS inspector may withdraw an infringement notice if he or she is of the opinion that – (a) it should not have been served; or (b) the person on whom it was served should not be proceeded against for the offence to which it relates. (2)  Subsection (1) applies whether or not the infringement notice has been accepted. (3) The infringement notice is to be withdrawn by serving the person with a notice of withdrawal, approved by the Regulator, within 108 days after the service of the infringement notice. (4)  As soon as practicable after the notice of withdrawal is served, any sum that the person has paid by way of penalty under the infringement notice must be repaid to the person. Note This section does not appear in the Commonwealth Act. 40GCertain evidence not admissibleEvidence of the service, acceptance or withdrawal of an infringement notice is not admissible in any proceedings for the offence to which the notice relates. Note This section does not appear in the Commonwealth Act. 40HPenalties to be paid into Consolidated FundAny sum paid under this Part by way of penalty is to be paid into the Consolidated Fund. Note This section does not appear in the Commonwealth Act. Division 2Publicising offences41Regulator may publicise offences (1) The Regulator may publicise, in any way he or she thinks appropriate, an offence against this Act for which a person has been convicted. (2)  This Division does not – (a) limit the Regulator’s powers to publicise an offence against this Act; or (b) prevent anyone else from publicising an offence against this Act; or (c) affect any obligation (however imposed) on anyone to publicise an offence against this Act. Division 3Enforceable undertakings42Acceptance of undertakings (1) The Regulator may accept a written undertaking given by a person in connection with a matter relating to – (a) complying with a WELS standard; or (b) complying with a registration condition (see section 27(2) ). (2) The person may withdraw or vary the undertaking at any time, but only with the consent of the Regulator. 43Enforcement of undertakings (1) If the Regulator considers that a person who gave an undertaking under section 42 has breached any of its terms, the Regulator may apply to the Supreme Court for an order under subsection (2) . (2)  If the Supreme Court is satisfied that the person has breached a term of the undertaking, the Court may make one or more of the following orders: (a) an order directing the person to comply with that term of the undertaking; (b) an order directing the person to pay to the State an amount up to the amount of any financial benefit that the person has obtained directly or indirectly and that is reasonably attributable to the breach; (c) any order that the Court considers appropriate directing the person to compensate any other person who has suffered loss or damage as a result of the breach; (d) any other order that the Court considers appropriate. Note Section 43 of the Commonwealth Act confers a similar power to enforce undertakings on the Federal Court of Australia. Division 4Injunctions44Injunctions (1) If a person has engaged, is engaging or is proposing to engage in conduct that constituted, constitutes or would constitute an offence against this Act, the Supreme Court may, on the application of the Regulator, grant an injunction – (a) restraining the person from engaging in the conduct; or (b) requiring the person to do an act or thing. (2) On an application, the Court may, if it thinks it appropriate, grant an injunction by consent of all parties to the proceedings, whether or not the Court is satisfied that the person has engaged, is engaging or is proposing to engage in any conduct that constituted, constitutes or would constitute an offence against this Act. (3)  The Court may, if it thinks it desirable, grant an interim injunction pending its determination of an application. (4) The Court is not to require the Regulator or anyone else, as a condition of granting an interim injunction, to give an undertaking as to damages. (5)  The Court may discharge or vary an injunction it has granted. (6)  The power to grant or vary an injunction restraining a person from engaging in conduct may be exercised – (a) whether or not it appears to the Court that the person intends to engage again, or to continue to engage, in such conduct; and (b) whether or not the person has previously engaged in such conduct. (7)  The power to grant or vary an injunction requiring a person to do an act or thing may be exercised – (a) whether or not it appears to the Court that the person intends to refuse or fail again, or to continue to refuse or fail, to do that act or thing; and (b) whether or not the person has previously refused or failed to do that act or thing and whether or not there is an imminent danger of substantial damage to any person if the person refuses or fails to do that act or thing. Note Section 44 of the Commonwealth Act confers a similar power to grant injunctions on the Federal Court of Australia. PART 9WELS InspectorsDivision 1Appointment of WELS inspectors45Regulator may appoint WELS inspectors (1) The Regulator may, by writing, appoint any of the following as a WELS inspector: (a) an officer or employee of an agency of the State; (b) an officer or employee of an agency of the Commonwealth. (2) However, the Regulator must not appoint an officer or employee of an agency of the State as a WELS inspector without the agreement of the State. (3) In exercising his or her powers or performing his or her functions, a WELS inspector must comply with any direction of the Regulator. Note 1 Section 46A provides offences in relation to hindering, obstructing or impersonating WELS inspectors. Note 2This section differs from section 45 of the Commonwealth Act. 46Identity cards (1) The Regulator must issue an identity card to each WELS inspector. (2)  The identity card must – (a) be in the form prescribed by the regulations made under the Commonwealth Act; and (b) contain a recent photograph of the WELS inspector. (3)  A person commits an offence if – (a) the person has been issued with an identity card; and (b) the person ceases to be a WELS inspector; and (c) the person does not return the identity card to the Regulator as soon as practicable.

Penalty: Fine not exceeding one penalty unit.

 (4) A WELS inspector must carry his or her identity card at all times when exercising powers or performing functions as a WELS inspector. (5) A WELS inspector is not entitled to exercise any powers under this Part in relation to premises if – (a) the occupier of the premises has required the WELS inspector to produce his or her identity card for inspection by the occupier; and (b) the WELS inspector fails to comply with the requirement. Note This section differs from section 46 of the Commonwealth Act. 46AOffences in relation to WELS inspectors (1) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, hinder or obstruct a WELS inspector who is exercising a power under this Act.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 60 penalty units.

 (2) A person who is not a WELS inspector must not, in any way, hold himself or herself out to be a WELS inspector.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 60 penalty units.

Note This section does not appear in the Commonwealth Act but provisions to the same effect are included in Part 7.8 of the Criminal Code of the Commonwealth. Division 2Powers of WELS inspectors47Purposes for which powers can be usedA WELS inspector may exercise the powers set out in this Division for the following purposes: (a) determining whether a person is complying with this Act; (b) investigating a possible offence against this Act. Note This section differs from section 47 of the Commonwealth Act. 48Inspection powers – public areas of WELS business premises (1)  For the purposes set out in section 47 , a WELS inspector may do one or more of the following in a public area of WELS business premises when the premises are open to the public: (a) inspect WELS products; (b) purchase any WELS product that is available for sale; (c) inspect or collect written information, advertising or any other document that is available, or made available, to the public; (d) discuss product features with any person; (e) observe practices relating to the supply of products. (2)  Subsection (1) does not affect any right of the occupier of the premises to refuse to allow a WELS inspector to enter, or remain on, the premises. 49Inspection powers – with consent (1) A WELS inspector may enter WELS premises and exercise the powers set out in subsection (3) if the occupier of the premises consents to the entry and the exercise of those powers. (2) Before obtaining consent, the WELS inspector must inform the occupier that he or she may refuse consent, or withdraw consent, at any time. (3)  For the purposes set out in section 47 , a WELS inspector who enters WELS premises in accordance with subsection (1) may do one or more of the following: (a) search the premises and any thing (including a vehicle) on the premises; (b) inspect, examine, take measurements of or conduct tests on any thing on the premises; (c) take photographs, make video or audio recordings or make sketches of the premises or any thing on the premises; (d) inspect any book, record or document on the premises; (e) take extracts from or make copies of any such book, record or document; (f) take onto the premises such equipment and materials as the WELS inspector requires for the purposes of exercising powers in relation to the premises; (g) operate equipment on the premises for the purposes of gaining access to a document or record relating to one or more WELS products. 50Refusing consent is not an offenceThe occupier of WELS premises does not commit an offence if – (a) the occupier refuses to allow a WELS inspector to enter, or remain on, the premises; and (b) the WELS inspector does not have a warrant to enter the premises. 51Inspection powers – with warrant (1) A WELS inspector may enter WELS premises and exercise the powers set out in subsection (2) if the WELS inspector has a warrant for the entry. Note Division 3 deals with applications for warrants. (2)  For the purposes set out in section 47 , a WELS inspector who enters WELS premises under warrant may do one or more of the following: (a) exercise one or more of the powers set out in section 49(3) ; (b) require any person on the premises to – (i) answer any questions put by the WELS inspector; and (ii) produce any book, record or document requested by the WELS inspector; (c) seize or secure any evidential material on the premises. (3)  A person commits an offence if – (a) the person is required to answer a question or produce a book, record or document under subsection (2)(b) ; and (b) the person does not answer the question or produce the book, record or document.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 60 penalty units.

Note This section differs from section 51 of the Commonwealth Act. 52Announcement before entry under warrant (1) A WELS inspector must, before entering WELS premises under a warrant – (a) announce that he or she is authorised to enter the premises; and (b) give any person on the premises an opportunity to allow entry to the premises. (2) A WELS inspector is not required to comply with subsection (1) if he or she believes on reasonable grounds that immediate entry to the premises is required to ensure that the effective execution of the warrant is not frustrated. 53Copy of warrant to be given to occupier (1) If a warrant in relation to WELS premises is being executed and the occupier of the premises is present at the premises, the WELS inspector must – (a) give a copy of the warrant to the occupier; and (b) identify himself or herself to the occupier. (2) The copy of the warrant does not need to include the signature of the magistrate who issued the warrant. 54Occupier must provide inspector with facilities and assistanceA person commits an offence if – (a) the person is the occupier of WELS premises; and (b) a WELS inspector enters the premises under a warrant; and (c) the person does not provide the WELS inspector with all reasonable facilities and assistance for the effective execution of the warrant.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 30 penalty units.

55Seizing or securing evidential material (1) If a WELS inspector seizes or secures evidential material on WELS premises, the WELS inspector must give the occupier of the premises a receipt for the material. (2) The Regulator may make copies of the material. (3) The Regulator may examine or test the material, even though that might result in damage or destruction of the material or a reduction in its value. (4) The Regulator must return or release the material when the first of the following occurs: (a) the material is no longer needed for the purposes for which it was seized or secured; (b) the period of 90 days that begins on the day on which the material was seized or secured ends. 56Holding evidential material for more than 90 days (1)  Despite section 55(4)(b) , the Regulator may – (a) apply to a magistrate for an order allowing possession or control of evidential material for such further period as is specified in the order; and (b) if a magistrate makes such an order, so retain possession or control of the material. (2) In determining the application, the magistrate must allow the owner of the material to appear and be heard. (3) The magistrate must not make an order allowing possession or control of the material for a further period unless the magistrate is satisfied that the order is necessary for the purposes of prosecuting an offence against this Act. 57Returning evidential materialIf the Regulator cannot, despite making reasonable efforts, locate the owner of evidential material, the Regulator may dispose of the material in such manner as the Regulator thinks appropriate. Division 3Applying for warrants to enter WELS premises58Ordinary warrants (1) A WELS inspector may apply to a magistrate for the issue of a search warrant in relation to particular WELS premises. (2) The magistrate may issue the warrant if the magistrate is satisfied, by evidence on oath or by affidavit, that it is necessary to enter the WELS premises for one or more of the following purposes: (a) determining whether a person is complying with this Act; (b) investigating a possible offence against this Act. (3) However, the magistrate must not issue the warrant unless the WELS inspector or some other person has given to the magistrate, either orally or by affidavit, such further information (if any) as the magistrate requires concerning the grounds on which the issue of the warrant is being sought. (4)  The warrant must – (a) authorise the WELS inspector to enter the premises using such assistance and such force to enter the premises as is necessary and reasonable; and (b) state whether the entry is authorised to be made at any time of the day or night or during specified hours of the day or night; and (c) specify the day (not more than one week after the issue of the warrant) on which the warrant ceases to have effect; and (d) state the purpose for which the warrant is issued. (5)  Except as provided by this Act, the provisions in respect of search warrants under the Search Warrants Act 1997 extend and apply to warrants under this section. Note This section differs from section 58 of the Commonwealth Act. 59Warrants by telephone, fax, &c. (1) If, in an urgent case, a WELS inspector considers it necessary to do so, the WELS inspector may apply to a magistrate by telephone, fax or other electronic means for a warrant under section 58 . (2) The magistrate may – (a) require communication by voice to the extent that it is practicable in the circumstances; and (b) make a recording of the whole or any part of any such communication by voice. (3) Before applying for the warrant, the WELS inspector must prepare an affidavit of the kind mentioned in section 58(2) that sets out the grounds on which the warrant is sought. (4) If it is necessary to do so, the WELS inspector may apply for the warrant before the affidavit is sworn or affirmed. (5) If the magistrate is satisfied – (a) after having considered the terms of the affidavit; and (b) after having received such further information (if any) as the magistrate requires concerning the grounds on which the issue of the warrant is being sought – that there are reasonable grounds for issuing the warrant, the magistrate may complete and sign the same warrant that the magistrate would issue under section 58 if the application had been made under that section. (6) If the magistrate completes and signs the warrant – (a) the magistrate must – (i) tell the WELS inspector what the terms of the warrant are; and (ii) tell the WELS inspector the day on which and the time at which the warrant was signed; and (iii) tell the WELS inspector the day (not more than one week after the magistrate completes and signs the warrant) on which the warrant ceases to have effect; and (iv) record on the warrant the reasons for issuing the warrant; and (b) the WELS inspector must – (i) complete a form of warrant in the same terms as the warrant completed and signed by the magistrate; and (ii) write on the form the name of the magistrate and the day on which and the time at which the warrant was signed. (7) The WELS inspector must also, not later than the day after the day of expiry or execution of the warrant, whichever is the earlier, send to the magistrate – (a) the form of warrant completed by the WELS inspector; and (b) the affidavit referred to in subsection (3) , which must have been duly sworn or affirmed. (8) When the magistrate receives those documents, the magistrate must – (a) attach them to the warrant that the magistrate completed and signed; and (b) deal with them in the way in which the magistrate would have dealt with them if the application had been made under section 58 . (9)  A form of warrant duly completed under subsection (6) is authority for the same powers as are authorised by the warrant signed by the magistrate. (10)  If – (a) it is material, in any proceedings, for a court to be satisfied that an exercise of a power was authorised by this section; and (b) the warrant signed by the magistrate authorising the exercise of the power is not produced in evidence – the court must assume, unless the contrary is proved, that the exercise of the power was not authorised by such a warrant. Note This section differs from section 59 of the Commonwealth Act. Division 4Giving WELS information to WELS inspectors60Meaning of "person who has WELS information"A person is a "person who has WELS information" if the Regulator believes, on reasonable grounds, that the person is capable of giving information, or producing books, records or documents, relevant for the purposes of investigating or preventing an offence against this Act. 61Regulator may require a person to provide information (1) The Regulator may, by written notice, require a person who has WELS information to give to the WELS inspector specified in the notice, and in the manner and within the period specified in the notice – (a) such information as is specified in the notice; or (b) any book, record or document that is specified in the notice. (1A)  The period referred to in a notice under subsection (1) must end not less than 14 days after the notice is given. (2)  A notice under subsection (1) must set out the effect of section 62A . (3)  A person commits an offence if – (a) the person is required to give information or a book, record or document to a WELS inspector under subsection (1) ; and (b) the person does not give the WELS inspector the information, book, record or document.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 60 penalty units.

Note This section differs from section 61 of the Commonwealth Act. 62Regulator may require a person to appear before a WELS inspector (1) The Regulator may, by written notice, require a person who has WELS information to appear before the WELS inspector specified in the notice, at a time and place specified in the notice – (a) to answer any questions put by the WELS inspector; and (b) to produce to the WELS inspector such books, records or documents as are referred to in the notice. (1A)  The time referred to in the notice must not be earlier than 14 days after the notice is given. (2)  A notice under subsection (1) must set out the effect of section 62A . (3)  A person commits an offence if – (a) the person is required to appear before a WELS inspector under subsection (1) ; and (b) the person does not appear before the WELS inspector.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 60 penalty units.

 (4)  A person commits an offence if – (a) the person is required under subsection (1) to appear before a WELS inspector; and (b) when appearing before the WELS inspector, the person does not – (i) answer a question put by the WELS inspector; or (ii) produce a book, record or document to the WELS inspector as required by notice given under that subsection.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 60 penalty units.

Note This section differs from section 62 of the Commonwealth Act. 62AFalse or misleading information or documents (1)  A person is guilty of an offence if – (a) the person gives information to a WELS inspector under section 61(1) or section 62 ; and (b) the person does so knowing that the information – (i) is false or misleading in a material particular; or (ii) omits any matter or thing without which the information is misleading in a material particular.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 60 penalty units.

 (2)  A person is guilty of an offence if – (a) the person produces a book, record or document to a WELS inspector under section 61(1) or section 62 ; and (b) the person does so knowing that the document is false or misleading in a material particular.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 60 penalty units.

 (3)  Subsection (2) does not apply to a person who produces a book, record or document if the book, record or document is accompanied by a written statement signed by the person or, in the case of a body corporate, by a competent officer of the body corporate – (a) stating that the book, record or document is, to the knowledge of the first-mentioned person, false or misleading in a material particular; and (b) setting out, or referring to, the material particular in which the book, record or document is, to the knowledge of the first-mentioned person, false or misleading. Note This section does not appear in the Commonwealth Act but provisions to the same effect (except as to penalty) are included in Part 7.4 of the Criminal Code of the Commonwealth. Division 5Privilege against self-incrimination63Privilege against self-incrimination not affectedNothing in this Part affects the right of a person to refuse to answer a question, give information, or produce a document, on the ground that the answer to the question, the information, or the production of the document, might tend to incriminate him or her or make him or her liable to a penalty. PART 10MoneyDivision 1The WELS Account64WELS Account Note Section 64 of the Commonwealth Act establishes the WELS Account. 65Credits to the WELS Account (1)  Amounts equal to money received by the State – (a) in respect of fines or infringement penalties or undertakings given under section 42 ; or (b) under Division 2 of this Part – must be paid to the Commonwealth for crediting to the WELS Account. (2)  The Consolidated Fund is appropriated to the necessary extent to enable amounts to be paid to the Commonwealth in accordance with subsection (1) . Note This section differs from section 65 of the Commonwealth Act. 66Purpose of the WELS AccountThe purpose of the WELS Account is to make payments – (a) to further the objects of this Act (as set out in section 3 ) and those of any corresponding law; and (b) otherwise in connection with the performance of the Regulator’s functions under this Act or a corresponding law. Note This section differs from section 66 of the Commonwealth Act. Division 2Charging fees, &c.67Regulator may charge for servicesThe Regulator may charge fees for services provided by, or on behalf of, the Regulator in the performance of the Regulator’s functions under this Act. Note This section differs from section 67 of the Commonwealth Act. 68Recovery of amountsThe following amounts may be recovered in a court of competent jurisdiction as debts due to the State: (a) fees payable to the State under this Act or a corresponding law; (b) amounts payable to the State in connection with the performance of the Regulator’s functions under this Act. Note This section differs from section 68 of the Commonwealth Act. PART 11Review of Decisions69Meaning of "reviewable decision" and "affected person" (1)  Each of the following decisions is a "reviewable decision": (a) a decision by the Regulator to refuse to register a WELS product under section 29 ; (b) a decision by the Regulator to cancel or suspend the registration of a WELS product under section 31 . (2) A person whose application to register a WELS product is refused under section 29 is the "affected person" in relation to the decision to refuse to register the WELS product. (3) The person on whose application a WELS product was registered is the "affected person" in relation to a decision to cancel or suspend that registration under section 31 . 70Notification of decisions and review rights (1) The Regulator must, as soon as practicable after making a reviewable decision, cause a notice in writing to be given to the affected person in relation to the decision, containing – (a) the terms of the decision; and (b) the reasons for the decision; and (c) a statement setting out particulars of the person’s review rights. (2)  A failure to comply with the requirements of subsection (1) in relation to a decision does not affect the validity of the decision. 71Internal review (1) The affected person in relation to a reviewable decision (other than a decision made by the Regulator personally) may apply in writing to the Regulator for review (the "internal review") of the decision. (2) An application for internal review must be made within 30 days after the day on which the decision first came to the notice of the applicant, or within such further period (if any) as the Regulator, either before or after the end of that period, allows. (3) The Regulator must, on receiving an application, review the reviewable decision personally. (4) The Regulator may – (a) make a decision affirming, varying or revoking the reviewable decision; and (b) if the Regulator revokes the decision, make such other decision as the Regulator thinks appropriate. 72Review of decisions by Administrative Appeals Tribunal (1)  Subject to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 of the Commonwealth, an application may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of the following decisions: (a) a reviewable decision made by the Regulator personally; (b) an internal review decision made by the Regulator under section 71 . (2)  An application under subsection (1) may be made only by the affected person concerned. Note This section differs from section 72 of the Commonwealth Act. PART 12Miscellaneous73Compensation for damage to electronic equipment (1)  This section applies if – (a) as a result of electronic equipment being operated as mentioned in section 49  – (i) damage is caused to the equipment; or (ii) the data recorded on the equipment is damaged; or (iii) programs associated with the use of the equipment, or with the use of the data, are damaged or corrupted; and (b) the damage or corruption occurs because – (i) insufficient care was exercised in selecting the person who was to operate the equipment; or (ii) insufficient care was exercised by the person operating the equipment. (2) The Regulator must pay the owner of the equipment, or the user of the data or programs, such reasonable compensation for the damage or corruption as the owner or user agree on. (3) However, if the owner or user and the Regulator fail to agree, the owner or user may institute proceedings in the Supreme Court for such reasonable amount of compensation as the Court determines. (4) In determining the amount of compensation payable, regard is to be had to whether the occupier of the premises, or the occupier’s employees and agents, if they were available at the time, provided any appropriate warning or guidance on the operation of the equipment. Note This section differs from section 73 of the Commonwealth Act. 74Compensation for acquisition of property Note Section 74 of the Commonwealth Act provides for payment of compensation by the Commonwealth for acquisition of property. 75Annual reportThe Minister must cause a copy of each annual report of the Regulator on the operation of the WELS scheme given to the State under section 75 of the Commonwealth Act to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting-days of that House after the Minister receives the report. Note This section differs from section 75 of the Commonwealth Act. That section provides for the preparation by the Regulator of an annual report on the operation of the WELS scheme. The Commonwealth Minister is required to give a copy to the State. 76Review of operation of WELS schemeThe Minister must cause a copy of the report of the independent review of the operation of the WELS scheme given to the State under section 76 of the Commonwealth Act to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting-days of that House after the Minister receives the report. Note This section differs from section 76 of the Commonwealth Act. That section provides for an independent review of the operation of the WELS scheme to be undertaken as soon as possible after the fifth anniversary of the commencement of that section. The Commonwealth Minister is required to give a copy to the State. 77Regulations (1)  The Governor may make regulations for the purposes of this Act. (2)  Without limiting subsection (1) , the regulations may – (a) prescribe fees in respect of matters under this Act; and (b) prescribe penalties of not more than 20 penalty units for offences against the regulations. Note This section differs from section 77 of the Commonwealth Act. 78Administration of ActUntil provision is made in relation to this Act by order under section 4 of the Administrative Arrangements Act 1990  – (a) the administration of this Act is assigned to the Minister for Primary Industries and Water; and (b) the department responsible to that Minister in relation to the administration of this Act is the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment.

[Second reading presentation speech made in:

House of Assembly on 17 MAY 2005

Legislative Council on 31 AUGUST 2005]

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.