Acts of Parliament assented to - Act No. 82 to 86 of 2020

Overview

The Product Stewardship (Oil) Amendment Act 2020 is an Act passed by the Australian Parliament to amend the Product Stewardship (Oil) Act 2000. The objective of this legislation is to address issues related to the management and disposal of waste oil, ensuring that the environmental impact of such waste is minimised. By assenting to this Act on 7 September 2020, the Governor-General affirmed the commitment of the Australian government to enhancing the regulatory framework around oil stewardship, thereby improving environmental outcomes and ensuring the sustainability of waste oil management practices. The Act seeks to address gaps in the current regulatory environment by introducing necessary amendments that better align with contemporary environmental standards and practices.

Scope and Application

The Product Stewardship (Oil) Amendment Act 2020 applies to any person or entity involved in the production, importation, or distribution of oil within Australia, encompassing both domestic and international businesses. This amendment extends the scope of the original Product Stewardship (Oil) Act 2000, ensuring that those entities contribute to the environmentally responsible management of oil waste. The Act operates across the Commonwealth and does not explicitly exclude any particular sectors or transactions, thereby imposing obligations broadly on all participants in the oil industry. The Act allows for further regulation and detailed provisions through subordinate instruments, enabling the government to address emerging issues and ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Key Provisions

The Product Stewardship (Oil) Amendment Act 2020 (No. 82 of 2020) modifies the Product Stewardship (Oil) Act 2000 to enhance the management of used oil and waste oil. Section 12 of the Act stipulates that authorised officers can now enter and inspect premises and vehicles to ensure compliance with the Act. Section 14 extends the definition of "waste oil" to include more types of oil waste, thereby broadening the scope of the legislation. The Act also introduces new reporting requirements for businesses handling oil waste, as outlined in Section 16, which mandates that they keep detailed records of their oil waste management practices. Under the Norfolk Island Amendment (Supreme Court) Act 2020 (No. 83 of 2020), the Act revises the judicial structure of Norfolk Island by abolishing the Norfolk Island Supreme Court and establishing a new judicial system. Section 5 of the Act provides for the appointment of new judicial officers who will serve on the Norfolk Island Local Court, with Section 6 detailing their responsibilities and powers. The Act further imposes obligations on the Norfolk Island Government to ensure that the new judicial system is operational and compliant with the legal framework governing Norfolk Island. The Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Improving Assistance for Vulnerable and Disadvantaged Families) Act 2020 (No. 84 of 2020) introduces several amendments to improve the delivery of family assistance. Section 3 of the Act modifies eligibility criteria for family assistance, ensuring that vulnerable and disadvantaged families receive necessary support. Section 8 imposes a duty on the Department of Social Services to review and update payment schedules to reflect changes in living costs. Additionally, Section 12 requires that families provide updated information to maintain their eligibility for assistance, with failure to do so potentially resulting in a suspension or cessation of benefits. The Excise Tariff Amendment Act 2020 (No. 85 of 2020) makes changes to the Excise Tariff Act 1921 to update the excise duties on various goods. Section 4 of the Act increases the excise duty on tobacco products, while Section 6 revises the duties on alcoholic beverages to better reflect current market values. Section 9 imposes a new duty on e-cigarettes and vaping products. The Act also includes transitional provisions in Section 12 to ensure a smooth implementation of the new rates without causing undue hardship to businesses or consumers. The Superannuation Amendment (PSSAP Membership) Act 2020 (No. 86 of 2020) amends the law relating to superannuation by modifying the criteria for membership in the Public Sector Superannuation Scheme (PSS). Section 2 of the Act extends the eligibility for PSS membership to include certain additional categories of public sector employees, such as casual workers and contract staff. Section 5 imposes an obligation on employers to ensure that eligible employees are enrolled in the PSS and that appropriate contributions are made on their behalf. Section 7 provides for penalties, including fines up to $18,000 for individuals and $90,000 for corporations, for failure to comply with the enrolment and contribution requirements.