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This is a Bill, not an Act. For current law, see the Acts databases.
RADIATION PROTECTION BILL 2006
2006
THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL
TERRITORY
(As presented)
(Minister for Health)
Radiation
Protection Bill 2006
Contents
Page
Part 1.1 Clinical
Waste Act 1990 87
Part 1.2 Dangerous
Substances Act 2004 87
2006
THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL
TERRITORY
(As presented)
(Minister for Health)
Radiation Protection
Bill 2006
A Bill for
An Act to provide for the protection of the
health and safety of people, and for the protection of property and the
environment, from the harmful effects of radiation, and for related
purposes
The Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory enacts as
follows:
This Act is the Radiation Protection Act 2006.
(1) This Act commences on a day fixed by the Minister by written
notice.
Note 1 The naming and commencement provisions automatically commence
on the notification day (see Legislation Act, s 75 (1)).
Note 2 A single day or time may be fixed, or different days or times
may be fixed, for the commencement of different provisions (see Legislation Act,
s 77 (1)).
(2) The Legislation Act, section 79 (Automatic commencement of postponed
law) does not apply to this Act.
(3) However, if this Act has not commenced before 1 July 2007, it
automatically commences on that day.
The object of this Act is to protect the health and safety of people, and
to protect property and the environment, from the harmful effects of
radiation.
4 Radiation
protection principle
(1) The radiation protection principle means the principle
that people, property and the environment should be protected from unnecessary
exposure to radiation through the processes of justification, limitation and
optimisation for which—
(a) justification involves assessing whether the benefits of
a radiation practice, or the use of a radiation source, outweigh the detriment
caused by the practice or source; and
(b) limitation involves setting radiation dose limits, or
imposing other measures, so that the health risk to anyone, or the risk of
damage to property or the environment, from being exposed to radiation is below
unacceptable levels; and
(c) optimisation—
(i) in relation to the conduct of a radiation practice, or the use of a
radiation source, that may expose a person, property or the environment to
radiation involves keeping—
(A) the magnitude of individual doses of, or the number of people who may
be exposed to, ionising radiation; or
(B) if the magnitude of individual doses, or the number of people who may
be exposed, is uncertain—the likelihood of exposures of ionising radiation
happening;
as low as reasonably achievable taking into account economic, social and
environmental factors; and
(ii) optimising, to a level of cost effectiveness, the conduct of a
radiation practice, or the use of a radiation source, that may expose a person,
property or the environment to non-ionising radiation.
(2) The council, and anyone else with functions under this Act, must have
regard to the radiation protection principle in exercising a function under this
Act.
Note A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory
instruments made or in force under the Act, including regulations (see
Legislation Act, s 104)
The dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act.
Note 1 The dictionary at the end of this Act defines certain terms
used in this Act, and includes references (signpost definitions)
to other terms defined elsewhere in this Act.
For example, the signpost definition ‘radiation
source—see section 9 (1).’ means that the term
‘radiation source’ is defined in that subsection.
Note 2 A definition in the dictionary (including a signpost
definition) applies to the entire Act unless the definition, or another
provision of the Act, provides otherwise or the contrary intention otherwise
appears (see Legislation Act, s 155 and s 156 (1)).
A note included in this Act is explanatory and is not part of this
Act.
Note See the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the
legal status of notes.
7 Offences
against Act—application of Criminal Code etc
Other legislation applies in relation to offences against this
Act.
Note 1 Criminal Code
The Criminal Code, ch 2 applies to all offences against this Act (see Code,
pt 2.1).
The chapter sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility
(including burdens of proof and general defences), and defines terms used for
offences to which the Code applies (eg conduct,
intention, recklessness and strict
liability).
Note 2 Penalty units
The Legislation Act, s 133 deals with the meaning of offence penalties that
are expressed in penalty units.
8 Meaning
of radiation and ionising and non-ionising
radiation
(1) For this Act, radiation is a phenomena caused naturally,
or created artificially, that is—
(a) an electromagnetic waveform, quanta or both; and
(b) propagated through space or through a material medium.
(2) Radiation is ionising if it is—
(a) capable of producing ions
directly or indirectly; and
(b) either—
(i) particulate radiation;
or
(ii) electromagnetic radiation of a
wavelength of 100 nanometres or less.
(3) Radiation is non-ionising if it is electromagnetic
radiation of a wavelength greater than 100 nanometres.
9 Meaning
of radiation source etc
(1) A thing is a radiation source if it emits or may emit
radiation.
(2) A radiation source can be a radiation apparatus, a radiation facility
or radioactive material.
(3) A radiation apparatus is—
(a) apparatus that—
(i) produces radiation when energised; or
(ii) if assembled or repaired, would be capable of producing radiation
when energised; or
(b) a thing prescribed by regulation to be a radiation
apparatus.
(4) A radiation facility is a facility prescribed by
regulation to be a radiation facility.
(5) Radioactive material is material that spontaneously
emits ionising radiation as a consequence of nuclear transformations.
10 Meaning
of prohibited radiation source and regulated radiation
source
(1) A radiation source is a prohibited radiation source if
it is prescribed by regulation to be a prohibited radiation source.
(2) A radiation source is a regulated radiation source if it
is—
(a) a radiation source (other than a prohibited radiation source) that
emits or is capable of emitting ionising radiation above the level prescribed by
regulation; or
(b) a radiation source prescribed by regulation that emits or is capable
of emitting non-ionising radiation.
11 Meaning
of deal with radiation source
(1) A person deals with a radiation source if the
person—
(a) manufactures the radiation source; or
(b) possesses the radiation source; or
(c) supplies the radiation source to someone else; or
(d) uses the radiation source; or
(e) disposes of the radiation source; or
(f) for radioactive material—stores, packs or transports the
material.
Note Dispose of and use are
defined in the dictionary.
(2) For subsection (1) (b), a person does not possess a radiation source
only because, as part of a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure—
(a) the person, or an animal kept by the person, has been injected with
radioactive material; or
(b) radioactive material has been administered to or implanted in the
person or animal in any other way.
Division
3.1 Safety duties
12 General
duty to ensure no harm
A person who deals with a regulated radiation source must take all
reasonable steps to ensure that no harm results to the health or safety of
people or to property or the environment from radiation emitted from the
radiation source.
Note 1 A failure to comply with this section may be an offence (see
s 53).
Note 2 For the meaning of deal with a radiation
source, see s 11.
(1) This section applies to a person who deals with a regulated radiation
source.
(2) The person must take all reasonable steps to ensure that, if anyone
(including the person) receives a dose of radiation, the dose must not result in
that person receiving doses of radiation during a period that, when added
together, are higher than the dose limit for the period.
(3) This section does not apply to a dose received by a person from the
carrying out of a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure involving the irradiation
of the person at the request of a doctor.
Note 1 A failure to comply with this section may be an offence (see
s 53).
Note 2 For the meaning of deal with a radiation
source, see s 11.
14 Diagnostic
or therapeutic procedures
A person who uses a regulated radiation source to carry out a diagnostic or
therapeutic procedure involving the irradiation of a person (the treated
person) at the request of a doctor must ensure that the treated person
does not receive a dose of radiation from the procedure that is not in
accordance with the request.
Note A failure to comply with this section may be an offence (see s
53).
15 Incorporated
documents, approved codes of practice etc may be considered
In deciding whether a person has complied with a safety duty, an
incorporated document, or approved code of practice, applying to the duty may be
considered.
Note 1 For the meaning of safety duty, see s
52.
Note 2 For the meaning of incorporated document and
approved code of practice, see the dictionary.
16 Application
for licence
(1) A person may apply to the council for a licence to deal with a
regulated radiation source.
Note 1 If a form is approved under s 121 for an application, the
form must be used.
Note 2 A fee may be determined under s 120 for this
provision.
(2) The council may, in writing, require the applicant to give the council
additional information or documents that the council reasonably needs to decide
the application.
Examples of information or
documents
1 information about the proposed dealings under the licence
2 an assessment of the potential hazards from the radiation source
3 the qualifications of people proposed to be dealing with the radiation
source
4 proposed procedures for handling, use or storage of the radiation source
5 a proposed safety plan for dealings under the licence
Note An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may
extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears
(see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).
(3) If the applicant does not comply with a requirement under subsection
(2), the council may refuse to consider the application.
17 Decision
about licence application
(1) On an application by a person for a licence, the council
must—
(a) issue the licence; or
(b) refuse to issue the licence.
(2) In deciding whether to issue the licence, the council must
consider—
(a) whether the applicant can satisfy any relevant competency requirements
set out in the national directory, schedule 6; and
(b) whether the applicant can comply with any relevant conditions set out
in the national directory, schedule 7; and
(c) whether the applicant can satisfy any relevant security requirements
under the national directory, schedule 8; and
(d) any criteria prescribed by regulation.
(3) Subsection (2) does not limit the matters that the council may
consider.
(4) The council must refuse to issue the licence if the council is
satisfied it is not in the public interest to issue the licence.
(5) In considering the public interest, the council must consider the risk
of a dose limit being exceeded.
Note Dose limit is defined in the dictionary.
(6) Subsection (5) does not limit the matters the council may consider in
considering the public interest.
A licence must—
(a) be in writing; and
(b) state the full name and address of the person to whom the licence is
issued; and
(c) identify or describe—
(i) each regulated radiation source to which the licence applies (a
relevant source); and
(ii) each kind of dealing authorised by the licence in relation to each
relevant source; and
(d) state the period for which the licence is given; and
(e) include any conditions on the licence.
A licence is subject to any conditions—
(a) prescribed by regulation; or
(b) imposed on the licence by the council.
Examples of conditions that may be imposed
on a licence
1 that an approved code of practice or standard must be complied
with
2 that a national incident reporting framework must be complied
with
3 that particular requirements about inspection and reporting must be
complied with
4 that particular security procedures must be complied with
Note 1 An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may
extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears
(see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).
Note 2 The council may amend a licence (including by imposing a
condition on, or amending an existing condition of, the licence) at any time
(see s 22).
A licence is issued for the period of up to 3 years stated in the
licence.
21 Licensee
to notify change of name or address
(1) If a licensee changes his or her name or address, the licensee must,
as soon as practicable but no later than 14 days after the day the change
happens, tell the council, in writing, about the change.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(2) An offence against this section is a strict liability
offence.
22 Amendment
of licence by council on its own initiative
(1) The council may, at any time and on its own initiative, amend a
licence (including by imposing a condition on, or amending an existing condition
of, the licence).
Example of amendment
to change a dealing with a radiation source authorised under the licence
Note An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may
extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears
(see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).
(2) However, the council may amend a licence only if—
(a) the council has given the licensee written notice of the proposed
amendment; and
(b) the notice states that written comments on the proposal may be made to
the council before the end of a stated period of at least 14 days after the
day the notice is given to the person; and
(c) the council has considered any comments made before the end of the
stated period.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply if the licensee applied for, or agreed
in writing to, the amendment.
23 Amendment
of licence on application
(1) A licensee may apply to the council to amend the licensee’s
licence (including by removing or amending a condition of the
licence).
Example of amendment
to change a dealing with a radiation source authorised under the licence
Note 1 If a form is approved under s 121 for an application, the
form must be used.
Note 2 A fee may be determined under s 120 for this
provision.
Note 3 An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may
extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears
(see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).
(2) The council may, in writing, require the applicant to give the council
additional information or documents that the council reasonably needs to decide
the application.
(3) If the applicant does not comply with a requirement under subsection
(2), the council may refuse to consider the application.
(4) In deciding whether to amend the licence, the council may consider
anything the council may consider under section 17 in relation to an application
for a licence.
(5) On an application by a person to amend a licence, the council
must—
(a) amend the licence in the way applied for; or
(b) refuse to amend the licence.
Note For the return of the licence to the council, see s
40.
24 Automatic
cancellation of licence
(1) This section applies if—
(a) a licence is in force in relation to a radiation source that is a
regulated radiation source; and
(b) the radiation source becomes a prohibited radiation source.
(2) The licence is automatically cancelled.
Division
3.3 Registration of radiation
sources
25 Application
for registration of radiation source
(1) The owner of a regulated radiation source may apply to the council to
register the radiation source.
Note 1 If a form is approved under s 121 for an application, the
form must be used.
Note 2 A fee may be determined under s 120 for this
provision.
(2) The council may, in writing, require the applicant to give the council
additional information or documents that the council reasonably needs to decide
the application.
Examples of information or
documents
1 information about where the radiation source is to be kept
2 an assessment of the potential hazards from the radiation
source
3 proposed procedures for handling, use or storage of the radiation
source
Note An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may
extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears
(see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).
(3) If the applicant does not comply with a requirement under subsection
(2), the council may refuse to consider the application.
26 Decision
about radiation source registration application
(1) On an application by a person for registration of a regulated
radiation source, the council must—
(a) register the radiation source; or
(b) refuse to register the radiation source.
(2) In deciding whether to register the regulated radiation source, the
council must consider—
(a) whether the applicant can satisfy any relevant requirement set out in
the national directory, schedule 9; and
Note Sch 9 is about uses of certain sealed sources and
premises.
(b) any criteria prescribed by regulation.
(3) Subsection (2) does not limit the matters that the council may
consider.
(4) The council must refuse to register the regulated radiation source if
the council is satisfied it is not in the public interest to register
it.
(5) In considering the public interest, the council must consider the risk
of a dose limit being exceeded.
Note Dose limit is defined in the dictionary.
(6) Subsection (5) does not limit the matters the council may consider in
considering the public interest.
(1) A registration of a regulated radiation source must—
(a) be in writing; and
(b) state the full name and address of the person to whom the registration
is granted; and
(c) identify or describe the radiation source registered; and
(d) state each place where the radiation source may be kept; and
(e) state the period of the registration; and
(f) include any conditions on the registration.
(2) The person mentioned in subsection (1) (b) is the registered
owner of the registered radiation source.
28 Registration
conditions
Registration of a regulated radiation source is subject to any
conditions—
(a) prescribed by regulation; or
(b) imposed on the registration by the council.
Examples of conditions that may be imposed
on a registration
1 that an approved code of practice or standard must be complied
with
2 that a national incident reporting framework must be complied
with
3 that particular procedures about inspection and reporting must be
complied with
4 that particular security procedures must be complied with
5 that the council must be told if the radiation source is
transported
Note 1 An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may
extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears
(see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).
Note 2 The council may amend a registration (including by imposing a
condition on, or amending an existing condition of, the registration) at any
time (see s 31).
A regulated radiation source may be registered for a period of up to
3 years stated in the registration.
30 Registered
owner to notify change of name or address
(1) If the registered owner of a regulated radiation source changes his or
her name or address, the registered owner must, as soon as practicable but no
later than 14 days after the day the change happens, tell the council, in
writing, about the change.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(2) An offence against this section is a strict liability
offence.
31 Amendment
of registration by council on its own initiative
(1) The council may, at any time and on its own initiative, amend the
registration of a regulated radiation source (including by imposing a condition
on, or amending an existing condition of, the registration).
Example of amendment
to change a requirement about where the radiation source is kept
Note An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may
extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears
(see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).
(2) However, the council may amend the registration of the radiation
source only if—
(a) the council has given the registered owner of the radiation source
written notice of the proposed amendment; and
(b) the notice states that written comments on the proposal may be made to
the council before the end of a stated period of at least 14 days after the
day the notice is given to the person; and
(c) the council has considered any comments made before the end of the
stated period.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply if the registered owner applied for, or
agreed in writing to, the amendment.
32 Amendment
of registration on application
(1) The registered owner of a regulated radiation source may apply to the
council to amend the registration (including by removing or amending a condition
of the registration).
Example of amendment
to change a requirement about where the radiation source is kept
Note 1 If a form is approved under s 121 for an application, the
form must be used.
Note 2 A fee may be determined under s 120 for this
provision.
Note 3 An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may
extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears
(see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).
(2) The council may, in writing, require the applicant to give the council
additional information or documents that the council reasonably needs to decide
the application.
(3) If the applicant does not comply with a requirement under subsection
(2), the council may refuse to consider the application.
(4) In deciding whether to amend the registration, the council may
consider anything the council may consider under section 26 in relation to an
application for registration of a regulated radiation source.
(5) On an application by a person to amend a radiation source
registration, the council must—
(a) amend the registration in the way applied for; or
(b) refuse to amend the registration.
33 Automatic
cancellation of registration
(1) This section applies if—
(a) a registration is in force in relation to a radiation source that is a
regulated radiation source; and
(b) the radiation source becomes a prohibited radiation source.
(2) The registration of the radiation source is automatically
cancelled.
Division
3.4 Disciplinary
action
34 Grounds
for disciplinary action
(1) Each of the following is a ground for disciplinary
action against a licensee:
(a) the licensee gave information to the council in relation to the
application for, or an application for amendment of, the licensee’s
licence that was false or misleading in a material particular;
(b) the licensee has contravened, or is contravening, this Act, whether or
not the licensee has been convicted or found guilty of an offence for the
contravention;
(c) the licensee has contravened, or is contravening, a territory law
(other than this Act) or a law of the Commonwealth, a State or another
Territory, whether or not the licensee has been convicted or found guilty of an
offence for the contravention.
(2) Each of the following is a ground for disciplinary
action against a registered owner of a regulated radiation source:
(a) the registered owner gave information to the council in relation to
the application for, or an application for amendment of, the registration of the
radiation source that was false or misleading in a material
particular;
(b) the registered owner has contravened, or is contravening, this Act,
whether or not the registered owner has been convicted or found guilty of an
offence for the contravention;
(c) the registered owner has contravened, or is contravening, a territory
law (other than this Act) or a law of the Commonwealth, a State or another
Territory, whether or not the registered owner has been convicted or found
guilty of an offence for the contravention.
(1) Each of the following is disciplinary action when taken
against a person who is a licensee:
(a) reprimanding the person;
(b) requiring the person to complete a stated course of training to the
satisfaction of the council or another stated person;
(c) amending the licence, including by imposing a condition on the licence
or amending an existing condition of the licence;
(d) suspending the licence, or a particular authorised dealing under the
licence—
(i) for a stated period; or
(ii) until the person completes a stated course of training to the
satisfaction of the council or someone else; or
(iii) until a stated event happens;
(e) cancelling the licence;
(f) cancelling the licence and disqualifying the person from applying for
a licence, or a particular kind of licence in relation to a radiation
source—
(i) for a stated period; or
(ii) until the person completes a stated course of training to the
satisfaction of the council or someone else; or
(iii) until a stated event happens.
(2) Each of the following is disciplinary action when taken
against a person who is the registered owner of a radiation source:
(a) reprimanding the person;
(b) requiring the person to complete a stated course of training to the
satisfaction of the council or another stated person;
(c) amending the registration, including by imposing a condition on the
registration or amending an existing condition of the registration;
(d) suspending the registration—
(i) for a stated period; or
(ii) until the person completes a stated course of training to the
satisfaction of the council or someone else; or
(iii) until a stated event happens;
(e) cancelling the registration;
(f) cancelling the registration and disqualifying the person from applying
for a registration, or registration of a particular kind of radiation
source—
(i) for a stated period; or
(ii) until the person completes a stated course of training to the
satisfaction of the council or someone else; or
(iii) until a stated event happens.
36 Taking
disciplinary action
(1) If the council proposes to take disciplinary action in relation to a
person, the council must give the person a written notice (a disciplinary
notice) that—
(a) states the proposed action (including any proposed disqualification
period, suspension period or amendment of a licence); and
(b) states the grounds for the proposed action; and
(c) tells the person that the person may, not later than 14 days after the
day the person receives the notice, give a written response to the council about
the notice.
(2) In deciding whether to take disciplinary action, the council must
consider any response given to the council by the person in accordance with the
notice.
(3) The council may take the proposed disciplinary action in relation to
the person if satisfied that—
(a) a ground for taking disciplinary action has been established in
relation to a person; and
(b) if the ground is a ground mentioned in section 34 (1) (c) or
(2) (c)—it is in the public interest for the proposed disciplinary
action to be taken in relation to the person.
(4) The council must give the person written notice of the council’s
decision.
(5) Disciplinary action under this section takes effect 14 days after the
day when the notice of the decision is given to the person or, if the notice
states a later date of effect, that date.
Note For the return of the licence to the council, see s
40.
37 Immediate
suspension of licence or registration
(1) This section applies if the council has given, or is considering
whether to give, a disciplinary notice to a licensee or registered owner of a
regulated radiation source on a ground on which disciplinary action may be taken
against the licensee or registered owner (the relevant disciplinary
ground).
(2) The council may give the licensee or registered owner a written notice
(an immediate suspension notice) suspending the licence, a
particular authorised dealing under the licence or the registration on the
relevant disciplinary ground.
Note Authorised dealing is defined in the
dictionary.
(3) However, the council may give the licensee or registered owner an
immediate suspension notice on the relevant disciplinary ground only
if—
(a) the council has taken into account the circumstances leading to the
decision to give or consider giving the disciplinary notice; and
(b) the council believes, on reasonable grounds, that it is in the public
interest that the licence, authorised dealing or registration be suspended
before a decision is made whether or not to take disciplinary action against the
licensee under section 36 on the relevant disciplinary ground.
(4) If an immediate suspension notice is given to the licensee or
registered owner, the suspension takes effect when the notice is given to the
licensee or registered owner.
Note For the return of the licence to the council, see s
40.
(5) If the licensee or registered owner is given an immediate suspension
notice but has not been given a disciplinary notice on the relevant disciplinary
ground, the council must, as soon as possible, give a disciplinary notice to the
licensee or registered owner or tell the licensee or registered owner in writing
that a disciplinary notice will not be given to the licensee or registered owner
in relation to that ground.
(6) The immediate suspension notice ends when the earliest of the
following happens:
(a) if the licence or registration is cancelled or suspended under
section 36, or a particular authorised dealing is suspended under that
section on the relevant disciplinary ground—the cancellation or suspension
takes effect;
(b) if a condition is imposed on the licence or registration, or an
existing condition of the licence or registration is amended, under
section 36 on the relevant disciplinary ground—the condition or
amended condition takes effect;
(c) the person is given written notice under section 36 (4) of
the decision in relation to the relevant disciplinary ground;
(d) the period of 8 weeks after the suspension under the notice takes
effect ends.
38 Effect
of suspension of licence or dealing
(1) If a licence is suspended, the licence does not authorise the licensee
to carry on any activity under the licence during the suspension.
(2) If an authorised dealing under a licence is suspended, the
licence—
(a) does not authorise the licensee to carry out that dealing under the
licence during the suspension; and
(b) is taken to be amended under this part to the extent necessary to give
effect to the suspension.
39 Effect
on licensee of suspension of registration
If the registration of a regulated radiation source is suspended, a person
who holds a licence to deal with the radiation source is taken not to hold a
licence to deal with the radiation source in any way (other than possessing the
radiation source) during the suspension.
40 Return
of amended, suspended or cancelled licences
(1) A licensee commits an offence if—
(a) the licensee’s licence is—
(i) amended under section 22 (Amendment of licence by council on its own
initiative); or
(ii) amended under section 23 (Amendment of licence on application); or
(iii) amended, suspended or cancelled under this division; and
(b) the licensee fails to return the licence to the council as soon as
practicable (but not later than 7 days) after the day the licensee is told
about the council’s action.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(2) An offence against this section is a strict liability
offence.
41 Action
by council in relation to amended, suspended or cancelled
licence
(1) If a licence that is amended under this part is returned to the
council, the council must—
(a) amend the licence and return it to the licensee; or
(b) give the licensee a replacement licence that includes the
amendment.
Note A licence is taken to be amended if an authorised dealing under
the licence is suspended (see s 38 (2)).
(2) If a licence is suspended under this part and the suspension ends
before the end of the term of the licence, the council must return the licence
to the licensee.
Division
3.5 Abandoning a radiation source
42 Prohibition
on abandoning radiation source
A person must not abandon a regulated radiation source.
Maximum penalty: 1 000 penalty units, 3 years imprisonment or
both.
43 Procedure
if radiation source abandoned
(1) If the council believes, on reasonable grounds, that a regulated
radiation source has been abandoned, the council—
(a) may direct an authorised person to take possession of the radiation
source; or
(b) may ask someone else to take possession and dispose of the radiation
source.
(2) If an authorised person takes possession of a regulated radiation
source under subsection (1) (a), the authorised person may do all or any of the
following:
(a) keep possession of the radiation source until legal proceedings
against a person in relation to the abandonment are finally dealt
with;
(b) destroy the radiation source;
(c) otherwise make the radiation source harmless;
(d) dispose of the radiation source.
(3) If a person is asked under subsection (1) (b) to take possession and
dispose of a regulated radiation source, the person—
(a) may, but is not required to, take possession of the radiation source
and, if the person does so, must dispose of it in a way approved by the council;
and
(b) is taken to hold a licence in relation to the radiation source that
authorises the person to dispose of it and to possess, store and transport it
for that purpose.
44 Person
abandoning radiation source liable for recovery costs
A person who abandons a regulated radiation source is liable for the
reasonable costs incurred by the Territory or anyone else in taking action under
section 43.
Note An amount owing under a law may be recovered as a debt in a
court of competent jurisdiction (see Legislation Act, s 177).
Division
3.6 Disposal of prohibited radiation
source
45 Disposal
etc of prohibited radiation source
(1) The council may—
(a) direct an authorised person to take possession of a prohibited
radiation source; or
(b) may ask someone else to take possession and dispose of a prohibited
radiation source.
(2) If an authorised person takes possession of a prohibited radiation
source under subsection (1) (a) the authorised person may do all or any of the
following:
(a) keep possession of the radiation source until legal proceedings
against a person in relation to possessing the radiation source are finally
dealt with;
(b) destroy the radiation source;
(c) otherwise make the radiation source harmless;
(d) dispose of the radiation source.
(3) If a person is asked under subsection (1) (b) to take possession and
dispose of a prohibited radiation source, the person—
(a) may, but is not required to, take possession of the radiation source
and if the person does so, must dispose of it in a way approved by the council;
and
(b) may possess, store and transport the radiation source for that
purpose.
46 Person
in possession of prohibited radiation source liable for disposal
costs
A person from whom possession of a prohibited radiation source is taken by
an authorised officer or anyone else under section 45 (Disposal etc of
prohibited radiation source) is liable for the reasonable costs incurred by the
Territory or anyone else in disposing of the prohibited radiation
source.
Note An amount owing under a law may be recovered as a debt in a
court of competent jurisdiction (see Legislation Act, s 177).
Division
3.7 Emergency
powers
(1) The Minister may, in writing, make an order (an emergency
order) if the Minister believes, on reasonable grounds, that the order
is necessary to prevent or minimise a risk arising from a radiation
incident.
Note The power to make an instrument includes the power to amend or
repeal the instrument (see Legislation Act, s 46).
(2) An emergency order may authorise the chief executive to do all or any
of the following:
(a) require a person to enter, not to
enter or to leave a place;
(b) subject to subsection (3), authorise
the detention of a person;
(c) require a person to undergo a
decontamination procedure;
(d) require the owner or occupier of a
place to decontaminate the place;
(e) require the disposal or destruction
of a radiation source or anything that has been affected or
contaminated by radiation and state how the disposal
or destruction must be done;
(f) make any other requirement necessary to protect the health or safety
of people or to prevent damage to property or the environment.
(3) An order may only authorise the
detention of a person—
(a) for reasonable testing to decide
whether, because of the radiation incident, the person has been contaminated and
poses a serious risk to the health or safety of anyone else or of the safety of
anyone else’s property or the environment; and
(b) if the person is contaminated and
poses a serious risk to the health or safety of anyone else or of the safety of
anyone else’s property or the environment—to prevent the person
contaminating anyone else, anyone else’s property or the
environment.
(4) A person commits an offence if the
person fails to take all reasonable steps to comply with a
requirement made of the person under
subsection (2).
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(5) In this section:
radiation incident
means an incident or event that results, or may result, in a risk of
serious harm to the health or safety of people, or substantial damage to
property or the environment, from the emission of radiation from a radiation
source.
48 Compensation—emergency
orders
(1) A person who suffers loss because of an act or omission of the chief
executive under section 47 (Emergency orders) is entitled to be paid reasonable
compensation by the Territory for the loss.
(2) Compensation is not payable to a person for a loss to the
extent—
(a) of any amount recovered or recoverable by the person under a policy of
insurance; or
(b) that the conduct of the person contributed to the loss.
(3) Compensation is not payable to a person for a loss if the loss would
have arisen despite the act or omission.
(4) The person may apply, in writing, to the Minister for
compensation.
Note If a form is approved under s 121 for an application, the form
must be used.
(5) The application must state particulars of the loss, the amount claimed
and the basis for the amount claimed.
49 Minister’s
decision on claim for compensation
(1) This section applies if a person applies to the Minister under
section 48 for compensation.
(2) If the Minister is satisfied that the person is entitled to
compensation, the Minister must give the person a written notice setting
out—
(a) an offer to pay the person the amount of compensation to which the
Minister considers the claimant is entitled; and
(b) an explanation of how the amount was worked out.
(3) If the Minister is not satisfied that the person is entitled to
compensation, the Minister must give the person a written notice telling the
person that the Minister is not satisfied that the person is entitled to
compensation.
(4) If, at the end of 28 days after the day the application is made to the
Minister, the Minister has not given the person a notice under subsection (2) or
(3), the Minister is taken to have decided the person is not entitled to be paid
compensation.
50 Acceptance
or rejection of offer of compensation
(1) A person to whom an offer has been made under section 49 (2) (a) may,
in writing—
(a) accept the offer; or
(b) reject the offer.
(2) If the person accepts the offer, the Territory must pay the amount to
the person.
51 Recovery
of compensation in court
If the Territory and the person to whom compensation is payable under
section 48 (Compensation—emergency orders) do not agree on the amount of
compensation, the person may, by proceeding in a court of competent
jurisdiction, recover from the Territory the reasonable compensation that the
court decides.
Note The Environment Protection Act 1997, div 15.1, creates
offences in relation to polluting the environment. Under that Act,
pollutant includes radioactivity, light or other electromagnetic
radiation.
52 Meaning
of safety duty
In this Act:
safety duty means a duty under any of the following
provisions:
• section 12 (General duty to ensure no harm)
• section 13 (Radiation exposure)
• section 14 (Diagnostic or therapeutic procedures).
53 Failure
to comply with safety duty—general offence
(1) A person commits an offence if—
(a) the person is required to comply with a safety duty; and
(b) the person fails to comply with the safety duty.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2) Absolute liability applies to subsection (1) (a).
(3) Strict liability applies to subsection (1) (b).
54 Failure
to comply with safety duty—exposing people to substantial risk of death or
serious harm
(1) A person commits an offence if—
(a) the person is required to comply with a safety duty; and
(b) the person fails to comply with the safety duty; and
(c) the failure exposes anyone to a substantial risk of death or serious
harm; and
(d) the person either—
(i) was reckless about whether the failure would expose anyone to a
substantial risk of death or serious harm; or
(ii) was negligent about whether the failure would expose anyone to a
substantial risk of death or serious harm.
Maximum penalty: 1 500 penalty units, 5 years imprisonment or
both.
(2) Absolute liability applies to subsection (1) (a).
55 Failure
to comply with safety duty—causing death or serious harm to
people
(1) A person commits an offence if—
(a) the person is required to comply with a safety duty; and
(b) the person fails to comply with the safety duty; and
(c) the failure causes the death of or serious harm to anyone;
and;
(d) the person either—
(i) was reckless about whether the failure would cause the death of or
serious harm to anyone; or
(ii) was negligent about whether the failure would cause the death of or
serious harm to anyone.
Maximum penalty: 2 000 penalty units, 7 years imprisonment or
both.
(2) Absolute liability applies to subsection (1) (a).
56 Failure
to comply with safety duty—exposing property or environment to substantial
risk of substantial damage
(1) A person commits an offence if—
(a) the person is required to comply with a safety duty; and
(b) the person fails to comply with the safety duty; and
(c) the failure exposes property or the environment to a substantial risk
of substantial damage; and
(d) the person either—
(i) was reckless about whether the failure would expose property or the
environment to a substantial risk of substantial damage; or
(ii) was negligent about whether the failure would expose property or the
environment to a substantial risk of substantial damage.
Maximum penalty: 1 000 penalty units, 3 years imprisonment or
both.
(2) Absolute liability applies to subsection (1) (a).
57 Alternative
verdicts for failure to comply with safety duties
(1) This section applies if, in a prosecution for an offence for a failure
to comply with a safety duty, the trier of fact—
(a) is not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty
of the offence; but
(b) is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of
an alternative offence.
(2) The trier of fact may find the defendant guilty of the alternative
offence, but only if the defendant has been given procedural fairness in
relation to the finding of guilt.
(3) In this section:
alternative offence, for an offence mentioned in table 57,
column 2, means an offence mentioned in column 3 for the offence.
Table 57 Alternative verdicts
column 1
item
|
column 2
prosecuted offence
|
column 3
alternative offence
|
1
|
section 53 (which is about failing to comply with a safety duty)
|
section 58 (Failure to comply with condition of licence)
section 61 (Failure to comply with condition of registration of radiation
source)
|
2
|
section 54 (which is about exposing a person to a substantial risk of death
or serious harm)
|
section 53 (which is about failing to comply with a safety duty)
section 58 (Failure to comply with condition of licence)
section 61 (Failure to comply with condition of registration of radiation
source)
|
3
|
section 55 (which is about causing death or serious harm to a
person)
|
section 53 (which is about failing to comply with a safety duty)
section 54 (which is about exposing a person to a substantial risk of death
or serious harm)
section 58 (Failure to comply with condition of licence)
section 61 (Failure to comply with condition of registration of radiation
source)
|
4
|
section 56 (which is about exposing property or the environment to
substantial risk of substantial damage)
|
section 53 (which is about failing to comply with a safety duty)
section 58 (Failure to comply with condition of licence)
section 61 (Failure to comply with condition of registration of radiation
source)
|
58 Failure
to comply with condition of licence
(1) A licensee commits an offence if—
(a) the licensee’s licence is subject to a condition; and
(b) the licensee fails to comply with a requirement of the
condition.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2) An offence against this section is a strict liability
offence.
59 Dealing
with regulated radiation source without licence
(1) A person commits an offence if—
(a) the person intentionally deals with a regulated radiation source;
and
(b) the dealing by the person is not authorised under a licence in
relation to the radiation source; and
(c) the person knows that the dealing by the person is not authorised
under a licence in relation to the radiation source.
Maximum penalty: 1 000 penalty units, 2 years imprisonment or
both.
(2) A person commits an offence if—
(a) the person deals with a regulated radiation source; and
(b) the dealing by the person is not authorised under a licence in
relation to the radiation source; and
(c) the person, in dealing with the radiation source is negligent about
whether—
(i) the radiation source is a regulated radiation source; or
(ii) the dealing by the person is not authorised under a licence in
relation to the radiation source.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units, 1 year imprisonment or both.
(3) A person commits an offence if—
(a) the person deals with a regulated radiation source; and
(b) the dealing by the person is not authorised under a licence in
relation to the radiation source.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(4) Strict liability applies to subsection (3) (b).
(5) Subsection (6) applies if—
(a) in a prosecution for an offence against subsection (1), the trier of
fact is not satisfied that the defendant committed the offence but is satisfied
beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant committed an offence against
subsections (2) or (3) (the alternative offence); or
(b) in a prosecution for an offence against subsection (1), the trier of
fact is not satisfied that the defendant committed the offence but is satisfied
beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant committed an offence against
subsection (3) (also the alternative offence).
(6) The trier of fact may find the defendant guilty of the alternative
offence but only if the defendant has been given procedural fairness in relation
to that finding of guilt.
60 Owning
unregistered radiation source
(1) A person commits an offence if—
(a) the person owns a regulated radiation source; and
(b) the person fails to apply to register the radiation source not later
than 7 days after the day the person acquires ownership.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(2) A person does not commit an offence against subsection (1)
if—
(a) the person manufactures the radiation source; and
(b) the person is authorised under a licence to manufacture the radiation
source; and
(c) the person owns the radiation source for a period of not longer than
90 days after the day the manufacture of the radiation source is
completed.
(3) An offence against this section is a strict liability
offence.
61 Failure
to comply with condition of registration of radiation
source
(1) A registered owner of a regulated radiation source commits an offence
if—
(a) the registration of the radiation source is subject to a condition;
and
(b) the registered owner fails to comply with a requirement of the
condition.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2) An offence against this section is a strict liability
offence.
62 Dealings
with prohibited radiation source
(1) A person commits an offence if the person intentionally deals with a
prohibited radiation source.
Maximum penalty: 2000 penalty units, 7 years imprisonment or
both.
(2) This section does not apply to any action in accordance with
section 45 (Disposal etc of prohibited radiation source).
63 Failure
to notify council of dangerous event
(1) A person commits an offence if—
(a) the person possesses a radiation source; and
(b) a dangerous event happens in relation to the radiation source;
and
(c) the person knows the dangerous event happened; and
(d) the person fails to tell the council immediately about the dangerous
event.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
(2) A person commits an offence if—
(a) the person possesses a radiation source; and
(b) a dangerous event happens in relation to the radiation source;
and
(c) the person fails to give the council the information it reasonably
requires about the dangerous event.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
Examples for par (c)
1 the location of the dangerous event
2 the radiation source involved in the dangerous event
Note An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may
extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears
(see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).
(3) In this section:
dangerous event means an event prescribed by regulation to be
a dangerous event.
64 Criminal
liability of corporation officers
(1) This section applies to the following provisions:
(a) section 42 (Prohibition on abandoning radiation source);
(b) a provision of this part.
(2) An officer of a corporation commits an offence if—
(a) the corporation contravenes a provision to which this section applies;
and
(b) the contravention is an offence against this Act (the relevant
offence); and
(c) the officer was reckless about whether the contravention would happen;
and
(d) the officer was in a position to influence the conduct of the
corporation in relation to the contravention; and
(e) the officer failed to take all reasonable steps to prevent the
contravention.
Maximum penalty: The maximum penalty that may be imposed for the
commission of the relevant offence by an individual.
(3) This section applies whether or not the corporation is prosecuted for,
or convicted of, the relevant offence.
(4) In deciding whether the officer took (or failed to take) reasonable
steps to prevent the contravention, a court must have regard to the
following:
(a) any action the officer took directed towards ensuring the following
(to the extent that the action is relevant to the act or omission):
(i) that the corporation arranged regular professional assessments of the
corporation’s compliance with the contravened provision;
(ii) that the corporation implemented any appropriate recommendation
arising from such an assessment;
(iii) that the corporation’s employees, agents and contractors had a
reasonable knowledge and understanding of the requirement to comply with the
contravened provision;
(b) any action the officer took when the officer became aware that the
contravention was, or might be, about to happen.
(5) Subsection (4) does not limit the matters to which the court may have
regard.
(6) This section does not apply if the corporation would have a defence to
a prosecution for the relevant offence.
(7) In this section:
officer, of a corporation, means—
(a) a director or secretary of the corporation; or
(b) a person—
(i) who makes, or takes part in making, decisions that affect all, or a
substantial part, of the business of the corporation; or
(ii) in accordance with whose instructions or wishes the directors of the
corporation are accustomed to act (excluding advice given by the person in the
proper exercise of functions attaching to the person’s professional
capacity or business relationship with the directors or the corporation);
or
(iii) a receiver, or receiver and manager, of the corporation’s
property; or
(c) an administrator of the corporation; or
(d) an administrator of a deed of company arrangement executed by the
corporation; or
(e) a liquidator of the corporation; or
(f) a trustee or other person administering a compromise or arrangement
made between the corporation and someone else.
Division
5.1 Radiation
council
65 Establishment
of radiation council
(1) The Radiation Council (the council) is
established.
(2) The council—
(a) is a corporation; and
(b) may sue and be sued in its corporate name; and
(c) may have a seal.
(3) The council represents the Territory when exercising its functions,
unless this Act or another territory law otherwise provides.
The council has the following functions:
(a) issuing licences;
(b) registering regulated radiation sources;
(c) advising the Minister on radiation protection issues;
(d) exercising any other function given to it under this Act or another
territory law.
Note A provision of a law that gives an entity (including a
person) a function also gives the entity powers necessary and convenient to
exercise the function (see Legislation Act, s 196 and dict, pt 1, def
entity).
67 Delegation
of certain council functions
The council may delegate its functions to a member of the council or a
public servant.
Note For the making of delegations and the exercise of delegated
functions, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.4.
Division
5.2 Council
members
(1) The Minister may appoint the council members.
Note 1 For the making of appointments (including acting
appointments), see the Legislation Act, pt 19.3.
Note 2 In particular, an appointment may be made by naming a person
or nominating the occupant of a position (see s 207).
Note 3 Certain Ministerial appointments require consultation with an
Assembly committee and are disallowable (see Legislation Act,
div 19.3.3).
(2) The council members must include—
(a) a member of the public; and
(b) 1 member who is a doctor registered under the Health Professionals
Act 2004 in the specialist area of radiology; and
(c) 1 member with expert knowledge of the physical properties or
biological effects of radiation; and
(d) a person who, in the Minister’s opinion, has qualifications or
experience relevant to assisting the council carry out its functions.
69 Term
of council member appointments
A council member must not be appointed for longer than 3 years.
Note A person may be reappointed to a position if the
person is eligible to be appointed to the position (see Legislation Act,
s 208 and dict, pt 1, def appoint).
70 Chair
and deputy chair of council
(1) The Minister may appoint a council member to be the chair of the
council and another member to be the deputy chair of the council.
(2) The Minister must try to ensure that the council always has a chair
and a deputy chair.
71 Ending
appointment of council member
The Minister may end a council member’s appointment—
(a) if a member contravenes a territory law; or
(b) for misbehaviour; or
(c) if the member becomes bankrupt or executes a personal insolvency
agreement; or
(d) if the member is convicted, or found guilty, in Australia of an
offence punishable by imprisonment for at least 1 year; or
(e) if the member is convicted, or found guilty, outside Australia of an
offence that, if it had been committed in the ACT, would be punishable by
imprisonment for at least 1 year; or
(f) if the member exercises the member’s functions other than in
accordance with section 74 (Honesty, care and diligence of council members);
or
(g) if the member fails to take all reasonable steps to avoid being placed
in a position where a conflict of interest arises during the exercise of the
member’s functions; or
(h) if the member contravenes section 77 (Disclosure of interests by
council members); or
(i) if the member is absent from 3 consecutive meetings of the council,
otherwise than on approved leave; or
(j) for physical or mental incapacity, if the incapacity substantially
affects the exercise of the member’s functions.
Note The appointment of a member also ends if the member resigns
(see Legislation Act, s 210).
Division
5.3 Functions of council
members
The chair of the council has the following functions:
(a) managing the affairs of the council;
(b) ensuring the Minister is kept informed about the operations of the
council.
73 Deputy
chair’s functions
If the chair of the council is absent or cannot for any reason exercise the
functions of the chair, the deputy chair of the council must exercise the
functions of the chair.
Note The Legislation Act, s 209 deals with acting
appointments.
74 Honesty,
care and diligence of council members
In exercising the functions of a council member, a member must exercise the
degree of honesty, care and diligence required to be exercised by a director of
a corporation in relation to the affairs of the corporation.
75 Conflicts
of interest by council members
A council member must take all reasonable steps to avoid being placed in a
position where a conflict of interest arises during the exercise of the
member’s functions.
76 Agenda
to require disclosure of interest item
The agenda for each meeting of the council must include an item requiring
any material interest in an issue to be considered at the meeting to be
disclosed to the meeting.
77 Disclosure
of interests by council members
(1) If a council member has a material interest in an issue being
considered, or about to be considered, by the council, the member must disclose
the nature of the interest at a council meeting as soon as practicable after the
relevant facts come to the member’s knowledge.
Note Material interest is defined in s (4). The definition
of indirect interest in s (4) applies to the definition of
material interest.
(2) The disclosure must be recorded in the council’s minutes and,
unless the council otherwise decides, the member must not—
(a) be present when the council considers the issue; or
(b) take part in a decision of the council on the issue.
Example
Glenn, Joe and Bronwyn are members of the council. They have an interest
in an issue being considered at a council meeting and they disclose the interest
as soon as they become aware of it. Glenn’s and Joe’s interests are
minor but Bronwyn has a direct financial interest in the issue.
The council considers the disclosures and decides that because of the
nature of the interests:
• Glenn may be present when the council considers the issue but not
take part in the decision
• Joe may be present for the consideration and take part in the
decision.
The council does not make a decision allowing Bronwyn to be present or take
part in the council’s decision. Accordingly, since Bronwyn has a material
interest she cannot be present for the consideration of the issue or take part
in the decision.
Note An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may
extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears
(see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).
(3) Any other council member who also has a material interest in the issue
must not be present when the council is considering its decision under
subsection (2).
(4) In this section:
associate, of a person, means—
(a) the person’s business partner; or
(b) a close friend of the person; or
(c) a family member of the person.
executive officer, of a corporation, means a person (however
described) who is concerned with, or takes part in, the corporation’s
management, whether or not the person is a director of the
corporation.
indirect interest—without limiting the kinds of
indirect interests a person may have, a person has an indirect
interest in an issue if any of the following has an interest in the
issue:
(a) an associate of the person;
(b) a corporation if the corporation has not more than 100 members
and the person, or an associate of the person, is a member of the
corporation;
(c) a subsidiary of a corporation mentioned in paragraph (b);
(d) a corporation if the person, or an associate of the person, is an
executive officer of the corporation;
(e) the trustee of a trust if the person, or an associate of the person,
is a beneficiary of the trust;
(f) a member of a firm or partnership if the person, or an associate of
the person, is a member of the firm or partnership;
(g) someone else carrying on a business if the person, or an associate of
the person, has a direct or indirect right to participate in the profits of the
business.
material interest—a council member has a material
interest in an issue if the member has—
(a) a direct or indirect financial interest in the issue; or
(b) a direct or indirect interest of any other kind if the interest could
conflict with the proper exercise of the member’s functions in relation to
the council’s consideration of the issue.
78 Reporting
of disclosed interests to Minister
(1) Within 3 months after the day a material interest is disclosed under
section 77 (1), the chair of the council must report to the Minister in writing
about—
(a) the disclosure; and
(b) the nature of the interest disclosed; and
(c) any decision by the council under section 77 (2).
(2) The chair must also give the Minister, not later than 31 days
after the end of each financial year, a statement that sets out the information
given to the Minister in reports under subsection (1) that relate to disclosures
made during the previous financial year.
(3) The Minister must give a copy of the statement to the relevant
committee of the Legislative Assembly within 31 days after the day the
Minister receives the statement.
(4) In this section:
relevant committee means—
(a) a standing committee of the Legislative Assembly nominated by the
Speaker for subsection (3); or
(b) if no nomination under paragraph (a) is in effect—the standing
committee of the Legislative Assembly responsible for public accounts.
79 Protection
of council members from liability
(1) A council member is not civilly
liable for anything done or omitted to be done honestly and without
recklessness—
(a) in the exercise of a function under a territory law; or
(b) in the reasonable belief that the act or omission was in the exercise
of a function under a territory law.
(2) Any liability that would, apart from this section, attach to a council
member attaches instead to the council.
Division
5.4 Council
proceedings
80 Time
and place of council meetings
(1) Meetings of the council are to be held when and where it
decides.
(2) However, the council must meet at least once every 3 months.
(3) The chair—
(a) may at any time call a meeting of the council; and
(b) must call a meeting if asked by the Minister or at least
2 members.
(4) The chair must give the other members reasonable notice of the time
and place of a meeting called by the chair.
81 Presiding
member at council meetings
(1) The chair presides at all meetings at which the chair is
present.
(2) If the chair is absent, the deputy chair presides.
(3) If the chair and the deputy chair are absent, the member chosen by the
members present presides.
82 Quorum
at council meetings
Business may be carried on at a meeting of the council only if at least
1/2 the number of members
appointed are present.
83 Voting
at council meetings
At a meeting of the council a question is decided by a majority of the
votes of the members present and voting but, if the votes are equal, the member
presiding has a deciding vote.
84 Conduct
of council meetings etc
(1) The council may conduct its proceedings (including its meetings) as it
considers appropriate.
(2) A meeting may be held using a method of communication, or a
combination of methods of communication, that allows a council member taking
part to hear what each other member taking part says without the members being
in each other’s presence.
Examples
a phone link, a satellite link
Note An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may
extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears
(see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).
(3) A council member who takes part in a meeting conducted under
subsection (2) is taken, for all purposes, to be present at the
meeting.
(4) A resolution is a valid resolution of the council, even if it is not
passed at a meeting of the council, if all members agree to the proposed
resolution in writing or by electronic communication.
Example of electronic
communication
email
(5) The board must keep minutes of its meetings.
85 Reports
to Minister on radiation protection issues
If the Minister asks the council, in writing, to advise the Minister on a
radiation protection issue, the council must investigate the issue and give the
Minister a report on it, including a recommendation if appropriate, within the
period stated in the request.
Division
5.5 Radiation
register
The council must keep a register of the following:
(a) licences issued under section 17;
(b) radiation sources registered under section 26;
(c) disciplinary action taken under section 36;
(d) immediate suspension of licences and registrations under
section 37;
(e) anything else prescribed by regulation.
87 Correction
of register
The council may correct a mistake, error or omission in the radiation
register.
In this part:
connected—a thing is connected with an
offence if—
(a) the offence has been committed in relation to it; or
(b) it will provide evidence of the commission of the offence;
or
(c) it was used, is being used, or is intended to be used, to commit the
offence.
occupier, of premises, includes—
(a) a person believed, on reasonable grounds, to be an occupier of the
premises; and
(b) a person apparently in charge of the premises.
offence includes an offence that there are reasonable grounds
for believing has been, is being, or will be, committed.
Division
6.2 Authorised
people
89 Appointment
of authorised people
The chief executive may appoint a public servant to be an authorised person
for this Act.
Note 1 For the making of appointments (including acting
appointments), see the Legislation Act, pt 19.3.
Note 2 In particular, a person may be appointed for a particular
provision of a law (see Legislation Act, s 7 (3)) and an appointment may be made
by naming a person or nominating the occupant of a position (see
s 207).
(1) The chief executive must give an authorised person an identity card
stating the person’s name and that the person is an authorised
person.
(2) The identity card must show—
(a) a recent photograph of the person; and
(b) the card’s date of issue and expiry; and
(c) anything else prescribed by regulation.
(3) A person commits an offence if—
(a) the person stops being an authorised person; and
(b) the person does not return the person’s identity card to the
chief executive as soon as practicable, but no later than 7 days after the
day the person stops being an authorised person.
Maximum penalty: 1 penalty unit.
(4) An offence against this section is a strict liability
offence.
Division
6.3 Powers of authorised
people
91 Power
to enter premises
(1) For this Act, an authorised person may—
(a) at any reasonable time, enter premises that the public is entitled to
use or that are open to the public (whether or not on payment of money);
or
(b) at any time, enter premises with the occupier’s consent;
or
(c) enter premises in accordance with a search warrant; or
(d) at any time, enter premises if the authorised person believes, on
reasonable grounds, that the circumstances are so serious and urgent that
immediate entry to the premises without the authority of a search warrant is
necessary.
(2) However, subsection (1) (a) does not authorise entry into a part of
premises that is being used only for residential purposes.
(3) An authorised person may, without the consent of the occupier of
premises, enter land around the premises to ask for consent to enter the
premises.
(4) To remove any doubt, an authorised person may enter premises under
subsection (1) without payment of an entry fee or other charge.
(5) In this section:
at any reasonable time includes at any time when the public
is entitled to use the premises, or when the premises are open to or used by the
public (whether or not on payment of money).
92 Production
of identity card
An authorised person must not remain at premises entered under this part if
the authorised person does not produce his or her identity card when asked by
the occupier.
(1) When seeking the consent of an occupier of premises to enter premises
under section 91 (1) (b), an authorised person must—
(a) produce his or her identity card; and
(b) tell the occupier—
(i) the purpose of the entry; and
(ii) that anything found and seized under this part may be used in
evidence in court; and
(iii) that consent may be refused.
(2) If the occupier consents, the authorised person must ask the occupier
to sign a written acknowledgment (an acknowledgement of
consent)—
(a) that the occupier was told—
(i) the purpose of the entry; and
(ii) that anything found and seized under this part may be used in
evidence in court; and
(iii) that consent may be refused; and
(b) that the occupier consented to the entry; and
(c) stating the time and date when consent was given.
(3) If the occupier signs an acknowledgment of consent, the authorised
person must immediately give a copy to the occupier.
(4) A court must find that the occupier did not consent to entry to the
premises by the authorised person under this part if—
(a) the question arises in a proceeding in the court whether the occupier
consented to the entry; and
(b) an acknowledgment of consent is not produced in evidence;
and
(c) it is not proved that the occupier consented to the entry.
94 General
powers on entry to premises
(1) An authorised person who enters premises under this part may, for this
Act, do 1 or more of the following in relation to the premises or anything on
the premises:
(a) inspect or examine;
(b) take measurements or conduct tests;
(c) take samples;
(d) take photographs, films, or audio, video or other
recordings;
(e) require the occupier, or anyone at the premises, to give the
authorised person reasonable help to exercise a power under this part.
Note The Legislation Act, s 170 and s 171 deal with the application
of the privilege against self incrimination and client legal
privilege.
(2) A person must take all reasonable steps to comply with a requirement
made of the person under subsection (1) (e).
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(1) An authorised person who enters premises under this part with the
occupier’s consent may seize anything at the premises if—
(a) the authorised person is satisfied, on reasonable grounds, that the
thing is connected with an offence against this Act; and
(b) seizure of the thing is consistent with the purpose of the entry told
to the occupier when seeking the occupier’s consent.
(2) An authorised person who enters premises under a warrant under this
part may seize anything at the premises that the authorised person is authorised
to seize under the warrant.
(3) An authorised person who enters premises under this part (whether with
the occupier’s consent, under a warrant or otherwise) may seize anything
at the premises if satisfied, on reasonable grounds, that—
(a) the thing is connected with an offence against this Act; and
(b) the seizure is necessary to prevent the thing from
being—
(i) concealed, lost or destroyed; or
(ii) used to commit, continue or repeat the offence.
(4) Also, an authorised person who enters premises under this part
(whether with the consent of a person in charge of the premises, under a warrant
or otherwise) may seize anything at the premises if satisfied, on reasonable
grounds, that the thing poses a risk to the health or safety of people or of
damage to property or the environment.
(5) The powers of an authorised person under subsections (3) and (4) are
additional to any powers of the authorised person under subsections (1) or
(2) or any other territory law.
(6) Having seized a thing, an authorised person may—
(a) remove the thing from the premises where it was seized (the
place of seizure) to another place; or
(b) leave the thing at the place of seizure but restrict access to
it.
(7) A person commits an offence if—
(a) the person interferes with a seized thing, or anything containing a
seized thing, to which access has been restricted under subsection (6);
and
(b) the person does not have an authorised person’s approval to
interfere with the thing.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(8) An offence against this section is a strict liability
offence.
Division
6.4 Search
warrants
(1) An authorised person may apply to a magistrate for a warrant to enter
premises.
(2) The application must be sworn and state the grounds on which the
warrant is sought.
(3) The magistrate may refuse to consider the application until the
authorised person gives the magistrate all the information the magistrate
requires about the application in the way the magistrate requires.
(4) The magistrate may issue a warrant only if satisfied there are
reasonable grounds for suspecting—
(a) there is a particular thing or activity connected with an offence
against this Act; and
(b) the thing or activity—
(i) is, or is being engaged in, at the premises; or
(ii) may be, or may be engaged in, at the premises within the next 7
days.
(5) The warrant must state—
(a) that an authorised person may, with any necessary assistance and
force, enter the premises and exercise the authorised person’s powers
under this part; and
(b) the offence for which the warrant is issued; and
(c) the things that may be seized under the warrant; and
(d) the hours when the premises may be entered; and
(e) the date, within 7 days after the day of the warrant’s issue,
the warrant ends.
97 Warrants—application
made other than in person
(1) An authorised person may apply for a warrant by phone, fax, radio or
other form of communication if the authorised person considers it necessary
because of—
(a) urgent circumstances; or
(b) other special circumstances.
(2) Before applying for the warrant, the authorised person must prepare an
application stating the grounds on which the warrant is sought.
(3) The authorised person may apply for the warrant before the application
is sworn.
(4) After issuing the warrant, the magistrate must immediately fax a copy
to the authorised person if it is practicable to do so.
(5) If it is not practicable to fax a copy to the authorised
person—
(a) the magistrate must—
(i) tell the authorised person the terms of the warrant; and
(ii) tell the authorised person the date and time the warrant was issued;
and
(b) the authorised person must complete a form of warrant (the
warrant form) and write on it—
(i) the magistrate’s name; and
(ii) the date and time the magistrate issued the warrant; and
(iii) the warrant’s terms.
(6) The faxed copy of the warrant, or the warrant form properly completed
by the authorised person, authorises the entry and the exercise of the
authorised person’s powers under this part.
(7) The authorised person must, at the first reasonable opportunity, send
to the magistrate—
(a) the sworn application; and
(b) if the authorised person completed a warrant form—the completed
warrant form.
(8) On receiving the documents, the magistrate must attach them to the
warrant.
(9) A court must find that a power exercised by the authorised person was
not authorised by a warrant under this section if—
(a) the question arises in a proceeding in the court whether the exercise
of power was authorised by a warrant; and
(b) the warrant is not produced in evidence; and
(c) it is not proved that the exercise of power was authorised by a
warrant under this section.
98 Search
warrants—announcement before entry
(1) An authorised person must, before anyone enters premises under a
search warrant—
(a) announce that the authorised person is authorised to enter the
premises; and
(b) give anyone at the premises an opportunity to allow entry to the
premises; and
(c) if the occupier of the premises, or someone else who apparently
represents the occupier, is present at the premises—identify himself or
herself to the person.
(2) The authorised person is not required to comply with
subsection (1) if the authorised person believes, on reasonable grounds,
that immediate entry to the premises is required to ensure—
(a) the safety of anyone (including the authorised person or any person
assisting); or
(b) that the effective execution of the warrant is not
frustrated.
99 Details
of search warrant to be given to occupier etc
If the occupier of premises, or someone else who apparently represents the
occupier, is present at the premises while a search warrant is being executed,
the authorised person or a person assisting must make available to the
person—
(a) a copy of the warrant; and
(b) a document setting out the rights and obligations of the
person.
100 Occupier
entitled to be present during search etc
(1) If the occupier of premises, or someone else who apparently represents
the occupier, is present at the premises while a search warrant is being
executed, the person is entitled to observe the search being
conducted.
(2) However, the person is not entitled to observe the search
if—
(a) to do so would impede the search; or
(b) the person is under arrest, and allowing the person to observe the
search being conducted would interfere with the objectives of the
search.
(3) This section does not prevent 2 or more areas of the premises being
searched at the same time.
Division
6.5 Return and forfeiture of things
seized
101 Receipt
for things seized
(1) As soon as practicable after an authorised person seizes a thing under
this part, the authorised person must give a receipt for it to the person from
whom it was seized.
(2) If, for any reason, it is not practicable to comply with
subsection (1), the authorised person must leave the receipt, secured
conspicuously, at the place of seizure under section 95 (Power to seize
things).
(3) A receipt under this section must include the following:
(a) a description of the thing seized;
(b) an explanation of why the thing was seized;
(c) the authorised person’s name, and how to contact the authorised
person;
(d) if the thing is moved from the premises where it is seized—where
the thing is to be taken.
102 Moving
things to another place for examination or processing under search
warrant
(1) A thing found at premises entered under a search warrant may be moved
to another place for examination or processing to decide whether it may be
seized under the warrant if—
(a) both of the following apply:
(i) there are reasonable grounds for believing that the thing is or
contains something to which the warrant relates;
(ii) it is significantly more practicable to do so having regard to the
timeliness and cost of examining or processing the thing at another place and
the availability of expert assistance; or
(b) the occupier of the premises agrees in writing.
(2) The thing may be moved to another place for examination or processing
for no longer than 72 hours.
(3) An authorised person may apply to a magistrate for an extension of
time if the authorised person believes, on reasonable grounds, that the thing
cannot be examined or processed within 72 hours.
(4) The authorised person must give notice of the application to the
occupier of the premises, and the occupier is entitled to be heard on the
application.
(5) If a thing is moved to another place under this section, the
authorised person must, if practicable—
(a) tell the occupier of the premises the address of the place where, and
time when, the examination or processing will be carried out; and
(b) allow the occupier or the occupier’s representative to be
present during the examination or processing.
(6) The provisions of this part relating to the issue of search warrants
apply, with any necessary changes, to the giving of an extension under this
section.
103 Access
to things seized
A person who would, apart from the seizure, be entitled to inspect a thing
seized under this part may—
(a) inspect it; and
(b) if it is a document—take extracts from it or make copies of
it.
104 Return
of things seized
(1) A thing seized under this part must be returned to its owner, or
reasonable compensation must be paid by the Territory to the owner for the loss
of the thing, if—
(a) an infringement notice for an offence relating to the thing is not
served on the owner within 1 year after the day of the seizure
and—
(i) a prosecution for an offence relating to the thing is not started
within the 1-year period; or
(ii) a prosecution for an offence relating to the thing is started within
the 1-year period but the court does not find the offence proved; or
(b) an infringement notice for an offence relating to the thing is served
on the owner within 1 year after the day of the seizure, the infringement notice
is withdrawn and—
(i) a prosecution for an offence relating to the thing is not started
within the 1-year period; or
(ii) a prosecution for an offence relating to the thing is started within
the 1-year period but the court does not find the offence proved; or
(c) an infringement notice for an offence relating to the thing is served
on the owner and not withdrawn within 1 year after the day of the seizure,
liability for the offence is disputed in accordance with the Magistrates
Court Act 1930, section 132 (Disputing liability for infringement
notice offence) and—
(i) an information is not laid in the Magistrates Court against the person
for the offence within 60 days after the day notice is given under section 132
that liability is disputed; or
(ii) an information is laid in the Magistrates Court against the person
for the offence within the 60-day period, but the Magistrates Court does not
find the offence proved; or
(d) before the thing is forfeited to the Territory under section 105
(Forfeiture of seized things), the chief executive—
(i) becomes satisfied that there has been no offence against this Act with
which the thing was connected; or
(ii) decides not to prosecute or serve an infringement notice for the
offence.
(2) However, this section does not apply—
(a) to a thing seized under section 95 (4) (which is about the seizure of
things that pose a risk to the health or safety of people or of damage to
property or the environment); or
(b) to a thing if the chief executive believes, on reasonable grounds,
that the only practical use of the thing in relation to the premises where it
was seized would be an offence against this Act; or
(c) to a thing if possession of it by its owner would be an
offence.
105 Forfeiture
of seized things
(1) This section applies if—
(a) anything seized under this part has not been destroyed or otherwise
disposed of under section 106 (Power to destroy unsafe things) or returned under
section 104 (Return of things seized); and
(b) an application for disallowance of the seizure under section 107
(Application for order disallowing seizure)—
(i) has not been made within 10 days after the day of the seizure;
or
(ii) has been made within that period, but the application has been
refused or has been withdrawn before a decision in relation to the application
had been made.
(2) If this section applies to the seized thing—
(a) it is forfeited to the Territory; and
(b) it may be sold, destroyed or otherwise disposed of as the chief
executive directs.
106 Power
to destroy unsafe things
(1) This section applies to anything inspected or seized under this part
by an authorised person if the authorised person is satisfied, on reasonable
grounds, that the thing poses a risk to the health or safety of people or of
damage to property or the environment.
(2) The authorised person may direct a person in charge of the premises
where the thing is to destroy or otherwise dispose of the thing.
(3) The direction may state 1 or more of the following:
(a) how the thing must be destroyed or otherwise disposed of;
(b) how the thing must be kept until it is destroyed or otherwise disposed
of;
(c) the period within which the thing must be destroyed or otherwise
disposed of.
(4) A person in charge of the premises where the thing is commits an
offence if the person contravenes a direction given to the person under
subsection (2).
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(5) Alternatively, if the thing has been seized under this part, the
authorised person may destroy or otherwise dispose of the thing.
(6) Costs incurred by the Territory in
relation to the disposal of a thing under subsection (5) are a debt owing to the
Territory by, and are recoverable together and separately from, the following
people:
(a) the person who owned the thing;
(b) each person in control of the premises where the thing was.
(7) An offence against this section is a strict liability
offence.
107 Application
for order disallowing seizure
(1) A person claiming to be entitled to anything seized under this part
may apply to the Magistrates Court within 10 days after the day of the seizure
for an order disallowing the seizure.
(2) The application may be heard only if the applicant has served a copy
of the application on the chief executive.
(3) The chief executive is entitled to appear as respondent at the hearing
of the application.
108 Order
for return of seized thing
(1) This section applies if a person claiming to be entitled to anything
seized under this chapter applies to the Magistrates Court under
section 107 for an order disallowing the seizure.
(2) The Magistrates Court must make an order disallowing the seizure if
the court is satisfied that—
(a) the applicant would, apart from the seizure, be entitled to the return
of the seized thing; and
(b) the thing is not connected with an offence against this Act;
and
(c) possession of the thing by the person would not be an
offence.
(3) The Magistrates Court may also make an order disallowing the seizure
if satisfied there are exceptional circumstances justifying the making of the
order.
(4) If the Magistrates Court makes an order disallowing the seizure, the
court may make 1 or more of the following ancillary orders:
(a) an order directing the chief executive to return the thing to the
applicant or to someone else who appears to be entitled to it;
(b) if the thing cannot be returned or has depreciated in value because of
the seizure—an order directing the Territory to pay reasonable
compensation;
(c) an order about the payment of costs in relation to the
application.
Division
6.6 Miscellaneous
109 Damage
etc to be minimised
(1) In the exercise, or purported exercise, of a function under this part,
an authorised person must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the
authorised person, and any person assisting the authorised person, causes as
little inconvenience, detriment and damage as practicable.
(2) If an authorised person, or a person assisting an authorised person,
damages anything in the exercise or purported exercise of a function under this
part, the authorised person must give written notice of the particulars of the
damage to the person the authorised person believes, on reasonable grounds, is
the owner of the thing.
(3) If the damage happens at premises entered under this part in the
absence of the occupier, the notice may be given by leaving it, secured
conspicuously, at the premises.
110 Compensation
for exercise of enforcement powers
(1) A person may claim compensation from the Territory if the person
suffers loss or expense because of the exercise, or purported exercise, of a
function under this part by an authorised person or a person assisting an
authorised person.
(2) Compensation may be claimed and ordered in a proceeding
for—
(a) compensation brought in a court of competent jurisdiction;
or
(b) an offence against this Act brought against the person making the
claim for compensation.
(3) A court may order the payment of reasonable compensation for the loss
or expense only if it is satisfied it is just to make the order in the
circumstances of the particular case.
(4) A regulation may prescribe matters that may, must or must not be taken
into account by the court in considering whether it is just to make the
order.
Part
7 Review of
decisions
Each of the following decisions of the council is a reviewable
decision:
(a) refusing to issue a licence under section 17 (1) (b);
(b) imposing a condition on a licence under section 19 (b);
(c) amending a licence under section 22 (1);
(d) refusing to amend a licence under section 23 (5) (b);
(e) refusing to register a regulated radiation source under
section 26 (1) (b);
(f) imposing a condition on registration of a regulated radiation source
under section 28 (b);
(g) amending the registration of a regulated radiation source under
section 31 (1);
(h) refusing to amend the registration of a regulated radiation source
under section 32 (5) (b);
(i) taking disciplinary action under section 36.
Application may be made to the AAT for review of a reviewable
decision.
113 Notice
of reviewable decisions
(1) If the council makes a reviewable decision, it must give a written
notice of the decision to each person affected by the decision.
(2) The notice must be in accordance with the requirements of the code of
practice in force under the Administrative Appeals Tribunal
Act 1989, section 25B (1).
114 Minister
may exempt people, radiation sources etc
(1) The Minister may exempt a person, a radiation source or a dealing with
a radiation source from this Act if the Minister is satisfied that the
person’s conduct, the radiation source or the dealing does not pose a
significant risk to the health or safety of people or of damage to property or
the environment.
Note 1 A reference to an Act includes a reference to a provision of
an Act (see Legislation Act, s 7 (3)).
Note 2 A regulation may also provide for exemptions (see s
123).
(2) An exemption may be conditional.
(3) An exemption under subsection (1) has no effect to the extent that it
is inconsistent with a regulation.
(4) An exemption is a disallowable instrument.
Note A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to
the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
(5) In deciding whether to exempt a person, radiation source or a dealing
with a radiation source, the Minister must take into account any criteria
prescribed by regulation.
115 Divulging
of information by council
(1) In this section:
court includes any entity with power to require the
production of documents or the answering of questions.
divulge includes communicate.
health insurance commission means the Health Insurance
Commission established under the Health Insurance Commission Act 1973
(Cwlth), section 4.
person to whom this section applies means anyone who is, or
has been—
(a) a council member; or
(b) acting under the direction or authority of the council ; or
(c) providing advice, expertise or assistance to the council.
produce includes allow access to.
protected information means information about a person that
is disclosed to, or obtained by, a person to whom this section applies (the
relevant person) because of the exercise of a function under this
Act by the relevant person or someone else.
(2) A person to whom this section applies commits an offence
if—
(a) the person—
(i) makes a record of protected information about someone else;
and
(ii) is reckless about whether the information is protected information
about the other person; or
(b) the person—
(i) does something that divulges protected information about someone else;
and
(ii) is reckless about whether—
(A) the information is protected information about the other person;
or
(B) doing the thing would result in the information being
divulged.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or
both.
(3) This section does not apply if the record is made, or the information
is divulged—
(a) under this Act or another territory law; or
(b) in relation to the exercise of a function, as a person to whom this
section applies, under this Act or another territory law.
(4) Subsection (2) does not apply to the divulging of protected
information about a person—
(a) to the person; or
(b) with the consent of the person; or
(c) to a health profession board under the Health Professionals
Act 2004; or
(d) to the health insurance commission; or
(e) to the environment protection authority; or
(f) to the OH&S commissioner; or
(g) to an entity that, under a law of another jurisdiction, has the
corresponding functions of the council under this Act or an entity mentioned in
paragraphs (c) to (f); or
(h) to any other entity under a law of another jurisdiction that has
functions relating to radiation
safety.
(5) A person to whom this section applies need not divulge protected
information to a court, or produce a document containing protected information
to a court, unless it is necessary to do so for this Act or another territory
law.
(1) The Minister may approve codes of practice or standards for this
Act.
(2) An approved code of practice may apply, adopt or incorporate an
instrument, as in force from time to time.
Note 1 The text of an applied, adopted or incorporated instrument,
whether applied as in force from time to time or as at a particular time, is
taken to be a notifiable instrument if the operation of the Legislation Act,
s 47 (5) or (6) is not disapplied (see s 47 (7)).
Note 2 A notifiable instrument must be notified under the
Legislation Act.
(3) A code of practice is a disallowable instrument.
Note A disallowable instrument must be notified and presented to the
Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
117 Notification
of certain incorporated documents
(1) This section applies to—
(a) an incorporated document; or
(b) an amendment of, or replacement of, an incorporated
document.
Example of replacement
document
a new edition of the incorporated document
Note 1 For the meaning of incorporated document, see
the dictionary.
Note 2 An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may
extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears
(see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).
(2) The chief executive may prepare a written notice (an
incorporated document notice) for the incorporated document,
amendment or replacement that contains the following information:
(a) for an incorporated document—details of the document, including
its title, author and date of publication;
(b) for a replacement of an incorporated document—details of the
replacement, including its title, author and date of publication;
(c) for an amendment of an incorporated document—the date of
publication of the amendment (or of the document as amended) and a brief summary
of the effect of the amendment;
(d) for an incorporated document or any amendment or
replacement—
(i) a date of effect (no earlier than the day after the day of
notification of the notice); and
(ii) details of how access to inspect the document, amendment or
replacement may be obtained under section 118 (Inspection of incorporated
documents); and
(iii) details of how copies may be obtained, including an indication of
whether there is a cost involved.
(3) An incorporated document notice is a notifiable instrument.
Note A notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation
Act.
(4) An incorporated document, and any amendment or replacement of an
incorporated document, has no effect under this Act unless—
(a) an incorporated document notice is notified in relation to the
document, amendment or replacement; or
(b) the document, amendment or replacement is notified under the
Legislation Act.
(5) The Legislation Act, section 47 (7) does not apply in relation to
incorporated documents.
(6) In this section:
amendment, of an incorporated document, includes an amendment
of a replacement of the incorporated document.
replacement, of an incorporated document,
means—
(a) a document that replaces the incorporated document; or
(b) a document (an initial replacement) that replaces a
document mentioned in paragraph (a); or
(c) a document (a further replacement) that replaces an
initial replacement or any further replacement.
118 Inspection
of incorporated documents
(1) This section applies to an incorporated document, or an amendment or
replacement of an incorporated document.
Note For the meaning of incorporated document, see the
dictionary.
(2) The chief executive must ensure that the document, amendment or
replacement is made available for inspection free of charge to the public on
business days at reasonable times at the office of the commission or an
administrative unit administered by the chief executive.
(3) In this section:
amendment, of an incorporated document—see section 117
(6).
119 Evidentiary
certificates
In a prosecution for an offence against this Act, a certificate signed by
the Minister or the chair of the council that includes any of the following
statements is evidence of the matter stated:
(a) a statement that, at a stated time or during a stated period, a stated
person was, or was not, the holder of a stated licence;
(b) a statement that, at a stated time or during a stated period, a stated
source or apparatus was, or was not, registered;
(c) a statement that a stated direction, notice, order, requirement,
decision, licence or registration was given, made, granted or issued under this
Act;
(d) a statement of the name or physical or chemical form of a radiation
material;
(e) a statement of the activity of a radioactive material;
(f) a statement of the quantity of an effective dose or equivalent dose of
radiation;
(g) a statement of the quantity of an absorbed dose of
radiation.
120 Determination
of fees
(1) The Minister may, in writing, determine fees for this Act.
Note The Legislation Act contains provisions about the making of
determinations and regulations relating to fees (see pt 6.3).
(2) A determination is a disallowable instrument.
Note A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to
the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
(1) The Minister may, in writing, approve forms for this Act.
(2) If the Minister approves a form for a particular purpose, the approved
form must be used for that purpose.
Note For other provisions about forms, see the Legislation Act, s
255.
(3) An approved form is a notifiable instrument.
Note A notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation
Act.
122 Regulation-making
power
(1) The Executive may make regulations for this Act.
Note A regulation must be notified, and presented to the Legislative
Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
(2) A regulation may apply, adopt or incorporate an instrument, as in
force from time to time.
Note 1 The text of an applied, adopted or incorporated instrument,
whether applied as in force from time to time or as at a particular time, is
taken to be a notifiable instrument if the operation of the Legislation Act,
s 47 (5) or (6) is not disapplied (see s 47 (7)).
Note 2 A notifiable instrument must be notified under the
Legislation Act.
(3) A regulation may create offences and fix maximum penalties of not more
than 10 penalty units for the offences.
123 Regulations
may exempt people, radiation sources etc
(1) A regulation may exempt a person, a radiation source or a dealing with
a radiation source from this Act.
Note A reference to an Act includes a reference to a provision of an
Act (see Legislation Act, s 7 (3)).
(2) An exemption may be conditional.
124 Regulations
may impose conditions to licensing and registration regimes
A regulation may impose conditions, including restrictions, on radiation
licenses and the registration of regulated radiation sources to protect the
public or the public interest.
(1) The Minister must review the operation of this Act and present a
report of the review to the Legislative Assembly as soon as practicable after 1
July 2016.
Note A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory
instruments made or in force under the Act, including any regulation (see
Legislation Act, s 104).
(2) This section expires on 1 July 2017.
Part
9 Consequential amendments and
repeals
126 Legislation
amended—sch 1
This Act amends the following legislation:
• Clinical Waste Act 1990
• Dangerous Substances Act 2004.
(1) The Radiation Act 1983 A1983-58 is repealed.
(2) The Radiation Regulation 2002 SL2002-1 is repealed.
(3) The following instruments are repealed:
• Radiation (Council) Appointment 2005 (No 1)
NI2005-126
• Radiation (Council) Appointment 2005 (No 2)
DI2005-202
• Radiation Council Appointments 2003 (No 1)
NI2003-282
• Radiation Council Appointments 2003 (No 1)
DI2003-184
• Radiation (Council Decision) Notice 2006 (No 1)
NI2006-38
• Radiation (Council Decisions) Notice 2001
NI2001-175
• Radiation (Council Decisions) Notice 2001
NI2001-139
• Radiation (Council Decisions) Notice 2001
NI2001-154
• Radiation (Council Decisions) Notice 2005 (No 1)
NI2005-83
• Radiation (Council Decisions) Notice 2005 (No 2)
NI2005-189
• Radiation (Council Decisions) Notice 2005 (No 3)
NI2005-244
• Radiation (Council Decisions) Notice 2005 (No 4)
NI2005-272
• Radiation (Council Decisions) Notice 2005 (No 5)
NI2005-336
• Radiation (Council Decisions) Notice 2005 (No 6)
NI2005-413
• Radiation (Council Decisions) Notice 2005 (No 7)
NI2005-471
• Radiation (Fees) Determination 2005 (No 2)
DI2005-208
• Radiation (Particulars of Decisions) Notice 2001
NI2001-194
• Radiation (Prescribed Qualifications) Declaration 2005
NI2005-123
• Radiation (Radiation Council Decisions) Notice 2004 (No 1)
NI2004-41
• Radiation (Radiation Council Decisions) Notice 2004 (No 2)
NI2004-79
• Radiation (Radiation Council Decisions) Notice 2004 (No 3)
NI2004-135
• Radiation (Radiation Council Decisions) Notice 2004 (No 4)
NI2004-209
• Radiation (Radiation Council Decisions) Notice 2004 (No 5)
NI2004-285
• Radiation (Radiation Council Decisions) Notice 2004 (No 6)
NI2004-387
• Radiation (Radiation Council Decisions) Notice 2004 (No 7)
NI2004-423
• Radiation (Radiation Council Decisions) Notice 2004 (No 8)
NI2004-471
• Radiation Act – Radiation Council – Notification of
Particulars of Decisions (No 4) NI2002-90
• Radiation Act – Radiation Council – Notification of
Particulars of Decisions 2002 (No 6) NI2002-170
• Radiation Act – Radiation Council – Notification of
particulars of decisions 2002 (No 7) NI2002-273
• Radiation Act – Radiation Council – Notification of
particulars of decisions 2002 (No 8) NI2002-274
• Radiation Act – Radiation Council – Notification of
Particulars of Decisions 2002 (No 9) NI2002-303
• Radiation Act – Radiation Council – Notification of
Particulars of Decisions 2002 (No 11) NI2003-16
• Radiation Council – Notification of particulars of
Decisions 2001 NI2001-34
• Radiation Council – Notification of Particulars of
Decisions 2001 NI2001-55
• Radiation Council – Notification of particulars of
Decisions 2001 NI2001-72
• Radiation Council Notification of Particulars of Decisions 2002
NI2002-28
• Radiation Council – Notification of Particulars of
Decisions 2002 (No 5) NI2002-117
• Radiation Council – Notification of Particulars of
Decisions 2002 (No 10) NI2002-349
• Radiation Council Notification of Particulars of Decisions 2003
(No 1) NI2003-297
• Radiation Council Notification of Particulars of Decisions 2003
(No 2) NI2003-298
• Radiation Council Notification of Particulars of Decisions 2003
(No 3) NI2003-306
• Radiation Council Notification of Particulars of Decisions 2003
(No 4) NI2003-379
• Radiation Council Notification of Particulars of Decisions 2003
(No 5) NI2003-440
• Radiation Council Notification of Particulars of Decisions 2003
(No 6) NI2003-516
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1996-30
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1996-31
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1996-53
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1997-6
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1997-70
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1997-165
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1997-193
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1997-220
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1997-275
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1998-13
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1998-52
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1998-71
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1998-150
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1998-182
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1998-223
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1998-270
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1998-286
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1998-320
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1999-5
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1999-30
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1999-62
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1999-86
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1999-120
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1999-143
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1999-163
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1999-167
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1999-175
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI1999-253
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI2000-26
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI2000-64
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI2000-109
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI2000-148
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI2000-172
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI2000-213
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI2000-252
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI2000-290
• Radiation Notification of Decisions NI2000-313
• Radiation Section 73 Notification of Decisions
NI2001-229
• Radiation Section 73 – Notification of Decisions
NI2001-262
• Radiation Section 73 – Notification of Decisions
NI2001-324
In this part:
commencement day means the day this Act commences.
repealed Act means the Radiation Act 1983.
(1) A licence under the repealed Act is taken to be a licence under this
Act.
(2) To remove any doubt, the conditions of a licence mentioned in
subsection (1) include the conditions included in a licence under this
Act.
(3) This section is a law to which the Legislation Act, section 88 (Repeal
does not end effect of transitional laws etc) applies.
130 Registration
of radiation sources etc
(1) A irradiating apparatus that was, immediately before commencement day,
registered under the repealed Act is taken to be registered as a radiation
source under division 3.3 (Registration of radiation sources).
(2) To remove any doubt, the conditions of registration of an apparatus
mentioned in subsection (1) include the conditions for registration of an
radiation source under this Act.
(3) This section is a law to which the Legislation Act, section 88 (Repeal
does not end effect of transitional laws etc) applies.
131 Transitional
regulations
(1) A regulation may prescribe transitional matters necessary or
convenient to be prescribed because of the enactment of this Act.
(2) A regulation may modify this part to make provision in relation to
anything that, in the Executive’s opinion, is not, or is not adequately or
appropriately, dealt with in this part.
(3) A regulation under subsection (2) has effect despite anything
elsewhere in this Act.
This part expires 2 years after the commencement day.
Schedule
1 Consequential
amendments
(see s 126)
Part
1.1 Clinical Waste Act
1990
substitute
6 Radioactive material
This Act does not apply to radioactive material within the meaning of the
Radiation Protection Act 2006.
Part
1.2 Dangerous Substances Act
2004
substitute
(e) radioactive material under the Radiation Protection Act
2006;
(see s 5)
Note 1 The Legislation Act contains definitions and other provisions
relevant to this Act.
Note 2 For example, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1, defines the
following terms:
• AAT
• ACT
• chief executive (see s 163)
• doctor
• environment protection authority
• exercise
• function
• OH&S commissioner
• public servant
• territory law
• the Territory
• under.
analysis, of a radiation source or anything else,
includes examining or testing the thing.
approved code of practice means a code of practice approved
under section 116.
at premises includes in or on the premises.
authorised dealing, for a licence, means a dealing
with a radiation source that is authorised under the licence.
authorised person means a person who is appointed as an
authorised person under section 89.
cause death or serious harm to a person means substantially
contribute directly or indirectly to the death or harm.
connected, for part 6 (Enforcement)—see
section 88.
council means the Radiation Council established under section
65.
deals with a radiation source—see section 11.
disciplinary action—see section 35.
disciplinary notice—see section 36.
dispose, of a radiation source, includes—
(a) bury the radiation source; and
(b) for a radiation source that is a liquid or gas—release the
radiation source; and
(c) for a radiation facility—decommission the facility.
dose limit means a dose limit prescribed by
regulation.
emergency order—see section 47.
environment includes the built and natural
environment.
examine includes inspect, weigh, count, test and
measure.
ground, for disciplinary action—see
section 34.
immediate suspension notice—see section 37
(2).
incorporated document means—
(a) the national directory; or
(b) an instrument (or a provision of an instrument) applied, adopted or
incorporated by a statutory instrument under this Act.
Note A statutory instrument includes a subordinate law or a
disallowable instrument (see Legislation Act, s 13).
incorporated document notice—see section 117
(2).
ionising radiation—see section 8 (2).
licence means a licence issued under section 17
(1).
licensee means a person issued with a licence under section
17.
manufacture a radiation source or anything else
includes—
(a) make, remake, alter, break-up, process, recondition or treat the
thing; and
(b) change the thing in a way that affects its properties or
performance.
national directory means the national directory for radiation
protection published by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety
Agency as in force from time to time.
non-ionising radiation—see section 8 (3).
occupier, of premises, for part 6 (Enforcement)—see
section 88.
offence, for part 6 (Enforcement)—see section
88.
premises includes land or a structure or vehicle and any part
of an area of land or a structure or vehicle.
prohibited radiation source—see section 10.
radiation—see section 8 (1).
radiation apparatus—see section 9 (3).
radiation facility—see section 9 (4).
radiation source—see section 9 (1).
radioactive material—see section 9 (5).
registered owner, of a regulated radiation source—see
section 27 (2).
regulated radiation source—see section 10.
reviewable decisions—see section 111.
safety duty—see section 52.
serious harm, to a person—see the Criminal Code,
dictionary.
use a radiation source includes—
(a) use radiation emitted from the radiation source; and
(b) if the radiation source is radioactive material—administer to,
or inject or implant the material into, a person, animal, plant or thing;
and
(c) cause the radiation source to emit radiation.
Endnotes
1 Presentation speech
Presentation speech made in the Legislative Assembly on 2006.
2 Notification
Notified under the Legislation Act on 2006.
3 Republications of amended laws
For the latest republication of amended laws, see
www.legislation.act.gov.au.
© Australian Capital Territory
2006
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