Australian Security Intelligence Organization Bill 1979 explanatory … · 2010-05-04 · SECURITY...

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GENERAL OUTLINE AUSTRALIAN SECURITY INTELLIGENCE ORGANIZATION BILL 1979 This Bill gives effect substantially to the Second and Fourth Reports of the Royal Commission on Intelligence ani Security. It will replace the Australian Security Intelligence Organization Act 1956. The four major parts of the Bill respectively deal with - the structure of ASIO (Part II) its powers and functions (Part III) the Security Appeals TribW1al (Part IV) ASIO staffing (Part V). Part II, broadly following the recommendations of the Royal Commission, spells out in greater detail than previous legislation the duties and responsibilities of the Director-General of Security. It defines the relation between him and his Minister. The flU1ctions and powers of the Organization are set out in Part III, again broadly following the recommendations of the Royal Commission. As in the existing legislation, these functions are related to security. That term has, however, been re-defined in accordance with the Royal Commission's recommendations. The Security Appeals Tribunal to be established under Part IV represents a major innovative recommendation of the Commission. A person, the subject of an assessment by ASIO for employment, migration, passport or citizenship purposes which contain prejudicial matter, will be able to ask the Tribunal to review the assessment. Part V deals in greater detail than existing legislation with the staffing of the Organization. Printed by c. J. THOIdPSOl<, Commonwulth Government Printer. Cantlern. a

Transcript of Australian Security Intelligence Organization Bill 1979 explanatory … · 2010-05-04 · SECURITY...

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GENERALOUTLINE

AUSTRALIANSECURITYINTELLIGENCEORGANIZATIONBILL1979

ThisBillgiveseffectsubstantiallytotheSecondand

FourthReportsoftheRoyalCommissiononIntelligenceaniSecurity.

ItwillreplacetheAustralianSecurityIntelligenceOrganization

Act1956.

ThefourmajorpartsoftheBillrespectivelydealwith­

thestructureofASIO(PartII)

itspowersandfunctions(PartIII)

theSecurityAppealsTribW1al(PartIV)

ASIOstaffing(PartV).

PartII,broadlyfollowingtherecommendationsofthe

RoyalCommission,spellsoutingreaterdetailthanprevious

legislationthedutiesandresponsibilitiesoftheDirector-General

ofSecurity.ItdefinestherelationbetweenhimandhisMinister.

TheflU1ctionsandpowersoftheOrganizationareset

outinPartIII,againbroadlyfollowingtherecommendationsof

theRoyalCommission.Asintheexistinglegislation,these

functionsarerelatedtosecurity.Thattermhas,however,been

re-definedinaccordancewiththeRoyalCommission'srecommendations.

TheSecurityAppealsTribunaltobeestablishedunder

PartIVrepresentsamajorinnovativerecommendationoftheCommission.

Aperson,thesubjectofanassessmentbyASIOforemployment,

migration,passportorcitizenshippurposeswhichcontain

prejudicialmatter,willbeabletoasktheTribunaltoreview

theassessment.

PartVdealsingreaterdetailthanexistinglegislation

withthestaffingoftheOrganization.

Printedbyc.J.THOIdPSOl<,CommonwulthGovernmentPrinter.Cantlern.

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NOTESONCLAUSES,, AUSTRALIANSECURITYINTELLIGENCEORGANIZATIONBILL1979

PARTI-PRELIMINARY

Clause1:Thisisformal.

Clause2:ThedateofcommencementoftheActwillbefixed

byproclamation.

Clause3:Thisclauserepealsthepreviouslegislationwith

respecttotheAustralianSecurityIntelligenceOrganization.

Clause4:Thisclausecontainsdefinitionsoftermsusedinthe

Bill.Thoserequiringspecialcommentareasfollows:

'activitiesprejudicialtosecurity'-thepurposeofthis

definitionistoensurethat,inadditiontoitsordinary

meaning,thetermextendstoactivitiesconcerningwhich

Australiahasresponsibilitiestoaforeigncountrywhichis

referredtointhedefinitionof'security'.

'activemeasureso~foreignintervention'-thisexpression

appearsinthedefinitionof'security'.

'actsofviolence'-thisexpressionappearsinthedefinition

of'terrorism'.

'domesticsubversion'-sub-clause5(1)setsouttheactivities

ofpersons,otherthanactivitiesofforeignorigin,that

aretoberegardedassubversionandaccordinglytheterm

'domesticsubversion'referstothefirstmentionedactivities.

'security'-thedefinitionisanextensionofthedefinition

inexistinglegislation,broadlyinaccordancewiththe

recommendationoftheRoyalCommissiononIntelligenceand

Security.Para.(b)recognizesthattheOrganization.in

concerningitselfwithamatterreferredtoinsub-paras.

ofpara.(a)suchasterrorism,maybeactingtocarryout

Australia'sresponsibilitiestotheinternationalcommunity.

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2.18~!l'terrorism'-thisdefinitiontollowsbroadlythatsuggested

bytheRoyalCommission.

Clause5:TheBillrecognizesthatsubversionmayconsistof

activitiesofforeignoriginoractivitiesofdomesticorigin.

In$0farassubversionconsistsoftheformeractivities,itIs

notdefinedintheBillanditIslefttoitsordinarymeaning.

Insoferasitconsistsofthelatteractivities,itIsdefined

broadlyfollowingtheRoyalCommisslonlgrecommendations.

PARTII-THEORGANIZATIONANDTHEDIRECTOR-GENERAL

Clause6:ThecontinuanceoftheexistenceoftheOrganizationIs

providedforinthisclause.

Clause7:Sub-clause7(1)establishestheofficeofDirector-General.

Sub-clause7(2)requiresconsultationwiththeLeaderofthe

OppositionbeforeappointmentoftheDlrector-General.

Clause8:ThisclauseplacestheOrganizationunderthecontrol

o~theDirector-GeneralofSecurityandregulatestherelationship

betweentheDirector-Generalandthe~nisteradministeringthisAct.

Clause9:SUbjecttoclause12whichdealswiththepossibility

ofresignationoftheDirector-Generalandclause13dealingwith

thepoweroftheGovernor-GeneraltoterminatetheDirector­

General'sappointment,thisclauseprovidesforthetermof

theDirector-General'sappointment.

Clause10:TheremunerationandallowancesoftheDirector-General

aredealtwithinthisclause.Sub-clause0)providesthatthe

clausehaseffectsubjecttotheRemunerationTribunalsAct1973

andtoclause15oftheBillwhichprovidesfortheappointmentof

aJudgeasDirector-General.

Clause11:ThisclauseprovidesthattheMinistermaygrantthe

Director-Generalofsecurityleaveofabsenceupontermsand

conditions.Clause12:UnderthisclausetheDirector-Generalmayresignhis

office.

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Clause13:ThegroundswhichtheGovernor-Generalmayterminate

theappointmentoftheDirector-Generalaresetoutinthis

clause.Thesegroundsaccordwiththoseusuallyapplicableto

si~i18rstatutoryofficeholders.

Clause14:Actingappointmentsofpersons88Director-Generalare

dealtwithinthisclause.

Clause15:Thisclausepreservesthepositionofapersonwho1s

aJudgeandwhohasbeenappointedasDirector-GeneralofSecurity.

Clause16:ThisclausepreservestherightsundertheOfficers

RightsDeclarationAct1928ofapersonwho,immediatelybeforehis

appointment.wasanofficeroftheAustralianPublicServiceor

so~eotherpersontowhomtheActapplies.Theprovision1sinthe

te~susuallyusedinsimilarlegislation.

PARTIIIFUNCTIONSANDPOWERSOFORGANIZATION

Division1-General

Clause17:ThefunctionsoftheOrganizationaresetoutinthis

clause.Itshouldbenotedthat,underthisclause,thefunction

ofcommunicatinginformationisspecificallylimitedtopurposes

relevanttosecurity.

Clause18:Restraintsonthecommunicationofintelligenceby

officersoftheOrganizationandothersareprOVidedinthisclause.

Sub-clause(1)proVideshowintelligencemaybecommunicatedon

behalfoftheOrganizationandsub-clause(2)makesunauthorized

co~municationofinformationanoffence.However,sub-clause5

providesthataprosecutionunderthissectioncanonlybe

institutedaftertheconsentoftheAttorney-Generalhasbeen

obtained.Becausepara.17(1)(b)ineffectexcludesfromthe

functionsoftheOrganizationthecommunicationofintelligence

forpurposesnotrelevanttosecurityandtheOrganizationmay,

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inthecourseofperformingitsordinaryfunctions,comeinto

possessionofinformationthat,whilenotrelevanttosecurity,

isrelevanttothedetectionorpreventionofseriouscrimes

andothermatters,sub-clause(3)providesthat,inthelimited

casestheresetout,informationmaybecommunicatedfornon­

securitypurposes.Section235oftheCustomsAct1901referred

tointhissub-clausedealswiththepunishmentsapplicableto

offencesconcerningnarcoticsubstances.

Clause19:ThisclauseauthorizestheOrganization,subjectto

anyarrangementmadebytheMinister,toco-operatewithother

CommonwealthandStateauthoritiesandwithsuchoverseasbodies

ashavebeenapprovedbytheMinisterasbeingcapableofassisting

theOrganizationintheperformanceofitsfunctions.

Clause20:ThisclauseimposesupontheDirector-Generalof

Securitytheresponsibilityofensuringthattheworkofthe

Organizationislimitedtothatwhichisnecessarytodischargeits

functionsandthattheOrganizationiskeptfreefromanyinfluence

orconsiderationsnotrelevanttoitsfunctions.Heisfurther

chargedtoensurethatnothingisdonethatmightlendcolourtoany

suggestionthattheOrganizationisconcernedtofurtherorprotect

theinterestsofanyparticularsectionofthecommunityorwithany

mattersotherthanthedischargeofitsfunctions.Arecommendation

oftheRoyalCommissiontosimilareffectisthusimplemented.

Clause21:ThisclauseprovidesfortheLeaderoftheOppositionto

bekeptinformedbytheDirector-Generalonsecuritymatters.

Division2-SpecialPowers

InaccordancewiththerecommendationsoftheRoyal

CommissiontheDivisionprovidesforcertainspecialpowerstobe

exercisablebytheOrganization.

Clause22:ThisclausedefinescertaintermsusedinthisDivision.

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Clause23:Thisclauseisinsimilarformtoanequivalent

provisionintheTelephonicCommunication(Interception)Act1960.

ItrecognisestheprobableneedoftheDirector-Generaltoseekthe

~inister'sapprovalforawarrantatshortnotice.

Clause24:Thisclauseprovidesthattheauthoritygiventothe

Organizationunderawarrantshallbeexercisedonbehalfofthe

OrganizationonlybytheDirector-Generalandpersonsapprovedby

himforthepurposesofthewarrant.

Clause25:Provision1smadeinthisclauseforissueofsearch

warrantsbytheMinisterauthorizingtheOrganizationtodoanyof

theactsdescribedinparas.(1)(a)to(d).Followingtherecommend­

ationoftheRoyalCommissionthesafeguardisprovidedthatawarrant

maynotbeissuedunderthisclauseonagroundrelatingtodomestic

subversionunlesstheMinisterissatisfiedthatthepremises

specifiedinthewarrantare,orhaverecentlybeen,usedfordomestic

subversion(sub-clause(2)).Thewarrantmuststatewhenentrymay

bemadeandmayprOVide,iftheMinisterthinksfit,thatentrymay

bemadewithoutpermissionfirstbeingsought(sub-clause(3)).The

periodduringwhichthewarrantistoremaininforce,notexceeding

7days,mustbespecified(sub-clause(4)).

Clause26:Thisprohibitstheuseoflisteningdevices(see

definitionofthisexpressioninclause22)bytheOrganization

unlesstheuserofthedeviceisapersonbywhomthespeakerofthe

wordsintendsorshouldreasonablyexpectthewordstobeheard,the

speakerconsentstotheuseofthedeviceortheuseisauthorized

bywarrantissuedunderthisDivision(sub-clause(1)).Sub-clause

(2)makesitclearthatapersonactinginaccordancewithsub­

clause(1)doesnotcontraveneStateorTerritorylawsonlistening

devices.Therequirementsforissueofawarrantinrelationtoa

personaresetoutinsub-clause(3)andthoseforissueofa

warrantinrelationtopremisesinsub-clause(4).

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•Sub-clause(5)requiresawarranttostatewhenent~may

bemadeandmayprovide,iftheMinisterthinksfit.thatentry

maybemadewithoutpermissionfirstbeingsought.Theperiod

duringwhichthewarrantIstoremain1nforcenotexceeding6

monthsmustbespecified(sub-clause(6».

Sub-clause(8)makesitclearthatthisprovisiondoesnot

applytowhatwouldconsistuteforthepurposesofthe

Telecommunications(Interception)Act1978interceptionofa

communicationpassingoverthetelecommunicationsystemcontrolled

bytheAustralianTelecommunicationsCommission.

Clause27:Thisclausedealswiththeinspectionofpostalarticles

bvtheAustralianSecurityIntelligenceOrganizationforthepurposes

ofthatOrganization.Sub-clause(1)makesitunlawfulforan

officer.employeroragentoftheAustralianSecurityIntelligence

OrganizationtoseekfromtheAustralianPostalCommissionaccessto

ap0stalarticleinthecourseofthepostorfortheAustralian

PostalCommissionoranofficer,employeeoragentofthat

CommissiontoprOVidethataccesstosuchapersonexceptundera

warrantissuedinaccordancewiththisclause.Thesub-clausealso

imposesupontheDirector-GeneralofSecuritythedutytotakeall

reasonablestepstoensurethatthissub-clauseisnotcontravened.

Sub-clause(2)empowersthe}linisterattherequestofthe

Director-Generaltoissueawarrantinrelationtomailpostedbyor

addressedtoaparticularperson.However,beforesuchawarrantis

issued,theMinistermustbesatisfiedthatthepersoniseither

engagedin,orisreasonablysuspectedbytheDirector-Generalof

beingengagedin,orofbeinglikelytoengagein,activities

pre~udicialtosecurityandthataccesstothepostalarticleswill

orislikelytoassisttheOrganizationincarryingoutits

functionsofobtainingintelligencerelevanttosecurity.The

warrant.whenissued,willauthorizetheOrganizationtoinspect,

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andmakecopiesof.thecoversofarticlesandtoopenandreakecopies

otthecontentofarticlespostedby,oraddressedto,theperson.

SUb-clause(3)providesInsimilartermstosub-clause(2)torthe

inspectionofmailaddressedtoparticularpremiseswhereItis

reasonablysuspectedthatsomepostalarticlessentbyposttothose

premiseswillbereceivedbyapersonengagedIn,orreasonably

suspectedofbeingengagedIn,activitiesprejudicialtosecurity

andthataccessbytheOrganizationtothosearticlesWill,orIs

likelytoassisttheOrganizationIncarryingoutitsfunctions.

Sub-clause(4)providesthatthewarrantshallspecify

theperiodforwhichItIsInforceuptoamaximumperiodof..

90days.Sub-clause(5)providesthatsub-clause(4)shallnot

preventtheissueofanyfurtherwarrant.Sub-clauses(6)and(7)

provide:fortheAustralianPostalCommissiontobenoti:fiedo:fthe

issuecrrevocatbndwarrantsand.toassistintheexecutionofa

warrant.Sub-clause(7)includesadefinitionoftheterm'address'

andadefinitionoftheterm'agent'sothatmailcontractorsand

personssuchasunofficialpostmastersandtheirempl¥eescome

withinitsterms.

Clause28:ThisclauseactsoutthemattersthattheDirector-General

mustspecifywhenmakingarequesttotheMinisterforawarrant

underthisDivision.

Clause2q:Thisclauseprovidesfortheissueofwarrantsfor

listeningdevicesbythe~rector-General1nemergencycircumstances.

Itis1nsimilartermstotheequivalentprovisioninthe

TelephonicCommunication(Interception)Act1960.

Clause30:UnderthisclausetheDirector-Generalisdirectedto

informtheMinisterandceasehisactivitiesinpursuanceofa

warrantwhenthegroundsthatgaverisetothewarranthaveceased

toexist.

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Clause31:Underthisclause.whenarecordorcopyobta1n~by

virtueofawarrantunderthisDivisionisnotrequiredforthe

purposeoftheperformanceoffunctionsortheexerciseofpowers

undertheAct,~heDlrector-Generalisrequiredtodestroythe

recordorcopy.

Clause32:Thisclausesetsoutrequirementstobeobservedby

theMinisterandDirector-Generalinrelationtotheissueand

revocationofwarrants.Sub-clause(1)providesthat,where

theDirector-GeneralofSecuritymakesarequestforawarrantthat

Isnotinwriting,heshallimmediatelysendtotheMinistera

requestinwritingfortheissueofthewarrant.Sub-clause(2)

requiresthat,wheretheMinisterissuesorrevokesawarrantheshall

immediatelyinformtheDirector-Generaloftheissueor

revocation.Sub-clause(3)requirestheMinistertorecordhis

decisiononeachrequestinwritingforissueofawarrantand

returnthereq.esttotheDirector-General.Sub-clause(4)imposes

upontheDirector-Generalthedutytoretain1ntherecordsofthe

Organizationallwarrantsissuedbyhimandallwarrants,instruments

ofrevocation,requestsandotherdocumentsreturnedtohimby

theMinisterrelatingtotheissueofwarrantsunderthisDivision.

Clause33:Thisclausemakesitanoffenceforaperson,without

reasonableexcuse,toobstructorhinderapersonactinginpursuance

toawarrantissuedunderthisDivision.

Clause34:BythisclausetheDirector-GeneralofSecurityisrequired

1nrespectofeachwarranttoreportinwritingtotheMinister

ontheextenttowhichtheactiontakenunderthewarrantassisted

theOrganizationincarryingoutits!unctionofobtainingintelli­

gencerelevanttosecurity.

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PARTIV-SECURITYASSESSMENTS

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Division1-Preliminary

Clause35:Thisclausecontainsdefinitionsofcertaintermsused

inthisPart.

Clause35:TheeffectofthisclauseisthatthisPartwiththe

exceptionofcertainspecifiedsectionshasnoapplication(and

consequentlynorightofappeal1sconferred).

(8)whereasecurityassessmentisfurnishedinrelationto

theemploymentofapersonwhoisengagedoutsideAustralia

fordutiesoutsideAustraliaandwhoisnotanAustralian

citizennormallyresidentinAustralia.

(b)whereasecurityassessmentisfurnishedinrelationtothe

exerciseofapowerundertheMigrationActinrespectofa

personwhoisneitheranAustraliancitizennortheholderof8

pe~nententrypermitnorapersontowhomaninstrumentof

exemptionunderparagraphA(1)(e)oftheMigrationActapplies

otherthananexemptionlimitedbytimeorpurposespecifiedin

theinstru~ent.

Division2-FurnishingofSecurityAssessments

Clause37:Thisclausefirststatesthatthefunctionsofthe

OrganizationincludethefurnishingtoCommonwealthagencies(see

definitioninclause35)ofsecurityassessments(seedefinitionin

clause35).Theclausethenrequiresanadverseorqualified

assessment(seedefinitioninclause35)tobeaccompaniedbya

statementofthegroundsforassessment;thatstatementmustcontain

alltheinformationthattheOrganizationreliedoninmakingthe

assessnentunless,intheopinionoftheDirector-General,security

requirestheexclusionofsomeofthatinformation(sub-clause(2».

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Whiletheregulationsmayprescribematterstobetaken

intoaccountornottobetakenintoaccountinthemakingof

assessments.pendingthemakingofsuchregulations,the

Director-General.inconsultationwiththeMinister,isempowered

todeterminesuchmattersbutsuchadeterminationdoesnotaffect

thepowersoftheSecurityAppealsTribunal(sub-clauses(3)and(4».

Noproceedingsotherthananapplicationforreviewunder

thisPartmaybebroughtinanycourtortribunal(suchasan

actionfordefamationunderthecommonlaw)inrespectofthe

makingofanassessmentoranythingdoneinrespectofanassessment

inaccordancewiththeAct.

Clause3A:Thisclauserequires,subjecttotheexceptions

indicatedbelow,aCommonwealthagencywhichreceivesaqualified

oradversesecurityassessmentfromtheOrganizationtogive

noticeinwritingtothepersonthesubjectoftheassessment

informinghimofthemakingoftheassessmentandofhisrightto

applytotheSecurityAppealsTribunal.

However.wheretheAttorney-Generalhascertifiedthat

heissatisfiedthattheWithholdingofthisnoticeisessential

tothesecurityofthenation,thenoticeisnotreqUiredtobe

given.Further.wheretheAttorney-Generalcertifiesthatheis

satisfiedthatthedisclosureofthestatementofgroundswouldbe

prejudicialtosecurity,thecopyoftheassessmentrequiredas

abovetobedeljveredshallnotcontainanymattertowhichthe

certificateapplies.Ineithercase,acopyofthecertificate

mustbegiventotheCommonwealthagencytowhichtheassessment

wasfurnished.

Cla11se39:UnderthisclauseaCommonwealthagencyisforbidden

totake.refusetotakeorrefrainfromtakingprescribed

administrativeaction(seedefinitioninclause35)onthebasis

ofacommunicationinrelationtoapersonmadebytheOrganization

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thatdoesnotamounttoasecurityassessmentorwasanadverseor

qualifiedassessmentmadebythecommencementofthisAct.However,

BCommonwealthagencyispermittedtotakeactionofatemporary

natureonthebasisofapreliminarycommunicationbytheOrganizat­

ionwheresatisfiedthatsecuritynecessitatesurgentactionpending

thefurnishingofanassessment.

Clause40:ThisclausewillrequiretheCk'ganisatimtofurnishasSESSmerLs

intendedorlikelytobeusedbyaStateforprescribedadministrative

actiononlythroughaCommonwealthDepartmentorauthoritythus

insuringthatthepersonconcernedhasthebenefitoftheirrights

8StonotificationandappealprovidedintheBill.

Division3-EstablishmentandOrganiset:i<nofSocurityAppealsTribunals

Clause41:ThisclauseestablishestheSecurityAppealsTribunaland

providesfortheappointmentofmembersoftheTribunalbythe

Governor-General.

Clause42:Underthisclauseapersonshallnotbeappointedasa

presidentialmemberoftheTribunalunlesshe1sorhasbeenaJudge

ofaFederalorStatecourtandmembersofASIOstaffare

specificallyexcludedfromappointment8SmembersoftheTribunal.

Cla11se43:ThisclauseprOVidesthatapresidentialmemberofthe

Tribunalshallholdofficeforamaximumof7yearssubjecttore­

appointment,butapresidentialmemberwhois8Judgeceasestohold

officeaspresidentialmemberonhisceasingtobeaJudge.

FormerJudgesappointedaspresidentialmembersmaybeappointedas

full-ticreorpart-timemembers.

Clause44:UnderthisclausetheGovernor-Generalmayenterintoan

arrangementwiththeGovernorofaStatefortheappointmentofa

JudgeofaStatecourt8SapresidentialmemberoftheTribunal.

Clause45:Thisclauseprovidesfortheappointmentofnon-pres1de~~

membersoftheTribunal1neitherthegeneralorspecialcategories

referredtoinsub-clauses(4)and(5).Personsappointedtothe

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senerslcategorywillbecitizenswithnodirectpasthistoof

g0vernmentemployment{sub-clause(4».Thespecialcategoryincludes

formermembersoftheAustralianPublicServiceoroftheDefenceForce,

smemberofthecommunitywithknowledgeoftheneedsandconcernsof

personswhoareorhavebeenimmigrantsandpersonswithexperiencein

relationtoemploymentunderCommonwealthcontractors.

Undersub-clauses(6)and(7),thenon-presidentialmember

willholdofficeuponsuchtermsandconditionsasareprescribedfor

a~ximumperiodof7yearssubjecttore-apPointment.

Clause46:Thisclauseprovidesfortheremunerationandallowances

ofmembersoftheSecurityAppealsTribunal.

Clause47:Thisclausepreservesthetenureofofficeandotherrights

andurivilegesofaFederalJudgeappointedtotheSecurityAppeals

Tribunal.

Clause48:Underthisclause,theMinistermayappointaDeputy

PresidentoftheTribunaltoactasthePresidentoftheSecurity

ApuealsTribunalinthePresident'sabsence.

Clause40:Thisclausedealswiththeremovalandsuspensionofmembers

oftheTribunalintermssimilartothoseapplicabletoadministrative

tribunals.TheproceduredoesnotapplytoamemberwhoisaJudge

becausethelegislation,underwhichsuchapersonwasoriginally

appointedasaJudge,providesforremovalordismissalfromoffice.

Clause50:Thisclauseprovidesfortheresignationofmembersofthe

Tribunal.

Clause51:Undersub-clause(1),theTribunalforaparticularcase

willconsistofthreepersonsincludingapresidentialmemberanda

non-presidentialmemberfromeachofthegeneralandspecialcategories.

Sub-clause(3)providesthatmattersbeforetheTribunalwillbe

decidedinaccordancewiththeopinionofthemajority.However,sub­

clause(2)providesthatthepresidentialmemberwilldecideall

mattersoflawraisedintheproceedings.

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n.,9,,'Clause52:Underthisclause.thePresidentoftheTribunal,.•

oraDeputyPresidenttowhomhehasdelegatedhispowers,may

determinethearrangementofthebusinessoftheTribunal.

Clause53:Thisclauseprovidesforthereconst!tutionofthe

Tribunalshouldamemberoriginally~electedceasetobeavailable.

Sub-clause(2)permitsthereconstitutedTribunaltohaveregardto

anyrecordoftheearlierproceedings.

Division4Reviewofsecurityassessments

Clause54:Thisclauseentitlesanypersonwhohasbeengiven

noticeofanadverseorqualifiedsecurityassessmenttoapplyto

theSecurityAppealsTribunalforareviewofthatassessment.

Clause5L:Underthisclauseapersonhas,subjecttoanyextension

approvedbytheTribunal,30daysatterreceiptofthenotification

oftheassessmenttolodgeanapplicationforreview.

Clause56:Underthisclause,whereanapplicationforreviewof

anassessmenthasbeenlodged,theTribunalisrequiredtonotify

theDirector-GeneralandtheCommonwealthagencyconcerned.

Clause57:ThisclauseimposesupontheDirector-Generaladuty

tolodgecertainmaterialwiththeTribunal.SUb-clause(1)

requiresthat,whereinrelationtoanapplicationforreview,the

Attorney-Generalhasgivenacertificateunderpara.38(2)(b)

totheeffectthatcertainmattersshouldnotbecommunicatedto

theapplicant,theDirector-GeneralshallpasstotheTrlbWl8lthe

certificateandthecompleteassessment.Sub-clause(2),however,

requirestheTribunalnottoinfontltheapplicantofthe

Attorney-Generalfscertifica~eormatterstowhichitrelates.

Clause58:Thisclausesetsouttheprocedureforareviewbythe

Tribunal.SUb-clause(2)statesthatthepartiestothe

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proceedingsbeforetheTribunalshallbetheDirector-Generaland

theapplicant.However,theCommonwealthagencytowhichthe

assessmentwasforwardedisentitledtoadduceevidenceandmake

submissions.Sub-clause(3)imposesontheDirector-General

anobligationtopresenttotheTribunalallrelevantinformation

availabletohimwhetheritisfavow'ableorunfavourabletothe

applicant.

Sub-clause(4)providesforapreliminaryconference

betweenthepresidentialmemberoftheTribunalandthe

partiesInordertofacilitiestheconductoftheproceedings.

Sub-clause(5)providesthattheproceedingsshallbein

privateandsub-clauses(6)and(7)requirethatneitherparty

shallbepresentwhentheotherispresentingitscasetothe

Tribunal.

Sub-clause(8)dealswiththeorderinwhichtheparties

willbeheard.Sub-clause(9)requiresthatafterhearingthe

evidenceandsubmissionsbytheDirector-GeneralandtheCommonwealth

agency,theTribunalwilldeterminewhatfurtherparticulars,if

any.can,consistently.....iththerequirementsofsecurity,be

givenintheinterestsofjusticetotheapplicant.Under

sub-clause(10),theTribunalwillthenhearanymaterial.....hich

theapplicantwishestopresent.Sub-clause(11)empowersthe

Tribunalonitsownmotiontoinviteorsummonpersonstogive

evidence.Aftertheinitialhearingoftheparties,theTribuna],~r

8ub-clause(12),mayre-heareitherofthepartiesatBnystage

duringtheproceedings.Whilesub-clause(9)empo\l/ersthe'rribunal

togivefurtherparticularstotheapplicantofthecaseagainsthim,

sub-clause(13)requirestheTribunalfirsttoconsultthe

Director-Generalbeforegivingtheapplicantparticularsofthe

Director-Generalisevidence.Sub-clause(14)empo.....ersmembersof

theTribunaltoaskquestionsofwitnessesandsub-clause(15).../15

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15.

empowerstheTribunaltodisposeofcaseswheretheapplicanthas

failedtoprosecutehisapplicationwithduediligence.

Clause59:Thisclausedealsgenerallywithdisclosureofmatters

bytheAttorney-Generalthatdisclosureofinformationconcerning

aspecifiedmatterwouldbecontrarytothepublicinterestonany

ofthegroundssetoutinsub-clause(1)whichbroadly.followthe

groundssimilarlystated1nthelhbudsmanAct1975S'ldthe

AdministrativeAppealsTribunalAct1975.

Ifinformationoradocumentreferredtointhecertificate

toandbytheTribunal.Provision1sfirstmadeforacertificate

isrequiredtobedisclosedorproducedtotheTribunal.itmust,

1napiteofthecertificate,besodisclosedorproduced(sub-clause(2»

Further,ifthegroundofthecertificate1sthatdisclosurewould

becontrarytothepublicinterestongeneralgroundsofCrown

privilegenotrelatedtosecurity,defence,international

relationsorsecrecyofCabinetorExecutiveCouncildeliberations,

thePresidentmay,ifsatisfiedthattheinterestsofjustice

outweighthereasonspecifiedbytheAttorney-General,authorize

thedisclosureoftheinformationordocumenttotheapplicant

(sub-clause(4)).However,ifthecertificateisnotsobased.the

Tribunalisrequiredtoacceptitand'ensurethattheinformation

ordocumentisnotdisclosedtotheapplicant(sub-clause(2)).

Clause50:Thisclausedeals'WiththefindingsoftheTribunal.

Sub-clause(1)setsoutthepossiblescopeoftheTribunal's

findings.

••

Sub-clause(2)requiresthattheTribunalshall.asa

generalrule.causecopiesofitsfindingtobegiventothe

Commonwealthagencyandtoeachoftheparties.However,under

sub-clause(3)theTribunalmayrestrictthedistributionof

itsfindings.•../16

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Sub-clause(4)entitlestheapplicanttopublish

thefindingsoftheTribunalsubjecttoanydirectionof

theTribunal.

Clause61:Thisclausesetsouttheeffectofadecisionofthe

Tribunal.

Undersub-clause(1),everyCommonwealthagencyconcerned

withtheprescribedadministatlveactiontowhichtheassessment

1srelevantandanyTribunalempoweredtohearappealsfroma

decisionastosuchaction1srequiredineffecttosubstitutethe

decisionoftheTribunalfortheassessmentbytheOrganization,

Inthecircumstancesdescribedinsub-clause(2)pthe

findingsoftheSecurityAppealTribunalarebindingonanauthority

orpersonauthorizedtomakedecisionsinrespectofprescribed

administrativeaction(forexample,thePermanentHeadofa

PublicServiceDepartmentauthorizedtomakeapromotiondeCision),

andalsoonatribunal,bodyorpersonempoweredtoreverseorvary

suchdecision,(forexample,aPromotionsAppealsCommittee).

ThesecircumstancesareWhen,byalawoftheCommonwealthora

Territory(otherthantheAdministrativeDecisions(JudicialReview)

Act1977),aclassofdecisionsthsttheauthorityorpersonis

authorizedorrequiredtomakeissubjecttoappealorreviewanda

tribunal,bodyorpersonisempoweredtoreverseorvarysucha

decision.AnexampleofalawoftheCommonwealthcomingwithin

thisdescriptionissection50ofthePublicserviceActinsofar

asitmakesadecisionofaPermanentHeedtopromoteprovisionally

anofficersubjecttoappealtoaPromotionAppealsCOmmitteeand

empowerssuchaComm1tteetodeterminetheappeal.

•.•/17

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192~'17.

..Clause62:InaccordancewiththerecommendationoftheRoyal

Commission,thedecisionsoftheTribunalarenettobesubjectto

appealexceptinsofarastheConstitutionrequires.Section4

oftheAdministrativeDecisions(JudicialReview)Act1977referred

tointhisclausestatesthatthatActhaseffectnotwlthatanding

anythingcontainedinanyenactmentinforceatthecommencementof

theAct.ThatActhasnotyetbeenbroughtintoforce.

Clause63:Underthisclausetheapplicantisenabledtoapply

totheTribunaltoreviewapreviousfindingonthegroundthathe

hasfreshevidenceofmaterialsignificance.TheTribunalmaythen

reviewitspreviousfinding.

Clause64:ThdsclausesetsoutwhentheOrganizationmayissue

anotherassessmentinrespectofapersoninrespectofwhoma

previousassessmenthasbeenreviewedbytheTribunal.

Clause65:ThisclausewillpermitthereferencebytheMinister,

wherespecialcircwnstancesmakethiscoursedesirable,of

particularcasestotheTribunalwhichcouldotherwisenotbe

dealtwithbytheTribunal.Thiswouldbebecauseeither:

(a)asecurityassessmentorlikecommunicationwasallegedly

furnishedbeforethecommencement·oftheAct;or

(b)asecurityassessmentorlikecommunicationwasallegedly

furnishedtoaCommonwealthagencybutacopywasnot

deliveredtothepersonconcerned.

Clauses60and61areexcludedfromapplicationtosuch

anenquiryforthereasonthatthoseclausesassumetheexistence

ofanassessmentintheformrequiredbytheBill.

Clause66:Thisclausegivesarighttothepartiestobe

representedbeforetheTribunalbyabarrister,solicitororwith

theapprovaloftheTribunal,byanotherperson,suchasaunion

official..../18

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1a.

Clause67:UnderthisclausetheTribunalIsnotboo.ndbythe

normalrulesofeVidence,butIsdirectedtoconductmatters~lth

aslittleformalityandtechnicalityaspossible,Inaccordance

withprocedurestobeprescribed..However,undersub-clause(2).

wherenoproceduresareprescribed.thePresidentialmembermaygive

directionsastotheproceduretobefollowedduringahearing.

Clause68:Underthisprovision,theusualrulesastolegal

professionalprivilegeandprivilegeasbetweenhusbandandwife

applytomattersbeforetheTribunal.

Clause69:TheeffectofthisclauseIsthat,whileaperson

appearingbeforetheTrlbW18.lmaybecompelledtoanswerquestions

whichtendtoincriminatehim,hisevidenceIsnotadmissiblein

criminalorcivilproceedingsotherthanproceedingsinrespectof

falsityoftheanswerorcontemptoftheTribunal.

Clause70:ThisclausesetsoutthepowersoftheTribunalasto

takingevidence.Evidencecanbetakenonoathoraffirmation

(sub-clause(1».Personsmaybesummonedtogiveevidenceand

producedocumentsandrequired.totakeanoathormakean

affirmation(sub-clauses(3)and(4».TheTribunalmay,onthe

requestofawitness,permithimtob~legallyrepresented

(sub-clause(5).Inspecialcircumstances,forexample.when

evidenceonalimitedissueneedstobetakeninaremotepartof

Australiaoroverseas,thePresidentmaydirectthatevidencein

theproceedingsbetakenbythepresidingmemberoranotherperson

and.suchapersonhas,forthepurposeoftakingtheeVidence,

allthepowersofapresidingmember(sub-clauses(6)and(7».

Clause71:UnderthisclausetheTribWUllhasthepowerto

givedirectionsprohibitingorrestrictingthepublicationof

mattersrelatingtoproceedingsbeforeit.

.../19

t.

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19.

Clause72:Thisclauseprovidesforlegalassistance.Under

sub-clause(1)anapplicantmayapplytotheAttorney-Generalfor

assistancebeforetheTribunal.Sub-clause(2)empowersthe•

Attorney-Generalinhisdiscretiontoarrangefinancialandlegal

assistanceincaseswherethere1shardship.

Clause73:Thisclauseaffordstheusualprotectiontomembersof

theTribunal,legalrepresentativesandwitnesses.

Clause74;Thisclauserequirestheattendanceofwitnesses

whoaresummonedtoappearbeforetheTribunal.

Clause75:Thisclauseimposestheusualobligationson

witnessesappearingbeforetheTribunal.

Clause76:ContemptbeforetheTribunalisdealtwith1nthis ,clauseintheusualterms.

Clause77:ThisclauseempowerstheGovernor-Generaltoestablish

RegistriesfortheTribunal.

Clause78:ThisclauseprovidesfortheappointmentbytheMinister

ofRegistrarsandDeputyRegistrarswhoaretobeemployedunder

thePublicServiceActinthenormalway.

Clause79:Thisclauseprovidesforthelodgingofdocuments

withtheRegistryoftheTribunal.

Clause80:Thisclausepermitsthereturn,ontheconclusion

ofproceedings,ofanydocumentsfurnishedtotheTribunal.•

Clause81.:Underthisclauseanobligationisimposedonpersonswho

areorhavebeenmembersorofficersoftheTribunaltomaintain

thenecessarysecrecyinrelationtoinformationordocuments

receivedbytheTribunal.

Clause82:Thisclauseprovidesforthepaymentofexpensesand

allowancestowitnesseswhoaresummonedtoappearbeforethe

Tribunal.

..•j2C

r

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19H20.

•Clause83:Thisclauseprovidesforanannualreportbythe

Tribunal.

PARTV-STAFFOFORGANIZATION

Clause84!Thisclauseprovidesforemploymentofofficersofthe

Organizationunderagreementsinwritingandemploymentof

temporaryandcasualemployees.Thebasisofthisclauseand

clauses85and86appearsubstantiallyintheexistingAct.

Clause85:Thisdealswithdesignationsotofficersinthe ~

Organization.

Clause86:Th:isclauseprovidesforconditionaofemployment

ofofficersandemployeesoftheOrganization.

J·,

,

Clause87Thetermsandconditionsunderwhichofficersand

employeesortheOrganizationareemployedimmediatelybefore

thedateofcOlllllencementottheActcontinuetoapplybyvirtueof

thisclauseuntildulyvaried.

Clause88:ThisclauseensurestheapplicationoftheOfficers'•

•••/21

RightsDeclarationAct1928toofficersandf'ul.l-tlmeemployees

oftheOrgandzationwhoimmediatelybeforetheiremploymentwith

theOrganizationwereofficersoftheAustralianPublicservice.

Clause89:Thisclauseensuresthattheemploymentofanofficer

oftheOrganizationmayonlybeterminatedinaccordancewitha

termorconditionofhisemployment.

Clause90,:Underthisclauseregulationsmaybemadetoprovide

fortheemploymentofofficersotherwisethanunderagreementsin

vritiogandtoprovideforthetenasandcond1tionsotemployment

ofsuchofficersandtemporaryandcasuslemployees.Th1swill

permittheplacingatalaterdateofthetermsandconditionsof

officersandemployeesonastatutoryratherthanacontractual

basia.Asafeguardisprovidedinsub-clause(4)inthatthe

,•

•••""!

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193i21.

regulationswillnotapplytotheemploymentofanofficer

employedunderanagreementmadebeforethefirstregulations

excepttotheextentthattheofficeragrees.Further,the

regulationswillrequirearecommendationofthePublicService

BoardafterconsultationwiththeDirector-General.

Clause91:Thisensurestheapplicationoftheprovisionsofthe

CrimesAct1914dealingwithCommonwealthofficerstothe

Director-GeneralandofficersandemployeesoftheOrganization.

Clause92:Thisclausemakesitanoffencetopublish(exceptin

abroadcastorreportofParliamentaryproceedings)theidentity

ofanemployeeorofficeroftheOrganization.However,sub­

clause3proVidesL~ataprosecutionunderthisclausecanonly

beinstitutedaftertheconsentoftheAttorney-Generalhasbeen

obtained.

PARTVI-MISCELLANEOUS

Clause93:Thisclausepreservestheemploymentrightsofthe

Director-GeneralofSecurityappointedundertheexisting

legislation.

Clause94:ThisclauseimposesupontheDirector-Generalof

SecuritytheobligationtofurnishannuallytotheMinistera

reportontheOrganization'sactivitieswhichistobegivento

theLeaderoftheOpposition.

Clause95:Thisclause,~ichisintheusualterms,providesfor

themakingofregulations.

:

,

,