Marine and Safety Authority Act 1997

Marine and Safety Authority Act 1997

An Act to establish the Marine and Safety Authority and for related matters

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

PART 1 - Preliminary

1.   Short title

This Act may be cited as the Marine and Safety Authority Act 1997 .

2.   Commencement

This Act commences on a day to be proclaimed.

3.   Interpretation

In this Act –

air cushion vehicle means a vehicle that is designed to be supported when in motion wholly or partly by air expelled from the vehicle to form a cushion of which the boundaries include the water or other surface beneath the vehicle;

asset includes any business or property;

Australian Accounting Standards means Statements of Accounting Standards issued jointly by the National Councils of the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants and The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia or their successors;

Authority means the Marine and Safety Authority established under section 4 ;

Board means the Board of Directors of the Authority;

chairperson means the chairperson of the Board appointed under section 8(1)(a) ;

chief executive officer means the chief executive officer of the Authority appointed under section 16 ;

coastal waters means any part of the territorial sea of Australia adjacent to the State within 3 nautical miles of the baseline by reference to which the territorial limits of Australia are defined for the purposes of international law;

commencement day means the day proclaimed under section 2 ;

corporation means a corporation as defined in the Corporations Law;

director means a person referred to in section 8(1) or 9(1) ;

employee means a person referred to in section 19 who is not a contractor or a consultant;

financial statements means the financial statements prepared under section 25 ;

former Act means the Marine Act 1976 ;

former Authority means the Navigation and Survey Authority of Tasmania constituted under the former Act;

former board means a board within the meaning of the former Act;

marine facility means any facility, structure or equipment used in relation to the navigation and operation of vessels;

master means a person, other than a pilot, who has command or charge of a vessel;

owner includes a person who –

(a) has the right or obligation to exercise and perform the powers and duties of an owner; and

(b) is the owner jointly with any other person; and

(c) is the manager or secretary of any body corporate or company;

port operator means –

(a) a company formed under the Port Companies Act 1997 ; or

(b) a person who operates a port or marine facility;

trading vessel means a vessel, other than a fishing vessel, that is used or is intended to be used –

(a) in connection with any business or commercial activity; or

(b) wholly or principally for –

(i) the carriage of passengers or cargo for hire or reward; or

(ii) the provision of services to ships or shipping, whether for reward or otherwise;

transfer day means the day on which a transfer under section 31 takes effect;

vessel means –

(a) a ship, boat or other vessel used or capable of being used in navigation; and

(b) a dinghy, lighter, barge, punt, raft, houseboat or pontoon; and

(c) a trading vessel; and

(d) a seaplane; and

(e) an air cushion vehicle or similar type of craft; and

(f) any other prescribed craft;

wharf includes –

(a) any landing place, marshalling yard, pier, jetty or dock used for the landing or shipping of cargo; and

(b) any approaches to, and spaces under, a wharf; and

(c) any shed or other structure on a wharf.

PART 2 - Marine and Safety Authority

4.   Marine and Safety Authority

(1)  The Marine and Safety Authority is established.

(2)  The Authority –

(a) is a body corporate with perpetual succession; and

(b) has a seal; and

(c) maysue and be sued in its corporate name.

5.   Jurisdiction of Authority

The Authority has jurisdiction in and over –

(a) the waters of all inland lakes, rivers and streams; and

(b) coastal waters; and

(c) any vessel; and

(d) any marine facility under the control of the Authority.

6.   General functions and powers

(1)  The functions of the Authority are as follows:

(a) to ensure the safe operation of vessels;

(b) to provide and manage marine facilities;

(c) to manage environmental issues relating to vessels.

(2)  The Authority has power to do anything necessary or convenient to be done in connection with the performance of its functions.

7.   Delegation

The Authority, by instrument in writing, may delegate any of its functions or powers, other than this power of delegation, to any person or body.

PART 3 - Board of Directors

Division 1 - Directors

8.   Board

(1)  The Authority has a Board of Directors consisting of the following persons:

(a) a chairperson;

(b) at least 3 and not more than 5 persons who have skills and experience relevant to the functions of the Authority;

(c) the chief executive officer.

(2)  The persons referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) are appointed by the Minister.

(3)  Schedule 1 has effect with respect to directors.

(4)  Schedule 2 has effect with respect to the meetings of the Board.

9.   Acting director

(1)  The Minister may appoint a person to act as a director for any period during which the chairperson or another director is –

(a) absent from duty; or

(b) absent from Australia; or

(c) otherwise unable to perform the functions of the office of director.

(2)  The appointment of a person to act as a director in the absence of the chairperson is not an appointment as chairperson.

(3)  This Act applies to the appointment as if it were the appointment of a director.

(4)  A person who is acting as a director is taken to be a director.

10.   Duties of director

(1)  A director must act honestly in the performance and the exercise of the functions and powers of a director.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.

(2)  In performing and exercising the functions and powers of a director, a director must exercise the same degree of care and diligence that a person in a similar position in a corporation is required to exercise.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.

11.   Improper advantage as director

A director or former director must not use improperly, whether within Tasmania or elsewhere, information acquired as a director or the fact that he or she is or was a director –

(a) to gain, directly or indirectly, a personal advantage or an advantage for another person; or

(b) to cause damage to the Authority.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 100 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years, or both.

12.   Repayment of improper profit

If a director or former director is found guilty of an offence under section 11 , the Authority may recover in a court of competent jurisdiction as a debt due to it –

(a) any profit made by the director or another person as a result of the commission of the offence; and

(b) an amount equal to any loss and damage the Authority suffered as a result of the commission of the offence.

13.   Role of Board

The Board is responsible to the Minister for –

(a) the performance by the Authority of its functions; and

(b) ensuring that the business and affairs of the Authority are managed and conducted in a manner that is in accordance with sound commercial practice.

14.   Delegation

The Board, by instrument in writing, may delegate any of its functions or powers, other than this power of delegation, to a director or an employee.

15.   Powers of Board

The Board has power to do anything necessary or convenient to be done in connection with the performance and exercise of its functions and powers under this or any other Act.

Division 2 - Chief executive officer and employees

16.   Chief executive officer

(1)  The Board may appoint a person as chief executive officer of the Authority on any terms and conditions it considers appropriate.

(2)  The chief executive officer is responsible to the Board for the general administration and management of the Authority.

17.   Duties of chief executive officer

The chief executive officer –

(a) must perform any functions –

(i) delegated to the chief executive officer by the Board; or

(ii) imposed on the chief executive officer under this or any other Act; and

(b) may exercise any powers –

(i) delegated to the chief executive officer by the Board; or

(ii) granted to the chief executive officer under this or any other Act.

18.   Disclosure of interest

The chief executive officer must inform the Board, in writing, of any direct or indirect pecuniary interest that he or she has in any business or body corporate as soon as practicable after he or she acquires, or becomes aware of, that interest.

19.   Employees

(1)  The Authority may employ or engage any other persons it considers necessary for the performance of its functions on any terms and conditions it considers appropriate.

(2)  The Authority may arrange with the Head of an Agency, within the meaning of the Tasmanian State Service Act 1984 , for persons employed in that Agency to be made available for the purposes of the Authority.

PART 4 - Financial provisions

Division 1 - Accounts and borrowing

20.   Funds of Authority

(1)  The funds of the Authority consist of –

(a) any money received by it in the course of performing its functions or exercising its powers; and

(b) any money provided by Parliament for the purpose of this Act; and

(c) any other money received by it from any other source.

(2)  The funds of the Authority are to be applied –

(a) in the payment or discharge of the expenses, charges and obligations incurred or undertaken by the Authority in the performance of its functions and the exercise of its powers; and

(b) in payment of the remuneration of directors and employees.

21.   Bank and other accounts

The Authority may open and maintain accounts at any bank, building society or credit union it considers necessary.

22.   Investment

Subject to section 16 of the Tasmanian Public Finance Corporation Act 1985 , the Authority may invest any funds held by it and any interest accumulated in respect of those funds in any manner which is consistent with sound commercial practice.

23.   Authority exempt from State charges

The Authority is exempt from the payment of any rates, tax or duty imposed under any law of the State.

Division 2 - Records, statements and reports

24.   Accounting records

(1)  The Authority is to keep accounting records that correctly record and explain its transactions and financial position.

(2)  The records are to be kept in a manner that –

(a) allows true and fair accounts of the Authority to be prepared; and

(b) allows its accounts to be conveniently and properly audited or reviewed; and

(c) subject to any contrary direction of the Treasurer, complies with Australian Accounting Standards; and

(d) complies with any direction of the Minister.

25.   Financial statements

(1)  Within 60 days after the end of the financial year, the Board is to –

(a) prepare the financial statements of the Authority relating to that financial year; and

(b) provide the Auditor-General with the financial statements of the Authority.

(2)  Financial statements in respect of a financial year are to consist of the following:

(a) a profit and loss account or other operating statement for that financial year;

(b) a balance sheet or other statement of financial position as at the end of that financial year;

(c) a statement of the cash flows for that financial year;

(d) any other financial information required to be included by a direction given under subsection (4) ;

(e) any statements, reports and notes, other than a directors' report or an auditor's report, attached to, or intended to be read with, the profit and loss account, other operating statement, balance sheet or other statement of financial position.

(3)  The financial statements are to –

(a) comply with any direction given under subsection (4) ; and

(b) subject to any direction under subsection (4) , comply with Australian Accounting Standards; and

(c) be signed or certified as specified in any direction under subsection (4) .

(4)  The Treasurer may give any written directions to the Board in respect to the form and contents of the financial statements the Treasurer considers appropriate.

26.   Extension of time for preparing financial statements

(1)  Within 45 days after the end of the financial year, the Board may apply to the Treasurer for an extension of the period within which it must prepare and provide the financial statements of the Authority.

(2)  An application is to –

(a) include detailed reasons for requiring the extension; and

(b) specify the day by which the Board estimates that it can provide the financial statements.

(3)  The Treasurer may –

(a) refuse to grant the application; or

(b) grant the application and extend the period as the Treasurer considers appropriate.

(4)  The Treasurer is not to grant an extension that would prevent the Minister from tabling an annual report in accordance with section 29(1) .

(5)  Within 7 days after being notified of an extension, the Board is to notify the Minister of the details of the extension.

27.   Opinion of Auditor-General

The Auditor-General is to provide the Board, the Minister and the Treasurer with a copy of his or her opinion in respect of the financial statements of the Authority given under section 40 of the Financial Management and Audit Act 1990 .

28.   Annual report

(1)  The Board is to prepare for the Authority an annual report for each financial year.

(2)  The annual report is to include the following information and documents:

(a) the financial statements of the Authority for the financial year to which the annual report relates;

(b) a copy of the opinion of the Auditor-General received under section 27 ;

(c) a report on the operations of the Authority during that financial year;

(d) the details of any extension granted under section 26 ;

(e) any information the Minister may require relating to the directors, chief executive officer and employees;

(f) any other information the Minister may require;

(g) any other information the Board considers is appropriate or necessary to properly inform the Minister and Parliament as to the performance and progress of the Authority during that financial year.

(3)  The Board is to provide the annual report to the Minister, the Treasurer and the Auditor-General.

(4)  Section 33AB of the Tasmanian State Service Act 1984 does not apply in respect of the Authority.

29.   Tabling of annual report

(1)  The Minister is to lay a copy of the annual report before each House of Parliament within 5 months after the end of the financial year to which the annual report relates.

(2)  If the Minister is unable to comply with subsection (1) for any reason other than that a House of Parliament is not sitting at the expiration of the period specified in that subsection, the Minister, before the expiration of that period, is to lay before each House of Parliament a statement specifying –

(a) the reasons for the failure to comply with that subsection; and

(b) an estimate of the day by which a copy of the annual report will be ready to lay before each House of Parliament.

(3)  If the Minister is unable to lay a copy of the annual report before a House of Parliament within the period specified in subsection (1) or by the day specified in subsection (2) because either House of Parliament is not sitting at the expiration of that period or on that day, the Minister is to –

(a) forward a copy of the annual report to the Clerk of that House of Parliament immediately after the expiration of that period or that day; and

(b) lay a copy of the annual report before that House within the next 7 sitting days of that House.

30.   Minister may require information

(1)  The Minister, by notice in writing, may require the Authority to provide to the Minister specified in the notice information relating to the affairs, or the performance and exercise of the functions and powers, of the Authority.

(2)  The Authority is to comply with any requirement made under subsection (1) .

PART 5 - Miscellaneous

Division 1 - Transfer of assets

31.   Transfer of assets to Authority

(1)  The Minister, with the agreement of the Minister administering the Government Business Enterprises Act 1995 and after consultation with the Minister administering the Crown Lands Act 1976 , may determine which assets, rights or liabilities of a former board are to be transferred to the Authority.

(2)  A determination under subsection (1)  –

(a) has the effect of transferring any asset, right or liability specified in that determination; and

(b) takes effect on the day on which it is made.

32.   Vesting of assets, rights and liabilities

On the transfer day –

(a) any asset or right transferred to the Authority vests in the Authority; and

(b) any liability transferred to the Authority vests in the Authority.

33.   Tax not payable

Any tax, duty, fee or charge under any law of Tasmania is not payable in respect of –

(a) the transfer of any asset, right or liability to the Authority; or

(b) anything the Minister certifies as having been done as a consequence of that transfer.

Division 2 - Status of Authority

34.   Land subject to Sullivans Cove Planning Act 1995

The Authority is to perform and exercise its functions and powers in respect of any land that is subject to the Sullivans Cove Planning Act 1995 in accordance with –

(a) a planning scheme in force under that Act; and

(b) the provisions of the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 .

35.   Immunity from liability

(1)  The chief executive officer does not incur any personal liability in respect of any act done, or omitted to be done, in good faith in the performance or exercise, or the purported performance or exercise, of any function or power under this or any other Act.

(2)  An employee does not incur any personal liability in respect of any act done, or omitted to be done, in good faith in the course of his or her employment.

(3)  A liability that would, but for this section, attach to the chief executive officer or an employee attaches to the Authority.

(4)  An action does not lie against the Authority for any act done or omitted to be done in relation to any defect in any equipment, service or facility provided for the operation or safety of vessels.

36.   Seal of Authority

(1)  The seal of the Authority is to be kept and used as the Board authorises.

(2)  All courts and persons acting judicially must take judicial notice of the imprint of the seal on a document and presume that it was duly sealed by the Authority.

37.   Judicial notice of certain signatures

All courts and persons acting judicially must take judicial notice of –

(a) the official signature of a person who is or has been the chairperson, a director or the chief executive officer; and

(b) the fact that the person holds or has held the office concerned.

38.   Presumptions

In any proceedings by or against the Authority, unless evidence is given to the contrary, proof is not required of –

(a) the constitution of the Board; or

(b) the appointment of any director; or

(c) any resolution of the Board; or

(d) the presence of a quorum at any meeting of the Board.

Division 3 - Regulations and by-laws

39.   Regulations generally

(1)  The Governor may make regulations for the purposes of this Act.

(2)  Regulations may be made so as to apply differently according to matters, limitations or restrictions, whether as to time, circumstance or otherwise, specified in the regulations.

(3)  The regulations may –

(a) provide that a contravention of, or a failure to comply with, any of the regulations is an offence; and

(b) in respect of such an offence, provide for the imposition of a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further fine not exceeding 20 penalty units for each day during which the offence continues.

(4)  The regulations may authorise any matter tobe determined, applied or regulated by the Authority or chief executive officer.

(5)  The regulations may adopt or incorporate the whole or any part of any document, standard, rule, code, specification or method, with or without modification, issued, prescribed or published by any person or body before or after the regulations take effect.

(6)  The regulations may contain provisions of a savings or transitional nature consequent on the enactment of this Act.

(7)  A provision referred to in subsection (6) may take effect on and from the day on which this Act commences or a later day.

40.   Regulations relating to safety

The Governor may make regulations in relation to any of the following matters:

(a) emergency procedures;

(b) lifesaving and fire appliances and other safety equipment;

(c) unseaworthy vessels;

(d) pilots, pilotage, exemptions and immunities;

(e) navigational procedures;

(f) safety manning;

(g) collisions and casualties;

(h) signs, lights and fires hazardous to navigation;

(i) courts of inquiry and survey;

(j) fees and charges relating to any matter referred to in this section.

41.   Regulations relating to environmental issues in relation to vessels

The Governor may make regulations in relation to –

(a) environmental issues relating to vessels; and

(b) fees and charges in relation to those environmental issues.

42.   By-laws

(1)  The Authority may make by-laws in relation to any of the following matters:

(a) anchors and anchor cables;

(b) construction and maintenance of vessels and equipment;

(c) certificates of competency and examinations;

(d) certificates of survey and surveys;

(e) hire and drive vessels;

(f) motor boats and licences;

(g) appeals;

(h) sailing vessels;

(i) limits of operational areas of vessels;

(j) load lines;

(k) construction and use of radio equipment;

(l) embarking, disembarking and conduct of passengers;

(m) movement and mooring of vessels and associated matters;

(n) cargo, fuel, water or ballast taken to or from vessels;

(o) marine facilities;

(p) wrecked, sunken or stranded vessels;

(q) detention of vessels;

(r) collection of statistics;

(s) fees and charges relating to any matter referred to in this section.

(2)  The Authority may make by-laws providing for the recovery by the Authority of any costs incurred by it in performing any duties in relation to the development or amendment of a marine farming development plan under the Marine Farming Planning Act 1995 .

(3)  By-laws may adopt or incorporate the whole or any part of any document, standard, rule, code, specification or method, with or without modification, issued, prescribed or published by any person or body before or after the regulations take effect.

(4)  By-laws made under this section –

(a) are not statutory rules for the purpose of the Rules Publication Act 1953 ; and

(b) are taken to be subordinate legislation for the purpose of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1992 .

43.   Remission of fees and charges

The Authority may remit or waive wholly or partly any fee or charge imposed under any by-laws or regulations.

44.   Authorised persons

The Authority may appoint any person or class of person as an authorised person for the purposes of any regulations and by-laws made by the Authority.

Division 4 - Infringement notices

45.   Service of infringement notice

(1)  A person authorised by the Authority may serve an infringement notice on a person other than a person under the age of 16 years, if of the opinion that the person has committed a prescribed offence under any regulations or by-laws made under this Act.

(2)  An infringement notice is not to relate to 4 or more offences.

46.   Form of infringement notice

(1)  An infringement notice is to –

(a) be in an approved form; and

(b) specify –

(i) the offence to which it relates; and

(ii) the prescribed penalty for that offence; and

(iii) the total amount payable; and

(iv) the court of petty sessions at which the penalty must be paid; and

(v) any other prescribed details.

(2)  An infringement notice is to state that the person on whom it is served may disregard the notice but that on doing so he or she may be prosecuted for the offence to which the notice relates.

47.   Petty sessions courts

The Minister, by order, may designate a court of petty sessions to be a court at which payments under an infringement notice are to be made.

48.   Acceptance of infringement notice

(1)  A person may accept an infringement notice by –

(a) paying the total amount payable to the relevant clerk of petty sessions within 21 days after being served with the notice; or

(b) lodging with the relevant clerk of petty sessions within 21 days after being served with the notice a written undertaking to pay the amount payable by instalments.

(2)  A person must not accept an infringement notice that has been withdrawn.

(3)  The relevant clerk of petty sessions may allow a further period of 14 days in addition to the period referred to in subsection (1) .

49.   Payment by instalments

(1)  If a person undertakes to pay any amount payable under an infringement notice by instalments, theclerk of petty sessions may determine –

(a) the amount and frequency of the instalments; and

(b) the period, not exceeding 60 days, within which the amount must be paid.

(2)  A person may make representations to the relevant clerk of petty sessions in relation to the ability to pay the amount.

(3)  The relevant clerk of petty sessions is to take the person's representations into account before determining the amount and frequency of the instalments.

(4)  The relevant clerk of petty sessions may allow a further period of 14 days in addition to the 60 days referred to in subsection (1)(b) .

(5)  If a person fails to pay any amount in accordance with an undertaking, the same proceedings may be taken against the person in respect of the part of the amount remaining outstanding as if it were a penalty imposed on the person on summary conviction.

(6)  Any payments made in respect of an infringement notice must be –

(a) identified separately; and

(b) paid into the Consolidated Fund.

50.   Effect of acceptance

(1)  The acceptance of an infringement notice is not an admission of liability in any civil proceedings.

(2)  Proceedings for an offence to which an infringement notice relates and has not been withdrawn must not be brought against a person who has accepted the infringement notice until –

(a) at least 21 days after the notice was served, if the person has not been allowed an additional period under section 48(3) ; or

(b) at least 35 days after the notice was served, if the person has been allowed an additional period under section 48(3) in relation to making a payment under section 48(1)(a) or lodging an undertaking under section 48(1)(b) ; or

(c) at least 60 days after a determination is made under section 49(1)(b) , if the person has not been allowed an additional period under section 49(4) ; or

(d) at least 74 days after a determination is made under section 49(1)(b) , if the person has been allowed an additional period under section 49(4) .

51.   Withdrawal of infringement notice

(1)  The Commissioner of Police or the chief executive officer or any person authorised by either of them may withdraw an infringement notice served on a person if of the opinion that –

(a) the infringement notice should not have been served; or

(b) the person should be proceeded against for the offence to which the withdrawal notice relates.

(2)  An infringement notice may be withdrawn whether or not it has been accepted.

(3)  An infringement notice is to be withdrawn by serving on a person within 108 days after its service a notice stating that the infringement notice has been withdrawn.

(4)  The relevant clerk of petty sessions must repay to a person any amount paid by that person in respect of an infringement notice that is withdrawn.

52.   Evidence of withdrawal notice not admissible

Evidence of the service, acceptance or withdrawal of an infringement notice is not admissible in any proceedings for the offence to which the notice relates.

Division 5 - Other matters

53.   Agreements and contracts

The Authority may enter into an agreement or a contract with any person in respect of –

(a) any of the functions of the Authority; or

(b) enforcement of any regulations or by-laws made under this Act.

54.   Divesting of assets and rights

The Authority may –

(a) divest itself of any asset or right vested in it and vest it in any other person; and

(b) divest itself of the management and control of any marine facility and vest it in any other person.

55.   Savings and transitional provisions

The savings and transitional provisions set out in Schedule 3 have effect.

56.   Administration of Act

Until provision is made in relation to this Act by order under section 4 of the Administrative Arrangements Act 1990  –

(a) the administration of this Act is assigned to the Minister for Transport; and

(b) the Department responsible to the Minister for Transport in relation to the administration of this Act is the Department of Transport.

SCHEDULE 1 - Directors

Section 8(3)

1.   Interpretation

In this Schedule, "director" –

(a) includes an acting director; but

(b) does not include the chief executive officer.

2.   Term of office

A director holds office for a term, not exceeding 3 years, specified in the instrument of appointment.

3.   Holding other office

The holder of an office who is required under any Act to devote the whole of his or her time to the duties of that office is not disqualified from –

(a) holding that office in conjunction with the office of director; or

(b) accepting any remuneration payable to a director.

4.   Remuneration

A director is entitled to be paid any remuneration and allowances the Minister determines.

5.   Leave of absence

The Board may grant leave of absence to a director on any conditions the Board considers appropriate.

6.   Resignation

A director may resign by signed notice given to the Minister.

7.   Removal of director

The Minister may remove a director from office –

(a) if the director has benefited from, or claimed to be entitled to benefit from, a contract made by or on behalf of the Authority, other than a contract for any goods or services supplied by the Authority if the goods or services are ordinarily supplied by the Authority and are supplied on the same terms as are ordinarily supplied to other persons in the same situation; or

(b) if the director fails to disclose a pecuniary interest as required under clause 6 of Schedule 2 ; or

(c) if the director has been convicted of an offence under this Act; or

(d) if the director has been convicted of an indictable offence or an offence which, if committed in Tasmania, would be an indictable offence; or

(e) if the Minister considers that the director is physically or mentally incapable of continuing as a director; or

(f) if the Minister considers that the director is unable to perform adequately or competently the functions of the director's office; or

(g) if the director has been absent from 4 consecutive meetings of the Board without the permission of the Board; or

(h) for any other just cause or excuse.

8.   Filling of vacancy

(1) A director, other than an acting director, vacates office if he or she –

(a) dies; or

(b) resigns; or

(c) is removed from office under clause 7 .

(2) The Minister may appoint a person to the vacant office of director for the remainder of the predecessor's term of office if satisfied that the person has the skills and experience necessary to enable the Authority to achieve its objective.

9.   Defect not invalidate appointment

An appointment of a person as a director is not invalid merely because of a defect or irregularity in relation to the appointment.

SCHEDULE 2 - Meetings Of Board

Section 8(4)

1.   Convening of meetings

(1) Subject to subclause (2) , meetings of the Board are to be held at the times and places the Board determines.

(2) The chairperson, after giving each director reasonable notice –

(a) may convene a meeting at any time; and

(b) must convene a meeting if requested to do so by 2 or more other directors.

(3) If the chairperson is absent from duty or otherwise unable to perform the duties of the office, a meeting may be convened, after reasonable notice has been given, by –

(a) 2 or more other directors; or

(b) a person authorised by the Board to do so.

(4) What constitutes reasonable notice is to be determined by the Board.

2.   Presiding at meetings

(1) The chairperson is to preside at all meetings of the Board at which he or she is present.

(2) If the chairperson is not present at a meeting of the Board, a director chosen by the directors present at the meeting is to preside.

3.   Quorum and voting at meetings

(1) A quorum at any duly convened meeting of the Board is half the number of directors of the Board.

(2) At a meeting of the Board –

(a) the person presiding has a deliberative vote only; and

(b) a question is decided –

(i) by a majority of votes of the directors present and voting; or

(ii) in the negative if there is an equality of votes.

4.   Conduct of meetings

(1) Subject to this Act, the Board may regulate the calling of, and the conduct of business at, its meetings as it considers appropriate.

(2) The Board may permit directors to participate in a meeting by –

(a) telephone; or

(b) television conference; or

(c) any other means of communication the Board approves.

(3) A director who participates in a meeting under a permission granted under subclause (2) is taken to be present at the meeting.

(4) The Board may allow a person to attend a meeting for the purpose of advising or informing it on any matter.

5.   Minutes

The Board must keep minutes of its proceedings.

6.   Disclosure of interests

(1) A director must disclose to the Board any direct or indirect pecuniary interest in a matter that –

(a) is being considered, or is about to be considered, by the Board; and

(b) may conflict with the proper performance of the director's duties in relation to consideration of the matter.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 10 penalty units or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 3 months, or both.

(2) A disclosure under subclause (1) is to be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.

(3) Unless the Board otherwise determines, a director must not –

(a) be present during any deliberation of the Board in relation to the matter; or

(b) take part in any decision of the Board in relation to the matter.

(4) In making a determination under subclause (3) , the director to whom the determination relates must not –

(a) be present during any deliberation of the Board for the purpose of making the determination; or

(b) take part in making the determination.

(5) Subclause (1) does not apply –

(a) in respect of a contract for any goods or services supplied by the Authority if the goods or services are ordinarily supplied by the Authority on the same terms as to other persons in the same situation; or

(b) in respect of an interest that arises only because the director also holds another office under the Tasmanian State Service Act 1984 .

SCHEDULE 3 - Transitional and savings provisions

Section 55

1.   Accounts

(1) Any account maintained in the name of the former Authority immediately before the commencement day is, on that day, taken to be an account maintained in the name of the Marine and Safety Authority.

(2) Any funds in an account referredto in subclause (1) are, on the commencement day, taken to be funds of the Marine and Safety Authority.

2.   Money claims

(1) Any money, debt or claim payable by, due from or recoverable against the former Authority immediately before the commencement day is, on that day, payable by, due from or recoverable against the Marine and Safety Authority.

(2) Any money, debt or claim payable to, due to or recoverable by the former Authority immediately before the commencement day is, on that day, payable to, due to or recoverable by the Marine and Safety Authority.

3.   Proceedings

A judgment by order of a court obtained by or against the former Authority before the commencement day is, on or after that day, enforceable by or against the Marine and Safety Authority.

4.   Documents

A document addressed to the former Authority before the commencement day may, on or after that day, be served on the Marine and Safety Authority.

5.   Contracts

Any contract made by the former Authority before the transfer day and not performed or discharged before that day is, on that day, taken to have been made by the Marine and Safety Authority.

6.   Actions

Any act done or omitted to be done before the commencement day by, to or in respect of the former Authority is taken to have been done or omitted to be done by, to or in respect of the Marine and Safety Authority.

7.   References to former Authority

A reference in any Act or other document to the former Authority is taken to be a reference to the Marine and Safety Authority.

8.   Regulations and by-laws

(1) Any regulations in force under the former Act immediately before the commencement day are, on that day, taken to be by-laws made by the Marine and Safety Authority under this Act until whichever of the following occurs first:

(a) they are rescinded under this Act;

(b) 31 December 2000.

(2) Any by-laws made by the former Authority and in force immediately before the commencement day are, on that day, taken to be by-laws made by the Marine and Safety Authority under this Act until whichever of the following occurs first:

(a) they are rescinded under this Act;

(b) 31 December 2000.

9.   Certificates

(1) A certificate of competency in force under the former Act immediately before the commencement day continues, on that day, to be in force until it expires.

(2) A certificate of survey in force under the former Act immediately before the commencement day continues, on that day, to be in force until it expires.

(3) An exemption certificate in force under the former Act immediately before the commencement day continues, on that day, to be in force until whichever of the following occurs first:

(a) it expires;

(b) the end of a period of 2 years after that day.

10.   Licences and permits

Any licence or permit in force under the former Act immediately before the commencement day continues, on that day, to be in force for a period of 12 months after that day.

11.   Pilots

A person appointed or licensed as a pilot by a former board immediately before the commencement day continues, on that day, to be a pilot for the purposes of this Act for a period of 6 months.

12.   Staff of former Authority

(1) Any person employed by the former Authority immediately before the commencement day is, on that day, transferred as an employee of the Marine and Safety Authority.

(2) The period of employment of a person referred to in subclause (1) is not broken because of being transferred as an employee of the Marine and Safety Authority.

(3) A person referred to in subclause (1)  –

(a) retains all rights and entitlements on being transferred to the Marine and Safety Authority; and

(b) is not entitled to any compensation in respect of that transfer.

13.   Detention of vessel

(1) A vessel detained under the former Act for non-payment of fees, dues or charges continues, on that day, to be detained until the unpaid fees, dues or charges are paid.

(2) A vessel detained under Division 4 of Part XIII of the former Act continues, on the commencement day, to be detained until the matter is dealt with under that Act.

14.   Appeals

Any appeal instituted under the former Act and not determined before the commencement day may, on or after that day, be determined under that Act as if any reference to the former Authority were a reference to the Marine and Safety Authority.

[Second reading presentation speech made in:

House of Assembly on 23 APRIL 1997

Legislative Council on 18 JUNE 1997]