2010-2011-2012-2013 

 

The Parliament of the 

Commonwealth of Australia 

 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

 

 

 

 

Presented and read a first time 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Australia Council Bill 2013 

 

No.      , 2013 

 

(Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport) 

 

 

 

A Bill for an Act to provide for a Council for 

purposes connected with the support and 

promotion of the arts, and for related purposes 

   

   

   

 

 

i       Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013 

Contents 

Part 1--Preliminary

 

1

 

1 

Short title ........................................................................................... 1

 

2 

Commencement ................................................................................. 2

 

3 

Simplified outline .............................................................................. 2

 

4 

Definitions ......................................................................................... 3

 

5 

Extended geographic application of this Act ..................................... 4

 

6 

Constitutional basis ............................................................................ 4

 

Part 2--The Australia Council

 

6

 

7 

Establishment ..................................................................................... 6

 

8 

Constitution of the Council ................................................................ 6

 

9 

Functions ........................................................................................... 6

 

10 

Powers ............................................................................................... 7

 

11 

Matters to be taken into account by Council ...................................... 8

 

12 

Ministerial directions ......................................................................... 8

 

13 

Council does not have privileges and immunities of the 

Crown ................................................................................................ 9

 

Part 3--The Board of the Australia Council

 

10

 

Division 1--The Board

 

10

 

14 

Establishment ................................................................................... 10

 

15 

Role .................................................................................................. 10

 

16 

Membership ..................................................................................... 10

 

Division 2--Terms and conditions of appointed Board members

 

11

 

17 

Appointment of Board members ...................................................... 11

 

18 

Acting Board members .................................................................... 11

 

19 

Remuneration ................................................................................... 13

 

20 

Leave ............................................................................................... 13

 

21 

Resignation ...................................................................................... 13

 

22 

Termination...................................................................................... 14

 

23 

Other terms and conditions .............................................................. 14

 

Division 3--Procedures of the Board

 

15

 

24 

Convening of meetings .................................................................... 15

 

25 

Quorum ............................................................................................ 15

 

26 

Presiding at meetings ....................................................................... 15

 

27 

Voting at meetings ........................................................................... 16

 

28 

Minutes ............................................................................................ 16

 

29 

Conduct of meetings ........................................................................ 16

 

 

 

Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013       ii 

30 

Decisions without meetings ............................................................. 16

 

Part 4--Committees

 

18

 

31 

Committees ...................................................................................... 18

 

32 

Remuneration and allowances ......................................................... 18

 

Part 5--CEO, staff and consultants

 

20

 

Division 1--Chief Executive Officer

 

20

 

33 

Establishment ................................................................................... 20

 

34 

Role .................................................................................................. 20

 

35 

Appointment .................................................................................... 20

 

36 

Acting CEO ..................................................................................... 21

 

37 

Other employment ........................................................................... 21

 

38 

Remuneration ................................................................................... 21

 

39 

Leave ............................................................................................... 22

 

40 

Resignation ...................................................................................... 22

 

41 

Termination...................................................................................... 22

 

42 

Other terms and conditions .............................................................. 23

 

Division 2--Staff and consultants

 

24

 

43 

Staff ................................................................................................. 24

 

44 

Consultants ...................................................................................... 24

 

Part 6--Planning

 

25

 

45 

Corporate plan ................................................................................. 25

 

Part 7--Finance

 

27

 

46 

Money payable to the Council ......................................................... 27

 

47 

Application of money by the Council .............................................. 27

 

48 

Restrictions on financial transactions .............................................. 27

 

49 

Investment ....................................................................................... 28

 

50 

Taxation ........................................................................................... 28

 

Part 8--Other matters

 

30

 

51 

Extra reporting requirements ........................................................... 30

 

52 

Rules ................................................................................................ 30

 

 

 

 

Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013       1 

A Bill for an Act to provide for a Council for 

1 

purposes connected with the support and 

2 

promotion of the arts, and for related purposes 

3 

The Parliament of Australia enacts: 

4 

Part 1--Preliminary 

5 

   

6 

1  Short title 

7 

 

  This Act may be cited as the Australia Council Act 2013. 

8 

   

Part 1  Preliminary 

   

 

Section 2 

 

2            Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013 

2  Commencement 

1 

 

(1)  Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table 

2 

commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with 

3 

column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect 

4 

according to its terms. 

5 

 

6 

Commencement information 

Column 1 

Column 2 

Column 3 

Provision(s) 

Commencement 

Date/Details 

1.  Sections 1 and 

2 and anything in 

this Act not 

elsewhere covered 

by this table 

The day this Act receives the Royal Assent. 

 

2.  Sections 3 to 

52 

A single day to be fixed by Proclamation. 

However, if the provision(s) do not 

commence within the period of 6 months 

beginning on the day this Act receives the 

Royal Assent, they commence on the day 

after the end of that period. 

 

Note:  

This table relates only to the provisions of this Act as originally 

7 

enacted. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of 

8 

this Act. 

9 

 

(2)  Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this Act. 

10 

Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it 

11 

may be edited, in any published version of this Act. 

12 

3  Simplified outline 

13 

 

  The following is a simplified outline of this Act: 

14 

This Act continues the existence of the Australia Council 

15 

established by the Australia Council Act 1975. The Council has 

16 

functions relating to supporting and promoting the arts. 

17 

Part 1 deals with introductory matters and the constitutional basis 

18 

for the Act. 

19 

   

Preliminary  Part 1 

   

 

Section 4 

 

Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            3 

Part 2 provides for the Council to continue in existence under this 

1 

Act. It also sets out the functions and powers of the Council. 

2 

Part 3 deals with the establishment, membership and procedures of 

3 

the Board of the Council. 

4 

Part 4 provides for the Board to establish committees to advise and 

5 

assist the Board and the Council. 

6 

Part 5 deals with the Chief Executive Officer and the staff of the 

7 

Council. 

8 

Part 6 requires the Board to prepare a corporate plan for the 

9 

Council. 

10 

Part 7 deals with financial matters. 

11 

Part 8 deals with miscellaneous matters. 

12 

4  Definitions 

13 

 

  In this Act: 

14 

appointed Board member means a Board member other than the 

15 

CEO. 

16 

arts means the creation or performance of works of interpretative 

17 

expression through any medium. 

18 

Australian artist means an artist who is an Australian citizen or an 

19 

Australian resident. 

20 

Australian arts practice means the creation or performance, 

21 

wholly or partly by Australian artists, of arts. 

22 

Australian resident means an individual who resides in Australia 

23 

and is the holder (within the meaning of the Migration Act 1958) of 

24 

a permanent visa (within the meaning of that Act). 

25 

Board means the Board of the Council. 

26 

   

Part 1  Preliminary 

   

 

Section 5 

 

4            Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013 

Board member means a member of the Board, and includes the 

1 

Chair, the Deputy Chair and the CEO. 

2 

CEO means the Chief Executive Officer of the Council. 

3 

Chair means the Chair of the Board. 

4 

committee means a committee established under section 31. 

5 

Council means the body corporate continued in existence by 

6 

section 7 under the name the Australia Council. 

7 

Deputy Chair means the Deputy Chair of the Board. 

8 

Finance Minister means the Minister administering the Financial 

9 

Management and Accountability Act 1997. 

10 

rules means rules made by the Minister under section 52. 

11 

5  Extended geographic application of this Act 

12 

 

(1)  This Act extends to every external Territory. 

13 

 

(2)  Subject to subsection (3), this Act applies both within and outside 

14 

Australia. 

15 

 

(3)  The Council may only perform its functions or exercise its powers 

16 

outside Australia if it does so for the benefit of Australia or 

17 

Australians. 

18 

6  Constitutional basis 

19 

 

  Without limiting its effect apart from this section, this Act also has 

20 

the effect it would have if the powers and functions of the Council 

21 

were confined to powers and functions that were to be exercised 

22 

and performed: 

23 

 

(a)  in so far as it is appropriate for those powers and functions to 

24 

be exercised and performed by the Council on behalf of the 

25 

Government of the Commonwealth as the national 

26 

Government of Australia; and 

27 

   

Preliminary  Part 1 

   

 

Section 6 

 

Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            5 

 

(b)  for purposes for which it is appropriate for the Parliament, as 

1 

the national Parliament of Australia, to authorise the Council 

2 

to exercise powers and perform functions; and 

3 

 

(c)  in relation to a corporation to which paragraph 51(xx) of the 

4 

Constitution applies; and 

5 

 

(d)  in relation to trade and commerce with other countries, 

6 

among the States, between Territories or between a Territory 

7 

and a State; and 

8 

 

(e)  in relation to the collection of statistics; and 

9 

 

(f)  in relation to external affairs; and 

10 

 

(g)  in relation to a Territory; and 

11 

 

(h)  in relation to copyrights, patents, designs and trademarks; 

12 

and 

13 

 

(i)  for purposes relating to any race for whom it is deemed 

14 

necessary to make special laws; and 

15 

 

(j)  in relation to the executive power of the Commonwealth; and 

16 

 

(k)  in relation to matters incidental to the execution of any of the 

17 

legislative powers of the Parliament or the executive power 

18 

of the Commonwealth. 

19 

   

Part 2  The Australia Council 

   

 

Section 7 

 

6            Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013 

Part 2--The Australia Council 

1 

   

2 

7  Establishment 

3 

 

(1)  This section applies to the body corporate that was established by 

4 

section 4 of the Australia Council Act 1975 (as in force before the 

5 

commencement of this section). 

6 

 

(2)  That body corporate continues in existence by force of this section 

7 

as a body corporate, under and subject to the provisions of this Act, 

8 

under the name the Australia Council. 

9 

8  Constitution of the Council 

10 

 

(1)  The Council: 

11 

 

(a)  is a body corporate; and 

12 

 

(b)  must have a seal; and 

13 

 

(c)  may acquire, hold and dispose of real and personal property; 

14 

and 

15 

 

(d)  may sue and be sued. 

16 

Note: 

The Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 applies to 

17 

the Council. That Act deals with matters relating to Commonwealth 

18 

authorities, including reporting and accountability, banking and 

19 

investment, and conduct of officers. 

20 

 

(2)  The Council's seal is to be kept in such custody as the Board 

21 

directs and must not be used except as authorised by the Board. 

22 

9  Functions 

23 

 

(1)  The Council has the following functions: 

24 

 

(a)  to support Australian arts practice that is recognised for 

25 

excellence; 

26 

 

(b)  to foster excellence in Australian arts practice by supporting 

27 

a diverse range of activities; 

28 

 

(c)  to recognise and reward significant contributions made by 

29 

artists and other persons to the arts in Australia; 

30 

   

The Australia Council  Part 2 

   

 

Section 10 

 

Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            7 

 

(d)  to promote the appreciation, knowledge and understanding of 

1 

the arts; 

2 

 

(e)  to support and promote the development of markets and 

3 

audiences for the arts; 

4 

 

(f)  to provide information and advice to the Commonwealth 

5 

Government on matters connected with the arts or the 

6 

performance of the Council's functions; 

7 

 

(g)  to conduct and commission research into, and publish 

8 

information about, the arts; 

9 

 

(h)  to evaluate, and publish information about, the impact of the 

10 

support the Council provides; 

11 

 

(i)  to undertake any other function conferred on it by this Act or 

12 

any other law of the Commonwealth; 

13 

 

(j)  to do anything incidental or conducive to the performance of 

14 

any of the above functions. 

15 

Council may charge fees 

16 

 

(2)  The Council may charge fees for things done in performing its 

17 

functions. 

18 

Council may cooperate with others 

19 

 

(3)  The Council may perform its functions alone or together with other 

20 

persons. 

21 

10  Powers 

22 

 

(1)  The Council has power to do all things necessary or convenient to 

23 

be done for or in connection with the performance of its functions. 

24 

 

(2)  The Council's powers include, but are not limited to, the following 

25 

powers: 

26 

 

(a)  the power to enter into contracts; 

27 

 

(b)  the power to erect buildings; 

28 

 

(c)  the power to occupy, use and control any land or building 

29 

owned or held under lease by the Commonwealth and made 

30 

available for the purposes of the Council; 

31 

   

Part 2  The Australia Council 

   

 

Section 11 

 

8            Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013 

 

(d)  the power to acquire, hold and dispose of real or personal 

1 

property; 

2 

 

(e)  the power to accept gifts, devises, bequests and assignments 

3 

(whether on trust or otherwise); 

4 

 

(f)  the power to act as trustee of money or other property vested 

5 

in the Council on trust; 

6 

 

(g)  the power to provide financial assistance (whether by way of 

7 

loan, grant, investment, award or otherwise and whether on 

8 

commercial terms or otherwise); 

9 

 

(h)  the power to provide guarantees; 

10 

 

(i)  the power to commission or sponsor arts projects or other 

11 

activities; 

12 

 

(j)  the power to provide or administer services, facilities, 

13 

programs or equipment; 

14 

 

(k)  the power to do anything incidental to any of its powers. 

15 

 

(3)  Despite anything contained in this Act, any money or other 

16 

property held by the Council on trust, or accepted by the Council 

17 

subject to a condition, must be dealt with in accordance with the 

18 

obligations of the Council as trustee of the trust, or as the person 

19 

who has accepted the money or other property subject to the 

20 

condition. 

21 

11  Matters to be taken into account by Council 

22 

 

  The Council must, in the performance of its functions and the 

23 

exercise of its powers, have regard to: 

24 

 

(a)  the policies of the Commonwealth Government in relation to 

25 

the arts; and 

26 

 

(b)  the right of persons to freedom in the practice of the arts; and 

27 

 

(c)  any matters specified in directions given under 

28 

subsection 12(1). 

29 

12  Ministerial directions 

30 

 

(1)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, give directions to the 

31 

Board: 

32 

 

(a)  in relation to the performance of functions, and the exercise 

33 

of powers, of the Council; or 

34 

   

The Australia Council  Part 2 

   

 

Section 13 

 

Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            9 

 

(b)  requiring the provision of a report or advice on a matter that 

1 

relates to any of the Council's functions or powers. 

2 

Note 1: 

Section 42 (disallowance) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 

3 

does not apply to a direction--see section 44 of that Act. 

4 

Note 2: 

Part 6 (sunsetting) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 does not 

5 

apply to a direction--see section 54 of that Act. 

6 

 

(2)  The Minister must not give a direction in relation to the making of 

7 

a decision by the Council, in a particular case, relating to the 

8 

provision of support (including by the provision of financial 

9 

assistance or a guarantee). 

10 

 

(3)  The Board must ensure that any direction given by the Minister 

11 

under subsection (1) is complied with. 

12 

 

(4)  This section does not limit the operation of section 16 of the 

13 

Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997. 

14 

13  Council does not have privileges and immunities of the Crown 

15 

 

  The Council does not have the privileges and immunities of the 

16 

Crown in right of the Commonwealth. 

17 

   

Part 3  The Board of the Australia Council 

Division 1  The Board 

 

Section 14 

 

10            Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013 

Part 3--The Board of the Australia Council 

1 

Division 1--The Board 

2 

14  Establishment 

3 

 

  The Board of the Council is established by this section. 

4 

15  Role 

5 

 

(1)  The Board is responsible for ensuring the proper and efficient 

6 

performance of the Council's functions. 

7 

 

(2)  The Board has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be 

8 

done for or in connection with the performance of its duties. 

9 

 

(3)  Anything done in the name of, or on behalf of, the Council by the 

10 

Board, or with the authority of the Board, is taken to have been 

11 

done by the Council. 

12 

 

(4)  If a function or power of the Council is dependent on the opinion, 

13 

belief or state of mind of the Council in relation to a matter, the 

14 

function or power may be performed or exercised upon the 

15 

opinion, belief or state of mind of a person or body acting as 

16 

mentioned in subsection (3) in relation to that matter. 

17 

16  Membership 

18 

 

(1)  The Board consists of the following members: 

19 

 

(a)  the Chair of the Board; 

20 

 

(b)  the Deputy Chair of the Board; 

21 

 

(c)  the CEO; 

22 

 

(d)  not fewer than 5, and not more than 9, other members. 

23 

 

(2)  The performance of the functions, or the exercise of the powers, of 

24 

the Board is not affected by reason only of the number of Board 

25 

members falling below 8 (but not below 6) for a period of not more 

26 

than 6 months. 

27 

   

The Board of the Australia Council  Part 3 

Terms and conditions of appointed Board members  Division 2 

 

Section 17 

 

Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            11 

Division 2--Terms and conditions of appointed Board 

1 

members 

2 

17  Appointment of Board members 

3 

 

(1)  The appointed Board members are to be appointed by the Minister 

4 

by written instrument. 

5 

Note: 

The appointed Board members are the Board members other than the 

6 

CEO (see section 4). 

7 

 

(2)  The Minister must consult the Chair before appointing an 

8 

appointed Board member other than the Chair. 

9 

 

(3)  A person must not be appointed as an appointed Board member 

10 

unless the Minister is satisfied that the person has appropriate 

11 

qualifications, knowledge, skills or experience. 

12 

 

(4)  In making appointments, the Minister must have regard to the 

13 

desirability of the Board including members who have skills, 

14 

experience or involvement in the arts. 

15 

 

(5)  An appointed Board member holds office on a part-time basis. 

16 

 

(6)  An appointed Board member holds office for the period specified 

17 

in the instrument of appointment. The period must not exceed 3 

18 

years. 

19 

Note: 

For reappointment, see section 33AA of the Acts Interpretation Act 

20 

1901. 

21 

 

(7)  A person must not be appointed as an appointed Board member for 

22 

a period if the sum of the following exceeds 9 years: 

23 

 

(a)  that period; 

24 

 

(b)  any periods of previous appointment of the person as an 

25 

appointed Board member. 

26 

18  Acting Board members 

27 

Acting by operation of law 

28 

 

(1)  The Deputy Chair is to act as the Chair: 

29 

   

Part 3  The Board of the Australia Council 

Division 2  Terms and conditions of appointed Board members 

 

Section 18 

 

12            Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013 

 

(a)  during a vacancy in the office of Chair (whether or not an 

1 

appointment has previously been made to the office); or 

2 

 

(b)  during any period, or during all periods, when the Chair: 

3 

 

(i)  is absent from duty; or 

4 

 

(ii)  is, for any reason, unable to perform the duties of the 

5 

office. 

6 

Note: 

For rules that apply to persons acting as the Chair, see section 33A of 

7 

the Acts Interpretation Act 1901. 

8 

Acting appointments 

9 

 

(2)  The Minister may, by written instrument, appoint an appointed 

10 

Board member to act as the Deputy Chair: 

11 

 

(a)  during a vacancy in the office of Deputy Chair (whether or 

12 

not an appointment has previously been made to the office); 

13 

or 

14 

 

(b)  during any period, or during all periods, when the Deputy 

15 

Chair: 

16 

 

(i)  is acting as the Chair; or 

17 

 

(ii)  is absent from duty; or 

18 

 

(iii)  is, for any reason, unable to perform the duties of the 

19 

office. 

20 

Note: 

For rules that apply to acting appointments, see sections 33AB and 

21 

33A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901. 

22 

 

(3)  The Minister may, by written instrument, appoint a person to act as 

23 

an appointed Board member (other than the Chair or the Deputy 

24 

Chair): 

25 

 

(a)  during a vacancy in the office of an appointed Board member 

26 

(whether or not an appointment has previously been made to 

27 

the office); or 

28 

 

(b)  during any period, or during all periods, when an appointed 

29 

Board member: 

30 

 

(i)  is acting as the Deputy Chair; or 

31 

 

(ii)  is absent from duty; or 

32 

 

(iii)  is, for any reason, unable to perform the duties of the 

33 

office. 

34 

   

The Board of the Australia Council  Part 3 

Terms and conditions of appointed Board members  Division 2 

 

Section 19 

 

Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            13 

Note: 

For rules that apply to acting appointments, see sections 33AB and 

1 

33A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901. 

2 

Qualifications etc. of acting Board members 

3 

 

(4)  Subsections 17(3) and (4) apply to an appointment under this 

4 

section in the same way as they apply to an appointment under 

5 

section 17. 

6 

19  Remuneration 

7 

 

(1)  An appointed Board member is to be paid the remuneration that is 

8 

determined by the Remuneration Tribunal. If no determination of 

9 

that remuneration by the Tribunal is in operation, the member is to 

10 

be paid the remuneration that is prescribed by the rules. 

11 

 

(2)  An appointed Board member is to be paid the allowances that are 

12 

prescribed by the rules. 

13 

 

(3)  This section has effect subject to the Remuneration Tribunal Act 

14 

1973. 

15 

20  Leave 

16 

 

(1)  The Minister may grant the Chair leave of absence on the terms 

17 

and conditions that the Minister determines. 

18 

 

(2)  The Chair may grant leave of absence to any other appointed 

19 

Board member on the terms and conditions that the Chair 

20 

determines. 

21 

 

(3)  The Chair must notify the Minister if the Chair grants an appointed 

22 

Board member leave of absence for a period that exceeds 6 

23 

months. 

24 

21  Resignation 

25 

 

(1)  An appointed Board member may resign his or her appointment by 

26 

giving the Minister a written resignation. 

27 

   

Part 3  The Board of the Australia Council 

Division 2  Terms and conditions of appointed Board members 

 

Section 22 

 

14            Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013 

 

(2)  The resignation takes effect on the day it is received by the 

1 

Minister or, if a later day is specified in the resignation, on that 

2 

later day. 

3 

22  Termination 

4 

 

(1)  The Minister may terminate the appointment of an appointed 

5 

Board member: 

6 

 

(a)  for misbehaviour; or 

7 

 

(b)  if the member is unable to perform the duties of his or her 

8 

office because of physical or mental incapacity. 

9 

 

(2)  The Minister must terminate the appointment of an appointed 

10 

Board member if: 

11 

 

(a)  the member: 

12 

 

(i)  becomes bankrupt; or 

13 

 

(ii)  applies to take the benefit of any law for the relief of 

14 

bankrupt or insolvent debtors; or 

15 

 

(iii)  compounds with his or her creditors; or 

16 

 

(iv)  makes an assignment of his or her remuneration for the 

17 

benefit of his or her creditors; or 

18 

 

(b)  the member fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with 

19 

an obligation imposed on him or her by section 27F or 27J of 

20 

the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997; or 

21 

 

(c)  the member is absent, except on leave of absence, from 3 

22 

consecutive meetings of the Board. 

23 

23  Other terms and conditions 

24 

 

  An appointed Board member holds office on the terms and 

25 

conditions (if any) in relation to matters not covered by this Act 

26 

that are determined by the Minister. 

27 

   

The Board of the Australia Council  Part 3 

Procedures of the Board  Division 3 

 

Section 24 

 

Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            15 

Division 3--Procedures of the Board 

1 

24  Convening of meetings 

2 

 

(1)  The Chair must convene such meetings of the Board as are, in his 

3 

or her opinion, necessary for the efficient conduct of its affairs. 

4 

 

(2)  The Chair must convene at least 4 meetings of the Board each 

5 

calendar year. 

6 

 

(3)  The Chair must convene a meeting of the Board if directed to do so 

7 

by the Minister. 

8 

 

(4)  The Chair must, on receipt of a written request signed by a 

9 

majority of the current appointed Board members, convene a 

10 

meeting of the Board. 

11 

 

(5)  If a direction or request under subsection (3) or (4) is in writing, 

12 

the direction or request is not a legislative instrument. 

13 

25  Quorum 

14 

 

(1)  The quorum for a meeting of the Board is a majority of the current 

15 

appointed Board members. 

16 

 

(2)  However, if: 

17 

 

(a)  an appointed Board member is required by section 27J of the 

18 

Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 not to 

19 

be present during the deliberations, or to take part in any 

20 

decision, of the Board with respect to a particular matter; and 

21 

 

(b)  when the appointed Board member leaves the meeting 

22 

concerned there is no longer a quorum present; 

23 

then those remaining appointed Board members constitute a 

24 

quorum for the purposes of any deliberation or decision at that 

25 

meeting with respect to that matter. 

26 

26  Presiding at meetings 

27 

 

(1)  The Chair must preside at all meetings of the Board at which he or 

28 

she is present. 

29 

   

Part 3  The Board of the Australia Council 

Division 3  Procedures of the Board 

 

Section 27 

 

16            Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013 

 

(2)  If the Chair is not present at a meeting of the Board, the Deputy 

1 

Chair, if present, must preside at the meeting. 

2 

 

(3)  If neither the Chair nor the Deputy Chair is present at a meeting of 

3 

the Board, the appointed Board members present must elect one of 

4 

their number to preside at the meeting. 

5 

27  Voting at meetings 

6 

 

(1)  At a meeting of the Board, a question is decided by a majority of 

7 

the votes of appointed Board members present and voting. 

8 

 

(2)  The Board member presiding at the meeting has: 

9 

 

(a)  a deliberative vote; and 

10 

 

(b)  in the event of an equality of votes, a casting vote. 

11 

28  Minutes 

12 

 

  The Board must keep minutes of its meetings. 

13 

29  Conduct of meetings 

14 

 

  Subject to this Act and the Commonwealth Authorities and 

15 

Companies Act 1997, the Board may regulate the conduct of its 

16 

meetings as it thinks fit. 

17 

Note: 

Section 33B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 contains further 

18 

information about the ways in which Board members may participate 

19 

in meetings. 

20 

30  Decisions without meetings 

21 

 

(1)  The Board is taken to have made a decision at a meeting if: 

22 

 

(a)  without meeting, a majority of the current appointed Board 

23 

members entitled to vote on the proposed decision indicate 

24 

agreement with the decision; and 

25 

 

(b)  that agreement is indicated in accordance with the method 

26 

determined by the Board under subsection (2); and 

27 

 

(c)  all the current appointed Board members were informed of 

28 

the proposed decision, or reasonable efforts were made to 

29 

   

The Board of the Australia Council  Part 3 

Procedures of the Board  Division 3 

 

Section 30 

 

Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            17 

inform all the current appointed Board members of the 

1 

proposed decision. 

2 

 

(2)  Subsection (1) does not apply unless the Board: 

3 

 

(a)  has determined that it may make decisions of that kind 

4 

without meeting; and 

5 

 

(b)  has determined the method by which appointed Board 

6 

members are to indicate agreement with proposed decisions. 

7 

 

(3)  For the purposes of paragraph (1)(a), an appointed Board member 

8 

is not entitled to vote on a proposed decision if the member would 

9 

not have been entitled to vote on that proposal if the matter had 

10 

been considered at a meeting of the Board. 

11 

 

(4)  The Board must keep a record of decisions made in accordance 

12 

with this section. 

13 

   

Part 4  Committees 

   

 

Section 31 

 

18            Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013 

Part 4--Committees 

1 

   

2 

31  Committees 

3 

 

(1)  The Board may establish committees to advise or assist in the 

4 

performance of the Council's functions or the Board's functions. 

5 

Note: 

For example, the Board may establish an expert committee of persons 

6 

with appropriate experience for the purposes of peer assessment. 

7 

 

(2)  A committee may be constituted: 

8 

 

(a)  wholly by Board members; or 

9 

 

(b)  wholly by persons who are not Board members; or 

10 

 

(c)  partly by Board members and partly by other persons. 

11 

 

(3)  The Board may determine, in relation to a committee established 

12 

under this section: 

13 

 

(a)  the committee's terms of reference; and 

14 

 

(b)  the terms and conditions of appointment of the members of 

15 

the committee; and 

16 

 

(c)  the procedures to be followed by the committee. 

17 

 

(4)  The Board may give directions to a committee in relation to the 

18 

advice or assistance that the committee is to provide to the Board. 

19 

The committee must comply with those directions. 

20 

 

(5)  If a direction given to a committee under subsection (4) is in 

21 

writing, the direction is not a legislative instrument. 

22 

32  Remuneration and allowances 

23 

 

(1)  This section applies if a committee is established under section 31. 

24 

 

(2)  A committee member is to be paid the remuneration that is 

25 

determined by the Remuneration Tribunal. If no determination of 

26 

that remuneration by the Tribunal is in operation, the member is to 

27 

be paid the remuneration that is prescribed by the rules. 

28 

 

(3)  A committee member is to be paid the allowances that are 

29 

prescribed by the rules. 

30 

   

Committees  Part 4 

   

 

Section 32 

 

Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            19 

 

(4)  This section has effect subject to the Remuneration Tribunal Act 

1 

1973. 

2 

   

Part 5  CEO, staff and consultants 

Division 1  Chief Executive Officer 

 

Section 33 

 

20            Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013 

Part 5--CEO, staff and consultants 

1 

Division 1--Chief Executive Officer 

2 

33  Establishment 

3 

 

  There is to be a Chief Executive Officer of the Council. 

4 

34  Role 

5 

 

(1)  The CEO is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the 

6 

Council. 

7 

Note: 

The CEO is also a member of the Board (see section 16), but is not 

8 

entitled to vote at meetings of the Board (see section 27 and the 

9 

definition of appointed Board member in section 4). 

10 

 

(2)  The CEO has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be 

11 

done for or in connection with the performance of his or her duties. 

12 

 

(3)  The CEO is to act in accordance with any policies determined, and 

13 

any directions given, by the Board. 

14 

 

(4)  All acts and things done in the name of, or on behalf of, the 

15 

Council by the CEO, or with the authority of the CEO, are taken to 

16 

have been done by the Council. 

17 

 

(5)  If a function or power of the Council is dependent on the opinion, 

18 

belief or state of mind of the Council in relation to a matter, the 

19 

function or power may be performed or exercised upon the 

20 

opinion, belief or state of mind of a person or body acting as 

21 

mentioned in subsection (4) in relation to that matter. 

22 

 

(6)  If a policy or direction under subsection (3) is in writing, the policy 

23 

or direction is not a legislative instrument. 

24 

35  Appointment 

25 

 

(1)  The CEO is to be appointed by the Board after consultation with 

26 

the Minister. 

27 

   

CEO, staff and consultants  Part 5 

Chief Executive Officer  Division 1 

 

Section 36 

 

Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            21 

 

(2)  An appointment is to be by written instrument. 

1 

 

(3)  The CEO holds office on a full-time basis. 

2 

 

(4)  The CEO holds office for the period specified in the instrument of 

3 

appointment. The period must not exceed 5 years. 

4 

Note: 

For reappointment, see section 33AA of the Acts Interpretation Act 

5 

1901. 

6 

36  Acting CEO 

7 

 

  The Board may, after consultation with the Minister, appoint a 

8 

person to act as the CEO: 

9 

 

(a)  during a vacancy in the office of the CEO (whether or not an 

10 

appointment has previously been made to the office); or 

11 

 

(b)  during any period, or during all periods, when the CEO: 

12 

 

(i)  is absent from duty; or 

13 

 

(ii)  is, for any reason, unable to perform the duties of the 

14 

office. 

15 

Note: 

For rules that apply to acting appointments, see sections 33AB and 

16 

33A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901. 

17 

37  Other employment 

18 

 

(1)  The CEO must not engage in paid employment outside the duties 

19 

of the CEO's office without the Chair's approval. 

20 

 

(2)  The Chair must notify the Minister of any approval given under 

21 

subsection (1). 

22 

38  Remuneration 

23 

 

(1)  The CEO is to be paid the remuneration that is determined by the 

24 

Remuneration Tribunal. If no determination of that remuneration 

25 

by the Tribunal is in operation, the CEO is to be paid the 

26 

remuneration that is prescribed by the rules. 

27 

 

(2)  The CEO is to be paid the allowances that are prescribed by the 

28 

rules. 

29 

   

Part 5  CEO, staff and consultants 

Division 1  Chief Executive Officer 

 

Section 39 

 

22            Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013 

 

(3)  This section has effect subject to the Remuneration Tribunal Act 

1 

1973. 

2 

39  Leave 

3 

 

(1)  The CEO has the recreation leave entitlements that are determined 

4 

by the Remuneration Tribunal. 

5 

 

(2)  The Chair may grant the CEO leave of absence, other than 

6 

recreation leave, on the terms and conditions as to remuneration or 

7 

otherwise that the Chair determines. 

8 

 

(3)  The Chair must notify the Minister if the Chair grants the CEO 

9 

leave for a period that exceeds one month. 

10 

40  Resignation 

11 

 

(1)  The CEO may resign his or her appointment by giving the Chair a 

12 

written resignation. 

13 

 

(2)  The resignation takes effect on the day it is received by the Chair 

14 

or, if a later day is specified in the resignation, on that later day. 

15 

 

(3)  If the CEO resigns under this section, the Chair must notify the 

16 

Minister of the resignation. 

17 

41  Termination 

18 

 

(1)  The Board may terminate the appointment of the CEO: 

19 

 

(a)  for misbehaviour; or 

20 

 

(b)  if the CEO is unable to perform the duties of his or her office 

21 

because of physical or mental incapacity; or 

22 

 

(c)  if the Board is satisfied that the performance of the CEO has 

23 

been unsatisfactory for a significant period; or 

24 

 

(d)  if the CEO: 

25 

 

(i)  becomes bankrupt; or 

26 

 

(ii)  applies to take the benefit of any law for the relief of 

27 

bankrupt or insolvent debtors; or 

28 

 

(iii)  compounds with his or her creditors; or 

29 

   

CEO, staff and consultants  Part 5 

Chief Executive Officer  Division 1 

 

Section 42 

 

Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            23 

 

(iv)  makes an assignment of his or her remuneration for the 

1 

benefit of his or her creditors; or 

2 

 

(e)  if the CEO is absent, except on leave of absence, for 14 

3 

consecutive days or for 28 days in any 12 months; or 

4 

 

(f)  if the CEO fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with 

5 

an obligation imposed on him or her by section 27F or 27J of 

6 

the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997; or 

7 

 

(g)  if the CEO engages, except with the Chair's approval, in paid 

8 

employment outside the duties of his or her office. 

9 

 

(2)  If the Board terminates the appointment of the CEO, the Board 

10 

must notify the Minister of the termination. 

11 

42  Other terms and conditions 

12 

 

  The CEO holds office on the terms and conditions (if any) in 

13 

relation to matters not covered by this Act that are determined by 

14 

the Board. 

15 

   

Part 5  CEO, staff and consultants 

Division 2  Staff and consultants 

 

Section 43 

 

24            Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013 

Division 2--Staff and consultants 

1 

43  Staff 

2 

 

(1)  The Council may employ such persons as it considers necessary for 

3 

the performance of its functions and the exercise of its powers. 

4 

 

(2)  An employee is to be employed on the terms and conditions that 

5 

the Council determines in writing. 

6 

44  Consultants 

7 

 

  The Council may engage consultants to assist in the performance 

8 

of its functions. 

9 

   

Planning  Part 6 

   

 

Section 45 

 

Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            25 

Part 6--Planning 

1 

   

2 

45  Corporate plan 

3 

 

(1)  The Board must prepare a corporate plan for the Council at least 

4 

once a year. 

5 

 

(2)  The plan must cover a period of at least 3 years. 

6 

 

(3)  The plan must include details of the following matters: 

7 

 

(a)  a statement of the objectives that the Council will pursue; 

8 

 

(b)  the strategies and policies that the Council will adopt to 

9 

achieve those objectives; 

10 

 

(c)  performance indicators for the assessment of the Council's 

11 

performance of its functions; 

12 

 

(d)  the investment and financing programs of the Council, 

13 

including strategies for managing financial risk; 

14 

 

(e)  the financial targets and projections for the Council; 

15 

 

(f)  an analysis of factors likely to affect achievement of targets 

16 

or create significant financial risk for the Council or for the 

17 

Commonwealth; 

18 

 

(g)  a review of the Council's performance since the start of the 

19 

year previous to the year in which the plan is prepared, 

20 

measured against the most recent plan for any part of that 

21 

period; 

22 

 

(h)  such other matters (if any) as the Minister directs. 

23 

The plan may include other matters. 

24 

 

(4)  If a direction under paragraph (3)(h) is in writing, the direction is 

25 

not a legislative instrument. 

26 

 

(5)  The Board may vary the plan. 

27 

Endorsement by Minister 

28 

 

(6)  The plan, or a variation of the plan, does not take effect unless it 

29 

has been endorsed by the Minister. 

30 

   

Part 6  Planning 

   

 

Section 45 

 

26            Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013 

 

(7)  If an endorsement under subsection (6) is in writing, the 

1 

endorsement is not a legislative instrument. 

2 

   

Finance  Part 7 

   

 

Section 46 

 

Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            27 

Part 7--Finance 

1 

   

2 

46  Money payable to the Council 

3 

 

(1)  There is payable to the Council such money as is appropriated by 

4 

the Parliament for the purposes of the Council. 

5 

 

(2)  The Finance Minister may give directions about the amounts in 

6 

which, and the times at which, money payable under subsection (1) 

7 

is to be paid to the Council. 

8 

 

(3)  If a direction under subsection (2) is given in writing, the direction 

9 

is not a legislative instrument. 

10 

47  Application of money by the Council 

11 

 

(1)  The money of the Council is to be applied only: 

12 

 

(a)  in payment or discharge of the costs, expenses and other 

13 

obligations incurred or undertaken by the Council in the 

14 

performance of its functions and the exercise of its powers; 

15 

and 

16 

 

(b)  in payment of any remuneration or allowances payable under 

17 

this Act. 

18 

Note: 

Subsection (1) is subject to subsection 10(3) (which deals with 

19 

property held by the Council on trust, or accepted by the Council 

20 

subject to a condition). 

21 

 

(2)  Subsection (1) does not prevent investment of surplus money of the 

22 

Council under section 18 of the Commonwealth Authorities and 

23 

Companies Act 1997. 

24 

48  Restrictions on financial transactions 

25 

 

(1)  The Council must not, without the written approval of the Minister: 

26 

 

(a)  acquire any property, right or privilege for a consideration 

27 

exceeding in amount or value the amount prescribed by the 

28 

rules for the purposes of this paragraph; or 

29 

   

Part 7  Finance 

   

 

Section 49 

 

28            Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013 

 

(b)  dispose of any property, right or privilege if the amount or 

1 

value of the consideration for the disposal, or the value of the 

2 

property, right or privilege, exceeds the amount prescribed by 

3 

the rules for the purposes of this paragraph; or 

4 

 

(c)  enter into a contract for the construction of a building for the 

5 

Council, being a contract under which the Council is to pay 

6 

an amount exceeding the amount prescribed by the rules for 

7 

the purposes of this paragraph; or 

8 

 

(d)  enter into a lease of land for a period exceeding 10 years. 

9 

 

(2)  Paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) do not apply to: 

10 

 

(a)  transactions in the course of the exercise of the Council's 

11 

powers under paragraph 10(2)(g) or (h); or 

12 

 

(b)  the investment of money by the Council under section 18 of 

13 

the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997. 

14 

 

(3)  The Council must not borrow money from any person. 

15 

 

(4)  Nothing in subsection (3) affects the Corporation's ability to obtain 

16 

goods or services on credit in accordance with section 28A of the 

17 

Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997. 

18 

 

(5)  An approval under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument. 

19 

49  Investment 

20 

 

(1)  The Council may invest money, under paragraph 10(2)(g), in the 

21 

course of the direct performance of its functions. The Council may 

22 

also invest surplus money under section 18 of the Commonwealth 

23 

Authorities and Companies Act 1997. 

24 

Note: 

Paragraph 10(2)(g) gives the Council power to make investments, but 

25 

only as a means of providing financial assistance. It does not give the 

26 

Council a general power to make investments. 

27 

 

(2)  The Council must not invest money otherwise than as mentioned in 

28 

subsection (1). 

29 

50  Taxation 

30 

 

  The Council is not subject to taxation under any law of the 

31 

Commonwealth or of a State or Territory. 

32 

   

Finance  Part 7 

   

 

Section 50 

 

Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            29 

Note: 

Despite this section, the Council may be subject to taxation under 

1 

certain laws (see, for example, section 177-5 of the A New Tax System 

2 

(Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 and section 66 of the Fringe 

3 

Benefits Tax Assessment Act 1986). 

4 

   

Part 8  Other matters 

   

 

Section 51 

 

30            Australia Council Bill 2013       No.      , 2013 

Part 8--Other matters 

1 

   

2 

51  Extra reporting requirements 

3 

 

(1)  The annual report on the Council under section 9 of the 

4 

Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 must also 

5 

include: 

6 

 

(a)  the text of any directions given under any of the following 

7 

provisions during the year to which the report relates: 

8 

 

(i)  subsection 12(1); 

9 

 

(ii)  subsection 24(3); 

10 

 

(iii)  paragraph 45(3)(h); and 

11 

 

(b)  details of any guarantees given by the Council during the 

12 

year to which the report relates. 

13 

 

(2)  The Minister must cause any report or financial statements that the 

14 

Board gives the Minister under paragraph 16(1)(b) of the 

15 

Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 to be tabled 

16 

in each House of the Parliament as soon as practicable. 

17 

52  Rules 

18 

 

  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make rules 

19 

prescribing matters: 

20 

 

(a)  required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed by the 

21 

rules; or 

22 

 

(b)  necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or 

23 

giving effect to this Act. 

24