Western Australian Bills Western Australian Bills[Index] [Search] [Download] [Related Items] [Help]
This is a Bill, not an Act. For current law, see the Acts databases.
Western Australia
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal
Bill 2005
CONTENTS
Part 1 -- Preliminary
1. Short title 2
2. Commencement 2
Part 2 -- Petroleum Act 1967
3. The Act amended 3
4. Section 5 amended 3
5. Section 7AA inserted 6
6. Section 83 repealed 7
7. Section 91 amended 7
8. Section 117A inserted 7
9. Section 118 amended 8
10. Section 119 amended 8
11. Section 119A inserted 8
12. Section 125 amended 9
13. Section 126A inserted 9
14. Part IIIA inserted 11
15. Section 153 amended 12
16. Various sections amended to delete "the regulations"
(Interpretation Act 1984 s. 46) 13
17. Schedule replaced with Schedule 1 14
Part 3 -- Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
18. The Act amended 93
19. Section 4 amended 93
20. Section 5AA inserted 94
21. Section 36A amended 94
22. Section 55 repealed 95
020--1 page i
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Contents
23. Part IVA inserted 95
24. Section 61 amended 96
25. Section 62 amended 97
26. Section 63 amended 97
27. Section 63A inserted 97
28. Section 65 replaced 98
29. Sections 66BA and 66BB inserted and transitional
provision 98
30. Section 67 amended 100
31. Various sections amended to delete "or the
regulations" (Interpretation Act 1984 s. 46) 101
32. Schedule 1 inserted 101
Part 4 -- Petroleum (Submerged Lands)
Act 1982
33. The Act amended 181
34. Section 4 amended 181
35. Section 11 amended 182
36. Part IIA inserted 182
37. Section 89 repealed 183
38. Section 97 amended 183
39. Section 124B inserted 184
40. Section 125 amended 184
41. Section 126 amended 185
42. Section 126A inserted 185
43. Section 137A inserted 186
44. Part IIIA inserted 188
45. Section 152 amended 197
46. Various sections amended to delete "the regulations"
(Interpretation Act 1984 s. 46) 198
47. Schedule 5 inserted 198
Part 5 -- Other Acts
48. Barrow Island Act 2003 amended 280
49. Industrial Relations Act 1979 amended 280
50. Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 amended 281
51. Petroleum Safety Act 1999 repealed 282
page ii
Western Australia
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal
Bill 2005
A Bill for
An Act to amend the --
• Petroleum Act 1967;
• Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969;
• Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982,
5 to repeal the Petroleum Safety Act 1999 and to make consequential
amendments to the --
• Barrow Island Act 2003;
• Industrial Relations Act 1979;
• Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984,
to make provision for safety and health matters relating to
petroleum operations, petroleum pipeline operations and offshore
petroleum operations.
The Parliament of Western Australia enacts as follows:
page 1
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 1 Preliminary
s. 1
Part 1 -- Preliminary
1. Short title
This is the Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal
Act 2005.
5 2. Commencement
(1) This Act comes into operation on a day fixed by proclamation.
(2) Different days may be fixed under subsection (1) for different
provisions.
page 2
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 3
Part 2 -- Petroleum Act 1967
3. The Act amended
The amendments in this Part are to the Petroleum Act 1967*.
[* Reprinted as at 14 January 2000.
5 For subsequent amendments see Western Australian
Legislation Information Tables for 2004, Table 1, p. 335.]
4. Section 5 amended
Section 5(1) is amended by inserting in the appropriate
alphabetical positions the following definitions --
10 "
"facility" means a structure for or in connection with
carrying out a petroleum operation;
"listed OSH law" means --
(a) section 117A;
15 (b) Schedule 1;
(c) a regulation made for the purposes of
Schedule 1;
(d) a regulation made for the purposes of
section 149B; or
20 (e) any other written law relating to
occupational safety and health matters that is
prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph;
"operator" --
(a) in relation to an operation to explore for
25 petroleum or the carrying on of such
operations or the execution of such works as
are necessary for that purpose, in a permit
area, means the registered holder of the
permit for that area;
30 (b) in relation to an operation to drill for
petroleum or the carrying on of such
page 3
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 4
operations or the execution of such works as
are necessary for that purpose, in a drilling
reservation area, means the registered holder
of the drilling reservation for that area;
5 (c) in relation to an operation to explore for
petroleum or the carrying on of such
operations or the execution of such works as
are necessary for that purpose, in a lease
area, means the registered holder of the lease
10 for that area;
(d) in relation to --
(i) an operation to recover petroleum in a
licence area or to recover petroleum
from a licence area in another area;
15 (ii) an operation to explore for petroleum in
a licence area; or
(iii) the carrying on of such operations or the
execution of such works in a licence
area as are necessary for those purposes,
20 means the registered holder of the licence for
that area;
(e) in relation to an operation for the mining,
obtaining or production of petroleum under
the Barrow Island lease, as defined in
25 section 128, means the lessee, as defined in
that section;
(f) in relation to a petroleum exploration
operation specified in a special prospecting
authority, means the registered holder of the
30 special prospecting authority;
(g) in relation to a petroleum exploration
operation or an operation related to the
recovery of petroleum in or from an area
specified in an access authority, means the
35 registered holder of the access authority;
page 4
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 4
(h) in relation to the injection of petroleum into
a natural underground reservoir, means a
person (other than the Minister) who is a
party to an agreement under section 67(1), or
5 who has the Minister's approval under
section 67(2), in respect of that injection;
(i) in relation to the injection of carbon dioxide,
as defined in section 3 of the Barrow Island
Act 2003, into an underground reservoir or
10 other subsurface formation, means a person
who has the BI Act Minister's approval
under section 13 of that Act, in respect of
that injection;
(j) in relation to any other kind of operation that
15 is prescribed by the regulations to be a
petroleum operation for the purposes of the
definition of "petroleum operation", means
the person prescribed by the regulations to
be the operator of such a petroleum operation
20 for the purposes of this definition;
"other protected person" means a person who is at or
near a place where a petroleum operation is being
carried on at the invitation of, or with the express
or implied consent of --
25 (a) the operator of the petroleum operation; or
(b) a person in control of a part of the petroleum
operation;
"petroleum operation" means --
(a) an operation to explore for petroleum, and
30 the carrying on of such operations and the
execution of such works as are necessary for
that purpose;
(b) an operation to drill for petroleum, and the
carrying on of such operations and the
page 5
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 5
execution of such works as are necessary for
that purpose;
(c) an operation to recover petroleum, and the
carrying on of such operations and the
5 execution of such works as are necessary for
that purpose;
(d) an operation for the mining, obtaining or
production of petroleum under the Barrow
Island lease, as defined in section 128;
10 (e) the injection of petroleum into a natural
underground reservoir;
(f) the injection of carbon dioxide, as defined in
section 3 of the Barrow Island Act 2003, into
an underground reservoir or other subsurface
15 formation;
(g) any other kind of operation that is prescribed
by the regulations to be a petroleum
operation for the purposes of this definition,
but does not include an operation of a kind that is
20 prescribed by the regulations not to be a petroleum
operation for the purposes of this definition;
"structure" means any fixed, moveable or floating
structure or installation and includes a pipeline,
pumping station, tank station and valve station;
25 ".
5. Section 7AA inserted
After section 7 the following section is inserted --
"
7AA. Disapplication of State occupational safety and
30 health laws
(1) The prescribed occupational safety and health laws do
not apply in relation to --
(a) a petroleum operation; or
page 6
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 6
(b) a person engaged in a petroleum operation or
any other protected person.
(2) In this section --
"prescribed occupational safety and health laws"
5 means any laws of the State relating to
occupational safety and health (whether or not
they also relate to other matters) that are
prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of
this section.
10 ".
6. Section 83 repealed
Section 83 is repealed.
7. Section 91 amended
(1) Section 91(1) is amended by deleting "and shall secure the
15 safety, health and welfare of persons engaged in those
operations in or about the permit area, drilling reservation, lease
area or licence area".
(2) Section 91(3) is amended by deleting "and shall secure the
safety, health and welfare of persons engaged in those
20 operations in or about that area".
8. Section 117A inserted
After section 117 the following section is inserted --
"
117A. Interfering with petroleum operation
25 A person must not intentionally or recklessly --
(a) cause damage to, or interfere with, a well or
any structure or vessel in the State that is, or is
to be, used in a petroleum operation; or
(b) interfere with any petroleum operation.
30 Penalty: imprisonment for 10 years.
".
page 7
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 9
9. Section 118 amended
(1) Section 118(1) is amended by deleting "the purposes of this Act
and the regulations." and inserting instead --
"
5 such or all of the purposes of this Act as are specified
in the instrument of appointment.
".
(2) Section 118(2) is amended by deleting "he is such an inspector
for the purposes of this Act and the regulations." and inserting
10 instead --
"
the person is an inspector for the purposes specified in
the certificate.
".
15 10. Section 119 amended
Section 119(1) is amended by deleting "and the regulations,"
and inserting instead --
"
, but without affecting the powers of an inspector under
20 Schedule 1,
".
11. Section 119A inserted
After section 119 the following section is inserted --
"
25 119A. Protection from liability for wrongdoing
(1) An action in tort does not lie against a person for
anything that the person has done, in good faith, in the
performance or purported performance of a function
under this Act.
30 (2) The protection given by subsection (1) applies even
though the thing done as described in that subsection
page 8
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 12
may have been capable of being done whether or not
this Act had been enacted.
(3) Despite subsection (1), the State is not relieved of any
liability that it might have for another person having
5 done anything as described in that subsection.
(4) In this section a reference to the doing of anything
includes a reference to the omission to do anything.
".
12. Section 125 amended
10 Section 125 is amended by deleting "(being an offence arising
under this Part) or the regulations".
13. Section 126A inserted
After section 126 the following section is inserted --
"
15 126A. Evidentiary matters
(1) In a proceeding for an offence against this Act an
averment in the complaint that at a particular time --
(a) a particular operation was a petroleum
operation;
20 (b) a particular person was the operator of a
petroleum operation;
(c) a particular person was in control of a particular
part of a petroleum operation;
(d) a particular person was an employer who
25 carried on a petroleum operation;
(e) a particular person was an employer of a
particular person or particular persons engaged
in a petroleum operation; or
(f) a particular person was an employee or
30 inspector,
page 9
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 13
is to be taken to have been proved in the absence of
evidence to the contrary.
(2) In a proceeding for an offence against this Act, proof is
not required as to any of the following matters, unless
5 evidence is given to the contrary --
(a) a delegation under section 25 by the Minister of
a power or function;
(b) the authority of any person to institute a
proceeding for an offence against this Act other
10 than an offence against a listed OSH law;
(c) the authority of an inspector to institute a
proceeding for an offence against a listed OSH
law.
(3) In a proceeding for an offence against this Act,
15 production of a copy of --
(a) a code of practice;
(b) an Australian Standard; or
(c) an Australian/New Zealand Standard,
purporting to be certified by the CEO to be a true copy
20 as at any date or during any period is, without proof of
the signature of the CEO, sufficient evidence of the
contents of the code of practice or Standard as at that
date or during that period.
(4) In subsection (3) --
25 "Australian Standard" means a document having that
title published by Standards Australia;
"Australian/New Zealand Standard" means a
document having that title jointly published by
Standards Australia and the Standards Council of
30 New Zealand;
page 10
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 14
"CEO" means the chief executive officer of the
department of the Public Service principally
assisting in the administration of this Act.
".
5 14. Part IIIA inserted
After section 149 the following Part is inserted --
"
Part IIIA -- Occupational safety and health
149A. Occupational safety and health
10 Schedule 1 has effect.
149B. Regulations relating to occupational safety and
health
(1) The regulations may make provision in relation to --
(a) the occupational safety and health of a person
15 engaged in a petroleum operation; or
(b) the safety and health of any other protected
person.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), regulations for the
purpose of that subsection may --
20 (a) require a person who is carrying on a petroleum
operation to establish and maintain a system of
management to secure --
(i) the occupational safety and health of a
person engaged in a petroleum
25 operation; or
(ii) the safety and health of any other
protected person;
and
(b) specify requirements with which the system
30 must comply.
page 11
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 15
149C. Minister's occupational safety and health functions
(1) The Minister has the following functions --
(a) to promote the occupational safety and health
of persons engaged in petroleum operations;
5 (b) to develop and implement effective monitoring
and enforcement strategies to secure
compliance by persons with their occupational
safety and health obligations under this Act;
(c) to investigate accidents, occurrences and
10 circumstances that affect, or have the potential
to affect, the occupational safety and health of
persons engaged in petroleum operations;
(d) to advise persons, either on the Minister's own
initiative or on request, on occupational safety
15 and health matters relating to petroleum
operations.
(2) The Minister has power to do all things necessary or
convenient to be done for or in connection with the
performance of the Minister's functions.
20 ".
15. Section 153 amended
(1) Section 153(2) is amended as follows:
(a) after paragraph (j) by deleting "and";
(b) in paragraph (k) by deleting "State." and inserting
25 instead --
"
State;
(l) fees in relation to petroleum operations, safety
audits or other services provided by the
30 Minister;
page 12
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 16
(m) any transitional matter arising out of the
amendments made to this Act by the Petroleum
Legislation Amendment and Repeal Act 2005.
".
5 (2) After section 153(2b) the following subsection is inserted --
"
(2c) Regulations under this section may adopt or apply,
with or without modification, any regulation made
under the Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969, the Petroleum
10 (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 or the Commonwealth
Act as defined in that Act, that is in force or existing at
the time when the regulations under this section take
effect or as in force or existing from time to time.
".
15 16. Various sections amended to delete "the regulations"
(Interpretation Act 1984 s. 46)
(1) The provisions set out in the Table to this section are amended
by deleting "or the regulations" in each case.
Table
s. 8(1) (twice) s. 121(1) and (2)
s. 25(1)(a)
20 (2) The provisions set out in the Table to this section are amended
by deleting "and the regulations" in each case.
Table
s. 38 s. 105(4)
s. 43D s. 106(5)
s. 48C s. 112(6)
s. 62
page 13
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
17. Schedule replaced with Schedule 1
The Schedule is repealed and the following Schedule is inserted
instead --
"
5 Schedule 1 -- Occupational safety and health
[s. 149A]
Division 1 -- Introduction
1. Objects
The objects of this Schedule are, in relation to petroleum
10 operations --
(a) to secure the occupational safety and health of
persons engaged in those operations;
(b) to protect persons in the vicinity of those operations
at the invitation of, or with the express or implied
15 consent of, the operators of, or persons in control of
a part of, those operations from risks to safety and
health arising out of those operations;
(c) to ensure that expert advice is available on
occupational safety and health matters in relation to
20 those operations;
(d) to promote an occupational environment for
members of the workforce engaged in those
operations that is adapted to their needs relating to
safety and health; and
25 (e) to foster a consultative relationship between all
relevant persons concerning the safety and health of
members of the workforce engaged in those
operations.
page 14
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
2. Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Schedule --
• This Schedule sets up a scheme to regulate occupational
safety and health matters relating to petroleum
5 operations.
• Occupational safety and health duties are imposed on
the following --
(a) the operator of a petroleum operation;
(b) a person in control of any part of a petroleum
10 operation;
(c) an employer;
(d) a manufacturer of plant, or a substance, for use in
a petroleum operation;
(e) a supplier of a facility, or of any plant or
15 substance, for use in a petroleum operation;
(f) a person who erects or installs a facility, or any
plant, for use in a petroleum operation;
(g) a person engaged in a petroleum operation.
• A group of members of the workforce engaged in a
20 petroleum operation may be established as a designated
work group.
• The members of a designated work group may select a
safety and health representative for that designated
work group.
25 • The safety and health representative may exercise
certain powers for the purpose of promoting or ensuring
the occupational safety and health of group members.
• An inspector may conduct an inspection --
(a) to ascertain whether a listed OSH law is being
30 complied with;
(b) concerning a contravention or a possible
contravention of a listed OSH law; or
page 15
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
(c) concerning an accident or dangerous occurrence
that has happened at or near a place at which a
petroleum operation is carried on.
• The operator of a petroleum operation must report to
5 the Minister accidents and dangerous occurrences
arising out of the petroleum operation.
3. Definitions
In this Schedule --
"accident" includes the contraction of a disease;
10 "contract" includes an arrangement or understanding;
"contractor" has the meaning given by clause 6;
"dangerous occurrence" means an occurrence declared by
the regulations to be a dangerous occurrence for the
purposes of this definition;
15 "designated work group" means --
(a) a group of members of the workforce engaged in
a petroleum operation that is established as a
designated work group under clause 17 or 18; or
(b) that group as varied in accordance with clause 19
20 or 20;
"employee", in relation to an employer, means an employee
of that employer;
"employer" means an employer who carries on a petroleum
operation;
25 "group member", in relation to a designated work group
for a petroleum operation, means a person who is --
(a) a member of the workforce engaged in that
operation; and
(b) included in that designated work group;
30 "improvement notice" means an improvement notice
issued under clause 60(1);
"inspection" means an inspection conducted under
Division 4 and includes an investigation or inquiry;
page 16
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
"member of the workforce", in relation to a petroleum
operation, means a natural person who is engaged in
the operation, whether --
(a) as an employee of the operator or of another
5 person; or
(b) as a contractor of the operator or of another
person;
"operator's representative" means a person present at a
workplace in compliance with the obligations imposed
10 on the operator by clause 4;
"own" includes own jointly and own in part;
"plant" includes any machinery, equipment or tool, or any
component;
"premises" includes the following --
15 (a) a structure or building;
(b) a place (whether or not enclosed or built on);
(c) a part of a thing referred to in paragraph (a) or
(b);
"prohibition notice" means a prohibition notice issued
20 under clause 58(1);
"registered organisation" means an organisation --
(a) within the meaning of the Workplace Relations
Act 1996 of the Commonwealth; or
(b) as defined in section 7(1) of the Industrial
25 Relations Act 1979;
"regulated business premises" means --
(a) a place where a petroleum operation is carried
on; or
(b) premises that are --
30 (i) occupied by a person who is the operator of
a petroleum operation; and
(ii) used, or proposed to be used, wholly or
principally in connection with a petroleum
operation;
page 17
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
"regulations" means regulations made for the purposes of
this Schedule;
"Tribunal" has the meaning given to that term in the
Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984
5 section 51G(2);
"work" means work that is directly or indirectly related to a
petroleum operation;
"workforce representative" means --
(a) in relation to a person who is a member of the
10 workforce engaged in a petroleum operation -- a
registered organisation of which that person is a
member, if the person is qualified to be a
member of that organisation because of the work
the person performs in relation to the petroleum
15 operation; or
(b) in relation to a designated work group or a
proposed designated work group -- a registered
organisation of which a person who is, or who is
likely to be, in the work group is a member, if
20 the person is qualified to be a member of that
organisation because of the work the person
performs, or will perform, in relation to the
petroleum operation as a member of the group;
"work group employer", in relation to a designated work
25 group in relation to a petroleum operation, means an
employer of one or more group members, but does not
include the operator of the petroleum operation;
"workplace", in relation to a petroleum operation, means
the whole place where the petroleum operation is
30 carried on or any part of a place where the petroleum
operation is carried on.
4. Operator must ensure presence of operator's
representative
(1) The operator of a petroleum operation must ensure that, at
35 all times when one or more natural persons are engaged in
the petroleum operation, there is present at the workplace a
natural person (the "operator's representative") who has
page 18
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
day to day management and control of the petroleum
operation.
Penalty: $5 500.
(2) The operator of a petroleum operation must ensure that the
5 name of the operator's representative is displayed in a
prominent place at the workplace.
Penalty: $5 500.
(3) Subclause (1) does not imply that, if the operator is a natural
person, the operator's representative may not be, from time
10 to time, the operator.
5. Safety and health of persons using an accommodation
amenity
For the avoidance of doubt, a reference in this Schedule to
the occupational safety and health of a person includes a
15 reference to the safety and health of a person using an
accommodation amenity provided for the accommodation of
persons engaged in a petroleum operation.
6. Contractor
For the purposes of this Schedule, a natural person is taken
20 to be a "contractor" of another person (the "relevant
person") if the natural person is engaged in a petroleum
operation under a contract for services between --
(a) the relevant person; and
(b) either --
25 (i) the natural person; or
(ii) the employer of the natural person.
Division 2 -- Occupational safety and health
Subdivision 1 -- Duties relating to occupational safety and health
7. Duties of operator
30 (1) The operator of a petroleum operation must take all
reasonably practicable steps to ensure that the petroleum
page 19
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
operation is carried out in a manner that is safe and without
risk to the health of persons engaged in the petroleum
operation or other protected persons.
Penalty: $110 000.
5 (2) Without limiting the generality of subclause (1), the
operator of a petroleum operation must --
(a) provide and maintain a physical environment at the
place where the petroleum operation is carried out
that is safe and without risk to health;
10 (b) provide and maintain adequate amenities for the
safety and health of all members of the workforce
engaged in the petroleum operation;
(c) ensure that any plant, equipment, materials and
substances for use in the petroleum operation are
15 safe and without risk to health;
(d) implement and maintain systems of work in relation
to the petroleum operation that are safe and without
risk to health;
(e) implement and maintain appropriate procedures and
20 equipment for the control of, and response to,
emergencies arising out of the petroleum operation;
(f) provide all members of the workforce, in
appropriate languages, with the information,
instruction, training and supervision necessary for
25 them to carry out their activities in a manner that
does not adversely affect the occupational safety
and health of persons engaged in the petroleum
operation;
(g) monitor the occupational safety and health of all
30 members of the workforce and keep records of that
monitoring;
(h) provide appropriate medical and first aid services at
the places at which a petroleum operation is carried
on; and
page 20
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
(i) develop, in consultation with members of the
workforce and workforce representatives, a policy
relating to occupational safety and health that --
(i) will enable the operator and the members of
5 the workforce to cooperate effectively in
promoting and developing measures to
ensure the occupational safety and health of
persons engaged in the petroleum operation;
(ii) will provide adequate mechanisms for
10 reviewing the effectiveness of the measures;
and
(iii) provides for the making of an agreement
that complies with subclauses (4) and (5).
Penalty: $110 000.
15 (3) Subclause (2)(i) does not require the operator of a petroleum
operation to engage in consultations with a workforce
representative unless a member of the workforce engaged in
the petroleum operation has requested the workforce
representative to be involved in those consultations.
20 (4) The agreement referred to in subclause (2)(i)(iii) must be
between --
(a) on the one hand -- the operator; and
(b) on the other hand --
(i) the members of the workforce; and
25 (ii) if a member of the workforce engaged in
the petroleum operation has requested a
workforce representative in relation to the
member to be a party to that agreement --
that workforce representative.
30 (5) The agreement referred to in subclause (2)(i)(iii) must
provide appropriate mechanisms for continuing consultation
between --
(a) on the one hand -- the operator; and
(b) on the other hand --
35 (i) the members of the workforce; and
page 21
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
(ii) if a member of the workforce engaged in
the petroleum operation has requested a
workforce representative in relation to the
member to be involved in consultations on a
5 particular occasion -- that workforce
representative.
(6) The agreement may provide for any other matters agreed
between the parties to it.
8. Duties of persons in control of parts of petroleum
10 operation
(1) A person who is in control of any part of a petroleum
operation must take all reasonably practicable steps to
ensure that that part of the petroleum operation is carried out
in a manner that is safe and without risk to the health of
15 persons engaged in the petroleum operation or other
protected persons
Penalty: $110 000.
(2) Without limiting the generality of subclause (1), a person
who is in control of any part of a petroleum operation
20 must --
(a) ensure that the physical environment at the place
where that part of the petroleum operation is carried
out is safe and without risk to health;
(b) ensure that any plant, equipment, materials and
25 substances for use in that part of the petroleum
operation are safe and without risk to health;
(c) implement and maintain systems of work in relation
to that part of the petroleum operation that are safe
and without risk to health;
30 (d) ensure a means of access to, and egress from the
place where that part of the petroleum operation is
carried out is safe and without risk to health; and
(e) provide all members of the workforce engaged in
that part of the petroleum operation in appropriate
35 languages, with the information, instruction,
training and supervision necessary for them to carry
page 22
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
out their work in a manner that is safe and without
risk to health.
Penalty: $110 000.
9. Duties of employers
5 (1) An employer must take all reasonably practicable steps to
protect the safety and health of employees engaged in a
petroleum operation.
Penalty: $110 000.
(2) Without limiting the generality of subclause (1), an
10 employer must --
(a) provide and maintain a working environment that is
safe for employees and without risk to their health;
(b) ensure that any plant, equipment, materials and
substances for use in connection with the
15 employees' work are safe and without risk to health;
(c) implement and maintain systems of work that are
safe and without risk to health;
(d) provide a means of access to, and egress from, the
employees' work location that is safe and without
20 risk to health; and
(e) provide the employees, in appropriate languages,
with the information, instruction, training and
supervision necessary for them to carry out their
work in a manner that is safe and without risk to
25 health.
Penalty: $110 000.
(3) A person has, in respect of a contractor of that person, the
same obligations that an employer has under subclauses (1)
and (2) in respect of an employee of that employer, but only
30 in relation to --
(a) matters over which the first-mentioned person has
control; or
page 23
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
(b) matters over which --
(i) the first-mentioned person would have had
control apart from express provision to the
contrary in a contract; and
5 (ii) the first-mentioned person would, in the
circumstances, usually be expected to have
had control.
(4) An employer must take all reasonable steps to --
(a) monitor the safety and health of employees; and
10 (b) keep records of that monitoring.
Penalty: $110 000.
(5) An employer must take all reasonably practicable steps to
ensure that --
(a) work that is undertaken by the employer's
15 employees is carried out in a manner that is safe and
without risk to the health of persons engaged in the
petroleum operation or other protected persons; and
(b) the employer's system of work is operated in a
manner that is safe and without risk to the health of
20 persons engaged in the petroleum operation or other
protected persons.
Penalty: $22 000.
10. Duties of manufacturers in relation to plant and
substances
25 (1) A manufacturer of any plant that the manufacturer knows or
ought reasonably to expect will be used by members of the
workforce engaged in a petroleum operation must take all
reasonably practicable steps --
(a) to ensure that the plant is so designed and
30 constructed as to be, when properly used, safe and
without risk to health;
(b) to carry out, or cause to be carried out, the research,
testing and examination necessary in order to
discover, and to eliminate or minimise, any risk to
page 24
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
safety or health that may arise from the use of the
plant; and
(c) to make available, in connection with the use of the
plant in a petroleum operation, adequate written
5 information about --
(i) the use for which it is designed and has
been tested;
(ii) details of its design and construction; and
(iii) any conditions necessary to ensure that,
10 when put to the use for which it was
designed and tested, it will be safe and
without risk to health.
Penalty: $22 000.
(2) A manufacturer of any substance that the manufacturer
15 knows or ought reasonably to expect will be used by
members of the workforce engaged in a petroleum operation
must take all reasonably practicable steps --
(a) to ensure that the substance is so manufactured as to
be, when properly used, safe and without risk to
20 health;
(b) to carry out, or cause to be carried out, the research,
testing and examination necessary to discover, and
to eliminate or minimise, any risk to safety or health
that may arise from the use of the substance; and
25 (c) to make available, in connection with the use of the
substance in a petroleum operation, adequate
written information concerning --
(i) the use for which it is manufactured and has
been tested;
30 (ii) details of its composition;
(iii) any conditions necessary to ensure that,
when put to the use for which it was
manufactured and tested, it will be safe and
without risk to health; and
page 25
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
(iv) the first aid and medical procedures that
should be followed if the substance causes
injury.
Penalty: $22 000.
5 (3) If --
(a) plant or a substance is imported into Australia by a
person who is not its manufacturer; and
(b) at the time of the importation, the manufacturer of
the plant or substance does not have a place of
10 business in Australia,
the first-mentioned person is taken, for the purposes of this
clause, to be the manufacturer of the plant or substance.
(4) This clause does not affect the operation of any other law of
this State that imposes an obligation on a manufacturer in
15 respect of defective goods or in respect of information to be
supplied in relation to goods.
11. Duties of suppliers of facilities, plant and substances
(1) A supplier of a facility, or of any plant or substance, that the
supplier ought reasonably to expect will be used by
20 members of the workforce engaged in a petroleum
operation, must take all reasonably practicable steps --
(a) to ensure that, at the time of supply, the facility, or
the plant or substance, is in such condition as to be,
when properly used, safe and without risk to health;
25 (b) to carry out, or cause to be carried out, the research,
testing and examination necessary to discover, and
to eliminate or minimise, any risk to safety or health
that may arise from the condition of the facility,
plant or substance; and
30 (c) to make available --
(i) in the case of a facility -- to the operator of
the petroleum operation; and
(ii) in the case of plant or substance -- to the
person to whom the plant or substance is
35 supplied,
page 26
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
adequate written information, in connection with
the use of the facility, plant or substance (as the
case requires) about --
(iii) the condition of the facility, plant or
5 substance at the time of supply;
(iv) any risk to the safety and health of members
of the workforce engaged in a petroleum
operation to which the condition of the
facility, plant or substance may give rise
10 unless it is properly used;
(v) the steps that need to be taken in order to
eliminate that risk; and
(vi) in the case of a substance -- the first aid
and medical procedures that should be
15 followed if the condition of the substance
causes injury to a member of the workforce
engaged in a petroleum operation.
Penalty: $22 000.
(2) For the purposes of subclause (1), if a person
20 (the "ostensible supplier") supplies to a person either a
facility, or any plant or substance, that is for use by
members of the workforce engaged in a petroleum
operation, and the ostensible supplier --
(a) carries on the business of financing the acquisition
25 or the use of goods by other persons;
(b) has, in the course of that business, acquired an
interest in the facility, or in the plant or substance,
from another person (the "actual supplier"), solely
for the purpose of financing its acquisition by, or its
30 provision to, the person to whom it is finally
supplied; and
(c) has not taken possession of the facility, plant or
substance, or has taken possession of the facility,
plant or substance solely for the purpose of passing
35 possession of the facility, plant or substance to the
person to whom it is finally supplied,
page 27
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
a reference in subclause (1) to a supplier is, in relation to the
facility, plant or substance referred to in this subclause, to be
read as a reference to the actual supplier and not as a
reference to the ostensible supplier.
5 (3) This clause does not affect the operation of any other law of
this State that imposes an obligation in respect of the sale or
supply of goods or in respect of the information to be
supplied in relation to goods.
12. Duties of persons erecting facilities or installing plant
10 (1) A person who erects or installs a facility, or erects or installs
any plant, for use in a petroleum operation, must take all
reasonably practicable steps to ensure that the facility or
plant is not erected or installed in such a way that it is
unsafe or constitutes a risk to safety or health.
15 Penalty: $22 000.
(2) This clause does not affect the operation of any other law of
this State that imposes an obligation in respect of the
erection or installation of structures or goods or the supply
of services.
20 13. Duties of persons in relation to occupational safety and
health
(1) A person engaged in a petroleum operation must, at all
times, take all reasonably practicable steps --
(a) to ensure that the person does not take any action,
25 or make any omission, that creates a risk, or
increases an existing risk, to --
(i) the occupational safety and health of that
person; or
(ii) the safety and health of any other protected
30 person;
(b) in respect of any obligation imposed on the operator
or on any other person under a listed OSH law -- to
cooperate with the operator or that other person to
the extent necessary to enable the operator or that
35 other person to fulfil that obligation; and
page 28
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
(c) to use equipment that is --
(i) supplied to the person by the operator, an
employer of the person or any other person
having control of the petroleum operation
5 (the "equipment supplier"); and
(ii) necessary to protect the occupational safety
and health of the person, or the safety and
health of any other person engaged in the
petroleum operation or protected person,
10 in accordance with any instructions given by the
equipment supplier, consistent with the safe and
proper use of the equipment.
Penalty: $5 500.
(2) Despite subclause (1), the choice or manner of use, or
15 choice and manner of use, of equipment of the kind referred
to in subclause (1)(c)(ii) is a matter that may be, consistently
with each listed OSH law --
(a) agreed on between the equipment supplier and any
relevant safety and health representative; or
20 (b) agreed on by a safety and health committee.
(3) If an agreement of the kind referred to in subclause (2)(a) or
(b) provides a process for choosing equipment of a
particular kind that is to be provided by the equipment
supplier, action must not be taken against a person for
25 failure to use equipment of that kind that is so provided
unless the equipment has been chosen in accordance with
that process.
(4) If an agreement of the kind referred to in subclause (2)(a) or
(b) provides a process for determining the manner of use of
30 equipment of a particular kind, action must not be taken
against a person for failure to use, in the manner required by
the equipment supplier, equipment of that kind that is so
provided unless the manner has been determined in
accordance with that process.
page 29
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
14. Reliance on information supplied or results of research
(1) For the purpose of the application of clause 7, 8 or 9 to the
use of plant or a substance, a person on whom an obligation
is imposed under any of those clauses is regarded as having
5 taken reasonably practicable steps as required by the
relevant clause, in relation to the use of the plant or
substance, to the extent that --
(a) the person ensured, so far as practicable, that its use
was in accordance with the information supplied by
10 the manufacturer or the supplier of the plant or
substance relating to occupational safety and health
in its use; and
(b) it was reasonable for the person to rely on that
information.
15 (2) For the purpose of the application of clause 10 or 11 to
carrying out research, testing and examining a facility, or
any plant or substance, a person on whom an obligation is
imposed under either of those clauses is regarded as having
taken reasonably practicable steps as required by the
20 relevant clause, in relation to carrying out research, testing
and examining the facility, plant or substance, to the extent
that --
(a) the research, testing or examination has already
been carried out by or on behalf of someone else;
25 and
(b) it was reasonable for the person to rely on that
research, testing or examination.
(3) For the purpose of the application of clause 12 to the
erection of a facility or the erection or installation of plant
30 for use in a petroleum operation, a person on whom an
obligation is imposed under that clause is regarded as
having taken reasonably practicable steps as required by that
clause to the extent that --
(a) the person ensured, so far as is reasonably
35 practicable, that the erection of the facility, or the
erection or installation of the plant, was --
page 30
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
(i) in accordance with information supplied by
the manufacturer or supplier of the facility
or plant relating to its erection or its
installation; and
5 (ii) consistent with the occupational safety and
health of persons engaged in the petroleum
operation;
and
(b) it was reasonable for the person to rely on that
10 information.
(4) Nothing in this clause limits the generality of what
constitutes reasonably practicable steps as required by
clause 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12.
Subdivision 2 -- Regulations relating to occupational safety
15 and health
15. Regulations relating to occupational safety and health
(1) The regulations may make provision relating to any matter
affecting, or likely to affect, the occupational safety and
health of persons engaged in a petroleum operation.
20 (2) Regulations made for the purposes of subclause (1) may
make provision for any or all of the following --
(a) prohibiting or restricting the performance of all
work or specified work in relation to a petroleum
operation;
25 (b) prohibiting or restricting the use of all plant or
specified plant in a petroleum operation;
(c) prohibiting or restricting the carrying out of all
processes or a specified process in a petroleum
operation;
30 (d) prohibiting or restricting the storage or use of all
substances or specified substances in a petroleum
operation;
page 31
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
(e) specifying the form in which information required
to be made available under clause 10(1)(c) or
11(1)(c) is to be so made available;
(f) prohibiting, except in accordance with licences
5 granted under the regulations, the use of specified
plant or specified substances in a petroleum
operation;
(g) providing for --
(i) the issue, variation, renewal, transfer,
10 suspension and cancellation of those
licences; and
(ii) the conditions to which the licences may be
subject;
(h) regulating the maintenance and testing of plant for
15 use in a petroleum operation;
(i) regulating the labelling or marking of substances for
use in a petroleum operation;
(j) regulating the transport of specified plant or
specified substances for use in a petroleum
20 operation;
(k) prohibiting the performance, in relation to a
petroleum operation, of specified activities or work
except --
(i) by persons who satisfy requirements of the
25 regulations as to qualifications, training or
experience; or
(ii) under the supervision specified in the
regulations;
(l) requiring specified action to avoid accidents or
30 dangerous occurrences;
(m) providing for, or prohibiting, specified action in the
event of accidents or dangerous occurrences;
(n) providing for the employment of persons to perform
specified duties relating to the maintenance of
35 occupational safety and health in relation to a
petroleum operation;
page 32
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
(o) regulating the provision and use, in a petroleum
operation, of protective clothing and equipment,
safety equipment and rescue equipment;
(p) providing for monitoring the health of members of
5 the workforce engaged in a petroleum operation and
the conditions at a place at which a petroleum
operation is carried out;
(q) requiring employers to keep records of matters
related to the occupational safety and health of
10 employees;
(r) providing for the provision of first aid equipment
and amenities at a place at which a petroleum
operation is carried out.
Division 3 -- Workplace arrangements
15 Subdivision 1 -- Introduction
16. Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Subdivision --
• A group of members of the workforce engaged in a
petroleum operation may be established as a designated
20 work group.
• The members of a designated work group may select a
safety and health representative for that designated
work group.
• The safety and health representative may exercise
25 certain powers for the purpose of promoting or ensuring
the occupational safety and health of group members.
• A safety and health committee may be established in
relation to the members of the workforce engaged in a
petroleum operation.
30 • The main function of a safety and health committee is
to assist the operator in relation to occupational safety
and health matters.
page 33
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
Subdivision 2 -- Designated work groups
17. Establishment of designated work groups by request
(1) A request to the operator of a petroleum operation to enter
into consultations to establish designated work groups in
5 relation to the members of the workforce engaged in the
petroleum operation may be made by --
(a) any member of the workforce; or
(b) if a member of the workforce requests a workforce
representative in relation to the member to make the
10 request to the operator -- that workforce
representative.
(2) The operator of a petroleum operation must, within 14 days
after receiving a request under subclause (1), enter into
consultations with --
15 (a) if any member of the workforce made a request to
establish designated work groups --
(i) that member of the workforce;
(ii) if that member requests that the operator
enter into consultations with a workforce
20 representative in relation to the member --
that workforce representative; and
(iii) each employer (if any) of members of the
workforce;
and
25 (b) if a workforce representative made a request to
establish designated work groups --
(i) if a member of the workforce requests that
the operator enter into consultations with
that workforce representative -- that
30 workforce representative; and
(ii) each employer of members of the
workforce.
(3) Within 14 days after the completion of consultations about
the establishment of the designated work groups, the
35 operator must, by notifying the members of the workforce,
page 34
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
establish the designated work groups in accordance with the
outcome of the consultations.
18. Establishment of designated work groups at initiative of
operator
5 (1) If, at any time, the operator of a petroleum operation
considers that designated work groups should be
established, the operator must enter into consultations
with --
(a) all members of the workforce;
10 (b) if a member of the workforce requests that the
operator enter into consultations with a workforce
representative in relation to the member -- that
workforce representative; and
(c) each employer (if any) of members of the
15 workforce.
(2) Within 14 days after the completion of consultations about
the establishment of the designated work groups, the
operator must, by notifying the members of the workforce,
establish the designated work groups in accordance with the
20 outcome of the consultations.
19. Variation of designated work groups by request
(1) A request to the operator of a petroleum operation to enter
into consultations to vary designated work groups that have
already been established in relation to the members of the
25 workforce engaged in the petroleum operation may be made
by --
(a) any member of the workforce; or
(b) if a member of the workforce requests a workforce
representative in relation to the member to make the
30 request to the operator -- that workforce
representative.
page 35
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
(2) The operator of a petroleum operation must, within 14 days
after receiving a request under subclause (1), enter into
consultations with --
(a) if any member of the workforce made a request to
5 vary designated work groups --
(i) that member of the workforce;
(ii) the safety and health representative of each
designated work group affected by the
proposed variation; and
10 (iii) each work group employer (if any) in
relation to each designated work group
affected by the proposed variation;
and
(b) if a workforce representative made a request to vary
15 designated work groups --
(i) if a member of a designated work group
affected by the proposed variation requests
that the operator enter into consultations
with that workforce representative in
20 relation to the group -- that workforce
representative;
(ii) the safety and health representative of each
designated work group affected by the
proposed variation; and
25 (iii) each work group employer (if any) in
relation to each designated work group
affected by the proposed variation.
(3) If --
(a) consultations take place about the variation of
30 designated work groups that have already been
established; and
(b) as a result of the consultations, it has been
determined that the variation of some or all of those
designated work groups is justified,
35 then, within 14 days after the completion of the
consultations, the operator must, by notifying the members
page 36
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
of the workforce who are affected by the variation, vary the
designated work groups in accordance with the outcome of
the consultations.
20. Variation of designated work groups at initiative of
5 operator
(1) If the operator of a petroleum operation believes the
designated work groups should be varied, the operator may,
at any time, enter into consultations about the variations
with --
10 (a) the safety and health representative of each of the
designated work groups affected by the proposed
variation;
(b) if a member of a designated work group affected by
the proposed variation requests that the operator
15 enter into consultations with that workforce
representative in relation to the group -- that
workforce representative; and
(c) each work group employer (if any) in relation to
each designated work group affected by the
20 proposed variation.
(2) If --
(a) consultations take place about the variation of
designated work groups that have already been
established; and
25 (b) as a result of the consultations, it has been
determined that the variation of some or all of those
designated work groups is justified,
then, within 14 days after the completion of the
consultations, the operator must, by notifying the members
30 of the workforce who are affected by the variation, vary the
designated work groups in accordance with the outcome of
the consultations.
21. Referral of disagreement to reviewing authority
(1) If, in the course of consultations under clause 17, 18, 19 or
35 20, there is a disagreement between any of the parties to the
page 37
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
consultation about the manner of establishing or varying a
designated work group, any party may, for the purpose of
facilitating that consultation, refer the matter of
disagreement to the reviewing authority.
5 (2) The party referring the matter to the reviewing authority
must give notice of the referral to all the other parties to the
disagreement.
(3) The reviewing authority is to --
(a) resolve the matter of the disagreement referred to
10 the reviewing authority; and
(b) notify all parties to the disagreement of the
decision.
(4) If the matter of a disagreement is referred to the reviewing
authority, the parties to the disagreement must complete the
15 consultation in accordance with the resolution of that matter
by the reviewing authority.
(5) In this clause --
"reviewing authority" means a person prescribed by the
regulations to be a reviewing authority for the purposes
20 of this clause.
22. Manner of grouping members of the workforce
(1) Consultations about the establishment or variation of a
designated work group must be directed principally at the
determination of the manner of grouping members of the
25 workforce --
(a) that best and most conveniently enables their
interests relating to occupational safety and health
to be represented and safeguarded; and
(b) that best takes account of the need for any safety
30 and health representative selected for that
designated work group to be accessible to each
group member.
page 38
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
(2) The parties to the consultations must have regard, in
particular, to --
(a) the number of members of the workforce engaged
in the petroleum operation to which the consultation
5 relates;
(b) the nature of each type of work performed by those
members;
(c) the number and grouping of those members who
perform the same or similar types of work;
10 (d) the workplaces where each type of work is
performed;
(e) the nature of any risks to safety and health at each
of those workplaces; and
(f) any overtime or shift working arrangement in
15 relation to the petroleum operation.
(3) The designated work groups must be established or varied in
such a way that, so far as practicable, each of the members
of the workforce engaged in a petroleum operation is in a
designated work group.
20 (4) All the members of the workforce engaged in a petroleum
operation may be in one designated work group.
Subdivision 3 -- Safety and health representatives
23. Selection of safety and health representatives
(1) One safety and health representative may be selected for
25 each designated work group.
(2) A person is not eligible for selection as the safety and health
representative for a designated work group unless the person
is a member of the workforce included in the group.
(3) A person is taken to have been selected as the safety and
30 health representative for a designated work group if --
(a) all the members of the workforce in the group
unanimously agree to the selection; or
page 39
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
(b) the person is elected as the safety and health
representative of the group in accordance with
clause 24.
24. Election of safety and health representatives
5 (1) If --
(a) there is a vacancy in the office of safety and health
representative for a designated work group; and
(b) within a reasonable time after the vacancy occurs, a
person has not been selected under clause 23(3)(a),
10 the operator of the petroleum operation must invite
nominations from all group members for election as the
safety and health representative of the group.
(2) If the office of safety and health representative is vacant and
the operator has not invited nominations within a further
15 reasonable time that is no later than 6 months after the
vacancy occurred, the Minister may direct the operator to do
so.
(3) If there is more than one candidate for election at the close
of the nomination period, the operator must conduct, or
20 arrange for the conduct of, an election at the operator's
expense.
(4) An election conducted or arranged to be conducted under
subclause (3) must be conducted in accordance with
regulations made for the purposes of this subclause if this is
25 requested by the lesser of --
(a) 100 members of the workforce normally in the
designated work group; or
(b) a majority of the members of the workforce
normally in the designated work group.
30 (5) If there is only one candidate for election at the close of the
nomination period, that person is taken to have been elected.
(6) A person cannot be a candidate in the election if he or she is
disqualified under clause 30.
page 40
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
(7) All the members of the workforce in the designated work
group are entitled to vote in the election.
(8) An operator conducting or arranging for the conduct of an
election under this clause must comply with any relevant
5 directions issued by the Minister.
25. List of safety and health representatives
The operator of a petroleum operation must --
(a) prepare and keep up to date a list of all the safety
and health representatives of designated work
10 groups comprising members of the workforce
engaged in the petroleum operation; and
(b) ensure that the list is available for inspection, at all
reasonable times, by --
(i) the members of the workforce engaged in
15 the petroleum operation; and
(ii) inspectors.
26. Members of designated work group must be notified of
selection etc. of safety and health representative
The operator of a petroleum operation must --
20 (a) notify members of a designated work group in
relation to the petroleum operation of a vacancy in
the office of safety and health representative for the
designated work group within a reasonable time
after the vacancy arises; and
25 (b) notify those members of the name of any person
selected (whether under clause 23(3)(a) or (b)) as
safety and health representative for the designated
work group within a reasonable time after the
selection is made.
30 27. Term of office
(1) A safety and health representative for a designated work
group holds office --
(a) if, in consultations that took place under clause 17,
18, 19 or 20, the parties to the consultations agreed
page 41
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
to the period for which the safety and health
representative for the group was to hold office --
for that period; or
(b) if paragraph (a) does not apply -- for 2 years.
5 (2) The term of office of a safety and health representative
begins at the start of the day on which he or she was
selected.
(3) Nothing in this clause prevents a safety and health
representative from being selected for further terms of
10 office.
28. Training of safety and health representatives
(1) A safety and health representative for a designated work
group must undertake a course of training relating to
occupational safety and health that is accredited by the
15 Minister for the purposes of this clause.
(2) The operator of the petroleum operation concerned must
permit the representative to take any time off work, without
loss of remuneration or other entitlements, that is necessary
to undertake the training.
20 (3) If a person other than the operator is the employer of the
representative, that person must permit the representative to
take any time off work, without loss of remuneration or
other entitlements, that is necessary to undertake the
training.
25 29. Resignation etc. of safety and health representatives
(1) A person ceases to be the safety and health representative
for the designated work group if --
(a) the person resigns as the safety and health
representative;
30 (b) the person ceases to be a group member of that
designated work group;
(c) the person's term of office expires without the
person having been selected, under clause 23, to be
page 42
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
the safety and health representative for the
designated work group for a further term; or
(d) the person is disqualified under clause 30.
(2) A person may resign as the safety and health representative
5 for a designated work group by notice in writing delivered
to the operator and to each work group employer.
(3) If a person resigns as the safety and health representative for
a designated work group, the person must notify the
resignation to the group members.
10 (4) If a person has ceased to be the safety and health
representative for a designated work group because of
subclause (1)(b), the person must notify in writing --
(a) the group members; and
(b) the operator and each work group employer,
15 that the person has ceased to be the safety and health
representative for that designated work group.
30. Disqualification of safety and health representatives
(1) An application for the disqualification of a safety and health
representative for a designated work group may be made to
20 the Tribunal by --
(a) the operator;
(b) a work group employer; or
(c) at the request of a group member of the designated
work group -- a workforce representative in
25 relation to the designated work group.
(2) An application under subclause (1) may be made on either
or both of the following grounds --
(a) that action taken by the representative in the
exercise or purported exercise of a power under
30 clause 32(1) or any other provision of this Schedule
was taken --
(i) with the intention of causing harm to the
operator or work group employer or to an
page 43
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
undertaking of the operator or work group
employer; or
(ii) unreasonably, capriciously or not for the
purpose for which the power was conferred
5 on the representative;
(b) that the representative has intentionally used, or
disclosed to another person, for a purpose that is not
connected with the exercise of a power of a safety
and health representative, information acquired
10 from the operator or work group employer.
(3) On an application under subclause (1), the Tribunal may
disqualify the representative, for a specified period not
exceeding 5 years, from being a safety and health
representative for any designated work group, if the
15 Tribunal is satisfied that the representative has acted in a
manner referred to in subclause (2).
(4) In making a decision under subclause (3), the Tribunal must
have regard to --
(a) the harm (if any) that was caused to the operator or
20 work group employer or to an undertaking of the
operator or work group employer as a result of the
action of the representative;
(b) the past record of the representative in exercising
the powers of a safety and health representative;
25 (c) the effect (if any) on the public interest of the action
of the representative; and
(d) any other matters the Tribunal thinks relevant.
31. Deputy safety and health representatives
(1) One deputy safety and health representative may be selected
30 for each designated work group for which a safety and
health representative has been selected.
(2) A deputy safety and health representative is to be selected in
the same way as a safety and health representative under
clause 23.
page 44
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
(3) If the safety and health representative for a designated work
group --
(a) ceases to be the safety and health representative; or
(b) is unable (because of absence or for any other
5 reason) to exercise the powers of a safety and health
representative,
then --
(c) the powers may be exercised by the deputy safety
and health representative (if any) for the group; and
10 (d) this Schedule (other than this clause) applies in
relation to the deputy safety and health
representative accordingly.
32. Powers of safety and health representatives
(1) A safety and health representative for a designated work
15 group may, for the purpose of promoting or ensuring the
safety and health at a workplace of the group members --
(a) do all or any of the following --
(i) inspect the whole or any part of the
workplace if there has, in the immediate
20 past, been an accident or a dangerous
occurrence at the workplace, or if there is
an immediate threat of such an accident or
dangerous occurrence;
(ii) inspect the whole or any part of the
25 workplace if the safety and health
representative has given reasonable notice
of the inspection to the operator's
representative and to any other person
having immediate control of the workplace;
30 (iii) make a request to an inspector or to the
Minister that an inspection be conducted at
the workplace;
(iv) accompany an inspector during any
inspection at the workplace by the inspector
35 (whether or not the inspection is being
page 45
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
conducted as a result of a request made by
the safety and health representative);
(v) if there is no safety and health committee in
respect of the members of the workforce
5 engaged in the petroleum operation --
represent group members in consultations
with the operator and any work group
employer about the development,
implementation and review of measures to
10 ensure the safety and health of those
members at the workplace;
(vi) if a safety and health committee has been
established in respect of the members of the
workforce engaged in the petroleum
15 operation -- examine any of the records of
that committee;
(b) investigate complaints made by any group member
to the safety and health representative about the
safety and health of any of the members of the
20 workforce (whether in the group or not);
(c) with the consent of a group member, be present at
any interview about safety and health at work
between that member and --
(i) an inspector;
25 (ii) the operator or a person representing the
operator; or
(iii) a work group employer or a person
representing that employer;
(d) obtain access to any information under the control
30 of the operator or any work group employer --
(i) relating to risks to the safety and health of
any group member; and
(ii) relating to the safety and health of any
group member;
35 and
(e) issue provisional improvement notices in
accordance with clause 36.
page 46
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
(2) Subclause (1)(d)(ii) has effect subject to clause 34.
33. Assistance by consultant
(1) A safety and health representative for a designated work
group is entitled, in the exercise of his or her powers, to be
5 assisted by a consultant.
(2) A safety and health representative for a designated work
group may --
(a) be assisted by a consultant at a workplace at which
work is performed; or
10 (b) provide to a consultant information that has been
provided to the safety and health representative by a
group member under clause 32(1)(d),
only if the operator or the Minister has, in writing, agreed to
the provision of that assistance at that workplace or the
15 provision of that information, as the case may be.
(3) Neither the operator nor any workplace employer becomes,
because of the agreement under subclause (2) to the
provision of assistance by a consultant, liable for any
remuneration or other expenses incurred in connection with
20 the consultant's activities.
(4) If a safety and health representative for a designated work
group is being assisted by a consultant, the consultant is
entitled to be present with the representative at any
interview, about safety and health at work, between a group
25 member and --
(a) an inspector; or
(b) the operator or any work group employer or a
person representing the operator or that employer,
if, and only if, the group member consents to the presence of
30 the consultant.
34. Information
(1) Neither --
(a) a safety and health representative; nor
page 47
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
(b) a consultant assisting a safety and health
representative,
is entitled, under clause 32(1)(d)(ii), to have access to
information in respect of which a group member is entitled
5 to claim, and does claim, legal professional privilege.
(2) Neither --
(a) a safety and health representative; nor
(b) a consultant assisting a safety and health
representative,
10 is entitled, under clause 32(1)(d)(ii), to have access to
information of a confidential medical nature relating to a
person who is or was a group member unless --
(c) the person has delivered to the operator or any work
group employer a written authority permitting the
15 safety and health representative, or the safety and
health representative and the consultant, as the case
requires, to have access to the information; or
(d) the information is in a form that does not identify
the person or enable the identity of the person to be
20 discovered.
35. Obligations and liabilities of safety and health
representatives
This Schedule does not --
(a) impose an obligation on a person to exercise any
25 power conferred on the person because the person is
a safety and health representative; or
(b) render a person liable in civil proceedings because
of --
(i) a failure to exercise such a power; or
30 (ii) the way such a power was exercised.
page 48
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
36. Provisional improvement notices
(1) If --
(a) a safety and health representative for a designated
work group believes, on reasonable grounds, that a
5 person --
(i) is contravening a listed OSH law; or
(ii) has contravened a provision of a listed OSH
law and is likely to contravene that
provision again;
10 and
(b) the contravention affects or may affect one or more
group members,
the representative must consult with the person supervising
the relevant activity in an attempt to reach agreement on
15 rectifying the contravention or preventing the likely
contravention.
(2) If, in the safety and health representative's opinion,
agreement is not reached within a reasonable time, the
safety and health representative may issue a provisional
20 improvement notice to any or each person (a "responsible
person") responsible for the contravention.
(3) If a responsible person is the operator, the improvement
notice may be issued to the operator by giving it to the
operator's representative.
25 (4) If it is not practicable to issue the notice to a responsible
person (other than the operator or the supervisor) by giving
it to that responsible person --
(a) the notice may be issued to that responsible person
by giving it to the person who for the time being is,
30 or may reasonably be presumed to be, on behalf of
the responsible person, in charge of the activity to
which the notice relates; and
(b) if the notice is so issued, a copy of the notice must
be given to the responsible person as soon as
35 practicable afterwards.
page 49
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
(5) The notice must --
(a) specify the contravention that, in the safety and
health representative's opinion, is occurring or is
likely to occur, and set out the reasons for that
5 opinion; and
(b) specify a period that --
(i) is not less than 7 days beginning on the day
after the notice is issued; and
(ii) is, in the representative's opinion,
10 reasonable,
within which the responsible person is to take action
necessary to prevent any further contravention or to prevent
the likely contravention, as the case may be.
(6) The notice may specify action that the responsible person is
15 to take during the period specified in the notice.
(7) If, in the safety and health representative's opinion, it is
appropriate to do so, the representative may, in writing and
before the end of the period, extend the period specified in
the notice.
20 (8) On issuing the notice, the safety and health representative
must give a copy of the notice to --
(a) if the operator is not a responsible person -- the
operator;
(b) each work group employer other than a work group
25 employer who is a responsible person;
(c) if the supervisor is not a responsible person -- the
supervisor; and
(d) if the notice relates to any plant, substance or thing
that is owned by a person other than a responsible
30 person or a person to whom a copy of the notice is
given under paragraph (a), (b) or (c) -- that owner.
37. Effect of provisional improvement notice
(1) Within 7 days after a notice is issued under clause 36 --
(a) the responsible person; or
page 50
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
(b) any other person, to whom a copy of the notice has
been given under clause 36(8),
may request an inspector for an inspection of the matter to
be conducted.
5 (2) On the request being made, the operation of the notice is
suspended pending the determination of the matter by an
inspector.
(3) As soon as possible after a request is made, an inspection
must be conducted of the work that is the subject of the
10 disagreement, and the inspector conducting the inspection
must --
(a) confirm, vary or cancel the notice and notify the
responsible person and any person to whom a copy
of the notice has been given under clause 36(8)
15 accordingly; and
(b) make decisions, and exercise powers, under
Division 4, as the inspector considers necessary in
relation to the work.
(4) If the inspector varies a notice, the notice as so varied has
20 effect --
(a) so far as the notice concerns obligations imposed on
the responsible person that are unaffected by the
variation -- as if the notice as so varied resumed
effect on the day of the variation; and
25 (b) so far as the notice concerns new obligations
imposed by virtue of the variation -- as if the notice
as so varied were a new notice issued on the day of
the variation.
(5) If the notice is issued to a responsible person, the
30 responsible person must --
(a) notify each group member who is affected by the
notice of the fact of the issue of the notice; and
(b) until the notice ceases to have effect, cause a copy
of the notice to be displayed at or near each
35 workplace at which the work that is the subject of
the notice is being performed.
page 51
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
(6) The notice ceases to have effect if --
(a) it is cancelled by an inspector or by the safety and
health representative; or
(b) the responsible person --
5 (i) takes the action, if any, specified in the
notice; or
(ii) if no action is so specified -- takes the
action necessary to prevent the further
contravention, or likely contravention,
10 concerned.
(7) The responsible person --
(a) must ensure that, to the extent that the notice relates
to any matter over which the person has control, the
notice is complied with; and
15 (b) must take reasonable steps to inform the safety and
health representative who issued the notice of the
action taken to comply with the notice.
(8) For the purposes of clause 64, if the inspector confirms or
varies the notice, the inspector is taken to have decided,
20 under clause 60, to issue an improvement notice in those
terms.
38. Duties of the operator and other employers in relation to
safety and health representatives
(1) The operator of a petroleum operation, in relation to which a
25 designated work group having a safety and health
representative has been established, must --
(a) on being requested to do so by the representative,
consult with the representative on the
implementation of changes at any workplace at
30 which some or all of the group members perform
work, being changes that may affect their safety and
health;
(b) in relation to a workplace at which some or all of
the group members perform work --
35 (i) permit the representative to make any
inspection of the workplace that the
page 52
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
representative is entitled to make in
accordance with clause 32(1)(a)(i) and to
accompany an inspector during an
inspection at the workplace by the
5 inspector; and
(ii) if there is no safety and health committee in
respect of the members of the workforce --
on being requested to do so by the
representative, consult with the
10 representative about the development,
implementation and review of measures to
ensure the safety and health of group
members;
(c) permit the representative to be present at any
15 interview at which the representative is entitled to
be present under clause 32(1)(c);
(d) provide to the representative access to any
information to which the representative is entitled to
obtain access under clause 32(1)(d)(i) or (ii) and to
20 which access has been requested;
(e) permit the representative to take any time off work,
without loss of remuneration or other entitlements,
that is necessary to exercise the powers of a safety
and health representative; and
25 (f) provide the representative with access to any
amenities that are --
(i) prescribed for the purposes of this
paragraph; or
(ii) necessary for the purposes of exercising the
30 powers of a safety and health
representative.
(2) Subclause (1)(d) has effect subject to subclauses (3) and (4).
(3) The operator must not permit a safety and health
representative in relation to a designated work group to have
35 access to information that --
(a) is of a confidential medical nature under the control
of the operator; and
page 53
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
(b) relates to a person who is or was a group member,
unless --
(c) the person has delivered to the employer a written
authority permitting the representative to have
5 access to the information; or
(d) the information is in a form that does not identify
the person or enable the identity of the person to be
discovered.
(4) The operator is not required to give a safety and health
10 representative access to any information in respect of which
the operator is entitled to claim, and does claim, legal
professional privilege.
(5) The duties imposed by this clause on the operator in respect
of the safety and health representative for a designated work
15 group apply equally, to the extent that the matters to which
the duties relate are within the control of a work group
employer or of a supervisor of particular work, to that
employer and to that supervisor.
Subdivision 4 -- Safety and health committees
20 39. Safety and health committees
(1) A safety and health committee must be established in
relation to the members of the workforce engaged in a
petroleum operation if --
(a) the number of those members normally engaged in
25 the petroleum operation is not less than 50 (whether
or not those members are all at work in relation to
the petroleum operation at the same time);
(b) the members of the workforce are included in one
or more designated work groups; and
30 (c) the operator is requested to establish the committee
by the safety and health representative for the
designated work group or for one of the designated
work groups.
page 54
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
(2) The safety and health committee consists of --
(a) the number of members specified in an agreement
reached between the operator and the members of
the workforce; or
5 (b) if there is no such agreement -- an equal number
of --
(i) members, chosen by the members of the
workforce, to represent the interests of
members of the workforce; and
10 (ii) members, chosen by the operator, to
represent the interests of the operator and
the employer (other than the operator) of
members of the workforce.
(3) The agreement referred to in subclause (2)(a) may --
15 (a) specify the persons who are to be members to
represent the interests of the operator and employers
(other than the operator) of members of the
workforce; and
(b) provide for the way in which persons who are to be
20 members to represent the interests of members of
the workforce are to be chosen.
(4) If regulations made for the purposes of this clause specify
procedures for the selection of persons as members of safety
and health committees to represent the interests of members
25 of the workforce, an agreement referred to in
subclause (2)(a) must not provide for members to be chosen
in a way inconsistent with the regulations.
(5) A safety and health committee must hold a meeting at least
once every 3 months.
30 (6) The procedure at meetings of a safety and health committee
must, except to the extent provided for by the regulations, be
the procedure agreed upon by the committee.
(7) A safety and health committee must cause minutes of its
meetings to be kept, and must retain those minutes for a
35 period of not less than 3 years.
page 55
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
(8) This clause does not prevent an operator from establishing,
in consultation with registered unions or any other persons,
committees concerned with occupational safety and health
in relation to undertakings carried on by the operator.
5 40. Functions of safety and health committees
(1) A safety and health committee has the following
functions --
(a) to assist the operator of the petroleum operation
concerned --
10 (i) to develop and implement measures
designed to protect; and
(ii) to review and update measures used to
protect,
the safety and health at work of members of the
15 workforce;
(b) to facilitate cooperation between the operator of the
petroleum operation, employers (other than the
operator) of members of the workforce, and
members of the workforce, in relation to
20 occupational safety and health matters;
(c) to assist the operator to disseminate among
members of the workforce, in appropriate
languages, information relating to safety and health
at work;
25 (d) any prescribed functions;
(e) any other functions that are agreed between the
operator and the safety and health committee.
(2) A safety and health committee has power to do all things
necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection
30 with, the performance of its functions.
(3) This Schedule does not --
(a) impose an obligation on a person to do any act,
because the person is a member of a safety and
health committee, in connection with the
35 performance of a function conferred on the
committee; or
page 56
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
(b) render such a person liable in civil proceedings
because of --
(i) a failure to do such an act; or
(ii) the manner in which such an act was done.
5 41. Duties of the operator and other employers in relation to
safety and health committees
(1) If there is a safety and health committee, the operator and
any employer (other than the operator) of a member of the
workforce must --
10 (a) make available to the committee any information
possessed by the operator or that employer relating
to risks to safety and health to members of the
workforce; and
(b) permit any member of the committee who is a
15 member of the workforce to take time off work,
without loss of remuneration or other entitlements,
as is necessary for the member adequately to
participate in the performance by the committee of
its functions.
20 (2) Subclause (1)(a) has effect subject to subclauses (3) and (4).
(3) The operator or any employer (other than the operator) of a
member of the workforce must not make available to a
safety and health committee information of a confidential
nature relating to a person who is or was a member of the
25 workforce, unless --
(a) the person has authorised the information to be
made available to the committee; or
(b) the information is in a form that does not identify
the person or enable the identity of the person to be
30 discovered.
(4) The operator or any employer (other than the operator) of a
member of the workforce is not required to make available
to a safety and health committee any information in respect
of which the operator or employer is entitled to claim, and
35 does claim, legal professional privilege.
page 57
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
Subdivision 5 -- Emergency procedures
42. Action by safety and health representatives
(1) If a safety and health representative for a designated work
group has reasonable cause to believe that there is an
5 imminent and serious danger to the safety or health of any
person engaged in the petroleum operation or any other
protected person unless a group member or group members
cease to perform particular work, the representative must --
(a) inform a person (a "supervisor") supervising the
10 group member or group members in the
performance of the work of the danger; or
(b) if no supervisor can be contacted immediately --
(i) direct the group member or group members
to cease, in a safe manner, to perform the
15 work; and
(ii) as soon as practicable, inform a supervisor
that the direction has been given.
(2) If a supervisor is informed under subclause (1)(a) of a
danger to the safety or health of a person engaged in the
20 petroleum operation or any other protected person, the
supervisor must take the action he or she thinks appropriate
to remove that danger, which may include directing a group
member or group members to cease, in a safe manner, to
perform the work.
25 (3) If --
(a) a safety and health representative has informed a
supervisor under subclause (1)(a) of a danger; and
(b) the representative has reasonable cause to believe
that, despite any action taken by the supervisor in
30 accordance with subclause (2), there continues to be
an imminent and serious danger to the safety or
health of a person engaged in the petroleum
operation or any other protected person unless the
group member or group members cease to perform
35 particular work,
page 58
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
the representative must --
(c) direct the group member or group members to
cease, in a safe manner, to perform the work; and
(d) as soon as practicable, inform the supervisor that
5 the direction has been given.
(4) If --
(a) a safety and health representative gives a direction
under subclause (1)(b), but is unable to agree with a
supervisor whom the representative has informed
10 under that subclause that there is a need for a
direction under that subclause; or
(b) a safety and health representative gives a direction
under subclause (3)(c),
the representative or the supervisor may request an inspector
15 that an inspection be conducted of the work that is the
subject of the direction.
(5) As soon as possible after a request is made, an inspection
must be conducted of the work that is the subject of the
direction, and the inspector conducting the inspection must
20 make decisions, and exercise powers, under Division 4 as
the inspector considers necessary in relation to the work.
(6) This clause does not limit the power of a safety and health
representative under clause 32(1)(a)(iii) to request an
inspector that an inspection be conducted at the workplace.
25 43. Directions to perform other work
If --
(a) a group member who is an employee has ceased to
perform work, in accordance with the direction of a
safety and health representative under
30 clause 42(1)(b) or (3)(c); and
(b) the cessation of work does not continue after --
(i) the safety and health representative has
agreed with a person supervising work at
the workplace where the work was being
page 59
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
performed that the cessation of work was
not, or is no longer, necessary; or
(ii) an inspector has, under clause 42(5), made a
decision to the effect that the employee
5 should perform the work,
the employer may direct the employee to perform suitable
alternative work, and the employee is to be taken, for all
purposes, to be required to perform that other work under
the terms and conditions of the employee's employment.
10 Subdivision 6 -- Exemptions
44. Exemptions
(1) The Minister may, in accordance with the regulations, make
a written order exempting a specified person or class of
person from any or all of the provisions of this Division
15 (other than this clause).
(2) The Minister must not make an order under subclause (1)
unless the Minister is satisfied on reasonable grounds that it
is impracticable for the person to comply with the provision
or provisions.
20 Division 4 -- Inspections
Subdivision 1 -- Introduction
45. Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Division --
• An inspector may conduct an inspection --
25 (a) to ascertain whether a listed OSH law is being
complied with;
(b) concerning a contravention or a possible
contravention of a listed OSH law; or
(c) concerning an accident or dangerous occurrence
30 that has arisen out of a petroleum operation.
page 60
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
• An inspector may issue a prohibition notice to the
operator of a petroleum operation in order to remove an
immediate threat to the safety and health of any person.
• An inspector may issue an improvement notice
5 specifying action that is to be taken to prevent
contravention of a listed OSH law.
• An inspector must prepare a report about an inspection
and give the report to the Minister.
46. Powers, functions and duties of inspectors
10 (1) An inspector has the powers, functions and duties conferred
or imposed by each listed OSH law.
(2) The Minister may give written directions specifying the
manner in which, and the conditions subject to which,
powers conferred on inspectors by a listed OSH law are to
15 be exercised. If the Minister does so, the powers of
inspectors must be exercised in accordance with those
directions.
(3) The Minister may, by notice in writing, impose restrictions,
not inconsistent with any direction in force under
20 subclause (2), on the powers that are conferred on a
particular inspector by a listed OSH law. If the Minister
does so, the powers of the inspector are taken to have been
restricted accordingly.
Subdivision 2 -- Inspections
25 47. Inspections
(1) An inspector may, at any time, conduct an inspection --
(a) to ascertain whether a requirement of, or any
requirement properly made under, a listed OSH law
is being complied with;
30 (b) concerning a contravention or a possible
contravention of a listed OSH law; or
(c) concerning an accident or dangerous occurrence
that has arisen out of a petroleum operation.
page 61
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
(2) The Minister may direct an inspector to conduct an
inspection --
(a) to ascertain whether a requirement of, or any
requirement properly made under, a listed OSH law
5 is being complied with;
(b) concerning a contravention or a possible
contravention of a listed OSH law; or
(c) concerning an accident or dangerous occurrence
that has arisen out of a petroleum operation,
10 and the inspector must, unless the Minister revokes the
direction, conduct an inspection accordingly.
Subdivision 3 -- Powers of inspectors in relation to the conduct
of inspections
48. Powers of entry and search -- places at which petroleum
15 operations are carried on
(1) An inspector may, for the purposes of an inspection, at any
reasonable time during the day or night --
(a) enter the place at which a petroleum operation is
carried on and to which the inspection relates and
20 do all or any of the following --
(i) search the place;
(ii) inspect, examine, take measurements of, or
conduct tests concerning, any workplace,
facility, plant, substance or thing at the
25 place;
(iii) take photographs of, make video recordings
of, or make sketches of, any workplace,
facility, plant, substance or thing at the
place;
30 (iv) inspect, take extracts from, or make copies
of, any documents at the place that the
inspector has reasonable grounds to believe
relate, or are likely to relate, to the subject
matter of the inspection;
35 and
page 62
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
(b) inspect the seabed and subsoil in the vicinity of the
place to which the inspection relates.
(2) Immediately on entering a place at which a petroleum
operation is carried on for the purposes of an inspection, an
5 inspector must take reasonable steps to notify the purpose of
entering the place to --
(a) the operator's representative; and
(b) if there is a safety and health representative for a
designated work group having a group member
10 likely to be affected by the matter the subject of the
inspection -- that representative,
and must, on being requested to do so by the person referred
to in paragraph (a) or (b), produce for inspection by that
person --
15 (c) the inspector's certificate of appointment under
section 118(2);
(d) a copy of the Minister's written direction (if any) to
conduct the inspection; and
(e) a copy of the restrictions (if any) imposed on the
20 powers of the inspector under clause 46(3).
(3) If there is a safety and health representative for a designated
work group having a group member likely to be affected by
the matter the subject of the inspection, the inspector must
afford the safety and health representative a reasonable
25 opportunity to consult on the matter the subject of the
inspection.
49. Powers of entry and search -- regulated business
premises (other than places where petroleum operations
carried on)
30 (1) An inspector may, for the purposes of an inspection --
(a) at any reasonable time, enter any regulated business
premises (other than a place at which a petroleum
operation is carried on) if the inspector has
reasonable grounds to believe that there are likely to
35 be at those premises documents that relate to a
page 63
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
petroleum operation that is a subject of the
inspection; and
(b) search for, inspect, take extracts from, or make
copies of, any such documents at those premises.
5 (2) Immediately on entering premises referred to in
subclause (1), an inspector must take reasonable steps to
notify the purpose of the entry to the occupier of those
premises, and must, on being requested to do so by the
occupier, produce for inspection by the occupier --
10 (a) the inspector's certificate of appointment under
section 118(2);
(b) a copy of the Minister's written direction (if any) to
conduct the inspection; and
(c) a copy of the restrictions (if any) imposed on the
15 powers of the inspector under clause 46(3).
50. Powers of entry and search -- premises (other than
regulated business premises)
(1) An inspector may, for the purposes of an inspection --
(a) enter any premises (other than regulated business
20 premises) if the inspector has reasonable grounds to
believe that there are likely to be at those premises
documents that relate to a petroleum operation that
is the subject of the inspection; and
(b) search for, inspect, take extracts from, or make
25 copies of, any such documents at those premises.
(2) An inspector may exercise the powers referred to in
subclause (1) to enter premises only --
(a) if the premises are not a residence --
(i) in accordance with a warrant under
30 clause 51;
(ii) with the consent of the occupier of the
premises;
or
(b) if the premises are a residence -- with the consent
35 of the occupier of the premises.
page 64
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
(3) Immediately on entering premises referred to in
subclause (1), an inspector must --
(a) take reasonable steps to notify the purpose of the
entry to the occupier of those premises;
5 (b) take reasonable steps to produce, for inspection by
the occupier, the inspector's certificate of
appointment under section 118(2); and
(c) on being requested to do so by the occupier,
produce, for inspection by the occupier --
10 (i) a copy of the Minister's written direction (if
any) to conduct the inspection; and
(ii) a copy of the restrictions (if any) imposed
on the powers of the inspector under
clause 46(3).
15 (4) If --
(a) an inspector enters premises in accordance with a
warrant under clause 51; and
(b) the occupier of the premises is present at the
premises,
20 the inspector must make a copy of the warrant available to
the occupier.
(5) Before obtaining the consent of a person as mentioned in
subclause (2)(a) or (b), an inspector must inform the person
that --
25 (a) the person may refuse consent; and
(b) the consent may be withdrawn.
(6) The consent of a person is not effective for the purposes of
subclause (2) unless the consent is voluntary.
51. Warrant to enter premises (other than regulated
30 business premises)
(1) An inspector may apply to a magistrate for a warrant
authorising the inspector, with any assistance as the
inspector thinks necessary, to exercise the powers referred
page 65
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
to in clause 50(1) in relation to particular premises (other
than a residence).
(2) The application must be supported by evidence on oath
(whether oral or by affidavit) that sets out the grounds on
5 which the inspector is applying for the warrant.
(3) If the magistrate is satisfied that there are reasonable
grounds for issuing the warrant, the magistrate may issue the
warrant.
(4) A warrant issued under subclause (3) must state --
10 (a) the name of the inspector;
(b) whether the inspection may be carried out at any
time or only during specified hours of the day;
(c) the day on which the warrant ceases to have effect;
and
15 (d) the purposes for which the warrant is issued.
(5) The day specified under subclause (4)(c) is not to be more
than 7 days after the day on which the warrant is issued.
(6) The purposes specified under subclause (4)(d) must include
the identification of the premises in relation to which the
20 warrant is issued.
52. Obstructing or hindering inspector
A person must not, without reasonable excuse, obstruct or
hinder an inspector in the exercise of an inspector's powers
under clause 48, 49 or 50.
25 Penalty: $5 500.
53. Power to require assistance and information
(1) An inspector may, to the extent that it is reasonably
necessary to do so in connection with the conduct of an
inspection, require --
30 (a) the operator of a petroleum operation;
(b) the person in charge of a petroleum operation;
page 66
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
(c) a member of the workforce engaged in a petroleum
operation; or
(d) any person representing a person referred to in
paragraph (a) or (b),
5 to provide the inspector with reasonable assistance and
amenities --
(e) that is or are reasonably connected with the conduct
of the inspection in relation to the petroleum
operation; or
10 (f) for the effective exercise of the inspector's powers
under this Schedule in connection with the conduct
of the inspection in relation to the petroleum
operation.
(2) The reasonable assistance referred to in subclause (1)
15 includes, so far as the operator of a petroleum operation is
concerned --
(a) appropriate transport for the inspector to and from
the place to be inspected and for any equipment
required by the inspector, or any article of which the
20 inspector has taken possession; and
(b) reasonable accommodation and means of
subsistence while the inspector is at the place to be
inspected.
(3) A person must not fail, without reasonable excuse, to
25 comply with a requirement under this clause.
Penalty: $3 300 or imprisonment for 6 months or both.
54. Power to require the answering of questions and the
production of documents or articles
(1) If --
30 (a) an inspector believes on reasonable grounds that a
person is capable of answering a question that is
reasonably connected with the conduct of an
inspection; and
page 67
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
(b) the person is --
(i) the operator of a petroleum operation;
(ii) the person in charge of a petroleum
operation;
5 (iii) a member of the workforce engaged in a
petroleum operation; or
(iv) any person representing a person referred to
in subparagraph (i) or (ii),
the inspector may, to the extent that it is reasonably
10 necessary to do so in connection with the conduct of
the inspection, require the person to answer the
question put by the inspector.
(2) If, at the time when a requirement under subclause (1) is
imposed on a person, the person is not physically present on
15 regulated business premises, the person is not obliged to
comply with the requirement unless the requirement --
(a) is in writing;
(b) specifies the day on or before which the question is
to be answered (being at least 14 days after the day
20 on which the requirement is imposed); and
(c) is accompanied by a statement to the effect that a
failure to comply with the requirement is an
offence.
(3) If --
25 (a) an inspector believes on reasonable grounds that a
person is capable of producing a document or article
that is reasonably connected with the conduct of an
inspection; and
(b) the person is --
30 (i) the operator of a petroleum operation;
(ii) the person in charge of a petroleum
operation;
(iii) a member of the workforce engaged in a
petroleum operation; or
page 68
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
(iv) any person representing a person referred to
in subparagraph (i) or (ii),
the inspector may, to the extent that it is reasonably
necessary to do so in connection with the conduct of the
5 inspection, require the person to produce the document or
article.
(4) If, at the time when a requirement under subclause (3) is
imposed on a person, the person is not physically present on
regulated business premises, the person is not obliged to
10 comply with the requirement unless the requirement --
(a) is in writing;
(b) specifies the day on or before which the document
or article is to be produced (being at least 14 days
after the day on which the requirement is imposed);
15 and
(c) is accompanied by a statement to the effect that a
failure to comply with the requirement is an
offence.
(5) A person must not --
20 (a) fail, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a
requirement under this clause; or
(b) in purported compliance with a requirement under
this clause, give information that is false or
misleading in a material particular.
25 Penalty: $3 300 or imprisonment for 6 months or both.
55. Privilege against self-incrimination
(1) A person is not excused from answering a question or
producing a document or article when required to do so
under clause 54 on the ground that the answer to the
30 question, or the production of the document or article, may
tend to incriminate the person or make the person liable to a
penalty.
(2) However --
(a) the answer given or document or article produced;
page 69
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
(b) answering the question or producing the document
or article; or
(c) any information, document or thing obtained as a
direct or indirect consequence of the answering of
5 the question or the production of the document or
article,
is not admissible in evidence against the person --
(d) in any civil proceedings; or
(e) in any criminal proceedings other than proceedings
10 for an offence against clause 54.
56. Power to take possession of plant, take samples of
substances etc.
(1) In conducting an inspection, an inspector may, to the extent
that it is reasonably necessary for the purposes of inspecting,
15 examining, taking measurements of or conducting tests
concerning, any plant, substance or thing at a place at which
a petroleum operation is carried out in connection with the
inspection --
(a) take possession of the plant, substance or thing and
20 remove it from the place; or
(b) take a sample of the substance or thing and remove
that sample from the place.
(2) On taking possession of plant, a substance or a thing, or
taking a sample of a substance or thing, the inspector must,
25 by notice in writing, inform --
(a) the operator of the petroleum operation;
(b) if the plant, substance or thing is used for the
performance of work by an employer of a member
or members of the workforce engaged in the
30 petroleum operation other than the operator of the
petroleum operation -- that employer;
(c) if the plant, substance or thing is owned by a person
other than a person mentioned in paragraph (a) or
(b) -- that person; and
page 70
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
(d) if there is a safety and health representative for a
designated work group that includes a member of
the workforce who is affected by the matter to
which the inspection relates -- that representative,
5 of the taking of possession or the taking of the sample, as
the case may be, and the reasons for it.
(3) If the inspector gives the notice to the operator of the
petroleum operation to which the inspection relates, the
operator's representative must cause the notice to be
10 displayed in a prominent place at the workplace from which
the plant, substance or thing was removed.
(4) If the inspector takes possession of plant, a substance or a
thing at a workplace for the purpose of inspecting,
examining, taking measurements of or conducting tests
15 concerning, the plant, substance or thing, the inspector
must --
(a) ensure that the inspection, examination, measuring
or testing is conducted as soon as practicable; and
(b) return it to the workplace as soon as practicable
20 afterwards.
(5) As soon as practicable after completing any such inspection,
examination, measurement or testing, the inspector must
give a written statement setting out the results to each
person whom the inspector is required to notify under
25 subclause (2).
57. Power to direct that workplace etc. not be disturbed
(1) An inspector may give a direction under subclause (2) if, in
conducting an inspection, the inspector has reasonable
grounds to believe that it is reasonably necessary to do so in
30 order to --
(a) remove an immediate threat to the safety or health
of any person; or
(b) allow the inspection, examination or taking of
measurements of, or conducting of tests concerning,
page 71
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
a facility, or any plant, substance or thing, for use in
a petroleum operation.
(2) If subclause (1) applies, the inspector may direct, by written
notice given to the operator's representative, that the
5 operator must ensure that --
(a) a particular workplace; or
(b) particular plant, or a particular substance or thing,
not be disturbed for a period specified in the direction.
(3) The period specified in the direction must be a period that
10 the inspector has reasonable grounds to believe is necessary
in order to remove the threat or to allow the inspection,
examination, measuring or testing to take place.
(4) The direction may be renewed by another direction in the
same terms.
15 (5) If an inspector gives a notice to the operator's representative
under subclause (2), the operator's representative must
cause the notice to be displayed in a prominent place at the
workplace --
(a) that is to be left undisturbed; or
20 (b) where the plant, substance or thing that is to be left
undisturbed is located.
(6) As soon as practicable after giving the direction, the
inspector must take reasonable steps to notify --
(a) if the workplace, plant, substance or thing to which
25 the direction relates is owned by a person other than
the operator of the petroleum operation -- that
person; and
(b) if there is a safety and health representative for a
designated work group that includes a group
30 member performing work --
(i) at a workplace; or
(ii) involving the plant, substance or thing,
to which the direction relates -- that representative,
of the direction and the reasons for giving it.
page 72
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
(7) The operator of a petroleum operation to which a direction
concerning a workplace, plant, substance or a thing relates
must ensure that the direction is complied with.
Penalty: $27 500.
5 (8) A direction under subclause (2) must be accompanied by a
statement setting out the reasons for the direction.
58. Power to issue prohibition notices
(1) If, having conducted an inspection, an inspector is satisfied
on reasonable grounds that it is reasonably necessary to
10 issue a prohibition notice to the operator of a petroleum
operation in order to remove an immediate threat to the
safety or health of any person, the inspector may issue a
prohibition notice, in writing, to the operator.
(2) The notice must be issued to the operator by giving it to the
15 operator's representative.
(3) The notice must --
(a) specify the activity in respect of which, in the
inspector's opinion, the threat to safety or health has
arisen, and set out the reasons for that opinion; and
20 (b) either --
(i) direct the operator to ensure that the activity
is not engaged in; or
(ii) direct the operator to ensure that the activity
is not engaged in in a specified manner.
25 (4) A specified manner may relate to any one or more of the
following --
(a) any workplace, or part of a workplace, at which the
activity is not to be engaged in;
(b) any plant or substance that is not to be used in
30 connection with the activity;
(c) any procedure that is not to be followed in
connection with the activity.
page 73
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
(5) The notice may specify action that may be taken to satisfy
an inspector that adequate action has been taken to remove
the threat to safety and health.
(6) The operator's representative must --
5 (a) give a copy of the notice to each safety and health
representative (if any) for any designated work
group having group members performing work that
is affected by the notice; and
(b) cause a copy of the notice to be displayed at a
10 prominent place at or near each workplace at which
that work is performed.
(7) If the notice relates to any workplace, plant, substance or
thing that is owned by a person other than the operator, the
inspector must, upon issuing the notice, give a copy of the
15 notice to that person.
59. Compliance with prohibition notice
(1) An operator must ensure that a prohibition notice issued to
the operator is complied with.
Penalty: $27 500.
20 (2) If an inspector is satisfied that action taken by the operator
to remove the threat to safety and health in respect of which
the notice was issued is not adequate, the inspector must
inform the operator accordingly.
(3) A prohibition notice ceases to have effect when an inspector
25 notifies the operator that the inspector is satisfied that the
operator has taken adequate action to remove the threat to
safety or health.
(4) In making a decision under subclause (2), an inspector may
exercise any of the powers of an inspector conducting an
30 inspection that the inspector considers necessary for the
purposes of making the decision.
page 74
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
60. Power to issue improvement notices
(1) If, in conducting an inspection, an inspector believes on
reasonable grounds that a person --
(a) is contravening a listed OSH law; or
5 (b) has contravened a provision of a listed OSH law
and is likely to contravene that provision again,
the inspector may issue an improvement notice, in writing,
to the person (the "responsible person").
(2) If the responsible person is the operator, the improvement
10 notice may be issued to the operator by giving it to the
operator's representative.
(3) If the responsible person is an employer (other than the
operator) of members of the workforce, but it is not
practicable to give the notice to that employer --
15 (a) the improvement notice may be issued to the
employer by giving it to the operator's
representative; and
(b) if the notice is so issued -- the operator must ensure
that a copy of the notice is given to the employer as
20 soon as practicable afterwards.
(4) The notice --
(a) must specify the contravention that the inspector
believes is occurring or is likely to occur, and set
out the reasons for that belief;
25 (b) must specify a reasonable period within which the
responsible person is to take the action necessary to
prevent any further contravention or to prevent the
likely contravention, as the case may be; and
(c) may specify action that the responsible person is to
30 take during the period specified in the notice.
(5) If the inspector believes on reasonable grounds that it is
appropriate to do so, the inspector may, in writing and
before the end of the period, extend the period specified in
the notice.
page 75
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
(6) If an improvement notice is issued to an employer (other
than the operator) of members of the workforce in
circumstances other than the circumstance referred to in
subclause (3), the employer must immediately ensure that a
5 copy of the notice is given to the operator's representative.
(7) If a notice is issued to the operator or to an employer (other
than the operator) of members of the workforce, the
operator's representative must --
(a) give a copy of the notice to each safety and health
10 representative for a designated work group having
group members performing work that is affected by
the notice; and
(b) cause a copy of the notice to be displayed in a
prominent place at or near each workplace at which
15 the work is being performed.
(8) On issuing a notice, the inspector must give a copy of the
notice to --
(a) if the notice is --
(i) given to a member of the workforce who is
20 an employee; and
(ii) in connection with work performed by the
employee,
the employer of that employee;
(b) if the notice relates to any workplace, plant,
25 substance or thing that is owned by a person other
than --
(i) a responsible person; or
(ii) a person who is an employer referred to in
paragraph (a),
30 that owner; and
(c) if the notice is issued to a person who owns any
workplace, plant, substance or thing, because of
which a contravention of a listed OSH law has
occurred or is likely to occur --
35 (i) the operator of the petroleum operation; and
page 76
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
(ii) if the employer of employees who work in
that workplace or who use that plant,
substance or thing is a person other than the
operator -- that employer.
5 61. Compliance with improvement notice
A person to whom an improvement notice is issued must
comply with it to the extent that the notice relates to any
matter over which the person has control.
Penalty: $11 000.
10 62. Notices not to be tampered with or removed
(1) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, tamper with
any notice that has been displayed under clause 56(3), 57(5),
58(6) or 60(7) while that notice is so displayed.
(2) If a notice has been displayed under clause 56(3), a person
15 must not, without reasonable excuse, remove the notice until
the plant or thing to which the notice relates is returned to
the workplace from which it was removed.
(3) If a notice has been displayed under clause 57(5), 58(6) or
60(7), a person must not, without reasonable excuse, remove
20 the notice before it has ceased to have effect.
Penalty applicable to subclauses (1), (2) and (3): $11 000.
Subdivision 4 -- Reports on inspections
63. Reports on inspections
(1) If an inspector has conducted an inspection, the inspector
25 must, as soon as practicable, prepare a written report
relating to the inspection and give the report to the Minister.
(2) The report must include --
(a) the inspector's conclusions from conducting the
inspection and the reasons for those conclusions;
30 (b) any recommendations that the inspector wishes to
make arising from the inspection; and
(c) any other prescribed matters.
page 77
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
(3) As soon as practicable after receiving the report, the
Minister must give a copy of the report, together with any
written comments that the Minister wishes to make --
(a) to the operator of the petroleum operation to which
5 the report relates;
(b) if the report relates to activities performed by an
employee of another person -- that other person;
and
(c) if the report relates to any plant, substance or thing
10 owned by another person -- that other person.
(4) The Minister may, in writing, request the operator or any
other person to whom the report is given to provide to the
Minister, within a reasonable period specified in the request,
details of --
15 (a) any action proposed to be taken as a result of the
conclusions or recommendations contained in the
report; and
(b) if a notice has been issued under clause 58 or 60 in
relation to work being performed for the operator or
20 that other person -- any action taken, or proposed
to be taken, in respect of that notice,
and the operator or that other person must comply with the
request.
(5) As soon as practicable after receiving a report, the operator
25 of the petroleum operation must give a copy of the report,
together with any written comment made by the Minister on
the report --
(a) if there is at least one safety and health committee
in respect of some or all of the members of the
30 workforce -- to each such committee; and
(b) if there is no such committee in respect of some or
all of the members of the workforce, but some or all
of those members (in respect of which there is no
such committee) are in at least one designated work
35 group for which there is a safety and health
representative -- to each such safety and health
representative.
page 78
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
Subdivision 5 -- Reviews of inspectors' decisions
64. Reviews of inspectors' decisions
(1) If an inspector, in conducting an inspection or having
conducted an inspection --
5 (a) decides, under clause 37, to confirm or vary a
provisional improvement notice;
(b) decides, under clause 56, to take possession of
plant, a substance or a thing at a workplace;
(c) decides, under clause 57, to direct that a workplace,
10 a part of a workplace, plant, a substance or a thing
not be disturbed;
(d) decides, under clause 58, to issue a prohibition
notice;
(e) decides, under clause 59, that the operator of a
15 petroleum operation to whom a prohibition notice
has been issued has not taken adequate action to
remove the threat to safety and health that caused
the notice to be issued; or
(f) decides, under clause 60, to issue an improvement
20 notice,
a person referred to in subclause (2) may apply in writing to
the reviewing authority for a review of the decision.
(2) The following persons may apply for a review of the
decision, as is relevant to the case --
25 (a) the operator of the petroleum operation or any
employer (other than the operator) who is affected
by the decision;
(b) a person to whom a notice has been issued under
clause 36(2) or 60(1);
30 (c) the safety and health representative for a designated
work group having a group member affected by the
decision;
(d) a workforce representative in relation to the
designated work group that includes a group
35 member who is affected by the decision and who
page 79
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
has requested the workforce representative to apply
for a review of the decision;
(e) if there is no such designated work group, and a
member of the workforce affected by the decision
5 has requested a workforce representative in relation
to the member to apply for the review of the
decision -- that workforce representative;
(f) a person who owns any workplace, plant, substance
or thing to which the decision referred to in
10 subclause (1)(a), (b), (c) or (f) relates.
(3) If an inspector, having conducted an inspection --
(a) decides under clause 37 to cancel a provisional
improvement notice; or
(b) decides under clause 59 that the operator of a
15 petroleum operation to whom a prohibition notice
has been issued has taken adequate action to remove
the threat to safety and health that caused the notice
to be issued,
the following persons may apply in writing for a review of
20 the decision, as is relevant in the case --
(c) the safety and health representative for a designated
work group having a group member affected by the
decision;
(d) a workforce representative in relation to the
25 designated work group that includes a group
member who is affected by the decision and who
has requested the workforce representative to apply
for a review of the decision;
(e) if there is no such designated work group, and a
30 member of the workforce affected by the decision
has requested a workforce representative in relation
to the member to apply for a review of the
decision -- that workforce representative.
(4) An application under subclause (2) or (3) must be made --
35 (a) not later than 7 days after the day on which the
person applying received notice of the inspector's
decision; or
page 80
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
(b) within such further period as the reviewing
authority may allow.
(5) A person, other than the operator of the petroleum operation
concerned, who applies for a review of a decision must, as
5 soon as is practicable, give a copy of the application to the
operator.
Penalty: $5 000.
(6) The reviewing authority is to give notice in writing of the
decision on the reference and the reasons for the decision
10 to --
(a) the person who referred the matter for review; and
(b) if that person is not the operator of the petroleum
operation concerned, to the operator.
(7) Subject to this clause, applying for a review of a decision
15 does not affect the operation of the decision or prevent the
taking of action to implement that decision, except to the
extent that the reviewing authority makes an order to the
contrary.
(8) If the decision to be reviewed is a decision under clause 60
20 to issue an improvement notice, the operation of the notice
is suspended pending determination of the review, except to
the extent that the reviewing authority makes an order to the
contrary.
(9) If the decision to be reviewed is a decision of an inspector
25 under clause 37 to confirm or vary a provisional
improvement notice whose operation has been suspended
pending the inspection of the matter to which the notice
relates, the operation of the notice is further suspended
pending determination of the review, except to the extent
30 that the reviewing authority makes an order to the contrary.
(10) In this clause --
"reviewing authority" means a person prescribed by the
regulations to be a reviewing authority for the purposes
of this clause.
page 81
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
65. Powers of reviewing authority on review
(1) On a review of a decision under clause 64, the reviewing
authority may --
(a) affirm the decision;
5 (b) affirm the decision with such modifications as the
reviewing authority considers appropriate; or
(c) revoke the decision and make such other decision
with respect to the matter as the reviewing authority
thinks fit,
10 and the decision has effect or, as the case may be, ceases to
have effect accordingly.
(2) If --
(a) the decision being reviewed is a decision under
clause 56 to take possession of plant, a substance or
15 a thing at a workplace; and
(b) the decision is not affirmed,
the inspector who made the decision must ensure that, to the
extent that the decision is not affirmed, the plant, substance
or thing is returned to the workplace as soon as practicable.
20 Division 5 -- Referrals to the Tribunal
66. Decision may be referred to Tribunal
(1) If a person given notice of a decision under clause 21(3)(b)
or 64(6) is not satisfied with the reviewing authority's
decision under that section, the person may refer the
25 decision to the Tribunal for further review.
(2) A reference under subclause (1) must be made --
(a) not later than 7 days after the day on which the
person received notice of the decision; or
(b) within such further period as the Tribunal may
30 allow.
(3) A person, other than the operator of the petroleum operation
concerned, who refers a matter for review under this clause
page 82
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
must, as soon as is practicable, give a copy of the duly
completed prescribed form to the operator.
Penalty applicable to subclause (3): $5 000.
67. Determination by Tribunal
5 (1) On a reference under clause 66, the Tribunal is to inquire
into the circumstances relating to the decision, and may --
(a) affirm the decision of the reviewing authority;
(b) affirm the decision of the reviewing authority with
such modifications as the Tribunal considers
10 appropriate; or
(c) revoke the decision of the reviewing authority and
make such other decision with respect to the notice
as the Tribunal thinks fit,
and the decision has effect or, as the case may be, ceases to
15 have effect accordingly.
(2) A review under this clause --
(a) is to be in the nature of a rehearing; and
(b) is to be completed by the Tribunal as quickly as is
practicable.
20 (3) The Tribunal is to give notice in writing of its decision on
the reference and the reasons for the decision to --
(a) the person who referred the matter for review; and
(b) if that person is not the operator of the petroleum
operation concerned, to the operator.
25 68. Effect of pending review by Tribunal
(1) Subject to this clause, a reference to the Tribunal for further
review of a decision does not affect the operation of the
decision or prevent the taking of action to implement that
decision, except to the extent that the Tribunal makes an
30 order to the contrary.
(2) If the decision to be reviewed concerns a decision under
clause 60 to issue an improvement notice, the operation of
the notice is suspended pending determination of the review,
page 83
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
except to the extent that the Tribunal makes an order to the
contrary.
(3) If the decision to be reviewed concerns a decision of an
inspector under clause 37 to confirm or vary a provisional
5 improvement notice whose operation has been suspended
pending the inspection of the matter to which the notice
relates, the operation of the notice is further suspended
pending determination of the review, except to the extent
that the Tribunal makes an order to the contrary.
10 69. Jurisdiction of Tribunal
(1) This clause applies where --
(a) under clause 66 a matter is referred to the Tribunal;
or
(b) under clause 30 an application is made to the
15 Tribunal.
(2) Where this clause applies --
(a) the matter or application may be heard and
determined; and
(b) a determination made by the Tribunal on the matter
20 or application has effect, and may be appealed
against and enforced,
as if it were --
(c) a matter in respect of which jurisdiction is conferred
on the Tribunal by Part VIB of the Occupational
25 Safety and Health Act 1984; or
(d) a determination made for the purposes of that Part.
(3) The provisions of --
(a) Part VIB of the Occupational Safety and Health
Act 1984; and
30 (b) the Industrial Relations Act 1979 applied by that
Part,
have effect for the purposes of this clause with all necessary
changes.
page 84
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
(4) In the operation of subclause (3), section 51J(1) of the
Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 has effect as if it
were expressed to apply where a matter has been referred to
the Tribunal under clause 66 in relation to a decision made
5 under clause 21.
Division 6 -- General
70. Notifying and reporting accidents and dangerous
occurrences
(1) If, arising from a petroleum operation, there is --
10 (a) an accident that causes the death of, or serious
personal injury to, any person;
(b) an accident that causes a member of the workforce
to be incapacitated from performing work for a
period prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph;
15 or
(c) a dangerous occurrence,
the operator must, in accordance with the regulations, give
the Minister notice of, and a report about, the accident or
dangerous occurrence.
20 Penalty: $5 000.
(2) Regulations made for the purposes of subclause (1) (other
than regulations made for the purpose of subclause (1)(b))
may prescribe --
(a) the time within which, and the manner in which,
25 notice of an accident or dangerous occurrence is to
be given, and the form of the notice; and
(b) the time within which, and the manner in which, a
report of an accident or dangerous occurrence is to
be given, and the form of the report.
30 (3) Subclause (2) does not limit regulations that may be made
for the purposes of subclause (1).
page 85
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
71. Records of accidents and dangerous occurrences to be
kept
(1) The operator of a petroleum operation must maintain, in
accordance with the regulations, a record of each accident or
5 dangerous occurrence in respect of which the operator is
required by clause 67 to notify the Minister.
(2) Regulations made for the purposes of subclause (1) may
prescribe --
(a) the nature of the contents of a record maintained
10 under this clause; and
(b) the period for which the record must be retained.
(3) Subclause (2) does not limit regulations that may be made
for the purposes of subclause (1).
72. Codes of practice
15 (1) The regulations may prescribe codes of practice for the
purpose of providing practical guidance to operators of
petroleum operations and employers (other than operators)
of members of the workforce engaged in petroleum
operations.
20 (2) A person is not liable in any civil or criminal proceedings
for contravening a code of practice.
73. Use of codes of practice in proceedings
(1) This clause applies if, in any proceedings for an offence
against a listed OSH law, it is alleged that a person
25 contravened a provision of a listed OSH law in relation to
which a code of practice was in effect at the time of the
alleged contravention.
(2) The code of practice is admissible in evidence in those
proceedings.
30 (3) If the court is satisfied, in relation to any matter which it is
necessary for the prosecution to prove in order to establish
the alleged contravention, that --
(a) any provision of the code of practice is relevant to
that matter; and
page 86
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
(b) the person failed at any material time to comply
with that provision of the code of practice,
that matter is treated as proved unless the court is satisfied
that in respect of that matter the person complied with that
5 provision of the listed OSH law otherwise than by
complying with the code of practice.
74. Interference etc. with equipment etc.
A person must not, without reasonable excuse, do anything
that results in the interference with, or the rendering
10 ineffective of, any protective equipment or safety device
provided for the occupational safety and health of members
of the workforce engaged in a petroleum operation if the
person knew (or ought reasonably to have known) that the
equipment or device was protective equipment or a safety
15 device.
Penalty: $3 300 or imprisonment for 6 months or both.
75. No charges to be levied on members of workforce
The operator of a petroleum operation or an employer (other
than the operator) of members of the workforce engaged in a
20 petroleum operation must not levy, or permit to be levied,
on a member of the workforce any charge in respect of
anything done or provided in accordance with a listed OSH
law in order to ensure the occupational safety and health of
persons engaged in the petroleum operation or any other
25 protected persons.
Penalty: $27 500.
76. Victimisation
(1) An employer (whether the operator or another person) must
not --
30 (a) dismiss an employee;
(b) perform an act that results in injury to an employee
in his or her employment;
(c) perform an act that prejudicially alters the
employee's position (whether by deducting or
page 87
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
withholding remuneration or by any other means);
or
(d) threaten to do any of those things,
because the employee --
5 (e) has complained or proposes to complain about a
matter concerning the safety or health of employees
at work;
(f) has assisted or proposes to assist, by giving
information or otherwise, the conduct of an
10 inspection; or
(g) has ceased, or proposes to cease, to perform work,
in accordance with a direction by a safety and
health representative under clause 42(1)(b) or
(3)(c), and the cessation or proposed cessation does
15 not continue after --
(i) the safety and health representative has
agreed with a person supervising the work
that the cessation or proposed cessation was
not, or is no longer, necessary; or
20 (ii) an inspector has, under clause 42(5), made a
decision that has the effect that the
employee should perform the work.
Penalty: $27 500.
(2) In proceedings for an offence against subclause (1), if all the
25 relevant facts and circumstances, other than the reason for
an action alleged in the charge, are proved, the defendant
has the onus of establishing that the action was not taken for
that reason.
77. Institution of prosecutions
30 (1) Proceedings for an offence against a listed OSH law may be
instituted by an inspector but an inspector is not to be
personally responsible for any costs incurred by or awarded
against the inspector in connection with any proceeding for
an offence against a listed OSH law.
page 88
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
(2) A safety and health representative for a designated work
group may request an inspector to institute proceedings for
an offence against a listed OSH law in relation to the
occurrence of an act or omission if --
5 (a) a period of 6 months has elapsed since the act or
omission occurred;
(b) the safety and health representative considers that
the occurrence of the act or omission constitutes an
offence against a listed OSH law; and
10 (c) proceedings in respect of the offence have not been
instituted.
(3) A workforce representative in relation to a designated work
group may request an inspector to institute proceedings for
an offence against a listed OSH law in relation to the
15 occurrence of an act or omission if --
(a) a period of 6 months has elapsed since the act or
omission occurred;
(b) the workforce representative considers that the
occurrence of the act or omission constitutes an
20 offence against a listed OSH law;
(c) proceedings in respect of the offence have not been
instituted; and
(d) a group member included in the group requests the
workforce representative to request an inspector to
25 institute the proceedings.
(4) A request under subclause (2) or (3) must be in writing.
(5) An inspector must, within 3 months after receiving the
request, advise the safety and health representative or the
workforce representative, as the case may be, whether
30 proceedings under subclause (1) have been or will be
instituted, and, if not, give reasons why not.
78. Conduct of directors, employees and agents
(1) This clause has effect for the purposes of a proceeding for
an offence against a listed OSH law.
page 89
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
(2) If it is necessary to establish the state of mind of a body
corporate in relation to particular conduct, it is sufficient to
show --
(a) that the conduct was engaged in by a director,
5 employee or agent of the body corporate within the
scope of actual or apparent authority; and
(b) that the director, employee or agent had the state of
mind.
(3) Any conduct engaged in on behalf of a body corporate by a
10 director, employee or agent of the body corporate within the
scope of actual or apparent authority is taken to have been
engaged in also by the body corporate unless it establishes
that it took reasonable precautions and exercised due
diligence to avoid the conduct.
15 (4) If it is necessary to establish the state of mind of a natural
person in relation to particular conduct, it is sufficient to
show --
(a) that the conduct was engaged in by an employee or
agent of the natural person within the scope of
20 actual or apparent authority; and
(b) that the employee or agent had the state of mind.
(5) Any conduct engaged in on behalf of a natural person by an
employee or agent of the natural person within the scope of
actual or apparent authority is taken to have been engaged in
25 also by the natural person unless the natural person
establishes that he or she took reasonable precautions and
exercised due diligence to avoid the conduct.
(6) If --
(a) a natural person is found guilty of an offence; and
30 (b) he or she would not have been found guilty of the
offence if subclauses (4) and (5) had not been
enacted,
he or she is not liable to be punished by imprisonment for
that offence.
page 90
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Act 1967 Part 2
s. 17
(7) A reference in subclause (2) or (4) to the state of mind of a
person includes a reference to --
(a) the person's knowledge, intention, opinion, belief or
purpose; and
5 (b) the person's reasons for the intention, opinion,
belief or purpose.
79. Act not to give rise to other liabilities etc.
This Schedule does not --
(a) confer a right of action in any civil proceeding in
10 respect of any contravention of a listed OSH law; or
(b) confer a defence to an action in any civil proceeding
or otherwise affect a right of action in any civil
proceeding.
80. Circumstances preventing compliance may be defence to
15 prosecution
It is a defence to a prosecution for a contravention of a listed
OSH law if the defendant proves that it was not practicable
to comply with it because of an emergency prevailing at the
relevant time.
20 81. Regulations -- general
(1) The regulations may prescribe any of the following --
(a) procedures for the selection of persons, under
clause 39, as members of safety and health
committees, to represent the interests of members of
25 the workforce engaged in a petroleum operation;
(b) procedures to be followed at meetings of safety and
health committees;
(c) the manner in which notices are to be served under
this Schedule or the regulations;
30 (d) the practice and procedure to be followed in relation
to the review of decisions under clause 21 or 64 by
reviewing authorities;
page 91
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 2 Petroleum Act 1967
s. 17
(e) forms for the purposes of this Schedule or the
regulations.
(2) If the Minister is satisfied that --
(a) a power, function or duty is conferred or imposed
5 on a person under a law of this State or the
Commonwealth; and
(b) the proper exercise of the power or performance of
the function or duty is or would be prevented by this
Schedule or a provision of this Schedule,
10 regulations made for the purposes of this subclause may
declare that this Schedule, or the provision, as the case may
be, does not apply to that person, or does not apply to that
person in the circumstances specified in the regulations.
(3) Regulations made for the purposes of subclause (2) do not
15 remain in force for longer than 5 years after they commence,
but this subclause does not prevent the making of further
regulations of the same substance.
(4) In subclause (2) --
"this Schedule" includes regulations made for the purposes
20 of this Schedule.
".
page 92
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 18
Part 3 -- Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
18. The Act amended
The amendments in this Part are to the Petroleum Pipelines
Act 1969*.
5 [* Reprinted as at 12 May 2000.
For subsequent amendments see Western Australian
Legislation Information Tables for 2004, Table 1, p. 336.]
19. Section 4 amended
Section 4(1) is amended by inserting in the appropriate
10 alphabetical positions the following definitions --
"
"listed OSH law" means --
(a) section 65;
(b) Schedule 1;
15 (c) a regulation made for the purposes of
Schedule 1;
(d) a regulation made for the purposes of
section 56B; or
(e) any other written law relating to
20 occupational safety and health matters that is
prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph;
"other protected person" means a person who is at or
near a place where a pipeline operation is being
carried on at the invitation of, or with the express
25 or implied consent of --
(a) the licensee for the pipeline operation; or
(b) a person in control of a part of the pipeline
operation;
page 93
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 20
"pipeline operation" means an operation --
(a) in connection with the construction,
operation, inspection (by a person other than
an inspector), maintenance or repair of a
5 pipeline; and
(b) carried out on land that is specified in any
licence as licence area;
".
20. Section 5AA inserted
10 After section 5 the following section is inserted in Part 1 --
"
5AA. Disapplication of State occupational safety and
health laws
(1) The prescribed occupational safety and health laws do
15 not apply in relation to --
(a) a pipeline operation; or
(b) a person engaged in a pipeline operation or any
other protected person.
(2) In this section --
20 "prescribed occupational safety and health laws"
means any laws of the State relating to
occupational safety and health (whether or not
they also relate to other matters) that are
prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of
25 this section.
".
21. Section 36A amended
Section 36A is amended by deleting "and shall secure the
safety, health and welfare of persons engaged in operations in
30 connection with the pipeline".
page 94
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 22
22. Section 55 repealed
Section 55 is repealed.
23. Part IVA inserted
After section 56 the following Part is inserted --
5 "
Part IVA -- Occupational safety and health
56A. Occupational safety and health
Schedule 1 has effect.
56B. Regulations relating to occupational safety and
10 health
(1) The regulations may make provision in relation to --
(a) the occupational safety and health of a person
engaged in a pipeline operation; or
(b) the safety and health of any other protected
15 person.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), regulations for the
purpose of that subsection may --
(a) require a person who is carrying on a pipeline
operation to establish and maintain a system of
20 management to secure --
(i) the occupational safety and health of a
person engaged in a pipeline operation;
or
(ii) the safety and health of any other
25 protected person;
and
(b) specify requirements with which the system
must comply.
page 95
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 24
56C. Minister's occupational safety and health functions
(1) The Minister has the following functions --
(a) to promote the occupational safety and health
of persons engaged in pipeline operations;
5 (b) to develop and implement effective monitoring
and enforcement strategies to secure
compliance by persons with their occupational
safety and health obligations under this Act;
(c) to investigate accidents, occurrences and
10 circumstances that affect, or have the potential
to affect, the occupational safety and health of
persons engaged in pipeline operations;
(d) to advise persons, either on the Minister's own
initiative or on request, on occupational safety
15 and health matters relating to pipeline
operations.
(2) The Minister has power to do all things necessary or
convenient to be done for or in connection with the
performance of the Minister's functions.
20 ".
24. Section 61 amended
(1) Section 61(1)(a) is amended by deleting "Department of Mines
at Perth in the State" and inserting instead --
"
25 department of the Public Service principally
assisting in the administration of this Act
".
(2) Section 61(4) is repealed.
page 96
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 25
25. Section 62 amended
(1) Section 62(1) is amended by deleting "the purposes of this Act
and the regulations." and inserting instead --
"
5 such or all of the purposes of this Act as are specified
in the instrument of appointment.
".
(2) Section 62(2) is amended by deleting "he is an inspector for the
purposes of this Act and the regulations." and inserting
10 instead --
"
the person is an inspector for the purposes specified in
the certificate.
".
15 26. Section 63 amended
Section 63(1) is amended by deleting "and the regulations," and
inserting instead --
"
, but without affecting the powers of an inspector under
20 Schedule 1,
".
27. Section 63A inserted
After section 63 the following section is inserted --
"
25 63A. Protection from liability for wrongdoing
(1) An action in tort does not lie against a person for
anything that the person has done, in good faith, in the
performance or purported performance of a function
under this Act.
page 97
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 28
(2) The protection given by subsection (1) applies even
though the thing done as described in that subsection
may have been capable of being done whether or not
this Act had been enacted.
5 (3) Despite subsection (1), the State is not relieved of any
liability that it might have for another person having
done anything as described in that subsection.
(4) In this section a reference to the doing of anything
includes a reference to the omission to do anything.
10 ".
28. Section 65 replaced
Section 65 is repealed and the following section is inserted
instead --
"
15 65. Interfering with pipeline operation
A person must not intentionally or recklessly --
(a) cause damage to, or interfere with, any
pipeline; or
(b) interfere with any pipeline operation.
20 Penalty: imprisonment for 10 years.
".
29. Sections 66BA and 66BB inserted and transitional provision
(1) After section 66B the following sections are inserted --
"
25 66BA. Time for bringing proceedings for offences against
this Act (including the regulations)
A proceeding for an offence against this Act may be
brought at any time.
page 98
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 29
66BB. Evidentiary matters
(1) In a proceeding for an offence against this Act an
averment in the complaint that at a particular time --
(a) a particular operation was a pipeline operation;
5 (b) a particular person was the licensee for a
pipeline operation;
(c) a particular person was in control of a particular
part of a pipeline operation;
(d) a particular person was an employer who
10 carried on a pipeline operation;
(e) a particular person was an employer of a
particular person or particular persons engaged
in a pipeline operation;
(f) a particular person was an employee or
15 inspector,
is to be taken to have been proved in the absence of
evidence to the contrary.
(2) In a proceeding for an offence against this Act, proof is
not required as to any of the following matters, unless
20 evidence is given to the contrary --
(a) a delegation under section 61 by the Minister of
a power or function;
(b) the authority of any person to institute a
proceeding for an offence against this Act other
25 than an offence against a listed OSH law;
(c) the authority of an inspector to institute a
proceeding for an offence against a listed OSH
law.
(3) In a proceeding for an offence against this Act,
30 production of a copy of --
(a) a code of practice;
(b) an Australian Standard; or
page 99
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 30
(c) an Australian/New Zealand Standard,
purporting to be certified by the CEO to be a true copy
as at any date or during any period is, without proof of
the signature of the CEO, sufficient evidence of the
5 contents of the code of practice or Standard as at that
date or during that period.
(4) In subsection (3) --
"Australian Standard" means a document having that
title published by Standards Australia;
10 "Australian/New Zealand Standard" means a
document having that title jointly published by
Standards Australia and the Standards Council of
New Zealand;
"CEO" means the chief executive officer of the
15 department of the Public Service principally
assisting in the administration of this Act.
".
(2) Section 51 of the Justices Act 1902 as in force immediately
before the commencement of subsection (1) applies to an
20 offence against the Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 committed
before that commencement as if subsection (1) had not been
enacted.
30. Section 67 amended
(1) After section 67(1)(f) the following paragraphs are inserted --
25 "
(fa) fees in relation to pipeline safety audits or other
services provided by the Minister;
(fb) any transitional matter arising out of the
amendments made to this Act by the Petroleum
30 Legislation Amendment and Repeal Act 2005;
".
page 100
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 31
(2) After section 67(1b) the following subsection is inserted --
"
(1c) The regulations under this section may adopt or apply,
with or without modification, any regulation made
5 under the Petroleum Act 1967, the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982 or the Commonwealth
Act as defined in that Act, that is in force or existing at
the time when the regulations under this section take
effect or as in force or existing from time to time.
10 ".
31. Various sections amended to delete "or the regulations"
(Interpretation Act 1984 s. 46)
The provisions set out in the Table to this section are amended
by deleting "or the regulations" in each case.
15 Table
s. 6(3)(b) s. 61
s. 22(1)(f) s. 66(1) and (2)
s. 42(1) s. 66A
32. Schedule 1 inserted
After section 67 the following Schedule is inserted --
"
Schedule 1 -- Occupational safety and health
20 [s. 56A]
Division 1 -- Introduction
1. Objects
The objects of this Schedule are, in relation to pipeline
operations --
25 (a) to secure the occupational safety and health of
persons engaged in those operations;
page 101
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(b) to protect persons in the vicinity of those operations
at the invitation of, or with the express or implied
consent of, the licensees for, or persons in control of
a part of, those operations from risks to safety and
5 health arising out of those operations;
(c) to ensure that expert advice is available on
occupational safety and health matters in relation to
those operations;
(d) to promote an occupational environment for
10 members of the workforce engaged in those
operations that is adapted to their needs relating to
safety and health; and
(e) to foster a consultative relationship between all
relevant persons concerning the safety and health of
15 members of the workforce engaged in those
operations.
2. Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Schedule --
• This Schedule sets up a scheme to regulate occupational
20 safety and health matters relating to pipeline operations.
• Occupational safety and health duties are imposed on
the following --
(a) the licensee for a pipeline operation;
(b) a person in control of any part of a pipeline
25 operation;
(c) an employer;
(d) a manufacturer of plant, or a substance, for use in
a pipeline operation;
(e) a supplier of a pipeline, or of any plant or
30 substance, for use in a pipeline operation;
(f) a person who constructs or installs a pipeline, or
any plant, for use in a pipeline operation;
(g) a person engaged in a pipeline operation.
page 102
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
• A group of members of the workforce engaged in a
pipeline operation may be established as a designated
work group.
• The members of a designated work group may select a
5 safety and health representative for that designated
work group.
• The safety and health representative may exercise
certain powers for the purpose of promoting or ensuring
the occupational safety and health of group members.
10 • An inspector may conduct an inspection --
(a) to ascertain whether a listed OSH law is being
complied with;
(b) concerning a contravention or a possible
contravention of a listed OSH law; or
15 (c) concerning an accident or dangerous occurrence
that has happened at or near a place at which a
pipeline operation is carried on.
• The licensee for a pipeline operation must report to the
Minister accidents and dangerous occurrences arising
20 out of the pipeline operation.
3. Definitions
In this Schedule --
"accident" includes the contraction of a disease;
"contract" includes an arrangement or understanding;
25 "contractor" has the meaning given by clause 6;
"dangerous occurrence" means an occurrence declared by
the regulations to be a dangerous occurrence for the
purposes of this definition;
"designated work group" means --
30 (a) a group of members of the workforce engaged in
a pipeline operation that is established as a
designated work group under clause 17 or 18; or
page 103
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(b) that group as varied in accordance with clause 19
or 20;
"employee", in relation to an employer, means an employee
of that employer;
5 "employer" means an employer who carries on a pipeline
operation;
"group member", in relation to a designated work group
for a pipeline operation, means a person who is --
(a) a member of the workforce engaged in that
10 operation; and
(b) included in that designated work group;
"improvement notice" means an improvement notice
issued under clause 60(1);
"inspection" means an inspection conducted under
15 Division 4 and includes an investigation or inquiry;
"licensee", in relation to a pipeline operation, means the
registered holder of the licence granted in respect of
that operation;
" licensee's representative" means a person present at a
20 workplace in compliance with the obligations imposed
on the licensee by clause 4;
"member of the workforce", in relation to a pipeline
operation, means a natural person who is engaged in
the operation, whether --
25 (a) as an employee of the licensee or of another
person; or
(b) as a contractor of the licensee or of another
person;
"own" includes own jointly and own in part;
30 "plant" includes any machinery, equipment or tool, or any
component;
"premises" includes the following --
(a) a structure or building;
(b) a place (whether or not enclosed or built on);
page 104
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
(c) a part of a thing referred to in paragraph (a) or
(b);
"prohibition notice" means a prohibition notice issued
under clause 58(1);
5 "registered organisation" means an organisation --
(a) within the meaning of the Workplace Relations
Act 1996 of the Commonwealth; or
(b) as defined in section 7(1) of the Industrial
Relations Act 1979;
10 "regulated business premises" means --
(a) a place where a pipeline operation is carried on;
or
(b) premises that are --
(i) occupied by a person who is the licensee for
15 a pipeline operation; and
(ii) used, or proposed to be used, wholly or
principally in connection with a pipeline
operation;
"regulations" means regulations made for the purposes of
20 this Schedule;
"Tribunal" has the meaning given to that term in the
Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984
section 51G(2);
"work" means work that is directly or indirectly related to a
25 pipeline operation;
"workforce representative" means --
(a) in relation to a person who is a member of the
workforce engaged in a pipeline operation -- a
registered organisation of which that person is a
30 member, if the person is qualified to be a
member of that organisation because of the work
the person performs in relation to the pipeline
operation; or
(b) in relation to a designated work group or a
35 proposed designated work group -- a registered
organisation of which a person who is, or who is
page 105
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
likely to be, in the work group is a member, if
the person is qualified to be a member of that
organisation because of the work the person
performs, or will perform, in relation to the
5 pipeline operation as a member of the group;
"work group employer", in relation to a designated work
group in relation to a pipeline operation, means an
employer of one or more group members, but does not
include the licensee for the pipeline operation;
10 "workplace", in relation to a pipeline operation, means the
whole place where the pipeline operation is carried on
or any part of a place where the pipeline operation is
carried on.
4. Licensee must ensure presence of licensee's
15 representative
(1) The licensee for a pipeline operation must ensure that, at all
times when one or more natural persons are engaged in the
pipeline operation, there is present at the workplace a
natural person (the "licensee's representative") who has
20 day to day management and control of the pipeline
operation.
Penalty: $5 500.
(2) The licensee for a pipeline operation must ensure that the
name of the licensee's representative is displayed in a
25 prominent place at the workplace.
Penalty: $5 500.
(3) Subclause (1) does not imply that, if the licensee is a natural
person, the licensee's representative may not be, from time
to time, the licensee.
30 5. Safety and health of persons using an accommodation
amenity
For the avoidance of doubt, a reference in this Schedule to
the occupational safety and health of a person includes a
reference to the safety and health of a person using an
page 106
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
accommodation amenity provided for the accommodation of
persons engaged in a pipeline operation.
6. Contractor
For the purposes of this Schedule, a natural person is taken
5 to be a "contractor" of another person (the "relevant
person") if the natural person is engaged in a pipeline
operation under a contract for services between --
(a) the relevant person; and
(b) either --
10 (i) the natural person; or
(ii) the employer of the natural person.
Division 2 -- Occupational safety and health
Subdivision 1 -- Duties relating to occupational safety and health
7. Duties of licensee
15 (1) The licensee for a pipeline operation must take all
reasonably practicable steps to ensure that the pipeline
operation is carried out in a manner that is safe and without
risk to the health of persons engaged in the pipeline
operation or other protected persons.
20 Penalty: $110 000.
(2) Without limiting the generality of subclause (1), the licensee
for a pipeline operation must --
(a) provide and maintain a physical environment at the
place where the pipeline operation is carried out that
25 is safe and without risk to health;
(b) provide and maintain adequate amenities for the
safety and health of all members of the workforce
engaged in the pipeline operation;
(c) ensure that any plant, equipment, materials and
30 substances for use in the pipeline operation are safe
and without risk to health;
page 107
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(d) implement and maintain systems of work in relation
to the pipeline operation that are safe and without
risk to health;
(e) implement and maintain appropriate procedures and
5 equipment for the control of, and response to,
emergencies arising out of the pipeline operation;
(f) provide all members of the workforce, in
appropriate languages, with the information,
instruction, training and supervision necessary for
10 them to carry out their activities in a manner that
does not adversely affect the occupational safety
and health of persons engaged in the pipeline
operation;
(g) monitor the occupational safety and health of all
15 members of the workforce and keep records of that
monitoring;
(h) provide appropriate medical and first aid services at
the places at which a pipeline operation is carried
on; and
20 (i) develop, in consultation with members of the
workforce and workforce representatives, a policy
relating to occupational safety and health that --
(i) will enable the licensee and the members of
the workforce to cooperate effectively in
25 promoting and developing measures to
ensure the occupational safety and health of
persons engaged in the pipeline operation;
(ii) will provide adequate mechanisms for
reviewing the effectiveness of the measures;
30 and
(iii) provides for the making of an agreement
that complies with subclauses (4) and (5).
Penalty: $110 000.
(3) Subclause (2)(i) does not require the licensee for a pipeline
35 operation to engage in consultations with a workforce
representative unless a member of the workforce engaged in
page 108
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
the pipeline operation has requested the workforce
representative to be involved in those consultations.
(4) The agreement referred to in subclause (2)(i)(iii) must be
between --
5 (a) on the one hand -- the licensee; and
(b) on the other hand --
(i) the members of the workforce; and
(ii) if a member of the workforce engaged in
the pipeline operation has requested a
10 workforce representative in relation to the
member to be a party to that agreement --
that workforce representative.
(5) The agreement referred to in subclause (2)(i)(iii) must
provide appropriate mechanisms for continuing consultation
15 between --
(a) on the one hand -- the licensee; and
(b) on the other hand --
(i) the members of the workforce; and
(ii) if a member of the workforce engaged in
20 the pipeline operation has requested a
workforce representative in relation to the
member to be involved in consultations on a
particular occasion -- that workforce
representative.
25 (6) The agreement may provide for any other matters agreed
between the parties to it.
8. Duties of persons in control of parts of pipeline
operation
(1) A person who is in control of any part of a pipeline
30 operation must take all reasonably practicable steps to
ensure that that part of the pipeline operation is carried out
in a manner that is safe and without risk to the health of
persons engaged in the pipeline operation or other protected
persons.
35 Penalty: $110 000.
page 109
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(2) Without limiting the generality of subclause (1), a person
who is in control of any part of a pipeline operation must --
(a) ensure that the physical environment at the place
where that part of the pipeline operation is carried
5 out is safe and without risk to health;
(b) ensure that any plant, equipment, materials and
substances for use in that part of the pipeline
operation are safe and without risk to health;
(c) implement and maintain systems of work in relation
10 to that part of the pipeline operation that are safe
and without risk to health;
(d) ensure a means of access to, and egress from the
place where that part of the pipeline operation is
carried out is safe and without risk to health; and
15 (e) provide all members of the workforce engaged in
that part of the pipeline operation in appropriate
languages, with the information, instruction,
training and supervision necessary for them to carry
out their work in a manner that is safe and without
20 risk to health.
Penalty: $110 000.
9. Duties of employers
(1) An employer must take all reasonably practicable steps to
protect the safety and health of employees engaged in a
25 pipeline operation.
Penalty: $110 000.
(2) Without limiting the generality of subclause (1), an
employer must --
(a) provide and maintain a working environment that is
30 safe for employees and without risk to their health;
(b) ensure that any plant, equipment, materials and
substances for use in connection with the
employees' work are safe and without risk to health;
(c) implement and maintain systems of work that are
35 safe and without risk to health;
page 110
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
(d) provide a means of access to, and egress from, the
employees' work location that is safe and without
risk to health; and
(e) provide the employees, in appropriate languages,
5 with the information, instruction, training and
supervision necessary for them to carry out their
work in a manner that is safe and without risk to
health.
Penalty: $110 000.
10 (3) A person has, in respect of a contractor of that person, the
same obligations that an employer has under subclauses (1)
and (2) in respect of an employee of that employer, but only
in relation to --
(a) matters over which the first-mentioned person has
15 control; or
(b) matters over which --
(i) the first-mentioned person would have had
control apart from express provision to the
contrary in a contract; and
20 (ii) the first-mentioned person would, in the
circumstances, usually be expected to have
had control.
(4) An employer must take all reasonable steps to --
(a) monitor the safety and health of employees; and
25 (b) keep records of that monitoring.
Penalty: $110 000.
(5) An employer must take all reasonably practicable steps to
ensure that --
(a) work that is undertaken by the employer's
30 employees is carried out in a manner that is safe and
without risk to the health of persons engaged in the
pipeline operation or other protected persons; and
(b) the employer's system of work is operated in a
manner that is safe and without risk to the health of
page 111
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
persons engaged in the pipeline operation or other
protected persons.
Penalty: $22 000.
10. Duties of manufacturers in relation to plant and
5 substances
(1) A manufacturer of any plant that the manufacturer knows or
ought reasonably to expect will be used by members of the
workforce engaged in a pipeline operation must take all
reasonably practicable steps --
10 (a) to ensure that the plant is so designed and
constructed as to be, when properly used, safe and
without risk to health;
(b) to carry out, or cause to be carried out, the research,
testing and examination necessary in order to
15 discover, and to eliminate or minimise, any risk to
safety or health that may arise from the use of the
plant; and
(c) to make available, in connection with the use of the
plant in a pipeline operation, adequate written
20 information about --
(i) the use for which it is designed and has
been tested;
(ii) details of its design and construction; and
(iii) any conditions necessary to ensure that,
25 when put to the use for which it was
designed and tested, it will be safe and
without risk to health.
Penalty: $22 000.
(2) A manufacturer of any substance that the manufacturer
30 knows or ought reasonably to expect will be used by
members of the workforce engaged in a pipeline operation
must take all reasonably practicable steps --
(a) to ensure that the substance is so manufactured as to
be, when properly used, safe and without risk to
35 health;
page 112
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
(b) to carry out, or cause to be carried out, the research,
testing and examination necessary to discover, and
to eliminate or minimise, any risk to safety or health
that may arise from the use of the substance; and
5 (c) to make available, in connection with the use of the
substance in a pipeline operation, adequate written
information concerning --
(i) the use for which it is manufactured and has
been tested;
10 (ii) details of its composition;
(iii) any conditions necessary to ensure that,
when put to the use for which it was
manufactured and tested, it will be safe and
without risk to health; and
15 (iv) the first aid and medical procedures that
should be followed if the substance causes
injury.
Penalty: $22 000.
(3) If --
20 (a) plant or a substance is imported into Australia by a
person who is not its manufacturer; and
(b) at the time of the importation, the manufacturer of
the plant or substance does not have a place of
business in Australia,
25 the first-mentioned person is taken, for the purposes of this
clause, to be the manufacturer of the plant or substance.
(4) This clause does not affect the operation of any other law of
this State that imposes an obligation on a manufacturer in
respect of defective goods or in respect of information to be
30 supplied in relation to goods.
11. Duties of suppliers of pipelines, plant and substances
(1) A supplier of a pipeline, or of any plant or substance, that
the supplier ought reasonably to expect will be used by
page 113
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
members of the workforce engaged in a pipeline operation,
must take all reasonably practicable steps --
(a) to ensure that, at the time of supply, the pipeline, or
the plant or substance, is in such condition as to be,
5 when properly used, safe and without risk to health;
(b) to carry out, or cause to be carried out, the research,
testing and examination necessary to discover, and
to eliminate or minimise, any risk to safety or health
that may arise from the condition of the pipeline,
10 plant or substance; and
(c) to make available --
(i) in the case of a pipeline -- to the licensee
for the pipeline operation; and
(ii) in the case of plant or substance -- to the
15 person to whom the plant or substance is
supplied,
adequate written information, in connection with
the use of the pipeline, plant or substance (as the
case requires) about --
20 (iii) the condition of the pipeline, plant or
substance at the time of supply;
(iv) any risk to the safety and health of members
of the workforce engaged in a pipeline
operation to which the condition of the
25 pipeline, plant or substance may give rise
unless it is properly used;
(v) the steps that need to be taken in order to
eliminate that risk; and
(vi) in the case of a substance -- the first aid
30 and medical procedures that should be
followed if the condition of the substance
causes injury to a member of the workforce
engaged in a pipeline operation.
Penalty: $22 000.
35 (2) For the purposes of subclause (1), if a person
(the "ostensible supplier") supplies to a person either a
page 114
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
pipeline, or any plant or substance, that is for use by
members of the workforce engaged in a pipeline operation,
and the ostensible supplier --
(a) carries on the business of financing the acquisition
5 or the use of goods by other persons;
(b) has, in the course of that business, acquired an
interest in the pipeline, or in the plant or substance,
from another person (the "actual supplier"), solely
for the purpose of financing its acquisition by, or its
10 provision to, the person to whom it is finally
supplied; and
(c) has not taken possession of the pipeline, plant or
substance, or has taken possession of the pipeline,
plant or substance solely for the purpose of passing
15 possession of the pipeline, plant or substance to the
person to whom it is finally supplied,
a reference in subclause (1) to a supplier is, in relation to the
pipeline, plant or substance referred to in this subclause, to
be read as a reference to the actual supplier and not as a
20 reference to the ostensible supplier.
(3) This clause does not affect the operation of any other law of
this State that imposes an obligation in respect of the sale or
supply of goods or in respect of the information to be
supplied in relation to goods.
25 12. Duties of persons constructing pipelines or installing
plant
(1) A person who constructs or installs a pipeline, or erects or
installs any plant, for use in a pipeline operation, must take
all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that the pipeline or
30 plant is not erected or installed in such a way that it is
unsafe or constitutes a risk to safety or health.
Penalty: $22 000.
page 115
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(2) This clause does not affect the operation of any other law of
this State that imposes an obligation in respect of the
erection or installation of structures or goods or the supply
of services.
5 13. Duties of persons in relation to occupational safety and
health
(1) A person engaged in a pipeline operation must, at all times,
take all reasonably practicable steps --
(a) to ensure that the person does not take any action,
10 or make any omission, that creates a risk, or
increases an existing risk, to --
(i) the occupational safety and health of that
person; or
(ii) the safety and health of any other protected
15 person;
(b) in respect of any obligation imposed on the licensee
or on any other person under a listed OSH law -- to
cooperate with the licensee or that other person to
the extent necessary to enable the licensee or that
20 other person to fulfil that obligation; and
(c) to use equipment that is --
(i) supplied to the person by the licensee, an
employer of the person or any other person
having control of the pipeline operation
25 (the "equipment supplier"); and
(ii) necessary to protect the occupational safety
and health of the person, or the safety and
health of any other person engaged in the
pipeline operation or protected person,
30 in accordance with any instructions given by the
equipment supplier, consistent with the safe and
proper use of the equipment.
Penalty: $5 500.
(2) Despite subclause (1), the choice or manner of use, or
35 choice and manner of use, of equipment of the kind referred
page 116
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
to in subclause (1)(c)(ii) is a matter that may be, consistently
with each listed OSH law --
(a) agreed on between the equipment supplier and any
relevant safety and health representative; or
5 (b) agreed on by a safety and health committee.
(3) If an agreement of the kind referred to in subclause (2)(a) or
(b) provides a process for choosing equipment of a
particular kind that is to be provided by the equipment
supplier, action must not be taken against a person for
10 failure to use equipment of that kind that is so provided
unless the equipment has been chosen in accordance with
that process.
(4) If an agreement of the kind referred to in subclause (2)(a) or
(b) provides a process for determining the manner of use of
15 equipment of a particular kind, action must not be taken
against a person for failure to use, in the manner required by
the equipment supplier, equipment of that kind that is so
provided unless the manner has been determined in
accordance with that process.
20 14. Reliance on information supplied or results of research
(1) For the purpose of the application of clause 7, 8 or 9 to the
use of plant or a substance, a person on whom an obligation
is imposed under any of those clauses is regarded as having
taken reasonably practicable steps as required by the
25 relevant clause, in relation to the use of the plant or
substance, to the extent that --
(a) the person ensured, so far as practicable, that its use
was in accordance with the information supplied by
the manufacturer or the supplier of the plant or
30 substance relating to occupational safety and health
in its use; and
(b) it was reasonable for the person to rely on that
information.
(2) For the purpose of the application of clause 10 or 11 to
35 carrying out research, testing and examining a pipeline, or
any plant or substance, a person on whom an obligation is
page 117
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
imposed under either of those clauses is regarded as having
taken reasonably practicable steps as required by the
relevant clause, in relation to carrying out research, testing
and examining the pipeline, plant or substance, to the extent
5 that --
(a) the research, testing or examination has already
been carried out by or on behalf of someone else;
and
(b) it was reasonable for the person to rely on that
10 research, testing or examination.
(3) For the purpose of the application of clause 12 to the
construction of a pipeline or the erection or installation of
plant for use in a pipeline operation, a person on whom an
obligation is imposed under that clause is regarded as
15 having taken reasonably practicable steps as required by that
clause to the extent that --
(a) the person ensured, so far as is reasonably
practicable, that the construction of the pipeline, or
the erection or installation of the plant, was --
20 (i) in accordance with information supplied by
the manufacturer or supplier of the pipeline
or plant relating to its erection or its
installation; and
(ii) consistent with the occupational safety and
25 health of persons engaged in the pipeline
operation;
and
(b) it was reasonable for the person to rely on that
information.
30 (4) Nothing in this clause limits the generality of what
constitutes reasonably practicable steps as required by
clause 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12.
page 118
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
Subdivision 2 -- Regulations relating to occupational safety
and health
15. Regulations relating to occupational safety and health
(1) The regulations may make provision relating to any matter
5 affecting, or likely to affect, the occupational safety and
health of persons engaged in a pipeline operation.
(2) Regulations made for the purposes of subclause (1) may
make provision for any or all of the following --
(a) prohibiting or restricting the performance of all
10 work or specified work in relation to a pipeline
operation;
(b) prohibiting or restricting the use of all plant or
specified plant in a pipeline operation;
(c) prohibiting or restricting the carrying out of all
15 processes or a specified process in a pipeline
operation;
(d) prohibiting or restricting the storage or use of all
substances or specified substances in a pipeline
operation;
20 (e) specifying the form in which information required
to be made available under clause 10(1)(c) or
11(1)(c) is to be so made available;
(f) prohibiting, except in accordance with licences
granted under the regulations, the use of specified
25 plant or specified substances in a pipeline operation;
(g) providing for --
(i) the issue, variation, renewal, transfer,
suspension and cancellation of those
licences; and
30 (ii) the conditions to which the licences may be
subject;
(h) regulating the maintenance and testing of plant for
use in a pipeline operation;
(i) regulating the labelling or marking of substances for
35 use in a pipeline operation;
page 119
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(j) regulating the transport of specified plant or
specified substances for use in a pipeline operation;
(k) prohibiting the performance, in relation to a pipeline
operation, of specified activities or work except --
5 (i) by persons who satisfy requirements of the
regulations as to qualifications, training or
experience; or
(ii) under the supervision specified in the
regulations;
10 (l) requiring specified action to avoid accidents or
dangerous occurrences;
(m) providing for, or prohibiting, specified action in the
event of accidents or dangerous occurrences;
(n) providing for the employment of persons to perform
15 specified duties relating to the maintenance of
occupational safety and health in relation to a
pipeline operation;
(o) regulating the provision and use, in a pipeline
operation, of protective clothing and equipment,
20 safety equipment and rescue equipment;
(p) providing for monitoring the health of members of
the workforce engaged in a pipeline operation and
the conditions at a place at which a pipeline
operation is carried out;
25 (q) requiring employers to keep records of matters
related to the occupational safety and health of
employees;
(r) providing for the provision of first aid equipment
and amenities at a place at which a pipeline
30 operation is carried out.
page 120
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
Division 3 -- Workplace arrangements
Subdivision 1 -- Introduction
16. Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Subdivision --
5 • A group of members of the workforce engaged in a
pipeline operation may be established as a designated
work group.
• The members of a designated work group may select a
safety and health representative for that designated
10 work group.
• The safety and health representative may exercise
certain powers for the purpose of promoting or ensuring
the occupational safety and health of group members.
• A safety and health committee may be established in
15 relation to the members of the workforce engaged in a
pipeline operation.
• The main function of a safety and health committee is
to assist the licensee in relation to occupational safety
and health matters.
20 Subdivision 2 -- Designated work groups
17. Establishment of designated work groups by request
(1) A request to the licensee for a pipeline operation to enter
into consultations to establish designated work groups in
relation to the members of the workforce engaged in the
25 pipeline operation may be made by --
(a) any member of the workforce; or
(b) if a member of the workforce requests a workforce
representative in relation to the member to make the
request to the licensee -- that workforce
30 representative.
page 121
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(2) The licensee for a pipeline operation must, within 14 days
after receiving a request under subclause (1), enter into
consultations with --
(a) if any member of the workforce made a request to
5 establish designated work groups --
(i) that member of the workforce;
(ii) if that member requests that the licensee
enter into consultations with a workforce
representative in relation to the member --
10 that workforce representative; and
(iii) each employer (if any) of members of the
workforce;
and
(b) if a workforce representative made a request to
15 establish designated work groups --
(i) if a member of the workforce requests that
the licensee enter into consultations with
that workforce representative -- that
workforce representative; and
20 (ii) each employer of members of the
workforce.
(3) Within 14 days after the completion of consultations about
the establishment of the designated work groups, the
licensee must, by notifying the members of the workforce,
25 establish the designated work groups in accordance with the
outcome of the consultations.
18. Establishment of designated work groups at initiative of
licensee
(1) If, at any time, the licensee for a pipeline operation
30 considers that designated work groups should be
established, the licensee must enter into consultations
with --
(a) all members of the workforce;
(b) if a member of the workforce requests that the
35 licensee enter into consultations with a workforce
page 122
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
representative in relation to the member -- that
workforce representative; and
(c) each employer (if any) of members of the
workforce.
5 (2) Within 14 days after the completion of consultations about
the establishment of the designated work groups, the
licensee must, by notifying the members of the workforce,
establish the designated work groups in accordance with the
outcome of the consultations.
10 19. Variation of designated work groups by request
(1) A request to the licensee for a pipeline operation to enter
into consultations to vary designated work groups that have
already been established in relation to the members of the
workforce engaged in the pipeline operation may be made
15 by --
(a) any member of the workforce; or
(b) if a member of the workforce requests a workforce
representative in relation to the member to make the
request to the licensee -- that workforce
20 representative.
(2) The licensee for a pipeline operation must, within 14 days
after receiving a request under subclause (1), enter into
consultations with --
(a) if any member of the workforce made a request to
25 vary designated work groups --
(i) that member of the workforce;
(ii) the safety and health representative of each
designated work group affected by the
proposed variation; and
30 (iii) each work group employer (if any) in
relation to each designated work group
affected by the proposed variation;
and
page 123
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(b) if a workforce representative made a request to vary
designated work groups --
(i) if a member of a designated work group
affected by the proposed variation requests
5 that the licensee enter into consultations
with that workforce representative in
relation to the group -- that workforce
representative;
(ii) the safety and health representative of each
10 designated work group affected by the
proposed variation; and
(iii) each work group employer (if any) in
relation to each designated work group
affected by the proposed variation.
15 (3) If --
(a) consultations take place about the variation of
designated work groups that have already been
established; and
(b) as a result of the consultations, it has been
20 determined that the variation of some or all of those
designated work groups is justified,
then, within 14 days after the completion of the
consultations, the licensee must, by notifying the members
of the workforce who are affected by the variation, vary the
25 designated work groups in accordance with the outcome of
the consultations.
20. Variation of designated work groups at initiative of
licensee
(1) If the licensee for a pipeline operation believes the
30 designated work groups should be varied, the licensee may,
at any time, enter into consultations about the variations
with --
(a) the safety and health representative of each of the
designated work groups affected by the proposed
35 variation;
page 124
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
(b) if a member of a designated work group affected by
the proposed variation requests that the licensee
enter into consultations with that workforce
representative in relation to the group -- that
5 workforce representative; and
(c) each work group employer (if any) in relation to
each designated work group affected by the
proposed variation.
(2) If --
10 (a) consultations take place about the variation of
designated work groups that have already been
established; and
(b) as a result of the consultations, it has been
determined that the variation of some or all of those
15 designated work groups is justified,
then, within 14 days after the completion of the
consultations, the licensee must, by notifying the members
of the workforce who are affected by the variation, vary the
designated work groups in accordance with the outcome of
20 the consultations.
21. Referral of disagreement to reviewing authority
(1) If, in the course of consultations under clause 17, 18, 19 or
20, there is a disagreement between any of the parties to the
consultation about the manner of establishing or varying a
25 designated work group, any party may, for the purpose of
facilitating that consultation, refer the matter of
disagreement to the reviewing authority.
(2) The party referring the matter to the reviewing authority
must give notice of the referral to all the other parties to the
30 disagreement.
(3) The reviewing authority is to --
(a) resolve the matter of the disagreement referred to
the reviewing authority; and
(b) notify all parties to the disagreement of the
35 decision.
page 125
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(4) If the matter of a disagreement is referred to the reviewing
authority, the parties to the disagreement must complete the
consultation in accordance with the resolution of that matter
by the reviewing authority.
5 (5) In this clause --
"reviewing authority" means a person prescribed by the
regulations to be a reviewing authority for the purposes
of this clause.
22. Manner of grouping members of the workforce
10 (1) Consultations about the establishment or variation of a
designated work group must be directed principally at the
determination of the manner of grouping members of the
workforce --
(a) that best and most conveniently enables their
15 interests relating to occupational safety and health
to be represented and safeguarded; and
(b) that best takes account of the need for any safety
and health representative selected for that
designated work group to be accessible to each
20 group member.
(2) The parties to the consultations must have regard, in
particular, to --
(a) the number of members of the workforce engaged
in the pipeline operation to which the consultation
25 relates;
(b) the nature of each type of work performed by those
members;
(c) the number and grouping of those members who
perform the same or similar types of work;
30 (d) the workplaces where each type of work is
performed;
(e) the nature of any risks to safety and health at each
of those workplaces; and
(f) any overtime or shift working arrangement in
35 relation to the pipeline operation.
page 126
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
(3) The designated work groups must be established or varied in
such a way that, so far as practicable, each of the members
of the workforce engaged in a pipeline operation is in a
designated work group.
5 (4) All the members of the workforce engaged in a pipeline
operation may be in one designated work group.
Subdivision 3 -- Safety and health representatives
23. Selection of safety and health representatives
(1) One safety and health representative may be selected for
10 each designated work group.
(2) A person is not eligible for selection as the safety and health
representative for a designated work group unless the person
is a member of the workforce included in the group.
(3) A person is taken to have been selected as the safety and
15 health representative for a designated work group if --
(a) all the members of the workforce in the group
unanimously agree to the selection; or
(b) the person is elected as the safety and health
representative of the group in accordance with
20 clause 24.
24. Election of safety and health representatives
(1) If --
(a) there is a vacancy in the office of safety and health
representative for a designated work group; and
25 (b) within a reasonable time after the vacancy occurs, a
person has not been selected under clause 23(3)(a),
the licensee for the pipeline operation must invite
nominations from all group members for election as the
safety and health representative of the group.
30 (2) If the office of safety and health representative is vacant and
the licensee has not invited nominations within a further
reasonable time that is no later than 6 months after the
page 127
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
vacancy occurred, the Minister may direct the licensee to do
so.
(3) If there is more than one candidate for election at the close
of the nomination period, the licensee must conduct, or
5 arrange for the conduct of, an election at the licensee's
expense.
(4) An election conducted or arranged to be conducted under
subclause (3) must be conducted in accordance with
regulations made for the purposes of this subclause if this is
10 requested by the lesser of --
(a) 100 members of the workforce normally in the
designated work group; or
(b) a majority of the members of the workforce
normally in the designated work group.
15 (5) If there is only one candidate for election at the close of the
nomination period, that person is taken to have been elected.
(6) A person cannot be a candidate in the election if he or she is
disqualified under clause 30.
(7) All the members of the workforce in the designated work
20 group are entitled to vote in the election.
(8) A licensee conducting or arranging for the conduct of an
election under this clause must comply with any relevant
directions issued by the Minister.
25. List of safety and health representatives
25 The licensee for a pipeline operation must --
(a) prepare and keep up to date a list of all the safety
and health representatives of designated work
groups comprising members of the workforce
engaged in the pipeline operation; and
30 (b) ensure that the list is available for inspection, at all
reasonable times, by --
(i) the members of the workforce engaged in
the pipeline operation; and
(ii) inspectors.
page 128
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
26. Members of designated work group must be notified of
selection etc. of safety and health representative
The licensee for a pipeline operation must --
(a) notify members of a designated work group in
5 relation to the pipeline operation of a vacancy in the
office of safety and health representative for the
designated work group within a reasonable time
after the vacancy arises; and
(b) notify those members of the name of any person
10 selected (whether under clause 23(3)(a) or (b)) as
safety and health representative for the designated
work group within a reasonable time after the
selection is made.
27. Term of office
15 (1) A safety and health representative for a designated work
group holds office --
(a) if, in consultations that took place under clause 17,
18, 19 or 20, the parties to the consultations agreed
to the period for which the safety and health
20 representative for the group was to hold office --
for that period; or
(b) if paragraph (a) does not apply -- for 2 years.
(2) The term of office of a safety and health representative
begins at the start of the day on which he or she was
25 selected.
(3) Nothing in this clause prevents a safety and health
representative from being selected for further terms of
office.
28. Training of safety and health representatives
30 (1) A safety and health representative for a designated work
group must undertake a course of training relating to
occupational safety and health that is accredited by the
Minister for the purposes of this clause.
page 129
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(2) The licensee for the pipeline operation concerned must
permit the representative to take any time off work, without
loss of remuneration or other entitlements, that is necessary
to undertake the training.
5 (3) If a person other than the licensee is the employer of the
representative, that person must permit the representative to
take any time off work, without loss of remuneration or
other entitlements, that is necessary to undertake the
training.
10 29. Resignation etc. of safety and health representatives
(1) A person ceases to be the safety and health representative
for the designated work group if --
(a) the person resigns as the safety and health
representative;
15 (b) the person ceases to be a group member of that
designated work group;
(c) the person's term of office expires without the
person having been selected, under clause 23, to be
the safety and health representative for the
20 designated work group for a further term; or
(d) the person is disqualified under clause 30.
(2) A person may resign as the safety and health representative
for a designated work group by notice in writing delivered
to the licensee and to each work group employer.
25 (3) If a person resigns as the safety and health representative for
a designated work group, the person must notify the
resignation to the group members.
(4) If a person has ceased to be the safety and health
representative for a designated work group because of
30 subclause (1)(b), the person must notify in writing --
(a) the group members; and
(b) the licensee and each work group employer,
that the person has ceased to be the safety and health
representative for that designated work group.
page 130
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
30. Disqualification of safety and health representatives
(1) An application for the disqualification of a safety and health
representative for a designated work group may be made to
the Tribunal by --
5 (a) the licensee;
(b) a work group employer; or
(c) at the request of a group member of the designated
work group -- a workforce representative in
relation to the designated work group.
10 (2) An application under subclause (1) may be made on either
or both of the following grounds --
(a) that action taken by the representative in the
exercise or purported exercise of a power under
clause 32(1) or any other provision of this Schedule
15 was taken --
(i) with the intention of causing harm to the
licensee or work group employer or to an
undertaking of the licensee or work group
employer; or
20 (ii) unreasonably, capriciously or not for the
purpose for which the power was conferred
on the representative;
(b) that the representative has intentionally used, or
disclosed to another person, for a purpose that is not
25 connected with the exercise of a power of a safety
and health representative, information acquired
from the licensee or work group employer.
(3) On an application under subclause (1), the Tribunal may
disqualify the representative, for a specified period not
30 exceeding 5 years, from being a safety and health
representative for any designated work group, if the
Tribunal is satisfied that the representative has acted in a
manner referred to in subclause (2).
page 131
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(4) In making a decision under subclause (3), the Tribunal must
have regard to --
(a) the harm (if any) that was caused to the licensee or
work group employer or to an undertaking of the
5 licensee or work group employer as a result of the
action of the representative;
(b) the past record of the representative in exercising
the powers of a safety and health representative;
(c) the effect (if any) on the public interest of the action
10 of the representative; and
(d) any other matters the Tribunal thinks relevant.
31. Deputy safety and health representatives
(1) One deputy safety and health representative may be selected
for each designated work group for which a safety and
15 health representative has been selected.
(2) A deputy safety and health representative is to be selected in
the same way as a safety and health representative under
clause 23.
(3) If the safety and health representative for a designated work
20 group --
(a) ceases to be the safety and health representative; or
(b) is unable (because of absence or for any other
reason) to exercise the powers of a safety and health
representative,
25 then --
(c) the powers may be exercised by the deputy safety
and health representative (if any) for the group; and
(d) this Schedule (other than this clause) applies in
relation to the deputy safety and health
30 representative accordingly.
page 132
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
32. Powers of safety and health representatives
(1) A safety and health representative for a designated work
group may, for the purpose of promoting or ensuring the
safety and health at a workplace of the group members --
5 (a) do all or any of the following --
(i) inspect the whole or any part of the
workplace if there has, in the immediate
past, been an accident or a dangerous
occurrence at the workplace, or if there is
10 an immediate threat of such an accident or
dangerous occurrence;
(ii) inspect the whole or any part of the
workplace if the safety and health
representative has given reasonable notice
15 of the inspection to the licensee's
representative and to any other person
having immediate control of the workplace;
(iii) make a request to an inspector or to the
Minister that an inspection be conducted at
20 the workplace;
(iv) accompany an inspector during any
inspection at the workplace by the inspector
(whether or not the inspection is being
conducted as a result of a request made by
25 the safety and health representative);
(v) if there is no safety and health committee in
respect of the members of the workforce
engaged in the pipeline operation --
represent group members in consultations
30 with the licensee and any work group
employer about the development,
implementation and review of measures to
ensure the safety and health of those
members at the workplace;
35 (vi) if a safety and health committee has been
established in respect of the members of the
workforce engaged in the pipeline
page 133
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
operation -- examine any of the records of
that committee;
(b) investigate complaints made by any group member
to the safety and health representative about the
5 safety and health of any of the members of the
workforce (whether in the group or not);
(c) with the consent of a group member, be present at
any interview about safety and health at work
between that member and --
10 (i) an inspector;
(ii) the licensee or a person representing the
licensee; or
(iii) a work group employer or a person
representing that employer;
15 (d) obtain access to any information under the control
of the licensee or any work group employer --
(i) relating to risks to the safety and health of
any group member; and
(ii) relating to the safety and health of any
20 group member;
and
(e) issue provisional improvement notices in
accordance with clause 36.
(2) Subclause (1)(d)(ii) has effect subject to clause 34.
25 33. Assistance by consultant
(1) A safety and health representative for a designated work
group is entitled, in the exercise of his or her powers, to be
assisted by a consultant.
(2) A safety and health representative for a designated work
30 group may --
(a) be assisted by a consultant at a workplace at which
work is performed; or
page 134
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
(b) provide to a consultant information that has been
provided to the safety and health representative by a
group member under clause 32(1)(d),
only if the licensee or the Minister has, in writing, agreed to
5 the provision of that assistance at that workplace or the
provision of that information, as the case may be.
(3) Neither the licensee nor any workplace employer becomes,
because of the agreement under subclause (2) to the
provision of assistance by a consultant, liable for any
10 remuneration or other expenses incurred in connection with
the consultant's activities.
(4) If a safety and health representative for a designated work
group is being assisted by a consultant, the consultant is
entitled to be present with the representative at any
15 interview, about safety and health at work, between a group
member and --
(a) an inspector; or
(b) the licensee or any work group employer or a
person representing the licensee or that employer,
20 if, and only if, the group member consents to the presence of
the consultant.
34. Information
(1) Neither --
(a) a safety and health representative; nor
25 (b) a consultant assisting a safety and health
representative,
is entitled, under clause 32(1)(d)(ii), to have access to
information in respect of which a group member is entitled
to claim, and does claim, legal professional privilege.
30 (2) Neither --
(a) a safety and health representative; nor
(b) a consultant assisting a safety and health
representative,
page 135
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
is entitled, under clause 32(1)(d)(ii), to have access to
information of a confidential medical nature relating to a
person who is or was a group member unless --
(c) the person has delivered to the licensee or any work
5 group employer a written authority permitting the
safety and health representative, or the safety and
health representative and the consultant, as the case
requires, to have access to the information; or
(d) the information is in a form that does not identify
10 the person or enable the identity of the person to be
discovered.
35. Obligations and liabilities of safety and health
representatives
This Schedule does not --
15 (a) impose an obligation on a person to exercise any
power conferred on the person because the person is
a safety and health representative; or
(b) render a person liable in civil proceedings because
of --
20 (i) a failure to exercise such a power; or
(ii) the way such a power was exercised.
36. Provisional improvement notices
(1) If --
(a) a safety and health representative for a designated
25 work group believes, on reasonable grounds, that a
person --
(i) is contravening a listed OSH law; or
(ii) has contravened a provision of a listed OSH
law and is likely to contravene that
30 provision again;
and
(b) the contravention affects or may affect one or more
group members,
page 136
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
the representative must consult with the person supervising
the relevant activity in an attempt to reach agreement on
rectifying the contravention or preventing the likely
contravention.
5 (2) If, in the safety and health representative's opinion,
agreement is not reached within a reasonable time, the
safety and health representative may issue a provisional
improvement notice to any or each person (a "responsible
person") responsible for the contravention.
10 (3) If a responsible person is the licensee, the improvement
notice may be issued to the licensee by giving it to the
licensee's representative.
(4) If it is not practicable to issue the notice to a responsible
person (other than the licensee or the supervisor) by giving
15 it to that responsible person --
(a) the notice may be issued to that responsible person
by giving it to the person who for the time being is,
or may reasonably be presumed to be, on behalf of
the responsible person, in charge of the activity to
20 which the notice relates; and
(b) if the notice is so issued, a copy of the notice must
be given to the responsible person as soon as
practicable afterwards.
(5) The notice must --
25 (a) specify the contravention that, in the safety and
health representative's opinion, is occurring or is
likely to occur, and set out the reasons for that
opinion; and
(b) specify a period that --
30 (i) is not less than 7 days beginning on the day
after the notice is issued; and
(ii) is, in the representative's opinion,
reasonable,
within which the responsible person is to take action
35 necessary to prevent any further contravention or to prevent
the likely contravention, as the case may be.
page 137
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(6) The notice may specify action that the responsible person is
to take during the period specified in the notice.
(7) If, in the safety and health representative's opinion, it is
appropriate to do so, the representative may, in writing and
5 before the end of the period, extend the period specified in
the notice.
(8) On issuing the notice, the safety and health representative
must give a copy of the notice to --
(a) if the licensee is not a responsible person -- the
10 licensee;
(b) each work group employer other than a work group
employer who is a responsible person;
(c) if the supervisor is not a responsible person -- the
supervisor; and
15 (d) if the notice relates to any plant, substance or thing
that is owned by a person other than a responsible
person or a person to whom a copy of the notice is
given under paragraph (a), (b) or (c) -- that owner.
37. Effect of provisional improvement notice
20 (1) Within 7 days after a notice is issued under clause 36 --
(a) the responsible person; or
(b) any other person, to whom a copy of the notice has
been given under clause 36(8),
may request an inspector for an inspection of the matter to
25 be conducted.
(2) On the request being made, the operation of the notice is
suspended pending the determination of the matter by an
inspector.
(3) As soon as possible after a request is made, an inspection
30 must be conducted of the work that is the subject of the
disagreement, and the inspector conducting the inspection
must --
(a) confirm, vary or cancel the notice and notify the
responsible person and any person to whom a copy
page 138
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
of the notice has been given under clause 36(8)
accordingly; and
(b) make decisions, and exercise powers, under
Division 4, as the inspector considers necessary in
5 relation to the work.
(4) If the inspector varies a notice, the notice as so varied has
effect --
(a) so far as the notice concerns obligations imposed on
the responsible person that are unaffected by the
10 variation -- as if the notice as so varied resumed
effect on the day of the variation; and
(b) so far as the notice concerns new obligations
imposed by virtue of the variation -- as if the notice
as so varied were a new notice issued on the day of
15 the variation.
(5) If the notice is issued to a responsible person, the
responsible person must --
(a) notify each group member who is affected by the
notice of the fact of the issue of the notice; and
20 (b) until the notice ceases to have effect, cause a copy
of the notice to be displayed at or near each
workplace at which the work that is the subject of
the notice is being performed.
(6) The notice ceases to have effect if --
25 (a) it is cancelled by an inspector or by the safety and
health representative; or
(b) the responsible person --
(i) takes the action, if any, specified in the
notice; or
30 (ii) if no action is so specified -- takes the
action necessary to prevent the further
contravention, or likely contravention,
concerned.
page 139
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(7) The responsible person --
(a) must ensure that, to the extent that the notice relates
to any matter over which the person has control, the
notice is complied with; and
5 (b) must take reasonable steps to inform the safety and
health representative who issued the notice of the
action taken to comply with the notice.
(8) For the purposes of clause 64, if the inspector confirms or
varies the notice, the inspector is taken to have decided,
10 under clause 60, to issue an improvement notice in those
terms.
38. Duties of the licensee and other employers in relation to
safety and health representatives
(1) The licensee for a pipeline operation, in relation to which a
15 designated work group having a safety and health
representative has been established, must --
(a) on being requested to do so by the representative,
consult with the representative on the
implementation of changes at any workplace at
20 which some or all of the group members perform
work, being changes that may affect their safety and
health;
(b) in relation to a workplace at which some or all of
the group members perform work --
25 (i) permit the representative to make any
inspection of the workplace that the
representative is entitled to make in
accordance with clause 32(1)(a)(i) and to
accompany an inspector during an
30 inspection at the workplace by the
inspector; and
(ii) if there is no safety and health committee in
respect of the members of the workforce --
on being requested to do so by the
35 representative, consult with the
representative about the development,
implementation and review of measures to
page 140
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
ensure the safety and health of group
members;
(c) permit the representative to be present at any
interview at which the representative is entitled to
5 be present under clause 32(1)(c);
(d) provide to the representative access to any
information to which the representative is entitled to
obtain access under clause 32(1)(d)(i) or (ii) and to
which access has been requested;
10 (e) permit the representative to take any time off work,
without loss of remuneration or other entitlements,
that is necessary to exercise the powers of a safety
and health representative; and
(f) provide the representative with access to any
15 amenities that are --
(i) prescribed for the purposes of this
paragraph; or
(ii) necessary for the purposes of exercising the
powers of a safety and health
20 representative.
(2) Subclause (1)(d) has effect subject to subclauses (3) and (4).
(3) The licensee must not permit a safety and health
representative in relation to a designated work group to have
access to information that --
25 (a) is of a confidential medical nature under the control
of the licensee; and
(b) relates to a person who is or was a group member,
unless --
(c) the person has delivered to the employer a written
30 authority permitting the representative to have
access to the information; or
(d) the information is in a form that does not identify
the person or enable the identity of the person to be
discovered.
page 141
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(4) The licensee is not required to give a safety and health
representative access to any information in respect of which
the licensee is entitled to claim, and does claim, legal
professional privilege.
5 (5) The duties imposed by this clause on the licensee in respect
of the safety and health representative for a designated work
group apply equally, to the extent that the matters to which
the duties relate are within the control of a work group
employer or of a supervisor of particular work, to that
10 employer and to that supervisor.
Subdivision 4 -- Safety and health committees
39. Safety and health committees
(1) A safety and health committee must be established in
relation to the members of the workforce engaged in a
15 pipeline operation if --
(a) the number of those members normally engaged in
the pipeline operation is not less than 50 (whether
or not those members are all at work in relation to
the pipeline operation at the same time);
20 (b) the members of the workforce are included in one
or more designated work groups; and
(c) the licensee is requested to establish the committee
by the safety and health representative for the
designated work group or for one of the designated
25 work groups.
(2) The safety and health committee consists of --
(a) the number of members specified in an agreement
reached between the licensee and the members of
the workforce; or
30 (b) if there is no such agreement -- an equal number
of --
(i) members, chosen by the members of the
workforce, to represent the interests of
members of the workforce; and
page 142
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
(ii) members, chosen by the licensee, to
represent the interests of the licensee and
the employer (other than the licensee) of
members of the workforce.
5 (3) The agreement referred to in subclause (2)(a) may --
(a) specify the persons who are to be members to
represent the interests of the licensee and employers
(other than the licensee) of members of the
workforce; and
10 (b) provide for the way in which persons who are to be
members to represent the interests of members of
the workforce are to be chosen.
(4) If regulations made for the purposes of this clause specify
procedures for the selection of persons as members of safety
15 and health committees to represent the interests of members
of the workforce, an agreement referred to in
subclause (2)(a) must not provide for members to be chosen
in a way inconsistent with the regulations.
(5) A safety and health committee must hold a meeting at least
20 once every 3 months.
(6) The procedure at meetings of a safety and health committee
must, except to the extent provided for by the regulations, be
the procedure agreed upon by the committee.
(7) A safety and health committee must cause minutes of its
25 meetings to be kept, and must retain those minutes for a
period of not less than 3 years.
(8) This clause does not prevent a licensee from establishing, in
consultation with registered unions or any other persons,
committees concerned with occupational safety and health
30 in relation to undertakings carried on by the licensee.
40. Functions of safety and health committees
(1) A safety and health committee has the following
functions --
page 143
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(a) to assist the licensee for the pipeline operation
concerned --
(i) to develop and implement measures
designed to protect; and
5 (ii) to review and update measures used to
protect,
the safety and health at work of members of the
workforce;
(b) to facilitate cooperation between the licensee for the
10 pipeline operation, employers (other than the
licensee) of members of the workforce, and
members of the workforce, in relation to
occupational safety and health matters;
(c) to assist the licensee to disseminate among
15 members of the workforce, in appropriate
languages, information relating to safety and health
at work;
(d) any prescribed functions;
(e) any other functions that are agreed between the
20 licensee and the safety and health committee.
(2) A safety and health committee has power to do all things
necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection
with, the performance of its functions.
(3) This Schedule does not --
25 (a) impose an obligation on a person to do any act,
because the person is a member of a safety and
health committee, in connection with the
performance of a function conferred on the
committee; or
30 (b) render such a person liable in civil proceedings
because of --
(i) a failure to do such an act; or
(ii) the manner in which such an act was done.
page 144
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
41. Duties of the licensee and other employers in relation to
safety and health committees
(1) If there is a safety and health committee, the licensee and
any employer (other than the licensee) of a member of the
5 workforce must --
(a) make available to the committee any information
possessed by the licensee or that employer relating
to risks to safety and health to members of the
workforce; and
10 (b) permit any member of the committee who is a
member of the workforce to take time off work,
without loss of remuneration or other entitlements,
as is necessary for the member adequately to
participate in the performance by the committee of
15 its functions.
(2) Subclause (1)(a) has effect subject to subclauses (3) and (4).
(3) The licensee or any employer (other than the licensee) of a
member of the workforce must not make available to a
safety and health committee information of a confidential
20 nature relating to a person who is or was a member of the
workforce, unless --
(a) the person has authorised the information to be
made available to the committee; or
(b) the information is in a form that does not identify
25 the person or enable the identity of the person to be
discovered.
(4) The licensee or any employer (other than the licensee) of a
member of the workforce is not required to make available
to a safety and health committee any information in respect
30 of which the licensee or employer is entitled to claim, and
does claim, legal professional privilege.
page 145
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
Subdivision 5 -- Emergency procedures
42. Action by safety and health representatives
(1) If a safety and health representative for a designated work
group has reasonable cause to believe that there is an
5 imminent and serious danger to the safety or health of any
person engaged in the pipeline operation or any other
protected person unless a group member or group members
cease to perform particular work, the representative must --
(a) inform a person (a "supervisor") supervising the
10 group member or group members in the
performance of the work of the danger; or
(b) if no supervisor can be contacted immediately --
(i) direct the group member or group members
to cease, in a safe manner, to perform the
15 work; and
(ii) as soon as practicable, inform a supervisor
that the direction has been given.
(2) If a supervisor is informed under subclause (1)(a) of a
danger to the safety or health of a person engaged in the
20 pipeline operation or any other protected person, the
supervisor must take the action he or she thinks appropriate
to remove that danger, which may include directing a group
member or group members to cease, in a safe manner, to
perform the work.
25 (3) If --
(a) a safety and health representative has informed a
supervisor under subclause (1)(a) of a danger; and
(b) the representative has reasonable cause to believe
that, despite any action taken by the supervisor in
30 accordance with subclause (2), there continues to be
an imminent and serious danger to the safety or
health of a person engaged in the pipeline operation
or any other protected person unless the group
member or group members cease to perform
35 particular work,
page 146
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
the representative must --
(c) direct the group member or group members to
cease, in a safe manner, to perform the work; and
(d) as soon as practicable, inform the supervisor that
5 the direction has been given.
(4) If --
(a) a safety and health representative gives a direction
under subclause (1)(b), but is unable to agree with a
supervisor whom the representative has informed
10 under that subclause that there is a need for a
direction under that subclause; or
(b) a safety and health representative gives a direction
under subclause (3)(c),
the representative or the supervisor may request an inspector
15 that an inspection be conducted of the work that is the
subject of the direction.
(5) As soon as possible after a request is made, an inspection
must be conducted of the work that is the subject of the
direction, and the inspector conducting the inspection must
20 make decisions, and exercise powers, under Division 4 as
the inspector considers necessary in relation to the work.
(6) This clause does not limit the power of a safety and health
representative under clause 32(1)(a)(iii) to request an
inspector that an inspection be conducted at the workplace.
25 43. Directions to perform other work
If --
(a) a group member who is an employee has ceased to
perform work, in accordance with the direction of a
safety and health representative under
30 clause 42(1)(b) or (3)(c); and
(b) the cessation of work does not continue after --
(i) the safety and health representative has
agreed with a person supervising work at
the workplace where the work was being
page 147
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
performed that the cessation of work was
not, or is no longer, necessary; or
(ii) an inspector has, under clause 42(5), made a
decision to the effect that the employee
5 should perform the work,
the employer may direct the employee to perform suitable
alternative work, and the employee is to be taken, for all
purposes, to be required to perform that other work under
the terms and conditions of the employee's employment.
10 Subdivision 6 -- Exemptions
44. Exemptions
(1) The Minister may, in accordance with the regulations, make
a written order exempting a specified person or class of
person from any or all of the provisions of this Division
15 (other than this clause).
(2) The Minister must not make an order under subclause (1)
unless the Minister is satisfied on reasonable grounds that it
is impracticable for the person to comply with the provision
or provisions.
20 Division 4 -- Inspections
Subdivision 1 -- Introduction
45. Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Division --
• An inspector may conduct an inspection --
25 (a) to ascertain whether a listed OSH law is being
complied with;
(b) concerning a contravention or a possible
contravention of a listed OSH law; or
(c) concerning an accident or dangerous occurrence
30 that has arisen out of a pipeline operation.
page 148
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
• An inspector may issue a prohibition notice to the
licensee for a pipeline operation in order to remove an
immediate threat to the safety and health of any person.
• An inspector may issue an improvement notice
5 specifying action that is to be taken to prevent
contravention of a listed OSH law.
• An inspector must prepare a report about an inspection
and give the report to the Minister.
46. Powers, functions and duties of inspectors
10 (1) An inspector has the powers, functions and duties conferred
or imposed by each listed OSH law.
(2) The Minister may give written directions specifying the
manner in which, and the conditions subject to which,
powers conferred on inspectors by a listed OSH law are to
15 be exercised. If the Minister does so, the powers of
inspectors must be exercised in accordance with those
directions.
(3) The Minister may, by notice in writing, impose restrictions,
not inconsistent with any direction in force under
20 subclause (2), on the powers that are conferred on a
particular inspector by a listed OSH law. If the Minister
does so, the powers of the inspector are taken to have been
restricted accordingly.
Subdivision 2 -- Inspections
25 47. Inspections
(1) An inspector may, at any time, conduct an inspection --
(a) to ascertain whether a requirement of, or any
requirement properly made under, a listed OSH law
is being complied with;
30 (b) concerning a contravention or a possible
contravention of a listed OSH law; or
(c) concerning an accident or dangerous occurrence
that has arisen out of a pipeline operation.
page 149
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(2) The Minister may direct an inspector to conduct an
inspection --
(a) to ascertain whether a requirement of, or any
requirement properly made under, a listed OSH law
5 is being complied with;
(b) concerning a contravention or a possible
contravention of a listed OSH law; or
(c) concerning an accident or dangerous occurrence
that has arisen out of a pipeline operation,
10 and the inspector must, unless the Minister revokes the
direction, conduct an inspection accordingly.
Subdivision 3 -- Powers of inspectors in relation to the conduct
of inspections
48. Powers of entry and search -- places at which pipeline
15 operations are carried on
(1) An inspector may, for the purposes of an inspection, at any
reasonable time during the day or night --
(a) enter the place at which a pipeline operation is
carried on and to which the inspection relates and
20 do all or any of the following --
(i) search the place;
(ii) inspect, examine, take measurements of, or
conduct tests concerning, any workplace,
pipeline, plant, substance or thing at the
25 place;
(iii) take photographs of, make video recordings
of, or make sketches of, any workplace,
pipeline, plant, substance or thing at the
place;
30 (iv) inspect, take extracts from, or make copies
of, any documents at the place that the
inspector has reasonable grounds to believe
relate, or are likely to relate, to the subject
matter of the inspection;
35 and
page 150
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
(b) inspect the subsoil in the vicinity of the place to
which the inspection relates.
(2) Immediately on entering a place at which a pipeline
operation is carried on for the purposes of an inspection, an
5 inspector must take reasonable steps to notify the purpose of
entering the place to --
(a) the licensee's representative; and
(b) if there is a safety and health representative for a
designated work group having a group member
10 likely to be affected by the matter the subject of the
inspection -- that representative,
and must, on being requested to do so by the person referred
to in paragraph (a) or (b), produce for inspection by that
person --
15 (c) the inspector's certificate of appointment under
section 62(2);
(d) a copy of the Minister's written direction (if any) to
conduct the inspection; and
(e) a copy of the restrictions (if any) imposed on the
20 powers of the inspector under clause 46(3).
(3) If there is a safety and health representative for a designated
work group having a group member likely to be affected by
the matter the subject of the inspection, the inspector must
afford the safety and health representative a reasonable
25 opportunity to consult on the matter the subject of the
inspection.
49. Powers of entry and search -- regulated business
premises (other than places where pipeline operations
carried on)
30 (1) An inspector may, for the purposes of an inspection --
(a) at any reasonable time, enter any regulated business
premises (other than a place at which a pipeline
operation is carried on) if the inspector has
reasonable grounds to believe that there are likely to
35 be at those premises documents that relate to a
page 151
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
pipeline operation that is a subject of the inspection;
and
(b) search for, inspect, take extracts from, or make
copies of, any such documents at those premises.
5 (2) Immediately on entering premises referred to in
subclause (1), an inspector must take reasonable steps to
notify the purpose of the entry to the occupier of those
premises, and must, on being requested to do so by the
occupier, produce for inspection by the occupier --
10 (a) the inspector's certificate of appointment under
section 62(2);
(b) a copy of the Minister's written direction (if any) to
conduct the inspection; and
(c) a copy of the restrictions (if any) imposed on the
15 powers of the inspector under clause 46(3).
50. Powers of entry and search -- premises (other than
regulated business premises)
(1) An inspector may, for the purposes of an inspection --
(a) enter any premises (other than regulated business
20 premises) if the inspector has reasonable grounds to
believe that there are likely to be at those premises
documents that relate to a pipeline operation that is
the subject of the inspection; and
(b) search for, inspect, take extracts from, or make
25 copies of, any such documents at those premises.
(2) An inspector may exercise the powers referred to in
subclause (1) to enter premises only --
(a) if the premises are not a residence --
(i) in accordance with a warrant under
30 clause 51; and
(ii) with the consent of the occupier of the
premises;
or
page 152
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
(b) if the premises are a residence -- with the consent
of the occupier of the premises.
(3) Immediately on entering premises referred to in
subclause (1), an inspector must --
5 (a) take reasonable steps to notify the purpose of the
entry to the occupier of those premises;
(b) take reasonable steps to produce, for inspection by
the occupier, the inspector's certificate of
appointment under section 62(2); and
10 (c) on being requested to do so by the occupier,
produce, for inspection by the occupier --
(i) a copy of the Minister's written direction (if
any) to conduct the inspection; and
(ii) a copy of the restrictions (if any) imposed
15 on the powers of the inspector under
clause 46(3).
(4) If --
(a) an inspector enters premises in accordance with a
warrant under clause 51; and
20 (b) the occupier of the premises is present at the
premises,
the inspector must make a copy of the warrant available to
the occupier.
(5) Before obtaining the consent of a person as mentioned in
25 subclause (2)(a) or (b), an inspector must inform the person
that --
(a) the person may refuse consent; and
(b) the consent may be withdrawn.
(6) The consent of a person is not effective for the purposes of
30 subclause (2) unless the consent is voluntary.
51. Warrant to enter premises (other than regulated
business premises)
(1) An inspector may apply to a magistrate for a warrant
authorising the inspector, with any assistance as the
page 153
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
inspector thinks necessary, to exercise the powers referred
to in clause 50(1) in relation to particular premises (other
than a residence).
(2) The application must be supported by evidence on oath
5 (whether oral or by affidavit) that sets out the grounds on
which the inspector is applying for the warrant.
(3) If the magistrate is satisfied that there are reasonable
grounds for issuing the warrant, the magistrate may issue the
warrant.
10 (4) A warrant issued under subclause (3) must state --
(a) the name of the inspector;
(b) whether the inspection may be carried out at any
time or only during specified hours of the day;
(c) the day on which the warrant ceases to have effect;
15 and
(d) the purposes for which the warrant is issued.
(5) The day specified under subclause (4)(c) is not to be more
than 7 days after the day on which the warrant is issued.
(6) The purposes specified under subclause (4)(d) must include
20 the identification of the premises in relation to which the
warrant is issued.
52. Obstructing or hindering inspector
A person must not, without reasonable excuse, obstruct or
hinder an inspector in the exercise of an inspector's powers
25 under clause 48, 49 or 50.
Penalty: $5 500.
53. Power to require assistance and information
(1) An inspector may, to the extent that it is reasonably
necessary to do so in connection with the conduct of an
30 inspection, require --
(a) the licensee for a pipeline operation;
(b) the person in charge of a pipeline operation;
page 154
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
(c) a member of the workforce engaged in a pipeline
operation; or
(d) any person representing a person referred to in
paragraph (a) or (b),
5 to provide the inspector with reasonable assistance and
amenities --
(e) that is or are reasonably connected with the conduct
of the inspection in relation to the pipeline
operation; or
10 (f) for the effective exercise of the inspector's powers
under this Schedule in connection with the conduct
of the inspection in relation to the pipeline
operation.
(2) The reasonable assistance referred to in subclause (1)
15 includes, so far as the licensee for a pipeline operation is
concerned --
(a) appropriate transport for the inspector to and from
the place to be inspected and for any equipment
required by the inspector, or any article of which the
20 inspector has taken possession; and
(b) reasonable accommodation and means of
subsistence while the inspector is at the place to be
inspected.
(3) A person must not fail, without reasonable excuse, to
25 comply with a requirement under this clause.
Penalty: $3 300 or imprisonment for 6 months or both.
54. Power to require the answering of questions and the
production of documents or articles
(1) If --
30 (a) an inspector believes on reasonable grounds that a
person is capable of answering a question that is
reasonably connected with the conduct of an
inspection; and
page 155
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(b) the person is --
(i) the licensee for a pipeline operation;
(ii) the person in charge of a pipeline operation;
(iii) a member of the workforce engaged in a
5 pipeline operation; or
(iv) any person representing a person referred to
in subparagraph (i) or (ii),
the inspector may, to the extent that it is reasonably
necessary to do so in connection with the conduct of
10 the inspection, require the person to answer the
question put by the inspector.
(2) If, at the time when a requirement under subclause (1) is
imposed on a person, the person is not physically present on
regulated business premises, the person is not obliged to
15 comply with the requirement unless the requirement --
(a) is in writing;
(b) specifies the day on or before which the question is
to be answered (being at least 14 days after the day
on which the requirement is imposed); and
20 (c) is accompanied by a statement to the effect that a
failure to comply with the requirement is an
offence.
(3) If --
(a) an inspector believes on reasonable grounds that a
25 person is capable of producing a document or article
that is reasonably connected with the conduct of an
inspection; and
(b) the person is --
(i) the licensee for a pipeline operation;
30 (ii) the person in charge of a pipeline operation;
(iii) a member of the workforce engaged in a
pipeline operation; or
(iv) any person representing a person referred to
in subparagraph (i) or (ii),
page 156
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
the inspector may, to the extent that it is reasonably
necessary to do so in connection with the conduct of the
inspection, require the person to produce the document or
article.
5 (4) If, at the time when a requirement under subclause (3) is
imposed on a person, the person is not physically present on
regulated business premises, the person is not obliged to
comply with the requirement unless the requirement --
(a) is in writing;
10 (b) specifies the day on or before which the document
or article is to be produced (being at least 14 days
after the day on which the requirement is imposed);
and
(c) is accompanied by a statement to the effect that a
15 failure to comply with the requirement is an
offence.
(5) A person must not --
(a) fail, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a
requirement under this clause; or
20 (b) in purported compliance with a requirement under
this clause, give information that is false or
misleading in a material particular.
Penalty: $3 300 or imprisonment for 6 months or both.
55. Privilege against self-incrimination
25 (1) A person is not excused from answering a question or
producing a document or article when required to do so
under clause 54 on the ground that the answer to the
question, or the production of the document or article, may
tend to incriminate the person or make the person liable to a
30 penalty.
(2) However --
(a) the answer given or document or article produced;
(b) answering the question or producing the document
or article; or
page 157
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(c) any information, document or thing obtained as a
direct or indirect consequence of the answering of
the question or the production of the document or
article,
5 is not admissible in evidence against the person --
(d) in any civil proceedings; or
(e) in any criminal proceedings other than proceedings
for an offence against clause 54.
56. Power to take possession of plant, take samples of
10 substances etc.
(1) In conducting an inspection, an inspector may, to the extent
that it is reasonably necessary for the purposes of inspecting,
examining, taking measurements of or conducting tests
concerning, any plant, substance or thing at a place at which
15 a pipeline operation is carried out in connection with the
inspection --
(a) take possession of the plant, substance or thing and
remove it from the place; or
(b) take a sample of the substance or thing and remove
20 that sample from the place.
(2) On taking possession of plant, a substance or a thing, or
taking a sample of a substance or thing, the inspector must,
by notice in writing, inform --
(a) the licensee for the pipeline operation;
25 (b) if the plant, substance or thing is used for the
performance of work by an employer of a member
or members of the workforce engaged in the
pipeline operation other than the licensee for the
pipeline operation -- that employer;
30 (c) if the plant, substance or thing is owned by a person
other than a person mentioned in paragraph (a) or
(b) -- that person; and
(d) if there is a safety and health representative for a
designated work group that includes a member of
page 158
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
the workforce who is affected by the matter to
which the inspection relates -- that representative,
of the taking of possession or the taking of the sample, as
the case may be, and the reasons for it.
5 (3) If the inspector gives the notice to the licensee for the
pipeline operation to which the inspection relates, the
licensee's representative must cause the notice to be
displayed in a prominent place at the workplace from which
the plant, substance or thing was removed.
10 (4) If the inspector takes possession of plant, a substance or a
thing at a workplace for the purpose of inspecting,
examining, taking measurements of or conducting tests
concerning, the plant, substance or thing, the inspector
must --
15 (a) ensure that the inspection, examination, measuring
or testing is conducted as soon as practicable; and
(b) return it to the workplace as soon as practicable
afterwards.
(5) As soon as practicable after completing any such inspection,
20 examination, measurement or testing, the inspector must
give a written statement setting out the results to each
person whom the inspector is required to notify under
subclause (2).
57. Power to direct that workplace etc. not be disturbed
25 (1) An inspector may give a direction under subclause (2) if, in
conducting an inspection, the inspector has reasonable
grounds to believe that it is reasonably necessary to do so in
order to --
(a) remove an immediate threat to the safety or health
30 of any person; or
(b) allow the inspection, examination or taking of
measurements of, or conducting of tests concerning,
a pipeline, or any plant, substance or thing, for use
in a pipeline operation.
page 159
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(2) If subclause (1) applies, the inspector may direct, by written
notice given to the licensee's representative, that the
licensee must ensure that --
(a) a particular workplace; or
5 (b) particular plant, or a particular substance or thing,
not be disturbed for a period specified in the direction.
(3) The period specified in the direction must be a period that
the inspector has reasonable grounds to believe is necessary
in order to remove the threat or to allow the inspection,
10 examination, measuring or testing to take place.
(4) The direction may be renewed by another direction in the
same terms.
(5) If an inspector gives a notice to the licensee's representative
under subclause (2), the licensee's representative must cause
15 the notice to be displayed in a prominent place at the
workplace --
(a) that is to be left undisturbed; or
(b) where the plant, substance or thing that is to be left
undisturbed is located.
20 (6) As soon as practicable after giving the direction, the
inspector must take reasonable steps to notify --
(a) if the workplace, plant, substance or thing to which
the direction relates is owned by a person other than
the licensee for the pipeline operation -- that
25 person; and
(b) if there is a safety and health representative for a
designated work group that includes a group
member performing work --
(i) at a workplace; or
30 (ii) involving the plant, substance or thing,
to which the direction relates -- that representative,
of the direction and the reasons for giving it.
page 160
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
(7) The licensee for a pipeline operation to which a direction
concerning a workplace, plant, substance or a thing relates
must ensure that the direction is complied with.
Penalty: $27 500.
5 (8) A direction under subclause (2) must be accompanied by a
statement setting out the reasons for the direction.
58. Power to issue prohibition notices
(1) If, having conducted an inspection, an inspector is satisfied
on reasonable grounds that it is reasonably necessary to
10 issue a prohibition notice to the licensee for a pipeline
operation in order to remove an immediate threat to the
safety or health of any person, the inspector may issue a
prohibition notice, in writing, to the licensee.
(2) The notice must be issued to the licensee by giving it to the
15 licensee's representative.
(3) The notice must --
(a) specify the activity in respect of which, in the
inspector's opinion, the threat to safety or health has
arisen, and set out the reasons for that opinion; and
20 (b) either --
(i) direct the licensee to ensure that the activity
is not engaged in; or
(ii) direct the licensee to ensure that the activity
is not engaged in in a specified manner.
25 (4) A specified manner may relate to any one or more of the
following --
(a) any workplace, or part of a workplace, at which the
activity is not to be engaged in;
(b) any plant or substance that is not to be used in
30 connection with the activity;
(c) any procedure that is not to be followed in
connection with the activity.
page 161
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(5) The notice may specify action that may be taken to satisfy
an inspector that adequate action has been taken to remove
the threat to safety and health.
(6) The licensee's representative must --
5 (a) give a copy of the notice to each safety and health
representative (if any) for any designated work
group having group members performing work that
is affected by the notice; and
(b) cause a copy of the notice to be displayed at a
10 prominent place at or near each workplace at which
that work is performed.
(7) If the notice relates to any workplace, plant, substance or
thing that is owned by a person other than the licensee, the
inspector must, upon issuing the notice, give a copy of the
15 notice to that person.
59. Compliance with prohibition notice
(1) A licensee must ensure that a prohibition notice issued to the
licensee is complied with.
Penalty: $27 500.
20 (2) If an inspector is satisfied that action taken by the licensee
to remove the threat to safety and health in respect of which
the notice was issued is not adequate, the inspector must
inform the licensee accordingly.
(3) A prohibition notice ceases to have effect when an inspector
25 notifies the licensee that the inspector is satisfied that the
licensee has taken adequate action to remove the threat to
safety or health.
(4) In making a decision under subclause (2), an inspector may
exercise any of the powers of an inspector conducting an
30 inspection that the inspector considers necessary for the
purposes of making the decision.
page 162
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
60. Power to issue improvement notices
(1) If, in conducting an inspection, an inspector believes on
reasonable grounds that a person --
(a) is contravening a listed OSH law; or
5 (b) has contravened a provision of a listed OSH law
and is likely to contravene that provision again,
the inspector may issue an improvement notice, in writing,
to the person (the "responsible person").
(2) If the responsible person is the licensee, the improvement
10 notice may be issued to the licensee by giving it to the
licensee's representative.
(3) If the responsible person is an employer (other than the
licensee) of members of the workforce, but it is not
practicable to give the notice to that employer --
15 (a) the improvement notice may be issued to the
employer by giving it to the licensee's
representative; and
(b) if the notice is so issued -- the licensee must ensure
that a copy of the notice is given to the employer as
20 soon as practicable afterwards.
(4) The notice --
(a) must specify the contravention that the inspector
believes is occurring or is likely to occur, and set
out the reasons for that belief;
25 (b) must specify a reasonable period within which the
responsible person is to take the action necessary to
prevent any further contravention or to prevent the
likely contravention, as the case may be; and
(c) may specify action that the responsible person is to
30 take during the period specified in the notice.
(5) If the inspector believes on reasonable grounds that it is
appropriate to do so, the inspector may, in writing and
before the end of the period, extend the period specified in
the notice.
page 163
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(6) If an improvement notice is issued to an employer (other
than the licensee) of members of the workforce in
circumstances other than the circumstance referred to in
subclause (3), the employer must immediately ensure that a
5 copy of the notice is given to the licensee's representative.
(7) If a notice is issued to the licensee or to an employer (other
than the licensee) of members of the workforce, the
licensee's representative must --
(a) give a copy of the notice to each safety and health
10 representative for a designated work group having
group members performing work that is affected by
the notice; and
(b) cause a copy of the notice to be displayed in a
prominent place at or near each workplace at which
15 the work is being performed.
(8) On issuing a notice, the inspector must give a copy of the
notice to --
(a) if the notice is --
(i) given to a member of the workforce who is
20 an employee; and
(ii) in connection with work performed by the
employee,
the employer of that employee;
(b) if the notice relates to any workplace, plant,
25 substance or thing that is owned by a person other
than --
(i) a responsible person; or
(ii) a person who is an employer referred to in
paragraph (a),
30 that owner; and
(c) if the notice is issued to a person who owns any
workplace, plant, substance or thing, because of
which a contravention of a listed OSH law has
occurred or is likely to occur --
35 (i) the licensee for the pipeline operation; and
page 164
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
(ii) if the employer of employees who work in
that workplace or who use that plant,
substance or thing is a person other than the
licensee -- that employer.
5 61. Compliance with improvement notice
A person to whom an improvement notice is issued must
comply with it to the extent that the notice relates to any
matter over which the person has control.
Penalty: $11 000.
10 62. Notices not to be tampered with or removed
(1) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, tamper with
any notice that has been displayed under clause 56(3), 57(5),
58(6) or 60(7) while that notice is so displayed.
(2) If a notice has been displayed under clause 56(3), a person
15 must not, without reasonable excuse, remove the notice until
the plant or thing to which the notice relates is returned to
the workplace from which it was removed.
(3) If a notice has been displayed under clause 57(5), 58(6) or
60(7), a person must not, without reasonable excuse, remove
20 the notice before it has ceased to have effect.
Penalty applicable to subclauses (1), (2) and (3): $11 000.
Subdivision 4 -- Reports on inspections
63. Reports on inspections
(1) If an inspector has conducted an inspection, the inspector
25 must, as soon as practicable, prepare a written report
relating to the inspection and give the report to the Minister.
(2) The report must include --
(a) the inspector's conclusions from conducting the
inspection and the reasons for those conclusions;
30 (b) any recommendations that the inspector wishes to
make arising from the inspection; and
(c) any other prescribed matters.
page 165
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(3) As soon as practicable after receiving the report, the
Minister must give a copy of the report, together with any
written comments that the Minister wishes to make --
(a) to the licensee for the pipeline operation to which
5 the report relates;
(b) if the report relates to activities performed by an
employee of another person -- that other person;
and
(c) if the report relates to any plant, substance or thing
10 owned by another person -- that other person.
(4) The Minister may, in writing, request the licensee or any
other person to whom the report is given to provide to the
Minister, within a reasonable period specified in the request,
details of --
15 (a) any action proposed to be taken as a result of the
conclusions or recommendations contained in the
report; and
(b) if a notice has been issued under clause 58 or 60 in
relation to work being performed for the licensee or
20 that other person -- any action taken, or proposed
to be taken, in respect of that notice,
and the licensee or that other person must comply with the
request.
(5) As soon as practicable after receiving a report, the licensee
25 for the pipeline operation must give a copy of the report,
together with any written comment made by the Minister on
the report --
(a) if there is a least one safety and health committee in
respect of some or all of the members of the
30 workforce -- to each such committee; and
(b) if there is no such committee in respect of some or
all of the members of the workforce, but some or all
of those members (in respect of which there is no
such committee) are in at least one designated work
35 group for which there is a safety and health
page 166
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
representative -- to each such safety and health
representative.
Subdivision 5 -- Reviews of inspectors' decisions
64. Reviews of inspectors' decisions
5 (1) If an inspector, in conducting an inspection or having
conducted an inspection --
(a) decides, under clause 37, to confirm or vary a
provisional improvement notice;
(b) decides, under clause 56, to take possession of
10 plant, a substance or a thing at a workplace;
(c) decides, under clause 57, to direct that a workplace,
a part of a workplace, plant, a substance or a thing
not be disturbed;
(d) decides, under clause 58, to issue a prohibition
15 notice;
(e) decides, under clause 59, that the licensee for a
pipeline operation to whom a prohibition notice has
been issued has not taken adequate action to remove
the threat to safety and health that caused the notice
20 to be issued; or
(f) decides, under clause 60, to issue an improvement
notice,
a person referred to in subclause (2) may apply in writing to
the reviewing authority for a review of the decision.
25 (2) The following persons may apply for a review of a decision,
as is relevant to the case --
(a) the licensee for the pipeline operation or any
employer (other than the licensee) who is affected
by the decision;
30 (b) a person to whom a notice has been issued under
clause 36(2) or 60(1);
(c) the safety and health representative for a designated
work group having a group member affected by the
decision;
page 167
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(d) a workforce representative in relation to the
designated work group that includes a group
member who is affected by the decision and who
has requested the workforce representative to apply
5 for a review of the decision;
(e) if there is no such designated work group, and a
member of the workforce affected by the decision
has requested a workforce representative in relation
to the member to apply for a review of the
10 decision -- that workforce representative;
(f) a person who owns any workplace, plant, substance
or thing to which the decision referred to in
subclause (1)(a), (b), (c) or (f) relates.
(3) If an inspector, having conducted an inspection --
15 (a) decides under clause 37 to cancel a provisional
improvement notice; or
(b) decides under clause 59 that the licensee for a
pipeline operation to whom a prohibition notice has
been issued has taken adequate action to remove the
20 threat to safety and health that caused the notice to
be issued,
the following persons may apply in writing to the reviewing
authority for a review of the decision --
(c) the safety and health representative for a designated
25 work group having a group member affected by the
decision;
(d) a workforce representative in relation to the
designated work group that includes a group
member who is affected by the decision and who
30 has requested the workforce representative to apply
for the review;
(e) if there is no such designated work group, and a
member of the workforce affected by the decision
has requested a workforce representative in relation
35 to the member to apply for the review -- that
workforce representative.
page 168
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
(4) An application under subclause (2) or (3) must be made --
(a) not later than 7 days after the day on which the
person applying received notice of the inspector's
decision; or
5 (b) within such further period as the reviewing
authority may allow.
(5) A person, other than the operator of the pipeline operation
concerned, who applies for a review of a decision must, as
soon as is practicable, give a copy of the application to the
10 operator.
Penalty: $5 000.
(6) The reviewing authority is to give notice in writing of the
decision on the reference and the reasons for the decision
to --
15 (a) the person who referred the matter for review; and
(b) if that person is not the operator of the pipeline
operation concerned, to the operator.
(7) Subject to this clause, applying for a review of a decision
does not affect the operation of the decision or prevent the
20 taking of action to implement that decision, except to the
extent that the reviewing authority makes an order to the
contrary.
(8) If the decision to be reviewed is a decision under clause 60
to issue an improvement notice, the operation of the notice
25 is suspended pending determination of the review, except to
the extent that the reviewing authority makes an order to the
contrary.
(9) If the decision to be reviewed is a decision of an inspector
under clause 37 to confirm or vary a provisional
30 improvement notice whose operation has been suspended
pending the inspection of the matter to which the notice
relates, the operation of the notice is further suspended
pending determination of the review, except to the extent
that the reviewing authority makes an order to the contrary.
page 169
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(10) In this clause --
"reviewing authority" means a person prescribed by the
regulations to be a reviewing authority for the purposes
of this clause.
5 65. Powers of reviewing authority on review
(1) On a review of a decision under clause 64, the reviewing
authority may --
(a) affirm the decision;
(b) affirm the decision with such modifications as the
10 reviewing authority considers appropriate; or
(c) revoke the decision and make such other decision
with respect to the matter as the reviewing authority
thinks fit,
and the decision has effect or, as the case may be, ceases to
15 have effect accordingly.
(2) If --
(a) the decision being reviewed is a decision under
clause 56 to take possession of plant, a substance or
a thing at a workplace; and
20 (b) the decision is not affirmed,
the inspector who made the decision must ensure that, to the
extent that the decision is not affirmed, the plant, substance
or thing is returned to the workplace as soon as practicable.
Division 5 -- Referrals to the Tribunal
25 66. Decision may be referred to Tribunal
(1) If a person given notice of a decision under clause 21(3)(b)
or 64(6) is not satisfied with the reviewing authority's
decision under that section, the person may refer the
decision to the Tribunal for further review.
30 (2) A reference under subclause (1) must be made --
(a) not later than 7 days after the day on which the
person received notice of the decision; or
page 170
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
(b) within such further period as the Tribunal may
allow.
(3) A person, other than the operator of the pipeline operation
concerned, who refers a matter for review under this clause
5 must, as soon as is practicable, give a copy of the duly
completed prescribed form to the operator.
Penalty applicable to subclause (3): $5 000.
67. Determination by Tribunal
(1) On a reference under clause 66, the Tribunal is to inquire
10 into the circumstances relating to the decision, and may --
(a) affirm the decision of the reviewing authority;
(b) affirm the decision of the reviewing authority with
such modifications as the Tribunal considers
appropriate; or
15 (c) revoke the decision of the reviewing authority and
make such other decision with respect to the notice
as the Tribunal thinks fit,
and the decision has effect or, as the case may be, ceases to
have effect accordingly.
20 (2) A review under this clause --
(a) is to be in the nature of a rehearing; and
(b) is to be completed by the Tribunal as quickly as is
practicable.
(3) The Tribunal is to give notice in writing of its decision on
25 the reference and the reasons for the decision to --
(a) the person who referred the matter for review; and
(b) if that person is not the operator of the pipeline
operation concerned, to the operator.
68. Effect of pending review by Tribunal
30 (1) Subject to this clause, a reference to the Tribunal for further
review of a decision does not affect the operation of the
decision or prevent the taking of action to implement that
page 171
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
decision, except to the extent that the Tribunal makes an
order to the contrary.
(2) If the decision to be reviewed concerns a decision under
clause 60 to issue an improvement notice, the operation of
5 the notice is suspended pending determination of the review,
except to the extent that the Tribunal makes an order to the
contrary.
(3) If the decision to be reviewed concerns a decision of an
inspector under clause 37 to confirm or vary a provisional
10 improvement notice whose operation has been suspended
pending the inspection of the matter to which the notice
relates, the operation of the notice is further suspended
pending determination of the review, except to the extent
that the Tribunal makes an order to the contrary.
15 69. Jurisdiction of Tribunal
(1) This clause applies where --
(a) under clause 66 a matter is referred to the Tribunal;
or
(b) under clause 30 an application is made to the
20 Tribunal.
(2) Where this clause applies --
(a) the matter or application may be heard and
determined; and
(b) a determination made by the Tribunal on the matter
25 or application has effect, and may be appealed
against and enforced,
as if it were --
(c) a matter in respect of which jurisdiction is conferred
on the Tribunal by Part VIB of the Occupational
30 Safety and Health Act 1984; or
(d) a determination made for the purposes of that Part.
(3) The provisions of --
(a) Part VIB of the Occupational Safety and Health
Act 1984; and
page 172
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
(b) the Industrial Relations Act 1979 applied by that
Part,
have effect for the purposes of this clause with all necessary
changes.
5 (4) In the operation of subclause (3), section 51J(1) of the
Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 has effect as if it
were expressed to apply where a matter has been referred to
the Tribunal under clause 66 in relation to a decision made
under clause 21.
10 Division 6 -- General
70. Notifying and reporting accidents and dangerous
occurrences
(1) If, arising from a pipeline operation, there is --
(a) an accident that causes the death of, or serious
15 personal injury to, any person;
(b) an accident that causes a member of the workforce
to be incapacitated from performing work for a
period prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph;
or
20 (c) a dangerous occurrence,
the licensee must, in accordance with the regulations, give
the Minister notice of, and a report about, the accident or
dangerous occurrence.
Penalty: $5 000.
25 (2) Regulations made for the purposes of subclause (1) (other
than regulations made for the purpose of subclause (1)(b))
may prescribe --
(a) the time within which, and the manner in which,
notice of an accident or dangerous occurrence is to
30 be given, and the form of the notice; and
(b) the time within which, and the manner in which, a
report of an accident or dangerous occurrence is to
be given, and the form of the report.
page 173
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(3) Subclause (2) does not limit regulations that may be made
for the purposes of subclause (1).
71. Records of accidents and dangerous occurrences to
be kept
5 (1) The licensee for a pipeline operation must maintain, in
accordance with the regulations, a record of each accident or
dangerous occurrence in respect of which the licensee is
required by clause 67 to notify the Minister.
(2) Regulations made for the purposes of subclause (1) may
10 prescribe --
(a) the nature of the contents of a record maintained
under this clause; and
(b) the period for which the record must be retained.
(3) Subclause (2) does not limit regulations that may be made
15 for the purposes of subclause (1).
72. Codes of practice
(1) The regulations may prescribe codes of practice for the
purpose of providing practical guidance to licensees for
pipeline operations and employers (other than licensees) of
20 members of the workforce engaged in pipeline operations.
(2) A person is not liable in any civil or criminal proceedings
for contravening a code of practice.
73. Use of codes of practice in proceedings
(1) This clause applies if, in any proceedings for an offence
25 against a listed OSH law, it is alleged that a person
contravened a provision of a listed OSH law in relation to
which a code of practice was in effect at the time of the
alleged contravention.
(2) The code of practice is admissible in evidence in those
30 proceedings.
page 174
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
(3) If the court is satisfied, in relation to any matter which it is
necessary for the prosecution to prove in order to establish
the alleged contravention, that --
(a) any provision of the code of practice is relevant to
5 that matter; and
(b) the person failed at any material time to comply
with that provision of the code of practice,
that matter is treated as proved unless the court is satisfied
that in respect of that matter the person complied with that
10 provision of the listed OSH law otherwise than by
complying with the code of practice.
74. Interference etc. with equipment etc.
A person must not, without reasonable excuse, do anything
that results in the interference with, or the rendering
15 ineffective of, any protective equipment or safety device
provided for the occupational safety and health of members
of the workforce engaged in a pipeline operation if the
person knew (or ought reasonably to have known) that the
equipment or device was protective equipment or a safety
20 device.
Penalty: $3 300 or imprisonment for 6 months or both.
75. No charges to be levied on members of workforce
The licensee for a pipeline operation or an employer (other
than the licensee) of members of the workforce engaged in a
25 pipeline operation must not levy, or permit to be levied, on a
member of the workforce any charge in respect of anything
done or provided in accordance with a listed OSH law in
order to ensure the occupational safety and health of persons
engaged in the pipeline operation or any other protected
30 persons.
Penalty: $27 500.
page 175
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
76. Victimisation
(1) An employer (whether the licensee or another person) must
not --
(a) dismiss an employee;
5 (b) perform an act that results in injury to an employee
in his or her employment;
(c) perform an act that prejudicially alters the
employee's position (whether by deducting or
withholding remuneration or by any other means);
10 or
(d) threaten to do any of those things,
because the employee --
(e) has complained or proposes to complain about a
matter concerning the safety or health of employees
15 at work;
(f) has assisted or proposes to assist, by giving
information or otherwise, the conduct of an
inspection; or
(g) has ceased, or proposes to cease, to perform work,
20 in accordance with a direction by a safety and
health representative under clause 42(1)(b) or
(3)(c), and the cessation or proposed cessation does
not continue after --
(i) the safety and health representative has
25 agreed with a person supervising the work
that the cessation or proposed cessation was
not, or is no longer, necessary; or
(ii) an inspector has, under clause 42(5), made a
decision that has the effect that the
30 employee should perform the work.
Penalty: $27 500.
(2) In proceedings for an offence against subclause (1), if all the
relevant facts and circumstances, other than the reason for
an action alleged in the charge, are proved, the defendant
35 has the onus of establishing that the action was not taken for
that reason.
page 176
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
77. Institution of prosecutions
(1) Proceedings for an offence against a listed OSH law may be
instituted by an inspector but an inspector is not to be
personally responsible for any costs incurred by or awarded
5 against the inspector in connection with any proceeding for
an offence against a listed OSH law.
(2) A safety and health representative for a designated work
group may request an inspector to institute proceedings for
an offence against a listed OSH law in relation to the
10 occurrence of an act or omission if --
(a) a period of 6 months has elapsed since the act or
omission occurred;
(b) the safety and health representative considers that
the occurrence of the act or omission constitutes an
15 offence against a listed OSH law; and
(c) proceedings in respect of the offence have not been
instituted.
(3) A workforce representative in relation to a designated work
group may request an inspector to institute proceedings for
20 an offence against a listed OSH law in relation to the
occurrence of an act or omission if --
(a) a period of 6 months has elapsed since the act or
omission occurred;
(b) the workforce representative considers that the
25 occurrence of the act or omission constitutes an
offence against a listed OSH law;
(c) proceedings in respect of the offence have not been
instituted; and
(d) a group member included in the group requests the
30 workforce representative to request an inspector to
institute the proceedings.
(4) A request under subclause (2) or (3) must be in writing.
(5) An inspector must, within 3 months after receiving the
request, advise the safety and health representative or the
35 workforce representative, as the case may be, whether
page 177
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
proceedings under subclause (1) have been or will be
instituted, and, if not, give reasons why not.
78. Conduct of directors, employees and agents
(1) This clause has effect for the purposes of a proceeding for
5 an offence against a listed OSH law.
(2) If it is necessary to establish the state of mind of a body
corporate in relation to particular conduct, it is sufficient to
show --
(a) that the conduct was engaged in by a director,
10 employee or agent of the body corporate within the
scope of actual or apparent authority; and
(b) that the director, employee or agent had the state of
mind.
(3) Any conduct engaged in on behalf of a body corporate by a
15 director, employee or agent of the body corporate within the
scope of actual or apparent authority is taken to have been
engaged in also by the body corporate unless it establishes
that it took reasonable precautions and exercised due
diligence to avoid the conduct.
20 (4) If it is necessary to establish the state of mind of a natural
person in relation to particular conduct, it is sufficient to
show --
(a) that the conduct was engaged in by an employee or
agent of the natural person within the scope of
25 actual or apparent authority; and
(b) that the employee or agent had the state of mind.
(5) Any conduct engaged in on behalf of a natural person by an
employee or agent of the natural person within the scope of
actual or apparent authority is taken to have been engaged in
30 also by the natural person unless the natural person
establishes that he or she took reasonable precautions and
exercised due diligence to avoid the conduct.
(6) If --
(a) a natural person is found guilty of an offence; and
page 178
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 Part 3
s. 32
(b) he or she would not have been found guilty of the
offence if subclauses (4) and (5) had not been
enacted,
he or she is not liable to be punished by imprisonment for
5 that offence.
(7) A reference in subclause (2) or (4) to the state of mind of a
person includes a reference to --
(a) the person's knowledge, intention, opinion, belief or
purpose; and
10 (b) the person's reasons for the intention, opinion,
belief or purpose.
79. Act not to give rise to other liabilities etc.
This Schedule does not --
(a) confer a right of action in any civil proceeding in
15 respect of any contravention of a listed OSH law; or
(b) confer a defence to an action in any civil proceeding
or otherwise affect a right of action in any civil
proceeding.
80. Circumstances preventing compliance may be defence to
20 prosecution
It is a defence to a prosecution for a contravention of a listed
OSH law if the defendant proves that it was not practicable
to comply with it because of an emergency prevailing at the
relevant time.
25 81. Regulations -- general
(1) The regulations may prescribe any of the following --
(a) procedures for the selection of persons, under
clause 39, as members of safety and health
committees, to represent the interests of members of
30 the workforce engaged in a pipeline operation;
(b) procedures to be followed at meetings of safety and
health committees;
page 179
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 3 Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969
s. 32
(c) the manner in which notices are to be served under
this Schedule or the regulations;
(d) the practice and procedure to be followed in relation
to the review of decisions under clause 21 or 64 by
5 reviewing authorities;
(e) forms for the purposes of this Schedule or the
regulations.
(2) If the Minister is satisfied that --
(a) a power, function or duty is conferred or imposed
10 on a person under a law of this State or the
Commonwealth; and
(b) the proper exercise of the power or performance of
the function or duty is or would be prevented by this
Schedule or a provision of this Schedule,
15 regulations made for the purposes of this subclause may
declare that this Schedule, or the provision, as the case may
be, does not apply to that person, or does not apply to that
person in the circumstances specified in the regulations.
(3) Regulations made for the purposes of subclause (2) do not
20 remain in force for longer than 5 years after they commence,
but this subclause does not prevent the making of further
regulations of the same substance.
(4) In subclause (2) --
"this Schedule" includes regulations made for the purposes
25 of this Schedule.
".
page 180
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 33
Part 4 -- Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
33. The Act amended
The amendments in this Part are to the Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982*.
5 [* Reprinted as at 6 August 1999.
For subsequent amendments see Western Australian
Legislation Information Tables for 2004, Table 1, p. 333.]
34. Section 4 amended
Section 4 is amended by inserting in the appropriate
10 alphabetical positions the following definitions --
"
"Commonwealth Minister" means the Minister of the
Crown in right of the Commonwealth for the time
being administering the Commonwealth Act, and
15 includes another Minister for the time being acting
for and on behalf of that Minister;
"facility" has the same meaning as in Schedule 5;
"interstate Minister" means the Minister of the
Crown in right of a State (other than Western
20 Australia) or of the Northern Territory who is for
the time being authorised under the law of that
State or Territory to perform the functions of a
Designated Authority under the Commonwealth
Act;
25 "listed OSH law" has the meaning given in
section 151C;
"offshore petroleum operation" means any operation
(including a diving operation) that --
(a) relates to --
30 (i) the exploration for petroleum; or
page 181
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 35
(ii)the recovery, processing, storage,
offloading or piped conveyance of
petroleum;
(b) if the operation is a diving operation, takes
5 place in the adjacent area; and
(c) if the operation is not a diving operation,
takes place at a facility;
"OHS inspector" means an OHS inspector appointed
under the Commonwealth Act;
10 "Safety Authority" means the National Offshore
Petroleum Safety Authority under the
Commonwealth Act;
".
35. Section 11 amended
15 Section 11 is amended by deleting "Division" and inserting
instead --
" Part ".
36. Part IIA inserted
After section 15 the following Part is inserted --
20 "
Part IIA -- Application of laws
15A. Disapplication of State occupational safety and
health laws
(1) The prescribed occupational safety and health laws do
25 not apply in relation to --
(a) a facility;
(b) a person at a facility;
(c) a person near a facility, to the extent to which
the person is affected by --
30 (i) a facility; or
page 182
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 37
(ii) activities that take place at a facility;
or
(d) activities that take place at a facility.
(2) A reference in subsection (1) to the prescribed
5 occupational safety and health laws is a reference to
such of the provisions of those laws that, but for
subsection (1), would apply in the adjacent area under
the Off-shore (Application of Laws) Act 1982 or the
cooperative scheme as defined by section 3 of the
10 Crimes at Sea Act 2000.
(3) In this section--
"prescribed occupational safety and health laws"
means any laws of the State relating to
occupational safety and health (whether or not
15 they also relate to other matters) that are
prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of
this section.
(4) This section applies despite anything to the contrary in
the Off-shore (Application of Laws) Act 1982 or the
20 Crimes at Sea Act 2000.
".
37. Section 89 repealed
Section 89 is repealed.
38. Section 97 amended
25 (1) Section 97(1) is amended by deleting "and shall secure the
safety, health and welfare of persons engaged in those
operations in or about the permit area, lease area or licence
area".
(2) Section 97(3) is amended by deleting "and shall secure the
30 safety, health and welfare of persons engaged in operations in
connection with the pipeline".
page 183
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 39
(3) Section 97(5) is amended by deleting "and shall secure the
safety, health and welfare of persons engaged in those
operations in or about that area".
39. Section 124B inserted
5 After section 124A the following section is inserted --
"
124B. Interfering with offshore petroleum installation or
operation
(1) A person must not intentionally or recklessly --
10 (a) cause damage to, or interfere with, any
structure or vessel in the adjacent area that is,
or is to be, used in an offshore petroleum
operation; or
(b) interfere with any offshore petroleum
15 operation.
Penalty: imprisonment for 10 years.
(2) In this section --
"structure" means any fixed, moveable or floating
structure or installation and includes a pipeline,
20 pumping station, tank station and valve station.
".
40. Section 125 amended
(1) Section 125(1) is amended by deleting "public service officer
within the meaning of the Public Sector Management Act 1994
25 to be an inspector for the purposes of this Act and the
regulations." and inserting instead --
"
person to be an inspector for such or all of the purposes
of this Act except Part IIIA as are specified in the
30 instrument of appointment.
".
page 184
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 41
(2) Section 125(2) is amended by deleting "he is an inspector for
the purposes of this Act and the regulations." and inserting
instead --
"
5 the person is an inspector for the purposes specified in
the certificate.
".
41. Section 126 amended
Section 126(1) is amended by deleting "and the regulations,"
10 and inserting instead --
" other than Part IIIA, ".
42. Section 126A inserted
After section 126 the following section is inserted --
"
15 126A. Protection from liability for wrongdoing
(1) An action in tort does not lie against a person for
anything that the person has done, in good faith, in the
performance or purported performance of a function
under this Act.
20 (2) The protection given by subsection (1) applies even
though the thing done as described in that subsection
may have been capable of being done whether or not
this Act had been enacted.
(3) Despite subsection (1), the State is not relieved of any
25 liability that it might have for another person having
done anything as described in that subsection.
(4) In this section a reference to the doing of anything
includes a reference to the omission to do anything.
".
page 185
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 43
43. Section 137A inserted
After section 137 the following section is inserted --
"
137A. Evidentiary matters
5 (1) In a proceeding for an offence against this Act an
averment in the complaint that at a particular time --
(a) a particular operation was an offshore
petroleum operation;
(b) a particular vessel or structure was a facility;
10 (c) a particular person was the operator of a
facility;
(d) a particular person was in control of a particular
part of a facility, or of any particular work
carried out at a facility;
15 (e) a particular person was an employer who
carried on an activity at a facility;
(f) a particular person was an employer of a
particular person or particular persons who
worked at a facility;
20 (g) a particular person was an employee or
inspector,
is to be taken to have been proved in the absence of
evidence to the contrary.
(2) In a proceeding for an offence against this Act, proof is
25 not required as to any of the following matters, unless
evidence is given to the contrary --
(a) a delegation under section 16 by the Minister of
a power, function or duty;
page 186
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 43
(b) the authority of any person to institute a
proceeding for an offence against this Act other
than an offence against a listed OSH law;
(c) the authority of the Safety Authority or an
5 inspector to institute a proceeding for an
offence against a listed OSH law.
(3) In a proceeding for an offence against this Act,
production of a copy of --
(a) a code of practice;
10 (b) an Australian Standard; or
(c) an Australian/New Zealand Standard,
purporting to be certified by the CEO to be a true copy
as at any date or during any period is, without proof of
the signature of the CEO, sufficient evidence of the
15 contents of the code of practice or Standard as at that
date or during that period.
(4) In subsection (3) --
"Australian Standard" means a document having that
title published by Standards Australia;
20 "Australian/New Zealand Standard" means a
document having that title jointly published by
Standards Australia and the Standards Council of
New Zealand;
"CEO" means the chief executive officer of the
25 department of the Public Service principally
assisting in the administration of this Act.
".
page 187
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 44
44. Part IIIA inserted
After section 151 the following Part is inserted --
"
Part IIIA -- Occupational safety and health
5 Division 1 -- Introduction
151A. Definitions
In this Part --
"Board" means the National Offshore Petroleum
Safety Authority Board under the Commonwealth
10 Act;
"CEO" means the Chief Executive Officer of the
Safety Authority.
151B. Occupational safety and health
Schedule 5 has effect.
15 151C. Listed OSH laws
For the purposes of this Act --
"listed OSH law" means --
(a) section 124B, to the extent to which that
section relates to --
20 (i) damage to, or interference with, a
facility; or
(ii) interference with any operation or
activity being carried out, or any works
being executed, on, by means of, or in
25 connection with, a facility;
(b) Schedule 5;
(c) a regulation made for the purposes of
Schedule 5;
page 188
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 44
(d) a regulation made for the purposes of
section 151D; or
(e) any other written law relating to
occupational safety and health matters that is
5 prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph.
151D. Regulations relating to occupational safety and
health
(1) The regulations may make provision in relation to the
occupational safety and health of persons at or near a
10 facility who are under the control of a person who is
carrying on an offshore petroleum operation.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), regulations for the
purpose of that subsection may --
(a) require a person who is carrying on an offshore
15 petroleum operation to establish and maintain a
system of management to secure the
occupational safety and health of persons
referred to in that subsection; and
(b) specify requirements with which the system
20 must comply.
Division 2 -- Functions and powers of the
Safety Authority
151E. Safety Authority's functions
The Safety Authority has the following functions --
25 (a) the functions conferred on it under this Act in
relation to offshore petroleum operations;
(b) to promote the occupational safety and health
of persons engaged in offshore petroleum
operations;
30 (c) to develop and implement effective monitoring
and enforcement strategies to secure
page 189
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 44
compliance by persons with their occupational
safety and health obligations under this Act;
(d) to --
(i) investigate accidents, occurrences and
5 circumstances that affect, or have the
potential to affect, the occupational
safety and health of persons engaged in
offshore petroleum operations; and
(ii) to report, as appropriate, to the Minister,
10 the Commonwealth Minister, and to any
responsible interstate Minister, on those
investigations;
(e) to advise persons, either on its own initiative or
on request, on occupational safety and health
15 matters relating to offshore petroleum
operations;
(f) to make reports, including recommendations,
to --
(i) the Minister;
20 (ii) the Commonwealth Minister; and
(iii) any responsible interstate Minister,
on issues relating to the occupational safety and
health of persons engaged in offshore
petroleum operations;
25 (g) to cooperate with --
(i) the Minister and other State agencies
having functions relating to offshore
petroleum operations;
(ii) Commonwealth agencies having
30 functions relating to offshore petroleum
operations; and
(iii) the Designated Authorities under the
Commonwealth Act in respect of States
page 190
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 44
other than Western Australia and the
Northern Territory.
151F. Safety Authority's ordinary powers
(1) The Safety Authority has power to do all things
5 necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection
with the performance of its functions.
(2) The Safety Authority's powers include, but are not
limited to, the following powers --
(a) the power to acquire, hold and dispose of real
10 and personal property;
(b) the power to enter into contracts;
(c) the power to lease the whole or any part of any
land or building for the purposes of the Safety
Authority;
15 (d) the power to occupy, use and control any land
or building owned or held under lease by the
Commonwealth and made available for the
purposes of the Safety Authority;
(e) the power to conduct research and development
20 projects and to cooperate with others in such
projects;
(f) the power to apply for and hold patents and
exploit patents;
(g) the power to do anything incidental to any of its
25 functions.
151G. Judicial notice of seal
All courts, judges and persons acting judicially must --
(a) take judicial notice of the imprint of the seal of
the Safety Authority appearing on a document;
30 and
(b) presume that the document was duly sealed.
page 191
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 44
Division 3 -- Safety Authority Board
151H. Functions of the Board
(1) The Board has the following functions --
(a) to give advice, and make recommendations, to
5 the CEO about the operational policies and
strategies to be followed by the Safety
Authority in the performance of its functions;
(b) to give advice, and make recommendations,
to --
10 (i) the Minister;
(ii) the Commonwealth Minister;
(iii) interstate Ministers; and
(iv) the body known as the Ministerial
Council on Mineral and Petroleum
15 Resources,
about either or both of the following --
(v) policy or strategic matters relating to the
occupational safety and health of
persons engaged in offshore petroleum
20 operations;
(vi) the performance by the Safety Authority
of its functions;
(c) any other functions specified in a written notice
given by the Commonwealth Minister to the
25 Chair of the Board.
(2) As soon as practicable after the Board gives advice, or
makes recommendations, under subsection (1)(b) to --
(a) the Minister;
(b) an interstate Minister; or
30 (c) the body known as the Ministerial Council on
Mineral and Petroleum Resources,
page 192
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 44
the Board must give the Commonwealth Minister a
written copy of that advice or those recommendations.
151I. Powers of the Board
The Board has power to do all things necessary or
5 convenient to be done for or in connection with the
performance of its functions.
151J. Validity of decisions
The performance of the functions, or the exercise of the
powers, of the Board is not affected only because of
10 there being a vacancy or vacancies in the membership
of the Board.
Division 4 -- Chief Executive Officer and staff of the
Safety Authority
151K. CEO acts for Safety Authority
15 Anything done by the CEO in the name of the Safety
Authority or on the Safety Authority's behalf is taken
to have been done by the Safety Authority.
151L. Working with the Board
(1) The CEO must request the Board's advice on strategic
20 matters relating to the performance of the Safety
Authority's functions.
(2) The CEO must have regard to the advice given to him
or her by the Board (whether or not the advice was
given in response to a request).
25 (3) The CEO must --
(a) keep the Board informed of the Safety
Authority's operations; and
page 193
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 44
(b) give the Board any reports, documents and
information in relation to those operations that
the Chair of the Board requires.
151M. Delegation
5 (1) An employee of this State, or of an authority of this
State, may perform any function and exercise any
power delegated to him or her by the CEO under the
Commonwealth Act.
(2) In performing a function or exercising a power under
10 the delegation, the delegate must comply with any
directions of the CEO.
151N. Safety Authority may use State government staff
An officer or employee --
(a) in the Public Service;
15 (b) in a State agency or instrumentality; or
(c) otherwise in the service of the Crown in right of
the State,
may assist the Safety Authority in connection with the
performance of any of the Safety Authority's functions
20 or the exercise of any of the Safety Authority's powers
under this Act, the Commonwealth Act or a
corresponding law.
Division 5 -- Other Safety Authority provisions
151O. Minister may require the Safety Authority to
25 prepare reports or give information
(1) The Minister may, by written notice given to the Safety
Authority, require the Safety Authority --
(a) to prepare a report about one or more specified
matters relating to the performance of the
page 194
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 44
Safety Authority's functions or the exercise of
the Safety Authority's powers; and
(b) give a copy of the report to --
(i) the Minister;
5 (ii) each interstate Minister; and
(iii) the Commonwealth Minister,
within the period specified in the notice.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the Safety
Authority, require the Safety Authority to --
10 (a) prepare a document setting out specified
information relating to the performance of the
Safety Authority's functions or the exercise of
the Safety Authority's powers; and
(b) give a copy of the report to --
15 (i) the Minister;
(ii) each interstate Minister; and
(iii) the Commonwealth Minister,
within the period specified in the notice.
(3) The Safety Authority must comply with a requirement
20 under subsection (1) or (2).
151P. Directions to the Safety Authority
(1) The Minister may request the Commonwealth Minister
to give a direction to the Safety Authority that relates
wholly or principally to the Safety Authority's
25 operations in the adjacent area.
(2) The Commonwealth Minister must use his or her best
endeavours to make a decision on the request within
30 days after receiving the request.
page 195
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 44
(3) If the Commonwealth Minister refuses the request, the
Commonwealth Minister must give the Minister a
written statement setting out the reasons for the refusal.
(4) The Safety Authority must comply with any direction
5 given by the Commonwealth Minister under this
section.
151Q. Reviews of operations of Safety Authority
(1) The Minister must cause reviews to be conducted of
the operations of the Safety Authority in relation to the
10 adjacent area.
(2) The Minister must cause to be prepared a report of a
review under subsection (1).
(3) The first review is to relate to the 3 year period
beginning on 1 January 2005, and is to be completed
15 within 6 months, or the longer period that the Minister
allows, after the end of that 3 year period.
(4) Subsequent reviews are to relate to successive 3 year
periods, and must be completed within 6 months, or the
longer period that the Minister allows, after the end of
20 the 3 year period to which the review relates.
(5) A review under this section may be conducted in
conjunction with a review under the Commonwealth
Act or a corresponding law (or both).
(6) Without limiting the matters to be covered by a review
25 under subsection (1), the review must include an
assessment of the effectiveness of the Safety Authority
in bringing about improvements in the occupational
safety and health of persons engaged in offshore
petroleum operations.
30 (7) The Minister must cause a copy of the report of a
review under subsection (1) to be tabled in each House
page 196
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 45
of Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after
the report of the review is completed.
(8) For the purposes of this section, a review is completed
when the report of the review is made available to the
5 Minister.
".
45. Section 152 amended
(1) Section 152(2) is amended as follows:
(a) after paragraph (l) by deleting "and";
10 (b) in paragraph (m) by deleting "area." and inserting
instead --
"
area;
(n) fees in relation to offshore petroleum
15 operations, safety audits or other services
provided by the Minister;
(o) any transitional matter arising out of the
amendments made to this Act by the Petroleum
Legislation Amendment and Repeal Act 2005.
20 ".
(2) After section 152(2b) the following subsection is inserted --
"
(2c) Regulations under this section may adopt or apply,
with or without modification, any regulation made
25 under the Commonwealth Act, the Petroleum Act 1967
or the Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969, that is in force or
existing at the time when the regulations under this
section take effect or as in force or existing from time
to time.
30 ".
page 197
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 46
46. Various sections amended to delete "the regulations"
(Interpretation Act 1984 s. 46)
(1) The provisions set out in the Table to this section are amended
by deleting "and the regulations" in each case.
5 Table
s. 7 s. 66
s. 28 s. 111(4)
s. 38C s. 112(5)
s. 52
(2) The provisions set out in the Table to this section are amended
by deleting "or the regulations" in each case.
Table
s. 10(1) (twice) s. 131(1), (2)
s. 16(1) and (2) s. 132
s. 61(b) s. 136
47. Schedule 5 inserted
10 After Schedule 4 the following Schedule is inserted --
"
Schedule 5 -- Occupational safety and health
[s. 151B]
Division 1 -- Introduction
15 1. Objects
The objects of this Schedule are, in relation to facilities
located in the adjacent area --
(a) to secure the occupational safety and health of
persons at or near those facilities;
20 (b) to protect persons at or near those facilities from
risks to occupational safety and health arising out of
activities being conducted at those facilities;
page 198
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
(c) to ensure that expert advice is available on
occupational safety and health matters in relation to
those facilities;
(d) to promote an occupational environment for
5 members of the workforce at those facilities that is
adapted to their needs relating to safety and health;
and
(e) to foster a consultative relationship between all
relevant persons concerning the safety and health of
10 members of the workforce at those facilities.
2. Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Schedule --
• This Schedule sets up a scheme to regulate occupational
safety and health matters at or near facilities.
15 • Occupational safety and health duties are imposed on
the following --
(a) the operator of a facility;
(b) a person in control of a part of a facility, or of
any work carried out at a facility;
20 (c) an employer;
(d) a manufacturer of plant, or a substance, for use at
a facility;
(e) a supplier of a facility, or of any plant or
substance for use at a facility;
25 (f) a person who erects or installs a facility, or any
plant at a facility;
(g) a person at a facility.
• A group of members of the workforce at a facility may
be established as a designated work group.
30 • The members of a designated work group may select a
safety and health representative for that designated
work group.
page 199
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
• The safety and health representative may exercise
certain powers for the purpose of promoting or ensuring
the occupational safety and health of group members.
• An OHS inspector may conduct an inspection --
5 (a) to ascertain whether a listed OSH law is being
complied with;
(b) concerning a contravention or a possible
contravention of a listed OSH law; or
(c) concerning an accident or dangerous occurrence
10 that has happened at or near a facility.
• The operator of a facility must report accidents and
dangerous occurrences to the Safety Authority.
3. Definitions
In this Schedule --
15 "accident" includes the contraction of a disease;
"associated offshore place", in relation to a facility, means
any offshore place near the facility where activities
(including diving activities) relating to the construction,
installation, operation, maintenance or
20 decommissioning of the facility take place, but does not
include --
(a) another facility;
(b) a supply vessel, offtake tanker, anchor handler or
tugboat; or
25 (c) a vessel, or structure, that is declared by the
regulations not to be an associated offshore
place;
"contract" includes an arrangement or understanding;
"contractor" has the meaning given by clause 7;
30 "dangerous occurrence" means an occurrence declared by
the regulations to be a dangerous occurrence for the
purposes of this definition;
page 200
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
"designated work group" means --
(a) a group of members of the workforce at a facility
that is established as a designated work group
under clause 18 or 19; or
5 (b) that group as varied in accordance with clause 20
or 21;
"employee", in relation to an employer, means an employee
of that employer;
"employer" means an employer who carries on an activity
10 at a facility;
"facility" means a facility as defined by clause 4, and --
(a) includes a facility (as defined by clause 4) that is
being constructed or installed; and
(b) except in the definition of "associated offshore
15 place", includes an associated offshore place in
relation to a facility (as defined by clause 4);
"group member", in relation to a designated work group at
a facility, means a person who is --
(a) a member of the workforce at that facility; and
20 (b) included in that designated work group;
"improvement notice" means an improvement notice
issued under clause 61(1);
"inspection" means an inspection conducted under
Division 4 and includes an investigation or inquiry;
25 "member of the workforce", in relation to a facility, means
a natural person who does work at the facility,
whether --
(a) as an employee of the operator of the facility or
of another person; or
30 (b) as a contractor of the operator or of another
person;
"operator", in relation to a facility or proposed facility,
means the person who, under the regulations, is taken
to be the operator of that facility or proposed facility;
page 201
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
"operator's representative" means a person present at a
facility in compliance with the obligations imposed on
the operator by clause 5;
"own" includes own jointly and own in part;
5 "plant" includes any machinery, equipment or tool, or any
component;
"premises" includes the following --
(a) a structure or building;
(b) a place (whether or not enclosed or built on);
10 (c) a part of a thing referred to in paragraph (a) or
(b);
"prohibition notice" means a prohibition notice issued
under clause 59(1);
"proposed facility" means a facility proposed to be
15 constructed, installed or operated;
"recovery", in relation to petroleum, includes all processes
directly or indirectly associated with its recovery;
"registered organisation" means an organisation --
(a) within the meaning of the Workplace Relations
20 Act 1996 of the Commonwealth; or
(b) as defined in section 7(1) of the Industrial
Relations Act 1979;
"regulated business premises" means --
(a) a facility; or
25 (b) premises that are --
(i) occupied by a person who is the operator of
a facility; and
(ii)used, or proposed to be used, wholly or
principally in connection with an offshore
30 petroleum operation;
"regulations" means regulations made for the purposes of
this Schedule;
"Tribunal" has the meaning given to that term in the
Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984
35 section 51G(2);
page 202
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
"work" means work offshore that is directly or indirectly
related to the construction, installation, operation,
maintenance or decommissioning of a facility;
"workforce representative" means --
5 (a) in relation to a person who is a member of the
workforce at a facility -- a registered
organisation of which that person is a member, if
the person is qualified to be a member of that
organisation because of the work the person
10 performs at the facility; or
(b) in relation to a designated work group or a
proposed designated work group -- a registered
organisation of which a person who is, or who is
likely to be, in the work group is a member, if
15 the person is qualified to be a member of that
organisation because of the work the person
performs, or will perform, at a facility as a
member of the group;
20 "work group employer", in relation to a designated work
group at a facility, means an employer of one or more
group members, but does not include the operator of
the facility;
"workplace", in relation to a facility, means the whole
25 facility or any part of the facility.
4. Facilities
(1) A vessel or structure is taken to be a facility for the purposes
of this Schedule while that vessel or structure --
(a) is located at a site in the adjacent area; and
30 (b) is being used, or prepared for use, at that site --
(i) for the recovery of petroleum, for the
processing of petroleum, or for the storage
and offloading of petroleum, or for any
combination of those activities;
35 (ii) for the provision of accommodation for
persons working on another facility,
page 203
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
whether connected by a walkway to that
other facility or not;
(iii) for drilling or servicing a well for petroleum
or doing work associated with the drilling
5 or servicing process;
(iv) for laying pipes for petroleum, including
any manufacturing of such pipes, or for
doing work on an existing pipe;
(v) for the erection, dismantling or
10 decommissioning of a vessel or structure
referred to in subparagraph (i), (ii), (iii) or
(iv); or
(vi) for any other purpose related to an offshore
petroleum operation that is prescribed for
15 the purposes of this subparagraph.
(2) Subclause (1) applies to a vessel or structure --
(a) whether it is floating or fixed; and
(b) whether or not it is capable of independent
navigation.
20 (3) Subclause (1) has effect subject to subclauses (6) and (7).
(4) A vessel or structure used for a purpose referred to in
subclause (1)(b)(i) includes --
(a) any wells and associated plant and equipment by
means of which petroleum processed or stored at
25 the vessel or structure is recovered;
(b) any pipe or system of pipes through which
petroleum is conveyed from a well to the vessel or
structure; and
(c) any secondary line associated with the vessel or
30 structure.
(5) For the purposes of subclause (1), a vessel or structure that
is located offshore for the purpose of laying pipes as
described in subclause (1)(b)(iv) is taken to be located at a
site, despite the fact that the vessel or structure moves as the
35 pipe laying process proceeds.
page 204
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
(6) Despite subclause (1), a vessel or structure is taken not to be
a facility for the purposes of this Schedule if the vessel or
structure is --
(a) an offtake tanker;
5 (b) a tug or an anchor handler;
(c) a vessel or structure used for supplying a facility or
otherwise travelling between a facility and the
shore; or
(d) a vessel or structure used for any purpose such that
10 it is declared by the regulations not to be a facility.
(7) In determining when a vessel or structure that has the
potential to be used for one or more of the purposes referred
to in subclause (1)(b) is in fact being so used, the vessel or
structure is taken --
15 (a) to commence to be so used only at the time when it
arrives at the site where it is to be so used and any
activities necessary to make it operational at that
site are begun; and
(b) to cease to be so used when operations cease, and
20 the vessel or structure has been returned either to a
navigable form or to a form in which it can be
towed to another place.
(8) Each of the following is taken to be a facility for the
purposes of this Schedule --
25 (a) a pipeline subject to a pipeline licence;
(b) if a pipeline subject to a pipeline licence conveys
petroleum recovered from a well without the
petroleum having passed through another facility --
that pipeline, together with --
30 (i) that well and associated plant and
equipment; and
(ii) any pipe or system of pipes through which
petroleum is conveyed from that well to that
pipeline.
page 205
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
(9) In subclause (8)(b) --
"facility" does not include a pipeline.
5. Operator must ensure presence of operator's
representative
5 (1) The operator of a facility must ensure that, at all times when
one or more natural persons are present at a facility, there is
also present a natural person (the "operator's
representative") who has day to day management and
control of operations at the facility.
10 Penalty: $5 500.
(2) The operator of a facility must ensure that the name of the
operator's representative at the facility is displayed in a
prominent place at the facility.
Penalty: $5 500.
15 (3) Subclause (1) does not imply that, if the operator is a natural
person, the operator's representative at the facility may not
be, from time to time, the operator.
6. Safety and health of persons using an accommodation
amenity
20 For the avoidance of doubt, a reference in this Schedule to
the occupational safety and health of a person includes a
reference to the safety and health of a person using an
accommodation amenity provided for the accommodation of
persons working on another facility.
25 7. Contractor
For the purposes of this Schedule, a natural person is taken
to be a "contractor" of another person (the "relevant
person") if the natural person does work at a facility under
a contract for services between --
30 (a) the relevant person; and
(b) either --
(i) the natural person; or
(ii) the employer of the natural person.
page 206
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
Division 2 -- Occupational safety and health
Subdivision 1 -- Duties relating to occupational safety and health
8. Duties of operator
(1) The operator of a facility must take all reasonably
5 practicable steps to ensure that --
(a) the facility is safe and without risk to the health of
any person at or near the facility; and
(b) all work and other activities carried out on the
facility are carried out in a manner that is safe and
10 without risk to the health of any person at or near
the facility.
Penalty: $110 000.
(2) Without limiting the generality of subclause (1), the
operator of a facility must --
15 (a) provide and maintain a physical environment at the
facility that is safe and without risk to health;
(b) provide and maintain adequate amenities for the
safety and health of all members of the workforce at
the facility;
20 (c) ensure that any plant, equipment, materials and
substances at the facility are safe and without risk to
health;
(d) implement and maintain systems of work at the
facility that are safe and without risk to health;
25 (e) implement and maintain appropriate procedures and
equipment for the control of, and response to,
emergencies at the facility;
(f) provide all members of the workforce, in
appropriate languages, with the information,
30 instruction, training and supervision necessary for
them to carry out their activities in a manner that
does not adversely affect the occupational safety
and health of persons at the facility;
page 207
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
(g) monitor the occupational safety and health of all
members of the workforce and keep records of that
monitoring;
(h) provide appropriate medical and first aid services at
5 the facility; and
(i) develop, in consultation with members of the
workforce and workforce representatives, a policy
relating to occupational safety and health that --
(i) will enable the operator and the members of
10 the workforce to cooperate effectively in
promoting and developing measures to
ensure the occupational safety and health of
persons at the facility;
(ii) will provide adequate mechanisms for
15 reviewing the effectiveness of the measures;
and
(iii) provides for the making of an agreement
that complies with subclauses (4) and (5).
Penalty: $110 000.
20 (3) Subclause (2)(i) does not require the operator of a facility to
engage in consultations with a workforce representative
unless a member of the workforce at the facility has
requested the workforce representative to be involved in
those consultations.
25 (4) The agreement referred to in subclause (2)(i)(iii) must be
between --
(a) on the one hand -- the operator; and
(b) on the other hand --
(i) the members of the workforce; and
30 (ii) if a member of the workforce at the facility
has requested a workforce representative in
relation to the member to be a party to that
agreement -- that workforce representative.
page 208
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
(5) The agreement referred to in subclause (2)(i)(iii) must
provide appropriate mechanisms for continuing consultation
between --
(a) on the one hand -- the operator; and
5 (b) on the other hand --
(i) the members of the workforce; and
(ii) if a member of the workforce at the facility
has requested a workforce representative in
relation to the member to be involved in
10 consultations on a particular occasion --
that workforce representative.
(6) The agreement may provide for any other matters agreed
between the parties to it.
9. Duties of persons in control of parts of facility or
15 particular work
(1) A person who is in control of any part of a facility, or of any
particular work carried out at a facility, must take all
reasonably practicable steps to ensure that --
(a) that part of the facility, or the place where that work
20 is carried out, is safe and without risk to health; and
(b) if the person is in control of particular work -- the
work is carried out in a manner that is safe and
without risk to health.
Penalty: $110 000.
25 (2) Without limiting the generality of subclause (1), a person
who is in control of any part of a facility, or of any
particular work carried out at a facility, must --
(a) ensure that the physical environment at that part of
the facility, or at the place where the work is carried
30 out, is safe and without risk to health;
(b) ensure that any plant, equipment, materials and
substances at or near that part of the facility or that
place, or used in that work, are safe and without risk
to health;
page 209
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
(c) implement and maintain systems of work at that
part of the facility, or in carrying out work at that
place, that are safe and without risk to health;
(d) ensure a means of access to, and egress from, that
5 part of the facility or that place that is safe and
without risk to health; and
(e) provide all members of the workforce located at that
part of the facility or engaged on that work, in
appropriate languages, with the information,
10 instruction, training and supervision necessary for
them to carry out their work in a manner that is safe
and without risk to health.
Penalty: $110 000.
10. Duties of employers
15 (1) An employer must take all reasonably practicable steps to
protect the safety and health of employees at a facility.
Penalty: $110 000.
(2) Without limiting the generality of subclause (1), an
employer must --
20 (a) provide and maintain a working environment that is
safe for employees and without risk to their health;
(b) ensure that any plant, equipment, materials and
substances used in connection with the employees'
work are safe and without risk to health;
25 (c) implement and maintain systems of work that are
safe and without risk to health;
(d) provide a means of access to, and egress from, the
employees' work location that is safe and without
risk to health; and
30 (e) provide the employees, in appropriate languages,
with the information, instruction, training and
supervision necessary for them to carry out their
work in a manner that is safe and without risk to
health.
35 Penalty: $110 000.
page 210
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
(3) A person has, in respect of a contractor of that person, the
same obligations that an employer has under subclauses (1)
and (2) in respect of an employee of that employer, but only
in relation to --
5 (a) matters over which the first-mentioned person has
control; or
(b) matters over which --
(i) the first-mentioned person would have had
control apart from express provision to the
10 contrary in a contract; and
(ii) the first-mentioned person would, in the
circumstances, usually be expected to have
had control.
(4) An employer must take all reasonable steps to --
15 (a) monitor the safety and health of employees; and
(b) keep records of that monitoring.
Penalty: $110 000.
11. Duties of manufacturers in relation to plant and
substances
20 (1) A manufacturer of any plant that the manufacturer knows or
ought reasonably to expect will be used by members of the
workforce at a facility must take all reasonably practicable
steps --
(a) to ensure that the plant is so designed and
25 constructed as to be, when properly used, safe and
without risk to health;
(b) to carry out, or cause to be carried out, the research,
testing and examination necessary in order to
discover, and to eliminate or minimise, any risk to
30 safety or health that may arise from the use of the
plant; and
page 211
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
(c) to make available, in connection with the use of the
plant at a facility, adequate written information
about --
(i) the use for which it is designed and has
5 been tested;
(ii) details of its design and construction; and
(iii) any conditions necessary to ensure that,
when put to the use for which it was
designed and tested, it will be safe and
10 without risk to health.
Penalty: $22 000.
(2) A manufacturer of any substance that the manufacturer
knows or ought reasonably to expect will be used by
members of the workforce at a facility must take all
15 reasonably practicable steps --
(a) to ensure that the substance is so manufactured as to
be, when properly used, safe and without risk to
health;
(b) to carry out, or cause to be carried out, the research,
20 testing and examination necessary to discover, and
to eliminate or minimise, any risk to safety or health
that may arise from the use of the substance; and
(c) to make available, in connection with the use of the
substance at a facility, adequate written information
25 concerning --
(i) the use for which it is manufactured and has
been tested;
(ii) details of its composition;
(iii) any conditions necessary to ensure that,
30 when put to the use for which it was
manufactured and tested, it will be safe and
without risk to health; and
(iv) the first aid and medical procedures that
should be followed if the substance causes
35 injury.
Penalty: $22 000.
page 212
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
(3) If --
(a) plant or a substance is imported into Australia by a
person who is not its manufacturer; and
(b) at the time of the importation, the manufacturer of
5 the plant or substance does not have a place of
business in Australia,
the first-mentioned person is taken, for the purposes of this
clause, to be the manufacturer of the plant or substance.
(4) This clause does not affect the operation of any other law of
10 this State that imposes an obligation on a manufacturer in
respect of defective goods or in respect of information to be
supplied in relation to goods.
12. Duties of suppliers of facilities, plant and substances
(1) A supplier of a facility, or of any plant or substance that the
15 supplier ought reasonably to expect will be used by
members of the workforce at a facility, must take all
reasonably practicable steps --
(a) to ensure that, at the time of supply, the facility, or
the plant or substance, is in such condition as to be,
20 when properly used, safe and without risk to health;
(b) to carry out, or cause to be carried out, the research,
testing and examination necessary to discover, and
to eliminate or minimise, any risk to safety or health
that may arise from the condition of the facility,
25 plant or substance; and
(c) to make available --
(i) in the case of a facility -- to the operator of
a facility; and
(ii) in the case of plant or substance -- to the
30 person to whom the plant or substance is
supplied,
adequate written information, in connection with
the use of the facility, plant or substance (as the
case requires) about --
35 (iii) the condition of the facility, plant or
substance at the time of supply;
page 213
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
(iv) any risk to the safety and health of members
of the workforce at the facility to which the
condition of the facility, plant or substance
may give rise unless it is properly used;
5 (v) the steps that need to be taken in order to
eliminate that risk; and
(vi) in the case of a substance -- the first aid
and medical procedures that should be
followed if the condition of the substance
10 causes injury to a member of the workforce
at the facility.
Penalty: $22 000.
(2) For the purposes of subclause (1), if a person
(the "ostensible supplier") supplies to a person either a
15 facility, or any plant or substance that is to be used by
members of the workforce at a facility, and the ostensible
supplier --
(a) carries on the business of financing the acquisition
or the use of goods by other persons;
20 (b) has, in the course of that business, acquired an
interest in the facility, or in the plant or substance,
from another person (the "actual supplier"), solely
for the purpose of financing its acquisition by, or its
provision to, the person to whom it is finally
25 supplied; and
(c) has not taken possession of the facility, plant or
substance, or has taken possession of the facility,
plant or substance solely for the purpose of passing
possession of the facility, plant or substance to the
30 person to whom it is finally supplied,
a reference in subclause (1) to a supplier is, in relation to the
facility, plant or substance referred to in this subclause, to be
read as a reference to the actual supplier and not as a
reference to the ostensible supplier.
35 (3) This clause does not affect the operation of any other law of
this State that imposes an obligation in respect of the sale or
page 214
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
supply of goods or in respect of the information to be
supplied in relation to goods.
13. Duties of persons erecting facilities or installing plant
(1) A person who erects or installs a facility, or erects or installs
5 any plant at a facility, must take all reasonably practicable
steps to ensure that the facility or plant is not erected or
installed in such a way that it is unsafe or constitutes a risk
to health.
Penalty: $22 000.
10 (2) This clause does not affect the operation of any other law of
this State that imposes an obligation in respect of the
erection or installation of structures or goods or the supply
of services.
14. Duties of persons in relation to occupational safety and
15 health
(1) A person at a facility must, at all times, take all reasonably
practicable steps --
(a) to ensure that the person does not take any action,
or make any omission, that creates a risk, or
20 increases an existing risk, to the occupational safety
and health of that person or of any other person at
or near the facility;
(b) in respect of any obligation imposed on the operator
or on any other person under a listed OSH law -- to
25 cooperate with the operator or that other person to
the extent necessary to enable the operator or that
other person to fulfil that obligation; and
(c) to use equipment that is --
(i) supplied to the person by the operator, an
30 employer of the person or any other person
having control of work at a facility
(the "equipment supplier"); and
(ii) necessary to protect the occupational safety
and health of the person, or of any other
35 person at or near the facility,
page 215
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
in accordance with any instructions given by the
equipment supplier, consistent with the safe and
proper use of the equipment.
Penalty: $5 500.
5 (2) Despite subclause (1), the choice or manner of use, or
choice and manner of use, of equipment of the kind referred
to in subclause (1)(c)(ii) is a matter that may be, consistently
with each listed OSH law --
(a) agreed on between the equipment supplier and any
10 relevant safety and health representative; or
(b) agreed on by a safety and health committee.
(3) If an agreement of the kind referred to in subclause (2)(a) or
(b) provides a process for choosing equipment of a
particular kind that is to be provided by the equipment
15 supplier, action must not be taken against a person for
failure to use equipment of that kind that is so provided
unless the equipment has been chosen in accordance with
that process.
(4) If an agreement of the kind referred to in subclause (2)(a) or
20 (b) provides a process for determining the manner of use of
equipment of a particular kind, action must not be taken
against a person for failure to use, in the manner required by
the equipment supplier, equipment of that kind that is so
provided unless the manner has been determined in
25 accordance with that process.
15. Reliance on information supplied or results of research
(1) For the purpose of the application of clause 8, 9 or 10 to the
use of plant or a substance, a person on whom an obligation
is imposed under any of those clauses is regarded as having
30 taken reasonably practicable steps as required by the
relevant clause, in relation to the use of the plant or
substance, to the extent that --
(a) the person ensured, so far as practicable, that its use
was in accordance with the information supplied by
35 the manufacturer or the supplier of the plant or
page 216
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
substance relating to occupational safety and health
in its use; and
(b) it was reasonable for the person to rely on that
information.
5 (2) For the purpose of the application of clause 11 or 12 to
carrying out research, testing and examining a facility, or
any plant or substance, a person on whom an obligation is
imposed under either of those clauses is regarded as having
taken reasonably practicable steps as required by the
10 relevant clause, in relation to carrying out research, testing
and examining the facility, plant or substance, to the extent
that --
(a) the research, testing or examination has already
been carried out by or on behalf of someone else;
15 and
(b) it was reasonable for the person to rely on that
research, testing or examination.
(3) For the purpose of the application of clause 13 to the
erection of a facility or the erection or installation of plant at
20 a facility, a person on whom an obligation is imposed under
that clause is regarded as having taken reasonably
practicable steps as required by that clause to the extent
that --
(a) the person ensured, so far as is reasonably
25 practicable, that the erection of the facility, or the
erection or installation of the plant, was --
(i) in accordance with information supplied by
the manufacturer or supplier of the facility
or plant relating to its erection or its
30 installation; and
(ii) consistent with the occupational safety and
health of persons at the facility;
and
(b) it was reasonable for the person to rely on that
35 information.
page 217
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
(4) Nothing in this clause limits the generality of what
constitutes reasonably practicable steps as required by
clause 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13.
Subdivision 2 -- Regulations relating to occupational safety
5 and health
16. Regulations relating to occupational safety and health
(1) The regulations may make provision relating to any matter
affecting, or likely to affect, the occupational safety and
health of persons at a facility.
10 (2) Regulations made for the purposes of subclause (1) may
make provision for any or all of the following --
(a) prohibiting or restricting the performance of all
work or specified work at a facility;
(b) prohibiting or restricting the use of all plant or
15 specified plant at a facility;
(c) prohibiting or restricting the carrying out of all
processes or a specified process at a facility;
(d) prohibiting or restricting the storage or use of all
substances or specified substances at a facility;
20 (e) specifying the form in which information required
to be made available under clause 11(1)(c) or
12(1)(c) is to be so made available;
(f) prohibiting, except in accordance with licences
granted under the regulations, the use of specified
25 plant or specified substances at a facility;
(g) providing for --
(i) the issue, variation, renewal, transfer,
suspension and cancellation of those
licences; and
30 (ii) the conditions to which the licences may be
subject;
(h) regulating the maintenance and testing of plant used
at a facility;
(i) regulating the labelling or marking of substances
35 used at a facility;
page 218
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
(j) regulating the transport of specified plant or
specified substances for use at a facility;
(k) prohibiting the performance, at a facility, of
specified activities or work except --
5 (i) by persons who satisfy requirements of the
regulations as to qualifications, training or
experience; or
(ii) under the supervision specified in the
regulations;
10 (l) requiring specified action to avoid accidents or
dangerous occurrences;
(m) providing for, or prohibiting, specified action in the
event of accidents or dangerous occurrences;
(n) providing for the employment at a facility of
15 persons to perform specified duties relating to the
maintenance of occupational safety and health at the
facility;
(o) regulating the provision and use, at a facility, of
protective clothing and equipment, safety
20 equipment and rescue equipment;
(p) providing for monitoring the health of members of
the workforce at a facility and the conditions at the
facility;
(q) requiring employers to keep records of matters
25 related to the occupational safety and health of
employees;
(r) providing for the provision of first aid equipment
and amenities at a facility.
Division 3 -- Workplace arrangements
30 Subdivision 1 -- Introduction
17. Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Subdivision --
• A group of members of the workforce at a facility may
be established as a designated work group.
page 219
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
• The members of a designated work group may select a
safety and health representative for that designated
work group.
• The safety and health representative may exercise
5 certain powers for the purpose of promoting or ensuring
the occupational safety and health of group members.
• A safety and health committee may be established in
relation to the members of the workforce at a facility.
• The main function of a safety and health committee is
10 to assist the operator in relation to occupational safety
and health matters.
Subdivision 2 -- Designated work groups
18. Establishment of designated work groups by request
(1) A request to the operator of a facility to enter into
15 consultations to establish designated work groups in relation
to the members of the workforce at the facility may be made
by --
(a) any member of the workforce; or
(b) if a member of the workforce requests a workforce
20 representative in relation to the member to make the
request to the operator -- that workforce
representative.
(2) The operator of a facility must, within 14 days after
receiving a request under subclause (1), enter into
25 consultations with --
(a) if any member of the workforce made a request to
establish designated work groups --
(i) that member of the workforce;
(ii) if that member requests that the operator
30 enter into consultations with a workforce
representative in relation to the member --
that workforce representative; and
(iii) each employer (if any) of members of the
workforce;
page 220
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
and
(b) if a workforce representative made a request to
establish designated work groups --
(i) if a member of the workforce requests that
5 the operator enter into consultations with
that workforce representative -- that
workforce representative; and
(ii) each employer of members of the
workforce.
10 (3) Within 14 days after the completion of consultations about
the establishment of the designated work groups, the
operator must, by notifying the members of the workforce,
establish the designated work groups in accordance with the
outcome of the consultations.
15 19. Establishment of designated work groups at initiative of
operator
(1) If, at any time, the operator of a facility considers that
designated work groups should be established, the operator
must enter into consultations with --
20 (a) all members of the workforce;
(b) if a member of the workforce requests that the
operator enter into consultations with a workforce
representative in relation to the member -- that
workforce representative; and
25 (c) each employer (if any) of members of the
workforce.
(2) Within 14 days after the completion of consultations about
the establishment of the designated work groups, the
operator must, by notifying the members of the workforce,
30 establish the designated work groups in accordance with the
outcome of the consultations.
20. Variation of designated work groups by request
(1) A request to the operator of a facility to enter into
consultations to vary designated work groups that have
page 221
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
already been established in relation to the members of the
workforce at the facility may be made by --
(a) any member of the workforce; or
(b) if a member of the workforce requests a workforce
5 representative in relation to the member to make the
request to the operator -- that workforce
representative.
(2) The operator of a facility must, within 14 days after
receiving a request under subclause (1), enter into
10 consultations with --
(a) if any member of the workforce made a request to
vary designated work groups --
(i) that member of the workforce;
(ii) the safety and health representative of each
15 designated work group affected by the
proposed variation; and
(iii) each work group employer (if any) in
relation to each designated work group
affected by the proposed variation;
20 and
(b) if a workforce representative made a request to vary
designated work groups --
(i) if a member of a designated work group
affected by the proposed variation requests
25 that the operator enter into consultations
with that workforce representative in
relation to the group -- that workforce
representative;
(ii) the safety and health representative of each
30 designated work group affected by the
proposed variation; and
(iii) each work group employer (if any) in
relation to each designated work group
affected by the proposed variation.
page 222
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
(3) If --
(a) consultations take place about the variation of
designated work groups that have already been
established; and
5 (b) as a result of the consultations, it has been
determined that the variation of some or all of those
designated work groups is justified,
then, within 14 days after the completion of the
consultations, the operator must, by notifying the members
10 of the workforce who are affected by the variation, vary the
designated work groups in accordance with the outcome of
the consultations.
21. Variation of designated work groups at initiative of
operator
15 (1) If the operator of a facility believes the designated work
groups should be varied, the operator may, at any time, enter
into consultations about the variations with --
(a) the safety and health representative of each of the
designated work groups affected by the proposed
20 variation;
(b) if a member of a designated work group affected by
the proposed variation requests that the operator
enter into consultations with that workforce
representative in relation to the group -- that
25 workforce representative; and
(c) each work group employer (if any) in relation to
each designated work group affected by the
proposed variation.
(2) If --
30 (a) consultations take place about the variation of
designated work groups that have already been
established; and
page 223
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
(b) as a result of the consultations, it has been
determined that the variation of some or all of those
designated work groups is justified,
then, within 14 days after the completion of the
5 consultations, the operator must, by notifying the members
of the workforce who are affected by the variation, vary the
designated work groups in accordance with the outcome of
the consultations.
22. Referral of disagreement to reviewing authority
10 (1) If, in the course of consultations under clause 18, 19, 20 or
21, there is a disagreement between any of the parties to the
consultation about the manner of establishing or varying a
designated work group, any party may, for the purpose of
facilitating that consultation, refer the matter of
15 disagreement to the reviewing authority.
(2) The party referring the matter to the reviewing authority
must give notice of the referral to all the other parties to the
disagreement.
(3) The reviewing authority is to --
20 (a) resolve the matter of the disagreement referred to
the reviewing authority; and
(b) notify all parties to the disagreement of the
decision.
(4) If the matter of a disagreement is referred to the reviewing
25 authority, the parties to the disagreement must complete the
consultation in accordance with the resolution of that matter
by the reviewing authority.
(5) In this clause --
"reviewing authority" means a person prescribed by the
30 regulations to be a reviewing authority for the purposes
of this clause.
page 224
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
23. Manner of grouping members of the workforce
(1) Consultations about the establishment or variation of a
designated work group must be directed principally at the
determination of the manner of grouping members of the
5 workforce --
(a) that best and most conveniently enables their
interests relating to occupational safety and health
to be represented and safeguarded; and
(b) that best takes account of the need for any safety
10 and health representative selected for that
designated work group to be accessible to each
group member.
(2) The parties to the consultations must have regard, in
particular, to --
15 (a) the number of members of the workforce at the
facility to which the consultation relates;
(b) the nature of each type of work performed by those
members;
(c) the number and grouping of those members who
20 perform the same or similar types of work;
(d) the workplaces where each type of work is
performed;
(e) the nature of any risks to safety and health at each
of those workplaces; and
25 (f) any overtime or shift working arrangement at the
facility.
(3) The designated work groups must be established or varied in
such a way that, so far as practicable, each of the members
of the workforce at a facility is in a designated work group.
30 (4) All the members of the workforce at a facility may be in one
designated work group.
page 225
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
Subdivision 3 -- Safety and health representatives
24. Selection of safety and health representatives
(1) One safety and health representative may be selected for
each designated work group.
5 (2) A person is not eligible for selection as the safety and health
representative for a designated work group unless the person
is a member of the workforce included in the group.
(3) A person is taken to have been selected as the safety and
health representative for a designated work group if --
10 (a) all the members of the workforce in the group
unanimously agree to the selection; or
(b) the person is elected as the safety and health
representative of the group in accordance with
clause 25.
15 25. Election of safety and health representatives
(1) If --
(a) there is a vacancy in the office of safety and health
representative for a designated work group; and
(b) within a reasonable time after the vacancy occurs, a
20 person has not been selected under clause 24(3)(a),
the operator of the facility must invite nominations from all
group members for election as the safety and health
representative of the group.
(2) If the office of safety and health representative is vacant and
25 the operator has not invited nominations within a further
reasonable time that is no later than 6 months after the
vacancy occurred, the Safety Authority may direct the
operator to do so.
(3) If there is more than one candidate for election at the close
30 of the nomination period, the operator must conduct, or
arrange for the conduct of, an election at the operator's
expense.
page 226
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
(4) An election conducted or arranged to be conducted under
subclause (3) must be conducted in accordance with
regulations made for the purposes of this subclause if this is
requested by the lesser of --
5 (a) 100 members of the workforce normally in the
designated work group; or
(b) a majority of the members of the workforce
normally in the designated work group.
(5) If there is only one candidate for election at the close of the
10 nomination period, that person is taken to have been elected.
(6) A person cannot be a candidate in the election if he or she is
disqualified under clause 31.
(7) All the members of the workforce in the designated work
group are entitled to vote in the election.
15 (8) An operator conducting or arranging for the conduct of an
election under this clause must comply with any relevant
directions issued by the Safety Authority.
26. List of safety and health representatives
The operator of a facility must --
20 (a) prepare and keep up to date a list of all the safety
and health representatives of designated work
groups comprising members of the workforce
performing work at the facility; and
(b) ensure that the list is available for inspection, at all
25 reasonable times, by --
(i) the members of the workforce at the
facility; and
(ii) OHS inspectors.
27. Members of designated work group must be notified of
30 selection etc. of safety and health representative
The operator of a facility must --
(a) notify members of a designated work group in
relation to the facility of a vacancy in the office of
page 227
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
safety and health representative for the designated
work group within a reasonable time after the
vacancy arises; and
(b) notify those members of the name of any person
5 selected (whether under clause 24(3)(a) or (b)) as
safety and health representative for the designated
work group within a reasonable time after the
selection is made.
28. Term of office
10 (1) A safety and health representative for a designated work
group holds office --
(a) if, in consultations that took place under clause 18,
19, 20 or 21, the parties to the consultations agreed
to the period for which the safety and health
15 representative for the group was to hold office --
for that period; or
(b) if paragraph (a) does not apply -- for 2 years.
(2) The term of office of a safety and health representative
begins at the start of the day on which he or she was
20 selected.
(3) Nothing in this clause prevents a safety and health
representative from being selected for further terms of
office.
29. Training of safety and health representatives
25 (1) A safety and health representative for a designated work
group must undertake a course of training relating to
occupational safety and health that is accredited by the
Safety Authority for the purposes of this clause.
(2) The operator of the facility concerned must permit the
30 representative to take any time off work, without loss of
remuneration or other entitlements, that is necessary to
undertake the training.
(3) If a person other than the operator is the employer of the
representative, that person must permit the representative to
page 228
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
take any time off work, without loss of remuneration or
other entitlements, that is necessary to undertake the
training.
30. Resignation etc. of safety and health representatives
5 (1) A person ceases to be the safety and health representative
for the designated work group if --
(a) the person resigns as the safety and health
representative;
(b) the person ceases to be a group member of that
10 designated work group;
(c) the person's term of office expires without the
person having been selected, under clause 24, to be
the safety and health representative for the
designated work group for a further term; or
15 (d) the person is disqualified under clause 31.
(2) A person may resign as the safety and health representative
for a designated work group by notice in writing delivered
to the operator and to each work group employer.
(3) If a person resigns as the safety and health representative for
20 a designated work group, the person must notify the
resignation to the group members.
(4) If a person has ceased to be the safety and health
representative for a designated work group because of
subclause (1)(b), the person must notify in writing --
25 (a) the group members; and
(b) the operator and each work group employer,
that the person has ceased to be the safety and health
representative for that designated work group.
31. Disqualification of safety and health representatives
30 (1) An application for the disqualification of a safety and health
representative for a designated work group may be made to
the Tribunal by --
(a) the operator;
page 229
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
(b) a work group employer; or
(c) at the request of a group member of the designated
work group -- a workforce representative in
relation to the designated work group.
5 (2) An application under subclause (1) may be made on either
or both of the following grounds --
(a) that action taken by the representative in the
exercise or purported exercise of a power under
clause 33(1) or any other provision of this Schedule
10 was taken --
(i) with the intention of causing harm to the
operator or work group employer or to an
undertaking of the operator or work group
employer; or
15 (ii) unreasonably, capriciously or not for the
purpose for which the power was conferred
on the representative;
(b) that the representative has intentionally used, or
disclosed to another person, for a purpose that is not
20 connected with the exercise of a power of a safety
and health representative, information acquired
from the operator or work group employer.
(3) On an application under subclause (1), the Tribunal may
disqualify the representative, for a specified period not
25 exceeding 5 years, from being a safety and health
representative for any designated work group, if the
Tribunal is satisfied that the representative has acted in a
manner referred to in subclause (2).
(4) In making a decision under subclause (3), the Tribunal must
30 have regard to --
(a) the harm (if any) that was caused to the operator or
work group employer or to an undertaking of the
operator or work group employer as a result of the
action of the representative;
35 (b) the past record of the representative in exercising
the powers of a safety and health representative;
page 230
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
(c) the effect (if any) on the public interest of the action
of the representative; and
(d) any other matters the Tribunal thinks relevant.
32. Deputy safety and health representatives
5 (1) One deputy safety and health representative may be selected
for each designated work group for which a safety and
health representative has been selected.
(2) A deputy safety and health representative is to be selected in
the same way as a safety and health representative under
10 clause 24.
(3) If the safety and health representative for a designated work
group --
(a) ceases to be the safety and health representative; or
(b) is unable (because of absence or for any other
15 reason) to exercise the powers of a safety and health
representative,
then --
(c) the powers may be exercised by the deputy safety
and health representative (if any) for the group; and
20 (d) this Schedule (other than this clause) applies in
relation to the deputy safety and health
representative accordingly.
33. Powers of safety and health representatives
(1) A safety and health representative for a designated work
25 group may, for the purpose of promoting or ensuring the
safety and health at a workplace of the group members --
(a) do all or any of the following --
(i) inspect the whole or any part of the
workplace if there has, in the immediate
30 past, been an accident or a dangerous
occurrence at the workplace, or if there is
an immediate threat of such an accident or
dangerous occurrence;
page 231
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
(ii) inspect the whole or any part of the
workplace if the safety and health
representative has given reasonable notice
of the inspection to the operator's
5 representative at the facility and to any
other person having immediate control of
the workplace;
(iii) make a request to an OHS inspector or to
the Safety Authority that an inspection be
10 conducted at the workplace;
(iv) accompany an OHS inspector during any
inspection at the workplace by the OHS
inspector (whether or not the inspection is
being conducted as a result of a request
15 made by the safety and health
representative);
(v) if there is no safety and health committee in
respect of the members of the workforce at
the facility -- represent group members in
20 consultations with the operator and any
work group employer about the
development, implementation and review of
measures to ensure the safety and health of
those members at the workplace;
25 (vi) if a safety and health committee has been
established in respect of the members of the
workforce at the facility -- examine any of
the records of that committee;
(b) investigate complaints made by any group member
30 to the safety and health representative about the
safety and health of any of the members of the
workforce (whether in the group or not);
(c) with the consent of a group member, be present at
any interview about safety and health at work
35 between that member and --
(i) an OHS inspector;
(ii) the operator or a person representing the
operator; or
page 232
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
(iii) a work group employer or a person
representing that employer;
(d) obtain access to any information under the control
of the operator or any work group employer --
5 (i) relating to risks to the safety and health of
any group member; and
(ii) relating to the safety and health of any
group member;
and
10 (e) issue provisional improvement notices in
accordance with clause 37.
(2) Subclause (1)(d)(ii) has effect subject to clause 35.
34. Assistance by consultant
(1) A safety and health representative for a designated work
15 group is entitled, in the exercise of his or her powers, to be
assisted by a consultant.
(2) A safety and health representative for a designated work
group may --
(a) be assisted by a consultant at a workplace at which
20 work is performed; or
(b) provide to a consultant information that has been
provided to the safety and health representative by a
group member under clause 33(1)(d),
only if the operator or the Safety Authority has, in writing,
25 agreed to the provision of that assistance at that workplace
or the provision of that information, as the case may be.
(3) Neither the operator nor any workplace employer becomes,
because of the agreement under subclause (2) to the
provision of assistance by a consultant, liable for any
30 remuneration or other expenses incurred in connection with
the consultant's activities.
(4) If a safety and health representative for a designated work
group is being assisted by a consultant, the consultant is
entitled to be present with the representative at any
page 233
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
interview, about safety and health at work, between a group
member and --
(a) an OHS inspector; or
(b) the operator or any work group employer or a
5 person representing the operator or that employer,
if, and only if, the group member consents to the presence of
the consultant.
35. Information
(1) Neither --
10 (a) a safety and health representative; nor
(b) a consultant assisting a safety and health
representative,
is entitled, under clause 33(1)(d)(ii), to have access to
information in respect of which a group member is entitled
15 to claim, and does claim, legal professional privilege.
(2) Neither --
(a) a safety and health representative; nor
(b) a consultant assisting a safety and health
representative,
20 is entitled, under clause 33(1)(d)(ii), to have access to
information of a confidential medical nature relating to a
person who is or was a group member unless --
(c) the person has delivered to the operator or any work
group employer a written authority permitting the
25 safety and health representative, or the safety and
health representative and the consultant, as the case
requires, to have access to the information; or
(d) the information is in a form that does not identify
the person or enable the identity of the person to be
30 discovered.
page 234
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
36. Obligations and liabilities of safety and health
representatives
This Schedule does not --
(a) impose an obligation on a person to exercise any
5 power conferred on the person because the person is
a safety and health representative; or
(b) render a person liable in civil proceedings because
of --
(i) a failure to exercise such a power; or
10 (ii) the way such a power was exercised.
37. Provisional improvement notices
(1) If --
(a) a safety and health representative for a designated
work group believes, on reasonable grounds, that a
15 person --
(i) is contravening a listed OSH law; or
(ii) has contravened a provision of a listed OSH
law and is likely to contravene that
provision again;
20 and
(b) the contravention affects or may affect one or more
group members,
the representative must consult with the person supervising
the relevant activity in an attempt to reach agreement on
25 rectifying the contravention or preventing the likely
contravention.
(2) If, in the safety and health representative's opinion,
agreement is not reached within a reasonable time, the
safety and health representative may issue a provisional
30 improvement notice to any or each person (a "responsible
person") responsible for the contravention.
(3) If a responsible person is the operator, the improvement
notice may be issued to the operator by giving it to the
operator's representative at the facility.
page 235
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
(4) If it is not practicable to issue the notice to a responsible
person (other than the operator or the supervisor) by giving
it to that responsible person --
(a) the notice may be issued to that responsible person
5 by giving it to the person who for the time being is,
or may reasonably be presumed to be, on behalf of
the responsible person, in charge of the activity to
which the notice relates; and
(b) if the notice is so issued, a copy of the notice must
10 be given to the responsible person as soon as
practicable afterwards.
(5) The notice must --
(a) specify the contravention that, in the safety and
health representative's opinion, is occurring or is
15 likely to occur, and set out the reasons for that
opinion; and
(b) specify a period that --
(i) is not less than 7 days beginning on the day
after the notice is issued; and
20 (ii) is, in the representative's opinion,
reasonable,
within which the responsible person is to take action
necessary to prevent any further contravention or to prevent
the likely contravention, as the case may be.
25 (6) The notice may specify action that the responsible person is
to take during the period specified in the notice.
(7) If, in the safety and health representative's opinion, it is
appropriate to do so, the representative may, in writing and
before the end of the period, extend the period specified in
30 the notice.
(8) On issuing the notice, the safety and health representative
must give a copy of the notice to --
(a) if the operator is not a responsible person -- the
operator;
page 236
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
(b) each work group employer other than a work group
employer who is a responsible person;
(c) if the supervisor is not a responsible person -- the
supervisor; and
5 (d) if the notice relates to any plant, substance or thing
that is owned by a person other than a responsible
person or a person to whom a copy of the notice is
given under paragraph (a), (b) or (c) -- that owner.
38. Effect of provisional improvement notice
10 (1) Within 7 days after a notice is issued under clause 37 --
(a) the responsible person; or
(b) any other person, to whom a copy of the notice has
been given under clause 37(8),
may request the Safety Authority or an OHS inspector for an
15 inspection of the matter to be conducted.
(2) On the request being made, the operation of the notice is
suspended pending the determination of the matter by an
OHS inspector.
(3) As soon as possible after a request is made, an inspection
20 must be conducted of the work that is the subject of the
disagreement, and the OHS inspector conducting the
inspection must --
(a) confirm, vary or cancel the notice and notify the
responsible person and any person to whom a copy
25 of the notice has been given under clause 37(8)
accordingly; and
(b) make decisions, and exercise powers, under
Division 4, as the OHS inspector considers
necessary in relation to the work.
30 (4) If the OHS inspector varies a notice, the notice as so varied
has effect --
(a) so far as the notice concerns obligations imposed on
the responsible person that are unaffected by the
page 237
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
variation -- as if the notice as so varied resumed
effect on the day of the variation; and
(b) so far as the notice concerns new obligations
imposed by virtue of the variation -- as if the notice
5 as so varied were a new notice issued on the day of
the variation.
(5) If the notice is issued to a responsible person, the
responsible person must --
(a) notify each group member who is affected by the
10 notice of the fact of the issue of the notice; and
(b) until the notice ceases to have effect, cause a copy
of the notice to be displayed at or near each
workplace at which the work that is the subject of
the notice is being performed.
15 (6) The notice ceases to have effect if --
(a) it is cancelled by an OHS inspector or by the safety
and health representative; or
(b) the responsible person --
(i) takes the action, if any, specified in the
20 notice; or
(ii) if no action is so specified -- takes the
action necessary to prevent the further
contravention, or likely contravention,
concerned.
25 (7) The responsible person --
(a) must ensure that, to the extent that the notice relates
to any matter over which the person has control, the
notice is complied with; and
(b) must take reasonable steps to inform the safety and
30 health representative who issued the notice of the
action taken to comply with the notice.
(8) For the purposes of clause 65, if the OHS inspector confirms
or varies the notice, the OHS inspector is taken to have
decided, under clause 61, to issue an improvement notice in
35 those terms.
page 238
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
39. Duties of the operator and other employers in relation to
safety and health representatives
(1) The operator of a facility, in relation to which a designated
work group having a safety and health representative has
5 been established, must --
(a) on being requested to do so by the representative,
consult with the representative on the
implementation of changes at any workplace at
which some or all of the group members perform
10 work, being changes that may affect their safety and
health;
(b) in relation to a workplace at which some or all of
the group members perform work --
(i) permit the representative to make any
15 inspection of the workplace that the
representative is entitled to make in
accordance with clause 33(1)(a)(i) and to
accompany an OHS inspector during an
inspection at the workplace by the
20 OHS inspector; and
(ii) if there is no safety and health committee in
respect of the members of the workforce --
on being requested to do so by the
representative, consult with the
25 representative about the development,
implementation and review of measures to
ensure the safety and health of group
members;
(c) permit the representative to be present at any
30 interview at which the representative is entitled to
be present under clause 33(1)(c);
(d) provide to the representative access to any
information to which the representative is entitled to
obtain access under clause 33(1)(d)(i) or (ii) and to
35 which access has been requested;
(e) permit the representative to take any time off work,
without loss of remuneration or other entitlements,
page 239
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
that is necessary to exercise the powers of a safety
and health representative; and
(f) provide the representative with access to any
amenities that are --
5 (i) prescribed for the purposes of this
paragraph; or
(ii) necessary for the purposes of exercising the
powers of a safety and health
representative.
10 (2) Subclause (1)(d) has effect subject to subclauses (3) and (4).
(3) The operator must not permit a safety and health
representative in relation to a designated work group to have
access to information that --
(a) is of a confidential medical nature under the control
15 of the operator; and
(b) relates to a person who is or was a group member,
unless --
(c) the person has delivered to the employer a written
authority permitting the representative to have
20 access to the information; or
(d) the information is in a form that does not identify
the person or enable the identity of the person to be
discovered.
(4) The operator is not required to give a safety and health
25 representative access to any information in respect of which
the operator is entitled to claim, and does claim, legal
professional privilege.
(5) The duties imposed by this clause on the operator in respect
of the safety and health representative for a designated work
30 group apply equally, to the extent that the matters to which
the duties relate are within the control of a work group
employer or of a supervisor of particular work, to that
employer and to that supervisor.
page 240
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
Subdivision 4 -- Safety and health committees
40. Safety and health committees
(1) A safety and health committee must be established in
relation to the members of the workforce at a facility if --
5 (a) the number of those members normally present at
the facility is not less than 50 (whether or not those
members are all at work at the facility at the same
time);
(b) the members of the workforce are included in one
10 or more designated work groups; and
(c) the operator is requested to establish the committee
by the safety and health representative for the
designated work group or for one of the designated
work groups.
15 (2) The safety and health committee consists of --
(a) the number of members specified in an agreement
reached between the operator and the members of
the workforce; or
(b) if there is no such agreement -- an equal number
20 of --
(i) members, chosen by the members of the
workforce, to represent the interests of
members of the workforce; and
(ii) members, chosen by the operator, to
25 represent the interests of the operator and
the employer (other than the operator) of
members of the workforce.
(3) The agreement referred to in subclause (2)(a) may --
(a) specify the persons who are to be members to
30 represent the interests of the operator and employers
(other than the operator) of members of the
workforce; and
(b) provide for the way in which persons who are to be
members to represent the interests of members of
35 the workforce are to be chosen.
page 241
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
(4) If regulations made for the purposes of this clause specify
procedures for the selection of persons as members of safety
and health committees to represent the interests of members
of the workforce, an agreement referred to in
5 subclause (2)(a) must not provide for members to be chosen
in a way inconsistent with the regulations.
(5) A safety and health committee must hold a meeting at least
once every 3 months.
(6) The procedure at meetings of a safety and health committee
10 must, except to the extent provided for by the regulations, be
the procedure agreed upon by the committee.
(7) A safety and health committee must cause minutes of its
meetings to be kept, and must retain those minutes for a
period of not less than 3 years.
15 (8) This clause does not prevent an operator from establishing,
in consultation with registered unions or any other persons,
committees concerned with occupational safety and health
in relation to undertakings carried on by the operator.
41. Functions of safety and health committees
20 (1) A safety and health committee has the following
functions --
(a) to assist the operator of the facility concerned --
(i) to develop and implement measures
designed to protect; and
25 (ii) to review and update measures used to
protect,
the safety and health at work of members of the
workforce;
(b) to facilitate cooperation between the operator of the
30 facility, employers (other than the operator) of
members of the workforce, and members of the
workforce, in relation to occupational safety and
health matters;
(c) to assist the operator to disseminate among
35 members of the workforce, in appropriate
page 242
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
languages, information relating to safety and health
at work;
(d) any prescribed functions;
(e) any other functions that are agreed between the
5 operator and the safety and health committee.
(2) A safety and health committee has power to do all things
necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection
with, the performance of its functions.
(3) This Schedule does not --
10 (a) impose an obligation on a person to do any act,
because the person is a member of a safety and
health committee, in connection with the
performance of a function conferred on the
committee; or
15 (b) render such a person liable in civil proceedings
because of --
(i) a failure to do such an act; or
(ii) the manner in which such an act was done.
42. Duties of the operator and other employers in relation to
20 safety and health committees
(1) If there is a safety and health committee, the operator and
any employer (other than the operator) of a member of the
workforce must --
(a) make available to the committee any information
25 possessed by the operator or that employer relating
to risks to safety and health to members of the
workforce; and
(b) permit any member of the committee who is a
member of the workforce to take time off work,
30 without loss of remuneration or other entitlements,
as is necessary for the member adequately to
participate in the performance by the committee of
its functions.
(2) Subclause (1)(a) has effect subject to subclauses (3) and (4).
page 243
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
(3) The operator or any employer (other than the operator) of a
member of the workforce must not make available to a
safety and health committee information of a confidential
nature relating to a person who is or was a member of the
5 workforce, unless --
(a) the person has authorised the information to be
made available to the committee; or
(b) the information is in a form that does not identify
the person or enable the identity of the person to be
10 discovered.
(4) The operator or any employer (other than the operator) of a
member of the workforce is not required to make available
to a safety and health committee any information in respect
of which the operator or employer is entitled to claim, and
15 does claim, legal professional privilege.
Subdivision 5 -- Emergency procedures
43. Action by safety and health representatives
(1) If a safety and health representative for a designated work
group has reasonable cause to believe that there is an
20 imminent and serious danger to the safety or health of any
person at or near the facility unless a group member or
group members cease to perform particular work, the
representative must --
(a) inform a person (a "supervisor") supervising the
25 group member or group members in the
performance of the work of the danger; or
(b) if no supervisor can be contacted immediately --
(i) direct the group member or group members
to cease, in a safe manner, to perform the
30 work; and
(ii) as soon as practicable, inform a supervisor
that the direction has been given.
(2) If a supervisor is informed under subclause (1)(a) of a
danger to the safety or health of any person at or near the
35 facility, the supervisor must take the action he or she thinks
page 244
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
appropriate to remove that danger, which may include
directing a group member or group members to cease, in a
safe manner, to perform the work.
(3) If --
5 (a) a safety and health representative has informed a
supervisor under subclause (1)(a) of a danger; and
(b) the representative has reasonable cause to believe
that, despite any action taken by the supervisor in
accordance with subclause (2), there continues to be
10 an imminent and serious danger to the safety or
health of any person at or near the facility unless the
group member or group members cease to perform
particular work,
the representative must --
15 (c) direct the group member or group members to
cease, in a safe manner, to perform the work; and
(d) as soon as practicable, inform the supervisor that
the direction has been given.
(4) If --
20 (a) a safety and health representative gives a direction
under subclause (1)(b), but is unable to agree with a
supervisor whom the representative has informed
under that subclause that there is a need for a
direction under that subclause; or
25 (b) a safety and health representative gives a direction
under subclause (3)(c),
the representative or the supervisor may request the Safety
Authority or an OHS inspector that an inspection be
conducted of the work that is the subject of the direction.
30 (5) As soon as possible after a request is made, an inspection
must be conducted of the work that is the subject of the
direction, and the OHS inspector conducting the inspection
must make decisions, and exercise powers, under Division 4
as the OHS inspector considers necessary in relation to the
35 work.
page 245
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
(6) This clause does not limit the power of a safety and health
representative under clause 33(1)(a)(iii) to request an OHS
inspector or the Safety Authority that an inspection be
conducted at the workplace.
5 44. Directions to perform other work
If --
(a) a group member who is an employee has ceased to
perform work, in accordance with the direction of a
safety and health representative under
10 clause 43(1)(b) or (3)(c); and
(b) the cessation of work does not continue after --
(i) the safety and health representative has
agreed with a person supervising work at
the workplace where the work was being
15 performed that the cessation of work was
not, or is no longer, necessary; or
(ii) an OHS inspector has, under clause 43(5),
made a decision to the effect that the
employee should perform the work,
20 the employer may direct the employee to perform suitable
alternative work, and the employee is to be taken, for all
purposes, to be required to perform that other work under
the terms and conditions of the employee's employment.
Subdivision 6 -- Exemptions
25 45. Exemptions
(1) The Safety Authority may, in accordance with the
regulations, make a written order exempting a specified
person or class of person from any or all of the provisions of
this Division (other than this clause).
30 (2) The Safety Authority must not make an order under
subclause (1) unless it is satisfied on reasonable grounds
that it is impracticable for the person to comply with the
provision or provisions.
page 246
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
Division 4 -- Inspections
Subdivision 1 -- Introduction
46. Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Division:
5 • An OHS inspector may conduct an inspection --
(a) to ascertain whether a listed OSH law is being
complied with;
(b) concerning a contravention or a possible
contravention of a listed OSH law; or
10 (c) concerning an accident or dangerous occurrence
that has happened at or near a facility.
• An OHS inspector may issue a prohibition notice to
the operator of a facility in order to remove an
immediate threat to the safety and health of any person.
15 • An OHS inspector may issue an improvement notice
specifying action that is to be taken to prevent
contravention of a listed OSH law.
• An OHS inspector must prepare a report about an
inspection and give the report to the Safety Authority.
20 47. Powers, functions and duties of OHS inspectors
(1) An OHS inspector has the powers, functions and duties
conferred or imposed by each listed OSH law.
(2) The Safety Authority may give written directions specifying
the manner in which, and the conditions subject to which,
25 powers conferred on OHS inspectors by a listed OSH law
are to be exercised. If it does so, the powers of OHS
inspectors must be exercised in accordance with those
directions.
(3) The Safety Authority may, by notice in writing, impose
30 restrictions, not inconsistent with any direction in force
under subclause (2), on the powers that are conferred on a
particular OHS inspector by a listed OSH law. If it does so,
page 247
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
the powers of the OHS inspector are taken to have been
restricted accordingly.
Subdivision 2 -- Inspections
48. Inspections
5 (1) An OHS inspector may, at any time, conduct an
inspection --
(a) to ascertain whether a requirement of, or any
requirement properly made under, a listed OSH law
is being complied with;
10 (b) concerning a contravention or a possible
contravention of a listed OSH law; or
(c) concerning an accident or dangerous occurrence
that has happened at a facility.
(2) The Safety Authority may direct an OHS inspector to
15 conduct an inspection --
(a) to ascertain whether a requirement of, or any
requirement properly made under, a listed OSH law
is being complied with;
(b) concerning a contravention or a possible
20 contravention of a listed OSH law; or
(c) concerning an accident or dangerous occurrence
that has happened at a facility,
and the OHS inspector must, unless the Safety Authority
revokes the direction, conduct an inspection accordingly.
25 Subdivision 3 -- Powers of OHS inspectors in relation to the
conduct of inspections
49. Powers of entry and search -- facilities
(1) An OHS inspector may, for the purposes of an inspection, at
any reasonable time during the day or night --
30 (a) enter the facility to which the inspection relates and
do all or any of the following --
(i) search the facility;
page 248
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
(ii) inspect, examine, take measurements of, or
conduct tests concerning, any workplace at
the facility or any plant, substance or thing
at the facility;
5 (iii) take photographs of, make video recordings
of, or make sketches of, any workplace at
the facility or any plant, substance or thing
at the facility;
(iv) inspect, take extracts from, or make copies
10 of, any documents at the facility that the
OHS inspector has reasonable grounds to
believe relate, or are likely to relate, to the
subject matter of the inspection;
and
15 (b) inspect the seabed and subsoil in the vicinity of the
facility to which the inspection relates.
(2) Immediately on entering a facility for the purposes of an
inspection, an OHS inspector must take reasonable steps to
notify the purpose of entering the facility to --
20 (a) the operator's representative at the facility; and
(b) if there is a safety and health representative for a
designated work group having a group member
likely to be affected by the matter the subject of the
inspection -- that representative,
25 and must, on being requested to do so by the person referred
to in paragraph (a) or (b), produce for inspection by that
person --
(c) the OHS inspector's identity card;
(d) a copy of the Safety Authority's written direction (if
30 any) to conduct the inspection; and
(e) a copy of the restrictions (if any) imposed on the
powers of the OHS inspector under clause 47(3).
(3) If there is a safety and health representative for a designated
work group having a group member likely to be affected by
35 the matter the subject of the inspection, the OHS inspector
must afford the safety and health representative a reasonable
page 249
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
opportunity to consult on the matter the subject of the
inspection.
50. Powers of entry and search -- regulated business
premises (other than facilities)
5 (1) An OHS inspector may, for the purposes of an inspection --
(a) at any reasonable time, enter any regulated business
premises (other than a facility) if the OHS inspector
has reasonable grounds to believe that there are
likely to be at those premises documents that relate
10 to a facility that is, or to facility operations that are,
the subject of the inspection; and
(b) search for, inspect, take extracts from, or make
copies of, any such documents at those premises.
(2) Immediately on entering premises referred to in
15 subclause (1), an OHS inspector must take reasonable steps
to notify the purpose of the entry to the occupier of those
premises, and must, on being requested to do so by the
occupier, produce for inspection by the occupier --
(a) the OHS inspector's identity card;
20 (b) a copy of the Safety Authority's written direction (if
any) to conduct the inspection; and
(c) a copy of the restrictions (if any) imposed on the
powers of the OHS inspector under clause 47(3).
51. Powers of entry and search -- premises (other than
25 regulated business premises)
(1) An OHS inspector may, for the purposes of an inspection --
(a) enter any premises (other than regulated business
premises) if the OHS inspector has reasonable
grounds to believe that there are likely to be at those
30 premises documents that relate to a facility that is,
or to facility operations that are, the subject of the
inspection; and
(b) search for, inspect, take extracts from, or make
copies of, any such documents at those premises.
page 250
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
(2) An OHS inspector may exercise the powers referred to in
subclause (1) to enter premises only --
(a) if the premises are not a residence --
(i) in accordance with a warrant under
5 clause 52;
(ii) with the consent of the occupier of the
premises;
or
(b) if the premises are a residence -- with the consent
10 of the occupier of the premises.
(3) Immediately on entering premises referred to in
subclause (1), an OHS inspector must --
(a) take reasonable steps to notify the purpose of the
entry to the occupier of those premises;
15 (b) take reasonable steps to produce, for inspection by
the occupier, the OHS inspector's identity card; and
(c) on being requested to do so by the occupier,
produce, for inspection by the occupier --
(i) a copy of the Safety Authority's written
20 direction (if any) to conduct the inspection;
and
(ii) a copy of the restrictions (if any) imposed
on the powers of the OHS inspector under
clause 47(3).
25 (4) If --
(a) an OHS inspector enters premises in accordance
with a warrant under clause 52; and
(b) the occupier of the premises is present at the
premises,
30 the OHS inspector must make a copy of the warrant
available to the occupier.
page 251
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
(5) Before obtaining the consent of a person as mentioned in
subclause (2)(a) or (b), an OHS inspector must inform the
person that --
(a) the person may refuse consent; and
5 (b) the consent may be withdrawn.
(6) The consent of a person is not effective for the purposes of
subclause (2) unless the consent is voluntary.
52. Warrant to enter premises (other than regulated
business premises)
10 (1) An OHS inspector may apply to a magistrate for a warrant
authorising the inspector, with any assistance as the
inspector thinks necessary, to exercise the powers referred
to in clause 51(1) in relation to particular premises (other
than a residence).
15 (2) The application must be supported by evidence on oath
(whether oral or by affidavit) that sets out the grounds on
which the inspector is applying for the warrant.
(3) If the magistrate is satisfied that there are reasonable
grounds for issuing the warrant, the magistrate may issue the
20 warrant.
(4) A warrant issued under subclause (3) must state --
(a) the name of the inspector;
(b) whether the inspection may be carried out at any
time or only during specified hours of the day;
25 (c) the day on which the warrant ceases to have effect;
and
(d) the purposes for which the warrant is issued.
(5) The day specified under subclause (4)(c) is not to be more
than 7 days after the day on which the warrant is issued.
30 (6) The purposes specified under subclause (4)(d) must include
the identification of the premises in relation to which the
warrant is issued.
page 252
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
53. Obstructing or hindering OHS inspector
A person must not, without reasonable excuse, obstruct or
hinder an OHS inspector in the exercise of an OHS
inspector's powers under clause 49, 50 or 51.
5 Penalty: $5 500.
54. Power to require assistance and information
(1) An OHS inspector may, to the extent that it is reasonably
necessary to do so in connection with the conduct of an
inspection, require --
10 (a) the operator of a facility;
(b) the person in charge of operations at a workplace in
relation to a facility;
(c) a member of the workforce at a facility; or
(d) any person representing a person referred to in
15 paragraph (a) or (b),
to provide the OHS inspector with reasonable assistance and
amenities --
(e) that is or are reasonably connected with the conduct
of the inspection at or near the facility; or
20 (f) for the effective exercise of the OHS inspector's
powers under this Schedule in connection with the
conduct of the inspection at or near the facility.
(2) The reasonable assistance referred to in subclause (1)
includes, so far as the operator of the facility is
25 concerned --
(a) appropriate transport to or from the facility for the
OHS inspector and for any equipment required by
the OHS inspector, or any article of which the OHS
inspector has taken possession; and
30 (b) reasonable accommodation and means of
subsistence while the OHS inspector is at the
facility.
page 253
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
(3) A person must not fail, without reasonable excuse, to
comply with a requirement under this clause.
Penalty: $3 300 or imprisonment for 6 months or both.
55. Power to require the answering of questions and the
5 production of documents or articles
(1) If --
(a) an OHS inspector believes on reasonable grounds
that a person is capable of answering a question that
is reasonably connected with the conduct of an
10 inspection; and
(b) the person is --
(i) the operator of a facility;
(ii) the person in charge of operations at a
workplace in relation to a facility;
15 (iii) a member of the workforce at a facility; or
(iv) any person representing a person referred to
in subparagraph (i) or (ii),
the OHS inspector may, to the extent that it is
reasonably necessary to do so in connection with
20 the conduct of the inspection, require the person to
answer the question put by the OHS inspector.
(2) If, at the time when a requirement under subclause (1) is
imposed on a person, the person is not physically present on
regulated business premises, the person is not obliged to
25 comply with the requirement unless the requirement --
(a) is in writing;
(b) specifies the day on or before which the question is
to be answered (being at least 14 days after the day
on which the requirement is imposed); and
30 (c) is accompanied by a statement to the effect that a
failure to comply with the requirement is an
offence.
page 254
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
(3) If --
(a) an OHS inspector believes on reasonable grounds
that a person is capable of producing a document or
article that is reasonably connected with the conduct
5 of an inspection; and
(b) the person is --
(i) the operator of a facility;
(ii) the person in charge of operations at a
workplace in relation to a facility;
10 (iii) a member of the workforce at a facility; or
(iv) any person representing a person referred to
in subparagraph (i) or (ii),
the OHS inspector may, to the extent that it is reasonably
necessary to do so in connection with the conduct of the
15 inspection, require the person to produce the document or
article.
(4) If, at the time when a requirement under subclause (3) is
imposed on a person, the person is not physically present on
regulated business premises, the person is not obliged to
20 comply with the requirement unless the requirement --
(a) is in writing;
(b) specifies the day on or before which the document
or article is to be produced (being at least 14 days
after the day on which the requirement is imposed);
25 and
(c) is accompanied by a statement to the effect that a
failure to comply with the requirement is an
offence.
(5) A person must not --
30 (a) fail, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a
requirement under this clause; or
(b) in purported compliance with a requirement under
this clause, give information that is false or
misleading in a material particular.
35 Penalty: $3 300 or imprisonment for 6 months or both.
page 255
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
56. Privilege against self-incrimination
(1) A person is not excused from answering a question or
producing a document or article when required to do so
under clause 55 on the ground that the answer to the
5 question, or the production of the document or article, may
tend to incriminate the person or make the person liable to a
penalty.
(2) However --
(a) the answer given or document or article produced;
10 (b) answering the question or producing the document
or article; or
(c) any information, document or thing obtained as a
direct or indirect consequence of the answering of
the question or the production of the document or
15 article,
is not admissible in evidence against the person --
(d) in any civil proceedings; or
(e) in any criminal proceedings other than proceedings
for an offence against clause 55.
20 57. Power to take possession of plant, take samples of
substances etc.
(1) In conducting an inspection, an OHS inspector may, to the
extent that it is reasonably necessary for the purposes of
inspecting, examining, taking measurements of or
25 conducting tests concerning, any plant, substance or thing at
a facility in connection with the inspection --
(a) take possession of the plant, substance or thing and
remove it from the facility; or
(b) take a sample of the substance or thing and remove
30 that sample from the facility.
(2) On taking possession of plant, a substance or a thing, or
taking a sample of a substance or thing, the OHS inspector
must, by notice in writing, inform --
(a) the operator of the facility;
page 256
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
(b) if the plant, substance or thing is used for the
performance of work by an employer of a member
or members of the workforce at the facility other
than the operator of the facility -- that employer;
5 (c) if the plant, substance or thing is owned by a person
other than a person mentioned in paragraph (a) or
(b) -- that person; and
(d) if there is a safety and health representative for a
designated work group that includes a member of
10 the workforce who is affected by the matter to
which the inspection relates -- that representative,
of the taking of possession or the taking of the sample, as
the case may be, and the reasons for it.
(3) If the OHS inspector gives the notice to the operator of the
15 facility to which the inspection relates, the operator's
representative at the facility must cause the notice to be
displayed in a prominent place at the workplace from which
the plant, substance or thing was removed.
(4) If the OHS inspector takes possession of plant, a substance
20 or a thing at a workplace for the purpose of inspecting,
examining, taking measurements of or conducting tests
concerning, the plant, substance or thing, the OHS inspector
must --
(a) ensure that the inspection, examination, measuring
25 or testing is conducted as soon as practicable; and
(b) return it to the workplace as soon as practicable
afterwards.
(5) As soon as practicable after completing any such inspection,
examination, measurement or testing, the OHS inspector
30 must give a written statement setting out the results to each
person whom the OHS inspector is required to notify under
subclause (2).
58. Power to direct that workplace etc. not be disturbed
(1) An OHS inspector may give a direction under subclause (2)
35 if, in conducting an inspection, the OHS inspector has
page 257
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
reasonable grounds to believe that it is reasonably necessary
to do so in order to --
(a) remove an immediate threat to the safety or health
of any person; or
5 (b) allow the inspection, examination or taking of
measurements of, or conducting of tests concerning,
a facility or any plant, substance or thing at the
facility.
(2) If subclause (1) applies, the OHS inspector may direct, by
10 written notice given to the operator's representative at the
facility, that the operator must ensure that --
(a) a particular workplace; or
(b) particular plant, or a particular substance or thing,
not be disturbed for a period specified in the direction.
15 (3) The period specified in the direction must be a period that
the OHS inspector has reasonable grounds to believe is
necessary in order to remove the threat or to allow the
inspection, examination, measuring or testing to take place.
(4) The direction may be renewed by another direction in the
20 same terms.
(5) If an OHS inspector gives a notice to the operator's
representative under subclause (2), the operator's
representative must cause the notice to be displayed in a
prominent place at the workplace --
25 (a) that is to be left undisturbed; or
(b) where the plant, substance or thing that is to be left
undisturbed is located.
(6) As soon as practicable after giving the direction, the OHS
inspector must take reasonable steps to notify --
30 (a) if the workplace, plant, substance or thing to which
the direction relates is owned by a person other than
the operator of the facility -- that person; and
page 258
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
(b) if there is a safety and health representative for a
designated work group that includes a group
member performing work --
(i) at a workplace; or
5 (ii) involving the plant, substance or thing,
to which the direction relates -- that representative,
of the direction and the reasons for giving it.
(7) The operator of a facility to which a direction concerning a
workplace, plant, substance or a thing relates must ensure
10 that the direction is complied with.
Penalty: $27 500.
(8) A direction under subclause (2) must be accompanied by a
statement setting out the reasons for the direction.
59. Power to issue prohibition notices
15 (1) If, having conducted an inspection, an OHS inspector is
satisfied on reasonable grounds that it is reasonably
necessary to issue a prohibition notice to the operator of a
facility in order to remove an immediate threat to the safety
or health of any person, the OHS inspector may issue a
20 prohibition notice, in writing, to the operator.
(2) The notice must be issued to the operator by giving it to the
operator's representative at the facility.
(3) The notice must --
(a) specify the activity in respect of which, in the OHS
25 inspector's opinion, the threat to safety or health has
arisen, and set out the reasons for that opinion; and
(b) either --
(i) direct the operator to ensure that the activity
is not engaged in; or
30 (ii) direct the operator to ensure that the activity
is not engaged in in a specified manner.
page 259
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
(4) A specified manner may relate to any one or more of the
following --
(a) any workplace, or part of a workplace, at which the
activity is not to be engaged in;
5 (b) any plant or substance that is not to be used in
connection with the activity;
(c) any procedure that is not to be followed in
connection with the activity.
(5) The notice may specify action that may be taken to satisfy
10 an OHS inspector that adequate action has been taken to
remove the threat to safety and health.
(6) The operator's representative at the facility must --
(a) give a copy of the notice to each safety and health
representative (if any) for any designated work
15 group having group members performing work that
is affected by the notice; and
(b) cause a copy of the notice to be displayed at a
prominent place at or near each workplace at which
that work is performed.
20 (7) If the notice relates to any workplace, plant, substance or
thing that is owned by a person other than the operator, the
OHS inspector must, upon issuing the notice, give a copy of
the notice to that person.
60. Compliance with prohibition notice
25 (1) An operator must ensure that a prohibition notice issued to
the operator is complied with.
Penalty: $27 500.
(2) If an OHS inspector is satisfied that action taken by the
operator to remove the threat to safety and health in respect
30 of which the notice was issued is not adequate, the OHS
inspector must inform the operator accordingly.
(3) A prohibition notice ceases to have effect when an OHS
inspector notifies the operator that the OHS inspector is
page 260
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
satisfied that the operator has taken adequate action to
remove the threat to safety or health.
(4) In making a decision under subclause (2), an OHS inspector
may exercise any of the powers of an OHS inspector
5 conducting an inspection that the inspector considers
necessary for the purposes of making the decision.
61. Power to issue improvement notices
(1) If, in conducting an inspection, an OHS inspector believes
on reasonable grounds that a person --
10 (a) is contravening a listed OSH law; or
(b) has contravened a provision of a listed OSH law
and is likely to contravene that provision again,
the OHS inspector may issue an improvement notice, in
writing, to the person (the "responsible person").
15 (2) If the responsible person is the operator, the improvement
notice may be issued to the operator by giving it to the
operator's representative at the facility.
(3) If the responsible person is an employer (other than the
operator) of members of the workforce, but it is not
20 practicable to give the notice to that employer --
(a) the improvement notice may be issued to the
employer by giving it to the operator's
representative at the facility; and
(b) if the notice is so issued -- the operator must ensure
25 that a copy of the notice is given to the employer as
soon as practicable afterwards.
(4) The notice --
(a) must specify the contravention that the
OHS inspector believes is occurring or is likely to
30 occur, and set out the reasons for that belief;
(b) must specify a reasonable period within which the
responsible person is to take the action necessary to
prevent any further contravention or to prevent the
likely contravention, as the case may be; and
page 261
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
(c) may specify action that the responsible person is to
take during the period specified in the notice.
(5) If the OHS inspector believes on reasonable grounds that it
is appropriate to do so, the OHS inspector may, in writing
5 and before the end of the period, extend the period specified
in the notice.
(6) If an improvement notice is issued to an employer (other
than the operator) of members of the workforce in
circumstances other than the circumstance referred to in
10 subclause (3), the employer must immediately ensure that a
copy of the notice is given to the operator's representative at
the facility.
(7) If a notice is issued to the operator or to an employer (other
than the operator) of members of the workforce, the
15 operator's representative at the facility must --
(a) give a copy of the notice to each safety and health
representative for a designated work group having
group members performing work that is affected by
the notice; and
20 (b) cause a copy of the notice to be displayed in a
prominent place at or near each workplace at which
the work is being performed.
(8) On issuing a notice, the OHS inspector must give a copy of
the notice to --
25 (a) if the notice is --
(i) given to a member of the workforce who is
an employee; and
(ii) in connection with work performed by the
employee,
30 the employer of that employee;
(b) if the notice relates to any workplace, plant,
substance or thing that is owned by a person other
than --
(i) a responsible person; or
page 262
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
(ii) a person who is an employer referred to in
paragraph (a),
that owner; and
(c) if the notice is issued to a person who owns any
5 workplace, plant, substance or thing, because of
which a contravention of a listed OSH law has
occurred or is likely to occur --
(i) the operator of the facility; and
(ii) if the employer of employees who work in
10 that workplace or who use that plant,
substance or thing is a person other than the
operator -- that employer.
62. Compliance with improvement notice
A person to whom an improvement notice is issued must
15 comply with it to the extent that the notice relates to any
matter over which the person has control.
Penalty: $11 000.
63. Notices not to be tampered with or removed
(1) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, tamper with
20 any notice that has been displayed under clause 57(3), 58(5),
59(6) or 61(7) while that notice is so displayed.
(2) If a notice has been displayed under clause 57(3), a person
must not, without reasonable excuse, remove the notice until
the plant or thing to which the notice relates is returned to
25 the workplace from which it was removed.
(3) If a notice has been displayed under clause 58(5), 59(6) or
61(7), a person must not, without reasonable excuse, remove
the notice before it has ceased to have effect.
Penalty applicable to subclauses (1), (2) and (3): $11 000.
page 263
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
Subdivision 4 -- Reports on inspections
64. Reports on inspections
(1) If an OHS inspector has conducted an inspection, the OHS
inspector must, as soon as practicable, prepare a written
5 report relating to the inspection and give the report to the
Safety Authority.
(2) The report must include --
(a) the OHS inspector's conclusions from conducting
the inspection and the reasons for those
10 conclusions;
(b) any recommendations that the OHS inspector
wishes to make arising from the inspection; and
(c) any other prescribed matters.
(3) As soon as practicable after receiving the report, the Safety
15 Authority must give a copy of the report, together with any
written comments that it wishes to make --
(a) to the operator of the facility to which the report
relates;
(b) if the report relates to activities performed by an
20 employee of another person -- that other person;
and
(c) if the report relates to any plant, substance or thing
owned by another person -- that other person.
(4) The Safety Authority may, in writing, request the operator
25 or any other person to whom the report is given to provide
to the Safety Authority, within a reasonable period specified
in the request, details of --
(a) any action proposed to be taken as a result of the
conclusions or recommendations contained in the
30 report; and
page 264
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
(b) if a notice has been issued under clause 59 or 61 in
relation to work being performed for the operator or
that other person -- any action taken, or proposed
to be taken, in respect of that notice,
5 and the operator or that other person must comply with the
request.
(5) As soon as practicable after receiving a report, the operator
of a facility must give a copy of the report, together with
any written comment made by the Safety Authority on the
10 report --
(a) if there is at least one safety and health committee
in respect of some or all of the members of the
workforce -- to each such committee; and
(b) if there is no such committee in respect of some or
15 all of the members of the workforce, but some or all
of those members (in respect of which there is no
such committee) are in at least one designated work
group for which there is a safety and health
representative -- to each such safety and health
20 representative.
Subdivision 5 -- Reviews of OHS inspectors' decisions
65. Reviews of decisions of OHS inspectors
(1) If an OHS inspector, in conducting an inspection or having
conducted an inspection --
25 (a) decides, under clause 38, to confirm or vary a
provisional improvement notice;
(b) decides, under clause 57, to take possession of
plant, a substance or a thing at a workplace;
(c) decides, under clause 58, to direct that a workplace,
30 a part of a workplace, plant, a substance or a thing
not be disturbed;
(d) decides, under clause 59, to issue a prohibition
notice;
(e) decides, under clause 60, that the operator of a
35 facility to whom a prohibition notice has been
page 265
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
issued has not taken adequate action to remove the
threat to safety and health that caused the notice to
be issued; or
(f) decides, under clause 61, to issue an improvement
5 notice,
a person referred to in subclause (2) may apply in writing to
the reviewing authority for a review of the decision.
(2) The following persons may apply for a review of a decision,
as is relevant to the case --
10 (a) the operator of the facility or any employer (other
than the operator) who is affected by the decision;
(b) a person to whom a notice has been issued under
clause 37(2) or 61(1);
(c) the safety and health representative for a designated
15 work group having a group member affected by the
decision;
(d) a workforce representative in relation to the
designated work group that includes a group
member who is affected by the decision and who
20 has requested the workforce representative to apply
for a review of the decision;
(e) if there is no such designated work group, and a
member of the workforce affected by the decision
has requested a workforce representative in relation
25 to the member to apply for a review of the
decision -- that workforce representative;
(f) a person who owns any workplace, plant, substance
or thing to which the decision referred to in
subclause (1)(a), (b), (c) or (f) relates.
30 (3) If an OHS inspector, having conducted an inspection --
(a) decides under clause 38 to cancel a provisional
improvement notice; or
(b) decides under clause 60 that the operator of a
facility to whom a prohibition notice has been
35 issued has taken adequate action to remove the
page 266
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
threat to safety and health that caused the notice to
be issued,
the following persons may apply in writing to the reviewing
authority for a review of the decision, as is relevant to the
5 case --
(c) the safety and health representative for a designated
work group having a group member affected by the
decision;
(d) a workforce representative in relation to the
10 designated work group that includes a group
member who is affected by the decision and who
has requested the workforce representative to apply
for the review;
(e) if there is no such designated work group, and a
15 member of the workforce affected by the decision
has requested a workforce representative in relation
to the member to apply for the review -- that
workforce representative.
(4) An application under subclause (2) or (3) must be made --
20 (a) not later than 7 days after the day on which the
person applying received notice of the inspector's
decision; or
(b) within such further period as the reviewing
authority may allow.
25 (5) A person, other than the operator of the facility concerned,
who applies for a review of a decision must, as soon as is
practicable, give a copy of the application to the operator.
Penalty: $5 000.
(6) The reviewing authority is to give notice in writing of the
30 decision on the reference and the reasons for the decision
to --
(a) the person who referred the matter for review; and
(b) if that person is not the operator of the facility
concerned, to the operator.
page 267
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
(7) Subject to this clause, applying for a review of a decision
does not affect the operation of the decision or prevent the
taking of action to implement that decision, except to the
extent that the reviewing authority makes an order to the
5 contrary.
(8) If the decision to be reviewed is a decision under clause 61
to issue an improvement notice, the operation of the notice
is suspended pending determination of the decision, except
to the extent that the reviewing authority makes an order to
10 the contrary.
(9) If the decision to be reviewed is a decision of an
OHS inspector under clause 38 to confirm or vary a
provisional improvement notice whose operation has been
suspended pending the inspection of the matter to which the
15 notice relates, the operation of the notice is further
suspended pending determination of the review, except to
the extent that the reviewing authority makes an order to the
contrary.
(10) In this clause --
20 "reviewing authority" means a person prescribed by the
regulations to be a reviewing authority for the purposes
of this clause.
66. Powers of reviewing authority on review
(1) On a review of a decision under clause 65, the reviewing
25 authority may --
(a) affirm the decision;
(b) affirm the decision with such modifications as the
reviewing authority considers appropriate; or
(c) revoke the decision and make such other decision
30 with respect to the matter as the reviewing authority
thinks fit,
and the decision has effect or, as the case may be, ceases to
have effect accordingly.
page 268
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
(2) If --
(a) the decision being reviewed is a decision under
clause 57 to take possession of plant, a substance or
a thing at a workplace; and
5 (b) the decision is not affirmed,
the inspector who made the decision must ensure that, to the
extent that the decision is not affirmed, the plant, substance
or thing is returned to the workplace as soon as practicable.
Division 5 -- Referrals to the Tribunal
10 67. Decision may be referred to Tribunal
(1) If a person given notice of a decision under clause 22(3)(b)
or 65(6) is not satisfied with the reviewing authority's
decision under that section, the person may refer the
decision to the Tribunal for further review.
15 (2) A reference under subclause (1) must be made --
(a) not later than 7 days after the day on which the
person received notice of the decision; or
(b) within such further period as the Tribunal may
allow.
20 (3) A person, other than the operator of the facility concerned,
who refers a matter for review under this clause must, as
soon as is practicable, give a copy of the duly completed
prescribed form to the operator.
Penalty applicable to subclause (3): $5 000.
25 68. Determination by Tribunal
(1) On a reference under clause 67, the Tribunal is to inquire
into the circumstances relating to the decision, and may --
(a) affirm the decision of the reviewing authority;
(b) affirm the decision of the reviewing authority with
30 such modifications as the Tribunal considers
appropriate; or
page 269
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
(c) revoke the decision of the reviewing authority and
make such other decision with respect to the notice
as the Tribunal thinks fit,
and the decision has effect or, as the case may be, ceases to
5 have effect accordingly.
(2) A review under this clause --
(a) is to be in the nature of a rehearing; and
(b) is to be completed by the Tribunal as quickly as is
practicable.
10 (3) The Tribunal is to give notice in writing of its decision on
the reference and the reasons for the decision to --
(a) the person who referred the matter for review; and
(b) if that person is not the operator of the facility
concerned, to the operator.
15 69. Effect of pending review by Tribunal
(1) Subject to this clause, a reference to the Tribunal for further
review of a decision does not affect the operation of the
decision or prevent the taking of action to implement that
decision, except to the extent that the Tribunal makes an
20 order to the contrary.
(2) If the decision to be reviewed concerns a decision under
clause 61 to issue an improvement notice, the operation of
the notice is suspended pending determination of the review,
except to the extent that the Tribunal makes an order to the
25 contrary.
(3) If the decision to be reviewed concerns a decision of an
inspector under clause 38 to confirm or vary a provisional
improvement notice whose operation has been suspended
pending the inspection of the matter to which the notice
30 relates, the operation of the notice is further suspended
pending determination of the review, except to the extent
that the Tribunal makes an order to the contrary.
page 270
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
70. Jurisdiction of Tribunal
(1) This clause applies where --
(a) under clause 67 a matter is referred to the Tribunal;
or
5 (b) under clause 31 an application is made to the
Tribunal.
(2) Where this clause applies --
(a) the matter or application may be heard and
determined; and
10 (b) a determination made by the Tribunal on the matter
or application has effect, and may be appealed
against and enforced,
as if it were --
(c) a matter in respect of which jurisdiction is conferred
15 on the Tribunal by Part VIB of the Occupational
Safety and Health Act 1984; or
(d) a determination made for the purposes of that Part.
(3) The provisions of --
(a) Part VIB of the Occupational Safety and Health
20 Act 1984; and
(b) the Industrial Relations Act 1979 applied by that
Part,
have effect for the purposes of this clause with all necessary
changes.
25 (4) In the operation of subclause (3), section 51J(1) of the
Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 has effect as if it
were expressed to apply where a matter has been referred to
the Tribunal under clause 67 in relation to a decision made
under clause 22.
page 271
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
Division 6 -- General
71. Notifying and reporting accidents and dangerous
occurrences
(1) If, at or near a facility, there is --
5 (a) an accident that causes the death of, or serious
personal injury to, any person;
(b) an accident that causes a member of the workforce
to be incapacitated from performing work for a
period prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph;
10 or
(c) a dangerous occurrence,
the operator must, in accordance with the regulations, give
the Safety Authority notice of, and a report about, the
accident or dangerous occurrence.
15 Penalty: $5 000.
(2) Regulations made for the purposes of subclause (1) (other
than regulations made for the purpose of subclause (1)(b))
may prescribe --
(a) the time within which, and the manner in which,
20 notice of an accident or dangerous occurrence is to
be given, and the form of the notice; and
(b) the time within which, and the manner in which, a
report of an accident or dangerous occurrence is to
be given, and the form of the report.
25 (3) Subclause (2) does not limit regulations that may be made
for the purposes of subclause (1).
72. Records of accidents and dangerous occurrences to be
kept
(1) The operator of a facility must maintain, in accordance with
30 the regulations, a record of each accident or dangerous
occurrence in respect of which the operator is required by
clause 68 to notify the Safety Authority.
page 272
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
(2) Regulations made for the purposes of subclause (1) may
prescribe --
(a) the nature of the contents of a record maintained
under this clause; and
5 (b) the period for which the record must be retained.
(3) Subclause (2) does not limit regulations that may be made
for the purposes of subclause (1).
73. Codes of practice
(1) The regulations may prescribe codes of practice for the
10 purpose of providing practical guidance to operators of
facilities and employers (other than operators) of members
of the workforce at facilities.
(2) A person is not liable in any civil or criminal proceedings
for contravening a code of practice.
15 74. Use of codes of practice in proceedings
(1) This clause applies if, in any proceedings for an offence
against a listed OSH law, it is alleged that a person
contravened a provision of a listed OSH law in relation to
which a code of practice was in effect at the time of the
20 alleged contravention.
(2) The code of practice is admissible in evidence in those
proceedings.
(3) If the court is satisfied, in relation to any matter which it is
necessary for the prosecution to prove in order to establish
25 the alleged contravention, that --
(a) any provision of the code of practice is relevant to
that matter; and
(b) the person failed at any material time to comply
with that provision of the code of practice,
30 that matter is treated as proved unless the court is satisfied
that in respect of that matter the person complied with that
provision of the listed OSH law otherwise than by
complying with the code of practice.
page 273
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
75. Interference etc. with equipment etc.
A person must not, without reasonable excuse, do anything
that results in the interference with, or the rendering
ineffective of, any protective equipment or safety device
5 provided for the occupational safety and health of members
of the workforce at a facility if the person knew (or ought
reasonably to have known) that the equipment or device was
protective equipment or a safety device.
Penalty: $3 300 or imprisonment for 6 months or both.
10 76. No charges to be levied on members of workforce
The operator of a facility or an employer (other than the
operator) of members of the workforce at a facility must not
levy, or permit to be levied, on a member of the workforce
any charge in respect of anything done or provided in
15 accordance with a listed OSH law in order to ensure the
occupational safety and health of persons at or near the
facility.
Penalty: $27 500.
77. Victimisation
20 (1) An employer (whether the operator or another person) must
not --
(a) dismiss an employee;
(b) perform an act that results in injury to an employee
in his or her employment;
25 (c) perform an act that prejudicially alters the
employee's position (whether by deducting or
withholding remuneration or by any other means);
or
(d) threaten to do any of those things,
30 because the employee --
(e) has complained or proposes to complain about a
matter concerning the safety or health of employees
at work;
page 274
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
(f) has assisted or proposes to assist, by giving
information or otherwise, the conduct of an
inspection; or
(g) has ceased, or proposes to cease, to perform work,
5 in accordance with a direction by a safety and
health representative under clause 43(1)(b) or
(3)(c), and the cessation or proposed cessation does
not continue after --
(i) the safety and health representative has
10 agreed with a person supervising the work
that the cessation or proposed cessation was
not, or is no longer, necessary; or
(ii) an OHS inspector has, under clause 43(5),
made a decision that has the effect that the
15 employee should perform the work.
Penalty: $27 500.
(2) In proceedings for an offence against subclause (1), if all the
relevant facts and circumstances, other than the reason for
an action alleged in the charge, are proved, the defendant
20 has the onus of establishing that the action was not taken for
that reason.
78. Institution of prosecutions
(1) Proceedings for an offence against a listed OSH law may be
instituted by the Safety Authority or by an OHS inspector.
25 (2) A safety and health representative for a designated work
group may request the Safety Authority to institute
proceedings for an offence against a listed OSH law in
relation to the occurrence of an act or omission if --
(a) a period of 6 months has elapsed since the act or
30 omission occurred;
(b) the safety and health representative considers that
the occurrence of the act or omission constitutes an
offence against a listed OSH law; and
(c) proceedings in respect of the offence have not been
35 instituted.
page 275
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
(3) A workforce representative in relation to a designated work
group may request the Safety Authority to institute
proceedings for an offence against a listed OSH law in
relation to the occurrence of an act or omission if --
5 (a) a period of 6 months has elapsed since the act or
omission occurred;
(b) the workforce representative considers that the
occurrence of the act or omission constitutes an
offence against a listed OSH law;
10 (c) proceedings in respect of the offence have not been
instituted; and
(d) a group member included in the group requests the
workforce representative to request the Safety
Authority to institute the proceedings.
15 (4) A request under subclause (2) or (3) must be in writing.
(5) The Safety Authority must, within 3 months after receiving
the request, advise the safety and health representative or the
workforce representative, as the case may be, whether
proceedings under subclause (1) have been or will be
20 instituted, and, if not, give reasons why not.
79. Conduct of directors, employees and agents
(1) This clause has effect for the purposes of a proceeding for
an offence against a listed OSH law.
(2) If it is necessary to establish the state of mind of a body
25 corporate in relation to particular conduct, it is sufficient to
show --
(a) that the conduct was engaged in by a director,
employee or agent of the body corporate within the
scope of actual or apparent authority; and
30 (b) that the director, employee or agent had the state of
mind.
(3) Any conduct engaged in on behalf of a body corporate by a
director, employee or agent of the body corporate within the
scope of actual or apparent authority is taken to have been
35 engaged in also by the body corporate unless it establishes
page 276
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
that it took reasonable precautions and exercised due
diligence to avoid the conduct.
(4) If it is necessary to establish the state of mind of a natural
person in relation to particular conduct, it is sufficient to
5 show --
(a) that the conduct was engaged in by an employee or
agent of the natural person within the scope of
actual or apparent authority; and
(b) that the employee or agent had the state of mind.
10 (5) Any conduct engaged in on behalf of a natural person by an
employee or agent of the natural person within the scope of
actual or apparent authority is taken to have been engaged in
also by the natural person unless the natural person
establishes that he or she took reasonable precautions and
15 exercised due diligence to avoid the conduct.
(6) If --
(a) a natural person is found guilty of an offence; and
(b) he or she would not have been found guilty of the
offence if subclauses (4) and (5) had not been
20 enacted,
he or she is not liable to be punished by imprisonment for
that offence.
(7) A reference in subclause (2) or (4) to the state of mind of a
person includes a reference to --
25 (a) the person's knowledge, intention, opinion, belief or
purpose; and
(b) the person's reasons for the intention, opinion,
belief or purpose.
80. Act not to give rise to other liabilities etc.
30 This Schedule does not --
(a) confer a right of action in any civil proceeding in
respect of any contravention of a listed OSH law; or
page 277
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 4 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
s. 47
(b) confer a defence to an action in any civil proceeding
or otherwise affect a right of action in any civil
proceeding.
81. Circumstances preventing compliance may be defence to
5 prosecution
It is a defence to a prosecution for a contravention of a listed
OSH law if the defendant proves that it was not practicable
to comply with it because of an emergency prevailing at the
relevant time.
10 82. Regulations -- general
(1) The regulations may prescribe any of the following --
(a) procedures for the selection of persons, under
clause 40, as members of safety and health
committees, to represent the interests of members of
15 the workforce at a facility;
(b) procedures to be followed at meetings of safety and
health committees;
(c) the manner in which notices are to be served under
this Schedule or the regulations;
20 (d) the practice and procedure to be followed in relation
to the review of decisions under clause 22 or 65 by
reviewing authorities;
(e) forms for the purposes of this Schedule or the
regulations.
25 (2) If the Minister is satisfied that --
(a) a power, function or duty is conferred or imposed
on a person under a law of this State or the
Commonwealth; and
(b) the proper exercise of the power or performance of
30 the function or duty is or would be prevented by this
Schedule or a provision of this Schedule,
regulations made for the purposes of this subclause may
declare that this Schedule, or the provision, as the case may
page 278
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 Part 4
s. 47
be, does not apply to that person, or does not apply to that
person in the circumstances specified in the regulations.
(3) Regulations made for the purposes of subclause (2) do not
remain in force for longer than 5 years after they commence,
5 but this subclause does not prevent the making of further
regulations of the same substance.
(4) In subclause (2) --
"this Schedule" includes regulations made for the purposes
of this Schedule.
10 ".
page 279
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 5 Other Acts
s. 48
Part 5 -- Other Acts
48. Barrow Island Act 2003 amended
(1) The amendments in this section are to the Barrow Island
Act 2003*.
5 [* Act No. 61 of 2003.]
(2) Section 2(2) is repealed.
(3) Section 12 is repealed.
49. Industrial Relations Act 1979 amended
(1) The amendments in this section are to the Industrial Relations
10 Act 1979*.
[* Reprint 9 as at 18 June 2004.
For subsequent amendments see Western Australian
Legislation Information Tables for 2004, Table 1, p. 219.]
(2) Section 7(3) is amended as follows:
15 (a) after paragraph (a) by deleting "or";
(b) after paragraph (b) by deleting "1994,"and inserting
instead --
"
1994; or
20 (c) clause 69(1) of Schedule 1 to the Petroleum
Act 1967, clause 69(1) of Schedule 1 to the
Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969, or clause 70(1)
of Schedule 5 to the Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982,
25 ".
(3) Section 8(2a)(b) is amended by deleting "and the Mines Safety
and Inspection Act 1994," and inserting instead --
"
, the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994, the
30 Petroleum Act 1967, the Petroleum Pipelines
page 280
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Other Acts Part 5
s. 50
Act 1969 or the Petroleum (Submerged Lands)
Act 1982,
".
(4) Section 113(1)(d)(ii) is amended as follows:
5 (a) after item (I) by deleting "and";
(b) after item (II) by inserting the following items --
"
(III) the Petroleum Act 1967;
(IV) the Petroleum Pipelines
10 Act 1969;
(V) the Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982;
".
50. Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 amended
15 (1) The amendments in this section are to the Occupational Safety
and Health Act 1984*.
[* Reprinted as at 22 March 1999.
For subsequent amendments see Western Australian
Legislation Information Tables for 2004, Table 1, p. 310-11
20 and Act No. 68 of 2004.]
(2) Section 4(2) is repealed and the following section is inserted
instead --
"
(2) Subject to this section and except as may be otherwise
25 expressly provided by Parliament, this Act does not
apply to or in relation to a workplace --
(a) that is, or at which work is carried out on, a
mine to which the Mining Act 1978, or the
Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994, applies;
30 (b) at which a petroleum operation, as defined in
section 5(1) of the Petroleum Act 1967, is
carried on;
page 281
Petroleum Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2005
Part 5 Other Acts
s. 51
(c) at which a pipeline operation, as defined in
section 4(1) of the Petroleum Pipelines
Act 1969, is carried on; or
(d) at which an offshore petroleum operation, as
5 defined in section 4 of the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982, is carried on.
".
51. Petroleum Safety Act 1999 repealed
The Petroleum Safety Act 1999 is repealed.
10
[Index] [Search] [Download] [Related Items] [Help]