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Paid Parental Leave Act 2010

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Paid Parental Leave Act 2010
 
No. 104, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
An Act to provide for the payment of parental leave pay, and for related purposes
  
  
  
Contents
Chapter 1—Introduction                                                                                       2
Part 1‑1—Introduction                                                                                                       2
Division 1—Preliminary                                                                                              2
1............ Short title............................................................................................. 2
2............ Commencement................................................................................... 2
3............ Act binds Crown................................................................................. 2
Division 1A—Object of this Act                                                                              3
3A......... Object of this Act................................................................................ 3
Division 2—Guide to this Act                                                                                   4
4............ Guide to this Act................................................................................. 4
Part 1‑2—Definitions                                                                                                           8
Division 1—Guide to this Part                                                                                 8
5............ Guide to this Part................................................................................ 8
Division 2—The Dictionary                                                                                       9
6............ The Dictionary.................................................................................... 9
Chapter 2—When parental leave pay is payable to a person             20
Part 2‑1—Key provisions                                                                                                20
Division 1—Guide to this Part                                                                               20
7............ Guide to this Part.............................................................................. 20
Division 2—When parental leave pay is payable to a person               22
8............ A determination must be made for parental leave pay to be payable to a person       22
9............ For the determination to be made, the person must be eligible.......... 22
10.......... For the determination to be made, the person must claim.................. 22
11.......... The determination must specify the person’s PPL period................. 23
Part 2‑2—Determinations about whether parental leave pay is payable to a person       25
Division 1—Guide to this Part                                                                               25
12.......... Guide to this Part.............................................................................. 25
Division 2—Determinations about whether parental leave pay is payable to a person                26
13.......... Determination on a primary claim made alone................................... 26
14.......... Determination on primary and secondary claims made jointly—claimants sharing parental leave pay     27
15.......... Determination on primary and secondary claims made jointly—secondary claimant to get all the parental leave pay.......................................................................................................... 29
16.......... Determination on a secondary claim made after the primary claim.... 31
17.......... Determination on a tertiary claim....................................................... 32
Division 3—When the Secretary cannot make a determination that parental leave pay is payable     34
18.......... The child’s birth has not been verified.............................................. 34
19.......... The child was born before 1 January 2011....................................... 34
20.......... Multiple births................................................................................... 35
21.......... The person etc. has already been paid parental leave pay.................. 35
Division 4—General provisions applying to determinations about whether parental leave pay is payable                                                                                                                      36
22.......... Assumptions when making the determination................................... 36
23.......... When the determination is in force.................................................... 36
24.......... Notice of the determination............................................................... 36
25.......... Revoking the determination on request............................................. 36
Division 5—Initial eligibility determinations                                                  38
26.......... Initial eligibility determinations......................................................... 38
27.......... Assumptions when making the initial eligibility determination......... 38
28.......... When the initial eligibility determination comes into force................ 39
29.......... Notice of the initial eligibility determination...................................... 39
Part 2‑3—Eligibility for parental leave pay                                                         40
Division 1—Guide to this Part                                                                               40
30.......... Guide to this Part.............................................................................. 40
Division 2—When a person is eligible for parental leave pay              42
31.......... When a person is eligible for parental leave pay................................ 42
Division 3—The work test                                                                                        44
32.......... When a person satisfies the work test................................................ 44
33.......... The work test period......................................................................... 45
34.......... When a person performs qualifying work......................................... 45
35.......... When a person performs paid work.................................................. 46
36.......... When there is a permissible break.................................................... 46
Division 4—The income test                                                                                    48
Subdivision A—The income test                                                                           48
37.......... When a person satisfies the income test............................................ 48
38.......... A person’s adjusted taxable income................................................. 48
39.......... The reference income year................................................................ 48
40.......... The relevant PPL income limit.......................................................... 48
41.......... The PPL income limit........................................................................ 49
Subdivision B—Indexation of the PPL income limit                                      49
42.......... Indexation of the PPL income limit................................................... 49
43.......... The indexation factor........................................................................ 50
44.......... Rounding off indexed amounts......................................................... 51
Division 5—The Australian residency test                                                      52
45.......... When a person satisfies the Australian residency test....................... 52
46.......... Effect of absence from Australia on Australian residency test.......... 52
Division 6—Primary carer                                                                                      54
47.......... When a person is the primary carer of a child.................................. 54
Division 7—Return to work                                                                                    55
48.......... When a person returns to work......................................................... 55
49.......... When paid work is for a permissible purpose.................................. 55
50.......... Performing paid work on a keeping in touch day.............................. 55
Part 2‑4—Claims for parental leave pay                                                               57
Division 1—Guide to this Part                                                                               57
51.......... Guide to this Part.............................................................................. 57
Division 2—Claims for parental leave pay                                                     58
52.......... Who can claim................................................................................... 58
53.......... Types of claims................................................................................. 58
54.......... Who can make a primary claim, secondary claim or tertiary claim.... 58
55.......... When a claim is effective................................................................... 59
56.......... Requirements of the claim................................................................. 59
57.......... Nominated start date.......................................................................... 60
58.......... Expected date of birth and expected day of primary care................... 61
59.......... Tax file number statement................................................................. 61
60.......... When to claim................................................................................... 62
61.......... Claim may be withdrawn or varied................................................... 62
Chapter 3—Payment of parental leave pay                                    63
Part 3‑1—Instalments of parental leave pay                                                       63
Division 1—Guide to this Part                                                                               63
62.......... Guide to this Part.............................................................................. 63
Division 2—Instalments of parental leave pay                                             64
63.......... Instalments of parental leave pay....................................................... 64
64.......... A person’s instalment period and the payday for an instalment........ 64
65.......... The amount of an instalment............................................................. 65
66.......... Protection of instalment..................................................................... 66
67.......... Deductions authorised by person...................................................... 66
68.......... Deductions for PAYG withholding.................................................. 67
69.......... Deductions relating to child support.................................................. 67
70.......... No other deductions.......................................................................... 68
Part 3‑2—Payment of instalments by employer                                                69
Division 1—Guide to this Part                                                                               69
71.......... Guide to this Part.............................................................................. 69
Division 2—Payment of instalments by employer                                       70
72.......... When an employer pays instalments................................................. 70
73.......... When an employer has been paid enough to fund an instalment....... 71
74.......... Method of payment of instalment payable by employer.................... 71
Division 3—PPL funding amounts                                                                       73
75.......... Payment of PPL funding amounts.................................................... 73
76.......... Rules affecting the amount of a PPL funding amount....................... 73
77.......... Notice requirements relating to PPL funding amounts...................... 74
78.......... PPL funding amounts not public money........................................... 74
79.......... Protection of PPL funding amounts.................................................. 75
Division 4—Obligations of employer relating to paying instalments 76
80.......... Giving person record of payment...................................................... 76
81.......... Keeping records................................................................................ 76
82.......... Notifying Secretary if certain events happen..................................... 76
Part 3‑3—Payment of instalments by Secretary                                               79
Division 1—Guide to this Part                                                                               79
83.......... Guide to this Part.............................................................................. 79
Division 2—Payment of instalments by Secretary                                      80
84.......... When the Secretary pays instalments................................................ 80
85.......... Payment of arrears—employer determination reviewed or revoked before coming into force  81
86.......... Payment of arrears—employer determination revoked after coming into force        82
87.......... Payment of arrears—extending PPL period after review.................. 83
88.......... Method of payment of instalment payable by Secretary.................... 83
89.......... Giving person record of payment...................................................... 84
Part 3‑4—General rules relevant to paying instalments                               85
Division 1—Guide to this Part                                                                               85
90.......... Guide to this Part.............................................................................. 85
Division 2—General rules relevant to paying instalments                     86
91.......... Effect of the Secretary or employer becoming required to pay instalments after start of PPL period        86
92.......... Effect of extending PPL period after review..................................... 86
93.......... Effect on instalment periods of employer determination coming into force after review           87
94.......... Effect on instalment periods of revocation etc................................... 87
95.......... Paying instalment on payday for later instalment—no later instalment 88
96.......... Paying instalment on particular day—complying with obligation..... 88
97.......... Effect of garnishee etc. order............................................................. 88
98.......... Exemption from operation of workers’ compensation and accident compensation laws          89
99.......... PPL period is not a period of paid leave............................................ 89
99A....... Payment of paid parental leave does not affect other employer obligations              90
Part 3‑5—Employer determinations                                                                         91
Division 1—Guide to this Part                                                                               91
100........ Guide to this Part.............................................................................. 91
Division 2—Making employer determinations                                              92
101........ Making employer determinations...................................................... 92
102........ Secretary must give notice of employer determination...................... 95
103........ Employer must respond to notice of employer determination............ 96
104........ Requirements for an acceptance notice.............................................. 96
105........ Giving bank account and pay cycle information etc. after review...... 97
106........ Effect of decision on review that parental leave pay is payable......... 98
Division 3—When an employer determination is in force                      99
107........ When an employer determination comes into force........................... 99
108........ Revocation of an employer determination......................................... 99
Division 4—Election by employer to pay instalments                             102
109........ Election by employer to pay instalments......................................... 102
110........ Employer may withdraw an election............................................... 102
111........ Secretary may cancel an election..................................................... 102
112........ When an election is in force............................................................ 103
Division 5—Notice of decisions                                                                           104
113........ Notice of outcome of a payability determination............................. 104
114........ Notice of varying, setting aside etc. payability determination.......... 104
115........ Notice of other decisions................................................................. 105
Chapter 4—Compliance and enforcement                                     106
Part 4‑1—Information gathering                                                                             106
Division 1—Guide to this Part                                                                             106
116........ Guide to this Part............................................................................ 106
Division 2—Information gathering                                                                   107
Subdivision A—Gathering information from any person                           107
117........ General power to obtain information............................................... 107
118........ Power to obtain information from a person who owes a debt to the Commonwealth               107
119........ Obtaining information about a person who owes a debt to the Commonwealth       108
120........ Written notice of requirement.......................................................... 108
121........ Obligations not affected by State or Territory laws......................... 109
122........ Offence—failure to comply with requirement................................. 109
Subdivision B—Gathering information relating to tax file numbers       110
123........ Secretary may require Commissioner of Taxation to provide tax file numbers etc.  110
124........ Purposes for which tax file numbers may be used.......................... 110
Subdivision C—Obligation to notify of change of circumstances             111
125........ Obligation to notify of change of circumstances............................. 111
Division 3—Confidentiality                                                                                   112
126........ Operation of Division..................................................................... 112
127........ Obtaining and using protected information..................................... 112
128........ Disclosing personal information..................................................... 113
129........ Offence—unauthorised access to protected information................. 114
130........ Offence—unauthorised use of protected information...................... 114
131........ Offence—soliciting disclosure of protected information................. 114
132........ Offence—offering to supply protected information........................ 115
Division 4—Offences against Parts 7.3 and 7.4 of the Criminal Code   116
133........ Repayment of instalment of parental leave pay or PPL funding amount.. 116
134........ Penalty where person convicted of more than one offence.............. 116
135........ Joining of charges........................................................................... 116
136........ Particulars of each offence.............................................................. 117
137........ Trial of joined charges..................................................................... 117
138........ Evidentiary effect of Secretary’s certificate..................................... 117
139........ Enforcement of court certificate as judgment................................... 117
Part 4‑2—Compliance                                                                                                     119
Division 1—Guide to this Part                                                                             119
140........ Guide to this Part............................................................................ 119
Division 2—Referring matters to the Fair Work Ombudsman         120
141........ Functions of the Fair Work Ombudsman........................................ 120
142........ Exercise of compliance powers....................................................... 120
143........ Referring matters to the Fair Work Ombudsman............................ 121
144........ Fair Work Ombudsman to notify of outcome of investigation........ 121
Division 3—Civil penalty orders                                                                        122
145........ Involvement in contravention treated in same way as actual contravention               122
146........ Civil penalty provisions.................................................................. 122
147........ Civil penalty orders......................................................................... 123
148........ Proceedings may be heard together................................................. 124
149........ Time limit for application for an order............................................. 124
150........ Civil evidence and procedure rules for civil penalty orders............. 124
151........ Conduct contravening more than one civil penalty provision.......... 125
152........ Civil proceedings after criminal proceedings................................... 125
153........ Criminal proceedings during civil proceedings............................... 125
154........ Criminal proceedings after civil proceedings................................... 125
155........ Evidence given in proceedings for penalty not admissible in criminal proceedings  126
156........ Requirement for person to assist in applications for civil penalty orders  126
Division 4—Compliance notices                                                                          128
157........ Giving a compliance notice............................................................. 128
158........ Fair Work Ombudsman to notify of outcome of compliance notice 129
Division 5—Infringement notices                                                                       130
159........ Giving an infringement notice......................................................... 130
160........ Withdrawal of an infringement notice............................................. 132
161........ What happens if the penalty is paid................................................. 133
162........ Effect of this Division on civil proceedings.................................... 133
163........ Further provision in relation to infringement notices....................... 133
Part 4‑3—Debt recovery                                                                                                134
Division 1—Guide to this Part                                                                             134
164........ Guide to this Part............................................................................ 134
Division 2—Main debts recoverable under this Act                                136
165........ Debts due to the Commonwealth.................................................... 136
166........ Parental leave pay instalment debts—instalments paid by employer 136
167........ Parental leave pay instalment debts—instalments paid by Secretary 137
168........ PPL funding amount debts—amounts not paid as parental leave pay instalments    138
169........ Wrong person receives parental leave pay instalment or PPL funding amount         139
170........ Joint and several liability for debts arising because of false and misleading statements            140
171........ Debts under the Data‑matching Program (Assistance and Tax) Act 1990              140
Division 3—Parental leave pay recoverable by employees from employers      141
172........ PPL funding amount debts—debts owing by employers to employees 141
Division 4—Debt notices and interest on debts                                           142
173........ Debt notices—initial notice............................................................. 142
174........ Debt notices—further debt notice if repayments not made.............. 143
175........ Interest on debts—when interest becomes payable......................... 144
176........ Interest on debts—application......................................................... 145
177........ Interest on debts—recovery as a debt.............................................. 145
178........ Interest exemption determinations................................................... 146
179........ Administrative charge..................................................................... 146
180........ Penalty interest rate......................................................................... 147
Division 5—How the Commonwealth can recover debts                      148
181........ Debts to which Division 5 applies.................................................. 148
182........ How to recover debts...................................................................... 148
183........ Legal proceedings........................................................................... 149
184........ Garnishee notices—general............................................................. 149
185........ Garnishee notices—amounts paid in compliance............................ 150
186........ Garnishee notices—debt for failure to comply with notice.............. 150
187........ Garnishee notices—offence for non‑compliance............................. 151
188........ Garnishee notices—relationship with other laws............................ 151
189........ Legal proceedings and garnishee notices—time limits for debt recovery  151
190........ Payment of debts by arrangement................................................... 153
191........ Deductions from instalments payable to another person................. 153
192........ Recovery from an ADI................................................................... 153
Division 6—Writing off debts                                                                               156
193........ When debts can be written off......................................................... 156
Division 7—Waiver of debts                                                                                 158
194........ Waiver of debts—general................................................................ 158
195........ Waiver of debts—administrative error............................................ 158
196........ Waiver of debts—arising from offence........................................... 159
197........ Waiver of debts—small debts......................................................... 159
198........ Waiver of debts—settlement of civil actions................................... 159
199........ Waiver of debts—special circumstances......................................... 161
200........ Waiver of debts—determined classes.............................................. 161
Division 8—Miscellaneous                                                                                     163
201........ Overseas application of debts.......................................................... 163
Chapter 5—Review of decisions                                                                 164
Part 5‑1—Internal review of decisions                                                                  164
Division 1—Guide to this Part                                                                             164
202........ Guide to this Part............................................................................ 164
Division 2—Internal review of decisions                                                        165
203........ Internal review—own‑initiative review by Secretary...................... 165
204........ Internal review—own‑initiative review and tribunal review............ 165
205........ Internal review—review following application............................... 166
206........ Internal review—application for review of claimant decision.......... 166
207........ Internal review—application for review of employer determination decision           167
208........ Internal review—application for review of employer funding amount decision       169
209........ Internal review—withdrawal of application.................................... 169
210........ Internal review—when decision made on review comes into force. 170
211........ Internal review—notice of decision on review of claimant decision 170
212........ Internal review—notice of decision relating to employer................ 171
Part 5‑2—Review by the Social Security Appeals Tribunal                    173
Division 1—Guide to this Part                                                                             173
213........ Guide to this Part............................................................................ 173
214........ SSAT objective under this Act........................................................ 173
Division 2—Review by SSAT of claimant decisions                                 174
215........ Application of this Division............................................................ 174
216........ SSAT review of claimant decision—application for review............ 175
217........ SSAT review of claimant decision—making of application............ 175
218........ SSAT review of claimant decision—review following application. 176
219........ SSAT review of claimant decision—powers of the SSAT............. 176
220........ SSAT review of claimant decision—when SSAT decision comes into force           177
221........ SSAT review of claimant decision—variation of decision before review completed                177
222........ SSAT review of claimant decision—parties to review.................... 177
Division 3—Review by SSAT of employer decisions                               179
223........ Application of this Division............................................................ 179
224........ SSAT review of employer decision—application for review.......... 179
225........ SSAT review of employer decision—making of application.......... 180
226........ SSAT review of employer decision—review following application 181
227........ SSAT review of employer decision—powers of the SSAT............ 181
228........ SSAT review of employer decision—when SSAT decision comes into force         181
229........ SSAT review of employer decision—variation of decision before review completed              181
230........ SSAT review of employer decision—parties to review.................. 182
Part 5‑3—Procedures for review by the Social Security Appeals Tribunal           183
Division 1—Guide to this Part                                                                             183
231........ Guide to this Part............................................................................ 183
Division 2—Preliminary procedures                                                                185
232........ Procedure on receipt of application for review by SSAT................ 185
233........ Parties to be given statements about the decision under review....... 186
234........ Arrangements for hearing of application......................................... 187
235........ Notice of application to person affected by SSAT reviewable claimant decision      187
Division 3—Submissions from parties other than PPL agency heads 189
236........ Division does not apply in relation to PPL agency heads................ 189
237........ Submissions to SSAT..................................................................... 189
238........ SSAT hearings on written submissions only.................................. 190
239........ SSAT hearings without oral submissions by party......................... 190
Division 4—Submissions from PPL agency heads                                     192
240........ Submissions from PPL agency heads............................................. 192
Division 5—Other evidence provisions                                                           194
241........ Evidence on oath or affirmation...................................................... 194
242........ Provision of further information by Secretary................................. 194
243........ Exercise by Secretary of information‑gathering powers.................. 194
244........ Power to obtain information............................................................ 194
Division 6—Pre‑hearing conferences                                                               196
245........ Pre‑hearing conferences.................................................................. 196
246........ Powers of SSAT if parties reach agreement.................................... 197
Division 7—The hearing                                                                                         198
247........ Hearing procedure........................................................................... 198
248........ Hearing in private............................................................................ 198
249........ Restrictions on disclosure of information obtained at hearing......... 198
Division 8—Other procedural matters                                                           200
250........ Adjournment of SSAT hearings..................................................... 200
251........ Withdrawal of application for review.............................................. 200
252........ Dismissal of an application............................................................. 201
253........ Presiding member at SSAT hearing................................................ 201
254........ Decision of questions before SSAT................................................ 201
255........ Directions as to procedure for hearings........................................... 202
256........ Costs of review............................................................................... 203
Division 9—Notice of decisions                                                                           204
257........ Procedure following SSAT decision............................................... 204
Division 10—Correction of errors in decisions or statements of reasons            206
258........ Correction of errors in decisions or statements of reasons.............. 206
Division 11—Appeals and references of questions of law from the SSAT to the Federal Court             207
259........ Appeals and references of questions of law in relation to SSAT review of employer decisions              207
Part 5‑4—Review of claimant decisions by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal            209
Division 1—Guide to this Part                                                                             209
260........ Guide to this Part............................................................................ 209
Division 2—Right to review by AAT                                                               210
261........ Review of decisions by AAT.......................................................... 210
262........ Variation of decision under section 261 before AAT review completed  210
263........ Settlement of proceedings before the AAT..................................... 211
Division 3—Modification of AAT Act in relation to section 261 review applications   212
264........ Notice of application for review...................................................... 212
265........ Parties to a review by the AAT....................................................... 212
266........ Lodgment of documents with the AAT........................................... 212
267........ Power of AAT to obtain additional information.............................. 213
268........ Operation and implementation of the decision under review........... 213
269........ Failure of party to appear................................................................ 214
Part 5‑5—Other matters relating to review                                                        215
Division 1—Guide to this Part                                                                             215
270........ Guide to this Part............................................................................ 215
Division 2—Other matters relating to review                                             216
271........ Authorised review officers.............................................................. 216
272........ Review body may determine events to have happened, or not to have happened     216
273........ Certain income test determinations not to be changed on review..... 216
Chapter 6—Miscellaneous                                                                                218
Part 6‑1—How this Act applies in particular circumstances                   218
Division 1—Guide to this Part                                                                             218
274........ Guide to this Part............................................................................ 218
Division 2—How this Act applies to an adopted child                            219
275........ How this Act applies to an adopted child........................................ 219
Division 3—How this Act applies to claims made in exceptional circumstances and other cases           220
276........ How this Act applies to claims made in exceptional circumstances. 220
277........ Primary carers when a child is stillborn or dies............................... 220
Division 4—How this Act applies to Commonwealth employment  222
278........ How this Act applies to Commonwealth employment.................... 222
Part 6‑2—Nominees                                                                                                          223
Division 1—Guide to this Part                                                                             223
279........ Guide to this Part............................................................................ 223
Division 2—Appointment of nominees                                                             224
280........ Appointment of payment nominee.................................................. 224
281........ Appointment of correspondence nominee....................................... 224
282........ Provisions relating to appointments................................................ 224
283........ Suspension and cancellation of nominee appointments................... 225
Division 3—Payment of instalments to payment nominee                    227
284........ Payment of instalments to payment nominee................................... 227
Division 4—Functions and responsibilities of nominees                         228
285........ Actions of correspondence nominee on behalf of principal............. 228
286........ Giving of notices to correspondence nominee................................. 228
287........ Compliance by correspondence nominee........................................ 229
288........ Nominee to inform Department of matters affecting ability to act as nominee          231
289........ Statement by payment nominee regarding disposal of money......... 232
Division 5—Other matters relating to nominees                                       234
290........ Protection of principal against liability for actions of nominee........ 234
291........ Protection of nominee against criminal liability............................... 234
292........ Duty of nominee to principal........................................................... 234
293........ Saving of Secretary’s powers of revocation.................................... 235
294........ Saving of Secretary’s powers to give notices to principal............... 235
295........ Notification of nominee where notice given to principal................. 235
296........ Right of nominee to attend with principal........................................ 235
Part 6‑3—Other matters                                                                                                236
Division 1—Guide to this Part                                                                             236
297........ Guide to this Part............................................................................ 236
Division 2—The Paid Parental Leave Rules                                                237
298........ The PPL rules................................................................................. 237
299........ Extension of Act to persons who are not employees and employers 237
Division 3—Jurisdiction of courts                                                                     238
300........ Jurisdiction of Federal Court........................................................... 238
301........ Jurisdiction of Federal Magistrates Court....................................... 238
Division 4—Other matters                                                                                     239
302........ General administration.................................................................... 239
303........ Delegation....................................................................................... 239
304........ Decisions to be in writing............................................................... 240
305........ Secretary may arrange for use of computer programs to make decisions 240
306........ Notice of decisions.......................................................................... 240
307........ Appropriation.................................................................................. 241
307A..... Review of the operation of this Act................................................. 241
308........ Regulations..................................................................................... 242
 

 
 
Paid Parental Leave Act 2010
No. 104, 2010
 
 
 
An Act to provide for the payment of parental leave pay, and for related purposes
[Assented to 14 July 2010]
The Parliament of Australia enacts:
Chapter 1—Introduction
Part 1‑1—Introduction
Division 1—Preliminary
1  Short title
                   This Act may be cited as the Paid Parental Leave Act 2010.
2  Commencement
                   This Act commences on 1 October 2010.
3  Act binds Crown
             (1)  This Act binds the Crown in each of its capacities.
             (2)  However, this Act does not make the Crown liable to be prosecuted for an offence.
             (3)  To avoid doubt, subsection (2) does not prevent the Crown from being liable to pay a pecuniary penalty under section 147 or 159.
Note:          Section 147 deals with civil penalty orders and section 159 deals with infringement notices.
 
Division 1A—Object of this Act
3A  Object of this Act
             (1)  The object of this Act is to provide financial support to primary carers (mainly birth mothers) of newborn and newly adopted children, in order to:
                     (a)  allow those carers to take time off work to care for the child after the child’s birth or adoption; and
                     (b)  enhance the health and development of birth mothers and children; and
                     (c)  encourage women to continue to participate in the workforce; and
                     (d)  promote equality between men and women, and the balance between work and family life.
             (2)  Generally, the financial support is provided only to primary carers who have a regular connection to the workforce.
             (3)  The financial support provided by this Act is intended to complement and supplement existing entitlements to paid or unpaid leave in connection with the birth or adoption of a child.
 
Division 2—Guide to this Act
4  Guide to this Act
Overview
This Act provides for the payment of parental leave pay to a person in the first year after the birth of a child or, for adoption, the placement of a child.
Parental leave pay is paid to a person for a particular period. That period is called the person’s PPL period. The maximum period for which any person may be paid parental leave pay is 18 weeks. A person’s PPL period may be the full 18 weeks or a lesser period (e.g. where the person is not eligible for parental leave pay for that full period).
Parental leave pay is paid in instalments at the national minimum wage for each week day during the person’s PPL period. It is paid by either the person’s employer or the Secretary.
Chapter 2—When parental leave pay is payable to a person
Chapter 2 sets out when parental leave pay is payable to a person. The key provisions for the Chapter are found in Part 2‑1.
A person can only be paid parental leave pay if the Secretary makes a determination that parental leave pay is payable to the person. Part 2‑2 has the rules about when the Secretary can make that determination.
The Secretary cannot make that determination if the person is not eligible for parental leave pay. Part 2‑3 has the rules about eligibility. For the main case, to be eligible a person must (broadly):
(a)   satisfy the work test, the income test and the Australian residency test; and
(b)   be the child’s primary carer; and
(c)   not have returned to work; and
(d)   not be entitled to baby bonus.
The Secretary also cannot make that determination if the person has not made a claim for parental leave pay. Part 2‑4 has the rules about claims.
There are 3 types of claims: a primary claim, a secondary claim and (in rare cases) a tertiary claim. These claims relate to each other, although the primary claim is the main one—a secondary or tertiary claim cannot be made without it. The primary claim will often be the only claim that is made. If a secondary or tertiary claim is made, that claim will be for the part of the maximum 18 week period (or lesser period) in which parental leave pay was not payable to the primary claimant.
Chapter 3—Payment of parental leave pay
Chapter 3 sets out how parental leave pay is paid to a person.
Part 3‑1 is about instalments of parental leave pay. It deals with when instalments must be paid, whether the person’s employer or the Secretary must pay them and the amount of the instalments.
Part 3‑2 sets out when a person’s employer must pay instalments to the person. The employer is only required to do that if an employer determination has come into force for the employer and the person, and the employer has been paid enough by the Secretary to fund the instalment.
Part 3‑3 sets out when the Secretary must pay instalments directly to the person. The Secretary is required to do that if an employer determination is never made for the person (e.g. the person is a contractor and so does not have an employer). There are some other circumstances in which the Secretary is also required to pay instalments directly to the person (such as when an employer determination is being reviewed or has been revoked).
Part 3‑4 has general rules about the payment of instalments (such as what happens when an instalment cannot be paid on the day specified in this Act).
Part 3‑5 is about employer determinations. If an employer determination is in force for an employer and a person, the employer must pay instalments to the person. The Secretary must be satisfied that certain conditions have been met before the Secretary can make an employer determination.
Chapter 4—Compliance and enforcement
Chapter 4 deals with compliance and enforcement.
Part 4‑1 allows the Secretary to gather information for the purposes of checking compliance with this Act. It also deals with the confidentiality of personal and protected information.
Part 4‑2 deals with other compliance matters. It allows the Secretary to refer matters to the Fair Work Ombudsman for investigation if the Secretary has reason to believe that an employer has not complied with certain obligations under this Act. It also deals with civil penalty provisions, compliance notices and infringement notices.
Part 4‑3 provides for debts in relation to the parental leave pay scheme, and for the recovery of debts owing to the Commonwealth.
Chapter 5—Review of decisions
Chapter 5 is about administrative and judicial review of decisions made under this Act.
Part 5‑1 allows the Secretary, on his or her own initiative, to conduct an internal review of decisions made under this Act. It also allows a person whose interests are affected by certain types of decisions to seek internal review of those decisions, and an employer to seek internal review of certain types of decisions that affect employers.
Part 5‑2 allows a person to apply to the Social Security Appeals Tribunal for review of a decision made under this Act.
Part 5‑3 is about the procedures to be followed when the Social Security Appeals Tribunal reviews a decision.
Part 5‑4 allows the Secretary or a person whose interests are affected by a decision made by the Social Security Appeals Tribunal to apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of the decision.
Part 5‑5 has miscellaneous provisions relating to reviews of decisions under this Act.
Chapter 6—Miscellaneous
Chapter 6 has miscellaneous provisions.
Part 6‑1 has rules that modify this Act so that it applies correctly in 3 limited kinds of cases—adoption, claims made in exceptional circumstances etc. and Commonwealth employment.
Part 6‑2 is about payment nominees (who are people who can receive payments of instalments of parental leave pay on behalf of other people for the purposes of this Act) and correspondence nominees (who are people who can receive notices on behalf of other people for the purposes of this Act).
Part 6‑3 deals with other miscellaneous matters, such as the PPL rules, delegations and regulations.
 
Part 1‑2—Definitions
Division 1—Guide to this Part
5  Guide to this Part
This Part is about the terms that are defined in this Act.
Division 2 has the Dictionary (see section 6). The Dictionary is a list of every term that is defined in this Act. A term will either be defined in the Dictionary itself, or in another provision of this Act. If another provision defines the term, the Dictionary will have a signpost to that definition.
 
Division 2—The Dictionary
6  The Dictionary
                   In this Act:
AAT means the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
AAT Act means the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975.
ABN (short for Australian Business Number) has the same meaning as in the A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Act 1999.
acceptance notice: see section 103.
ADI (short for authorised deposit‑taking institution) means a body corporate that is an ADI for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959.
adjusted taxable income: see section 38.
Australia, when used in a geographical sense, includes the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and the Territory of Christmas Island.
Australian‑based employee means an employee:
                     (a)  whose primary place of work is in Australia; or
                     (b)  who is employed by an Australian government employer.
Australian government employer means:
                     (a)  the Commonwealth; or
                     (b)  a State; or
                     (c)  a Territory; or
                     (d)  a body corporate established for a public purpose by or under a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; or
                     (e)  a body corporate:
                              (i)  incorporated under a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; and
                             (ii)  in which the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory, has a controlling interest.
Australian residency test: see sections 45 and 46.
Australian resident has the same meaning as in the Social Security Act.
authorised party, in relation to the adoption of a child, means a person or agency that, under the law of the State, Territory or foreign country whose courts have jurisdiction in relation to the adoption, is authorised to conduct negotiations or arrangements for the adoption of children.
authorised review officer means an officer authorised under section 271 to be an authorised review officer for the purposes of this Act.
baby bonus has the same meaning as in the Family Assistance Act.
bank account includes an account held with an ADI.
bank account information: see subsection 104(2).
birth verification form: see subsection 18(4).
born prematurely: a child is born prematurely if, at the time of the child’s delivery, the child’s period of gestation is less than 37 weeks.
business includes any profession, trade, employment, vocation or calling, but does not include occupation as an employee.
calendar month means one of the 12 months of the year.
CEO means:
                     (a)  in relation to the Commonwealth Services Delivery Agency—the Chief Executive Officer of the Agency; and
                     (b)  in relation to Medicare Australia—the Chief Executive Officer of Medicare Australia.
civil penalty order: see subsection 147(2).
civil penalty provision: see section 146.
claim means a primary claim, a secondary claim or a tertiary claim for parental leave pay for a child.
claimant means a person who is a primary claimant, secondary claimant or tertiary claimant.
claimant decision: see section 206.
Commonwealth agency means any of the following:
                     (a)  a Department of State;
                     (b)  a Department of the Parliament;
                     (c)  a prescribed Agency (within the meaning of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997) that forms part of the Commonwealth;
                     (d)  any other unincorporated body established for a public purpose by or under a law of the Commonwealth.
compliance notice: see subsection 157(3).
controls an entity: see subsection 35(4).
correspondence nominee means a person who is appointed as a correspondence nominee under section 281.
daily national minimum wage amount: see subsection 65(2).
date of the further debt notice: see section 174.
date of the initial debt notice: see section 173.
day of placement of a child with a person: see subsection 275(3).
debt payment arrangement: see section 190.
decision has the same meaning as in the AAT Act.
defence force member means a member of the Australian Defence Force.
effective claim means a claim that is made in accordance with Part 2‑4.
eligible for parental leave pay: see section 31.
employee has its ordinary meaning and:
                     (a)  includes a reference to a person who is usually such an employee; and
                     (b)  does not include a person on a vocational placement.
employer has its ordinary meaning and includes a reference to a person who is usually such an employer.
employer determination: see section 101.
employer determination decision: see section 207.
employer funding amount decision: see section 208.
engage in conduct means:
                     (a)  do an act; or
                     (b)  omit to perform an act.
entity means any of the following:
                     (a)  a natural person;
                     (b)  a body corporate;
                     (c)  a body politic;
                     (d)  a partnership;
                     (e)  any other unincorporated association or body of persons;
                      (f)  a trust.
exceptional circumstances: a claim is made in exceptional circumstances if it is made by a person who satisfies:
                     (a)  paragraph 54(1)(c) (which deals with primary claims); or
                     (b)  paragraph 54(2)(d) (which deals with secondary claims); or
                     (c)  subsection 54(3) (which deals with tertiary claims).
Fair Work Act means the Fair Work Act 2009.
Family Assistance Act means the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999.
Federal Court means the Federal Court of Australia.
final debt payment day: see section 175.
financial institution means:
                     (a)  an ADI; or
                     (b)  the Reserve Bank of Australia; or
                     (c)  a person who carries on State banking within the meaning of paragraph 51(xiii) of the Constitution.
further debt notice: see section 174.
garnishee, in relation to a garnishee notice: see section 184.
garnishee notice: see section 184.
holder, of a visa, has the same meaning as in the Migration Act 1958.
income test: see section 37.
income year has the same meaning as in the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.
indexation day: see subsection 42(1).
indexation factor: see subsection 43(1).
indexed amount: see subsection 42(2).
infringement notice: see subsections 159(1) and (2).
initial eligibility determination: see section 26.
insolvent: a person is insolvent if:
                     (a)  for a natural person:
                              (i)  the person is an insolvent under administration (within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001); or
                             (ii)  the person is a debtor in relation to a debt agreement under Part IX of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 that has not ended or been terminated; and
                     (b)  for a person that is or was a body corporate:
                              (i)  the person is an externally‑administered body corporate (within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001) or an entity with a similar status under a law of a foreign country; or
                             (ii)  a provisional liquidator has been appointed in relation to the person under section 472 of the Corporations Act 2001; or
                            (iii)  a person with a similar status to a provisional liquidator has been appointed in relation to the person under a law of a foreign country.
instalment means an instalment of parental leave pay.
instalment period for a person: see section 64.
interest exemption determination: see subsection 178(1).
involved in a contravention of a civil penalty provision: see subsection 145(2).
keeping in touch day: see section 50.
law enforcement officer means:
                     (a)  a member of a police force or police service of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; or
                     (b)  a person appointed to a position for the purposes of being trained as a member of a police force or police service of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; or
                     (c)  a person who has the powers and duties of a member of a police force or police service of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory;
and, without limiting paragraphs (a), (b) and (c), includes a police reservist, a police recruit, a police cadet, a junior constable, a police medical officer, a special constable, an ancillary constable or a protective services officer.
maximum PPL period: see subsection 11(3).
maximum PPL period end day: see subsection 11(5).
maximum PPL period start day: see subsection 11(4).
minimum amount for a PPL funding amount: see subsection 76(2).
national minimum wage order has the same meaning as in the Fair Work Act.
nominated start date: see subsection 57(1).
nominee means a correspondence nominee or a payment nominee.
officer means a person performing duties, or exercising powers or functions, under or in relation to this Act.
original debt: see section 184.
original debtor: see section 184.
paid enough to fund an instalment: see section 73.
paid work: see section 35.
parent:
                     (a)  when used in relation to a child who has been adopted—means an adoptive parent of the child; and
                     (b)  when used in relation to a child born because of the carrying out of an artificial conception procedure—means a person who is a parent of the child under section 60H of the Family Law Act 1975; and
                     (c)  when used in relation to a child born because of a surrogacy arrangement—includes a person who is a parent of the child under section 60HB of the Family Law Act 1975.
parental leave pay means payments of parental leave pay under this Act.
partner has the same meaning as in the Social Security Act.
payability determination means a determination made under section 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17 that parental leave pay is, or is not, payable to a person for a child.
pay cycle information: see subsection 104(3).
payday for an instalment: see section 64.
payment nominee means a person who is appointed as a payment nominee under section 280.
payroll cut‑off for an instalment that is payable to a person means the last day on which the person’s employer can reasonably make changes to the instalment to be paid to, or in relation to, the person on the person’s payday for the instalment.
penalty interest rate: see section 180.
penalty unit has the same meaning as in section 4AA of the Crimes Act 1914.
permissible break: see subsection 36(1).
permissible purpose: see section 49.
PPL is short for paid parental leave.
PPL agency means:
                     (a)  the Department; or
                     (b)  the Commonwealth Services Delivery Agency; or
                     (c)  Medicare Australia.
PPL agency head means:
                     (a)  for the Department—the Secretary; or
                     (b)  for the Commonwealth Services Delivery Agency—the CEO of the Agency; or
                     (c)  for Medicare Australia—the CEO of Medicare Australia.
PPL day: see subsection 63(3).
PPL funding amount: see subsection 75(1).
PPL income limit: see section 41.
PPL period: see subsection 11(1).
PPL requirement: see subsection 287(6).
PPL rules (short for Paid Parental Leave Rules) means the rules made by the Minister under section 298.
primary carer: see section 47.
primary claim: see subsection 53(2).
primary claimant means a person who has made an effective primary claim for parental leave pay for a child.
principal in relation to a nominee, means the person in relation to whom the nominee was appointed.
Principal Member means the Principal Member of the Social Security Appeals Tribunal.
protected information means:
                     (a)  information about a person that is or was held in the records of the Department or the Commonwealth Services Delivery Agency; or
                     (b)  information about a person obtained by an officer under this Act that is or was held in the records of Medicare Australia; or
                     (c)  information to the effect that there is no information about a person held in the records of a PPL agency.
provisional indexed amount: see section 42.
qualifying period: see section 32.
qualifying work: see section 34.
reference income year: see section 39.
reference period: see subsection 47(2).
relevant PPL income limit: see section 40.
resides in Australia has the same meaning as in the Social Security Act.
returns to work: see section 48.
saved amount: see subsection 97(2).
secondary claim: see subsection 53(3).
secondary claimant means a person who has made an effective secondary claim for parental leave pay for a child for which another person has made a primary claim.
Secretary means the Secretary of the Department.
service arrangements has the same meaning as in:
                     (a)  in relation to the CEO of the Commonwealth Services Delivery Agency—section 3 of the Commonwealth Services Delivery Agency Act 1997; and
                     (b)  in relation to the CEO of Medicare Australia—section 3 of the Medicare Australia Act 1973.
Social Security Act means the Social Security Act 1991.
special category visa has the same meaning as in the Migration Act 1958.
SSAT means the Social Security Appeals Tribunal.
SSAT reviewable claimant decision: see section 215.
SSAT reviewable employer decision: see section 223.
stillborn, in relation to a child, means a child:
                     (a)  who weighs at least 400 grams at delivery or whose period of gestation was at least 20 weeks; and
                     (b)  who has not breathed since delivery; and
                     (c)  whose heart has not beaten since delivery.
subject to review: an employer determination is subject to review until:
                     (a)  any applicable time limits for applying for a review (however described) or lodging an appeal (however described) of or in relation to the determination have expired; and
                     (b)  if there is such a review or appeal of or in relation to the determination—the review or appeal (and any later reviews or appeals) have been finally disposed of.
tax file number has the same meaning as in section 202A of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936.
tax file number statement: see subsection 59(1).
tertiary claim: see subsection 53(4).
tertiary claimant means a person who has made an effective tertiary claim for parental leave pay for a child for which another person has made a secondary claim.
this Act includes the PPL rules and the regulations.
transfer day: see subsections 84(3), (4) and (5).
verifies a child’s birth: see section 18.
week day means a day that is not a Saturday or a Sunday.
working day means a day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or a public holiday.
work test: see section 32.
work test period: see section 33.
 
Chapter 2—When parental leave pay is payable to a person
Part 2‑1—Key provisions
Division 1—Guide to this Part
7  Guide to this Part
This Part has the key provisions for this Chapter (which deals with when parental leave pay is payable to a person).
A person can only be paid parental leave pay if the Secretary makes a determination that parental leave pay is payable to the person. Part 2‑2 has the rules about when the Secretary can make that determination.
The Secretary cannot make that determination if the person has not made a claim for parental leave pay. Part 2‑4 has the rules about claims. There are 3 types of claims: a primary claim, a secondary claim and (in rare cases) a tertiary claim. These claims relate to each other, although the primary claim is the main one—a secondary or tertiary claim cannot be made without it. The primary claim will often be the only claim that is made.
If the Secretary makes a determination that parental leave pay is payable to a person for a child, the parental leave pay is payable for the particular period that is specified in the determination. This period is the person’s PPL period. The maximum period for which any person may be paid parental leave pay is 18 weeks. A person’s PPL period may be the full 18 weeks or a lesser period (e.g. where the person is not eligible for parental leave pay for that full period).
If a secondary or tertiary claim is made, that claim will be for the part of the maximum 18 week period (or lesser period) in which parental leave pay was not payable to the primary claimant. The person’s employer or the Secretary will pay instalments of parental leave pay for that period (see Chapter 3 for the rules about how the person is paid parental leave pay).
 
Division 2—When parental leave pay is payable to a person
8  A determination must be made for parental leave pay to be payable to a person
                   Parental leave pay is payable to a person for a child for a period if a determination of the Secretary that parental leave pay is payable to the person for that period is in force under section 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17.
Note:          See Part 2‑2 for the rules about when the Secretary can make a determination that parental leave pay is, or is not, payable to a person.
9  For the determination to be made, the person must be eligible
                   The Secretary cannot make a determination that parental leave pay is payable to a person for a child for a period unless the person was or will be eligible for parental leave pay during the period.
Note:          See Part 2‑3 for the rules about when a person is eligible for parental leave pay.
10  For the determination to be made, the person must claim
                   The Secretary cannot make a determination that parental leave pay is payable to a person for a child for a period unless the person has made:
                     (a)  an effective primary claim for the child (in which case the person is the primary claimant); or
                     (b)  an effective secondary claim for the child (in which case the person is the secondary claimant); or
                     (c)  an effective tertiary claim for the child (in which case the person is the tertiary claimant).
Note:          See Part 2‑4 for the rules about how to make an effective claim.
11  The determination must specify the person’s PPL period
             (1)  If the Secretary makes a determination that parental leave pay is payable to a person for a child, the Secretary must specify, in the determination, the period for which parental leave pay is payable to the person. That period is the person’s PPL period.
Note:          For a primary claimant’s PPL period, see subsections 13(3) and 14(3). For a secondary claimant’s PPL period, see subsections 14(6), 15(5) and 16(4). For a tertiary claimant’s PPL period, see subsection 17(3).
             (2)  A person’s PPL period must be the same as, or within, the maximum PPL period for the child.
             (3)  The maximum PPL period for a child is the period that:
                     (a)  starts on the child’s maximum PPL period start day; and
                     (b)  ends on the child’s maximum PPL period end day.
             (4)  The maximum PPL period start day for a child is:
                     (a)  if, on or before the day (the relevant day) that is 28 days after the day the child was born, the primary claimant both made an effective claim for parental leave pay for the child and verified the child’s birth—the later of the following days:
                              (i)  the day the child was born;
                             (ii)  the primary claimant’s nominated start date; and
                     (b)  if, on or before the relevant day, the primary claimant made an effective claim for parental leave pay for the child but did not verify the child’s birth—the later of the following days:
                              (i)  the day the primary claimant verifies the child’s birth;
                             (ii)  the primary claimant’s nominated start date; and
                     (c)  if the primary claimant makes an effective claim for parental leave pay for the child after the relevant day—the later of the following days:
                              (i)  the day the claim is made;
                             (ii)  the primary claimant’s nominated start date.
             (5)  The maximum PPL period end day for a child is the earlier of the following days:
                     (a)  the day that is 125 days after the maximum PPL period start day (which is 18 weeks from (and including) that start day);
                     (b)  the day before the child’s first birthday.
 
Part 2‑2—Determinations about whether parental leave pay is payable to a person
Division 1—Guide to this Part
12  Guide to this Part
This Part is about the Secretary making determinations about whether parental leave pay is payable to a person. These determinations are payability determinations. A person cannot be paid parental leave pay unless there is a payability determination that parental leave pay is payable to the person.
Division 2 has the rules that apply to the Secretary when making a payability determination. Different rules apply depending on the type of claim and, for a primary or secondary claim, whether it was made by itself or at the same time as another claim.
Division 3 has restrictions that apply in particular circumstances to prevent the Secretary from making a payability determination that parental leave pay is payable to a person (for example, where the child’s birth has not been verified or the person has already been paid parental leave pay for the child).
Division 4 has general rules that apply to payability determinations (for example, if the Secretary makes a determination, the Secretary must give a notice of it to the claimant).
Division 5 deals with initial eligibility determinations. These determinations can be made by the Secretary before the Secretary makes a payability determination. The Secretary can make an initial eligibility determination if the Secretary is satisfied that the person satisfies, or will satisfy, particular eligibility criteria (the work test, the income test and the Australian residency test). If the Secretary makes a determination, the Secretary must give a notice of it to the claimant.
 
Division 2—Determinations about whether parental leave pay is payable to a person
13  Determination on a primary claim made alone
When a claim is to be determined under this section
             (1)  If:
                     (a)  a primary claimant has made an effective primary claim for parental leave pay for a child; and
                     (b)  another person has not made an effective secondary claim for parental leave pay for the child at the same time;
the Secretary must make a determination on the primary claim under this section.
When parental leave pay is payable to primary claimant
             (2)  The Secretary must determine that parental leave pay is payable to the primary claimant for the primary claimant’s PPL period if, when making the determination, the Secretary is satisfied that the primary claimant was or will be eligible for parental leave pay on each day in the period that:
                     (a)  starts on the day the child was born; and
                     (b)  ends on the last day of the primary claimant’s PPL period.
Note:          The Secretary is prevented from making a determination under this subsection in certain circumstances: see Division 3.
Primary claimant’s PPL period
             (3)  The Secretary must specify in the determination under subsection (2) that the primary claimant’s PPL period:
                     (a)  starts on the child’s maximum PPL period start day; and
                     (b)  ends on:
                              (i)  if the Secretary is satisfied that the primary claimant was or will be eligible on each day in the child’s maximum PPL period—the child’s maximum PPL period end day; or
                             (ii)  if the Secretary is satisfied that the primary claimant was or will be eligible for a period that is shorter than the child’s maximum PPL period—the last day in the child’s maximum PPL period that the primary claimant was or will be eligible.
When parental leave pay is not payable to primary claimant
             (4)  The Secretary must determine that parental leave pay is not payable to the primary claimant if the Secretary is not satisfied of the matters in subsection (2).
14  Determination on primary and secondary claims made jointly—claimants sharing parental leave pay
When a claim is to be determined under this section
             (1)  If:
                     (a)  a primary claimant has made an effective primary claim for parental leave pay for a child; and
                     (b)  a secondary claimant has made an effective secondary claim for parental leave pay for the child at the same time; and
                     (c)  in the primary claim, the primary claimant requested that parental leave pay that is or may be payable for the child be shared between the primary claimant and the secondary claimant;
the Secretary must make a determination on the primary claim and the secondary claim under this section.
When parental leave pay is payable to primary claimant
             (2)  The Secretary must determine that parental leave pay is payable to the primary claimant for the primary claimant’s PPL period if, when making the determination, the Secretary is satisfied that the primary claimant was or will be eligible for parental leave pay on each day in the period that:
                     (a)  starts on the day the child was born; and
                     (b)  ends on the last day of the primary claimant’s PPL period.
Note:          The Secretary is prevented from making a determination under this subsection in certain circumstances: see Division 3.
Primary claimant’s PPL period
             (3)  The Secretary must specify in the determination under subsection (2) that the primary claimant’s PPL period:
                     (a)  starts on the child’s maximum PPL period start day; and
                     (b)  ends on the last day in the child’s maximum PPL period that the Secretary is satisfied that the primary claimant was or will be eligible.
When parental leave pay is not payable to primary claimant
             (4)  The Secretary must determine that parental leave pay is not payable to the primary claimant if the Secretary is not satisfied of the matters in subsection (2).
When parental leave pay is payable to secondary claimant
             (5)  The Secretary must determine that parental leave pay is payable to the secondary claimant for the secondary claimant’s PPL period if, when making the determination, the Secretary is satisfied that:
                     (a)  a determination has been made under subsection (2) for the primary claimant; and
                     (b)  the secondary claimant was or will be eligible for parental leave pay on each day in the secondary claimant’s PPL period.
Note:          The Secretary is prevented from making a determination under this subsection in certain circumstances: see Division 3.
Secondary claimant’s PPL period
             (6)  The Secretary must specify in the determination under subsection (5) that the secondary claimant’s PPL period:
                     (a)  starts on the first day after the primary claimant’s PPL period ends; and
                     (b)  ends on:
                              (i)  if the Secretary is satisfied that the secondary claimant was or will be eligible on each day that remains in the child’s maximum PPL period—the child’s maximum PPL period end day; or
                             (ii)  otherwise—the last day in the child’s maximum PPL period that the Secretary is satisfied that the secondary claimant was or will be eligible.
When parental leave pay is not payable to secondary claimant
             (7)  The Secretary must determine that parental leave pay is not payable to the secondary claimant if the Secretary is not satisfied of the matters in subsection (5).
15  Determination on primary and secondary claims made jointly—secondary claimant to get all the parental leave pay
When a claim is to be determined under this section
             (1)  If:
                     (a)  a primary claimant has made an effective primary claim for parental leave pay for a child; and
                     (b)  a secondary claimant has made an effective secondary claim for parental leave pay for the child at the same time; and
                     (c)  in the primary claim, the primary claimant requested that the secondary claimant be paid the full amount of parental leave pay that is or may be payable for the child;
the Secretary must make a determination on the primary claim and the secondary claim under this section.
When parental leave pay is not payable to primary claimant
             (2)  The Secretary must determine that parental leave pay is not payable to the primary claimant.
When parental leave pay is payable to secondary claimant
             (3)  The Secretary must determine that parental leave pay is payable to the secondary claimant for the secondary claimant’s PPL period if, when making the determination, the Secretary is satisfied that:
                     (a)  the primary claimant:
                              (i)  satisfies the work test and income test on that day; and
                             (ii)  satisfied the Australian residency test on the day the child was born; and
                     (b)  the secondary claimant was or will be eligible for parental leave pay on each day in the secondary claimant’s PPL period; and
                     (c)  if the secondary claimant’s PPL period starts after the day the child was born—subsection (4) applies to the period that:
                              (i)  starts on the day the child was born; and
                             (ii)  ends on the day before the start of the secondary claimant’s PPL period.
Note:          The Secretary is prevented from making a determination under this subsection in certain circumstances: see Division 3.
             (4)  This subsection applies to the period referred to in paragraph (3)(c) if:
                     (a)  the primary claimant was or will be eligible for parental leave pay on each day in that period; or
                     (b)  the secondary claimant was or will be eligible for parental leave pay on each day in that period; or
                     (c)  both of the following are satisfied:
                              (i)  the primary claimant was or will be eligible for parental leave pay on each day in the first part of that period;
                             (ii)  the secondary claimant was or will be eligible for parental leave pay on each day in the last part of that period.
Secondary claimant’s PPL period
             (5)  The Secretary must specify in the determination under subsection (3) that the secondary claimant’s PPL period:
                     (a)  starts on the maximum PPL period start day; and
                     (b)  ends on:
                              (i)  if the Secretary is satisfied that the secondary claimant was or will be eligible on each day in the child’s maximum PPL period—the child’s maximum PPL period end day; or
                             (ii)  if the Secretary is satisfied that the secondary claimant was or will be eligible for a period that is shorter than the child’s maximum PPL period—the last day in the child’s maximum PPL period that the Secretary is satisfied that the secondary claimant was or will be eligible.
When parental leave pay is not payable to secondary claimant
             (6)  The Secretary must determine that parental leave pay is not payable to the secondary claimant if the Secretary is not satisfied of the matters in subsection (3).
16  Determination on a secondary claim made after the primary claim
When a claim is to be determined under this section
             (1)  If:
                     (a)  a primary claimant makes an effective primary claim for parental leave pay for a child; and
                     (b)  a secondary claimant makes an effective secondary claim for parental leave pay for the child at a later time;
the Secretary must make a determination on the secondary claim under this section.
             (2)  However, the Secretary cannot make a determination on the secondary claim under this section until the Secretary has first made a determination on the primary claim.
When parental leave pay is payable to secondary claimant
             (3)  The Secretary must determine that parental leave pay is payable to the secondary claimant for the secondary claimant’s PPL period if, when making the determination, the Secretary is satisfied that:
                     (a)  a determination under section 13 or 14 that parental leave pay is payable to the primary claimant was or will be in force on the day before the start of the secondary claimant’s PPL period; and
                     (b)  the secondary claimant was or will be eligible for parental leave pay for the child on each day in the secondary claimant’s PPL period.
Note:          The Secretary is prevented from making a determination under this subsection in certain circumstances: see Division 3.
Secondary claimant’s PPL period
             (4)  The Secretary must specify in the determination under subsection (3) that the secondary claimant’s PPL period:
                     (a)  starts on the first day after the primary claimant’s PPL period ends; and
                     (b)  ends on:
                              (i)  if the Secretary is satisfied that the secondary claimant was or will be eligible on each day that remains in the child’s maximum PPL period—the child’s maximum PPL period end day; or
                             (ii)  otherwise—the last day in the child’s maximum PPL period that the Secretary is satisfied the secondary claimant was or will be eligible.
When parental leave pay is not payable to secondary claimant
             (5)  The Secretary must determine that parental leave pay is not payable to the secondary claimant if the Secretary is not satisfied of the matters in subsection (3).
17  Determination on a tertiary claim
When a tertiary claim is to be determined under this section
             (1)  If a tertiary claimant makes an effective tertiary claim for parental leave pay for a child, the Secretary must make a determination on the tertiary claim under this section.
When parental leave pay is payable to tertiary claimant
             (2)  The Secretary must determine that parental leave pay is payable to the tertiary claimant for the tertiary claimant’s PPL period if, when making the determination, the Secretary is satisfied that:
                     (a)  a determination under section 14, 15 or 16 that parental leave pay is payable to the secondary claimant was or will be in force on the day before the start of the tertiary claimant’s PPL period; and
                     (b)  the tertiary claimant was or will be eligible for parental leave pay on each day in the tertiary claimant’s PPL period.
Note:          The Secretary is prevented from making a determination under this subsection in certain circumstances: see Division 3.
Tertiary claimant’s PPL period
             (3)  The Secretary must specify in the determination under subsection (2) that the tertiary claimant’s PPL period:
                     (a)  starts on the first day after the secondary claimant’s PPL period ends; and
                     (b)  ends on:
                              (i)  if the Secretary is satisfied that the tertiary claimant was or will be eligible on each day that remains in the child’s maximum PPL period—the child’s maximum PPL period end day; or
                             (ii)  otherwise—the last day in the child’s maximum PPL period that the Secretary is satisfied the tertiary claimant was or will be eligible.
When parental leave pay is not payable to tertiary claimant
             (4)  The Secretary must determine that parental leave pay is not payable to the tertiary claimant if the Secretary is not satisfied of the matters in subsection (2).
 
Division 3—When the Secretary cannot make a determination that parental leave pay is payable
18  The child’s birth has not been verified
             (1)  The Secretary must not make a payability determination that parental leave pay is payable to a person for a child unless the primary claimant has verified the child’s birth.
Verifying a child’s birth
             (2)  A person verifies a child’s birth if:
                     (a)  the person gives the Secretary a completed birth verification form for the child; and
                     (b)  if subsection (3) applies to the person, the person satisfies the requirement of that subsection.
             (3)  If:
                     (a)  the person is the parent (other than an adoptive parent) of the child; and
                     (b)  the child is not stillborn; and
                     (c)  the person is, under a law of a State or a Territory, responsible (whether alone or jointly) for registering the birth of the child under the law;
then the person must give the Secretary information showing that:
                     (d)  the child’s birth has been registered under the law; or
                     (e)  the person has applied to have the birth of the child registered under the law.
             (4)  The Secretary may approve a form (a birth verification form) for the purposes of verifying the birth of a child.
19  The child was born before 1 January 2011
                   The Secretary must not make a payability determination that parental leave pay is payable to a person for a child if the child was born before 1 January 2011.
20  Multiple births
                   The Secretary must not make a payability determination that parental leave pay is payable to a person for a child if:
                     (a)  the child and another child are born during the same multiple birth; and
                     (b)  parental leave pay is or was payable to the person or another person for the other child.
21  The person etc. has already been paid parental leave pay
             (1)  The Secretary must not make a payability determination that parental leave pay is payable to a person for a child if:
                     (a)  the person has been paid parental leave pay for the child under a different claim; or
                     (b)  if the person is the primary claimant:
                              (i)  the person’s partner has been paid parental leave pay for the child; or
                             (ii)  a former partner of the person was paid parental leave pay for the child when he or she was the person’s partner; or
                     (c)  if the person is the secondary claimant:
                              (i)  the person’s partner has been paid parental leave pay for the child (other than as the primary claimant to which the person’s secondary claim relates); or
                             (ii)  a former partner of the person was paid parental leave pay for the child when he or she was the person’s partner (other than as the primary claimant to which the person’s secondary claim relates).
             (2)  Subsection (1) does not apply to a claim that is made in exceptional circumstances.
 
Division 4—General provisions applying to determinations about whether parental leave pay is payable
22  Assumptions when making the determination
                   In deciding whether to make a payability determination, the Secretary may act on the assumption that the state of affairs known to the Secretary when making the determination will remain unchanged.
23  When the determination is in force
                   A payability determination comes into force on the day it is made and continues in force unless it is:
                     (a)  revoked under section 25 (which deals with revoking a payability determination on the claimant’s request); or
                     (b)  set aside under Chapter 5 (which deals with review of decisions).
24  Notice of the determination
                   If the Secretary makes a payability determination, the Secretary must give a notice of the determination to the claimant, stating:
                     (a)  whether parental leave pay is payable; and
                     (b)  if parental leave pay is payable—the claimant’s PPL period; and
                     (c)  that the claimant may apply for review of the determination in the manner set out in Chapter 5.
25  Revoking the determination on request
             (1)  If:
                     (a)  a payability determination is made that parental leave pay is payable to a person; and
                     (b)  the person requests the Secretary to revoke the determination; and
                     (c)  the request is made:
                              (i)  before the start of the person’s PPL period; and
                             (ii)  in a manner approved by the Secretary;
then the Secretary must revoke the determination.
             (2)  The revocation is taken to have come into force on the day the person requested the Secretary to revoke the determination.
 
Division 5—Initial eligibility determinations
26  Initial eligibility determinations
Primary claimants
             (1)  If a person makes an effective primary claim, the Secretary may make a determination (the initial eligibility determination) that the person is initially eligible for parental leave pay for the child if, when making the determination, the Secretary is satisfied that the person satisfies:
                     (a)  the work test; and
                     (b)  the income test; and
                     (c)  the Australian residency test.
Secondary claimants
             (2)  If a person makes an effective secondary claim, the Secretary may make a determination (the initial eligibility determination) that the person is initially eligible for parental leave pay for the child if, when making the determination, the Secretary is satisfied that the person:
                     (a)  satisfies:
                              (i)  the work test; and
                             (ii)  the income test; and
                            (iii)  the Australian residency test; or
                     (b)  will satisfy those tests on the day the person becomes the child’s primary carer.
27  Assumptions when making the initial eligibility determination
                   In deciding whether to make an initial eligibility determination, the Secretary may act on the assumption that the state of affairs known to the Secretary when making the determination will remain unchanged.
28  When the initial eligibility determination comes into force
                   An initial eligibility determination comes into force on the day it is made.
29  Notice of the initial eligibility determination
                   If the Secretary makes an initial eligibility determination, the Secretary must give a notice of the determination to the claimant.
 
Part 2‑3—Eligibility for parental leave pay
Division 1—Guide to this Part
30  Guide to this Part
This Part sets out when a person is eligible for parental leave pay. The Secretary cannot make a payability determination that parental leave pay is payable if the person is not eligible for it.
Division 2 sets out when a person is eligible for parental leave pay. Subsection 31(2) deals with the main case and requires that for a person to be eligible for parental leave pay for a child, the person must (broadly):
(a)   satisfy the work test, the income test and the Australian residency test; and
(b)   be the child’s primary carer; and
(c)   not have returned to work; and
(d)   not be entitled to baby bonus.
There are other eligibility criteria that apply for more unusual cases—see subsection 31(3) (which deals with when a child is stillborn or dies) and subsection 31(4) (which allows the PPL rules to prescribe eligibility criteria).
Division 3 has the work test. To satisfy the work test, a person must have performed enough paid work or taken enough paid leave in a particular period before the day the child was born (for a primary claimant) or the day the person became the child’s primary carer (for a secondary claimant).
Division 4 has the income test. To satisfy the income test, the person’s income for a particular income year must not be more than the PPL income limit (which is $150,000 until 30 June 2012 and then indexed).
Division 5 has the Australian residency test. To satisfy this test, the person must be an Australian resident or be in a special class of visa holder.
Division 6 sets out when a person is the primary carer of a child. For the main case, a person will not be eligible for parental leave pay if the person is not the child’s primary carer.
Division 7 sets out when a person returns to work after the birth of a child. For the main case, a person will not be eligible for parental leave pay if the person performs more than one hour of work other than for a permissible purpose. There are 2 permissible purposes. One is where the person performs the work for another entity on a keeping in touch day with that entity. The other is where the person performs the work for a business that the person carries on and the work consists of overseeing the business or is an occasional administrative task.
 
Division 2—When a person is eligible for parental leave pay
31  When a person is eligible for parental leave pay
             (1)  This section sets out when a person is eligible for parental leave pay for a child on a day.
             (2)  First, a person is eligible for parental leave pay for a child on a day if, on that day:
                     (a)  the person satisfies the work test (see Division 3) or subsection (4A) applies to the person; and
                     (b)  the person satisfies the income test (see Division 4); and
                     (c)  the person satisfies the Australian residency test (see Division 5); and
                     (d)  the person is the primary carer of the child (see Division 6); and
                     (e)  the person has not returned to work (see Division 7); and
                      (f)  both of the following are satisfied:
                              (i)  the person and the person’s partner are not entitled to baby bonus for the child;
                             (ii)  a former partner of the person was not entitled to baby bonus for the child when he or she was the person’s partner.
             (3)  Second, a person is eligible for parental leave pay for a child on a day if:
                     (a)  the child is stillborn or has died before that day; and
                     (b)  on that day, the person would be eligible under subsection (2) for parental leave pay for the child, if paragraphs (2)(d) and (e) were disregarded; and
                     (c)  the person would have been the child’s primary carer on that day had the child not been stillborn or died.
             (4)  Third, a person is eligible for parental leave pay for a child on a day if, on that day:
                     (a)  if the person is the primary claimant:
                              (i)  the person satisfies the work test (see Division 3) or subsection (4A) applies to the person; and
                             (ii)  the person satisfies the income test (see Division 4); and
                            (iii)  the person satisfies the Australian residency test (see Division 5); and
                            (iv)  the person satisfies the conditions prescribed by the PPL rules; and
                     (b)  if the person is a secondary claimant or tertiary claimant—the person satisfies the conditions prescribed by the PPL rules.
          (4A)  This subsection applies to a person if:
                     (a)  the person does not satisfy the work test in relation to a child; and
                     (b)  the person is the birth mother of the child; and
                     (c)  the Secretary is satisfied that either or both of the following subparagraphs apply:
                              (i)  the child was born prematurely;
                             (ii)  while the person was pregnant with the child, the person had complications or illness related to the pregnancy which prevented the person from performing paid work; and
                     (d)  the Secretary is satisfied that the person would have satisfied the work test if either or both of the subparagraphs in paragraph (c) had not applied.
             (5)  Despite subsections (2), (3) and (4), a person is not eligible for parental leave pay for a child on a day if, on that day, the person is deceased.
 
Division 3—The work test
32  When a person satisfies the work test
                   To work out whether a person satisfies the work test on a day, use the following method statement:
Method statement
Step 1.   Work out the person’s work test period under section 33.
Step 2.   Work out the days in the work test period on which the person has and has not performed qualifying work.
                   Note:             Qualifying work is defined in section 34.
Step 3.   Work out whether any days on which the person has not performed qualifying work during the work test period fall within a permissible break.
                   Note:             Permissible break is defined in section 36.
Step 4.   Work out whether there is a period (a qualifying period) of 295 consecutive days in the work test period that are days:
               (a)     on which the person has performed qualifying work; or
              (b)     that fall within a permissible break.
Step 5.   If the person has performed at least 330 hours of qualifying work in a qualifying period, the person satisfies the work test.
33  The work test period
Primary claimant’s work test period
             (1)  The work test period for a primary claimant is the 392 days immediately before:
                     (a)  if the child is born on or before the expected date of birth of the child—the day the child is born; or
                     (b)  if the child is born after the expected date of birth of the child—either:
                              (i)  the day the child is born; or
                             (ii)  if the person does not satisfy the work test in the work test period that applies under subparagraph (i), the expected date of birth of the child.
             (2)  However, for the purposes of making an initial eligibility determination on a primary claim that is made before the child is born, the work test period for the primary claimant is the 392 days immediately before the expected date of birth of the child.
Secondary claimant’s work test period
             (3)  The work test period for a secondary claimant is the 392 days immediately before the day the person becomes the child’s primary carer.
34  When a person performs qualifying work
             (1)  A person performs qualifying work if:
                     (a)  the person performs at least one hour of paid work on a day; or
                     (b)  the person takes a period of paid leave of at least one hour on a day.
             (2)  For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), the PPL rules may prescribe what is, or is not, taken to be paid leave.
35  When a person performs paid work
People other than self‑employed
             (1)  A person performs paid work on a day if, on that day, the person performs work (whether as an employee, a contractor or otherwise and whether or not in Australia) for another entity for remuneration or other financial benefit.
             (2)  However, a person is taken not to perform paid work for the purposes of subsection (1) if the other entity is controlled by the person (whether alone or with others).
Self‑employed
             (3)  A person performs paid work on a day if, on that day, the person performs work for the purposes of a business that is carried on for profit (whether in or outside of Australia) by:
                     (a)  the person (whether alone or with others); or
                     (b)  an entity that is controlled by the person (whether alone or with others).
When a person controls an entity
             (4)  A person controls an entity if the person has the capacity to determine the outcome of decisions about the entity’s financial and operating policies.
PPL rules about what paid work is
             (5)  The PPL rules may prescribe what is, or is not, taken to be paid work.
36  When there is a permissible break
             (1)  A permissible break is any of the periods in subsections (2) and (3).
Permissible break between 2 qualifying work days
             (2)  If, between a day on which the person performed qualifying work (a qualifying work day) in the work test period and the next qualifying work day, there was at least 1 day but not more than 56 consecutive days on which the person did not perform qualifying work—the day or period of consecutive days between those 2 qualifying work days is a permissible break.
Permissible break at the start of the work test period
             (3)  If:
                     (a)  a person performed qualifying work on a day (the earlier qualifying work day) before the first day in the work test period; and
                     (b)  the person next performed qualifying work on a day (the later qualifying work day) after the first day in the work test period; and
                     (c)  the later qualifying work day was no more than 56 consecutive days after the earlier qualifying work day;
then the day or period of consecutive days on which the person did not perform qualifying work between the first day in the work test period and the later qualifying work day (including the first day of the work test period) is a permissible break.
 
Division 4—The income test
Subdivision A—The income test
37  When a person satisfies the income test
                   A person satisfies the income test on a day if the person’s adjusted taxable income for the reference income year is not more than the relevant PPL income limit.
38  A person’s adjusted taxable income
                   A person’s adjusted taxable income for an income year is worked out in accordance with Schedule 3 to the Family Assistance Act (disregarding subclause 2(2) and clauses 3 and 3A of that Schedule).
Note:          Schedule 3 to the Family Assistance Act sets out how to work out a person’s adjusted taxable income for the purposes of that Act.
39  The reference income year
                   The reference income year for a person is:
                     (a)  if the person is a primary claimant—the income year that ended before the earlier of:
                              (i)  the day the person made the claim; and
                             (ii)  the day the child was born; and
                     (b)  if the person is a secondary claimant—the income year that ended before the earlier of:
                              (i)  the day the person made the claim; and
                             (ii)  the day the person became the child’s primary carer.
40  The relevant PPL income limit
                   The relevant PPL income limit for a person is:
                     (a)  if the person is a primary claimant—the PPL income limit that applies on the earlier of the following days:
                              (i)  the day the person made the claim;
                             (ii)  the day the child was born; or
                     (b)  if the person is a secondary claimant—the PPL income limit that applies on the earlier of the following days:
                              (i)  the day the person made the claim;
                             (ii)  the day the person became the child’s primary carer.
41  The PPL income limit
                   The PPL income limit that applies on a day is:
                     (a)  if the day is on or after 1 October 2010 but before 1 July 2012—$150,000; and
                     (b)  if the day is on or after an indexation day (the relevant indexation day) but before the next indexation day—the indexed amount on the relevant indexation day worked out under Subdivision B.
Subdivision B—Indexation of the PPL income limit
42  Indexation of the PPL income limit
             (1)  The amount of the PPL income limit in section 41 is to be indexed under this Subdivision on 1 July each year (the indexation day) starting on 1 July 2012.
Working out the indexed amount for the PPL income limit
             (2)  This is how to work out the indexed amount for the PPL income limit on the indexation day:
Method statement
Step 1.   Work out the amount (the previous amount) for the PPL income limit that applied on the day immediately before the indexation day.
Step 2.   Use section 43 to work out the indexation factor on the indexation day.
Step 3.   Multiply the previous amount by the indexation factor: the result is the provisional indexed amount.
Step 4.   Use section 44 to round off the provisional indexed amount: the result is the indexed amount.
43  The indexation factor
             (1)  The indexation factor is worked out using the following formula and applying subsections (2) and (3):
where:
base December quarter means the December quarter that has the highest index number of the December quarters before the reference December quarter (but not earlier than the December quarter 2007).
index number, for a quarter, means the All Groups Consumer Price Index number that is the weighted average of the 8 capital cities and is published by the Australian Statistician in relation to that quarter.
reference December quarter means the last December quarter before the indexation day.
             (2)  The indexation factor is to be worked out to 3 decimal places, but increased by 0.001 if the fourth decimal place is more than 4.
             (3)  If an indexation factor worked out under subsections (1) and (2) would be less than 1, that indexation factor is to be increased to 1.
Changes to CPI reference base and publication of substituted index numbers
             (4)  Amounts are to be worked out under this section:
                     (a)  using only the index numbers published in terms of the most recently published reference base for the Consumer Price Index; and
                     (b)  disregarding index numbers published in substitution for previously published index numbers (except where the substituted numbers are published to take account of changes in the reference base).
44  Rounding off indexed amounts
             (1)  If a provisional indexed amount is a multiple of $1.00, the provisional indexed amount becomes the indexed amount.
             (2)  If a provisional indexed amount is not a multiple of $1.00, the indexed amount is the provisional indexed amount rounded up or down to the nearest multiple of $1.00.
             (3)  If a provisional indexed amount is not a multiple of $1.00 but is a multiple of $0.50, the indexed amount is the provisional indexed amount rounded up to the nearest multiple of $1.00.
 
Division 5—The Australian residency test
45  When a person satisfies the Australian residency test
             (1)  A person satisfies the Australian residency test on a day if, on that day, the person:
                     (a)  is an Australian resident; or
                     (b)  is a special category visa holder residing in Australia; or
                     (c)  satisfies subsection (2).
When a person satisfies this subsection
             (2)  A person satisfies this subsection if the person is the holder of a visa determined by the Minister for the purposes of subparagraph 729(2)(f)(v) of the Social Security Act, and either of the following applies:
                     (a)  the person is in Australia;
                     (b)  the person:
                              (i)  is temporarily absent from Australia for not more than 13 weeks; and
                             (ii)  the absence is an allowable absence in relation to special benefit within the meaning of Part 4.2 of that Act.
46  Effect of absence from Australia on Australian residency test
             (1)  Despite section 45, a person does not satisfy the Australian residency test on a day (the relevant day) if:
                     (a)  before the relevant day, the person left Australia; and
                     (b)  on the relevant day, the person has been absent from Australia for more than 3 years since the day the person left Australia.
Effect of a person’s return to Australia within 3 years
             (2)  If:
                     (a)  a person who has been absent from Australia for more than 13 weeks, but not more than 3 years, returns to Australia; and
                     (b)  the person leaves Australia again less than 13 weeks later;
then the person is taken not to have returned to Australia for the purposes of subsection (1).
Effect of a person’s return to Australia after 3 years
             (3)  If:
                     (a)  a person satisfies the Australian residency test while the person is absent from Australia; and
                     (b)  the person then ceases to satisfy the Australian residency test because of the application of subsection (1) or a previous application of this subsection; and
                     (c)  the person returns to Australia; and
                     (d)  the person leaves Australia again less than 13 weeks later;
then, despite section 45, the person does not satisfy the Australian residency test at any time during:
                     (e)  the person’s return to Australia referred to in paragraph (c); or
                      (f)  the person’s absence from Australia referred to in paragraph (d).
 
Division 6—Primary carer
47  When a person is the primary carer of a child
             (1)  A person is the primary carer of a child on a day in the person’s reference period if:
                     (a)  the child is in the person’s care in that period; and
                     (b)  the person meets the child’s physical needs more than anyone else in that period.
             (2)  A person’s reference period is the period that is determined by the Secretary for the purposes of making a payability determination on the person’s claim.
             (3)  Only one person can be a child’s primary carer on a particular day.
             (4)  Despite subsection (1), a person is not the primary carer of a child on a day if, before that day, the child has died.
 
Division 7—Return to work
48  When a person returns to work
                   A person returns to work on a day that is on or after the birth of a child if, on that day, the person performs one hour or more of paid work other than for a permissible purpose.
49  When paid work is for a permissible purpose
Permissible purpose for people other than self‑employed
             (1)  If a person performs paid work on a day for another entity (see subsection 35(1)), the person does so for a permissible purpose if:
                     (a)  the person performs the work for the entity as an employee, defence force member or law enforcement officer; and
                     (b)  the day is a keeping in touch day with the entity and would otherwise be a day of leave in a period of leave granted by that entity; and
                     (c)  the person has not already performed paid work on 10 keeping in touch days (whether with the entity or another entity).
Permissible purpose for self‑employed
             (2)  If a person performs paid work on a day for a business in the situation referred to in subsection 35(3), the person does so for a permissible purpose if the work performed by the person consists of overseeing the business or is an occasional administrative task for the purposes of the business.
50  Performing paid work on a keeping in touch day
                   A day on which a person performs paid work for an entity on a day that would otherwise be a day of leave in a period of leave granted by that entity is a keeping in touch day if:
                     (a)  the purpose of performing the work is to enable the person to keep in touch with his or her employment or engagement in order to facilitate a return to that employment or engagement after the end of the period of leave; and
                     (b)  both the person and the entity consent to the person performing work for the entity on that day; and
                     (c)  the day is not within 14 days after the day the child was born.
 
Part 2‑4—Claims for parental leave pay
Division 1—Guide to this Part
51  Guide to this Part
This Part is about claims for parental leave pay. A person cannot be paid parental leave pay unless the person has first made a claim for it.
Division 2 sets out the rules about claims. There are 3 types of claims: a primary claim, a secondary claim and (in rare cases) a tertiary claim. These claims relate to each other, although the primary claim is the main one—a secondary or tertiary claim cannot be made without it. However, it will often be the only claim that is made. Section 54 sets out who can make a primary claim, a secondary claim or a tertiary claim.
The Secretary cannot make a payability determination on a claim unless it is an effective claim. To be effective, the claim must be made by the right person and satisfy the requirements in the provisions listed in section 55. One of those requirements is that the claim must be in the form, and contain the information, required by the Secretary (see section 56). Another requirement is that the claim must be made in the period set out in section 60.
 
Division 2—Claims for parental leave pay
52  Who can claim
                   Only a natural person can make a claim.
53  Types of claims
             (1)  There are 3 types of claims:
                     (a)  a primary claim; and
                     (b)  a secondary claim; and
                     (c)  a tertiary claim.
             (2)  A primary claim is a claim in the form approved by the Secretary for primary claims.
             (3)  A secondary claim is a claim in the form approved by the Secretary for secondary claims.
             (4)  A tertiary claim is a claim in the form approved by the Secretary for tertiary claims.
             (5)  For the purposes of subsections (2), (3) and (4), the Secretary may approve:
                     (a)  different forms for different types of claims; and
                     (b)  different forms for the same type of claim.
54  Who can make a primary claim, secondary claim or tertiary claim
Primary claim
             (1)  Only the following people can make a primary claim for a child:
                     (a)  the child’s birth mother;
                     (b)  an adoptive parent of the child;
                     (c)  a person who satisfies the circumstances prescribed by the PPL rules as being exceptional circumstances in which a primary claim can be made.
Secondary claim
             (2)  Only the following people can make a secondary claim for a child:
                     (a)  the partner of a primary claimant;
                     (b)  a person who:
                              (i)  is a parent of the child; and
                             (ii)  is not the primary claimant;
                     (c)  a partner of a person covered by paragraph (b);
                     (d)  a person who satisfies the circumstances prescribed by the PPL rules as being exceptional circumstances in which a secondary claim can be made.
Tertiary claim
             (3)  Only a person who satisfies the circumstances prescribed by the PPL rules as being exceptional circumstances in which a tertiary claim can be made can make a tertiary claim for a child.
55  When a claim is effective
             (1)  A claim is not effective unless the requirements of the following provisions that apply to the claim are satisfied:
                     (a)  section 56 (which deals with the form etc. of the claim);
                     (b)  section 57 (which deals with the nominated start date);
                     (c)  section 58 (which deals with expected date of birth etc.);
                     (d)  section 59 (which deals with tax file number statements);
                     (e)  section 60 (which deals with when to make the claim).
             (2)  A claim is also not effective if it is made by a person who cannot make that type of claim under section 54.
             (3)  A claim that is not effective is taken not to have been made.
56  Requirements of the claim
             (1)  The claim must:
                     (a)  be made in the form approved, and the manner required, by the Secretary for that type of claim; and
                     (b)  contain any information (including information about the claimant’s employer or the claimant’s employment with that employer) required by the Secretary; and
                     (c)  be accompanied by any documents required by the Secretary.
             (2)  For the purposes of paragraphs (1)(b) and (c), the Secretary may require that different information be contained in, and different documents accompany:
                     (a)  different types of claims; or
                     (b)  different claims of the same type of claim.
57  Nominated start date
             (1)  If the claim is a primary claim, the claim must state a specific date (the nominated start date) on which the primary claimant wants parental leave pay to start being paid.
Note 1:       For the purposes of subsection (1), “6 months after the birth of the child” would not be a specific date. However, the “date of birth of the child” would be.
Note 2:       Even though a primary claimant nominates a specific date, parental leave pay may not be payable from that date because, for example, the primary claimant has not verified the child’s birth before that date: see subsection 11(4).
             (2)  Before a payability determination is made on the primary claim, the primary claimant may change his or her nominated start date by notifying the Secretary of the new nominated start date.
             (3)  If a payability determination is made that parental leave pay is payable to the primary claimant, the primary claimant may only change his or her nominated start date (the old date) by:
                     (a)  notifying the Secretary, before the old date, of the new nominated start date; and
                     (b)  nominating a new nominated start date that is on or after the day the person notifies the Secretary of the change.
58  Expected date of birth and expected day of primary care
Primary claim
             (1)  If the claim is a primary claim and it is made before the child’s birth, the claim must specify the child’s expected date of birth.
Secondary claim
             (2)  If the claim is a secondary claim and it is made before the day the secondary claimant expects to become the child’s primary carer, the claim must specify the day the claimant expects to become the child’s primary carer.
59  Tax file number statement
             (1)  The claim must contain the person’s tax file number statement, which is a statement of the kind set out in subsection (2), (3) or (4).
Statement of tax file number
             (2)  The first kind is a statement of the person’s tax file number.
Statement that person does not know his or her tax file number
             (3)  The second kind is a statement that the person:
                     (a)  has a tax file number but does not know what it is; and
                     (b)  has asked the Commissioner of Taxation to inform the person of his or her tax file number; and
                     (c)  authorises the Commissioner of Taxation to tell the Secretary:
                              (i)  whether the person has a tax file number; and
                             (ii)  if the person has a tax file number—that number.
Statement that an application for a tax file number is pending
             (4)  The third kind is a statement that the person:
                     (a)  has an application for a tax file number pending; and
                     (b)  authorises the Commissioner of Taxation to tell the Secretary:
                              (i)  if a tax file number is issued to the person—that number; or
                             (ii)  if the application is refused—that the application has been refused; or
                            (iii)  if the application is withdrawn—that the application has been withdrawn.
60  When to claim
                   A claim must be made in the period that:
                     (a)  starts on the day that is 97 days before the expected date of birth of the child; and
                     (b)  ends on the day before the child’s first birthday.
61  Claim may be withdrawn or varied
             (1)  After making an effective claim, the person may withdraw or vary the claim before a payability determination is made on it.
             (2)  The person may only do so in a manner approved by the Secretary.
             (3)  If a claim is withdrawn, it is taken never to have been made.
 
Chapter 3—Payment of parental leave pay
Part 3‑1—Instalments of parental leave pay
Division 1—Guide to this Part
62  Guide to this Part
This Part is about instalments of parental leave pay.
Parental leave pay is payable in instalments for regular periods called instalment periods. Instalments are payable to a person if those instalment periods overlap with the person’s PPL period.
Instalments are payable by either a person’s employer (see Part 3‑2) or the Secretary (see Part 3‑3).
This Part also contains rules for working out the amount of an instalment and deals with the deductions that may be made from an instalment.
 
Division 2—Instalments of parental leave pay
63  Instalments of parental leave pay
             (1)  Parental leave pay must be paid to a person in instalments.
Who pays an instalment
             (2)  An instalment is payable to a person, in accordance with sections 72, 84, 85, 86 and 87, by either:
                     (a)  the person’s employer; or
                     (b)  the Secretary.
When an instalment is payable
             (3)  An instalment is payable to a person if one or more days (the PPL days) of an instalment period for the person fall within the person’s PPL period.
             (4)  An instalment becomes payable on the payday for the instalment.
             (5)  More than one instalment may be paid to a person on a particular day.
64  A person’s instalment period and the payday for an instalment
             (1)  A person’s instalment period, and the payday for an instalment that relates to an instalment period, are worked out according to the following rules.
Note:          Sections 93 and 94 affect when an instalment period for a person starts and ends in certain circumstances.
Instalment to be paid by employer—regular pay period
             (2)  If the instalment is to be paid by the person’s employer and there is a regular period for which the person would usually be paid in relation to the person’s performance of work:
                     (a)  the person’s instalment period is each such regular period; and
                     (b)  the payday for the instalment is the day on which the person would usually be paid in relation to the person’s performance of work for the instalment period to which the instalment relates.
Instalment to be paid by employer—no regular pay period
             (3)  If the instalment is to be paid by the person’s employer and there is not a regular period for which the person would usually be paid in relation to the person’s performance of work:
                     (a)  the person’s instalment period is each calendar month; and
                     (b)  the payday for the instalment is the first day after the end of the instalment period to which the instalment relates.
Instalment to be paid by Secretary
             (4)  If the instalment is to be paid by the Secretary:
                     (a)  the person’s instalment period is the period of 14 days starting on a day the Secretary considers appropriate for the person (or a class of person in which the person is included) and each successive 14 day period; and
                     (b)  the payday for the instalment is a day that the Secretary considers appropriate that occurs after the instalment period to which the instalment relates.
65  The amount of an instalment
             (1)  The amount of an instalment is the total of the daily national minimum wage amounts for each week day, during the instalment period to which the instalment relates, that is also a PPL day.
             (2)  The daily national minimum wage amount for a day is 7.6 times the amount of the national minimum wage (when expressed as a monetary amount per hour) set by a national minimum wage order that is in operation on that day (whether or not the order has also taken effect on that day).
Note:          For when a national minimum wage order comes into operation, see section 287 of the Fair Work Act.
             (3)  For the purposes of subsection (2):
                     (a)  the national minimum wage is taken to be the wage set by the national minimum wage order for employees in relation to whom no exceptional circumstances exist (see subsection 287(2) of the Fair Work Act); and
                     (b)  if:
                              (i)  Fair Work Australia makes a determination under section 296 of the Fair Work Act varying a national minimum wage order; and
                             (ii)  the day the determination comes into operation under section 297 of that Act is earlier than the day the determination is made;
                            the determination is taken to come into operation on the day the determination is made.
66  Protection of instalment
             (1)  An instalment is absolutely inalienable, whether by way of, or in consequence of, sale, assignment, charge, execution, bankruptcy or otherwise.
Note:          Section 97 (which deals with the effect of a garnishee etc. order) also provides a protection for an account into which an instalment has been paid.
             (2)  Subsection (1) has effect subject to sections 67, 68 and 69 (which deal with deductions).
67  Deductions authorised by person
             (1)  An employer or the Secretary may deduct an amount from an instalment that is payable to a person if the deduction is:
                     (a)  authorised by the person; and
                     (b)  principally for the person’s benefit.
Note:          A deduction by an employer in accordance with a salary sacrifice or other arrangement, under which a person chooses to:
(a)    forgo an amount payable to the person in relation to an instalment; but
(b)    receive some other form of benefit or remuneration;
                   will be permitted if it is made in accordance with this section.
             (2)  The Secretary may deduct an amount from an instalment that is payable to a secondary claimant for a child if:
                     (a)  a primary claimant owes a debt to the Commonwealth in relation to amounts paid to, or in relation to, the primary claimant by way of instalments for the same child; and
                     (b)  the deduction is authorised by the secondary claimant for the purposes of the recovery of the debt.
             (3)  An authorisation for the purposes of paragraph (1)(a) or (2)(b):
                     (a)  must be in writing; and
                     (b)  must specify the amount of the deduction; and
                     (c)  may be withdrawn in writing by the person at any time.
             (4)  Any variation in the amount of the authorised deduction must also be authorised in writing by the person.
68  Deductions for PAYG withholding
                   An employer or the Secretary (the payer) may deduct an amount from an instalment that is payable to a person if the payer is required to withhold the amount under section 12‑110 in Schedule 1 to the Taxation Administration Act 1953.
69  Deductions relating to child support
             (1)  An employer may deduct an amount from an instalment that is payable to a person if the employer is required to deduct the amount under section 46 or 72A of the Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988.
             (2)  The Secretary, in accordance with a notice given to the Secretary under section 72AD of the Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988 in relation to a person to whom an instalment is payable, must:
                     (a)  make deductions from an instalment that is payable to the person (subject to subsections (3) and (4) of that section); and
                     (b)  pay the amounts deducted to the Child Support Registrar.
70  No other deductions
             (1)  An amount must not be deducted from an instalment except in accordance with section 67, 68 or 69. This subsection applies despite any other law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory.
             (2)  An employer must comply with subsection (1).
Note:          This subsection is a civil penalty provision (see section 146).
 
Part 3‑2—Payment of instalments by employer
Division 1—Guide to this Part
71  Guide to this Part
This Part is about the payment of instalments to a person by the person’s employer.
Under Division 2, an employer is only required to pay an instalment to a person if an employer determination has come into force for the employer and the person (see Part 3‑5) and the employer has been paid enough by the Secretary to fund the instalment.
Division 3 is about the payment by the Secretary of amounts (called PPL funding amounts) to an employer to ensure the employer has been paid enough to fund an instalment.
Division 4 sets out certain obligations of employers relating to paying instalments (such as giving and keeping records and notifying the Secretary if certain events happen).
 
Division 2—Payment of instalments by employer
72  When an employer pays instalments
Employer determination in force on day during instalment period
             (1)  An employer must pay an instalment to a person on the payday for the instalment if:
                     (a)  the instalment is payable to the person; and
                     (b)  an employer determination is in force for the employer and the person on a day during the instalment period to which the instalment relates; and
                     (c)  as at the payroll cut‑off for the instalment, the employer has been paid enough to fund the instalment.
Note 1:       This subsection is a civil penalty provision (see section 146).
Note 2:       See section 96 for when the employer is taken to have complied with this requirement.
Employer determination comes into force after instalment period
             (2)  If:
                     (a)  a person’s employer becomes required under subsection (1) to pay an instalment after the start of the person’s PPL period; and
                     (b)  an earlier instalment is taken to have become payable to the person under section 91 (which deals with the effect of the Secretary or an employer becoming required to pay instalments after the start of a person’s PPL period); and
                     (c)  as at the payroll cut‑off for the instalment referred to in subsection (1), the employer has been paid enough to fund the earlier instalment;
the employer must pay the earlier instalment on the payday for the instalment referred to in subsection (1).
Note 1:       This subsection is a civil penalty provision (see section 146).
Note 2:       See section 96 for when the employer is taken to have complied with this requirement.
Employer determination in force and employer paid enough at later time
             (3)  If:
                     (a)  an employer is not required under subsection (1) or (2) to pay an instalment only because paragraph (1)(c) or (2)(c) (as the case may be) was not satisfied; and
                     (b)  that paragraph is satisfied as at the payroll cut‑off for an instalment for a later instalment period;
the employer must pay the instalment to the person on the payday for the instalment for that later instalment period.
Note 1:       This subsection is a civil penalty provision (see section 146).
Note 2:       If there is no instalment payable for a later instalment period, see section 95.
Note 3:       See section 96 for when the employer is taken to have complied with this requirement.
             (4)  An employer is not required to pay an instalment to a person except in accordance with this section.
73  When an employer has been paid enough to fund an instalment
                   An employer has been paid enough to fund an instalment for a person as at a day if the total of the PPL funding amounts paid to the employer for the person for a child before that day is at least the total of the following amounts:
                     (a)  the amount of the instalments the employer has previously paid to, or in relation to, the person for the child;
                     (b)  the amount of the instalment;
                     (c)  the amount of any other instalment that is to be paid to, or in relation to, the person on the payday for the instalment.
74  Method of payment of instalment payable by employer
                   An instalment payable to a person by an employer must be paid in money by one, or a combination, of the following methods:
                     (a)  cash;
                     (b)  cheque, money order, postal order or similar order, payable to the person;
                     (c)  the use of an electronic funds transfer system to credit an account held by the person.
Note:          This section is a civil penalty provision (see section 146).
 
Division 3—PPL funding amounts
75  Payment of PPL funding amounts
             (1)  The Secretary must pay one or more amounts (the PPL funding amounts) to a person’s employer if the Secretary is satisfied that:
                     (a)  an instalment was or is likely to be payable to the person; and
                     (b)  the employer is or is likely to be required to pay the instalment to the person.
             (2)  Subsection (1) does not require the Secretary to pay a PPL funding amount in relation to an instalment earlier than a reasonable period before the payroll cut‑off for the instalment.
             (3)  If:
                     (a)  the Secretary is required under subsection (1) to pay a PPL funding amount to a person’s employer in relation to an instalment for the person; and
                     (b)  the employer has not been paid enough to fund the instalment as at the first payroll cut‑off for an instalment for the person after the Secretary becomes required to pay the PPL funding amount;
the Secretary must pay the PPL funding amount to the employer before the next payroll cut‑off for an instalment for the person.
76  Rules affecting the amount of a PPL funding amount
             (1)  A PPL funding amount for a person must not:
                     (a)  be less than the minimum amount for the PPL funding amount; or
                     (b)  be more than the sum of the following:
                              (i)  the minimum amount;
                             (ii)  the amount that is 30 times the daily national minimum wage amount that applies on the day the PPL funding amount is paid to the employer.
             (2)  The minimum amount for a PPL funding amount is the sum of the amounts of the instalments that:
                     (a)  will have become payable to the person as at the next payday for an instalment for the person after the PPL funding amount is paid to the person’s employer; and
                     (b)  do not relate to days in the person’s PPL period for which the Secretary has previously paid the employer a PPL funding amount for the person.
             (3)  The sum of the PPL funding amounts paid to a person’s employer for the person must not be more than the sum of the amounts of the instalments that are payable to the person for the person’s PPL period.
77  Notice requirements relating to PPL funding amounts
             (1)  The Secretary must give a written notice to an employer each time the Secretary pays a PPL funding amount to the employer for a person.
             (2)  The notice must contain the following information:
                     (a)  the name of the person for whom the PPL funding amount has been paid;
                     (b)  the amount of the PPL funding amount;
                     (c)  the PPL days for the person for which the PPL funding amount has been paid;
                     (d)  the daily national minimum wage amount for each of those PPL days;
                     (e)  any information prescribed by the PPL rules.
78  PPL funding amounts not public money
                   To avoid doubt, a PPL funding amount paid by the Secretary to an employer (other than an Agency within the meaning of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997) is not public money for the purposes of that Act.
79  Protection of PPL funding amounts
                   A PPL funding amount is absolutely inalienable, whether by way of, or in consequence of, sale, assignment, charge, execution, bankruptcy or otherwise, until it has been paid to the employer.
Division 4—Obligations of employer relating to paying instalments
80  Giving person record of payment
                   An employer must, before the end of the next working day after paying an instalment to a person, give the person the information prescribed by the PPL rules in the form (if any) prescribed by the PPL rules.
Note:          This section is a civil penalty provision (see section 146).
81  Keeping records
             (1)  An employer must make, and keep for 7 years, records of the kind prescribed by the PPL rules in relation to each person for whom an employer determination for the employer comes into force.
Note:          This subsection is a civil penalty provision (see section 146).
             (2)  A record must:
                     (a)  if a form is prescribed by the PPL rules for that kind of record—be in that form; and
                     (b)  include any information prescribed by the PPL rules.
Note:          This subsection is a civil penalty provision (see section 146).
82  Notifying Secretary if certain events happen
             (1)  If the Secretary makes an employer determination for a person and the person’s employer, the employer must notify the Secretary if any of the following events happen:
                     (a)  the employer’s bank account information changes;
                     (b)  the person’s instalment period changes;
                     (c)  the day on which the person would usually be paid in relation to the person’s performance of work for instalment periods for the person changes;
                     (d)  the payroll cut‑off for instalments payable to the person changes;
                     (e)  the employer becomes aware that the employer has ceased, or is likely to cease, to carry on a business;
                      (f)  the person returns to work for the employer at any time from the birth of the person’s child until the end of the person’s PPL period;
                     (g)  the person ceases to be employed by the employer before the end of the person’s PPL period;
                     (h)  the person is not paid an instalment the employer is required to pay to the person;
                      (i)  the employer is not paid enough to fund a particular instalment for the person as at the payroll cut‑off for the instalment;
                      (j)  if the Secretary has agreed to pay a particular PPL funding amount to the employer—the employer is not paid the PPL funding amount as agreed;
                     (k)  in any case—a PPL funding amount paid to the employer is more than the sum of the amounts of the instalments payable for the PPL days for which the PPL funding amount has been paid;
                      (l)  the sum of the PPL funding amounts paid to the employer for the person is more than the sum of the amounts of the instalments that are payable by the employer to the person for the person’s PPL period.
             (2)  The notice must be given:
                     (a)  as soon as practicable after the employer becomes aware that the event has happened (subject to paragraph (b)); and
                     (b)  if paragraph (1)(e) applies—not more than 30 days before the day the employer ceased, or is likely to cease, to carry on the business; and
                     (c)  in writing.
Note:          This subsection is a civil penalty provision (see section 146).
When obligation to notify of certain events ceases
             (3)  An obligation under subsection (1) that arises because of any of paragraphs (1)(a) to (g) ceases to apply if the event happens on or after the earliest of the following days:
                     (a)  the day a decision is made that has the effect that parental leave pay is not payable to the person (including a decision that there are no days in the person’s PPL period);
                     (b)  if the employer determination comes into force:
                              (i)  if the employer determination is not revoked—the day after the end of the person’s PPL period; and
                             (ii)  if the employer determination is revoked—the day of the revocation;
                     (c)  if the employer determination never comes into force—the day the Secretary becomes required to pay instalments to the person instead of the employer under the employer determination.
 
Part 3‑3—Payment of instalments by Secretary
Division 1—Guide to this Part
83  Guide to this Part
This Part is about the payment of instalments to a person by the Secretary.
The Secretary is required to pay instalments directly to a person if an employer determination is never made for the person.
The Secretary is also required to pay instalments directly to a person in certain circumstances where an employer determination is being reviewed or has been revoked, or where a matter has been referred to the Fair Work Ombudsman relating to a failure by an employer to pay an instalment to a person.
In certain circumstances where the Secretary becomes required to pay instalments to a person, the Secretary is also required to pay the person arrears for instalments that had previously become payable, but not been paid, to the person.
 
Division 2—Payment of instalments by Secretary
84  When the Secretary pays instalments
             (1)  If the Secretary is required under this section to pay an instalment to a person, the Secretary must do so on the payday for the instalment.
Note:          See section 96 for when the Secretary is taken to have complied with this requirement.
Employer determination never made
             (2)  The Secretary must pay an instalment that is payable to a person if the Secretary, in accordance with section 101, never made an employer determination for the person and the person’s employer.
Employer determination reviewed
             (3)  The Secretary must pay an instalment that is payable to a person if:
                     (a)  the person’s employer has applied for review under Part 5‑1 or 5‑2, or to a court for judicial review, in relation to the employer determination made for the person and the employer; and
                     (b)  the employer determination has not come into force before the 28th day after the start of the person’s PPL period; and
                     (c)  the instalment relates to an instalment period that:
                              (i)  either includes the day referred to in paragraph (b) or is a later instalment period; and
                             (ii)  starts before the day (the transfer day) on which the employer determination comes into force (if at all).
Note 1:       The Secretary must also pay the person instalments payable to the person for earlier instalment periods (see section 85).
Note 2:       If the employer determination never comes into force, the Secretary will pay all instalments to the person.
Employer determination revoked
             (4)  The Secretary must pay an instalment that is payable to a person if:
                     (a)  the Secretary revokes the employer determination for the person and the person’s employer; and
                     (b)  the instalment relates to an instalment period that starts on or after the day (the transfer day) the revocation comes into force.
Note:          See sections 85 and 86 for when the Secretary must also pay the person instalments payable to the person for earlier instalment periods.
Referral of matter to Fair Work Ombudsman relating to failure to pay instalment
             (5)  The Secretary must pay an instalment that is payable to a person if:
                     (a)  the Secretary has referred a matter to the Fair Work Ombudsman relating to a contravention by the employer of section 70, 72 or 74 (which deal with unauthorised deductions and payment of instalments by an employer) in relation to the person; and
                     (b)  the instalment relates to an instalment period that starts on or after the day (the transfer day) after the last PPL day for which the Secretary has paid the employer a PPL funding amount for the person; and
                     (c)  the Secretary is satisfied that it is appropriate to pay the instalment; and
                     (d)  the Fair Work Ombudsman has not notified the Secretary, before the transfer day, that the employer has not complied with a compliance notice given for the contravention referred to in paragraph (a).
             (6)  If both subsections (4) and (5) apply in relation to a person, then only the subsection where the transfer day occurs first is taken to apply in relation to the person.
85  Payment of arrears—employer determination reviewed or revoked before coming into force
             (1)  This section applies if:
                     (a)  the Secretary is required to pay an instalment to a person under subsection 84(3) (which deals with payment of instalments where an employer determination is reviewed); or
                     (b)  both of the following apply:
                              (i)  the Secretary is required to pay an instalment to a person under subsection 84(4) (which deals with payment of instalments where an employer determination is revoked);
                             (ii)  the employer determination made for the person and the person’s employer has never come into force.
             (2)  The Secretary must pay the person each instalment that is taken to have become payable to the person under section 91 (which deals with the effect of the Secretary or an employer becoming required to pay instalments after the start of a person’s PPL period).
             (3)  The Secretary must pay the instalments on the payday for the first instalment that the Secretary is required to pay as referred to in paragraph (1)(a) or (b) of this section.
Note:          See section 96 for when the Secretary is taken to have complied with this requirement.
86  Payment of arrears—employer determination revoked after coming into force
             (1)  This section applies if:
                     (a)  the Secretary revokes an employer determination that has come into force for a person and the person’s employer; and
                     (b)  the employer has not, as at the payday for the instalment, paid all or part of an instalment that was payable to the person by the employer; and
                     (c)  either:
                              (i)  the Fair Work Ombudsman has notified the Secretary that the employer has not complied with a compliance notice given for a contravention of section 70, 72 or 74 (which deal with unauthorised deductions and payment of instalments by an employer) that relates to the payment of the instalment; or
                             (ii)  the employer determination was revoked because the Secretary was satisfied that the employer was insolvent.
             (2)  The Secretary must pay the person the instalment, or the part of the instalment, on the payday for the next instalment that the Secretary is required to pay under subsection 84(4) (which deals with payment of instalments where an employer determination is revoked).
Note 1:       If there is no instalment payable for a later instalment period, see section 95.
Note 2:       See section 96 for when the Secretary is taken to have complied with this requirement.
             (3)  Subsection (2) does not require the Secretary to pay the person all or part of an instalment to the extent that the instalment or the part of the instalment has been recovered under section 172 (which deals with debts owing by employers to employees).
             (4)  To avoid doubt, this section applies whether or not the Secretary is required to pay an instalment to the person under subsection 84(4).
87  Payment of arrears—extending PPL period after review
             (1)  The Secretary must pay a person each instalment that is taken to have become payable to the person under section 92 (which deals with the effect of extending a person’s PPL period after a review).
             (2)  The Secretary must pay the instalments as soon as practicable after the Secretary becomes required to pay the instalments.
88  Method of payment of instalment payable by Secretary
             (1)  The Secretary must pay an instalment, or a part of an instalment, that the Secretary is required to pay to a person, to the credit of a bank account nominated and maintained by the person.
             (2)  The Secretary may direct that the whole or a part of an instalment that the Secretary is required to pay a person is to be paid in a different way from that provided for by subsection (1). If the Secretary gives the direction, the instalment, or the part of the instalment, is to be paid in accordance with the direction.
             (3)  A direction made under subsection (2) is not a legislative instrument.
89  Giving person record of payment
                   If the Secretary pays an instalment, or part of an instalment, to or in relation to a person, in particular circumstances, the Secretary must give the person the information prescribed by the PPL rules in relation to instalments paid in those circumstances.
 
Part 3‑4—General rules relevant to paying instalments
Division 1—Guide to this Part
90  Guide to this Part
This Part contains general rules that are relevant to the payment of instalments to a person, whether by the person’s employer or the Secretary.
Some of those rules deem instalments to have become payable in certain circumstances (such as when an employer or the Secretary becomes required to pay instalments to a person after the person’s PPL period has already started).
Other rules deal with the effect on a person’s instalment periods of changing who is required to pay instalments to the person.
There are also rules that relate to what happens when an instalment cannot be paid on the day specified in this Act.
Finally, this Part deals with the interaction of this Chapter with certain Commonwealth, State and Territory laws.
 
Division 2—General rules relevant to paying instalments
91  Effect of the Secretary or employer becoming required to pay instalments after start of PPL period
                   If:
                     (a)  the Secretary or a person’s employer (the payer) becomes required to pay an instalment to the person after the start of the person’s PPL period; and
                     (b)  neither the Secretary nor the employer is otherwise required to pay an earlier instalment to the person; and
                     (c)  one or more instalments would have been payable to the person on the paydays for the instalments if the payer had been required to pay instalments from the start of the person’s PPL period;
then the instalments referred to in paragraph (c) are taken to have become payable on the respective paydays for the instalments.
92  Effect of extending PPL period after review
                   If:
                     (a)  a person’s PPL period ends; and
                     (b)  later, a decision in relation to a payability determination for the person is made that has the effect that the person’s PPL period is extended by an additional period; and
                     (c)  one or more instalments that relate to instalment periods that overlap with the additional period would have been payable to the person on the paydays for the instalments if:
                              (i)  the payability determination had always specified the extended PPL period; and
                             (ii)  the Secretary had been required to pay the instalments; and
                     (d)  the Secretary is not otherwise required to pay the instalments;
then the instalments referred to in paragraph (c) are taken to have become payable on the respective paydays for the instalments.
93  Effect on instalment periods of employer determination coming into force after review
             (1)  This section applies if:
                     (a)  the Secretary is required to pay an instalment to a person under subsection 84(3) (which deals with payment of instalments where an employer determination is reviewed); and
                     (b)  the employer determination comes into force for the person and the person’s employer on the transfer day referred to in that subsection.
             (2)  The instalment period for the person for the last instalment payable by the Secretary is taken to end on the day before the transfer day.
             (3)  The instalment period for the person for the first instalment payable by the employer is taken to start on the transfer day.
Note:          Subsection (3) does not affect when the instalment period ends.
94  Effect on instalment periods of revocation etc.
             (1)  This section applies if:
                     (a)  an employer determination has come into force for a person and the person’s employer; and
                     (b)  the Secretary becomes required to pay an instalment to the person under either of the following subsections for an instalment period that starts on or after the transfer day referred to in that subsection:
                              (i)  subsection 84(4) (which deals with payment of instalments where an employer determination is revoked);
                             (ii)  subsection 84(5) (which deals with payment of instalments where a matter is referred to the Fair Work Ombudsman relating to a failure to pay an instalment).
             (2)  The instalment period for the person for the last instalment payable by the employer is taken to end on the day before the transfer day.
             (3)  The instalment period for the person for the first instalment payable by the Secretary is taken to start on the transfer day.
Note:          Subsection (3) does not affect when the instalment period ends.
95  Paying instalment on payday for later instalment—no later instalment
                   If:
                     (a)  the Secretary or a person’s employer (the payer) is required to pay an instalment to the person on the payday for an instalment for a later instalment period; and
                     (b)  that later instalment is not payable by the payer;
the payer must pay the instalment referred to in paragraph (a) on the day that would have been the payday for the later instalment if it had been payable by the payer.
96  Paying instalment on particular day—complying with obligation
                   The Secretary or a person’s employer (the payer) is taken to have complied with a requirement to pay an instalment on a particular day if the payer pays the instalment:
                     (a)  before that day; or
                     (b)  if the payer cannot pay the instalment on that day—as soon as practicable after that day.
97  Effect of garnishee etc. order
             (1)  If:
                     (a)  an instalment is being paid, or has been paid, to the credit of an account; and
                     (b)  a court order in the nature of a garnishee order comes into force in relation to the account;
the court order does not apply to the saved amount (if any) in the account.
             (2)  The saved amount is worked out as follows:
Method statement
Step 1.   Work out the total amount of the instalments that have been paid to the credit of the account during the 4 week period immediately before the court order came into force.
Step 2.   Subtract from the step 1 amount the total amount withdrawn from the account during the same 4 week period: the result is the saved amount.
98  Exemption from operation of workers’ compensation and accident compensation laws
             (1)  The payment of an instalment of parental leave pay is not to be taken into account for the purposes of the following provisions or laws:
                     (a)  a provision of a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory, if the provision deals with:
                              (i)  workers’ compensation; or
                             (ii)  accident compensation;
                     (b)  a law, or a provision of a law, prescribed by the PPL rules, to the extent that the law or provision deals with a matter referred to in paragraph (a).
             (2)  The PPL rules may provide that subsection (1) does not apply in relation to a prescribed provision of a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory.
99  PPL period is not a period of paid leave
                   Despite any law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory, or any industrial instrument (however described), a period of unpaid leave is not to be taken to be a period of paid leave just because a person receives instalments of parental leave pay for all or part of that period.
99A  Payment of paid parental leave does not affect other employer obligations
                   An obligation of an employer to pay a person parental leave pay under this Act is in addition to any other obligation the employer may have in relation to the person, however that other obligation might arise (including, for example, under another law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory, or an industrial instrument (however described)).
Part 3‑5—Employer determinations
Division 1—Guide to this Part
100  Guide to this Part
This Part is about employer determinations. If an employer determination is in force for an employer and a person, the employer must pay instalments to the person.
Under Division 2, the Secretary must make an employer determination if the Secretary is satisfied that certain conditions have been met. Not all of those conditions need to be satisfied for a person if the employer has made an election under Division 4 that applies to the person and the person consents to the employer paying the instalments.
If the Secretary makes an employer determination for a person and the person’s employer, the employer must either:
               (a)     give the Secretary certain information to enable the Secretary to pay the employer PPL funding amounts for the person; or
              (b)     apply for review of the employer determination under Part 5‑1 or 5‑2.
Division 3 is about when an employer determination is in force. It includes rules about revoking employer determinations.
Under Division 4, an employer may elect to pay instalments to one or more employees.
Division 5 provides for the Secretary to give an employer for whom an employer determination has been made notice of certain other decisions under this Act.
 
Division 2—Making employer determinations
101  Making employer determinations
When Secretary must make employer determination
             (1)  The Secretary must make a determination under this section (the employer determination) that a person’s employer is to pay the person instalments if the Secretary is satisfied, when making the determination, that:
                     (a)  a payability determination that parental leave pay is payable to the person, or an initial eligibility determination for the person, is in force; and
                     (b)  instalments are likely, if the determination is made, to be payable by the employer to the person for at least 40 consecutive PPL days that are week days; and
                     (c)  the person has, or will have, been employed by the employer for at least 12 months immediately before:
                              (i)  if the person’s claim was made before the birth of the person’s child—the expected date of birth of the child; or
                             (ii)  if the person’s claim was made after the birth of the person’s child—the later of the expected date of birth of the child and the day the child was born; and
                     (d)  the person is likely to be an Australian‑based employee of the employer during whichever of the following periods applies:
                              (i)  if the Secretary has made a payability determination that parental leave pay is payable to the person—the person’s PPL period;
                             (ii)  otherwise—the period of days for which instalments are likely, if the determination is made, to be payable to the person by the employer; and
                     (e)  the employer has an ABN; and
                      (f)  if paragraphs (c) to (e) are satisfied in relation to more than one employer of the person (other than because of subsection (2))—the person nominated the employer in the claim as the employer who would be required to pay instalments to the person.
Effect of election by employer to pay instalments
             (2)  Paragraphs (1)(b) and (c) do not apply in relation to a person if:
                     (a)  the person’s employer has made an election under section 109 that applies to the person; and
                     (b)  the person has consented in the claim to the employer paying instalments to the person.
When must employer determination be made
             (3)  The Secretary must not make an employer determination for a person and the person’s employer unless:
                     (a)  the Secretary is satisfied as referred to in subsection (1); and
                     (b)  the employer determination is made on or before the day on which the payability determination referred to in paragraph (1)(a) is made.
Note:          See section 106 for when the Secretary may, despite this subsection, make an employer determination for a person and the person’s employer after the day referred to in paragraph (b).
When Secretary may decide not to make employer determination
             (4)  Despite subsection (1), the Secretary may decide not to make an employer determination for a person and the person’s employer if the Secretary is satisfied of all or any of the following:
                     (a)  the person’s PPL period has ended;
                     (b)  the person is a tertiary claimant;
                     (c)  the child in relation to whom parental leave pay is payable to the person is stillborn or has died;
                     (d)  both of the following apply:
                              (i)  a primary claimant owes a debt to the Commonwealth in relation to amounts paid to, or in relation to, the primary claimant by way of instalments for a child;
                             (ii)  the person is a secondary claimant for parental leave pay for the same child;
                     (e)  the employer is not a fit and proper person.
Matters relevant to whether employer is a fit and proper person
             (5)  The Secretary may take into account the following matters in determining whether an employer is a fit and proper person:
                     (a)  whether the employer is insolvent;
                     (b)  whether the employer has, or is alleged to have, contravened a civil penalty provision of this Act;
                     (c)  whether a matter relating to a contravention of section 70 or Part 3‑2 (which deal with unauthorised deductions and payment of instalments by an employer) by the employer has been referred to the Fair Work Ombudsman under section 143;
                     (d)  subject to Part VIIC of the Crimes Act 1914, whether the employer has, or is alleged to have, contravened a provision of an industrial law (within the meaning of the Fair Work Act);
                     (e)  subject to Part VIIC of the Crimes Act 1914, whether the employer has been convicted of an offence against this Act, or a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory that involves:
                              (i)  fraud or dishonesty; or
                             (ii)  the misapplication of money; or
                            (iii)  the management of the affairs of a body (whether or not incorporated);
                      (f)  any other matter the Secretary considers relevant.
Note:          Part VIIC of the Crimes Act 1914 includes provisions that, in certain circumstances, relieve persons from the requirement to disclose spent convictions and require persons aware of such convictions to disregard them.
Secretary may assume state of affairs will not change
             (6)  In deciding whether to make a determination under this section, the Secretary may act on the assumption that the state of affairs known to the Secretary when making the determination will remain unchanged.
102  Secretary must give notice of employer determination
             (1)  If the Secretary makes an employer determination for a person and the person’s employer, the Secretary must give the employer and the person a written notice advising them that the determination has been made.
Notice given to person
             (2)  The notice given to the person must contain the name of the employer and any information prescribed by the PPL rules.
Notice given to employer
             (3)  The notice given to the employer must contain the following information:
                     (a)  the name of the person;
                     (b)  whether the Secretary has made a payability determination that parental leave pay is payable to the person;
                     (c)  if the Secretary has made such a payability determination for the person—the person’s PPL period;
                     (d)  if the Secretary has not made such a payability determination for the person—the period the Secretary expects to specify as the person’s PPL period if he or she were to make such a payability determination for the person;
                     (e)  in any case—any information prescribed by the PPL rules.
             (4)  The notice given to the employer must also be dated. The date of the notice must be the date the preparation of the notice was completed.
Decision not to make employer determination—notice to person
             (5)  If the Secretary decides not to make an employer determination for a person, the Secretary must give the person a written notice advising the person of that decision. The notice must contain any information prescribed by the PPL rules.
103  Employer must respond to notice of employer determination
                   Within 14 days after the date of the notice given under section 102, the employer must do one of the following:
                     (a)  give the Secretary a written notice (the acceptance notice) that complies with section 104;
                     (b)  apply for a review of the employer determination under Part 5‑1 or 5‑2.
Note:          This section is a civil penalty provision (see section 146).
104  Requirements for an acceptance notice
Acceptance of obligation to pay instalments
             (1)  The acceptance notice must contain a declaration to the effect that the employer accepts the employer’s obligation to pay instalments to the person.
Bank account information
             (2)  The acceptance notice must contain the following information (bank account information) about an account held and maintained by the employer with a financial institution into which PPL funding amounts can be paid:
                     (a)  the account number;
                     (b)  the BSB number of the account;
                     (c)  the name in which the account is held;
                     (d)  the name of the financial institution.
Pay cycle information
             (3)  The acceptance notice must contain the following information (pay cycle information) for the person:
                     (a)  the person’s instalment period;
                     (b)  the first day of the first instalment period for the person that overlaps with:
                              (i)  if the Secretary has made a payability determination that parental leave pay is payable to the person—the person’s PPL period; or
                             (ii)  if the Secretary has not made such a payability determination for the person—the person’s expected PPL period referred to in paragraph 102(3)(d);
                     (c)  in any case—the payday and the payroll cut‑off for an instalment that would be payable for the instalment period referred to in paragraph (b) of this subsection.
PPL rules may specify additional information
             (4)  The acceptance notice must also contain any information prescribed by the PPL rules.
Employer may confirm bank account information in election
             (5)  Subsection (2) does not apply if:
                     (a)  the person’s employer has made an election under section 109 that applies to the person; and
                     (b)  the acceptance notice contains a declaration to the effect that the employer’s bank account information given in the notice under subsection 109(1) is correct in relation to the person.
105  Giving bank account and pay cycle information etc. after review
             (1)  This section applies if:
                     (a)  an employer applies for review under Part 5‑1 or 5‑2, or to a court for judicial review, in relation to an employer determination made for a person and the employer; and
                     (b)  either of the following events happens:
                              (i)  the employer withdraws the application;
                             (ii)  the employer determination has not been set aside or quashed and is no longer subject to review; and
                     (c)  the person’s PPL period has not ended.
             (2)  The Secretary must, as soon as practicable after becoming aware that the event referred to in paragraph (1)(b) has happened, give the employer a written notice requiring the employer to give the Secretary a written notice containing the following information:
                     (a)  the employer’s bank account information;
                     (b)  the pay cycle information for the person;
                     (c)  any information prescribed by the PPL rules.
             (3)  The employer must give the notice within 14 days of the date of the notice given by the Secretary.
Note:          This subsection is a civil penalty provision (see section 146).
106  Effect of decision on review that parental leave pay is payable
                   The Secretary may, despite subsection 101(3), make an employer determination for a person and the person’s employer, if:
                     (a)  a decision is made that has the effect that parental leave pay is not payable to the person (whether or not the decision is a payability determination to that effect); and
                     (b)  a later decision is made that has the effect that a payability determination that parental leave pay is payable to the person comes into force; and
                     (c)  the Secretary is satisfied, when making the employer determination, of the matters referred to in the applicable paragraphs of subsection 101(1) in relation to the person and the employer.
 
Division 3—When an employer determination is in force
107  When an employer determination comes into force
             (1)  An employer determination comes into force for a person and the person’s employer as set out in subsection (2) or (3). Otherwise, the employer determination does not come into force at all.
Employer gives acceptance notice
             (2)  If the employer gives the Secretary an acceptance notice for the person in accordance with section 103 or a compliance notice given under section 157, the employer determination comes into force on the day the Secretary receives the acceptance notice.
Employer gives bank account and pay cycle information after review of employer determination
             (3)  If:
                     (a)  the employer gives a notice to the Secretary in accordance with section 105 (which deals with giving bank account and pay cycle information etc. after a review) in relation to the person; and
                     (b)  the person’s PPL period has not ended by the day the Secretary receives the notice;
the employer determination comes into force on the day the Secretary receives the notice.
             (4)  An employer determination stays in force unless it is revoked.
108  Revocation of an employer determination
When Secretary is required to revoke employer determination
             (1)  The Secretary must revoke an employer determination made for a person and the person’s employer if the Secretary is satisfied of a matter referred to in column 1 of an item in the following table. The revocation comes into force on the day referred to in column 2 of that item:
 
Revocation of employer determination

Item
Column 1
Matter of which Secretary must be satisfied
Column 2
Day revocation comes into force

1
A condition for making the employer determination was not satisfied when the determination was made.
The day of the revocation.

2
The employer has not given an acceptance notice for the person as required by a compliance notice given for a contravention of section 103.
The day of the revocation.

3
A decision is made that has the effect that parental leave pay is not payable to the person (whether or not the decision is a payability determination to that effect).
The day of the decision.

4
The person has ceased to be employed by the employer.
The day the person ceased to be employed by the employer.

5
The employer is insolvent.
The day the employer became insolvent.

6
The Fair Work Ombudsman has notified the Secretary that the employer has not complied with a compliance notice given for a contravention of section 70, 72 or 74 (which deal with unauthorised deductions and payment of instalments by an employer) that relates to the person.
The day of the revocation.

 
When Secretary may revoke employer determination
             (2)  The Secretary may revoke an employer determination made for a person and the person’s employer if the Secretary is satisfied of any of the following:
                     (a)  the employer is not a fit and proper person;
                     (b)  the child in relation to whom parental leave pay is payable to the person is stillborn or has died;
                     (c)  for any other reason, it is appropriate to revoke the employer determination.
             (3)  In determining whether the employer is not a fit and proper person for the purposes of paragraph (2)(a), the Secretary may take into account the matters referred to in paragraphs 101(5)(a) to (f).
             (4)  If the Secretary revokes the employer determination under subsection (2), the revocation comes into force on the day of the revocation.
Notice of revocation to person and employer
             (5)  If the Secretary revokes an employer determination for a person and the person’s employer, the Secretary must give them a written notice advising them of that decision. The notice must contain any information prescribed by the PPL rules.
Notice of revocation to SSAT
             (6)  If, when the Secretary revokes an employer determination:
                     (a)  an application has been made to the SSAT for review in relation to the employer determination; and
                     (b)  the SSAT has not determined the review;
the Secretary must give the Principal Member written notice of the revocation.
 
Division 4—Election by employer to pay instalments
109  Election by employer to pay instalments
             (1)  An employer may elect to pay instalments to one or more employees of the employer by giving the Secretary a notice in accordance with subsections (2) and (3).
Requirements for elections
             (2)  The notice must:
                     (a)  be in the approved form; and
                     (b)  contain the employer’s bank account information.
             (3)  An election under subsection (1) must be expressed to apply in relation to:
                     (a)  one or more specified employees of the employer; or
                     (b)  one or more specified classes of employee of the employer; or
                     (c)  all employees of the employer.
110  Employer may withdraw an election
             (1)  The employer may, at any time, withdraw an election by notice given to the Secretary in the form approved by the Secretary.
             (2)  However, a withdrawal does not affect an employer determination that has already been made.
111  Secretary may cancel an election
             (1)  The Secretary may cancel an election if the Secretary is satisfied that the employer is not a fit and proper person, and for this purpose may take into account the matters referred to in paragraphs 101(5)(a) to (f).
             (2)  However, a cancellation does not affect an employer determination that has already been made.
Note:          The Secretary may revoke an employer determination that has already been made for the employer and a person under subsection 108(2).
             (3)  If the Secretary cancels an election, the Secretary must give the employer a written notice advising the employer of that decision. The notice must contain any information prescribed by the PPL rules.
112  When an election is in force
                   An election remains in force from the time it is received by the Secretary until one of the following occurs:
                     (a)  if paragraph 109(3)(a) applies—the PPL period for each specified employee ends;
                     (b)  the Secretary receives notice under section 110 that the election has been withdrawn;
                     (c)  the election is cancelled under section 111.
 
Division 5—Notice of decisions
113  Notice of outcome of a payability determination
             (1)  This section applies if:
                     (a)  the Secretary has made an employer determination for a person and the person’s employer; and
                     (b)  after the employer determination was made, the Secretary makes a payability determination.
             (2)  The Secretary must give the employer a written notice stating:
                     (a)  whether parental leave pay is payable to the person; and
                     (b)  if parental leave pay is payable—the person’s PPL period; and
                     (c)  in any case—any information prescribed by the PPL rules.
Note:          If the Secretary determines that parental leave pay is not payable to the person, the Secretary must revoke the employer determination (see subsection 108(1)).
             (3)  However, the Secretary need not give the notice if the Secretary had previously revoked the employer determination.
114  Notice of varying, setting aside etc. payability determination
             (1)  This section applies if:
                     (a)  the Secretary has made an employer determination for a person and the person’s employer; and
                     (b)  a decision is made to vary, set aside or revoke a payability determination (the original payability determination) that parental leave pay is payable to the person.
             (2)  The Secretary must give the employer a written notice stating:
                     (a)  the effect of the decision referred to in paragraph (1)(b); and
                     (b)  if the effect of the decision is that the person has a different PPL period to that specified in the original payability determination—that different PPL period; and
                     (c)  in any case—any other information prescribed by the PPL rules.
             (3)  However, the Secretary need not give the notice if the Secretary had previously revoked the employer determination.
115  Notice of other decisions
                   The PPL rules may provide for the Secretary, in particular circumstances, to give a person a notice containing the information prescribed by the PPL rules in relation to those circumstances, if this Chapter does not otherwise provide for the Secretary to give the person a notice in those circumstances.
 
Chapter 4—Compliance and enforcement
Part 4‑1—Information gathering
Division 1—Guide to this Part
116  Guide to this Part
This Part allows the Secretary to gather information for the purposes of checking compliance with this Act.
Subdivision A of Division 2 allows the Secretary to require a person to give certain information or produce certain documents that are relevant to this Act.
Subdivision B of Division 2 deals with tax file numbers and the purposes for which tax file numbers may be used.
Subdivision C of Division 2 imposes an obligation on a person to whom instalments of parental leave pay are payable to notify the Secretary of a change of circumstances.
Division 3 deals with the confidentiality of personal and protected information.
Division 4 contains rules relating to offences against Parts 7.3 and 7.4 of the Criminal Code (which deal with fraudulent conduct and false and misleading statements) in relation to this Act.
 
Division 2—Information gathering
Subdivision A—Gathering information from any person
117  General power to obtain information
                   The Secretary may require a person to give information, or produce a document that is in the person’s custody or under the person’s control, to a specified agency if the Secretary considers that the information or document may be relevant to one or more of the following:
                     (a)  determining whether a person who has made an effective claim for parental leave pay is or was eligible for parental leave pay, or is or was initially eligible for parental leave pay;
                     (b)  determining whether parental leave pay is or was payable to a person;
                     (c)  determining who should pay instalments of parental leave pay to a person;
                     (d)  ensuring the Secretary can pay instalments of parental leave pay into the bank account of a person to whom instalments of parental leave pay are payable;
                     (e)  determining whether to make an employer determination, or whether an employer determination should have been made;
                      (f)  determining whether PPL funding amounts are or were payable to a person;
                     (g)  ensuring that an employer complies or has complied with its obligations under this Act.
Note:          The agency specified must be a PPL agency (see subsection 120(4)).
118  Power to obtain information from a person who owes a debt to the Commonwealth
                   The Secretary may require a person who owes a debt to the Commonwealth under or because of this Act:
                     (a)  either to:
                              (i)  give to a specified agency information that is relevant to the person’s financial situation; or
                             (ii)  produce to a specified agency a document that is in the person’s custody or under the person’s control and is relevant to the person’s financial situation; and
                     (b)  if the person’s address changes—to inform the specified agency of the new address within 14 days after the change.
Note:          The agency specified must be a PPL agency (see subsection 120(4)).
119  Obtaining information about a person who owes a debt to the Commonwealth
                   If the Secretary believes that a person may have information or a document:
                     (a)  that would help a specified agency locate another person (the debtor) who owes a debt to the Commonwealth under or because of this Act; or
                     (b)  that is relevant to the debtor’s financial situation;
the Secretary may require the person to give the information, or produce the document, to the specified agency.
Note:          The agency specified must be a PPL agency (see subsection 120(4)).
120  Written notice of requirement
Notice to be in writing
             (1)  A requirement under this Subdivision must be made by written notice given to the person of whom the requirement is made.
Contents of notice
             (2)  The notice:
                     (a)  may be given personally or by post or in any other manner approved by the Secretary; and
                     (b)  must specify:
                              (i)  how the person is to give the information or produce the document to which the requirement relates; and
                             (ii)  the period within which the person is to give the information or produce the document; and
                            (iii)  the agency, and the officer (if any), to whom the information is to be given or the document is to be produced; and
                            (iv)  that the notice is given under this section.
             (3)  The period specified under subparagraph (2)(b)(ii) must not end earlier than 14 days after the day the notice is given.
             (4)  For the purposes of subparagraph (2)(b)(iii), the Secretary must specify a PPL agency.
Requirement to attend interview
             (5)  The notice may require the person to give the information by appearing before a specified officer to answer questions.
             (6)  If the notice requires the person to appear before an officer, the notice must specify a time and place at which the person is to appear. The time must be at least 14 days after the day the notice is given.
121  Obligations not affected by State or Territory laws
                   Nothing contained in a law of a State or a Territory operates to prevent a person from:
                     (a)  giving information; or
                     (b)  producing a document; or
                     (c)  giving evidence;
that the person is required to give or produce to a specified agency or an officer for the purposes of this Act.
122  Offence—failure to comply with requirement
             (1)  A person commits an offence if:
                     (a)  the person is required under this Subdivision (other than under paragraph 117(d) (which deals with information about bank accounts)) to give information or produce a document; and
                     (b)  the person refuses or fails to comply with the requirement.
Penalty:  Imprisonment for 6 months.
             (2)  Subsection (1) does not apply if the person has a reasonable excuse.
Note:          A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).
Subdivision B—Gathering information relating to tax file numbers
123  Secretary may require Commissioner of Taxation to provide tax file numbers etc.
                   The Secretary may require the Commissioner of Taxation to provide the Secretary with information (including a tax file number) that is:
                     (a)  about a person who has made an effective claim for parental leave pay; and
                     (b)  relevant to the claim; and
                     (c)  contained in a TFN declaration lodged with the Commissioner under Division 3 of Part VA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936.
124  Purposes for which tax file numbers may be used
             (1)  Subsection (2) applies to the tax file number of a person that is provided to the Secretary:
                     (a)  under a provision of this Act, for the purposes of this Act:
                              (i)  by the person; or
                             (ii)  by the partner of the person; or
                            (iii)  by the Commissioner of Taxation on the authority of the person; or
                     (b)  by the Commissioner of Taxation under section 123.
             (2)  A tax file number provided to the Secretary as referred to in subsection (1) may be used only for the following purposes:
                     (a)  to detect cases in which instalments of parental leave pay have been paid when they should not have been paid;
                     (b)  to verify, in relation to persons who have made effective claims for parental leave pay, the eligibility of those persons for that pay.
Subdivision C—Obligation to notify of change of circumstances
125  Obligation to notify of change of circumstances
             (1)  This section requires a person to notify the Secretary of certain things if:
                     (a)  the person makes an effective claim for parental leave pay; and
                     (b)  the Secretary does not make a payability determination that parental leave pay is not payable to the person.
             (2)  The person must notify the Secretary of the following things:
                     (a)  anything that causes the person to cease to be eligible for parental leave pay on a day;
                     (b)  anything that is likely to have the effect described in paragraph (a).
             (3)  The person must notify the Secretary, in the manner set out in a written notice given to the person under subsection (5), as soon as practicable after the person becomes aware that the thing has happened or is likely to happen.
             (4)  The Secretary must approve a manner of notification that a person must use when notifying the Secretary of a thing under this section.
             (5)  The Secretary must, by written notice, notify the person of the approved manner of notification.
             (6)  A person commits an offence if:
                     (a)  the person is required to notify the Secretary of a thing under this section; and
                     (b)  the person refuses or fails to comply with the requirement.
Penalty for contravention of this subsection:        Imprisonment for 6 months.
 
Division 3—Confidentiality
126  Operation of Division
             (1)  Nothing in this Division prevents a person from disclosing information to another person if the information is disclosed for the purposes of:
                     (a)  the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989; or
                     (b)  the Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988.
             (2)  The provisions of this Division that relate to the disclosure of information do not affect the operation of the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
127  Obtaining and using protected information
Obtaining protected information
             (1)  A person may obtain protected information if the information is obtained for the purposes of this Act.
Using protected information
             (2)  A person may:
                     (a)  make a record of protected information; or
                     (b)  disclose such information to any person; or
                     (c)  otherwise use such information;
if the record, disclosure or use of the information by the person is made:
                     (d)  for the purposes of this Act; or
                     (e)  for the purposes for which the information was disclosed to the person under section 128; or
                      (f)  with the express or implied authorisation of the person to whom the information relates.
128  Disclosing personal information
             (1)  Despite sections 129 to 132, the Secretary may disclose information acquired by an officer in the exercise of the officer’s powers, or the performance of the officer’s duties or functions, under this Act:
                     (a)  to such persons and for such purposes as the Secretary determines, if the Secretary certifies that it is necessary in the public interest to do so in a particular case or class of cases; or
                     (b)  to an Agency Head for the purposes of that Agency (within the meaning of the Public Service Act 1999), but only if the disclosure of the information is required by a law of the Commonwealth; or
                     (c)  to a person who is expressly or impliedly authorised by the person to whom the information relates to obtain it; or
                     (d)  to the Minister for the purposes of assisting the Minister to consider a complaint or issue in relation to a matter arising under this Act if the Secretary reasonably believes that the disclosure is likely to assist the Minister; or
                     (e)  to an SES employee, or an APS employee, in the Department, for the purposes of briefing, or considering briefing, the Minister if the Secretary reasonably believes the disclosure is likely to assist the Minister to consider a complaint or issue in relation to a matter arising under this Act.
Note:          Information disclosed under this section must also be dealt with in accordance with section 14 of the Privacy Act 1988.
             (2)  In giving certificates for the purposes of paragraph (1)(a), the Secretary must act in accordance with guidelines (if any) from time to time in force under subsection (4).
             (3)  In disclosing information under paragraph (1)(b), the Secretary must act in accordance with guidelines (if any) from time to time in force under subsection (4).
             (4)  The Minister may, in the PPL rules, make guidelines for the exercise of either or both of the following:
                     (a)  the Secretary’s power to give certificates for the purposes of paragraph (1)(a);
                     (b)  the Secretary’s power under paragraph (1)(b).
             (5)  If a determination or certificate under paragraph (1)(a) is made or given in writing, the determination or certificate is not a legislative instrument.
             (6)  Despite any other provision of this Part, the Secretary may disclose information of a kind referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of the definition of protected information in section 6 that relates to a principal to the principal’s payment nominee or correspondence nominee.
129  Offence—unauthorised access to protected information
                   A person commits an offence if:
                     (a)  the person obtains information; and
                     (b)  the person is not authorised under this Act to obtain the information; and
                     (c)  the information is protected information.
Penalty:  Imprisonment for 2 years.
130  Offence—unauthorised use of protected information
                   A person commits an offence if:
                     (a)  the person:
                              (i)  makes a record of information; or
                             (ii)  discloses information to any other person; or
                            (iii)  otherwise makes use of information; and
                     (b)  the person is not authorised or required under this Act to make that record, disclosure or use of the information; and
                     (c)  the information is protected information.
Penalty:  Imprisonment for 2 years.
131  Offence—soliciting disclosure of protected information
             (1)  A person commits an offence if:
                     (a)  the person solicits the disclosure of protected information from an officer or another person; and
                     (b)  the disclosure would be in contravention of this Subdivision; and
                     (c)  the information is protected information.
Penalty:  Imprisonment for 2 years.
             (2)  A person may commit an offence under subsection (1) whether or not any protected information is actually disclosed.
132  Offence—offering to supply protected information
             (1)  A person commits an offence if:
                     (a)  the person offers to supply (whether to a particular person or otherwise) information about another person; and
                     (b)  the information is protected information.
Penalty:  Imprisonment for 2 years.
             (2)  A person commits an offence if:
                     (a)  the person holds himself or herself out as being able to supply (whether to a particular person or otherwise) information about another person; and
                     (b)  the information is protected information.
Penalty:  Imprisonment for 2 years.
             (3)  Nothing in subsection (1) or (2) makes an officer acting in the performance or exercise of his or her powers, duties or functions under this Act guilty of an offence.
 
Division 4—Offences against Parts 7.3 and 7.4 of the Criminal Code
133  Repayment of instalment of parental leave pay or PPL funding amount
             (1)  If a person is convicted of an offence against Part 7.3 or 7.4 of the Criminal Code in relation to this Act, the court may:
                     (a)  impose a penalty in relation to the offence; and
                     (b)  order the person to pay the Commonwealth an amount equal to any amount:
                              (i)  paid to, or in relation to, the person by way of an instalment of parental leave pay because of the act, failure or omission that constituted the offence; or
                             (ii)  paid to the person by way of a PPL funding amount because of the act, failure or omission that constituted the offence.
Note:          The Secretary and a court may give a certificate in relation to the amount referred to in paragraph (1)(b) (see sections 138 and 139).
             (2)  Despite anything in this Act or any other law, a person is not to be imprisoned for failing to pay an amount payable to the Commonwealth under paragraph (1)(b).
134  Penalty where person convicted of more than one offence
             (1)  If a person is convicted of more than one offence against Part 7.3 or 7.4 of the Criminal Code in relation to this Act, the court may, if it considers it appropriate, impose one penalty for all the offences.
             (2)  However, a single penalty imposed under subsection (1) must not be more than the sum of the maximum penalties that could be imposed if a separate penalty were imposed for each offence.
135  Joining of charges
                   Charges against the same person for a number of offences against Part 7.3 or 7.4 of the Criminal Code in relation to this Act may be joined in one complaint, information or declaration if those charges:
                     (a)  are founded on the same facts; or
                     (b)  form a series of offences of the same or a similar character; or
                     (c)  are part of a series of offences of the same or a similar character.
136  Particulars of each offence
                   If 2 or more charges are included in the same complaint, information or declaration, particulars of each offence charged are to be set out in a separate paragraph.
137  Trial of joined charges
                   If charges are joined, the charges are to be tried together unless:
                     (a)  the court considers it just that any charge should be tried separately; and
                     (b)  the court makes an order to that effect.
138  Evidentiary effect of Secretary’s certificate
             (1)  For the purposes of paragraph 133(1)(b), a certificate signed by the Secretary is evidence of the matters specified in the certificate.
             (2)  The certificate may specify:
                     (a)  the person to whom an instalment of parental leave pay or a PPL funding amount has been paid because of an act, a failure or an omission for which the person or another person has been convicted of an offence against Part 7.3 or 7.4 of the Criminal Code; and
                     (b)  the amount paid; and
                     (c)  the act, failure or omission that caused the amount to be paid.
139  Enforcement of court certificate as judgment
                   If:
                     (a)  a court makes an order under paragraph 133(1)(b); and
                     (b)  the clerk or other appropriate officer of the court gives a certificate specifying:
                              (i)  the amount ordered to be paid to the Commonwealth; and
                             (ii)  the person by whom the amount is to be paid; and
                     (c)  the certificate is filed in a court (which may be the court that made the order) that has civil jurisdiction to the extent of the amount to be paid;
the certificate is enforceable in all respects as a final judgment of the court in which the certificate is filed.
 
Part 4‑2—Compliance
Division 1—Guide to this Part
140  Guide to this Part
This Part deals with compliance with this Act.
Division 2 allows the Secretary to refer matters to the Fair Work Ombudsman for investigation if the Secretary has reason to believe that an employer has not complied with certain obligations under this Act.
Division 3 deals with civil penalty provisions. These provisions impose obligations on certain persons. Civil penalty orders may be sought in relation to contraventions of civil penalty provisions.
Division 4 deals with compliance notices. A compliance notice can be given to a person who has contravened a civil penalty provision, requiring the person to rectify the contravention.
Division 5 deals with infringement notices. A person who is given an infringement notice can choose to pay a penalty. If the penalty is not paid, a civil penalty order may be sought in relation to the person.
 
Division 2—Referring matters to the Fair Work Ombudsman
141  Functions of the Fair Work Ombudsman
                   The Fair Work Ombudsman has the following functions:
                     (a)  to inquire into, and investigate, any matter referred to the Fair Work Ombudsman under section 143;
                     (b)  to commence proceedings in a court in relation to a contravention of section 70 (which deals with unauthorised deductions from instalments) or Part 3‑2 (which deals with payment of instalments by an employer);
                     (c)  any other function that is incidental to the function referred to in paragraph (a) or (b).
142  Exercise of compliance powers
             (1)  A Fair Work Inspector may exercise compliance powers (within the meaning of the Fair Work Act) (other than a power under section 715 or 716 of that Act) for the purpose of determining whether the following provisions of this Act are being, or have been, complied with:
                     (a)  section 70 (which deals with unauthorised deductions from instalments);
                     (b)  Part 3‑2 (which deals with payment of instalments by an employer).
             (2)  For the purposes of the Fair Work Act:
                     (a)  the purpose referred to in subsection (1) of this section is taken to be a compliance purpose; and
                     (b)  a civil penalty provision under section 70 (which deals with unauthorised deductions from instalments) or Part 3‑2 of this Act (which deals with payment of instalments by an employer) is taken to be a civil remedy provision.
143  Referring matters to the Fair Work Ombudsman
             (1)  The Secretary may refer a matter to the Fair Work Ombudsman for investigation if:
                     (a)  the Secretary has reason to believe that an employer has not complied with an obligation under section 70 (which deals with unauthorised deductions from instalments) or Part 3‑2 (which deals with payment of instalments by an employer) in relation to a person; and
                     (b)  the Secretary does not believe that the employer and the person are able to resolve the matter themselves.
             (2)  The Secretary must inform the employer and the person, in writing, if the Secretary refers the matter to the Fair Work Ombudsman.
             (3)  The Secretary must give the Fair Work Ombudsman the following information:
                     (a)  if the contravention is in relation to section 70, 72 or 74:
                              (i)  the day on which the Secretary paid a PPL funding amount to the employer for the person; and
                             (ii)  a copy of the notice given to the employer under section 77 in relation to the PPL funding amount;
                     (b)  in any case—any action taken or information obtained by the Secretary in relation to the matter.
144  Fair Work Ombudsman to notify of outcome of investigation
                   The Fair Work Ombudsman must, as soon as practicable after completing an investigation referred by the Secretary under section 143, notify the Secretary, in writing, of the outcome of the investigation.
Note:          If the Fair Work Ombudsman gives a compliance notice, the Fair Work Ombudsman must also notify the Secretary of the outcome of the compliance notice (see section 158).
 
Division 3—Civil penalty orders
145  Involvement in contravention treated in same way as actual contravention
             (1)  A person who is involved in a contravention of a civil penalty provision is taken to have contravened that provision.
             (2)  A person is involved in a contravention of a civil penalty provision if, and only if, the person:
                     (a)  has aided, abetted, counselled or procured the contravention; or
                     (b)  has induced the contravention, whether by threats or promises or otherwise; or
                     (c)  has been in any way, by act or omission, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in or party to the contravention; or
                     (d)  has conspired with others to effect the contravention.
146  Civil penalty provisions
                   A provision referred to in column 1 of an item in the table is a civil penalty provision.
 
Civil penalty provisions

Item
Column 1
Civil penalty provision
Column 2
Maximum penalty

1
Subsection 70(2)
60 penalty units

2
Subsection 72(1)
60 penalty units

3
Subsection 72(2)
60 penalty units

4
Subsection 72(3)
60 penalty units

5
Section 74
60 penalty units

6
Section 80
30 penalty units

7
Subsection 81(1)
30 penalty units

8
Subsection 81(2)
30 penalty units

9
Subsection 82(2)
60 penalty units

10
Section 103
60 penalty units

11
Subsection 105(3)
60 penalty units

12
Subsection 157(4) (in relation to a contravention of a compliance notice given in relation to a contravention of section 80 or subsection 81(1) or (2))
30 penalty units

13
Subsection 157(4) (in relation to a contravention of a compliance notice given in relation to any other civil penalty provision)
60 penalty units

 
147  Civil penalty orders
             (1)  If the Federal Court or the Federal Magistrates Court is satisfied that a person has contravened one or more civil penalty provisions, the court may, on the application of the Secretary or the Fair Work Ombudsman, order the person to pay to the Commonwealth such pecuniary penalty, in relation to each contravention, as the court determines to be appropriate.
Note:          Subsection (3) sets out the maximum penalty that the court may order the person to pay.
             (2)  An order under subsection (1) is a civil penalty order.
Determining pecuniary penalty
             (3)  The pecuniary penalty must not be more than:
                     (a)  if the person is a body corporate—5 times the maximum number of penalty units referred to in the relevant item in column 2 of the table in section 146; and
                     (b)  otherwise—the maximum number of penalty units referred to in the relevant item in column 2 of the table in section 146.
             (4)  In determining the pecuniary penalty, the court must take into account all relevant matters, including:
                     (a)  the nature and extent of the contravention; and
                     (b)  the nature and extent of any loss or damage suffered because of the contravention; and
                     (c)  the circumstances in which the contravention took place; and
                     (d)  whether the person has previously been found by a court in proceedings under this Act to have engaged in any similar conduct; and
                     (e)  the likely impact of the penalty on the person.
Civil enforcement of penalty
             (5)  The pecuniary penalty is a civil debt payable to the Commonwealth.
             (6)  The Commonwealth may enforce a civil penalty order as if it were an order made in civil proceedings against the person to recover a debt due by the person. The debt arising from the order is taken to be a judgment debt.
148  Proceedings may be heard together
                   The Federal Court or the Federal Magistrates Court may direct that 2 or more proceedings for civil penalty orders are to be heard together.
149  Time limit for application for an order
                   Proceedings for a civil penalty order may be commenced no later than 4 years after the contravention.
150  Civil evidence and procedure rules for civil penalty orders
                   The Federal Court or the Federal Magistrates Court must apply the rules of evidence and procedure for civil matters when hearing proceedings for a civil penalty order.
151  Conduct contravening more than one civil penalty provision
             (1)  If conduct constitutes a contravention of 2 or more civil penalty provisions, proceedings may be instituted under this Act against a person in relation to the contravention of any one or more of those provisions.
             (2)  However, the person is not liable to more than one pecuniary penalty under this Act in relation to the same conduct.
152  Civil proceedings after criminal proceedings
                   Neither the Federal Court nor the Federal Magistrates Court may make a civil penalty order against a person for a contravention of a civil penalty provision if the person has been convicted of an offence constituted by conduct that is substantially the same as the conduct constituting the contravention.
153  Criminal proceedings during civil proceedings
             (1)  Proceedings for a civil penalty order against a person for a contravention of a civil penalty provision are stayed if:
                     (a)  criminal proceedings are commenced or have already been commenced against the person for an offence; and
                     (b)  the offence is constituted by conduct that is the same, or substantially the same, as the conduct alleged to constitute the contravention.
             (2)  The proceedings for the order (the civil proceedings) may be resumed if the person is not convicted of the offence. Otherwise:
                     (a)  the civil proceedings are dismissed; and
                     (b)  costs must not be awarded in relation to the civil proceedings.
154  Criminal proceedings after civil proceedings
                   Criminal proceedings may be commenced against a person for conduct that is substantially the same as conduct constituting a contravention of a civil penalty provision regardless of whether a civil penalty order has been made against the person.
155  Evidence given in proceedings for penalty not admissible in criminal proceedings
             (1)  Evidence of information given or evidence of production of documents by a natural person is not admissible in criminal proceedings against the person if:
                     (a)  the person previously gave the evidence or produced the documents in proceedings for a civil penalty order against the person for a contravention of a civil penalty provision (whether or not the order was made); and
                     (b)  the conduct alleged to constitute the offence is the same, or substantially the same, as the conduct alleged to constitute the contravention.
             (2)  However, subsection (1) does not apply to criminal proceedings in relation to the falsity of the evidence given by the person in the proceedings for the civil penalty order.
156  Requirement for person to assist in applications for civil penalty orders
             (1)  A person commits an offence if:
                     (a)  the Secretary requests, in writing, the person to give all reasonable assistance in connection with an application for a civil penalty order; and
                     (b)  the person fails to comply with the request.
Penalty:  10 penalty units.
Note:          This section does not abrogate or affect the law relating to legal professional privilege, or any other immunity, privilege or restriction that applies to the disclosure of information, documents or other things.
             (2)  A request under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.
             (3)  The Secretary can request a person to assist under subsection (1) only if:
                     (a)  it appears to the Secretary that the person is unlikely to have:
                              (i)  contravened the civil penalty provision to which the application relates; or
                             (ii)  committed an offence constituted by the same, or substantially the same, conduct as the conduct to which the application relates; and
                     (b)  the Secretary suspects or believes that the person can give information relevant to the application.
             (4)  The Secretary cannot request a person to assist under subsection (1) if the person is or has been a lawyer for the person suspected of contravening the civil penalty provision to which the application relates.
             (5)  The Federal Court or the Federal Magistrates Court may order a person to comply with a request under subsection (1) in a specified way. Only the Secretary may apply to the court for an order under this subsection.
             (6)  For the purposes of this section, it does not matter whether the application for the civil penalty order has actually been made.
 
Division 4—Compliance notices
157  Giving a compliance notice
Compliance notice given by Secretary
             (1)  This section applies if the Secretary reasonably believes that a person has contravened one or more of the following provisions:
                     (a)  subsection 82(2) (which deals with notifying the Secretary if certain events happen);
                     (b)  section 103 (which deals with responding to an employer determination);
                     (c)  subsection 105(3) (which deals with giving bank account and pay cycle information etc. after a review).
Compliance notice given by Fair Work Ombudsman
             (2)  This section also applies if the Fair Work Ombudsman reasonably believes that a person has contravened one or more of the following provisions:
                     (a)  subsection 70(2) (which deals with unauthorised deductions from instalments);
                     (b)  subsection 72(1), (2) or (3) (which deals with when an employer pays instalments);
                     (c)  section 74 (which deals with the method of payment of instalments payable by an employer);
                     (d)  section 80 (which deals with giving a person a record of payment);
                     (e)  subsection 81(1) or (2) (which deals with keeping records).
Requirements of a compliance notice
             (3)  The Secretary or the Fair Work Ombudsman may give the person a notice (a compliance notice) requiring the person to do the following within 14 days of the day on which the notice is given:
                     (a)  take the action set out in the notice to rectify the contravention;
                     (b)  produce reasonable evidence of the person’s compliance with the notice.
             (4)  A person must not fail to comply with a compliance notice.
Note:          This subsection is a civil penalty provision (see section 146).
Contents of a compliance notice
             (5)  A compliance notice must also:
                     (a)  set out the name of the person to whom the notice is given; and
                     (b)  set out the name of the person who gave the notice; and
                     (c)  set out brief details of the alleged contravention; and
                     (d)  explain that a failure to comply with the notice may contravene a civil penalty provision; and
                     (e)  set out any other matters prescribed by the PPL rules.
158  Fair Work Ombudsman to notify of outcome of compliance notice
                   If the Fair Work Ombudsman gives a compliance notice to a person, the Fair Work Ombudsman must, as soon as practicable, notify the Secretary, in writing, of the outcome of the compliance notice.
 
Division 5—Infringement notices
159  Giving an infringement notice
Infringement notice given by Secretary
             (1)  The Secretary may give a person a notice (an infringement notice) if the Secretary reasonably believes that the person has contravened one or more of the following provisions:
                     (a)  subsection 82(2) (which deals with notifying the Secretary if certain events happen);
                     (b)  section 103 (which deals with responding to an employer determination);
                     (c)  subsection 105(3) (which deals with giving bank account and pay cycle information etc. after a review);
                     (d)  subsection 157(4), in relation to a compliance notice given to the person by the Secretary.
Infringement notice given by Fair Work Ombudsman
             (2)  The Fair Work Ombudsman may give a person a notice (an infringement notice) if the Fair Work Ombudsman reasonably believes that the person has contravened one or more of the following provisions:
                     (a)  subsection 70(2) (which deals with unauthorised deductions from instalments);
                     (b)  subsection 72(1), (2) or (3) (which deals with when an employer pays instalments);
                     (c)  section 74 (which deals with the method of payment of instalments payable by an employer);
                     (d)  section 80 (which deals with giving a person a record of a payment);
                     (e)  subsection 81(1) or (2) (which deals with keeping records);
                      (f)  subsection 157(4), in relation to a compliance notice given to the person by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
When infringement notice must be given
             (3)  The infringement notice must be given within 12 months of:
                     (a)  if paragraph (1)(d) or (2)(f) applies—the day on which the 14 day period referred to in subsection 157(3) ends; and
                     (b)  otherwise—the day on which the alleged contravention occurred.
Contents of infringement notice
             (4)  An infringement notice must:
                     (a)  set out the name of the person to whom the notice is given; and
                     (b)  set out the name of the person who gave the notice; and
                     (c)  set out brief details of the contravention or alleged contravention, including:
                              (i)  the day referred to in paragraph (3)(a) or (b); and
                             (ii)  the provision of this Act that was allegedly contravened; and
                     (d)  contain a statement to the effect that the matter or matters will not be dealt with by the Federal Court or the Federal Magistrates Court if the penalty specified in the notice is paid to the Commonwealth, within:
                              (i)  28 days after the notice is given; or
                             (ii)  if the Secretary allows a longer period—that longer period; and
                     (e)  give an explanation of how payment of the penalty is to be made; and
                      (f)  set out any other matters prescribed by the PPL rules.
Amount of penalties in infringement notices
             (5)  An infringement notice that is given to a body corporate must specify a pecuniary penalty equal to:
                     (a)  in relation to a contravention of section 80 (which deals with giving a person a record of payments) or subsection 81(1) or (2) (which deals with keeping records)—15 penalty units; and
                     (b)  in relation to a contravention of a compliance notice given in relation to a contravention of section 80 or subsection 81(1) or (2)—15 penalty units; and
                     (c)  otherwise—30 penalty units.
             (6)  An infringement notice that is given to a person other than a body corporate must specify a pecuniary penalty equal to:
                     (a)  in relation to a contravention of section 80 (which deals with giving a person a record of payments) or subsection 81(1) or (2) (which deals with keeping records)—3 penalty units; and
                     (b)  in relation to a contravention of a compliance notice given in relation to a contravention of section 80 or subsection 81(1) or (2)—3 penalty units; and
                     (c)  otherwise—6 penalty units.
160  Withdrawal of an infringement notice
             (1)  The Secretary may withdraw an infringement notice that has been given to a person by the Secretary.
             (2)  The Fair Work Ombudsman may withdraw an infringement notice that has been given to a person by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
             (3)  For a withdrawal to be effective, a written notice that withdraws the infringement notice must be given to the person within 42 days after the infringement notice was given to the person.
             (4)  Despite subsection (3), a withdrawal may be effective if it is given to a person later than 42 days after an infringement notice is given to the person if the person has applied to a court for judicial review in relation to the making of an employer determination.
Refund of penalty if infringement notice withdrawn
             (5)  The Commonwealth is liable to refund the amount of the penalty specified in an infringement notice if the infringement notice is withdrawn after the penalty has been paid.
161  What happens if the penalty is paid
             (1)  Any liability of a person for an alleged civil penalty is discharged if:
                     (a)  an infringement notice is given to the person in relation to the alleged civil penalty; and
                     (b)  the penalty is paid in accordance with the infringement notice; and
                     (c)  the infringement notice is not withdrawn.
             (2)  In addition, proceedings under Division 3 must not be brought against the person for the alleged civil penalty.
162  Effect of this Division on civil proceedings
                   This Division does not:
                     (a)  require an infringement notice to be given in relation to an alleged civil penalty; or
                     (b)  affect the liability of a person to have proceedings under Division 3 brought against the person for an alleged civil penalty if:
                              (i)  the person does not comply with an infringement notice relating to the contravention; or
                             (ii)  an infringement notice relating to the contravention is not given to the person; or
                            (iii)  an infringement notice relating to the contravention is given to the person and later withdrawn; or
                     (c)  limit the discretion of the Federal Court or the Federal Magistrates Court to determine the amount of a penalty to be imposed on a person who is found in proceedings under Division 3 to have contravened a civil penalty provision.
163  Further provision in relation to infringement notices
                   The Minister may further provide in relation to infringement notices in the PPL rules.
 
Part 4‑3—Debt recovery
Division 1—Guide to this Part
164  Guide to this Part
This Part provides for debts in relation to the parental leave pay scheme, and for the recovery of debts owing to the Commonwealth.
Division 2 provides for the main debts recoverable by the Commonwealth under this Act, as follows:
(a)   overpayments or mistaken payments of parental leave pay;
(b)   PPL funding amounts for a person that are not paid to the person as parental leave pay;
(c)   parental leave pay or PPL funding amounts paid to the wrong person.
Division 3 allows an employee to recover, as a debt, parental leave pay due from his or her employer.
Division 4 deals with the procedure for raising a debt that is recoverable by the Commonwealth under this Act, and charging interest on the debt. An administrative charge of $50 is also payable if interest is charged.
Division 5 deals with how the Commonwealth can recover debts.
Division 6 allows the Secretary to write off debts. Even if a debt is written off, it can be later recovered if circumstances change.
Division 7 allows the Secretary to waive debts in various circumstances.
Division 8 provides that debts under this Act apply in relation to matters inside and outside Australia, and to all persons irrespective of nationality or citizenship.
 
Division 2—Main debts recoverable under this Act
165  Debts due to the Commonwealth
                   If an amount has been paid by way of parental leave pay or a PPL funding amount, the amount (or an amount equivalent to the amount) is a debt due to the Commonwealth only to the extent expressly provided for under:
                     (a)  this Act; or
                     (b)  the Data‑matching Program (Assistance and Tax) Act 1990.
Note:          The main debts due to the Commonwealth under this Act are provided for in this Division. Other debts due to the Commonwealth are provided for in the following provisions:
(a)    section 177 (which deals with interest);
(b)    section 179 (which imposes an administrative charge);
(c)    section 186 (which deals with non‑compliance with garnishee notices).
166  Parental leave pay instalment debts—instalments paid by employer
             (1)  This section applies if:
                     (a)  the total of amounts paid to a person (the first person) by way of PPL funding amounts in relation to instalments for another person for a child exceeds (by the PPL funding excess) the total of amounts payable to the first person as PPL funding amounts in relation to those instalments; and
                     (b)  the first person pays an amount (the employer payment) to, or in relation to, the other person for the child by way of an instalment; and
                     (c)  the total of employer payments paid for the child exceeds (by the instalment excess) the total of amounts that are payable by the first person to, or in relation to, the other person for the child as instalments under Division 2 of Part 3‑2 (which deals with the payment of instalments by employers).
Note:          Instalments may stop being payable with retrospective effect if a payability determination that parental leave is payable to the other person for the child is set aside or varied after the instalments are paid.
             (2)  An amount equal to the lesser of the PPL funding excess and the instalment excess is a debt due to the Commonwealth by the other person.
Example:    If no amounts are payable by the first person to, or in relation to, the other person for a child as instalments, the amount of the instalment excess is the total amount of the employer payments.
             (3)  The debt under subsection (2) arises:
                     (a)  if the other person has a PPL period for the child—immediately after the end of the person’s PPL period; or
                     (b)  otherwise—when subsection (1) starts to apply in relation to an employer payment.
Note 1:       The other person does not have a PPL period for the child if a payability determination that parental leave pay is payable to the other person for the child has not been made, or has been set aside. In such a case, a debt will arise as soon as there is an instalment excess.
Note 2:       This section may apply to overpayments by way of instalments or amounts that are mistakenly paid. For example, an overpayment or mistaken payment may arise due to administrative error, the setting aside or variation of a payability determination or payments following a stay order under subsection 41(2) of the AAT Act.
167  Parental leave pay instalment debts—instalments paid by Secretary
             (1)  This section applies if:
                     (a)  the Secretary pays an amount (the Secretary payment) to, or in relation to, a person for a child by way of an instalment; and
                     (b)  the total of Secretary payments paid for the child exceeds the total of amounts that are payable to, or in relation to, the person for the child as instalments under Part 3‑3 (which deals with the payment of instalments by the Secretary).
Note:          Instalments may stop being payable with retrospective effect if the payability determination is set aside or varied after the instalments are paid.
             (2)  An amount equal to the amount of the excess is a debt due to the Commonwealth by the person.
Example:    If no amounts are payable to, or in relation to, a person for a child as instalments, the amount of the excess is the total amount of the Secretary payments.
             (3)  The debt under subsection (2) arises:
                     (a)  if the person has a PPL period for the child—immediately after the end of the person’s PPL period; or
                     (b)  otherwise—when subsection (1) starts to apply in relation to a Secretary payment.
Note 1:       The person does not have a PPL period for the child if a payability determination that parental leave pay is payable to the person for the child has not been made, or has been set aside. In such a case, a debt will arise as soon as there is an excess as referred to in subsection (1).
Note 2:       This section may apply to overpayments by way of instalments or amounts that are mistakenly paid. For example, an overpayment or mistaken payment may arise due to administrative error, the setting aside or variation of a payability determination or payments following a stay order under subsection 41(2) of the AAT Act.
168  PPL funding amount debts—amounts not paid as parental leave pay instalments
             (1)  This section applies if the total of amounts paid to a person (the first person) by way of PPL funding amounts in relation to instalments for another person for a child exceeds the total of amounts paid by the first person to, or in relation to, the other person by way of such instalments for the child.
             (2)  The amount of the excess is a debt due to the Commonwealth by the first person.
Example:    If the first person has not paid any amounts by way of instalments to the other person, the amount of the excess is the total of amounts paid to the first person by way of PPL funding amounts in relation to instalments for the other person for the child.
             (3)  The debt under subsection (2) arises:
                     (a)  if the other person has a PPL period for the child—at the earlier of the following times:
                              (i)  when the Secretary pays one or more of the instalments to, or in relation to, the other person under section 85, 86 or 87 (which deal with the payment of arrears);
                             (ii)  immediately after the end of the other person’s PPL period; or
                     (b)  otherwise—when subsection (1) starts to apply in relation to an amount paid to the first person.
Note 1:       The other person does not have a PPL period for the child if a payability determination that parental leave pay is payable to the person for the child has not been made, or has been set aside. In such a case, a debt will arise as soon as there is an excess referred to in subsection (1).
Note 2:       This section may apply to overpayments by way of PPL funding amounts or amounts that are mistakenly paid. For example, an overpayment or mistaken payment may arise due to administrative error or the revocation or setting aside of an employer determination.
169  Wrong person receives parental leave pay instalment or PPL funding amount
                 (1)  This section applies if:
                     (a)  an instalment or a PPL funding amount (the PPL payment) is paid by the Secretary or an employer; and
                     (b)  a person (the wrong recipient) other than the person (the right recipient) to whom the PPL payment is payable receives the PPL payment (or a part of it); and
                     (c)  the wrong recipient is not authorised by the right recipient, or authorised under law, to receive the PPL payment (or that part).
             (2)  An amount equal to the PPL payment (or that part of the PPL payment), is a debt due by the wrong recipient to:
                     (a)  if the PPL payment is made by the Secretary—the Commonwealth; or
                     (b)  if the PPL payment is made by an employer—the employer.
Note 1:       Because the PPL payment (or part) has not been properly paid to the right recipient, the Secretary or the employer must repay to the right recipient the amount of the PPL payment that ought to have been paid to the right recipient in the first place.
Note 2:       The Secretary may recover a debt due to the Commonwealth under this section from an ADI (see section 192).
170  Joint and several liability for debts arising because of false and misleading statements
                   A person (the recipient) and another person are jointly and severally liable to pay a debt if:
                     (a)  the recipient is liable under this Division to repay an amount (the unauthorised amount) paid to, or in relation to, the recipient (or an amount equal to such an amount); and
                     (b)  the unauthorised amount was paid because the recipient contravened Part 7.4 of the Criminal Code (which deals with false and misleading statements); and
                     (c)  the other person is convicted of an offence:
                              (i)  that is taken to have been committed in relation to that contravention because of section 11.2 or 11.2A of the Criminal Code (which deal with complicity, common purpose and joint commission); or
                             (ii)  in relation to that contravention against section 11.4 or 11.5 of the Criminal Code (which deal with incitement and conspiracy).
171  Debts under the Data‑matching Program (Assistance and Tax) Act 1990
                   An amount is recoverable by the Commonwealth if:
                     (a)  the amount has been paid to, or in relation to, a person by way of an instalment; and
                     (b)  the amount is a debt due to the Commonwealth under subsection 11(6) of the Data‑matching Program (Assistance and Tax) Act 1990.
 
Division 3—Parental leave pay recoverable by employees from employers
172  PPL funding amount debts—debts owing by employers to employees
             (1)  This section applies if:
                     (a)  a PPL funding amount is paid to an employer in relation to an instalment that is payable to a person; and
                     (b)  the instalment, or part of the instalment, is not paid to, or in relation to, the person in accordance with the following provisions:
                              (i)  section 70 (which deals with unauthorised deductions from instalments);
                             (ii)  Division 2 of Part 3‑2 (which deals with the payment of instalments by employers).
             (2)  So much of the instalment as is not paid to, or in relation to, the person in accordance with section 70 and Division 2 of Part 3‑2, or as arrears under section 85, 86 or 87, is a debt due to the person by the employer, and is recoverable by the person in a court of competent jurisdiction.
 
Division 4—Debt notices and interest on debts
173  Debt notices—initial notice
Requirement to give initial notice
             (1)  If a debt due to the Commonwealth under this Act has not been wholly paid, the Secretary must give the debtor a notice stating the following:
                     (a)  the date the preparation of the notice is completed (the date of the initial debt notice);
                     (b)  for a debt under section 168 that relates to a PPL funding amount payable in relation to an instalment (or a debt under this Division in relation to such a debt)—the name of the person to whom, or in relation to whom, the instalment is payable;
                     (c)  the reason the debt was incurred, including a brief explanation of the circumstances that led to the debt being incurred;
                     (d)  the period to which the debt relates;
                     (e)  the outstanding amount of the debt at the date of the initial debt notice;
                      (f)  the day on which the outstanding amount is due and payable;
                     (g)  that a range of options is available for repayment of the debt;
                     (h)  the contact details for inquiries concerning the debt.
Due date
             (2)  The outstanding amount of the debt is due and payable on the 28th day after the date of the initial debt notice.
Combining initial and further debt notices
             (3)  If a notice given under this section states the matters referred to in paragraphs 174(2)(e) and (f) (which relate to interest and an administrative charge), the notice is taken also to be a further debt notice given under section 174.
174  Debt notices—further debt notice if repayments not made
When a further debt notice may be given
             (1)  This section applies if:
                     (a)  a person has been given a notice under section 173 for a debt; and
                     (b)  the debt has not been wholly paid; and
                     (c)  either:
                              (i)  the person has failed to enter into a debt payment arrangement to pay the outstanding amount of the debt; or
                             (ii)  the person has entered into a debt payment arrangement, but has failed to make a payment (or payments) in accordance with the arrangement.
Contents of further debt notice
             (2)  The Secretary may give the person a further notice (the further debt notice) stating the following:
                     (a)  the date the preparation of the notice is completed (the date of the further debt notice);
                     (b)  the matters referred to in paragraphs 173(1)(b) to (d);
                     (c)  the outstanding amount of the debt at the date of the further debt notice;
                     (d)  the matters referred to in paragraphs 173(1)(f) to (h);
                     (e)  the effect of sections 175, 176, 177 and 179 (which deal with interest and an administrative charge);
                      (f)  how the interest under section 175 is to be calculated.
Note:          A person may be taken to have been given a notice under this section by the giving of an initial notice under section 173 if the matters stated in paragraphs (2)(e) and (f) of this section are stated in the initial notice (see subsection 173(3)).
175  Interest on debts—when interest becomes payable
Scope
             (1)  This section applies if a further debt notice is given under section 174 in relation to a debt.
Final debt payment day
             (2)  The final debt payment day for the payment of a debt is the latest of the following days:
                     (a)  the 90th day after the day on which the outstanding amount of the debt was due and payable;
                     (b)  the 28th day after the date of the further debt notice;
                     (c)  if the debtor (or another person) applies in accordance with section 206 for internal review of the decision to give the notice under section 173, or the further debt notice—the 90th day after the day on which an officer makes a decision in relation to the application.
No arrangement made for payment of debt
             (3)  Subsection (4) applies if:
                     (a)  the person has not entered into a debt payment arrangement, on or before the final debt payment day, to pay the outstanding amount of the debt; and
                     (b)  the further debt notice states that the person will be required to pay interest under subsection (4) of this section.
             (4)  The person is liable to pay interest on any outstanding amount from time to time:
                     (a)  from and including the first day after the final debt payment day until the debt is wholly paid; and
                     (b)  at the penalty interest rate.
Failure to pay amount due under an arrangement
             (5)  Subsection (6) applies if:
                     (a)  the person has entered into a debt payment arrangement to pay the outstanding amount of the debt; and
                     (b)  the person has failed to make a particular payment in accordance with the arrangement; and
                     (c)  the further debt notice states that the person will be required to pay interest under subsection (6) of this section.
             (6)  The person is liable to pay interest, at the penalty interest rate, on the outstanding amount from time to time:
                     (a)  if the failure happens on or before the final debt payment day—from and including the first day after the final debt payment day until the debt is wholly paid; or
                     (b)  if the failure happens after the final debt payment day—from and including the day after the day in relation to which the last payment in relation to the debt was made until the debt is wholly paid.
Interest not payable on debts incurred because of Commonwealth administrative error
             (7)  A person is not liable under this section to pay interest on a debt, or the proportion of a debt, that was incurred because of an administrative error made by the Commonwealth or an agent of the Commonwealth.
176  Interest on debts—application
                   An amount of interest payable on a debt under section 175 that has been paid on the debt is to be applied as follows:
                     (a)  until the debt (excluding interest) is fully paid—in satisfaction of the amount of the debt that is due when the payment is made;
                     (b)  after the debt (excluding interest) is fully paid—in satisfaction of the interest that had become payable on the debt before the debt was fully paid.
177  Interest on debts—recovery as a debt
                   The interest payable by a person under section 175 on the outstanding amount of a debt is a debt due to the Commonwealth by the person.
178  Interest exemption determinations
             (1)  The Secretary may determine (by an interest exemption determination) that interest is not payable, or is not payable in relation to a particular period, by a person on the outstanding amount of a debt.
             (2)  The Secretary may make an interest exemption determination under this section in circumstances that include the Secretary being satisfied that the person has a reasonable excuse for:
                     (a)  failing to enter into a debt payment arrangement to pay the outstanding amount of the debt; or
                     (b)  having entered such an arrangement, failing to make a payment (or payments) in accordance with the arrangement.
             (3)  An interest exemption determination may:
                     (a)  relate to a period before, or to a period that includes a period before, the making of the determination; and
                     (b)  be expressed to be subject to the person complying with one or more stated conditions.
             (4)  If a person has been given a further debt notice requiring the person to pay interest on the debt, the Secretary must give written notice of the decision to make an interest exemption determination to the person as soon as practicable after the determination is made.
             (5)  If a person contravenes a condition, or conditions, of an interest exemption determination without reasonable excuse, the determination ceases to have effect from and including the day on which the contravention, or the earliest of the contraventions, occurred.
             (6)  The Secretary may cancel or vary an interest exemption determination by written notice given to the person.
179  Administrative charge
             (1)  When a person first becomes liable to pay interest under section 175 in relation to the outstanding amount of a particular debt, the person is liable to pay an administrative charge of $50 in relation to the outstanding amount of that debt.
             (2)  An administrative charge payable by a person is a debt due to the Commonwealth by the person.
180  Penalty interest rate
Interest rate
             (1)  The penalty interest rate is:
                     (a)  20% per year; or
                     (b)  if a lower rate is prescribed by the PPL rules under subsection (2)—that lower rate.
             (2)  The PPL rules may prescribe a rate of less than 20% per year as the penalty interest rate.
Guidelines
             (3)  The PPL rules must prescribe guidelines for the operation of the provisions of this Act dealing with penalty interest.
 
Division 5—How the Commonwealth can recover debts
181  Debts to which Division 5 applies
                   This Division applies to debts due to the Commonwealth under this Act.
Note:          See the following provisions:
(a)    Division 2 (which provides for the main debts recoverable under this Act);
(b)    sections 177, 179 and 186 (which provide for debts relating to interest and garnishee notices).
182  How to recover debts
                   A debt is recoverable by the Commonwealth from a person by one or more of the following means:
                     (a)  legal proceedings (see section 183);
                     (b)  garnishee notice (see section 184);
                     (c)  debt payment arrangements (see section 190);
                     (d)  deductions from instalments payable to another person for the same child (see section 191);
                     (e)  recovery from an ADI, if the debt arises from a payment to the wrong person, or the amount is to be recovered from a deceased estate (see section 192);
                      (f)  deduction or setting off in relation to a payment to which the debtor (or another person) is entitled under another Act, but only if the other Act expressly provides for recovery of the debt by such deduction or setting off.
Note:          A debt can be recovered by deduction or set off in relation to other payments as follows:
(a)    sections 84 and 92 of the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999 (which deal with family tax benefit);
(b)    sections 84A and 92A of the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999 (which deal with family assistance);
(c)    sections 1231 and 1234A of the Social Security Act (which deal with social security payments).
(d)    section 205 of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (which deals with pensions, allowances and other payments).
183  Legal proceedings
                   A debt is recoverable by the Commonwealth in a court of competent jurisdiction.
Note:          See section 189 for time limits on recovery by legal proceedings.
184  Garnishee notices—general
Issue of garnishee notice
             (1)  The Secretary may, by written notice (the garnishee notice) to any of the following people (the garnishee), require the garnishee to pay the Commonwealth the amount covered by subsection (2) in relation to a debt (the original debt) that is recoverable by the Commonwealth under this Act from a person (the original debtor):
                     (a)  a person by whom any money is due or accruing, or may become due, to the original debtor;
                     (b)  a person who holds or may later hold money for or on account of the original debtor;
                     (c)  a person who holds or may later hold money on account of some other person for payment to the original debtor;
                     (d)  a person who has authority from some other person to pay money to the original debtor.
Note 1:       Subsection (3) provides that conditions on the payment of money due to the original debtor are to be ignored for the purposes of this section.
Note 2:       See section 189 for time limits on recovery by garnishee notice.
             (2)  The amount covered by this subsection is:
                     (a)  an amount stated in the garnishee notice, not exceeding the amount of the original debt or the amount of the money referred to in paragraph (1)(a), (b), (c) or (d); or
                     (b)  an amount stated in the garnishee notice out of each payment that the garnishee becomes liable from time to time to make to the original debtor, until the original debt is satisfied; or
                     (c)  the amount of a percentage stated in the garnishee notice of each payment that the garnishee becomes liable from time to time to make to the original debtor, until the original debt is satisfied.
             (3)  For the purposes of this section, if, apart from this subsection, money is not due or repayable on demand to the original debtor unless a condition is fulfilled, the money is taken to be due or repayable on demand, even though the condition has not been fulfilled.
Time for compliance
             (4)  The time for making a payment in compliance with a garnishee notice is the time stated in the notice, but not before:
                     (a)  the money concerned becomes due or is held; or
                     (b)  the end of 14 days after the notice is given.
             (5)  The Secretary must give a copy of a garnishee notice to the original debtor.
185  Garnishee notices—amounts paid in compliance
             (1)  A person who makes a payment to the Commonwealth in compliance with a garnishee notice is taken to have made the payment under the authority of the original debtor and of any other person concerned.
             (2)  If, after a garnishee notice is given to a garnishee, an amount is paid by another person in reduction or in satisfaction of the original debt:
                     (a)  the Secretary must notify the garnishee accordingly; and
                     (b)  the amount of the unpaid debt stated in the garnishee notice is taken to be reduced by an amount equal to the amount paid.
186  Garnishee notices—debt for failure to comply with notice
             (1)  This section applies if a garnishee fails to comply with the garnishee notice to the extent that the garnishee is capable of complying with it.
             (2)  The amount of the debt outstanding (worked out under subsection (3)) is a debt due to the Commonwealth by the garnishee.
             (3)  The amount of the debt outstanding is the amount equal to the lesser of the following amounts:
                     (a)  as much of the amount required by the garnishee notice to be paid by the garnishee as the garnishee was able to pay;
                     (b)  as much of the debt due by the original debtor when the notice was given as remains due from time to time.
             (4)  If the Commonwealth recovers the whole or part of the debt due by the garnishee under subsection (2), or by the original debtor, then:
                     (a)  both debts are reduced by the amount that the Commonwealth has so recovered; and
                     (b)  the amount of the unpaid debt stated in the garnishee notice is taken to be reduced by the amount so recovered.
             (5)  This section applies to an amount despite any law of a State or a Territory (however expressed) under which the amount is inalienable.
187  Garnishee notices—offence for non‑compliance
                   A person commits an offence if:
                     (a)  the person is a garnishee; and
                     (b)  the person is given a garnishee notice; and
                     (c)  the person refuses or fails to comply with the notice.
Penalty:  Imprisonment for 12 months.
188  Garnishee notices—relationship with other laws
                   Sections 184 to 187 apply to an amount of money despite any law of a State or a Territory (however expressed) under which the amount is inalienable.
189  Legal proceedings and garnishee notices—time limits for debt recovery
General rule—6 years after officer becomes aware of debt
             (1)  Action (debt recovery action) under section 183 or 184 for the recovery of a debt by legal proceedings or garnishee notice is not to be started after the end of 6 years starting on the first day on which an officer becomes aware, or could reasonably be expected to have become aware, of the circumstances that gave rise to the debt.
Extension of time if debt starts to be paid
             (2)  If, within the period referred to in subsection (1), part of the amount owing on the debt is paid, debt recovery action may be commenced within 6 years starting on the day of the payment.
Extension of time if debt acknowledged
             (3)  If, within the period referred to in subsection (1), the person who owes the debt acknowledges that he or she owes it, debt recovery action may be commenced within 6 years starting on the day of acknowledgment.
Extension of time following earlier debt recovery action
             (4)  If, within the period referred to in subsection (1), debt recovery action (the first action) by one method (either legal proceedings or garnishee notice) is commenced, debt recovery by the other method may be commenced within 6 years after the end of the first action.
Extension of time following internal Departmental action
             (5)  If, within the period referred to in subsection (1), an action covered by subsection (6) is commenced, debt recovery action may be commenced within 6 years after the end of the action.
             (6)  This subsection covers the following actions:
                     (a)  a review of a file relating to action for the recovery of the debt;
                     (b)  other internal Departmental action relating to action for the recovery of the debt.
190  Payment of debts by arrangement
             (1)  The Secretary may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, enter into an arrangement (a debt payment arrangement) with a person who owes a debt, under which the person is to pay the debt, or the outstanding amount of the debt, by part payments in accordance with the terms of the arrangement.
             (2)  A debt payment arrangement operates, or is taken to have operated, on and after the day stated in the arrangement as the day on which the arrangement starts (whether that day is the day on which the arrangement is entered into or an earlier or later day).
             (3)  If a debt payment arrangement does not state a day as referred to in subsection (2), it operates on and after the day on which it is entered into.
             (4)  The Secretary may terminate or alter a debt payment arrangement:
                     (a)  at the debtor’s request; or
                     (b)  after giving 28 days’ notice to the debtor of the proposed termination or alteration; or
                     (c)  without notice, if the Secretary is satisfied that the debtor has failed to disclose material information about the debtor’s true capacity to repay the debt.
191  Deductions from instalments payable to another person
             (1)  This section applies if an amount is deducted under subsection 67(2) from an instalment payable to a secondary claimant for a child, if the deduction is for the purposes of the recovery of a debt due to the Commonwealth by the primary claimant in relation to the same child.
             (2)  The debt due to the Commonwealth by the primary claimant is reduced by an amount equal to the amount of the deduction.
192  Recovery from an ADI
Payment into wrong account or payment for deceased person
             (1)  This section applies if:
                     (a)  an instalment or a PPL funding amount is paid to an ADI for the credit of an account kept with the ADI in the name of a person or persons; and
                     (b)  a debt that is recoverable by the Commonwealth under this Act arises (or such debts arise) because either:
                              (i)  the payment was intended to be paid to someone other than the person, or those persons; or
                             (ii)  the payment was intended to be paid to the person, or one of those persons, but the person for whom the payment was intended dies before the payment was made.
Notice to ADI requiring repayment and to deceased estate
             (2)  The Secretary may give a written notice to the ADI setting out the relevant matters referred to in paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) and requiring the ADI to pay to the Commonwealth, within a period (being a reasonable period) stated in the notice, the lesser of the following amounts:
                     (a)  the amount of the instalment or PPL funding amount, as stated in the notice;
                     (b)  the amount standing to the credit of the account when the notice is given to the ADI.
             (3)  If the notice relates to a payment to a person who has died, as soon as possible after issuing the notice, the Secretary must inform the deceased estate in writing of:
                     (a)  the amount sought to be recovered from the deceased person’s account; and
                     (b)  the reasons for the recovery action.
Offence for contravening notice
             (4)  A body corporate commits an offence if:
                     (a)  the body is an ADI; and
                     (b)  the body is given a notice under subsection (2); and
                     (c)  the body refuses or fails to comply with the notice.
Penalty:  300 penalty units.
Amount recovered reduces debt
             (5)  Any amount recovered by the Commonwealth from an ADI under this section reduces the amount of a debt referred to in paragraph (1)(b).
 
Division 6—Writing off debts
193  When debts can be written off
General
             (1)  The Secretary may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, decide to write off, for a stated period or otherwise, a debt that is due to the Commonwealth under this Act.
Note:          Debts recoverable by the Commonwealth under this Act are provided for by the following provisions:
(a)    Division 2 (which provides for the main debts recoverable under this Act);
(b)    sections 177, 179 and 186 (which provide for debts relating to interest and garnishee notices).
Write off conditions
             (2)  The Secretary may decide to write off a debt under subsection (1) if, and only if:
                     (a)  the debt is irrecoverable at law; or
                     (b)  the debtor has no capacity to repay the debt; or
                     (c)  the debtor’s whereabouts are unknown after all reasonable efforts have been made to locate the debtor; or
                     (d)  it is not cost effective for the Commonwealth to take action to recover the debt.
When a debt is irrecoverable
             (3)  For the purposes of paragraph (2)(a), a debt is taken to be irrecoverable at law if, and only if:
                     (a)  the debt cannot be recovered under Division 5, for example because a time limit for recovery action under that Division has elapsed; or
                     (b)  there is no proof of the debt capable of sustaining legal proceedings for its recovery; or
                     (c)  the debtor is discharged from bankruptcy or administration and the debt was incurred before the debtor became bankrupt or entered into administration, and was not incurred by fraud; or
                     (d)  the debtor has died leaving no estate or not enough funds in the debtor’s estate to repay the debt.
When a debtor has capacity to repay by deductions etc.
             (4)  For the purposes of paragraph (2)(b), a person is taken to have the capacity to repay a debt to which subsection (5) applies, unless recovery by those means would cause the person severe financial hardship.
             (5)  This subsection applies to a debt if it could be recovered by deduction or setting off in relation to a payment to which the debtor is entitled under another Act.
When write off comes into operation
             (6)  A decision under subsection (1) to write off a debt comes into operation:
                     (a)  if no day is stated in the decision—on the day the decision is made; or
                     (b)  if a day is stated in the decision—on the stated day (whether that day is before, after or on the day on which the decision is made).
Debt that has been written off may be recovered
             (7)  Nothing in this section prevents anything being done at any time to recover a debt that has been written off under this section.
 
Division 7—Waiver of debts
194  Waiver of debts—general
             (1)  This Division applies to debts that are due to the Commonwealth under this Act.
Note:          Debts recoverable by the Commonwealth under this Act are provided for by the following provisions:
(a)    Division 2 (which provides for the main debts recoverable under this Act);
(b)    sections 177, 179 and 186 (which provide for debts relating to interest and garnishee notices).
             (2)  The Secretary may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, decide to waive the Commonwealth’s right to recover the whole or a part of a debt, but only if required or allowed to do so under another provision of this Division.
             (3)  A decision to waive the right to recover a debt (or a part of a debt) comes into operation:
                     (a)  if no day is stated in the decision—on the day the decision is made; or
                     (b)  if a day is stated in the decision—on the stated day (whether that day is before, after or on the day on which the decision is made).
195  Waiver of debts—administrative error
                   The Secretary must waive the right to recover so much of a debt as is attributable solely to an administrative error made by the Commonwealth, or an agent of the Commonwealth, if:
                     (a)  the debtor received in good faith the payment or payments that gave rise to that proportion of the debt; and
                     (b)  the debtor would suffer severe financial hardship if it were not waived.
196  Waiver of debts—arising from offence
                   The Secretary must waive the right to recover so much of a debt as arises from an offence, if:
                     (a)  the debtor is convicted of the offence; and
                     (b)  the court indicated in sentencing the debtor that it imposed a longer custodial sentence on the debtor because he or she was unable or unwilling to pay the debt.
197  Waiver of debts—small debts
             (1)  The Secretary must waive the right to recover a debt if:
                     (a)  the debt is, or is likely to be, less than $200; and
                     (b)  it is not cost effective for the Commonwealth to take action to recover the debt.
             (2)  Subsection (1) does not apply if the debt is at least $50 and could be recovered by deduction or setting off in relation to a payment to which the debtor is entitled under another Act.
198  Waiver of debts—settlement of civil actions
Settlement of civil action
             (1)  If the Commonwealth has agreed to settle a civil action against a debtor for recovery of a debt for less than the full amount of the debt, the Secretary must waive the right to recover the difference between the debt and the amount that is the subject of the settlement.
Settlement of proceedings before the AAT
             (2)  If the Secretary has agreed to settle proceedings before the AAT relating to recovery of a debt on the basis that the debtor will pay less than the full amount of the debt, the Secretary must waive the right to recover the difference between the debt and the amount that is the subject of the settlement.
Note:          See section 263 (which deals with settlement of proceedings before the AAT).
Waiver where at least 80% of debt recovered and debtor cannot pay more
             (3)  If:
                     (a)  the Commonwealth has recovered at least 80% of the original value of a debt from a debtor; and
                     (b)  the Commonwealth and the debtor agree that the recovery is in full satisfaction for the whole of the debt; and
                     (c)  the debtor cannot repay a greater proportion of the debt;
the Secretary must waive the right to recover the remaining 20% or less of the value of the original debt.
Agreement for part payment in satisfaction of outstanding debt
             (4)  If the Secretary and a debtor agree that the debtor’s debt will be fully satisfied if the debtor pays the Commonwealth an agreed amount less than the amount (the unpaid amount) of the debt outstanding when the agreement is made, the Secretary must, if the agreed amount is paid, waive the right to recover the difference between the unpaid amount and the agreed amount.
Limits on agreement to accept part payment in satisfaction of outstanding debt
             (5)  The Secretary must not make an agreement described in subsection (4) unless the Secretary is satisfied that the agreed amount is at least the present value of the unpaid amount if it is repaid in instalments of amounts, and at times, determined by the Secretary.
Working out present value of unpaid amount
             (6)  For the purposes of subsection (5), the present value of the unpaid amount is the amount worked out in accordance with the following formula:
where:
annual repayment is the amount of the debt that the Secretary believes would be recovered under Division 5 in a year if subsection (4) did not apply in relation to the debt.
rp (short for repayment period) is the number of years needed to repay the unpaid amount if repayments equal to the annual repayment were made each year.
settlement interest is an annual rate of interest prescribed for the purposes of this subsection by the PPL rules.
199  Waiver of debts—special circumstances
                   The Secretary may waive the right to recover all or part of a debt if the Secretary is satisfied that:
                     (a)  the debt did not result wholly or partly from the debtor or another person knowingly:
                              (i)  making a false or misleading statement or representation; or
                             (ii)  failing or omitting to comply with a provision of this Act; and
                     (b)  there are special circumstances (other than financial hardship alone) that make it desirable to waive the debt (or part); and
                     (c)  it is more appropriate to waive the debt (or part) than to write off the debt (or part).
200  Waiver of debts—determined classes
             (1)  The Secretary may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, decide to waive the Commonwealth’s right to recover debts (or parts of debts) that are included in a class of debts determined by the Minister by legislative instrument.
             (2)  A determination under subsection (1) may state:
                     (a)  conditions to be met before the Secretary exercises the power to waive the debts (or parts); and
                     (b)  limits on the amounts of the debts to be waived.
             (3)  A decision under subsection (1) comes into operation:
                     (a)  if no day is stated in the decision—on the day the decision is made; or
                     (b)  if a day is stated in the decision—on the stated day (whether before, after or on the day the decision is made).
 
Division 8—Miscellaneous
201  Overseas application of debts
                   The operation of a provision creating a debt under this Part (except for section 171) extends to:
                     (a)  acts, omissions, matters and things outside Australia, whether or not in a foreign country; and
                     (b)  all persons, irrespective of their nationality or citizenship.
Note:          Section 171 provides for debts under the Data‑matching Program (Assistance and Tax) Act 1990.
 
Chapter 5—Review of decisions
Part 5‑1—Internal review of decisions
Division 1—Guide to this Part
202  Guide to this Part
This Part is about the internal review of decisions of officers under this Act.
Division 2 sets out 3 kinds of internal review of those decisions.
The first kind of review is where the Secretary, on his or her own initiative, reviews those decisions.
The second kind of review is where a person whose interests are affected by certain decisions (which are “claimant decisions”) applies for internal review of the decision.
The third kind of review is where an employer applies for internal review of certain decisions that affect the employer (those decisions are “employer determination decisions” and “employer funding amount decisions”). Employer determination decisions can only be reviewed on application, and not on the Secretary’s own initiative.
 
Division 2—Internal review of decisions
203  Internal review—own‑initiative review by Secretary
             (1)  The Secretary may, on his or her own initiative, review a decision of an officer under this Act if the Secretary is satisfied that there is enough reason to review the decision.
             (2)  However, the Secretary must not, on his or her own initiative, review a decision of an officer under section 101 to make an employer determination.
Note 1:       An employer may apply for review of a decision to make an employer determination (see section 207).
Note 2:       For revocation of employer determinations, see section 108.
             (3)  The Secretary may review a decision:
                     (a)  whether or not any person has applied for review of the decision; and
                     (b)  even though an application has been made to the SSAT or the AAT for review of the decision.
             (4)  On review of a decision, the Secretary may:
                     (a)  affirm the decision; or
                     (b)  vary the decision; or
                     (c)  set the decision aside and substitute a new decision.
             (5)  A reference in subsection (1) to a decision of an officer under this Act includes a reference to a determination that the Secretary is taken, because of a provision of this Act, to have made.
204  Internal review—own‑initiative review and tribunal review
             (1)  The Secretary must give the Principal Member written notice of a decision under subsection 203(4) if, when the Secretary makes the decision, an application has been made to the SSAT for review in relation to the decision that was reviewed by the Secretary.
             (2)  The Secretary must give the Registrar of the AAT written notice of a decision under subsection 203(4) if, when the Secretary makes the decision, an application has been made to the AAT for review in relation to the decision that was reviewed by the Secretary.
205  Internal review—review following application
             (1)  If an application is made under section 206, 207 or 208 for review of a decision, the Secretary or an authorised review officer must:
                     (a)  review the decision; and
                     (b)  do one of the following:
                              (i)  affirm the decision;
                             (ii)  vary the decision;
                            (iii)  set the decision aside and substitute a new decision.
             (2)  However, an authorised review officer must not, under subsection (1), review a decision relating to the exercise of the Secretary’s power under section 263 (settlement of proceedings before the AAT).
206  Internal review—application for review of claimant decision
Claimant decisions
             (1)  This section applies to a decision of an officer under this Act, unless the decision is:
                     (a)  a decision under Part 3‑2 (which deals with the payment of instalments by employer); or
                     (b)  a decision under Part 3‑5 (which deals with employer determinations); or
                     (c)  a decision under Part 4‑2 (which deals with compliance); or
                     (d)  a decision under the PPL rules, if the PPL rules state that this section does not apply to the decision; or
                     (e)  a decision under the regulations, if the regulations state that this section does not apply to the decision.
             (2)  A reference in subsection (1) to a decision of an officer under this Act includes a reference to a determination that the Secretary is taken, because of a provision of this Act, to have made.
             (3)  A decision to which this section applies is a claimant decision.
Application for review
             (4)  A person whose interests are affected by a claimant decision may apply to the Secretary for review of the decision, unless the decision was made personally by a PPL agency head.
             (5)  An application under subsection (4) may only be made:
                     (a)  within 28 days after the day the decision was made; or
                     (b)  if the Secretary is satisfied that a longer period should apply—within the longer period.
             (6)  A person cannot make an application under subsection (4) in the person’s capacity as an employer.
207  Internal review—application for review of employer determination decision
Scope
             (1)  This section applies to a decision (an employer determination decision) of an officer under section 101 to make an employer determination.
             (2)  A reference in subsection (1) to a decision of an officer includes a reference to a determination that the Secretary is taken, because of a provision of this Act, to have made.
Application
             (3)  An employer may apply, in writing, to the Secretary for review of an employer determination decision that relates to the employer and a person if the employer believes that:
                     (a)  both:
                              (i)  a condition in paragraph 101(1)(b) or (c) is not satisfied in relation to the employer determination; and
                             (ii)  the employer has not made an election under section 109 that applies to the person; or
                     (b)  a condition in paragraph 101(1)(d) or (e) is not satisfied in relation to the employer determination.
Note 1:       The conditions in paragraphs 101(1)(b) to (e) relate to the employment by an employer of someone to whom parental leave pay is payable.
Note 2:       Section 109 allows an employer to elect to pay instalments to an employee, a class of employees or all employees of the employer. Subsection 101(2) deals with the application of paragraphs 101(1)(b) and (c) if the employer has made an election under section 109 that applies to the person.
             (4)  However, the employer cannot make an application under subsection (3) for review of an employer determination decision that was made personally by a PPL agency head.
             (5)  An application under subsection (3) may only be made within the 14 day period referred to in section 103.
Note:          Section 103 requires an employer for which an employer determination has been made to, within a 14 day period, either provide a notice to the Secretary accepting the determination or apply for review of the employer determination.
             (6)  An application under subsection (3) must:
                     (a)  specify the condition or conditions that the employer believes are not satisfied; and
                     (b)  if paragraph (3)(a) applies to the application—state whether the employer believes that an election under section 109 applies to the person; and
                     (c)  be signed by a person authorised by the employer; and
                     (d)  be accompanied by:
                              (i)  documentary evidence supporting the application; or
                             (ii)  if the applicant is unable to provide documentary evidence—a statutory declaration supporting the application.
             (7)  The disclosure of personal information (within the meaning of the Privacy Act 1988) for the purposes of making an application under subsection (3) is taken to be authorised by law for the purposes of:
                     (a)  the Privacy Act 1988; and
                     (b)  any provision of a law of a State or a Territory that provides that personal information may be used or disclosed if the use or disclosure is authorised by law.
208  Internal review—application for review of employer funding amount decision
Scope
             (1)  This section applies to a decision of an officer under section 75 to pay a PPL funding amount to an employer.
             (2)  A reference in subsection (1) to a decision of an officer includes a reference to a determination that the Secretary is taken, because of a provision of this Act, to have made.
             (3)  A decision to which this section applies is an employer funding amount decision.
Application
             (4)  An employer may apply, in writing, to the Secretary for review of an employer funding amount decision that relates to the employer if:
                     (a)  the employer believes that the Secretary has contravened subsection 75(3) in relation to the decision; and
                     (b)  the decision was not made personally by a PPL agency head.
Note:          Subsection 75(3) requires the Secretary to pay a PPL funding amount to an employer within a certain time.
             (5)  An application under subsection (4) must be signed by a person authorised by the employer.
             (6)  An application under subsection (4) in relation to a PPL funding amount may only be made within 14 days after the second payroll cut‑off referred to in subsection 75(3) in relation to the PPL funding amount.
209  Internal review—withdrawal of application
             (1)  A person or an employer who has applied to the Secretary for review of a decision may withdraw the application at any time before the review has been completed.
             (2)  If an application for review of a decision, other than an application under section 207 (which deals with application for review of employer determination decisions), is withdrawn, the application is taken never to have been made.
             (3)  An application may be withdrawn orally or in writing or in any other manner approved by the Secretary.
210  Internal review—when decision made on review comes into force
             (1)  A decision under subsection 203(4) or paragraph 205(1)(b) (the review decision) to vary a decision or to set aside a decision and substitute a new decision comes into force on the day that would give full effect to the review decision.
             (2)  However, a decision comes into force immediately on the giving of the decision if it is a decision under subsection 203(4) or paragraph 205(1)(b) to:
                     (a)  vary an employer determination decision or an employer funding amount decision; or
                     (b)  set aside an employer determination decision or an employer funding amount decision and substitute a new decision.
211  Internal review—notice of decision on review of claimant decision
Scope
             (1)  This section applies if a person (the decision‑maker) makes a decision under subsection 203(4) or paragraph 205(1)(b) in relation to a claimant decision.
Notice
             (2)  The decision‑maker must give written notice of the decision to:
                     (a)  any natural person (other than an employer) if the decision‑maker is satisfied that his or her interests are affected by the decision; and
                     (b)  for a decision under paragraph 205(1)(b) in response to an application—the applicant.
             (3)  If the decision relates to a child, the decision‑maker must also give written notice of the decision to:
                     (a)  any natural person who has made a claim in relation to the child; and
                     (b)  any natural person who has notified the Secretary that he or she intends to make a claim in relation to the child, if the decision‑maker is satisfied that the claim has or would have a reasonable prospect of success.
             (4)  A notice under subsection (2) or (3) given to a person in relation to a decision must include:
                     (a)  a statement to the effect that the person may, subject to this Act, apply to the SSAT for review of the decision; and
                     (b)  a statement to the effect that, if the person is dissatisfied with the decision of the SSAT, application may, subject to the AAT Act, be made to the AAT for review of the decision of the SSAT.
             (5)  Subsection (4) does not apply in relation to a decision referred to in subsection 215(2).
Note:          Subsection 215(2) excludes certain claimant decisions from SSAT review.
             (6)  A notice under subsection (2) or (3) given to a particular person in relation to a decision may also, if the decision‑maker considers it appropriate, include a statement that does one or more of the following, in whole or in part:
                     (a)  sets out the reasons for the decision;
                     (b)  sets out the findings by the decision‑maker on material questions of fact;
                     (c)  refers to the evidence or other material on which those findings were based.
212  Internal review—notice of decision relating to employer
Scope
             (1)  This section applies if a person (the decision‑maker) makes a decision under subsection 203(4) or paragraph 205(1)(b) in relation to:
                     (a)  an employer funding amount decision; or
                     (b)  any other decision under Part 3‑2 (which deals with payment of instalments by employers); or
                     (c)  an employer determination decision; or
                     (d)  any other decision under Part 3‑5 (which deals with employer determinations); or
                     (e)  a decision under Part 4‑2 (which deals with compliance); or
                      (f)  any other decision under this Act that directly affects the interests of an employer.
             (2)  To avoid doubt, paragraph (1)(f) does not apply to a decision if the only effect of the decision on the interests of an employer is that the decision could result in an employer determination for the employer being made, varied, set aside or revoked.
Notice
             (3)  The decision‑maker must give written notice of the decision to the employer concerned.
             (4)  The notice must include a statement that:
                     (a)  sets out the reasons for the decision; and
                     (b)  sets out the findings by the decision‑maker on material questions of fact; and
                     (c)  refers to the evidence or other material on which those findings were based.
             (5)  A notice in relation to a decision referred to in paragraph (1)(a) or (1)(c) must include a statement to the effect that the employer may, subject to this Act, apply to the SSAT for review of the decision.
Part 5‑2—Review by the Social Security Appeals Tribunal
Division 1—Guide to this Part
213  Guide to this Part
This Part is about the review by the Social Security Appeals Tribunal (SSAT) of decisions that have been reviewed under Part 5‑1, and of decisions made personally by particular PPL agency heads (which are not subject to internal review).
Division 2 allows people whose interests are affected by claimant decisions to apply for SSAT review.
Division 3 allows employers to apply for SSAT review of employer determination decisions and employer funding amount decisions.
214  SSAT objective under this Act
                   In carrying out its functions under this Act, the SSAT must pursue the objective of providing a mechanism of review that is fair, just, economical, informal and quick.
 
Division 2—Review by SSAT of claimant decisions
215  Application of this Division
             (1)  This Division applies to the following decisions:
                     (a)  if a claimant decision has been affirmed under paragraph 203(4)(a) or subparagraph 205(1)(b)(i)—the claimant decision as affirmed;
                     (b)  if a claimant decision has been varied under paragraph 203(4)(b) or subparagraph 205(1)(b)(ii)—the claimant decision as varied;
                     (c)  if a claimant decision has been set aside under paragraph 203(4)(c) or subparagraph 205(1)(b)(iii) and substituted with a new decision—the new decision;
                     (d)  a claimant decision made personally by a PPL agency head.
             (2)  However, this Division does not apply to any of the following decisions:
                     (a)  a decision under one of the following provisions (which deal with the making of claims, the form and manner of claims, the form and manner of notices etc.):
                              (i)  subsection 18(4);
                             (ii)  subparagraph 25(1)(c)(ii);
                            (iii)  subsections 53(2), (3) and (4);
                            (iv)  section 56;
                             (v)  subsection 61(2);
                            (vi)  paragraph 109(2)(a);
                           (vii)  subsection 110(1);
                          (viii)  paragraph 120(2)(a);
                            (ix)  subsection 125(4);
                             (x)  paragraph 286(2)(b);
                            (xi)  paragraph 288(2)(b);
                           (xii)  paragraph 289(2)(b);
                          (xiii)  subsection 289(5);
                     (b)  a decision under subsection 69(2) (which deals with deductions relating to child support);
                     (c)  a decision under section 117, 118 or 119 (which deal with gathering information from any person);
                     (d)  a decision relating to the Secretary’s power under section 263 to settle proceedings before the AAT;
                     (e)  a decision under the PPL rules, if the PPL rules state that this Division does not apply to the decision;
                      (f)  a decision under the regulations, if the regulations state that this Division does not apply to the decision.
             (3)  A decision to which this Division applies is an SSAT reviewable claimant decision.
216  SSAT review of claimant decision—application for review
             (1)  A person whose interests are affected by an SSAT reviewable claimant decision may apply to the SSAT for review of the decision.
Note:          See section 217 (which deals with making an application).
             (2)  An application under subsection (1) may only be made:
                     (a)  within 28 days after the day the SSAT reviewable claimant decision was made; or
                     (b)  if the SSAT is satisfied that a longer period should apply—within the longer period.
             (3)  A person cannot make an application under subsection (1) in the person’s capacity as an employer.
217  SSAT review of claimant decision—making of application
             (1)  A person may apply to the SSAT for review of an SSAT reviewable claimant decision by:
                     (a)  sending or delivering a written application to:
                              (i)  an office of the SSAT; or
                             (ii)  an office of the Department; or
                            (iii)  if the decision was made by the CEO or an employee of the Commonwealth Services Delivery Agency—an office of the Agency; or
                            (iv)  if the decision was made by the CEO or an employee of Medicare Australia—an office of Medicare Australia; or
                     (b)  going to an office of the SSAT and making an oral application; or
                     (c)  contacting an office of the SSAT by telephone and making an oral application.
             (2)  If a person makes an oral application in accordance with paragraph (1)(b) or (c), the person receiving the oral application must make a written record of the details of the oral application and note on the record the day on which the application is made.
             (3)  If a written record of an oral application is made in accordance with subsection (2), Part 5‑3 has effect as if the written record were a written application.
             (4)  An application may include a statement of the reasons for seeking a review of the decision.
218  SSAT review of claimant decision—review following application
                   If a person applies to the SSAT for review of an SSAT reviewable claimant decision, the SSAT must:
                     (a)  affirm the decision; or
                     (b)  vary the decision; or
                     (c)  set the decision aside and:
                              (i)  substitute a new decision; or
                             (ii)  send the matter back to a PPL agency head for reconsideration in accordance with any directions or recommendations of the SSAT.
219  SSAT review of claimant decision—powers of the SSAT
                   The SSAT may, for the purposes of reviewing a decision under this Division, exercise all the powers and discretions that are conferred by this Act on the Secretary.
220  SSAT review of claimant decision—when SSAT decision comes into force
                   A decision of the SSAT under this Division to vary a decision or to set aside a decision and substitute a new decision comes into force on the day that would give full effect to the decision of the SSAT.
221  SSAT review of claimant decision—variation of decision before review completed
             (1)  If an officer varies an SSAT reviewable claimant decision after an application has been made to the SSAT for review of the decision but before the determination of the review, the application for review is taken to be an application for review of the decision as varied.
             (2)  If an officer sets aside an SSAT reviewable claimant decision and substitutes a new decision after an application has been made to the SSAT for review of the original decision but before the determination of the review, the application for review is taken to be an application for review of the new decision.
             (3)  Subsection (4) applies if:
                     (a)  a person applies to the SSAT for review of an SSAT reviewable claimant decision; and
                     (b)  before determination of the review, an officer varies the decision or sets it aside and substitutes a new decision.
             (4)  The person may either:
                     (a)  proceed with the application for review of the decision as varied or the new decision; or
                     (b)  withdraw the application under section 251.
222  SSAT review of claimant decision—parties to review
             (1)  The parties to a review by the SSAT under this Division are:
                     (a)  the applicant; and
                     (b)  the Secretary; and
                     (c)  if the claimant decision was made by the CEO or an employee of the Commonwealth Services Delivery Agency—the CEO of the Agency; and
                     (d)  if the claimant decision was made by the CEO or an employee of Medicare Australia—the CEO of Medicare Australia; and
                     (e)  any other person who has been made a party to the review under subsection (3).
             (2)  If a person has applied under section 216 for review of an SSAT reviewable claimant decision, any other person whose interests (other than interests the person has in the person’s capacity as an employer) are affected by the decision may apply, in writing, to the Principal Member to be made a party to the review.
             (3)  The Principal Member may direct that a person who has applied under subsection (2) be made a party to the review.
Principal Member may remove parties
             (4)  The Principal Member may direct that a party to a review no longer be a party to the review if:
                     (a)  the party consents; or
                     (b)  the Principal Member is satisfied that the party does not intend to participate in or proceed with the review:
                              (i)  after having communicated with the party; or
                             (ii)  after having made reasonable attempts to communicate with the party and having failed to do so; or
                     (c)  the party contravenes a direction or order of the SSAT or of the Principal Member given in relation to the review; or
                     (d)  the party fails to attend the hearing.
 
Division 3—Review by SSAT of employer decisions
223  Application of this Division
             (1)  This Division applies to the following decisions:
                     (a)  if an employer determination decision or an employer funding amount decision has been affirmed under Part 5‑1—the decision as affirmed;
                     (b)  if an employer determination decision or an employer funding amount decision has been varied under Part 5‑1—the decision as varied;
                     (c)  if an employer determination decision or an employer funding amount decision has been set aside and substituted with a new decision under Part 5‑1—the new decision;
                     (d)  an employer determination decision or an employer funding amount decision made personally by a PPL agency head.
Note:          Part 5‑1 deals with internal review.
             (2)  A decision to which this Division applies is an SSAT reviewable employer decision.
224  SSAT review of employer decision—application for review
             (1)  An employer may apply to the SSAT for review of an SSAT reviewable employer decision that relates to the employer and a person if the decision is an employer determination decision and the employer believes that:
                     (a)  both:
                              (i)  a condition in paragraph 101(1)(b) or (c) is not satisfied in relation to the employer determination; and
                             (ii)  the employer has not made an election under section 109 that applies to the person; or
                     (b)  a condition in paragraph 101(1)(d) or (e) is not satisfied in relation to the employer determination.
Note 1:       See section 225 (which deals with making an application).
Note 2:       The conditions in paragraphs 101(1)(b) to (e) relate to the employment by an employer of someone to whom parental leave pay is payable.
Note 3:       Section 109 allows an employer to elect to pay instalments to an employee, a class of employees or all employees of the employer. Subsection 101(2) deals with the application of paragraphs 101(1)(b) and (c) if the employer has made an election under section 109 that applies to the person.
             (2)  An employer may apply to the SSAT for review of an SSAT reviewable employer decision that relates to the employer if the decision is an employer funding amount decision.
Note:          See section 225 (which deals with making an application).
             (3)  An application under subsection (1) or (2) may only be made within 14 days after the day on which the SSAT reviewable employer decision was made.
225  SSAT review of employer decision—making of application
             (1)  An employer may apply to the SSAT for review of an SSAT reviewable employer decision by sending or delivering a written application to an office of the SSAT.
             (2)  The application must:
                     (a)  be in the form approved by the Principal Member; and
                     (b)  if the application is for review of an employer determination decision:
                              (i)  specify the condition or conditions that the employer believes are not satisfied; and
                             (ii)  if paragraph 224(1)(a) applies to the application—state whether the employer believes that an election under section 109 applies to the person; and
                     (c)  be accompanied by a statutory declaration verifying the application; and
                     (d)  be accompanied by any other documents required or allowed by the form.
             (3)  An application may include a statement of the reasons for seeking a review of the decision.
226  SSAT review of employer decision—review following application
                   If an employer applies to the SSAT for review of an SSAT reviewable employer decision, the SSAT must:
                     (a)  affirm the decision; or
                     (b)  vary the decision; or
                     (c)  set the decision aside and:
                              (i)  substitute a new decision; or
                             (ii)  send the matter back to a PPL agency head for reconsideration in accordance with any directions or recommendations of the SSAT.
227  SSAT review of employer decision—powers of the SSAT
                   The SSAT may, for the purposes of reviewing a decision under this Division, exercise all the powers and discretions that are conferred by this Act on the Secretary.
228  SSAT review of employer decision—when SSAT decision comes into force
                   A decision of the SSAT under this Division comes into force immediately on the giving of the decision.
229  SSAT review of employer decision—variation of decision before review completed
             (1)  If an officer varies an SSAT reviewable employer decision after an application has been made to the SSAT for review of the decision but before determination of the review, the application for review is taken to be an application for review of the decision as varied.
             (2)  If an officer sets aside an SSAT reviewable employer decision and substitutes a new decision after an application has been made to the SSAT for review of the original decision but before the determination of the review, the application for review is taken to be an application for review of the new decision.
             (3)  Subsection (4) applies if:
                     (a)  an employer applies to the SSAT for review of an SSAT reviewable employer decision; and
                     (b)  before determination of the review, an officer varies the decision or sets it aside and substitutes a new decision.
             (4)  The employer may either:
                     (a)  proceed with the application for review of the decision as varied or the new decision; or
                     (b)  withdraw the application under section 251.
230  SSAT review of employer decision—parties to review
                   The parties to a review by the SSAT under this Division are:
                     (a)  the employer; and
                     (b)  the Secretary; and
                     (c)  if the relevant decision was made by the CEO or an employee of the Commonwealth Services Delivery Agency—the CEO of the Agency; and
                     (d)  if the relevant decision was made by the CEO or an employee of Medicare Australia—the CEO of Medicare Australia.
 
Part 5‑3—Procedures for review by the Social Security Appeals Tribunal
Division 1—Guide to this Part
231  Guide to this Part
This Part is about the procedures to be followed when the Social Security Appeals Tribunal (SSAT) is reviewing a decision.
Division 2 requires the Secretary and the Principal Member to prepare for the review, arrange for a hearing and notify parties and potential parties.
Division 3 sets out how people other than PPL agency heads may make submissions to the SSAT.
Division 4 sets out how PPL agency heads may make submissions to the SSAT.
Division 5 contains other evidentiary provisions, including the Principal Member’s power to obtain information.
Division 6 provides for pre‑hearing conferences to be held. A pre‑hearing conference may result in the SSAT not needing to conduct the review.
Division 7 provides for the hearing of the review.
Division 8 deals with miscellaneous procedural matters.
Division 9 requires the SSAT to give notice of its decision on review.
Division 10 allows obvious errors in decisions and statements of reasons to be corrected.
Division 11 allows a party to an SSAT review of an employer decision to appeal to the Federal Court, on a question of law, in the same way that a party to an AAT review may do so. It also allows the SSAT to refer questions of law to the Federal Court.
 
Division 2—Preliminary procedures
232  Procedure on receipt of application for review by SSAT
             (1)  If an application for review by the SSAT of a decision is sent or delivered to an office of the Department, of the Commonwealth Services Delivery Agency or of Medicare Australia, the Secretary must send the application to the Principal Member as soon as practicable and, in any case, not later than 7 days after the application is received at the office.
             (2)  If:
                     (a)  an application for review of a decision is sent or delivered to an office of the SSAT; or
                     (b)  the Secretary sends an application for review of a decision to the Principal Member in accordance with subsection (1);
the Principal Member must give the applicant and the Secretary written notice that the application has been received.
             (3)  Within 28 days after receiving notice of the making of an application from the Principal Member, the Secretary must send to the Principal Member:
                     (a)  a statement about the decision under review that:
                              (i)  sets out the findings of fact made by the person who made the decision; and
                             (ii)  refers to the evidence on which those findings were based; and
                            (iii)  gives the reasons for the decision; and
                     (b)  the original or a copy of every document or part of a document that:
                              (i)  is in the possession, or under the control, of the Secretary; and
                             (ii)  relates to the applicant; and
                            (iii)  is relevant to the review of the decision.
             (4)  If the Principal Member asks the Secretary to send the statement and documents referred to in subsection (3) by a day earlier than the day fixed by that subsection, the Secretary must take all reasonable steps to comply with the Principal Member’s request.
             (5)  If:
                     (a)  after the end of the period referred to in subsection (3) but before the determination of the review, the Secretary obtains possession of a document; and
                     (b)  the Secretary considers that the document or a part of the document is relevant to the review; and
                     (c)  a copy of the document or the part of the document has not been sent to the Principal Member in accordance with subsection (3);
the Secretary must send a copy of the document or the part of the document to an office of the SSAT as soon as practicable after obtaining possession of the document.
             (6)  If the Secretary must provide the Principal Member with a document under this section, the Secretary must provide the Principal Member with:
                     (a)  if the Principal Member requests the Secretary to provide a specified number of copies of the document—that number of copies of the document; or
                     (b)  otherwise—2 copies of the document.
233  Parties to be given statements about the decision under review
             (1)  Within 28 days after receiving the notice under subsection 232(2), the Secretary must give each party to the review a copy of the statement and documents referred to in subsection 232(3).
             (2)  As soon as practicable after the Secretary sends a document to an office of the SSAT under subsection 232(5), the Secretary must give each party to the review a copy of the document.
             (3)  The Principal Member may direct, in writing, a person who is required to be given a copy of a statement or a document in accordance with subsection (1) or (2):
                     (a)  not to disclose information in the statement or document; or
                     (b)  not to disclose information in the statement or document except in the circumstances, or for the purposes, specified in the direction.
Offence
             (4)  A person commits an offence if:
                     (a)  the person engages in conduct; and
                     (b)  the conduct contravenes a direction under subsection (3).
Penalty for contravention of this subsection:        Imprisonment for 2 years.
234  Arrangements for hearing of application
             (1)  If an application is made to the SSAT for review of a decision, the Principal Member must fix a day, time and place for the hearing of the application.
             (2)  The Principal Member must give the applicant and any other parties to the review written notice of the day, time and place fixed for the hearing of the application.
             (3)  The notice under subsection (2) must be given a reasonable time before the day fixed for the hearing.
235  Notice of application to person affected by SSAT reviewable claimant decision
             (1)  If:
                     (a)  an application has been made to the SSAT for review of an SSAT reviewable claimant decision; and
                     (b)  the Principal Member is satisfied that the interests of a person (other than interests the person has in the person’s capacity as an employer) who is not a party to the review are affected by the decision;
the Principal Member must take all reasonable steps to give the person written notice that an application has been made to the SSAT for review of the decision.
             (2)  The notice:
                     (a)  must be in writing; and
                     (b)  must include notice of the person’s right under section 222 to apply to the Principal Member to be added as a party to the review; and
                     (c)  may be given at any time before the determination of the review.
             (3)  The Principal Member must give each party to the review a copy of the notice.
 
Division 3—Submissions from parties other than PPL agency heads
236  Division does not apply in relation to PPL agency heads
                   This Division does not apply in relation to a party to a review of a decision who is a PPL agency head.
237  Submissions to SSAT
             (1)  A party to a review of a decision may make oral or written submissions to the SSAT, or both oral and written submissions.
Note 1:       The Principal Member may direct that a hearing be conducted without oral submissions (see section 238).
Note 2:       Also, a hearing may proceed without oral submissions from a party in the circumstances set out in section 239.
             (2)  The party may have another person make submissions to the SSAT on behalf of the party.
             (3)  The Principal Member may determine that submissions to the SSAT by the party or the party’s representative are to be made by telephone or by means of other electronic communications equipment.
             (4)  Without limiting subsection (3), the Principal Member may make a determination under subsection (3) in relation to an application if
                     (a)  the application is urgent; or
                     (b)  the party lives in a remote area and unreasonable expense would be incurred if the party or the party’s representative had to travel to the place at which the hearing is to be held; or
                     (c)  the party has failed to attend the hearing and has not indicated that he or she intends to attend the hearing; or
                     (d)  the party is unable to attend the hearing because of illness or infirmity.
             (5)  If the party is not proficient in English, the Principal Member may give directions in relation to the use of an interpreter in relation to the hearing of the review.
238  SSAT hearings on written submissions only
             (1)  The Principal Member may direct that a hearing be conducted without oral submissions from the parties if:
                     (a)  the Principal Member considers that the review could be determined fairly on the basis of written submissions by all the parties to the review; and
                     (b)  all parties to the review consent to the hearing being conducted without oral submissions.
             (2)  If the Principal Member gives a direction under subsection (1), the Principal Member must give each of the parties to the review written notice:
                     (a)  informing the party of the direction; and
                     (b)  inviting the party to submit written submissions; and
                     (c)  specifying the address to which the written submissions are to be delivered; and
                     (d)  specifying the time within which the written submissions are to be delivered.
             (3)  The time specified under paragraph (2)(d) must be such as to allow a reasonable period for the parties to make written submissions.
             (4)  Despite subsection (1), the SSAT, as constituted for the hearing, may, if it considers necessary after taking into account the written submissions made by the parties, make an order permitting the parties to make oral submissions to the SSAT at the hearing of the application for review.
239  SSAT hearings without oral submissions by party
             (1)  If a party to a review of a decision has informed the Principal Member that the party does not intend to make oral submissions to the SSAT, the SSAT may proceed to hear the application for review without oral submissions from the party.
             (2)  If:
                     (a)  the Principal Member has determined that oral submissions to the SSAT by a party or a party’s representative are to be made by telephone or by means of other electronic communications equipment; and
                     (b)  on the day fixed for the hearing the presiding member has been unable to contact the party or the party’s representative (as the case may be) after taking all reasonable steps to do so;
the Principal Member may authorise the SSAT to proceed to hear the application without oral submissions from the party or the party’s representative (as the case may be).
             (3)  If:
                     (a)  the Principal Member has not determined that oral submissions to the SSAT by a party or a party’s representative are to be made by telephone or by means of other electronic communications equipment; and
                     (b)  the party or the party’s representative (as the case may be) does not attend the hearing at the time fixed for the hearing;
the Principal Member may authorise the SSAT to proceed to hear the application without oral submissions from the party or the party’s representative (as the case may be).
             (4)  If the Principal Member gives an authorisation under subsection (2) or (3), the SSAT may proceed to hear the application in accordance with the authorisation.
             (5)  The Principal Member may revoke an authorisation under subsection (2) or (3).
 
Division 4—Submissions from PPL agency heads
240  Submissions from PPL agency heads
             (1)  A PPL agency head who is a party to a review of a decision may make written submissions to the SSAT.
PPL agency head may request permission to make oral submissions etc.
             (2)  The PPL agency head may, by writing, request the Principal Member for permission to make:
                     (a)  oral submissions to the SSAT; or
                     (b)  both oral and written submissions to the SSAT.
The request must explain how such submissions would assist the SSAT.
             (3)  The Principal Member may, by writing, grant the request if, in the opinion of the Principal Member taking into account the objective laid down by section 214, such submissions would assist the SSAT.
SSAT may order PPL agency head to make oral submissions etc.
             (4)  The Principal Member may order the PPL agency head to make:
                     (a)  oral submissions to the SSAT; or
                     (b)  both oral and written submissions to the SSAT;
if, in the opinion of the Principal Member taking into account the objective laid down by section 214, such submissions would assist the SSAT.
Oral submissions by telephone etc.
             (5)  For the purposes of subsections (3) and (4), the Principal Member may determine that oral submissions to the SSAT by the PPL agency head are to be made by telephone or by means of other electronic communications equipment.
             (6)  Subsection (5) does not limit subsection (3) or (4).
 
Division 5—Other evidence provisions
241  Evidence on oath or affirmation
                   The SSAT may take evidence on oath or affirmation for the purposes of a review of a decision.
242  Provision of further information by Secretary
             (1)  The Principal Member may ask the Secretary to provide the SSAT with information or a document the Secretary has and that is relevant to the review of a decision.
             (2)  The Secretary must comply with a request under subsection (1) as soon as practicable and, in any event, not later than 14 days after the request is made.
243  Exercise by Secretary of information‑gathering powers
             (1)  The Principal Member may ask the Secretary to exercise the Secretary’s powers under section 117 (which deals with the Secretary’s general power to obtain information) if the Principal Member is satisfied that a person has information, or has custody or control of a document, that is relevant to the review of a decision.
             (2)  The Secretary must comply with a request under subsection (1) as soon as practicable and, in any event, within 7 days after the request is made.
244  Power to obtain information
             (1)  If the Principal Member reasonably believes that it is necessary for the purposes of a review, he or she may, by written notice, direct a person:
                     (a)  to give to the SSAT, within the period and in the manner specified in the notice, information that is relevant to the review; or
                     (b)  to produce to the SSAT, within the period and in the manner specified in the notice, documents that are relevant to the review; or
                     (c)  to attend a hearing and answer questions:
                              (i)  at a reasonable time specified in the notice; and
                             (ii)  at a reasonable place specified in the notice.
             (2)  The period specified in a notice given under paragraph (1)(a) or (b) must be at least 14 days after the notice is given.
Offence
             (3)  A person commits an offence if:
                     (a)  the person engages in conduct; and
                     (b)  the conduct contravenes a direction under subsection (1).
Penalty:  Imprisonment for 6 months.
Notice to set out the effect of offence provisions
             (4)  A notice under subsection (1) must set out the effect of the following provisions:
                     (a)  subsection (3);
                     (b)  section 137.1 of the Criminal Code (about giving false or misleading information);
                     (c)  section 137.2 of the Criminal Code (about producing false or misleading documents).
Payment of expenses
             (5)  If a person is required under this section to attend a hearing, the SSAT must determine that the Commonwealth must pay the reasonable costs that are:
                     (a)  incurred by the person for travel and accommodation in relation to the hearing; and
                     (b)  specified in the determination.
             (6)  If the SSAT makes a determination under subsection (5), the costs to which the determination relates are payable by the Commonwealth.
Division 6—Pre‑hearing conferences
245  Pre‑hearing conferences
             (1)  Before the hearing of a review commences, the Principal Member may convene one or more conferences with the parties to the review if he or she considers that it would assist in the conduct and consideration of the review to do so.
             (2)  At a conference, the Principal Member may:
                     (a)  fix a day or days for the hearing; and
                     (b)  give directions about the time within which submissions are to be made to the SSAT; and
                     (c)  give directions about the time within which evidence is to be brought before the SSAT; and
                     (d)  give directions about what evidence is to be brought before the SSAT.
             (3)  Paragraph (2)(d) does not limit the evidence that may be brought before the SSAT.
Restrictions on disclosure of information obtained at a conference
             (4)  The Principal Member may direct, in writing, a person who is present at a conference:
                     (a)  not to disclose information obtained by the person at the conference; or
                     (b)  not to disclose information obtained by the person at the conference except in the circumstances, or for the purposes, specified in the direction.
             (5)  A person commits an offence if:
                     (a)  the person engages in conduct; and
                     (b)  the conduct contravenes a direction under subsection (4).
Penalty for contravention of this subsection:        Imprisonment for 2 years.
246  Powers of SSAT if parties reach agreement
             (1)  If:
                     (a)  at a pre‑hearing conference under section 245 with the parties to a review, the parties agree to the terms of a decision of the SSAT:
                              (i)  in the review; or
                             (ii)  in relation to a part of the review, or a matter arising out of the review;
                            that would be acceptable to the parties; and
                     (b)  before the hearing of the review commences, the terms of the agreement are:
                              (i)  put in writing; and
                             (ii)  signed by or on behalf of the parties; and
                            (iii)  lodged with the SSAT; and
                     (c)  before the hearing of the review commences, the SSAT is satisfied that a decision in those terms, or consistent with those terms, would be within the powers of the SSAT;
the SSAT may act in accordance with whichever of subsection (2) or (3) is relevant.
             (2)  If the agreement reached is an agreement as to the terms of a decision of the SSAT in the review, the SSAT may make a decision in accordance with those terms without holding a hearing of the review.
             (3)  If the agreement relates to a part of the review, or a matter arising out of the review, the SSAT may in its decision in the review give effect to the terms of the agreement without dealing at the hearing of the review with the part or matter to which the agreement relates.
 
Division 7—The hearing
247  Hearing procedure
             (1)  The SSAT, in reviewing a decision:
                     (a)  is not bound by legal technicalities, legal forms or rules of evidence; and
                     (b)  must act as speedily as a proper consideration of the review allows; and
                     (c)  in determining what a proper consideration of the review requires, must take into account the objective laid down by section 214.
             (2)  The SSAT may inform itself on any matter relevant to a review of a decision in any manner it considers appropriate.
248  Hearing in private
             (1)  The hearing of a review must be in private.
             (2)  The Principal Member may give directions, in writing or otherwise, as to the persons who may be present at any hearing of a review.
             (3)  In giving directions under subsection (2), the Principal Member must take into account the wishes of the parties and the need to protect their privacy.
249  Restrictions on disclosure of information obtained at hearing
             (1)  The Principal Member may direct, in writing, a person who is present at the hearing of a review:
                     (a)  not to disclose information obtained by the person in the course of the hearing; or
                     (b)  not to disclose information obtained by the person in the course of the hearing except in the circumstances, or for the purposes, specified in the direction.
             (2)  A person commits an offence if:
                     (a)  the person engages in conduct; and
                     (b)  the conduct contravenes a direction under subsection (1).
Penalty for contravention of this subsection:        Imprisonment for 2 years.
 
Division 8—Other procedural matters
250  Adjournment of SSAT hearings
             (1)  The SSAT may adjourn the hearing of a review of a decision from time to time.
             (2)  Without limiting subsection (1), the SSAT may refuse to adjourn the hearing of a review if:
                     (a)  the hearing has already been adjourned on 2 or more occasions; or
                     (b)  the SSAT is satisfied that to grant an adjournment would be inconsistent with the pursuit of the objective laid down by section 214.
251  Withdrawal of application for review
             (1)  An applicant for review of a decision may withdraw the application at any time.
             (2)  An applicant may withdraw an application by:
                     (a)  sending by any means, or delivering, written notice of withdrawal of the application to:
                              (i)  an office of the SSAT; or
                             (ii)  an office of the Department; or
                            (iii)  an office of another Commonwealth agency, where the Secretary has approved the office for the purposes of this subparagraph; or
                     (b)  going to an office of the SSAT and orally withdrawing the application; or
                     (c)  contacting an office of the SSAT by telephone and orally withdrawing the application.
             (3)  If a person withdraws an application in accordance with paragraph (2)(b) or (c), the person who receives the oral withdrawal must make a written record of the day on which the withdrawal was made.
             (4)  If a person withdraws an application by sending or delivering written notice of withdrawal to an office of a Commonwealth agency, the head of the agency must send a notice of the withdrawal to the Principal Member as soon as practicable and, in any event, not later than 7 days after the notice of withdrawal is received at the office of the agency.
252  Dismissal of an application
             (1)  If:
                     (a)  a person or an employer makes an application to the SSAT for review of a decision; and
                     (b)  the Principal Member is satisfied:
                              (i)  after having communicated with the applicant; or
                             (ii)  after having made reasonable attempts to communicate with the applicant and having failed to do so;
                            that the applicant does not intend to proceed with the application;
the Principal Member may dismiss the application.
             (2)  If the Principal Member dismisses an application under subsection (1), the application is taken to have been withdrawn when the application was dismissed.
253  Presiding member at SSAT hearing
                   If the SSAT is constituted by 2 or more members for the purposes of the review of a decision, the Principal Member must designate one of those members as the member who must preside at the hearing of the review.
254  Decision of questions before SSAT
             (1)  This section applies if the SSAT is constituted by 2 or more members for the purposes of the review of a decision.
             (2)  A question arising before the SSAT on a review must be decided according to the opinion of a majority of the members constituting the SSAT for the purposes of the review.
             (3)  However, if, on a question arising on a review, the opinions of the members of the SSAT are equally divided, the question must be decided according to the opinion of the member presiding.
255  Directions as to procedure for hearings
Directions by Principal Member
             (1)  The Principal Member:
                     (a)  may give general directions as to the procedure to be followed in relation to the review of decisions under this Act; and
                     (b)  may give directions as to the procedure to be followed in relation to a particular review.
Note:          Directions may be given to the SSAT or to parties to reviews.
             (2)  A direction under subsection (1) must not be inconsistent with any provision of this Act.
             (3)  A direction under paragraph (1)(b) may be given before or after the hearing of the particular review has commenced.
Directions by presiding member
             (4)  The presiding member of the SSAT as constituted for the purposes of a particular review may give directions as to the procedure to be followed in relation to the review.
             (5)  A direction under subsection (4) must not be inconsistent with:
                     (a)  any provision of this Act; or
                     (b)  a direction under subsection (1) of this section.
             (6)  A direction under subsection (4) may be given before or after the hearing of the particular review has commenced.
Directions must take SSAT objective into account
             (7)  Directions under this section must take into account the objective laid down by section 214.
Legislative instrument status of directions
             (8)  A general direction made under paragraph (1)(a) is a legislative instrument.
             (9)  A direction made under paragraph (1)(b) or subsection (4) is not a legislative instrument.
256  Costs of review
General rule
             (1)  A party to a review must bear any expenses incurred by the party in relation to the review.
When the Commonwealth must pay
             (2)  The SSAT may determine that the Commonwealth must pay the reasonable costs that are:
                     (a)  incurred by a party for travel and accommodation in relation to the review; and
                     (b)  specified in the determination.
             (3)  If the SSAT arranges for the provision of a medical service in relation to a party to a review, the SSAT may determine that the Commonwealth must pay the costs of the provision of the service.
             (4)  If the SSAT makes a determination under subsection (2) or (3), the costs to which the determination relates are payable by the Commonwealth.
 
Division 9—Notice of decisions
257  Procedure following SSAT decision
SSAT affirms decision
             (1)  If the SSAT makes a decision on a review to affirm an SSAT reviewable claimant decision or an SSAT reviewable employer decision, the SSAT must:
                     (a)  prepare a written statement (the initial statement) that sets out the decision of the SSAT on the review; and
                     (b)  give each party to the review a copy of the initial statement within 14 days after making the decision; and
                     (c)  within 14 days after making the decision, either:
                              (i)  give reasons for the decision orally to each party to the review and explain that the party may make a written request for a statement referred to in subparagraph (ii) within 14 days after the copy of the initial statement is given to the party; or
                             (ii)  give each party to the review a written statement (whether or not as part of the initial statement) that sets out the reasons for the decision, sets out the findings on any material questions of fact and refers to evidence or other material on which the findings of fact are based; and
                     (d)  return to the Secretary any document that the Secretary has provided to the SSAT in relation to the review; and
                     (e)  give the Secretary a copy of any other document that contains evidence or material on which the findings of fact are based.
             (2)  If the SSAT does not give a written statement to a party under subparagraph (1)(c)(ii), the party may, within 14 days after the copy of the initial statement is given to the party, make a written request of the SSAT for such a statement.
             (3)  A PPL agency head may also make a written request of the SSAT for a written statement referred to in subparagraph (1)(c)(ii) if:
                     (a)  the SSAT has not given such a statement to the PPL agency head; and
                     (b)  a person applies to the AAT under section 261 for review of the decision of the SSAT on the review referred to in subsection (1).
             (4)  The SSAT must comply with a request under subsection (2) or (3) within 14 days after the day on which it receives the request.
SSAT varies decision or sets decision aside
             (5)  If the SSAT makes a decision on a review to vary or set aside an SSAT reviewable claimant decision or an SSAT reviewable employer decision, the SSAT must:
                     (a)  prepare a written statement that:
                              (i)  sets out the decision of the SSAT on the review; and
                             (ii)  sets out the reasons for the decision; and
                            (iii)  sets out the findings on any material questions of fact; and
                            (iv)  refers to evidence or other material on which the findings of fact are based; and
                     (b)  give each party to the review a copy of the statement referred to in paragraph (a) within 14 days after the making of the decision in relation to the review; and
                     (c)  return to the Secretary any document that the Secretary has provided to the SSAT in relation to the review; and
                     (d)  give the Secretary a copy of any document that contains evidence or material on which the findings of fact are based.
Notice of further review right
             (6)  When the SSAT determines a review in relation to an SSAT reviewable claimant decision, the Principal Member must give each party to the review (other than a PPL agency head) a written notice that includes a statement to the effect that, if the party is dissatisfied with the decision of the SSAT, application may, subject to the AAT Act, be made to the AAT for review of the decision.
 
Division 10—Correction of errors in decisions or statements of reasons
258  Correction of errors in decisions or statements of reasons
Correction of errors
             (1)  If:
                     (a)  the SSAT makes a decision on a review; and
                     (b)  the presiding member of the SSAT as constituted for the purposes of the review, or the Principal Member, is satisfied that there is an obvious error in:
                              (i)  the text of the decision; or
                             (ii)  a written statement of reasons for the decision;
the presiding member or the Principal Member may alter the text of the decision or statement.
             (2)  If the text of a decision or statement is altered under subsection (1), the altered text is taken to be the decision of the SSAT or the statement of reasons for the decision (as the case may be).
Examples of obvious errors
             (3)  Examples of obvious errors in the text of a decision or statement of reasons are:
                     (a)  an obvious clerical or typographical error in the text of the decision or statement; and
                     (b)  an inconsistency between the decision and the statement.
 
Division 11—Appeals and references of questions of law from the SSAT to the Federal Court
259  Appeals and references of questions of law in relation to SSAT review of employer decisions
Scope
             (1)  This section applies to proceedings before the SSAT for review of an SSAT reviewable employer decision (SSAT employer proceedings).
Object
             (2)  The object of this section is to allow SSAT employer proceedings to be subject to judicial review as if they were proceedings before the AAT.
             (3)  In order to achieve this object, this section is intended to allow:
                     (a)  a party to SSAT employer proceedings to appeal to the Federal Court, on a question of law, from any decision of the SSAT in those proceedings; and
                     (b)  a question of law arising in SSAT employer proceedings to be referred to the Federal Court for decision.
Modification of AAT Act
             (4)  Without limiting subsection (3), Part IVA of the AAT Act applies in relation to SSAT employer proceedings as if:
                     (a)  references to the Tribunal in that Part were references to the SSAT; and
                     (b)  paragraph 44(2A)(a) of the AAT Act allowed an appeal to be instituted within the time prescribed by rules of court made under the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976, or such further time as is allowed under those rules; and
                     (c)  the reference to section 43AA of the AAT Act in paragraph 44(2B)(b) of that Act were a reference to section 258 of this Act (which allows correction of errors in decisions or statements of reasons); and
                     (d)  the reference to the President in paragraph 45(1)(a) of the AAT Act were a reference to the Principal Member; and
                     (e)  any other necessary changes were made.
Note 1:       Paragraph 44(2A)(a) of the AAT Act sets a time limit within which an appeal must be instituted, unless the Federal Court allows further time to appeal.
Note 2:       Paragraph 44(2B)(b) of the AAT Act provides that the Federal Court may allow further time to appeal if the text of a decision or a statement of reasons for a decision has been altered under section 43AA of the AAT Act (which allows errors to be corrected).
Note 3:       Paragraph 45(1)(a) of the AAT Act requires the President of the AAT to concur before the AAT can refer a question of law arising in proceedings before the AAT to the Federal Court.
             (5)  However, the following provisions of Part IVA of the AAT Act do not apply in relation to SSAT employer proceedings:
                     (a)  subsection 44(2) (which allows certain appeals about standing before the AAT to be made);
                     (b)  paragraphs 44(3)(b) and (c) (which require appeals to be heard by the Full Court of the Federal Court in some circumstances);
                     (c)  subsection 44AA(2) (which prevents appeals being transferred to the Federal Magistrates Court in some circumstances).
 
Part 5‑4—Review of claimant decisions by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal
Division 1—Guide to this Part
260  Guide to this Part
This Part is about how the Secretary or people whose interests are affected by a decision of the Social Security Appeals Tribunal (SSAT) may apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) for review of the SSAT’s decision. Employers may not seek AAT review of SSAT decisions.
Division 2 allows an application to be made for AAT review of a decision. It also sets out what happens if the SSAT’s decision is varied after an application is made to the AAT, and allows the Secretary to settle proceedings relating to the recovery of a debt.
Division 3 modifies the AAT Act for the purposes of reviews of decisions made under this Act.
 
Division 2—Right to review by AAT
261  Review of decisions by AAT
             (1)  The Secretary or a person whose interests are affected by a decision of the SSAT to affirm, vary or set aside an SSAT reviewable claimant decision may apply to the AAT for review of the decision of the SSAT.
             (2)  For the purposes of subsection (1), the decision of the SSAT is taken to be:
                     (a)  where the SSAT affirms an SSAT reviewable claimant decision—that decision as affirmed; and
                     (b)  where the SSAT varies an SSAT reviewable claimant decision—that decision as varied; and
                     (c)  where the SSAT sets aside an SSAT reviewable claimant decision and substitutes a new decision—the new decision; and
                     (d)  where the SSAT sets aside an SSAT reviewable claimant decision and sends the matter back to the Secretary for reconsideration in accordance with any directions or recommendations of the SSAT—the directions or recommendations of the SSAT.
             (3)  A person cannot make an application under subsection (1) in the person’s capacity as an employer.
             (4)  Subsection (1) has effect subject to section 29 of the AAT Act.
262  Variation of decision under section 261 before AAT review completed
             (1)  If an officer varies a decision after an application has been made under section 261 to the AAT for review of that decision but before the determination of the application, the application must be treated as if:
                     (a)  the decision as varied had been affirmed by the SSAT; and
                     (b)  the application were an application for review of the decision as varied.
             (2)  If an officer sets a decision aside and substitutes a new decision after an application has been made under section 261 to the AAT for review of the original decision but before the determination of the application, the application must be treated as if:
                     (a)  the SSAT had set aside the original decision and substituted the new decision; and
                     (b)  the application were an application for review of the new decision.
             (3)  If:
                     (a)  a person applies to the AAT for review of a decision under section 261; and
                     (b)  before determination of the review, an officer varies the decision or sets the decision aside and substitutes a new decision;
the applicant may, instead of proceeding with the application under subsection (1) or (2), withdraw the application.
263  Settlement of proceedings before the AAT
             (1)  The Secretary may agree with other parties to proceedings before the AAT that relate to the recovery of a debt that the proceedings be settled. The agreement must be in writing.
             (2)  If proceedings are settled and the Secretary gives the AAT a copy of the agreement to settle the proceedings, the application for review of the decision the subject of the proceedings is taken to have been dismissed.
 
Division 3—Modification of AAT Act in relation to section 261 review applications
264  Notice of application for review
                   The AAT Act applies to an application under section 261 for review of a decision as if the reference in subsection 29(11) of the AAT Act to the person who made the decision were a reference to each person who was a party to the review of the decision by the SSAT (other than the party who made the application under section 261).
265  Parties to a review by the AAT
                   The AAT Act applies to an application under section 261 for review as if the reference in paragraph 30(1)(b) of the AAT Act to the person who made the decision were a reference to each party to the review of the decision by the SSAT.
266  Lodgment of documents with the AAT
             (1)  The AAT Act applies to an application under section 261 for review as if references in section 37 of the AAT Act to the person who made the decision the subject of the application were references to the following person (the deemed decision‑maker):
                     (a)  if the decision that was reviewed by the SSAT was made by the CEO or an employee of the Commonwealth Services Delivery Agency—the CEO of the Agency;
                     (b)  if the decision that was reviewed by the SSAT was made by the CEO or an employee of Medicare Australia—the CEO of Medicare Australia;
                     (c)  otherwise—the Secretary.
             (2)  If a person applies to the AAT under section 261 for review of a decision, the deemed decision‑maker is taken to have complied with his or her obligations under paragraph 37(1)(a) of the AAT Act in relation to the decision if he or she gives the AAT the required number of copies of:
                     (a)  if the decision was affirmed by the SSAT—a statement referred to in subparagraph 257(1)(c)(ii); or
                     (b)  otherwise—the statement prepared by the SSAT under paragraph 257(5)(a).
             (3)  Subsection (2) does not limit the powers of the AAT under section 38 of the AAT Act.
267  Power of AAT to obtain additional information
                   The AAT Act applies to an application under section 261 for review as if references in section 38 of the AAT Act to the person who lodges a statement referred to in paragraph 37(1)(a) of that Act with the AAT were references to the Principal Member.
268  Operation and implementation of the decision under review
             (1)  The AAT Act applies to an application under section 261 for review of a decision as if references in subsection 41(4) of the AAT Act to the person who made the decision were references to each party to the review by the SSAT.
             (2)  The AAT Act applies to an application under section 261 for review of a decision as if references in section 41 of the AAT Act to the decision to which the relevant proceedings relate were references to:
                     (a)  if the SSAT affirmed the original decision—the original decision; or
                     (b)  if the SSAT varied the original decision:
                              (i)  the original decision as varied by the SSAT; and
                             (ii)  the original decision; or
                     (c)  if the SSAT set aside the original decision and substituted a new decision:
                              (i)  the new decision; and
                             (ii)  the original decision; or
                     (d)  if the SSAT set aside the original decision and sent the matter back to the Secretary for reconsideration in accordance with any directions or recommendations of the SSAT:
                              (i)  any decision made because of that reconsideration; and
                             (ii)  the original decision.
             (3)  For the purposes of subsection (2), the original decision is the decision that was reviewed by the SSAT.
269  Failure of party to appear
                   The AAT Act applies to the review of a decision on an application under section 261 as if the reference in subsection 42A(2) of the AAT Act to the person who made the decision were a reference to the Secretary.
 
Part 5‑5—Other matters relating to review
Division 1—Guide to this Part
270  Guide to this Part
This Part contains miscellaneous provisions relating to reviews.
 
Division 2—Other matters relating to review
271  Authorised review officers
                   The Secretary may, in writing, authorise an officer to be an authorised review officer for the purposes of this Act.
272  Review body may determine events to have happened, or not to have happened
             (1)  This section applies if the Secretary, the SSAT or the AAT (the review body) is reviewing a decision under this Chapter.
             (2)  If the review body is satisfied that an event did not happen that would have happened if the decision had not been made, the review body may, if satisfied that it is reasonable to do so, determine that this Act is to apply as if the event had happened.
             (3)  If the review body is satisfied that an event happened that would not have happened if the decision had not been made, the review body may, if satisfied that it is reasonable to do so, determine that this Act is to apply as if the event had not happened.
273  Certain income test determinations not to be changed on review
             (1)  This section applies to a review being done for the purposes of this Chapter by an officer, the SSAT or the AAT (the review body) if:
                     (a)  the review involves (wholly or partly) a review of a decision (the decision being reviewed) that:
                              (i)  a person is or is not eligible for parental leave pay; or
                             (ii)  parental leave pay is or is not payable to a person; and
                     (b)  the review has involved (wholly or partly) the consideration of a determination (the income determination) that the person satisfies the income test; and
                     (c)  the income determination was taken into account in the making of a decision that parental leave pay is payable to the person; and
                     (d)  the person did not knowingly make a false or misleading representation or provide false or misleading information or documents to the Secretary, the SSAT or the AAT in relation to the income determination.
Note:          For the income test, see section 37.
             (2)  Despite any provision of this Chapter or of the AAT Act, the review body must not vary the decision being reviewed, or set aside the decision being reviewed and substitute a new decision, in a way that has the effect of:
                     (a)  varying the income determination so that the person is taken not to have satisfied the income test; or
                     (b)  substituting a new determination that the person did not satisfy the income test.
 
Chapter 6—Miscellaneous
Part 6‑1—How this Act applies in particular circumstances
Division 1—Guide to this Part
274  Guide to this Part
This Part has rules that modify this Act so that it applies correctly in 3 limited kinds of cases—adoption, claims made in exceptional circumstances etc. and Commonwealth employment.
Division 2 modifies this Act so that it applies correctly for adopted children under 16. For example, where a provision of this Act refers to the day a child was born, Division 2 modifies that provision so that, when applying that provision to the adopted child, the provision has the effect of referring to the day of placement of the adopted child (instead of the day the adopted child was born).
Division 3 modifies this Act so that it applies correctly for claims that are made in exceptional circumstances and other special cases. For example, where a provision of this Act refers to the day a child was born, Division 3 modifies that provision so that, when applying that provision in relation to a claim that is made in exceptional circumstance, the provision has the effect of referring to the day the claimant became the child’s primary carer (instead of the day the child was born).
Division 4 modifies this Act so that it applies correctly to Commonwealth employment.
 
Division 2—How this Act applies to an adopted child
275  How this Act applies to an adopted child
             (1)  This Act applies in relation to an adopted child that satisfies the requirements of subsection (2) as if:
                     (a)  a reference to the birth of a child were a reference to the placement of the child; and
                     (b)  a reference to the day the child was born were a reference to the day of placement of the child; and
                     (c)  a reference to the expected date of birth of the child were a reference to the expected day of placement of the child; and
                     (d)  a reference to a child’s first birthday were a reference to the first anniversary of the day of placement of the child; and
                     (e)  a reference to a completed birth verification form for a child were a reference to information required by the Secretary about the adoption of the child; and
                      (f)  a reference to a child being born during the same multiple birth were a reference to the child being adopted during the same multiple adoption.
When a child satisfies this subsection
             (2)  A child satisfies the requirements of this subsection if:
                     (a)  as part of the process for the adoption of the child by a person, the child is, or is to be, entrusted to the care of the person by an authorised party; and
                     (b)  the child is, or will be, under 16 on the day of placement of the child.
Meaning of day of placement
             (3)  The day of placement of a child with a person is the day on which, as part of the process for the adoption of a child by a person, the child is entrusted to the care of the person by an authorised party.
 
Division 3—How this Act applies to claims made in exceptional circumstances and other cases
276  How this Act applies to claims made in exceptional circumstances
                   This Act (other than subsection 18(3), which deals with birth registration) applies in relation to a claim that is made in exceptional circumstances as if:
                     (a)  a reference to the birth of a child were a reference to the claimant becoming the child’s primary carer; and
                     (b)  a reference to the day the child was born were a reference to the day the claimant became the child’s primary carer; and
                     (c)  a reference to the expected date of birth of the child were a reference to the day the claimant expects to become the child’s primary carer; and
                     (d)  a reference to a child’s first birthday were a reference to the first anniversary of the day the claimant became the child’s primary carer; and
                     (e)  a reference to a completed birth verification form for a child were a reference to information required by the Secretary about the claimant becoming the child’s primary carer; and
                      (f)  a reference to a child being born during the same multiple birth were a reference to the claimant becoming the primary carer of the child at the same time as becoming the primary carer of another child.
277  Primary carers when a child is stillborn or dies
             (1)  If:
                     (a)  a claim is made for parental leave pay for a child; and
                     (b)  before or after the claim is made, the child is stillborn or dies;
then this Act (other than sections 31 and 47) applies as if a reference to the claimant becoming or being the child’s primary carer were a reference to the claimant having become or been the child’s primary carer had the child not been stillborn or died.
Note:          Section 31 deals with eligibility for parental leave pay and section 47 defines who is a primary carer.
             (2)  The PPL rules may modify the operation of subsection (1).
Division 4—How this Act applies to Commonwealth employment
278  How this Act applies to Commonwealth employment
                   This Act applies in relation to a person who is engaged by or on behalf of the Commonwealth as an employee, to perform functions in a Commonwealth agency as if:
                     (a)  the employee were employed by the agency (rather than the Commonwealth) for whom the person is to perform functions; and
                     (b)  the agency were a body corporate; and
                     (c)  the head of the agency (however described) has all the rights, duties and powers of an employer in relation to the employee.
 
Part 6‑2—Nominees
Division 1—Guide to this Part
279  Guide to this Part
This Part is about payment nominees (who are people who can receive payments of instalments of parental leave pay on behalf of other people for the purposes of this Act) and correspondence nominees (who are people who can receive notices on behalf of other people for the purposes of this Act).
Division 2 allows the Secretary to appoint a person to be a payment nominee, or a correspondence nominee, for another person for the purposes of this Act.
Divisions 3, 4 and 5 deal with the consequences of such an appointment.
 
Division 2—Appointment of nominees
280  Appointment of payment nominee
             (1)  The Secretary may, in writing:
                     (a)  appoint a person (including a body corporate) to be the payment nominee of another person for the purposes of this Act; and
                     (b)  direct that the whole or a specified part of an instalment payable to the nominee’s principal be paid to the nominee.
Note:          The Secretary must make the appointment in accordance with section 282.
             (2)  An appointment or a direction made under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.
281  Appointment of correspondence nominee
             (1)  The Secretary may, in writing, appoint a person (including a body corporate) to be the correspondence nominee of another person for the purposes of this Act.
Note:          The Secretary must make the appointment in accordance with section 282.
             (2)  An appointment made under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.
282  Provisions relating to appointments
             (1)  A person may be appointed as the payment nominee and the correspondence nominee of the same person.
             (2)  The Secretary must not appoint a nominee for a person (the proposed principal) under section 280 or 281 except:
                     (a)  with the written consent of the person to be appointed; and
                     (b)  after taking into consideration the wishes (if any) of the proposed principal regarding the making of such an appointment.
             (3)  The Secretary must cause a copy of an appointment under section 280 or 281 to be given to:
                     (a)  the nominee; and
                     (b)  the principal.
283  Suspension and cancellation of nominee appointments
             (1)  If a person who is appointed as a nominee under section 280 or 281 informs the Secretary in writing that the person no longer wishes to be a nominee under that appointment, the Secretary must, as soon as practicable, cancel the appointment.
             (2)  If:
                     (a)  the Secretary gives a nominee a notice under section 288; and
                     (b)  the nominee informs the Department that:
                              (i)  an event or change of circumstances has happened or is likely to happen; and
                             (ii)  the event or change of circumstances is likely to have an effect referred to in paragraph 288(1)(b);
the Secretary may suspend or cancel the nominee’s appointment.
             (3)  If:
                     (a)  the Secretary gives a nominee a notice under section 288 or 289; and
                     (b)  the nominee does not comply with the requirement of the notice;
the Secretary may suspend or cancel the nominee’s appointment, or each of the nominee’s appointments.
             (4)  While an appointment is suspended, the appointment has no effect for the purposes of this Act.
             (5)  The Secretary may, at any time, cancel the suspension of an appointment under subsection (2) or (3).
             (6)  The suspension or cancellation of an appointment, and the cancellation of such a suspension, must be in writing.
             (7)  The cancellation of an appointment has effect on and from such day, being later than the day of the cancellation, as is specified in the cancellation.
             (8)  The Secretary must give the principal and the nominee a copy of:
                     (a)  a suspension of the nominee’s appointment; or
                     (b)  a cancellation of the nominee’s appointment; or
                     (c)  a cancellation of a suspension of the nominee’s appointment.
             (9)  A suspension or cancellation of an appointment, or a cancellation of such a suspension, under this section is not a legislative instrument.
 
Division 3—Payment of instalments to payment nominee
284  Payment of instalments to payment nominee
             (1)  If:
                     (a)  a person has a payment nominee; and
                     (b)  the whole or a part of an instalment is payable to the person; and
                     (c)  the Secretary has given a direction in relation to the instalment under section 280;
the instalment must be paid in accordance with the direction.
             (2)  An instalment paid to the payment nominee of a person:
                     (a)  is paid to the payment nominee on behalf of the person; and
                     (b)  is taken, for the purposes of this Act (other than this Part), to have been paid to the person and to have been so paid when it was paid to the nominee.
             (3)  An instalment that is to be paid to the payment nominee of a person must be paid to the credit of a bank account nominated and maintained by the nominee.
             (4)  The Secretary may direct that the whole or a part of an instalment that is to be paid to a payment nominee be paid to the payment nominee in a different way from that provided for by subsection (3). If the Secretary gives such a direction, an instalment to which the direction relates must be paid in accordance with the direction.
             (5)  A direction given under subsection (4) is not a legislative instrument.
 
Division 4—Functions and responsibilities of nominees
285  Actions of correspondence nominee on behalf of principal
             (1)  Any act that may be done by a person under, or for the purposes of, this Act (other than Division 2 or 3) may be done by the person’s correspondence nominee.
Note:          This section is subject to section 296 (which deals with the right of the nominee to attend with a principal) and subsection (4) of this section.
             (2)  Without limiting subsection (1), an application or claim that may be made under this Act by a person may be made by the person’s correspondence nominee on behalf of the person, and an application or claim so made is taken to be made by the person.
             (3)  An act done by a person’s correspondence nominee under this section has effect, for the purposes of this Act (other than this Part), as if it had been done by the person.
             (4)  If, under a provision of this Act, the Secretary gives a notice to a person who has a correspondence nominee, subsection (1) does not extend to an act that is required by the notice to be done by the person.
286  Giving of notices to correspondence nominee
             (1)  Any notice that the Secretary is authorised or required by this Act to give to a person may be given by the Secretary to the person’s correspondence nominee.
             (2)  The notice:
                     (a)  must, in every respect, be in the same form, and in the same terms, as if it were being given to the person; and
                     (b)  may be given to the correspondence nominee personally or by post or by any other means approved by the Secretary.
             (3)  If:
                     (a)  under subsection (1), the Secretary gives a notice (the nominee notice) to a person’s correspondence nominee; and
                     (b)  the Secretary afterwards gives the person a notice that:
                              (i)  is expressed to be given under the same provision of this Act as the nominee notice; and
                             (ii)  makes the same requirement of the person as the nominee notice;
section 287 ceases to have effect in relation to the nominee notice.
             (4)  If:
                     (a)  under subsection (1), the Secretary gives a notice (the nominee notice) to a person’s correspondence nominee; and
                     (b)  the Secretary has already given to the person a notice that:
                              (i)  is expressed to be given under the same provision of this Act as the nominee notice; and
                             (ii)  makes the same requirement of the person as the nominee notice;
section 287 does not have effect in relation to the nominee notice.
287  Compliance by correspondence nominee
             (1)  If, under section 286, a notice making a PPL requirement of a person is given to the person’s correspondence nominee, the following paragraphs have effect:
                     (a)  for the purposes of this Act, other than this Part, the notice is taken:
                              (i)  to have been given to the person; and
                             (ii)  to have been so given on the day on which the notice was given to the correspondence nominee;
                     (b)  any PPL requirement made of the person may be satisfied by the correspondence nominee;
                     (c)  any act done by the correspondence nominee for the purposes of satisfying a PPL requirement of the notice has effect, for the purposes of this Act, as if it had been done by the person;
                     (d)  if the correspondence nominee fails to satisfy a PPL requirement of the notice, the person is taken, for the purposes of this Act, to have failed to comply with the PPL requirement.
             (2)  To avoid doubt, for the purposes of this Act, the person is taken to have complied with a PPL requirement if:
                     (a)  the PPL requirement imposes an obligation on the person to inform the Secretary of a matter, or give the Secretary a statement, within a specified period; and
                     (b)  the correspondence nominee informs the Secretary of the matter, or gives the Secretary the statement (as the case may be) within that period.
             (3)  To avoid doubt, for the purposes of this Act, the person is taken to have complied with a PPL requirement if:
                     (a)  the PPL requirement imposes an obligation on the person to give information, or produce a document, to an officer within a specified period; and
                     (b)  the correspondence nominee gives the information, or produces the document (as the case may be) to the officer within that period.
             (4)  To avoid doubt, for the purposes of this Act, the person is taken not to have complied with a PPL requirement if:
                     (a)  the PPL requirement imposes an obligation on the person to inform the Secretary of a matter, or give the Secretary a statement, within a specified period; and
                     (b)  the correspondence nominee does not inform the Secretary of the matter, or give the Secretary the statement (as the case may be) within that period.
             (5)  To avoid doubt, for the purposes of this Act, the person is taken not to have complied with a PPL requirement if:
                     (a)  the PPL requirement imposes an obligation on the person to give information, or produce a document, to an officer within a specified period; and
                     (b)  the correspondence nominee does not give the information, or produce the document (as the case may be) to the officer within that period.
             (6)  A PPL requirement is a requirement, made by the Secretary under this Act, to:
                     (a)  inform the Secretary of a matter; or
                     (b)  give information, or produce a document, to an officer; or
                     (c)  give a statement to the Secretary.
288  Nominee to inform Department of matters affecting ability to act as nominee
             (1)  The Secretary may give a nominee of a person a notice that requires the nominee to inform the Department if:
                     (a)  either:
                              (i)  an event or change of circumstances happens; or
                             (ii)  the nominee becomes aware that an event or change of circumstances is likely to happen; and
                     (b)  the event or change of circumstances is likely to affect:
                              (i)  the ability of the nominee to act as the payment nominee or correspondence nominee of the person (as the case may be); or
                             (ii)  the ability of the Secretary to give notices to the nominee under this Act; or
                            (iii)  the ability of the nominee to comply with notices given to the nominee by the Secretary under this Act.
             (2)  A notice under subsection (1):
                     (a)  must be in writing; and
                     (b)  may be given personally or by post or by any other means approved by the Secretary; and
                     (c)  must specify how the nominee is to give the information to the Department; and
                     (d)  must specify the period within which the nominee is to give the information to the Department.
             (3)  A notice under subsection (1) is not ineffective just because it does not comply with paragraph (2)(c).
             (4)  The period specified under paragraph (2)(d) must not end earlier than 14 days after:
                     (a)  the day on which the event or change of circumstances happens; or
                     (b)  the day on which the nominee becomes aware that the event or change of circumstances is likely to happen.
             (5)  Subsection (4) does not apply to a requirement in a notice for a nominee to inform the Department of any proposal by the nominee to leave Australia.
             (6)  This section extends to:
                     (a)  acts, omissions, matters and things outside Australia, whether or not in a foreign country; and
                     (b)  all persons, irrespective of their nationality or citizenship.
289  Statement by payment nominee regarding disposal of money
             (1)  The Secretary may give the payment nominee of a person a notice that requires the nominee to give the Department a statement about a matter relating to the disposal by the nominee of an instalment paid to the nominee on behalf of the person.
             (2)  A notice under subsection (1):
                     (a)  must be in writing; and
                     (b)  may be given personally or by post or by any other means approved by the Secretary; and
                     (c)  must specify how the nominee is to give the statement to the Department; and
                     (d)  must specify the period within which the nominee is to give the statement to the Department.
             (3)  A notice under subsection (1) is not ineffective just because it does not comply with paragraph (2)(c).
             (4)  The period specified under paragraph (2)(d) must not end earlier than 14 days after the day the notice is given.
             (5)  A statement given in response to a notice under subsection (1) must be in writing and in accordance with a form approved by the Secretary.
             (6)  A person commits an offence if:
                     (a)  the person is a nominee; and
                     (b)  the person refuses or fails to comply with a notice under subsection (1).
Penalty:  30 penalty units.
             (7)  Subsection (6) does not apply if the person has a reasonable excuse.
Note:          A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (7) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).
             (8)  An offence against subsection (6) is an offence of strict liability.
             (9)  This section extends to:
                     (a)  acts, omissions, matters and things outside Australia, whether or not in a foreign country; and
                     (b)  all persons, irrespective of their nationality or citizenship.
 
Division 5—Other matters relating to nominees
290  Protection of principal against liability for actions of nominee
                   Nothing in this Part has the effect of rendering a principal guilty of an offence against this Act in relation to any act or omission of the principal’s correspondence nominee.
291  Protection of nominee against criminal liability
             (1)  A nominee of a principal is not subject to any criminal liability under this Act in relation to:
                     (a)  any act or omission of the principal; or
                     (b)  anything done, in good faith, by the nominee in his or her capacity as nominee.
             (2)  This section has effect subject to section 289 (which deals with a statement by a payment nominee regarding the disposal of money).
292  Duty of nominee to principal
             (1)  It is the duty of a person who is the payment or correspondence nominee of a principal at all times to act in the best interests of the principal.
             (2)  A nominee does not commit a breach of the duty imposed by subsection (1) by doing an act if, when the act is done, the nominee reasonably believes that it is in the best interests of the principal that the act be done.
             (3)  A nominee does not commit a breach of the duty imposed by subsection (1) by refraining from doing an act if, at the relevant time, the nominee reasonably believes that it is in the best interests of the principal that the act be not done.
293  Saving of Secretary’s powers of revocation
                   Nothing in this Part is to be taken to be an expression of a contrary intention for the purposes of subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
294  Saving of Secretary’s powers to give notices to principal
                   Nothing in this Part is intended in any way to limit or affect the Secretary’s powers under other provisions of this Act to give notices to, or make requirements of, a person who has a nominee.
295  Notification of nominee where notice given to principal
                   If, under a provision of this Act (other than a provision of this Part), the Secretary gives a notice to a person who has a correspondence nominee, the Secretary may inform the correspondence nominee of the giving of the notice and of the terms of the notice.
296  Right of nominee to attend with principal
             (1)  If:
                     (a)  under a provision of this Act (other than a provision of this Part), the Secretary gives a notice to a person who has a correspondence nominee; and
                     (b)  the notice requires the person:
                              (i)  to attend the Department; or
                             (ii)  to attend a particular place; and
                     (c)  the Secretary informs the person’s correspondence nominee of the giving of the notice;
the correspondence nominee may attend the Department or place (as the case may be) with the person if the person so wishes.
             (2)  If a person’s correspondence nominee is a body corporate, the last reference in subsection (1) to the correspondence nominee is to be read as a reference to an officer or employee of the correspondence nominee.
 
Part 6‑3—Other matters
Division 1—Guide to this Part
297  Guide to this Part
This Part deals with miscellaneous matters.
Division 2 provides for the Paid Parental Leave Rules. The PPL rules are made by the Minister by legislative instrument. They are subordinate legislation and provide rules that operate in addition to those in this Act.
Division 3 confers jurisdiction on the Federal Court and the Federal Magistrates Court.
Division 4 deals with other miscellaneous matters (such as delegations and regulations).
 
Division 2—The Paid Parental Leave Rules
298  The PPL rules
                   The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make rules providing for matters:
                     (a)  required or permitted by this Act to be provided; or
                     (b)  necessary or convenient to be provided in order to carry out or give effect to this Act.
299  Extension of Act to persons who are not employees and employers
             (1)  The PPL rules or the regulations may provide that the Secretary may make an employer determination under Part 3‑5 for persons who are in a relationship that is similar to the relationship between an employer and an employee.
             (2)  For the purposes of subsection (1), the PPL rules or the regulations may modify (including by adding, omitting or substituting) any provision of this Act in relation to persons provided for in accordance with subsection (1) by the PPL rules or the regulations.
 
Division 3—Jurisdiction of courts
300  Jurisdiction of Federal Court
                   Jurisdiction is conferred on the Federal Court in relation to civil matters arising under this Act.
301  Jurisdiction of Federal Magistrates Court
                   Jurisdiction is conferred on the Federal Magistrates Court in relation to civil matters arising under this Act.
 
Division 4—Other matters
302  General administration
                   The Secretary has, subject to any direction of the Minister, the general administration of this Act.
303  Delegation
             (1)  The Secretary may, in writing, delegate all or any of his or her powers under this Act (other than Divisions 3 and 5 of Part 4‑2 and paragraph 128(1)(b) (which deal with civil penalty orders, infringement notices and disclosing information to Agency Heads)) to:
                     (a)  an officer; or
                     (b)  without limiting paragraph (a), a person engaged (whether as an employee or otherwise) by:
                              (i)  an Agency (within the meaning of the Public Service Act 1999); or
                             (ii)  another authority of the Commonwealth; or
                            (iii)  an organisation that performs services for the Commonwealth;
                            but does not include the CEO or an employee of the Commonwealth Services Delivery Agency.
             (2)  The Secretary may, in writing and in accordance with service arrangements, delegate all or any of his or her powers under this Act (other than Divisions 3 and 5 of Part 4‑2 and paragraph 128(1)(b) (which deal with civil penalty orders, infringement notices and disclosing information to Agency Heads)) to the CEO of, or an employee of, the Commonwealth Services Delivery Agency or Medicare Australia.
             (3)  The Secretary may, in writing, delegate the Secretary’s powers under Division 3 or 5 of Part 4‑2 (which deal with civil penalty orders and infringement notices) to:
                     (a)  the CEO of the Commonwealth Services Delivery Agency or Medicare Australia; or
                     (b)  an SES employee or an acting SES employee.
             (4)  The Secretary cannot delegate to anyone except the CEO of the Commonwealth Services Delivery Agency or Medicare Australia the Secretary’s power under paragraph 128(1)(b) to disclose information to an Agency Head (within the meaning of the Public Service Act 1999).
             (5)  If the Secretary delegates that power to a CEO, the CEO cannot, despite any other provision in the Commonwealth Services Delivery Agency Act 1997 or the Medicare Australia Act 1973, delegate the power to an employee of the Commonwealth Services Delivery Agency or Medicare Australia.
304  Decisions to be in writing
                   A decision of an officer under this Act must be in writing.
305  Secretary may arrange for use of computer programs to make decisions
             (1)  The Secretary may arrange for the use, under the Secretary’s control, of computer programs for any purposes for which the Secretary may make decisions under this Act.
             (2)  A decision made by the operation of a computer program under an arrangement made under subsection (1) is taken to be a decision made by the Secretary.
306  Notice of decisions
             (1)  Notice of a decision under this Act is taken, for the purposes of this Act, to have been given to a person if written notice of the decision is:
                     (a)  delivered to the person personally; or
                     (b)  left at the address of the place of residence or business of the person last known to the Secretary; or
                     (c)  sent by prepaid post to the postal address of the person last known to the Secretary.
Note:          Notice of decisions can also be given electronically in accordance with the Electronic Transactions Act 1999.
             (2)  Notice of a decision under this Act may be given to a person by properly addressing, prepaying and posting the document as a letter.
             (3)  Notice of a decision that is given in accordance with subsection (2) is taken to have been given to the person when the notice would be delivered in the ordinary course of the post unless the contrary is proved.
             (4)  If a provision of this Act requires a notice of a decision to be given to a person, the decision is not ineffective just because the notice:
                     (a)  was not given or was given late; or
                     (b)  did not comply with the requirements of the provision.
             (5)  This section only applies to notices of decisions. Nothing in this section affects the operation of sections 28A and 29 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 in relation to other notices under this Act (for example, a notice that requires a person to inform the Secretary about some matter).
307  Appropriation
                   Payments under this Act (other than payments of instalments by employers under Division 2 of Part 3‑2) are to be made out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, which is appropriated accordingly.
307A  Review of the operation of this Act
             (1)  The Minister must cause a comprehensive review of the general operation of this Act to be begun by 31 January 2013.
             (2)  The review must consider the following matters:
                     (a)  the amount of time off work that primary carers are taking to care for newborn or newly adopted children;
                     (b)  the availability and amount of leave and payments provided by employers in relation to the birth or adoption of a child, and the interaction of those entitlements with parental leave pay provided under this Act;
                     (c)  the operation of the work test;
                     (d)  whether primary claimants’ partners should be paid parental leave pay separately from, or in addition to, primary claimants;
                     (e)  whether employers should make superannuation contributions in relation to parental leave pay;
                      (f)  the results of any evaluations conducted in relation to the operation of this Act;
                     (g)  the administration of this Act;
                     (h)  any other matter relevant to the general operation of this Act.
             (3)  The Minister must ensure that public submissions are sought in relation to the review.
             (4)  The Minister must cause a copy of a written report of the review to be tabled in each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of the day on which the Minister receives the report.
308  Regulations
                   The Governor‑General may make regulations prescribing matters:
                     (a)  required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed; or
             (b)  necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to this Act.
[Minister’s second reading speech made in—
House of Representatives on 12 May 2010
Senate on 15 June 2010]
(80/10)