Part 2 The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works
Division 1 Constitution of and general provisions relating to the Committee
6 Definitions
In this Division, unless the context or subject-matter otherwise indicates or requires—Clerk means Clerk of Assembly, or any officer acting in his or her place.
Member means member of the Legislative Assembly.
Speaker means Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
7 Constitution etc of Parliamentary Committee on Public Works
(1) In every Parliament, a committee of members of the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly, to be called the “Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works”, shall be elected in manner hereinafter provided. Three of the persons so to be elected shall be members of the Legislative Council, and four shall be members of the Legislative Assembly.
(2) Such seven persons shall hold office as a joint committee (subject to the provisions of section eleven hereof) for the duration of the Parliament for the time being, but shall cease to hold office as soon as such Parliament expires by dissolution or effluxion of time, and shall have and may exercise such powers and authorities, perform such duties, and be liable to such obligations, as are by this Act vested in or imposed upon such committee.
s 7: Am 1922 No 19, sec 2 (1).
8 Names of members to be notified
The names of the persons from time to time elected to be members of such Committee shall be notified in the Gazette with all convenient despatch.
9 Election of members of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works
(1) Upon a resolution being passed by the Assembly that the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works be appointed, of the passage of which the Legislative Council shall be informed by Message asking its concurrence, the Speaker shall fix a date, being within a period of fourteen days from the passing of the resolution, up to and including which the Speaker shall receive nominations of members of the Legislative Assembly for election and appointment as members of the Committee.
(2) Every such nomination shall be made and signed by at least five members, on a form provided by the Speaker for that purpose, and shall be delivered to the Clerk together with the written consent to the nomination of the member nominated.
(3) Where members to the number hereinbefore required, and no more or less, are nominated, the Speaker shall declare such members to be elected as members of the Committee.
(4) Where members to a less number than that so required are nominated, the Speaker shall declare such members to be elected as members of the Committee, and shall at the same time declare such other members as the Speaker thinks fit, being sufficient to make up such required number, to be elected as members of the Committee.
(5) Where members to a greater number than that so required are nominated, the Speaker shall appoint a day, being not later than the seventh day from the last day during which nominations may be received, upon which a ballot shall take place for the election of members of the Committee.
(6) Upon the day so appointed, the Clerk, for the purpose of such ballot, shall furnish every member with a ballot-paper in the form of the Second Schedule to this Act containing the names of the members nominated in alphabetical order of surnames.
(7) Every member shall vote by striking out the names of the members whom the member does not wish to be elected, and the member shall be deemed to have voted for the members whose names are not struck out on the member’s ballot-paper. No ballot-paper shall be deemed to be valid if the member has voted for more or less members than the number to be elected.
(8) Every member after the member has voted as aforesaid shall deliver the member’s ballot-paper to the Clerk, giving the Clerk time to note as hereinafter mentioned every paper previously presented.
(9) The Clerk, on the presentation of every ballot-paper, shall place his or her initials against the name of the member presenting the ballot-paper on a list containing the name of all the members of the Legislative Assembly, and the list of members so initialled shall be kept on record with the other proceedings of the ballot.
(10) The votes shall be counted by the Clerk, and the result of the ballot shall be delivered to the Speaker, together with the records of the proceedings of the ballot.
(11) The members, to such required number as aforesaid, who receive the greatest number of votes at the ballot shall be declared by the Speaker to be elected as members of the Committee. Where two or more members receive the same number of votes, the Speaker shall declare which of the said members receiving the same number of votes shall be elected.
s 9: Am 1922 No 19, sec 2 (2).
10 Election of members of Legislative Council as members of Committee
The provisions of section nine other than the provisions for passing a resolution that the committee be appointed shall, mutatis mutandis, be observed in the election of members of the Legislative Council to serve on the Committee, and in carrying out such provisions the President of the Legislative Council and the Clerk of Parliaments, or officer acting in his or her place, shall respectively be charged with the duties and powers in the said section imposed and conferred on the Speaker and Clerk respectively.The date to be fixed by the President for the election shall be within a period of fourteen days from the date of the concurrence of the Legislative Council with the resolution of the Assembly.
s 10: Am 1922 No 19, sec 2 (3).
11 Vacation of office
(1) Any member of the Committee may resign his or her seat on such Committee by writing under his or her hand addressed to the Governor.
(2) The seat of any such member shall also be deemed to have become vacant—(a) for any reason which would vacate his or her seat as a member of the Assembly or Council (as the case may be).
s 11: Am 1980 No 15, sec 3.
12 Vacancies
Where a vacancy occurs in the Committee, the same shall be filled by nomination and election as aforesaid within thirty-five days from the occurrence of the vacancy if Parliament is then in session, or within thirty-five days after the next meeting of Parliament should such vacancy occur during any recess or adjournment.Provided that the respective proportions in respect to the representation on the Committee of members of the Legislative Council and members of the Assembly hereinbefore prescribed shall be observed in the filling up of all such vacancies.
13 Quorum
Any three members of the Committee shall form a quorum competent to exercise all powers and authorities and to incur all obligations conferred or imposed by this Act upon the Committee.Provided that no quorum shall consist exclusively of members of the Legislative Council or of the Legislative Assembly.
14 Chair or Deputy Chair
There shall be a Chair and Deputy Chair of the Committee who shall be elected by the members of the Committee at their first meeting, or as soon after such meeting as may be practicable. The Chair or, in case of the Chair’s absence or other disability, the Deputy Chair shall preside at all meetings of the Committee.Provided that at any meeting of the Committee at which a quorum is present, the members in attendance, may, in the absence of the Chair and Deputy Chair, appoint one of their number then present to be temporary Chair, and such temporary Chair shall have, during the absence of the Chair and Deputy Chair, all the powers given by this Act to the Chair or Deputy Chair of the Committee.
s 14: Am 2007 No 27, Sch 1.46 [1]–[3].
15 Division—casting vote
(1) All questions which arise in any Committee shall be decided by a majority of votes of the members present, and when the votes are equal the Chair shall have a second or casting vote.
(2) In all cases of divisions the names of the persons voting shall be stated on the minutes and in the report.
s 15: Am 2007 No 27, Sch 1.46 [1].
16 Declaration of members of Committee
Every member of the Committee, before entering on the duties of his or her office or sitting at any meeting of such Committee, shall make and subscribe a declaration in the form of the Third Schedule hereto.
17 Power to sit during recess, and in open court
The Committee may sit and transact business during any adjournment or recess as well as during the session, and may sit at such times and in such places, and conduct their proceedings in such manner as may seem most convenient for the proper and speedy dispatch of business, and such Committee shall sit in open court.s 17: Am 1925 No 11, sec 2.
18 Reports
The Committee shall, before the commencement of each session of Parliament, make a report to the Governor of their proceedings under this Act; and such report shall be laid before both Houses of Parliament within fourteen days after the making thereof, if Parliament is then sitting, and if not, then within fourteen days after the commencement of the next session.
19 Minutes
The Committee shall keep full minutes of their proceedings in such manner as the Governor may direct.
20 Evidence taken before previous Committees
Where any public work is referred to any Committee, and such Committee lapses or ceases to have legal existence, before it reports on such public work, the evidence taken before such Committee and before any sectional committee shall, nevertheless, be considered by any subsequent committee to whom the same public work may be referred for report pursuant to this Act as if such evidence had been given before and for the information and guidance of such subsequent committee.
Division 2 Powers of the Committee
21 Powers of Committee
For the purposes of this Act the Committee shall have the following powers, that is to say—(a) they may, by themselves or by any person appointed by them to prosecute an inquiry, enter and inspect any land, building, place, or material, the entry or inspection of which appears to them requisite, upon the prescribed notice being given to the owners or occupiers of such land, building, place, or material,
(b) they may require, by summons under the hand of the Chair or Deputy Chair, the attendance of all such persons as they may think fit to call before them and examine, and may require answers or returns to such inquiries as they think fit to make,
(c) they may, in the prescribed manner, require and compel the production of all books, maps, plans, papers, and documents relating to the matters before them,
(d) they may, by their Chair or Deputy Chair, examine witnesses on oath; or where a witness, if examined before a superior court of record, would be permitted to make a solemn declaration, or to give evidence in any other way than upon oath, then by such declaration or otherwise as the case may be.
s 21: Am 2007 No 27, Sch 1.46 [1] [2].
22 Powers of Committee in respect of witnesses
(1) If any person—(a) whose expenses have been paid or tendered to the person neglects to appear, or
(b) wilfully insults the Committee or any member thereof, or
(c) misbehaves before the Committee, or
(d) interrupts the proceedings of the Committee, or
(e) being summoned or examined as a witness in any inquiry or matter pending before the Committee, refuses to be sworn, or to produce any document mentioned in the summons served upon the person, or to make a solemn declaration as aforesaid, or prevaricates in the person’s evidence, or refuses to answer any lawful question,
the Chair or Deputy Chair may commit any such offender to gaol for any time not exceeding one month, or may impose upon the person a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars and in default of immediate payment thereof may commit such offender to gaol for any time not exceeding one month unless the fine is sooner paid.In any such case of committal the Chair or Deputy Chair shall issue a warrant in the Form A contained in the Fourth Schedule hereto, and such warrant shall be good and valid without any other warrant order or process whatsoever, and the sheriff, the sheriff’s deputy, and all officers of the police force and gaolers to whom the same is addressed shall obey it.
(2) Where any person who has been duly served with a summons to attend as a witness before the Committee, and whose expenses have been paid or tendered to the person fails to appear in obedience to the person’s summons, the Chair or Deputy Chair, upon proof of such person having been duly served with such summons, and that such person’s non-appearance was without just cause or reasonable excuse, may issue a warrant in the form or to the effect of Form B of the Fourth Schedule hereto to bring such person before the Committee to give evidence.
(3) Every person required by the Committee to attend as a witness shall be allowed such expenses as would be allowed to a witness attending on subpoena before a superior court of record, and, in case of dispute as to the amount to be allowed, the same shall be referred to the Prothonotary of the Supreme Court who, on request under the hand of the Chair of the Committee, shall ascertain and certify the proper amount of such expenses.
s 22: Am 1978 No 118, Sch 2 (2); 2007 No 27, Sch 1.46 [1] [2].
23 Assessors
(1) The Committee may, in the exercise of any power by this Act conferred on them, call in the aid of one or more assessors, who shall be persons of engineering or other technical knowledge, or possessing special local knowledge or experience.
(2) There shall be paid to such assessors such remuneration as the Committee may recommend and the Governor may approve and as Parliament may provide.
24 Functions of Committee
The Committee shall, subject to the provisions contained in section thirty-four, consider and report upon all public works to be executed after the passing of this Act (and whether such works are continuations, completions, repairs, reconstructions, extensions, or new works), in all cases where the estimated cost of completing such works exceeds $1,000,000.In considering and reporting on any such work as aforesaid, the Committee shall have regard to the stated purpose thereof, and to the necessity or advisability of carrying it out; and, where such work purports to be of a reproductive or revenue producing character, the Committee shall have regard to the amount of revenue which such work may reasonably be expected to produce, and to the present and prospective public value of such work; and generally the Committee shall, in all cases, take such measures and procure such information as may enable them to inform or satisfy the Legislative Assembly as to the expediency of carrying out the work in question.
s 24: Am 1978 No 118, Sch 1 (1).
Division 3 Sectional committee
25 Constitution etc of sectional committees
(1) The Committee may at any meeting constitute sectional committees of itself for all purposes of this Act by appointing three or more of its members to be a sectional committee.
(2) Every sectional committee shall have, and may exercise, for the purpose of carrying out any business or inquiry delegated to them by the Committee either at or after the time of their appointment, all the powers by this Act conferred on the Committee, and shall sit in open court.
(3) Every sectional committee shall appoint a Chair or temporary Chair, who shall be the person to exercise the powers conferred by this Act on, or in the name of, the Chair or Deputy Chair of the Committee.
s 25: Am 2007 No 27, Sch 1.46 [1] [2].
26 Further powers of sectional committee
The powers and provisions respectively conferred by and contained in the fifteenth, seventeenth, twenty-first, twenty-second, and twenty-third sections of this Act shall be exercisable by and applicable to every sectional committee appointed as aforesaid.
27 Reports of sectional committees
Every such sectional committee shall make its report as soon as practicable to the Committee, of and in respect to all matters delegated to it by such Committee; and such report with any evidence taken by such sectional committee shall be dealt with by the Committee in all respects, so far as possible, as reports of select committees are dealt with by the Legislative Assembly.
28 Limit of number of sectional committees etc
Not more than two sectional committees shall be appointed or shall sit at the same time; but the Committee may sit at any time notwithstanding that any such sectional committee or committees may be sitting at the same time.
Division 4 Committee’s remuneration
29 Fees to be paid to members of Committee
The members of every Committee shall each receive, by way of remuneration for their services as such members, a fee for each attendance at a summoned meeting of such Committee at which a quorum was present, according to the following scale—(a) the Chair, or member presiding at any meeting in the Chair’s absence, six dollars thirty cents for each sitting,
(b) every other member, four dollars twenty cents for each sitting.
s 29: Am 1916 No 6, sec 7 (2); 2007 No 27, Sch 1.46 [1] [3].
30 Fees to be a charge on consolidated revenue
The fees made payable under this Division of this Act shall be charged on the consolidated revenue fund, and the certificate of the Chair or Deputy Chair of the Committee shall be a sufficient warrant and authority, and discharge to the Treasurer for the payment of such fees from such fund.s 30: Am 2007 No 27, Sch 1.46 [1] [2].
31 Travelling expenses
(1) In addition to the sum payable to every member of the Committee as a sitting fee, the member shall be paid a further sum of three dollars per diem on account of expenses incurred by the member in, and in the course of travelling, whether by land or water, whenever such expenses and charges have been incurred bona fide in the performance of the member’s duties as a member of such Committee, whilst outside the boundaries of the county of Cumberland.
(2) Such expenses and charges shall be chargeable in the same manner, and be paid by the same person, and on the like certificate, and in other respects in like manner as in the case of fees for sittings.
(3) In all cases in which a sectional committee of the Committee is engaged in the inspection of any public works outside the county of Cumberland, each day or part of a day occupied in such inspection shall be deemed to constitute one attendance of such committee, and to entitle each member thereof to a fee of four dollars twenty cents.
s 31: Am 1916 No 6, sec 7 (2).
32 (Repealed)
s 32: Rep 1916 No 6, sec 7 (1).
33 Office of profit
Nothing in this Division of this Act shall be taken to constitute the office of any member of the said Committee an office of profit, so as to render such member incapable of sitting or voting as a member of the Legislature, or to make void the election of such member.
Part 3 Public works, how authorised and how contracts made
34 Conditions precedent to commencing public works
(1) No public work of any kind, the estimated cost of completing which exceeds $1,000,000, and whether such work is a continuation, completion, repair, reconstruction, extension, or a new work, shall be commenced, unless sanctioned as hereinafter provided—(a) Every such proposed work shall, in the first place, be submitted and explained in the Legislative Assembly by some member of the Executive Council having a seat in such Assembly (hereafter termed “the Minister”).The explanation shall comprise an estimate of the cost of such work when completed, together with such plans and specifications or other descriptions as the Minister deems proper, and an estimate of the probable revenue to be derived therefrom. Such estimate, plans, specifications, or descriptions shall be prepared and be authenticated or verified in the prescribed manner.
(b) Upon motion, in the usual manner, made by the Minister or by any member of the Assembly such proposed work shall be referred to the Committee for their report thereon.
(c) The Committee shall, with all convenient dispatch, deal with the matter so referred to them, and, for that purpose may exercise all powers by this Act conferred on such Committee.
(d) The Committee shall, as soon as conveniently practicable, regard being had to the nature and importance of the proposed work, report to the Legislative Assembly the result of their inquiries.
(e) After the receipt of such report the said Assembly shall, by resolution, declare, either that it is expedient to carry out the proposed work or that it is not expedient to carry out the same.
Provided that the said Assembly, instead of declaring affirmatively or negatively as aforesaid, may resolve that the report of the Committee shall, for reasons or purposes to be stated in the resolution, be remitted for their further consideration and report to the said Committee; in which case such Committee shall consider the matter of such new reference, and report thereon accordingly.
(1A) (Repealed)
(2) Provided that the Governor may, with respect to any public work the estimated cost of which does not exceed $1,000,000, direct that the same shall be carried out under this Act, in which case all the powers and provisions of this Act relating to authorised works shall be applicable to such work, and the same shall for all purposes of this Act be deemed to be an “authorised work”, and the Minister on whom the carrying out of such work devolves shall for the like purposes be deemed a “Constructing Authority”.
(3) Where the council of an area within the meaning of the Local Government Act 1993 has made an application under section 57 of that Act for the construction, by the Minister, of a work of water supply or sewerage or any work incidental to water supply or sewerage, for the council’s area or part thereof, or for two or more areas as defined in the said Act or parts thereof, the Governor, notwithstanding that the estimated cost of the work exceeds the sum of $1,000,000, may direct that the work shall be carried out under this Act, in which case all the powers and provisions of this Act relating to authorised work shall be applicable to such work, and the same shall for the purposes of this Act be deemed to be an authorised work.
(4) Where the Minister is of opinion that a work of water supply, sewerage or drainage should be constructed, the Governor, notwithstanding that the estimated cost of the work exceeds the sum of $1,000,000, may direct that such work shall be carried out under this Act, in which case all the powers and provisions of this Act relating to authorised works shall be applicable to such work, and the same shall for the purposes of this Act be deemed to be an authorised work.
(5) For the purposes of this section, an extension or improvement of a work of water supply, sewerage or drainage shall be deemed to be an authorised work.
(6) Where the Minister is of opinion that a work being—(b) a hospital, or a mental hospital, or an institution for the treatment of the physically or mentally ill,
(c) public offices or a public building,
should be constructed, the Governor, notwithstanding that the estimated cost of the work exceeds the sum of $1,000,000, may direct that such work shall be carried out under this Act, in which case all the powers and provisions of this Act relating to authorised works shall be applicable to such work, and the same shall for all purposes of this Act be deemed to be an “authorised work” and the Minister on whom the carrying out of such work devolves shall for the like purposes be deemed a “Constructing Authority”.For the purposes of this subsection any such work shall include its continuation, completion, repair, reconstruction or extension.
s 34: Am 1916 No 69, sec 13; 1924 No 40, sec 2; 1928 No 37, sec 5; 1935 No 30, sec 2 (a); 1941 No 54, sec 24 (b); 1961 No 31, sec 2 (a); 1978 No 118, Schs 1 (2), 2 (3); 1986 No 205, Sch 2; 1987 No 58, Sch 3; 1988 No 114, Sch 4; 1995 No 11, Sch 1.
35 Notification of resolution
Every resolution of the Legislative Assembly declaring that it is expedient or not expedient to carry out any such proposed work shall be notified in the Gazette.
36 Under what circumstances negatived proposals may be re-submitted
If any such resolution declares that it is not expedient to carry out any proposed work, no proposal for a public work in substance identical with the work referred to in such resolution shall be submitted to the Legislative Assembly until after the expiration of one year from the notification of such resolution as aforesaid, unless the Governor, by writing under the Governor’s hand addressed to the Committee, declares that, in the Governor’s opinion and in view of the public interest, it is desirable that any such proposal should be re-submitted to the said Assembly.
37 Resolution when to be sufficient authority for execution of works etc
(1) Every resolution of the Legislative Assembly declaring that it is expedient to carry out the work specified or mentioned in such resolution shall be deemed to impose a statutory duty on the Minister to introduce a Bill into the said Assembly to sanction the carrying out of such work, upon the passing whereof by the Legislature and in such form as the Legislature may think fit, the authorisation of such work shall become absolute, and the Constructing Authority shall thereupon carry out such work, enter into such contracts, and take all such necessary steps for the proper execution thereof as such Authority may think proper.Provided that no such contracts shall exceed in the aggregate by more than ten per centum the estimate for the same submitted as hereinbefore provided.
(2) Where the Governor has—(a) pursuant to subsection two or six of section thirty-four of this Act directed that a work shall be carried out under this Act, the Constructing Authority, or
(b) pursuant to subsection three or four of section thirty-four of this Act directed that a work shall be carried out under this Act, the Minister,
shall enter into such contracts and take all such necessary steps for the proper execution thereof as such Constructing Authority or Minister, as the case may require, may think proper.
s 37: Am 1961 No 31, sec 2 (b).
38 Contracts how made
(1) All contracts referred to in subsections one and two of section thirty-seven of this Act may be made as follows, that is to say—(a) with respect to any contract which, if made between private persons, would be by law required to be in writing and under seal, the Constructing Authority or the Minister, as the case may require, may make such contract in writing and under seal, and in the same manner may vary or discharge the same,
(b) with respect to any contract which, if made between private persons, would be by law required to be in writing and signed by the parties to be charged therewith, the Constructing Authority or the Minister, as the case may require, may make such contract in writing, and in the same manner may vary or discharge the same,
(c) with respect to any contract which, if made between private persons, would by law be valid although made by parol only and not reduced into writing, the Constructing Authority or the Minister, as the case may require, may make such contract by parol only without writing, and in the same manner may vary or discharge the same.
(2) All such contracts so made shall be effectual in law and shall be binding upon the Constructing Authority, or the Minister, on behalf of the Crown, and all other parties thereto, their heirs, executors, or administrators, as the case may be; and on any default in the execution of any such contract either by the said Authority or the Minister, or any other party thereto, such actions or suits may be brought either by or against the said Authority, or the Minister, as might be brought had the same contracts been made between private parties.
s 38: Am 1961 No 31, sec 2 (c).
Part 5
42–49 (Repealed)
pt 5: Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
s 42: Am 1978 No 118, Sch 2 (5). Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
s 43: Am 1973 No 40, sec 3; 1987 No 143, Sch 2; 1988 No 119, sec 69. Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
s 44: Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
s 45: Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
s 46: Am 1930 No 44, sec 34 (2) (b); 1937 No 35, Second Sch; 1961 No 31, sec 2 (d); 1979 No 169, sec 3 (a). Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
s 47: Am 1916 No 6, sec 2. Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
s 48: Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
s 49: Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
Part 7
101–131 (Repealed)
pt 7: Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
s 101: Am 1980 No 196, Sch 1. Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
s 102: Am 1970 No 52, Second Sch (am 1972 No 41, Second Sch); 1979 No 205, Sch 2, Part 1. Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
s 103: Am 1916 No 6, sec 3. Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
s 104: Am 1970 No 52, Second Sch (am 1972 No 41, Second Sch); 1979 No 205, Sch 2, Part 1. Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
s 105: Rep 1979 No 205, Sch 2, Part 1.
s 106: Am 1916 No 6, sec 4; 1970 No 52, Second Sch (am 1972 No 41, Second Sch). Rep 1979 No 205, Sch 2, Part 1.
ss 107–117: Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
s 118: Am 1916 No 6, sec 5. Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
ss 119–122: Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
s 123: Am 1916 No 6, sec 6. Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
s 124: Subst 1970 No 52, Second Sch (am 1972 No 41, Second Sch). Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
s 125: Am 1975 No 72, Sch; 1980 No 196, Sch 1. Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
s 126: Am 1946 No 55, sec 5 (b); 1975 No 103, Sch 1 (2). Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
s 126A: Ins 1975 No 103, Sch 1 (3) (am 1976 No 66, sec 3 (a) (b)). Am 1979 No 205, Sch 2, Part 1; 1986 No 136, Sch 1 (2). Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
s 126B: Ins 1975 No 103, Sch 1 (3). Am 1979 No 205, Sch 2, Part 1. Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
s 127: Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
s 128: Am 1978 No 118, Sch 2 (6). Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
ss 129–131: Rep 1991 No 22, Sch 1.
Part 9 National works
pt 9: Rep 1988 No 114, Sch 4. Ins 1993 No 32, Sch 2.
151 Declaration of national works
(1) The Governor may, by proclamation, declare any road, bridge, ferry, wharf, public reserve or public work of any kind in any area to be a national work.
(2) A national work is, for the purposes of this Act, taken to be an authorised work and the Minister is taken to be the Constructing Authority.
(3) A work may be a national work whether or not it is a new work or an existing work.
s 151: Am 1940 No 1, sec 4 (b); 1978 No 118, Sch 2 (8). Rep 1988 No 114, Sch 4. Ins 1993 No 32, Sch 2.
152 Functions of Minister
(1) The Minister is to maintain, manage and administer national works.
(2) The Minister has, and may exercise and enjoy, the powers and immunities of a council under the Local Government Act 1993 for the purpose of the construction, control, protection, maintenance and management of national works.
s 152: Rep 1988 No 114, Sch 4. Ins 1993 No 32, Sch 2.
153 National works may be handed over to councils
(1) The Minister, with the agreement of a council, may, by notice published in the Gazette, declare that a national work is handed over, either temporarily or permanently, to a council.
(2) A work which is handed over to a council is to be maintained, managed and administered by the council and ceases to be a national work while it is so maintained, managed and administered.
s 153: Am 1975 No 72, Sch. Rep 1988 No 114, Sch 4. Ins 1993 No 32, Sch 2.
154 National works etc may be handed over to Transport for NSW
(1) The Minister, with the agreement of Transport for NSW, may, by notice published in the Gazette, declare that—(a) a road, bridge, ferry or tunnel that is a national work, or
(b) any other road, bridge, ferry or tunnel that is maintained, managed and administered by the Minister,
is handed over, either temporarily or permanently, to Transport for NSW.
(2) A road, bridge, ferry or tunnel which is handed over to Transport for NSW is to be maintained, managed and administered by Transport for NSW and (in the case of a national work) ceases to be a national work while it is so maintained, managed and administered.
(3) Transport for NSW has, and may exercise and enjoy, the powers and immunities of a council under the Local Government Act 1993 for the purpose of the control, protection, maintenance, and management of any road, bridge, ferry or tunnel maintained, managed and administered by it.
(4) Transport for NSW, with the agreement of a council, may, by notice published in the Gazette, declare that a road, bridge, ferry or tunnel—(a) that is maintained, managed and administered by Transport for NSW pursuant to this section, and
(b) that was, immediately before it was handed over to Transport for NSW, a national work,
is handed over, either temporarily or permanently, to a council.
(5) A work which is handed over to a council is to be maintained, managed and administered by the council.
s 154: Rep 1988 No 114, Sch 4. Ins 1993 No 32, Sch 2. Am 2011 No 41, Sch 5.39; 2020 No 30, Sch 4.80[1] [2].
155 Resolution of disputes
(1) Any dispute arising under section 153 or 154 between the Minister and a public authority may be resolved by agreement between the Minister and the Minister administering the Act under which the public authority is constituted.
(2) Any dispute arising under section 154 between Transport for NSW and a council may be resolved by agreement between the Ministers administering the Acts under which those public authorities are constituted.
(3) If agreement cannot be reached, the dispute is to be resolved by the Premier.
(4) A public authority must comply with any direction arising out of the resolution of the dispute under this section.
s 155: Ins 1993 No 32, Sch 2. Am 2011 No 41, Sch 5.39; 2020 No 30, Sch 4.80[2].
156 Closure of national works
The Minister may temporarily or permanently close a national work to the public and may dismantle any structure and dispose of its materials.ss 156–158: Ins 1993 No 32, Sch 2.
157 Appointment of councils as agents
(1) The Minister may appoint a council as the Minister’s agent for the care, control and management of a national work.
(2) The council may act as the Minister’s agent even if the national work concerned is partly outside the council’s area.
(3) A council acting as the Minister’s agent may take legal proceedings in its own name to recover penalties for offences relating to a national work.
ss 156–158: Ins 1993 No 32, Sch 2.
158 Regulations
(1) The Governor may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act, for or with respect to—(a) the construction, control, management, maintenance and protection of national works, and
(b) the regulation, restriction or suspension of the use by the public of national works, and
(c) the collection of fees and charges for the use of any national work other than a road or bridge.
(2) A regulation may create an offence punishable by a penalty not exceeding 5 penalty units.
ss 156–158: Ins 1993 No 32, Sch 2.
159 Proceedings for offences
Proceedings for an offence against a regulation made under this Part are to be dealt with summarily before the Local Court.s 159: Ins 1993 No 32, Sch 2. Am 2001 No 121, Sch 2.176 [3]; 2007 No 94, Sch 2.
Part 10 Other matters relating to councils etc
pt 10 (ss 160, 161): Ins 1993 No 32, Sch 2.
160 Minister to have certain functions
The Minister has, and may exercise and enjoy, the powers and immunities of a council under the Local Government Act 1993, for the following purposes—(a) the construction, control, protection, maintenance and management of roads, bridges, ferries, wharves or public works of any kind in the Western Division,
(b) the construction, and protection during construction, of any works carried out by the Minister for a council.
pt 10 (ss 160, 161): Ins 1993 No 32, Sch 2.
161 Minister may construct works etc on behalf of councils
The Minister may, at the request of the Minister for Local Government, erect, construct or carry out for a council, any works necessary or convenient in connection with any works or undertakings that the council might lawfully erect, construct or carry out.pt 10 (ss 160, 161): Ins 1993 No 32, Sch 2.
Part 11 Procurement of goods and services
pt 11: Ins 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8] (transferred from the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 No 43, Chapter 7). Am 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8].
Division 1 Preliminary
pt 11, div 1: Ins 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8] (transferred from the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 No 43, Part 7.1). Am 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8].
162 Definitions
In this Part—affected applicant, in relation to an alleged contravention or proposed contravention of an enforceable procurement provision, means—
(a) a person (or a partnership or other group of persons)—(i) that supplies, or could supply, goods or services, and
(ii) whose interests are affected by the alleged contravention or proposed contravention, or
(b) any other person, group of persons or body of a kind prescribed by the regulations.
Board means the New South Wales Procurement Board established under section 164.
Board direction or policy means a direction or policy issued by the Board under section 175.
enforceable procurement provision means a provision of a Board direction or policy (or a provision of a document referred to in a Board direction or policy) that is expressed to be an enforceable procurement provision by the direction or policy.
goods and services means goods and services of any kind.
government agency means any of the following—
(b) a NSW Government agency,
(c) any other public authority that is constituted by or under an Act or that exercises public functions (other than a State owned corporation),
(d) any State owned corporation prescribed by the regulations.
government agency employee means a person employed in or by a government agency.
government agency head means the person who is the chief executive officer, or who exercises the functions of chief executive officer, of a government agency.
international procurement agreement means an international agreement that applies to procurements by Australian Governments and covers procurements by New South Wales.
procurement of goods and services means the process of acquiring goods and services by—
(a) identifying the need to purchase goods and services, and
(b) selecting suppliers for goods and services, and
(c) contracting and placing orders for goods and services,
and includes the disposal of goods that are unserviceable or no longer required.
procurement list means a list of suitable suppliers (including suppliers selected using a prequalification scheme) intended to be used more than once for procurements by or for one or more government agencies, but does not include a procurement panel.
procurement panel means a panel of suppliers for procurements by or for one or more government agencies who, following successful tenders, have entered into contracts for inclusion on the panel.
public interest certificate—see section 176G.
s 162: Am 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [1] [2]. Ins 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8] (transferred from the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 No 43, sec 135). Am 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8]; 2018 No 72, Sch 1[1].
163 Application of Part
(1) This Part applies to the procurement of goods and services by or for a government agency, which includes—(a) the procurement of goods and services required by a government agency to exercise its statutory functions, and
(b) the procurement of goods and services by a government agency pursuant to the agency’s specific statutory powers of procurement.
(2) This Part does not apply to the procurement of goods and services by or for—(a) a local council or other local authority, or
(b) the Parliament of New South Wales.
s 163: Am 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [1]. Ins 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8] (transferred from the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 No 43, sec 136).
Division 2 NSW Procurement Board
pt 11, div 2: Ins 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8] (transferred from the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 No 43, Part 7.2). Am 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8].
164 Establishment of NSW Procurement Board
(1) There is established by this section the New South Wales Procurement Board.
(2) The Board is a NSW Government agency.
(3) The Board has the functions conferred or imposed on it by or under this or any other Act.
s 164: Ins 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8] (transferred from the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 No 43, sec 137).
165 Membership of Board
(1) The Board is to consist of the following members—(a) the Secretary of the Treasury,
(2) The Secretary of the Treasury is to be the Chairperson of the Board.
(3) The Fifth Schedule contains ancillary provisions relating to the members and procedure of the Board.
s 165: Am 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [3]–[5]. Ins 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8] (transferred from the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 No 43, sec 138). Am 2017 No 22, Sch 4.35 [1] [2]; 2019 No 1, Sch 1.14; 2020 No 30, Sch 3.34.
166 Ministerial control
(1) The Board is subject to the direction and control of the Minister in the exercise of its functions.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the Minister may direct the Board to comply with a specified Government-wide procurement policy.
(3) A copy of any direction given by the Minister to the Board under this section is to be included in its annual report for the year in which the direction was given.
ss 166–168: Ins 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8] (transferred from the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 No 43, secs 139–141).
167 Subcommittees of Board
(1) The Board may establish subcommittees to assist the Board in connection with the exercise of any of its functions.
(2) The subcommittees may have members who are not members of the Board.
(3) The procedure for calling meetings of a subcommittee and for the conduct of those meetings is to be as determined by the Board or (subject to any determination of the Board) by the subcommittee.
ss 166–168: Ins 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8] (transferred from the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 No 43, secs 139–141).
168 Advisory groups
The Board may establish advisory groups (comprising members from the public and private sectors) to advise the Board on such matters relating to the procurement of goods and services as are referred by the Board to those advisory groups.ss 166–168: Ins 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8] (transferred from the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 No 43, secs 139–141).
169 Delegation of Board’s functions
(1) The Board may delegate to an authorised person any of its functions, other than this power of delegation.
(2) A delegate may subdelegate to an authorised person any function delegated by the Board if the delegate is authorised in writing to do so by the Board.
(3) In this section, authorised person means any of the following—(a) a member of the Board or a subcommittee of the Board,
(b) a Public Service employee,
(e) any other person or body, or person or body of a class, prescribed by the regulations.
s 169: Am 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [6]. Ins 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8] (transferred from the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 No 43, sec 142).
170 Annual report of Board
(1) The Board must, on or before 31 October in each year, prepare and present to the Minister a report of its work and activities for the year ending on the preceding 30 June.
(2) The Minister must lay the report or cause it to be laid before both Houses of Parliament as soon as practicable after receiving the report.
(3) The report may be included in any annual report of the Department for which the Minister is responsible.
s 170: Ins 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8] (transferred from the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 No 43, sec 143).
Division 3 Objectives and functions of Board
pt 11, div 3: Ins 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8] (transferred from the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 No 43, Part 7.3). Am 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8].
171 Objectives of Board
The objectives of the Board are as follows—(a) to develop and implement a Government-wide strategic approach to procurement,
(b) to ensure best value for money in the procurement of goods and services by and for government agencies,
(c) to improve competition and facilitate access to Government procurement business by the private sector, especially by small and medium enterprises and regional enterprises,
(d) to reduce administrative costs for government agencies associated with procurement,
(e) to simplify procurement processes while ensuring probity and fairness.
s 171: Ins 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8] (transferred from the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 No 43, sec 144).
172 Functions of Board
(1) The Board has the following functions—(a) to oversee the procurement of goods and services by and for government agencies,
(b) to develop and implement procurement policies,
(c) to issue directions or policies under section 175 that apply to government agencies,
(d) to monitor compliance by government agencies with the requirements of this Part (including Board directions or policies),
(e) to investigate and deal with complaints about the procurement activities of government agencies,
(f) to develop appropriate procurement and business intelligence systems for use by government agencies,
(g) to collect, analyse and publish data and statistics in relation to the procurement of goods and services by and for government agencies,
(h) such other functions as are conferred or imposed on the Board by or under this or any other Act.
(2) The Board has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, the exercise of its functions.
(3) The Board is to exercise its functions in accordance with any applicable Government-wide procurement policies.
s 172: Am 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [1]. Ins 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8] (transferred from the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 No 43, sec 145). Am 2018 No 72, Sch 1[2].
173 Competitive neutrality in tendering
(1) The Board has the function of ensuring compliance by public authorities of the State with competitive neutrality principles referred to in the Competition Principles Agreement made on 11 April 1995 by the Commonwealth, the Territories and the States, as in force for the time being.
(2) The regulations may make further provision for and with respect to the Board’s function under this section.
(3) A person who contravenes a provision of the regulations made under this section that is specified for the purposes of this section is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—100 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months, or both.
s 173: Ins 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8] (transferred from the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 No 43, sec 146).
Division 4 Procurement arrangements
pt 11, div 4: Ins 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8] (transferred from the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 No 43, Part 7.4). Am 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8].
174 Procurement of goods and services by government agencies
(1) The Board may establish a scheme under which a government agency accredited by the Board may procure goods and services for that agency or for other government agencies, subject to any terms and conditions of its accreditation.
(2) The Board may also authorise a government agency to carry out specified procurement of goods and services without Board accreditation.
s 174: Ins 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8] (transferred from the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 No 43, secs 147–150).
175 Board may issue directions or policies for government agencies
(1) The Board may issue—(a) directions to government agencies regarding the procurement of goods and services by and for government agencies, and
(b) policies that apply to the procurement of goods and services by and for government agencies.
(2) A direction or policy may apply to government agencies generally or to a particular government agency.
(2A) A direction or policy may apply, adopt or incorporate (whether with or without modifications) any publicly accessible document as in force or effect at a particular time or as in force or effect from time to time.
(2B) All or some of the provisions of a direction or policy (or the provisions of a document referred to in the direction or policy) relating to an international procurement agreement may be expressed to be enforceable procurement provisions.
(3) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the Board may issue directions or policies regarding—(a) the methods to be used for procuring goods and services, and
(b) contracts for the procurement of specified goods and services, and
(c) the kinds of contracts for the procurement of goods and services for which tenders are required, and
(d) the limits on duration of contracts, and
(e) any matters relating to procurement procedures arising from a complaint about the procurement activities of a government agency.
s 175: Ins 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8] (transferred from the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 No 43, secs 147–150). Am 2018 No 72, Sch 1[3] [4].
176 Obligations of government agencies
(1) A government agency is to exercise its functions in relation to the procurement of goods and services in accordance with—(a) any policies and directions of the Board that apply to the agency, and
(b) the terms of its accreditation (if any) by the Board, and
(c) the principles of probity and fairness.
(2) A government agency is also to ensure it obtains value for money in the exercise of its functions in relation to the procurement of goods and services.
(3) A government agency is, at the request of the Board, to provide information to the Board about its activities in relation to the procurement of goods and services.
s 176: Ins 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8] (transferred from the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 No 43, secs 147–150).
Division 5 Complaints concerning enforceable procurement provisions
pt 11, Division 5 (ss 176A–176C): Ins 2018 No 72, Sch 1[6].
176A Affected applicant may make complaint
(1) A person (the complainant) may make a written complaint about the conduct of a government agency that it is alleged is a contravention or proposed contravention of an enforceable procurement provision if the person is an affected applicant in relation to the alleged or proposed contravention.
(2) The complaint must be made to the government agency head of the agency concerned.
(3) The complainant may withdraw a complaint by a further written notice given to the government agency head.
pt 11, Division 5 (ss 176A–176C): Ins 2018 No 72, Sch 1[6].
176B Investigation of complaint
(1) A government agency head to whom a complaint is made under this Division must—(a) investigate the conduct that is the subject of the complaint, and
(b) attempt to resolve the complaint by taking steps that, in the circumstances, are reasonable and prompt, and
(c) prepare a written report of the investigation.
(2) The government agency head may discontinue the investigation if—(a) the complainant withdraws the complaint, or
(b) the complainant informs the government agency head that the complainant considers the complaint to be resolved, or
(c) proceedings are commenced in the Supreme Court under Division 6 in relation to the conduct that is the subject of the complaint, or
(d) the government agency head considers it is reasonable to do so in the circumstances.
(3) The government agency head must discontinue the investigation if—(a) the Supreme Court makes either of the following findings in proceedings commenced under Division 6 in relation to the conduct the subject of the complaint—(i) that the conduct was a contravention of an enforceable procurement provision,
(ii) that the conduct was not a contravention of an enforceable procurement provision, or
(b) the continuation of the investigation would be likely to result in prejudice to the proper administration of justice.
pt 11, Division 5 (ss 176A–176C): Ins 2018 No 72, Sch 1[6].
176C Suspension of procurement
(1) A government agency head to whom a complaint is made under this Division must suspend all processes involved in the procurement that the government agency head considers would adversely affect the complainant’s participation in the procurement if the processes were continued.
(2) However, subsection (1) does not apply if—(a) a public interest certificate has already been issued in respect of the procurement, or
(b) a contract for the procurement has already been entered into.
(3) The government agency head must ensure that suspended processes remain suspended until the time when the earliest of the following occurs—(a) the complainant withdraws the complaint,
(b) the complainant informs the government agency head that the complainant considers the complaint to be resolved,
(c) a public interest certificate is issued in respect of the procurement after the complaint is made,
(d) proceedings are commenced in the Supreme Court under Division 6 in relation to the conduct that is the subject of the complaint.
Note—
The Supreme Court may grant an interim injunction under section 176D to prevent the continuation of conduct that may be a contravention of an enforceable procurement provision pending a final determination on the issue.
(4) When a complaint relates to a refusal or failure to include a supplier on a procurement list or procurement panel—(a) if the process for compiling the list or establishing the panel has not yet ended—the suspension of processes involved in the procurement must include the process of compiling the list or establishing the panel, and
(b) if the process for compiling the list or establishing the panel has ended—the suspension of processes involved in the procurement does not prevent the use of other suppliers on the list or panel for procurements.
(5) For procurement lists that have already been compiled and to which new suppliers may be added, subsection (4) does not prevent—(a) the addition of new suppliers to the list, or
(b) the use of suppliers who are already included on the list.
pt 11, Division 5 (ss 176A–176C): Ins 2018 No 72, Sch 1[6].
Division 6 Injunctions and compensation for contraventions of enforceable procurement provisions
pt 11, Division 6: Ins 2018 No 72, Sch 1[6].
176D Supreme Court may grant injunctions
(1) If a government agency has contravened, is contravening or is proposing to contravene an enforceable procurement provision, the Supreme Court may, on the application of an affected applicant, grant an injunction restraining the agency from doing so or requiring the agency to do any act or thing necessary to avoid or remedy the contravention or proposed contravention.
(2) The Supreme Court may not grant an injunction under this section if the Court is satisfied that a contract has already been entered into for the procurement concerned.
(3) The Supreme Court may grant an interim injunction pending determination of an application under this section if the Court thinks it is desirable to do so.
(4) However, the Supreme Court may not grant an interim injunction if a public interest certificate has been issued in respect of the procurement concerned unless the Court is satisfied that it would be in the public interest to do so.
(5) In determining whether to grant an injunction under this section, the Supreme Court must consider whether—(a) the grant of the injunction would result in a significant delay to the procurement concerned, and
(b) the making of an order under section 176F for the contravention or proposed contravention would be a more appropriate remedy in the circumstances.
(6) The power of the Supreme Court to grant an injunction under this section restraining a government agency from engaging in conduct may be exercised—(a) whether or not it appears to the Court that the agency intends to engage again, or to continue to engage, in conduct of that kind, and
(b) whether or not the agency has previously engaged in conduct of that kind, and
(c) whether or not there is an imminent danger of substantial damage to any person if the agency engages in conduct of that kind.
(7) If the government agency is not a corporation, an injunction under this section may be addressed to the government agency head for the agency.
(8) The Supreme Court may discharge or vary an injunction granted under this section.
s 176D: Ins 2018 No 72, Sch 1[6].
176E Preconditions for granting injunctions
(1) This section provides for certain procedural preconditions before an injunction may be granted under section 176D.
(2) An injunction is not to be granted unless the Supreme Court is satisfied that the application for the injunction was made—(a) for a contravention that is alleged to have occurred—within 10 days or any other period prescribed by the regulations after the later of the following days—(i) the day on which the alleged contravention occurred,
(ii) the day on which the applicant became aware, or ought reasonably to have become aware, of the alleged contravention, or
(b) for a contravention that it is alleged is occurring—within 10 days or any other period prescribed by the regulations after the day on which the applicant became aware, or ought reasonably to have become aware, of the alleged contravention, or
(c) for an alleged proposed contravention—within 10 days or any other period prescribed by the regulations after the day on which the applicant became aware, or ought reasonably to have become aware, of the alleged proposed contravention, or
(d) within any longer period as may be allowed by the Court.
(3) The Supreme Court must not allow a longer period under subsection (2)(d) unless the Court is satisfied that—(a) the applicant’s failure to make the application within the applicable period referred to in subsection (2)(a), (b) or (c) is attributable to the applicant’s reasonable attempt to resolve the complaint as referred to in subsection (4)(b), or
(b) there are special circumstances that warrant allowing a longer period.
(4) Also, an injunction is not to be granted unless the Supreme Court is satisfied that—(a) the applicant has made a complaint under Division 5 concerning the conduct of a government agency for which the injunction is sought, and
(b) if the Court considers that it would have been reasonable for the applicant for the injunction to have attempted to resolve the complaint—the applicant has made a reasonable attempt to resolve the complaint before applying for the injunction.
s 176E: Ins 2018 No 72, Sch 1[6].
176F Compensation for contravention
(1) If a government agency has contravened, is contravening or is proposing to contravene an enforceable procurement provision, the Supreme Court may, on the application of an affected applicant, make an order for the payment of compensation to the applicant in respect of the contravention or proposed contravention.
(2) The amount of compensation ordered must not exceed the sum of—(a) the reasonable procurement process expenditure incurred by the applicant, and
(b) the reasonable expenditure incurred by the applicant in connection with making a complaint under Division 5 about the contravention or proposed contravention, and
(c) the reasonable expenditure incurred by the applicant in connection with making a reasonable attempt to resolve the complaint.
(3) Despite subsection (2)—(a) an amount of compensation cannot include—(i) expenditure in connection with making or attempting to resolve a complaint if it is incurred after the affected applicant ought reasonably to have known that litigation was likely, or
(ii) costs already awarded by a court or tribunal to the affected applicant in respect of proceedings before the court or tribunal, and
(b) costs cannot be awarded by a court or tribunal to the affected applicant in respect of proceedings before the court or tribunal after an amount of compensation is ordered if the amount already includes those costs.
(4) If the government agency is not a corporation, the order may be made against the State rather than the agency.
(5) In this section—procurement process expenditure, in relation to a procurement, means—
(a) the expenditure in preparing a tender or expression of interest for the procurement, and
(b) the expenditure in applying for inclusion in a procurement list used for the procurement, and
(c) the expenditure in tendering for inclusion in a procurement panel used for the procurement.
s 176F: Ins 2018 No 72, Sch 1[6]. Am 2019 No 14, Sch 1.17.
176G Public interest certificates
A government agency head may issue a written certificate (a public interest certificate) stating that it is not in the public interest for a specified procurement to be suspended while—(a) a complaint made under Division 5 is being investigated, or
(b) an application for an injunction made under section 176D is being considered.
ss 176G–176I: Ins 2018 No 72, Sch 1[6].
176I Division does not limit remedial powers of Supreme Court
This Division does not limit any power that the Supreme Court has apart from this Division to provide remedies for contraventions or proposed contraventions of enforceable procurement provisions.ss 176G–176I: Ins 2018 No 72, Sch 1[6].
Division 7 General
pt 11, Division 7 (s 176J): Ins 2018 No 72, Sch 1[6].
176J Contravention of enforceable procurement provision does not affect validity of contract
A contravention of an enforceable procurement provision does not affect the validity of any contract.pt 11, Division 7 (s 176J): Ins 2018 No 72, Sch 1[6].
177 Delegation of functions by government agencies
A government agency or government agency head may delegate to a member of staff of the agency any function conferred or imposed on the agency or agency head pursuant to—(a) the terms and conditions of the agency’s accreditation by the Board, or
(b) any Board direction or policy, or
(c) any provision of Division 5 or regulations made for the purposes of section 178(1A)(a).
s 177: Ins 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8] (transferred from the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 No 43, secs 147–150). Am 2018 No 72, Sch 1[7].
178 Regulations
(1) The Governor may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act, for or with respect to—(a) the procurement of goods and services by and for government agencies (including but not limited to exemptions from any of the requirements of this Part), and
(b) any other matter that by this Part is required or permitted to be prescribed.
(1A) Without limiting subsection (1), the regulations may make provision for or with respect to the following—(a) complaints concerning the conduct of government agencies in connection with enforceable procurement provisions that apply to them, including by providing for—(i) the persons, groups of persons or bodies who have standing to make complaints, and
(ii) the kinds of complaints that may be made, and
(iii) the manner, form and time periods for making complaints, and
(iv) the resolution of complaints (including the suspension of procurements pending their resolution),
(b) preconditions for the making or granting of applications under Division 6 that are additional to those specified in the Division.
(1B) A regulation made for the purposes of subsection (1A)(a) may provide for complaints to be dealt with in a way that is different from Division 5 (whether generally or in relation to particular kinds of complaints).
(2) The regulations may authorise the Board to enter into arrangements with public bodies other than government agencies in relation to the procurement of goods and services by and for those bodies.
s 178: Am 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [1]. Ins 2013 No 40, Sch 6.7 [8] (transferred from the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 No 43, sec 151). Am 2018 No 72, Sch 1[8].