Contents
Part 1 · Preliminary
2Commencement#
(1)Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.
| Commencement information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
| Provisions | Commencement | Date/Details |
| 1. The whole of this Act | A single day to be fixed by Proclamation.However, if the provisions do not commence within the period of 6 months beginning on the day this Act receives the Royal Assent, they commence on the day after the end of that period. | 19 March 2020 |
Note: This table relates only to the provisions of this Act as originally enacted. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of this Act.
(2)Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this Act. Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it may be edited, in any published version of this Act.
3Object of this Act#
(1)The object of this Act is to establish the National Sports Tribunal to provide an effective, efficient, independent, transparent and specialist tribunal for the fair hearing and resolution of sporting disputes.
(2)By establishing the Tribunal, this Act gives effect to certain obligations that Australia has as a party to the International Convention Against Doping in Sport and to any other international agreement prescribed by the rules for the purposes of this subsection.
4Simplified outline of this Act#
• This Act establishes the National Sports Tribunal. It has an Anti-Doping Division, a General Division and an Appeals Division. It consists of members appointed by the Minister.
• The Anti-Doping Division and the anti-doping matters dealt with in the Appeals Division rely on the Commonwealth’s legislative power to give effect to the International Convention Against Doping in Sport.
• The General Division and the other matters dealt with in the Appeals Division only cover sporting disputes that the Commonwealth has constitutional power to regulate.
• In the Anti-Doping Division, persons may apply to the Tribunal for arbitration of certain disputes relating to anti-doping policies of sporting bodies.
• In the General Division, persons may apply to the Tribunal for arbitration of certain disputes if:
(a) those persons are bound by a constituent document covering a sporting body; and
• In the General Division, persons may also apply to the Tribunal for mediation, conciliation or case appraisal of certain disputes if:
(a) those persons are bound by a constituent document covering a sporting body; and
• A party to an arbitration or certain other persons or bodies may appeal to the Appeals Division from a determination made in an arbitration conducted in the Anti-Doping Division or General Division. In certain circumstances, a person may appeal to the Appeals Division from a sporting body’s decision or a sporting tribunal’s decision in relation to certain disputes.
• There is a Chief Executive Officer of the Tribunal. The CEO is to manage the administration and operation of the Tribunal.
5Definitions#
(1)In this Act:
athlete has the same meaning as in the Sport Integrity Australia Act 2020.
CEO means the Chief Executive Officer of the National Sports Tribunal.
civil penalty provision has the same meaning as in the Regulatory Powers Act.
constitutional corporation means a corporation to which paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution applies.
de-identified: information is de-identified if the information is no longer about an identifiable individual or an individual who is reasonably identifiable.
dispute: see subsection (2) of this section and subsection 6(2).
entrusted person means:
(a)the CEO; or
(b)a member; or
(c)a person assisting the CEO in accordance with section 66 or 67; or
(d)a person engaged as a consultant, or an expert witness, under section 68.
international agreement includes an international treaty or convention.
(a)the International Convention Against Doping in Sport, adopted by the UNESCO General Conference at Paris on 19 October 2005; or
(b)if the Convention has been amended by any amendment that has entered into force for Australia—the Convention as so amended.
Note: The Convention is in Australian Treaty Series 2007 No. 10 ([2007] ATS 10) and could in 2019 be viewed in the Australian Treaties Library on the AustLII website (http://www.austlii.edu.au).
national sporting organisation, for a particular sport, means:
(a)a sporting organisation that is recognised by the International Sporting Federation that has international control over the sport as being the organisation responsible for administering the affairs of the sport, or of a substantial part or section of the sport, in Australia; or
(b)whether or not there is an International Sporting Federation that has international control over the sport—a sporting organisation that is recognised by the Australian Sports Commission as being responsible for administering the affairs of the sport, or of a substantial part or section of the sport, in Australia.
paid work means work for financial gain or reward (whether as an employee, a self-employed person or otherwise).
protected information means information that:
(a)was obtained by a person in the person’s capacity as an entrusted person; and
(b)relates to the affairs of another person (except a person in the person’s capacity as an entrusted person); and
(c)identifies, or is reasonably capable of being used to identify, the other person.
Regulatory Powers Act means the Regulatory Powers (Standard Provisions) Act 2014.
sporting body means:
(a)a national sporting organisation for a particular sport; or
(b)a body or organisation specified in an instrument under subsection (3).
Sport Integrity Australia CEO means the Chief Executive Officer of Sport Integrity Australia.
support person has the same meaning as in the Sport Integrity Australia Act 2020.
World Anti-Doping Code has the same meaning as in the Sport Integrity Australia Act 2020.
(3)The CEO may, by notifiable instrument, specify a body or organisation for the purposes of paragraph (b) of the definition of sporting body in subsection (1).
Note: For specification by class, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislation Act 2003.
6Application of this Act#
Anti-doping matters
(1)Sections 22, 31, 32 and 33, and any other provision of this Act to the extent it relates to any of those sections, rely on the Commonwealth’s legislative power under paragraph 51(xxix) of the Constitution to give effect to the International Convention Against Doping in Sport.
Other matters
(2)Sections 23, 24, 25, 26, 34 and 35, and any other provision of this Act to the extent it relates to any of those sections, apply in relation to a dispute of any of the following kinds:
(a)a dispute where the sporting body concerned is:
(i)a constitutional corporation; or
(ii)a body corporate that is incorporated in a Territory; or
(iii)a body corporate that is taken to be registered in a Territory under section 119A of the Corporations Act 2001;
(b)a dispute involving matters relating to a sporting event at which Australia is to be, is or was represented as a nation;
(c)a dispute involving matters that occur beyond the limits of the States and Territories.
Part 2 · Establishment of the National Sports Tribunal
Division 1 · Simplified outline of this Part
Division 2 · Establishment of the National Sports Tribunal
Division 3 · Members of the National Sports Tribunal
12Number of members#
The National Sports Tribunal consists of such number of members as are appointed in accordance with this Act.
13Appointment of members#
(1)A member is to be appointed by the Minister by written instrument, on a part-time basis.
Note: The member may be reappointed: see section 33AA of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(2)The member holds office for the period specified in the instrument of appointment. The period must not exceed 5 years.
(3)The Minister must not appoint a person as a member unless the Minister is satisfied that the person has experience or knowledge in at least one of the following fields:
(a)sports law;
(b)sports governance or sports administration;
(c)scientific or medical expertise in relation to sport;
(d)dispute resolution;
(e)ethics;
(f)investigative practices or techniques;
(g)any other appropriate field of expertise.
17Resignation of appointment#
(2)The resignation takes effect on the day it is received by the Minister or, if a later day is specified in the resignation, on that later day.
18Termination of appointment#
(1)The Minister may terminate the appointment of a member:
(a)for misbehaviour; or
(2)The Minister may terminate the appointment of a member if:
(a)the member:
(i)becomes bankrupt; or
(ii)applies to take the benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors; or
(iii)compounds with the member’s creditors; or
(b)the member fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with section 16; or
(c)the member contravenes section 20.
19Application of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013#
A member is not an official for the purposes of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
20General duties of members#
Duty to act honestly, in good faith and for a proper purpose
Duty in relation to use of position
(a)to gain, or seek to gain, a benefit or an advantage for the member or any other person; or
(b)to cause, or seek to cause, detriment to the National Sports Tribunal, the Commonwealth or any other person.
Duty in relation to use of information
Part 3 · Resolution of disputes by the National Sports Tribunal
Division 1 · Simplified outline of this Part
21Simplified outline of this Part#
• In the Anti-Doping Division, persons may apply to the National Sports Tribunal for arbitration of certain disputes relating to anti-doping policies of sporting bodies.
• In the General Division, persons may apply to the Tribunal for arbitration of certain disputes if:
(a) those persons are bound by a constituent document covering a sporting body; and
• In the General Division, persons may also apply to the Tribunal for mediation, conciliation or case appraisal of certain disputes if:
(a) those persons are bound by a constituent document covering a sporting body; and
• A party to an arbitration or certain other persons or bodies may appeal to the Appeals Division from a determination made in an arbitration conducted in the Anti-Doping Division or General Division. In certain circumstances, a person may appeal to the Appeals Division from a sporting body’s decision or a sporting tribunal’s decision in relation to certain disputes.
Division 2 · Anti-Doping Division
22Applications for arbitration of disputes relating to anti-doping policies#
Anti-Doping Division recognised by anti-doping policy
(1)If:
(a)a sporting body has an anti-doping policy that has been approved by the Sport Integrity Australia CEO; and
(b)a person is bound by the anti-doping policy; and
(c)the anti-doping policy permits disputes of a particular kind to be heard in the Anti-Doping Division of the National Sports Tribunal; and
Anti-Doping Division not recognised by anti-doping policy
(2)If:
(a)a sporting body has an anti-doping policy that has been approved by the Sport Integrity Australia CEO; and
(b)a person is bound by the anti-doping policy; and
(c)a dispute arises in relation to the person; and
(d)the dispute is of a kind in respect of which the World Anti-Doping Code provides for a form of hearing; and
(e)the anti-doping policy does not permit disputes of that kind to be heard in the Anti-Doping Division of the National Sports Tribunal; and
(f)the person, the sporting body and the Sport Integrity Australia CEO agree in writing to refer the dispute to the Anti-Doping Division of the National Sports Tribunal;
the person may apply to the National Sports Tribunal for arbitration of the dispute.
Note: See Division 7 for how applications are to be made.
Parties to arbitration
(3)The parties to the arbitration are:
(a)the person; and
(b)the sporting body; and
(c)the Sport Integrity Australia CEO; and
(d)any other person or body:
(i)that is permitted by the anti-doping policy to participate in a hearing of a dispute of that kind; and
(ii)that advises the National Sports Tribunal in writing that the person or body wishes to be a party to the arbitration; and
(e)if the application is under subsection (2)—any other person or body:
(i)that is specified in the agreement mentioned in paragraph (2)(f) as being permitted to participate in a hearing of a dispute of that kind; and
(ii)that advises the National Sports Tribunal in writing that the person or body wishes to be a party to the arbitration.
Arbitration to be conducted in Anti-Doping Division
(4)The arbitration is to be conducted in the Anti-Doping Division of the National Sports Tribunal.
Note: See Divisions 4, 8 and 9 for rules about the arbitration.
Division 3 · General Division
Subdivision A · Applications for arbitration of disputes
23Disputes between a person and a sporting body#
(1)If:
(a)a dispute arises between:
(i)a person bound by one or more constituent documents by which a sporting body is constituted or according to which a sporting body operates; and
(ii)the sporting body; and
(b)either:
(i)one or more of those documents permit the dispute to be heard in the General Division of the National Sports Tribunal; or
(ii)if none of those documents permits the dispute to be heard in the General Division of the National Sports Tribunal—the person and the sporting body agree in writing to refer the dispute to the General Division of the National Sports Tribunal; and
(c)either:
the person or the sporting body may apply to the National Sports Tribunal for arbitration of the dispute.
Note: See Division 7 for how applications are to be made.
Parties to arbitration
(2)The parties to the arbitration are:
(a)the person; and
(b)the sporting body; and
(c)any other person or body:
(i)that is permitted by any of the constituent documents to participate in a hearing of a dispute of that kind; and
(ii)that advises the National Sports Tribunal in writing that the person or body wishes to be a party to the arbitration.
Arbitration to be conducted in General Division
(3)The arbitration is to be conducted in the General Division of the National Sports Tribunal.
Note: See Divisions 4, 8 and 9 for rules about the arbitration.
Limits on CEO’s power
(6)Without limiting subsection (5), exceptional circumstances for the purposes of that subsection include the following:
(b)the outcome of the dispute may set a precedent for dealing with similar disputes that may arise in the future.
Approval not a legislative instrument
(7)An approval under subparagraph (1)(c)(ii) is not a legislative instrument.
24Disputes between 2 or more persons#
(1)If:
(a)a dispute arises between 2 or more persons bound by one or more constituent documents by which a sporting body is constituted or according to which a sporting body operates; and
(b)either:
(i)one or more of those documents permit the dispute to be heard in the General Division of the National Sports Tribunal; or
(c)either:
the sporting body may apply to the National Sports Tribunal for arbitration of the dispute.
Note: See Division 7 for how applications are to be made.
Parties to arbitration
(2)The parties to the arbitration are:
(a)the 2 or more persons; and
(b)the sporting body; and
(c)any other person or body:
(i)that is permitted by any of the constituent documents to participate in a hearing of a dispute of that kind; and
(ii)that advises the National Sports Tribunal in writing that the person or body wishes to be a party to the arbitration.
Arbitration to be conducted in General Division
(3)The arbitration is to be conducted in the General Division of the National Sports Tribunal.
Note: See Divisions 4, 8 and 9 for rules about the arbitration.
Limits on CEO’s power
(6)Without limiting subsection (5), exceptional circumstances for the purposes of that subsection include the following:
(b)the outcome of the dispute may set a precedent for dealing with similar disputes that may arise in the future.
Approval not a legislative instrument
(7)An approval under subparagraph (1)(c)(ii) is not a legislative instrument.
Subdivision B · Applications for alternative dispute resolution processes
25Disputes between a person and a sporting body#
(1)If:
(a)a dispute arises between:
(i)a person bound by one or more constituent documents by which a sporting body is constituted or according to which a sporting body operates; and
(ii)the sporting body; and
(b)the person and the sporting body agree in writing to refer the dispute to the General Division of the National Sports Tribunal; and
(c)either:
the person or the sporting body may apply to the National Sports Tribunal for mediation, conciliation or case appraisal of the dispute.
Note: See Division 7 for how applications are to be made.
Participants in mediation, conciliation or case appraisal
(2)The participants in the mediation, conciliation or case appraisal are:
(a)the person; and
(b)the sporting body.
Mediation, conciliation or case appraisal to be conducted in General Division
(3)The mediation, conciliation or case appraisal is to be conducted in the General Division of the National Sports Tribunal.
Note: See Divisions 5 and 9 for provisions about the mediation, conciliation or case appraisal.
Limit on CEO’s power
Approval not a legislative instrument
(5)An approval under subparagraph (1)(c)(ii) is not a legislative instrument.
26Disputes between 2 or more persons#
(1)If:
(a)a dispute arises between 2 or more persons bound by one or more constituent documents by which a sporting body is constituted or according to which a sporting body operates; and
(b)those persons agree in writing to refer the dispute to the General Division of the National Sports Tribunal; and
(c)either:
the sporting body may apply to the National Sports Tribunal for mediation, conciliation or case appraisal of the dispute.
Note: See Division 7 for how applications are to be made.
Participants in mediation, conciliation or case appraisal
(2)The participants in the mediation, conciliation or case appraisal are:
(a)the 2 or more persons; and
(b)the sporting body.
Mediation, conciliation or case appraisal to be conducted in General Division
(3)The mediation, conciliation or case appraisal is to be conducted in the General Division of the National Sports Tribunal.
Note: See Divisions 5 and 9 for provisions about the mediation, conciliation or case appraisal.
Limit on CEO’s power
Approval not a legislative instrument
(5)An approval under subparagraph (1)(c)(ii) is not a legislative instrument.
Division 4 · Arbitration of disputes in Anti-Doping Division or General Division
27Arbitration of disputes in Anti-Doping Division or General Division#
(1)If:
(a)an application is made in the circumstances permitted by Division 2, or Subdivision A of Division 3, for arbitration of a dispute; and
(b)the application is in accordance with Division 7;
the National Sports Tribunal must conduct the arbitration and make a written determination in relation to the dispute.
Note 1: See Division 6 for appeals to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the determination.
Note 2: See Divisions 8 and 9 for rules about the arbitration.
(2)The determination takes effect on the day specified in the determination.
(3)The National Sports Tribunal must give the parties to the arbitration written notice of the determination and the reasons for the determination.
Termination of arbitration
(4)The National Sports Tribunal may terminate the arbitration:
(a)if the parties to the arbitration agree to the termination; or
(b)if the Tribunal is satisfied that the application for arbitration was vexatious; or
(c)if the Tribunal is satisfied that the subject matter of the arbitration is trivial, misconceived or lacking in substance; or
(d)in the circumstances prescribed by the rules for the purposes of this paragraph.
Suspension of arbitration
(5)The National Sports Tribunal may suspend the arbitration in the circumstances prescribed by the rules for the purposes of this subsection.
Division 5 · Alternative dispute resolution processes
28Mediation, conciliation or case appraisal of disputes#
(1)If:
(a)an application is made in the circumstances permitted by Subdivision B of Division 3 for mediation, conciliation or case appraisal of a dispute; and
(b)the application is in accordance with Division 7;
the National Sports Tribunal must conduct the mediation, conciliation or case appraisal of the dispute.
(2)The participants in the mediation, conciliation or case appraisal must act in good faith in relation to the conduct of the mediation, conciliation or case appraisal.
30Evidence not admissible#
(1)Evidence of anything said, or any act done, in a mediation, conciliation or case appraisal of a dispute before the National Sports Tribunal is not admissible:
(a)in any court; or
(b)in any arbitration of the dispute by the National Sports Tribunal.
Exception
(2)Paragraph (1)(b) does not apply in relation to particular evidence if the parties to the arbitration agree to the evidence being admissible at the arbitration.
Division 6 · Appeals Division
Subdivision A · Appealing decisions about anti-doping matters
31Appealing determinations made in Anti-Doping Division#
Appeals Division recognised by anti-doping policy
(1)If:
(a)the National Sports Tribunal makes a determination under section 27 in relation to the arbitration of a dispute as a result of an application under section 22; and
(b)the anti-doping policy concerned permits an appeal to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the determination;
a party to the arbitration, or any other person or body permitted by the anti-doping policy to make such an appeal, may appeal to the National Sports Tribunal from the determination.
Appeals Division not recognised by anti-doping policy
(2)If:
(a)the National Sports Tribunal makes a determination under section 27 in relation to the arbitration of a dispute as a result of an application under section 22; and
(b)the anti-doping policy concerned does not permit an appeal to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the determination; and
(c)the person who made the application, the sporting body and the Sport Integrity Australia CEO have agreed in writing that an appeal is able to be made to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the determination;
a party to the arbitration, or any other person or body specified in that agreement as being able to make such an appeal, may appeal to the National Sports Tribunal from the determination.
Application
(3)An appeal under subsection (1) or (2) is to be made to the National Sports Tribunal by application.
Note: See Division 7 for how applications are to be made.
Parties to appeal
(4)The parties to the appeal are:
(a)the parties to the arbitration; and
(b)the applicant (where the applicant was not a party to the arbitration); and
(c)if the appeal is under subsection (1)—any other person or body:
(i)that is permitted by the anti-doping policy to make an appeal to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the determination; and
(ii)that advises the National Sports Tribunal in writing that the person or body wishes to be a party to the appeal; and
(d)if the appeal is under subsection (2)—any other person or body:
(i)that is specified in the agreement mentioned in paragraph (2)(c) as being able to make an appeal to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the determination; and
(ii)that advises the National Sports Tribunal in writing that the person or body wishes to be a party to the appeal.
Appeal to be heard in Appeals Division
(5)The appeal is to be heard in the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal.
Note: See Subdivision C and Divisions 8 and 9 for rules about the appeal.
32Appealing decisions made by sporting bodies#
Appeals Division recognised by anti-doping policy
(1)If:
(a)a sporting body has an anti-doping policy that has been approved by the Sport Integrity Australia CEO; and
(b)a person is bound by the anti-doping policy; and
(c)a dispute arises in relation to the person; and
(d)the sporting body makes a decision in relation to the dispute; and
(e)the decision is of a kind that the World Anti-Doping Code provides may be made without a hearing; and
(f)the anti-doping policy permits an appeal to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the decision;
the person or Sport Integrity Australia CEO, or any other person or body permitted by the anti-doping policy to make such an appeal, may appeal to the National Sports Tribunal from the decision.
Appeals Division not recognised by anti-doping policy
(2)If:
(a)a sporting body has an anti-doping policy that has been approved by the Sport Integrity Australia CEO; and
(b)a person is bound by the anti-doping policy; and
(c)a dispute arises in relation to the person; and
(d)the sporting body makes a decision in relation to the dispute; and
(e)the decision is of a kind that the World Anti-Doping Code provides may be made without a hearing; and
(f)the decision is of a kind that the World Anti-Doping Code permits an appeal from; and
(g)the anti-doping policy does not permit an appeal to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the decision; and
(h)the person, the sporting body and the Sport Integrity Australia CEO have agreed in writing that an appeal is able to be made to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the decision;
the person or Sport Integrity Australia CEO, or any other person or body specified in that agreement as being able to make such an appeal, may appeal to the National Sports Tribunal from the decision.
Application
(3)An appeal under subsection (1) or (2) is to be made to the National Sports Tribunal by application.
Note: See Division 7 for how applications are to be made.
Parties to appeal
(4)The parties to the appeal are:
(a)the person referred to in paragraph (1)(b) or (2)(b); and
(b)the sporting body; and
(c)the Sport Integrity Australia CEO; and
(d)the applicant (where the applicant is not covered by paragraph (a), (b) or (c)); and
(e)if the appeal is under subsection (1)—any other person or body:
(i)that is permitted by the anti-doping policy to make an appeal to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the decision; and
(ii)that advises the National Sports Tribunal in writing that the person or body wishes to be a party to the appeal; and
(f)if the appeal is under subsection (2)—any other person or body:
(i)that is specified in the agreement mentioned in paragraph (2)(h) as being able to make an appeal to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the decision; and
(ii)that advises the National Sports Tribunal in writing that the person or body wishes to be a party to the appeal.
Appeal to be heard in Appeals Division
(5)The appeal is to be heard in the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal.
Note: See Subdivision C and Divisions 8 and 9 for rules about the appeal.
33Appealing decisions made by sporting tribunals#
Appeals Division recognised by anti-doping policy
(1)If:
(a)a sporting body has an anti-doping policy that has been approved by the Sport Integrity Australia CEO; and
(b)the anti-doping policy permits disputes of a particular kind to be heard by a sporting tribunal administered by the sporting body; and
(c)a dispute of that kind arises in relation to a person; and
(d)the person is bound by the anti-doping policy; and
(e)the sporting tribunal makes a decision in relation to the dispute; and
(f)the anti-doping policy permits an appeal to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the decision;
the person, Sport Integrity Australia CEO or sporting body, or any other person or body permitted by the anti-doping policy to make such an appeal, may appeal to the National Sports Tribunal from the decision.
Appeals Division not recognised by anti-doping policy
(2)If:
(a)a sporting body has an anti-doping policy that has been approved by the Sport Integrity Australia CEO; and
(b)the anti-doping policy permits disputes of a particular kind to be heard by a sporting tribunal administered by the sporting body; and
(c)a dispute of that kind arises in relation to a person; and
(d)the person is bound by the anti-doping policy; and
(e)the sporting tribunal makes a decision in relation to the dispute; and
(f)the decision is of a kind that the World Anti-Doping Code permits an appeal from; and
(g)the anti-doping policy does not permit an appeal to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the decision; and
(h)the person, the sporting body and the Sport Integrity Australia CEO have agreed in writing that an appeal is able to be made to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the decision;
the person, Sport Integrity Australia CEO or sporting body, or any other person or body specified in that agreement as being able to make such an appeal, may appeal to the National Sports Tribunal from the decision.
Application
(3)An appeal under subsection (1) or (2) is to be made to the National Sports Tribunal by application.
Note: See Division 7 for how applications are to be made.
Parties to appeal
(4)The parties to the appeal are:
(a)the person referred to in paragraph (1)(c) or (2)(c); and
(b)the sporting body; and
(c)the Sport Integrity Australia CEO; and
(d)the applicant (where the applicant is not covered by paragraph (a), (b) or (c)); and
(e)if the appeal is under subsection (1)—any other person or body:
(i)that is permitted by the anti-doping policy to make an appeal to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the decision; and
(ii)that advises the National Sports Tribunal in writing that the person or body wishes to be a party to the appeal; and
(f)if the appeal is under subsection (2)—any other person or body:
(i)that is specified in the agreement mentioned in paragraph (2)(h) as being able to make an appeal to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the decision; and
(ii)that advises the National Sports Tribunal in writing that the person or body wishes to be a party to the appeal.
Appeal to be heard in Appeals Division
(5)The appeal is to be heard in the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal.
Note: See Subdivision C and Divisions 8 and 9 for rules about the appeal.
Subdivision B · Appealing decisions about other matters
34Appealing determinations made in General Division#
Appeals Division recognised by constituent documents
(1)If:
(a)the National Sports Tribunal makes a determination under section 27 in relation to the arbitration of a dispute as a result of an application under section 23 or 24; and
(b)one or more of the constituent documents concerned permit an appeal to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the determination;
a party to the arbitration, or any other person or body permitted by one or more of the constituent documents to make such an appeal, may appeal to the National Sports Tribunal from the determination.
Appeals Division not recognised by constituent documents
(2)If:
(a)the National Sports Tribunal makes a determination under section 27 in relation to the arbitration of a dispute as a result of an application under section 23 or 24; and
(b)none of the constituent documents concerned permits an appeal to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the determination; and
(c)the parties to the arbitration have agreed in writing that an appeal is able to be made to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the determination;
a party to the arbitration, or any other person or body specified in that agreement as being able to make such an appeal, may appeal to the National Sports Tribunal from the determination.
Application
(3)An appeal under subsection (1) or (2) is to be made to the National Sports Tribunal by application.
Note: See Division 7 for how applications are to be made.
Parties to appeal
(4)The parties to the appeal are:
(a)the parties to the arbitration; and
(b)the applicant (where the applicant was not a party to the arbitration); and
(c)if the appeal is under subsection (1)—any other person or body:
(i)that is permitted by one or more of the constituent documents to make an appeal to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the determination; and
(ii)that advises the National Sports Tribunal in writing that the person or body wishes to be a party to the appeal; and
(d)if the appeal is under subsection (2)—any other person or body:
(i)that is specified in the agreement mentioned in paragraph (2)(c) as being able to make an appeal to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the determination; and
(ii)that advises the National Sports Tribunal in writing that the person or body wishes to be a party to the appeal.
Appeal to be heard in Appeals Division
(5)The appeal is to be heard in the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal.
Note: See Subdivision C and Divisions 8 and 9 for rules about the appeal.
35Appealing decisions made by sporting tribunals#
Appeals Division recognised by constituent documents
(1)If:
(a)a dispute arises between:
(i)a person bound by one or more constituent documents by which a sporting body is constituted or according to which a sporting body operates; and
(ii)the sporting body; and
(b)a sporting tribunal administered by the sporting body makes a decision in relation to the dispute; and
(c)either:
(d)one or more of the constituent documents permit an appeal to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the decision;
the person or sporting body, or any other person or body permitted by one or more of the constituent documents to make such an appeal, may appeal to the National Sports Tribunal from the decision.
Appeals Division not recognised by constituent documents
(2)If:
(a)a dispute arises between:
(i)a person bound by one or more constituent documents by which a sporting body is constituted or according to which a sporting body operates; and
(ii)the sporting body; and
(b)a sporting tribunal administered by the sporting body makes a decision in relation to the dispute; and
(c)either:
(d)none of the constituent documents permits an appeal to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the decision; and
(e)the person and the sporting body have agreed in writing that an appeal is able to be made to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the decision;
the person or sporting body, or any other person or body specified in that agreement as being able to make such an appeal, may appeal to the National Sports Tribunal from the decision.
Application
(3)An appeal under subsection (1) or (2) is to be made to the National Sports Tribunal by application.
Note: See Division 7 for how applications are to be made.
Parties to appeal
(4)The parties to the appeal are:
(a)the person; and
(b)the sporting body; and
(c)the applicant (where the applicant is not covered by paragraph (a) or (b)); and
(d)if the appeal is under subsection (1)—any other person or body:
(i)that is permitted by one or more of the constituent documents to make an appeal to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the decision; and
(ii)that advises the National Sports Tribunal in writing that the person or body wishes to be a party to the appeal; and
(e)if the appeal is under subsection (2)—any other person or body:
(i)that is specified in the agreement mentioned in paragraph (2)(e) as being able to make an appeal to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the decision; and
(ii)that advises the National Sports Tribunal in writing that the person or body wishes to be a party to the appeal.
Appeal to be heard in Appeals Division
(5)The appeal is to be heard in the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal.
Note: See Subdivision C and Divisions 8 and 9 for rules about the appeal.
Limits on CEO’s power
Approval not a legislative instrument
(8)An approval under subparagraph (1)(c)(ii) or (2)(c)(ii) is not a legislative instrument.
Subdivision C · Arbitration of disputes in Appeals Division
36Arbitration of disputes in Appeals Division#
(1)If:
(a)an appeal is made in the circumstances permitted by Subdivision A or B from a determination or decision made in relation to a dispute; and
(b)the application by which the appeal is made is in accordance with Division 7;
Note 1: See Divisions 8 and 9 for rules about the arbitration.
(2)A determination under subsection (1) takes effect on the day specified in the determination.
(3)The National Sports Tribunal must give the parties to the appeal written notice of the determination under subsection (1) and the reasons for the determination.
Termination of arbitration
(4)The National Sports Tribunal may terminate the arbitration:
(a)if the parties to the appeal agree to the termination; or
(b)in the circumstances prescribed by the rules for the purposes of this paragraph.
Suspension of arbitration
(5)The National Sports Tribunal may suspend the arbitration in the circumstances prescribed by the rules for the purposes of this subsection.
Division 7 · Making applications
37Form of applications#
An application under Division 2, 3 or 6 must:
(a)be made in accordance with a form approved, in writing, by the CEO; and
(b)be accompanied by the application fee (if any) prescribed by the rules; and
(c)contain the information that the form requires; and
(d)set out the reasons for the application; and
(e)satisfy any other requirement prescribed by the rules for the purposes of this paragraph.
38Time limit on applications#
(1)This section sets out the timing rules for making an application under Division 2, 3 or 6.
Anti-Doping Division
(2)Subject to subsection (5), for an application under Division 2:
(a)if the anti-doping policy concerned specifies a period within which an application may be made to the Anti-Doping Division of the National Sports Tribunal for arbitration of the dispute—the application must be made before the end of that period; or
(b)in any other case—the application must be made before the end of the period (if any) worked out in accordance with the rules prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph.
General Division
(3)Subject to subsection (5), for an application under Subdivision A of Division 3:
(a)if a constituent document concerned specifies a period within which an application may be made to the General Division of the National Sports Tribunal for arbitration of the dispute—the application must be made before the end of that period; or
(b)in any other case—the application must be made before the end of the period (if any) worked out in accordance with the rules prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph.
Appeals Division
(4)Subject to subsection (5), for an application under Division 6:
(a)if the anti-doping policy concerned or a constituent document concerned specifies a period within which an appeal may be made to the Appeals Division of the National Sports Tribunal from the determination or decision—the application must be made before the end of that period; or
(b)in any other case—the application must be made before the end of the period worked out in accordance with the rules prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph.
Limit of period of operation of National Sports Tribunal
(5)Any application under Division 2 or 3 or section 32, 33 or 35 must be made before the end of the following number of years beginning on the day this section commences:
(a)2 years;
(b)if the rules prescribe a larger number of years for the purposes of this paragraph—that number of years.
Division 8 · Manner of conducting arbitration
39Scope of Division#
This Division applies in relation to an arbitration of a dispute before the National Sports Tribunal.
40General principles relating to arbitration#
(1)In the arbitration:
(a)the procedure of the Tribunal is, subject to this Act, within the discretion of the Tribunal; and
(b)the arbitration must be conducted with as little formality and technicality, with as much expedition and at the least cost to the parties as a proper consideration of the matters before the Tribunal permit; and
(c)the Tribunal is not bound by the rules of evidence but may inform itself on any matter in such manner as it thinks appropriate.
(2)The parties must act in good faith in relation to the conduct of the arbitration.
41CEO’s determination about practice and procedure of National Sports Tribunal in arbitration#
(1)In the arbitration, the members of the Tribunal must comply with any determination made by the CEO under subsection (2).
(3)Without limiting subsection (2), a determination under that subsection may deal with one or more of the following:
(a)the making of either or both of oral and written submissions;
(b)requiring parties to provide further information;
(c)the representation of parties;
(d)the giving of notices under section 42;
(e)the calling of witnesses to give evidence;
(f)the taking of evidence on oath or affirmation and the administering of oaths or affirmations;
(g)payments to witnesses (including for the preparation of reports by expert witnesses);
(h)timing rules for doing things in the course of an arbitration;
(i)the circumstances in which hearings are or are not to be held;
(j)the conduct of hearings (including when hearings are to be conducted in private);
(k)the identification, and protection, of confidential information provided to the Tribunal;
(l)the giving of directions by members;
(m)the circumstances in which the Tribunal may proceed in the absence of a party who has had reasonable notice of an arbitration;
(n)the circumstances in which determinations of the Tribunal, and reasons for the determinations, are to be published or not published (including the circumstances in which information is to be de-identified).
Note: Different matters may be determined for dealing with disputes in the Anti-Doping Division, the General Division and the Appeals Division and for dealing with different kinds of disputes in those Divisions (see subsection 33(3A) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901).
(4)Despite subsection 14(2) of the Legislation Act 2003, a determination under subsection (2) of this section may make provision in relation to a matter by applying, adopting or incorporating, with or without modification, any matter contained in an instrument or other writing as in force or existing from time to time.
42Members may give notices#
Evidence
(1)If a member constituting the National Sports Tribunal for the purposes of dealing with a dispute before the Tribunal reasonably believes that a person is capable of giving evidence relevant to the dispute, the member may, by notice in writing given to the person, require the person to appear before the Tribunal to give evidence on the day, and at the time and place, specified in the notice.
Giving information or producing documents or things
(2)If a member constituting the National Sports Tribunal for the purposes of dealing with a dispute before the Tribunal reasonably believes that a person has information, documents or things relevant to the dispute, the member may, by notice in writing given to the person, require the person:
(a)to give the information specified in the notice to the Tribunal in accordance with the notice; or
(b)to produce the documents or things specified in the notice to the Tribunal in accordance with the notice.
Notice requirements
(3)A notice under subsection (1) or (2):
(a)must ensure that the person has at least 14 days to comply with the notice; and
(b)must set out the consequences of the person not complying with the notice.
43Failure to comply with notice#
Offence
(1)A person commits an offence if:
(a)the person is given a notice under section 42; and
(b)the person fails to comply with the notice.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months.
Civil penalty
(2)A person contravenes this subsection if:
(a)the person is given a notice under section 42; and
(b)the person fails to comply with the notice.
Civil penalty: 60 penalty units.
44Refusal to be sworn or to answer questions#
Oath or affirmation
(1)A person commits an offence if:
(a)the person appears as a witness before the National Sports Tribunal; and
(b)a member has required the person to take an oath or make an affirmation; and
(c)the person fails to take the oath or make the affirmation.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months.
(2)A person contravenes this subsection if:
(a)the person appears as a witness before the National Sports Tribunal; and
(b)a member has required the person to take an oath or make an affirmation; and
(c)the person fails to take the oath or make the affirmation.
Civil penalty: 60 penalty units.
Questions
(3)A person commits an offence if:
(a)the person appears as a witness before the National Sports Tribunal; and
(b)a member has required the person to answer a question; and
(c)the person fails to answer the question.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months.
(4)A person contravenes this subsection if:
(a)the person appears as a witness before the National Sports Tribunal; and
(b)a member has required the person to answer a question; and
(c)the person fails to answer the question.
Civil penalty: 60 penalty units.
Division 9 · Costs
46Charging costs of an arbitration#
(a)charging one or more of the parties to an arbitration, or to an appeal where an arbitration is conducted, for the costs in conducting the arbitration; and
(b)apportioning the charge between one or more of the parties; and
(c)waiving the whole or a part of the charge.
Note: A charge must not be such as to amount to taxation: see paragraph 75(2)(c).
47Charging costs of alternative dispute resolution processes#
(a)charging the participants in a mediation, conciliation or case appraisal of a dispute for the costs in conducting the mediation, conciliation or case appraisal; and
(b)apportioning the charge between the participants; and
(c)waiving the whole or a part of the charge.
Note: A charge must not be such as to amount to taxation: see paragraph 75(2)(c).
Division 10 · Civil penalty provisions
48Civil penalty provisions#
Enforceable civil penalty provisions
(1)Each civil penalty provision of this Act is enforceable under Part 4 of the Regulatory Powers Act.
Note: Part 4 of the Regulatory Powers Act allows a civil penalty provision to be enforced by obtaining an order for a person to pay a pecuniary penalty for the contravention of the provision.
Authorised applicant
(2)For the purposes of Part 4 of the Regulatory Powers Act, the CEO, on behalf of the Commonwealth, is an authorised applicant in relation to the civil penalty provisions of this Act.
(4)A delegate must comply with any written directions of the CEO.
Relevant court
(5)For the purposes of Part 4 of the Regulatory Powers Act, each of the following courts is a relevant court in relation to the civil penalty provisions of this Act:
(a)the Federal Court of Australia;
(b)the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2).
Division 11 · Infringement notices
49Infringement notices#
Provisions subject to an infringement notice
(1)A civil penalty provision of this Act is subject to an infringement notice under Part 5 of the Regulatory Powers Act.
Note: Part 5 of the Regulatory Powers Act creates a framework for using infringement notices in relation to provisions.
Infringement officer
(2)For the purposes of Part 5 of the Regulatory Powers Act, the CEO is an infringement officer in relation to the provisions mentioned in subsection (1).
Relevant chief executive
(3)For the purposes of Part 5 of the Regulatory Powers Act, the CEO is the relevant chief executive in relation to the provisions mentioned in subsection (1).
Delegation by CEO
(5)A delegate must comply with any written directions of the CEO.
Part 4 · Administration of the National Sports Tribunal
Division 1 · Simplified outline of this Part
50Simplified outline of this Part#
• There is a Chief Executive Officer of the National Sports Tribunal.
• The CEO’s main functions are to manage the administration and operation of the National Sports Tribunal and to assist the Tribunal in the performance of its functions.
• The CEO is to be assisted by APS employees in the Department and may be assisted by other persons such as officers or employees of a State or Territory.
Division 2 · Chief Executive Officer
52Functions of CEO#
(1)The CEO’s functions are:
(a)to manage the administration and operation of the National Sports Tribunal; and
(b)to assist the Tribunal in the performance of its functions; and
(d)to do anything incidental or conducive to the performance of any of the above functions.
(2)Without limiting subsection (1), the CEO must:
(d)promote the services of the Tribunal to athletes, support persons, sporting bodies and any other persons or bodies the CEO considers appropriate; and
(e)establish and maintain a panel of legal practitioners who are willing to provide free legal assistance to the parties or participants in relation to a dispute before the Tribunal.
(3)In performing the functions referred to in paragraphs (2)(a) to (c), the CEO must comply with the principles determined in an instrument under subsection (4).
(4)The CEO must, by notifiable instrument, determine principles for the purposes of subsection (3).
54Appointment of CEO#
(1)The CEO is to be appointed by the Minister by written instrument, on a full-time basis.
Note: The CEO may be reappointed: see section 33AA of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
(2)The CEO holds office for the period specified in the instrument of appointment. The period must not exceed 5 years.
55Acting appointments#
(a)during a vacancy in the office of the CEO (whether or not an appointment has previously been made to the office); or
56Remuneration#
(2)The CEO is to be paid the allowances that are prescribed by an instrument under subsection (4).
(3)This section has effect subject to the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.
(4)The Minister may, by legislative instrument, prescribe:
(a)remuneration for the purposes of subsection (1); and
(b)allowances for the purposes of subsection (2).
57Leave#
(1)The CEO has the recreation leave entitlements that are determined by the Remuneration Tribunal.
(2)The Minister may grant the CEO leave of absence, other than recreation leave, on the terms and conditions as to remuneration or otherwise that the Minister determines.
58Other terms and conditions#
The CEO holds office on the terms and conditions (if any) in relation to matters not covered by this Act that are determined by the Minister.
60Disclosure of interests to the Minister#
(2)Section 29 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (which deals with the duty to disclose interests) does not apply to the CEO.
61Resignation of appointment#
(2)The resignation takes effect on the day it is received by the Minister or, if a later day is specified in the resignation, on that later day.
62Termination of appointment#
(1)The Minister may terminate the appointment of the CEO:
(a)for misbehaviour; or
(2)The Minister may terminate the appointment of the CEO if:
(a)the CEO:
(i)becomes bankrupt; or
(ii)applies to take the benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors; or
(iii)compounds with the CEO’s creditors; or
(b)the CEO is absent, except on leave of absence, for 14 consecutive days or for 28 days in any 12 months; or
(d)the CEO fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with section 60.
63Application of the finance law etc.#
(1)For the purposes of the finance law (within the meaning of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013), the CEO is taken to be an official of the Department.
(2)The Secretary, when preparing the Department’s annual report under section 46 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 for a period, must include information in that report about the operation of the National Sports Tribunal during that period.
64Directions to CEO#
CEO subject to directions by Minister
(2)However, such a direction must not relate to:
(a)a particular athlete, support person, other person or sporting body; or
(b)a particular dispute before the National Sports Tribunal.
(3)The CEO must comply with a direction under subsection (1).
CEO not subject to directions by Secretary
Division 3 · Persons assisting the Chief Executive Officer
67Other persons assisting the CEO#
(1)The CEO may also be assisted:
(a)by employees of Agencies (within the meaning of the Public Service Act 1999); or
(b)by officers or employees of a State or Territory; or
68Consultants and expert witnesses#
(1)The CEO may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, engage persons having suitable qualifications and experience as:
(a)consultants to the CEO; or
(b)expert witnesses in relation to a dispute before the National Sports Tribunal.
(2)The terms and conditions of the engagement of a person are those determined by the CEO in writing.
Part 5 · Other matters
69Simplified outline of this Part#
• This Part deals with miscellaneous matters, such as:
(a) obstruction etc. of the National Sports Tribunal and intimidation etc. of witnesses or other persons; and
(b) protecting information obtained by persons performing functions or duties or exercising powers under this Act; and
(c) protection and immunity for members, persons representing parties and witnesses; and
(d) the making of rules by the Minister.
70Obstruction etc. of National Sports Tribunal#
A person commits an offence if:
(a)the person does an act or omits to do an act; and
71Intimidation etc. of witnesses or other persons#
A person (the first person) commits an offence if:
(a)the first person:
(i)threatens, intimidates or coerces another person; or
(ii)uses violence against, or inflicts an injury on, another person; or
(iii)causes or procures an act covered by subparagraph (i) or (ii) in relation to another person; or
(iv)causes or procures damage, loss or disadvantage to another person; and
(b)the first person does so because the other person:
(i)proposes to appear, or has appeared, as a witness before the National Sports Tribunal; or
(ii)proposes to give, or has given, information to the National Sports Tribunal; or
(iii)proposes to produce, or has produced, documents or things to the National Sports Tribunal.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months.
72Secrecy#
(1)A person commits an offence if:
(a)the person is, or has been, an entrusted person; and
(b)the person discloses or otherwise uses information; and
(c)the information is protected information.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.
(2)Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to a disclosure or use of protected information if the disclosure or use:
(a)is for the purposes of this Act or the rules; or
(c)is for the purposes of, or in connection with, the performance or exercise of the person’s functions, duties or powers in the person’s capacity as an entrusted person; or
(d)is in accordance with the rules prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (2): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
(3)Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to a disclosure or use of protected information if:
(a)the person to whom the protected information relates has consented to the disclosure or use; and
(b)the disclosure or use is in accordance with that consent.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (3): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
(4)Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to a disclosure of protected information if it has already been lawfully made available to the public.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (4): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
(5)Except where it is necessary to do so for the purposes of giving effect to this Act or the rules, a person is not to be required:
(a)to produce a document containing protected information to a court; or
(b)to disclose protected information to a court.
73Protection and immunity#
Members
Barristers etc.
(2)A barrister, solicitor or other person appearing before the National Sports Tribunal on behalf of a party has the same protection and immunity as a barrister has in appearing for a party in proceedings in the High Court.
Witnesses
(3)A person appearing before the National Sports Tribunal as a witness has the same protection, and is, in addition to the penalties provided by this Act, subject to the same liabilities, as a witness in proceedings in the High Court.
74Protection from civil actions#
Each of the following:
(a)the CEO;
(b)a person assisting the CEO in accordance with section 66 or 67;
(c)a person engaged as a consultant, or an expert witness, under section 68;
is not liable to an action or other proceeding for damages for or in relation to an act done or omitted to be done in good faith:
(d)in the performance or purported performance of any function of the CEO; or
(e)in the exercise or purported exercise of any power of the CEO.
75Rules#
(1)The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make rules prescribing matters:
(a)required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed by the rules; or
(b)necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to this Act.
(2)To avoid doubt, the rules may not do the following:
(a)create an offence or civil penalty;
(b)provide powers of:
(i)arrest or detention; or
(ii)entry, search or seizure;
(c)impose a tax;
(d)set an amount to be appropriated from the Consolidated Revenue Fund under an appropriation in this Act;
(e)directly amend the text of this Act.
(3)Despite subsection 14(2) of the Legislation Act 2003, the rules may make provision in relation to a matter by applying, adopting or incorporating, with or without modification, any matter contained in an instrument or other writing as in force or existing from time to time.
Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at legislation.gov.au, © Commonwealth of Australia, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Compilations may have been reformatted.