FIRE BRIGADES AND BUSH FIRES (AMENDMENT) ACT. Act No. 4, 1958. An Act to make further provisions in relation to contributions to be paid by insurance companies to the fund established under the Fire Brigades Act, 1909-1956, and to the Eastern and Central Divisions Bush Fire Fighting Fund established under the Bush Fires Act, 1949 ; to increase the amount that may be borrowed by the Board of Fire Commissioners of New South Wales; for these and other purposes to amend the said Acts; and for purposes connected therewith. [Assented to, 31st March, 1958.]

B

E it enacted by the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty, by and with, the advice and consent of the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly of New South Wales in Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows :-- 1 . (1) This Act may be cited as the " F i r e Brigades and Bush Fires (Amendment) Act, 1958". (2)

(2) T h e F i r e B r i g a d e s Act, 1909, a s amended by subsequent A c t s a n d by this Act, m a y be cited as the F i r e B r i g a d e s Act, 1909-1958. (3) T h e B u s h F i r e s Act, 1949, as amended by this Act, m a y be cited as the B u s h F i r e s Act, 1949-1958. (4) T h i s Act shall commence upon the first day of J a n u a r y , one t h o u s a n d nine h u n d r e d a n d fifty-nine: P r o v i d e d t h a t for the p u r p o s e s only of the a p p o i n t m e n t of p e r s o n s to be m e m b e r s of the A p p e a l Committee to be constituted u n d e r section 40 A of the F i r e B r i g a d e s Act, 1909-1958, a n d of m a t t e r s n e c e s s a r y for or incidental to such a p p o i n t m e n t a n d of m a k i n g a n y r e g u l a t i o n s neces s a r y or expedient for the p u r p o s e of b r i n g i n g the a m e n d m e n t s effected by this Act into o p e r a t i o n a t t h e commencement of this Act the provisions of such amend m e n t s shall commence on the d a y u p o n which the assent of H e r M a j e s t y to this Act is signified. 2 . The F i r e B r i g a d e s Act, 1909-1956, is amended-- (a) (i) by omitting from the m a t t e r r e l a t i n g to P a r t I V in section two the figures " 4 0 " a n d by i n s e r t i n g in lieu thereof the figures a n d letter " 4 0 B " ; (ii) b y omitting from the m a t t e r r e l a t i n g to P a r t V in the same section the figures " 5 3 " a n d b y i n s e r t i n g in lieu thereof the figures "54"; (b) by i n s e r t i n g next after section four the followingnew section :-- 4 A . T h i s Act shall be r e a d a n d construed sub ject to the Commonwealth of A u s t r a l i a Constitu tion A c t a n d so as not to exceed the legislative power of the S t a t e to the intent t h a t w h e r e a n y provision of this Act, or the application thereof to a n y p e r s o n or circumstance, is held invalid, the r e m a i n d e r of this Act a n d the application of such provision to other p e r s o n s or circum stances shall not be affected. (c)

(c) (i) b y omitting from section five the definition of " I n s u r a n c e c o m p a n y " a n d by i n s e r t i n g in lieu thereof the following definition:-- "Insurance company" means any c o r p o r a t e body, company, p a r t n e r  ship, association, u n d e r w r i t e r or person-- (a) issuing, or u n d e r t a k i n g liability u n d e r , policies of i n s u r a n c e a g a i n s t loss of or d a m a g e t o a n y p r o p e r t y situate within New "South W a l e s ; or (b) receiving p r e m i u m s in respect of such policies of i n s u r a n c e on behalf of or for t r a n s m i s s i o n to a n y c o r p o r a t e body, company, partnership, association, underwriter or person outside New S o u t h "Wales. (ii) by i n s e r t i n g in the same section after the definition of " P e r m a n e n t fire b r i g a d e " the following new definition :-- " P o l i c y of i n s u r a n c e " includes every certificate or declaration as to the existence of, a n d a n y a g r e e m e n t for, a n y i n s u r a n c e or r e i n s u r a n c e , a n d a n y i n s t r u m e n t or w r i t i n g w h e r e b y a n y c o n t r a c t of i n s u r a n c e or r e i n s u r a n c e is m a d e or a g r e e d to be m a d e or is evidenced.

(d) b y o m i t t i n g from subsection t h r e e of section seventeen t h e w o r d s "five h u n d r e d t h o u s a n d p o u n d s " a n d b y i n s e r t i n g in lieu thereof t h e w o r d s " o n e million p o u n d s " ; (e)

(e) by o m i t t i n g subsection one of section thirty-six a n d by i n s e r t i n g in lieu thereof the following subsections:--· (1) (a) E v e r y insurance company shall annually p a y to the fund a sum equivalent to a p e r c e n t a g e , to be fixed by the b o a r d , of the t o t a l a m o u n t of the p r e m i u m s subject to contribution a s h e r e i n a f t e r p r o v i d e d received by or due to t h e c o m p a n y d u r i n g the y e a r ended the t h i r t y first d a y of December then l a s t p a s t in r e s p e c t of i n s u r a n c e s a g a i n s t loss of or d a m a g e to a n y p r o p e r t y within the S t a t e of New S o u t h "Wales u n d e r the classes of policies of i n s u r a n c e e n u m e r a t e d in Column 1 of Schedule F o u r to t h i s Act. (b) T h e p e r c e n t a g e to be fixed by the b o a r d p u r s u a n t to p a r a g r a p h ( a ) of t h i s subsection shall be such p e r c e n t a g e a s will p r o v i d e the total a m o u n t to be contributed u n d e r section t h i r t y - f o u r of this A c t b y all i n s u r a n c e companies in respect of all fire districts in the y e a r in respect of which such p e r c e n t a g e is applicable. (c) T h e a m o u n t of the p r e m i u m s u n d e r a n y class of policies of i n s u r a n c e e n u m e r a t e d in Column 1 of Schedule F o u r to this A c t which shall be subject to contribution u n d e r p a r a g r a p h ( a ) of t h i s subsection shall be a s shown in Column 2 of Schedule F o u r to t h i s Act opposite t h a t class of policies of insurance. (1 A ) W h e r e the Minister is satisfied t h a t a t least two-thirds of the i n s u r a n c e companies liable to contribute to the fund a s aforesaid desire t h a t Schedule F o u r to this Act be varied, extended or amended in a certain m a n n e r a n d the b o a r d recommends such v a r i a t i o n , extension or a m e n d m e n t the Minister m a y by notice p u b  lished in the Gazette v a r y , extend or amend Schedule F o u r to this Act accordingly. Any

A n y such v a r i a t i o n , extension or a m e n d m e n t shall take effect from the first d a y of J a n u a r y next following publication of such notice. (f) by omitting section t h i r t y - n i n e a n d by i n s e r t i n g in lieu thereof t h e following s e c t i o n s : -- 39. ( ] ) E v e r y i n s u r a n c e c o m p a n y shall, in the m o n t h of F e b r u a r y in each y e a r , or a t such o t h e r time a s the b o a r d m a y notify, send to the b o a r d a r e t u r n in the p r e s c r i b e d form showing the t o t a l a m o u n t of the p r e m i u m s received by or due to the company for t h e .year ended the thirty-first d a y of December t h e n l a s t p a s t in respect of i n s u r a n c e s a g a i n s t loss of or d a m a g e t o a n y p r o p e r t y w i t h i n t h e S t a t e of New S o u t h W a l e s u n d e r the classes of policies of i n s u r a n c e e n u m e r a t e d in Column 1 of "Schedule F o u r to t h i s Act. Such r e t u r n shall be accompanied by a ^certificate in t h e p r e s c r i b e d form from an auditor. (2) If a n y such c o m p a n y fails to send to the b o a r d such r e t u r n or certificate within t h e time so p r e s c r i b e d or notified, such c o m p a n y shall be liable to a p e n a l t y not exceeding five p o u n d s for every d a y d u r i n g which such default continues. If a n y such r e t u r n is false in a n y m a t e r i a l p a r t i c u l a r , such company shall be liable to a p e n a l t y not exceeding one h u n d r e d p o u n d s . &9A. F o r the p u r p o s e s of sections t h i r t y - s i x a n d thirty-nine of this Act the expression " t o t a l a m o u n t of the p r e m i u m s " includes a n y broker age o r commission p a i d or duo to be p a i d or allowed on-- (a) a n y such p r e m i u m ; (b) a n y bonuses or r e t u r n premiums allowed in respect of a n y policy of i n s u r a n c e the subject of a n y such p r e m i u m ; or (c)

(c) such p a r t of the p r e m i u m s received by or due to the c o m p a n y a s is p a i d or due to be p a i d by w a y of r e i n s u r a n c e b y the c o m p a n y to a n y o t h e r i n s u r a n c e com p a n y in New S o u t h W a l e s , b u t does not include-- (i) s t a m p d u t y p a y a b l e in respect of a n y policy of insurance the subject of any such p r e m i u m ; (ii) any such bonuses or r e t u r n p r e m i u m s or such p a r t of the p r e m i u m s received by or due to the c o m p a n y as is p a i d or due to be p a i d by w a y of r e i n s u r a n c e as aforesaid.

39 B. (1) The A u d i t o r - G e n e r a l shall a t the r e q u e s t of the b o a r d examine a n d audit, or cause a n y officer of the Public Service a p p o i n t e d by him in t h a t behalf, to examine a n d a u d i t the accounts of a n y i n s u r a n c e c o m p a n y liable to p a y contributions u n d e r this Act, a n d for the p u r p o s e s of such a u d i t examine a n y books a n d documents r e l a t i n g t o such accounts. A n y examination a n d audit p u r s u a n t to t h i s section shall be in respect of m a t t e r s r e l a t i n g to or a r i s i n g out of the provisions of this P a r t of this Act. (2) T h e A u d i t o r - G e n e r a l shall, as soon as practicable after such examination a n d audit, m a k e a n d sign a n d f o r w a r d to the board a r e p o r t of the r e s u l t thereof. (.'!) If a n y person o b s t r u c t s the A u d i t o r General, or a n y officer a p p o i n t e d b y him, in the exercise of his p o w e r s or the p e r f o r m a n c e of his duties u n d e r this section, or w i t h o u t lawful excuse refuses, when r e q u i r e d to do so by the A u d i t o r - G e n e r a l or such officer, to produce a n y book, account, document, w r i t i n g , p a p e r , or i n s t r u m e n t in his possession or u n d e r his control,

control, or to answer any question asked by the A u d i t o r - G e n e r a l or such officer, for the p u r p o s e of t h e exercise of such p o w e r s or p e r f o r m a n c e of -such duties, ho shall be liable to a p e n a l t y not exceeding one h u n d r e d pounds. (g) by omitting from section forty the word " J u l y " a n d by i n s e r t i n g in lieu thereof the w o r d "February"; (h) by i n s e r t i n g next after following new sections:--· section forty the

40 A . (1) W h e r e in a n y y e a r ending the thirty-first d a y of December sixty-six a n d t w o - t h i r d s p e r c e n t u m or m o r e of the total a m o u n t of all p r e m i u m s subject to contribution u n d e r section t h i r t y - s i x of this Act a n d received b y or due to an i n s u r a n c e c o m p a n y were received b y or a r e due to such c o m p a n y in r e s p e c t of i n s u r a n c e s a g a i n s t loss of or d a m a g e to a n y p r o p e r t y within New South W a l e s outside t h e S y d n e y a n d Newcastle F i r e D i s t r i c t s constituted by or in p u r s u a n c e of this Act, such c o m p a n y m a y a p p e a l a g a i n s t the a m o u n t of the contribution p a y a b l e by it in respect of those p r e m i u m s u n d e r this Act in t h e m a n n e r h e r e i n a f t e r provided. (2) E v e r y such a p p e a l shall bo h e a r d a n d d e t e r m i n e d by an A p p e a l Committee ( h e r e i n a f t e r r e f e r r e d to as the Committee) which shall consist of five p e r s o n s a p p o i n t e d b y the Minister. Of such p e r s o n s one shall be a p p o i n t e d as C h a i r m a n a n d the other four shall be a p p o i n t e d from p e r s o n s n o m i n a t e d by the i n s u r a n c e companies. Of the p e r s o n s n o m i n a t e d by the i n s u r a n c e companies a n d a p p o i n t e d by the M i n i s t e r one shall be a public accountant r e g i s t e r e d u n d e r the Public A c c o u n t a n t s P o g i s t r a t i o n Act, 1945, as amended by subsequent Acts, a n d not being an employee of an i n s u r a n c e company, one shall
bo

be a solicitor or b a r r i s t e r not being an employee of a n i n s u r a n c e company a n d two shall be i n s u r a n c e officers.

(3) (a) Subject to the provisions of this A c t the m e m b e r s of the Committee shall hold office for a t e r m of five y e a r s a n d shall be eligible for re-appointment. (b) If a member of the Committee is n o t n o m i n a t e d within the t i m e fixed b y the M i n i s t e r a n d notified in the Gazette the M i n i s t e r m a y a p p o i n t a fit p e r s o n who shall hold office as if he h a d been n o m i n a t e d in accordance with subsection two of this section. (c) T h e Minister m a y suspend or remove a n y member of the Committee from his office. (d) If a n y vacancy occurs in the office of a n y member of the Committee such vacancy shall be filled b y the Minister by the a p p o i n t m e n t t h e r e t o of a p e r s o n h a v i n g the like qualification for such office as t h a t of the m e m b e r whose office h a s become vacant, a n d t h e p e r s o n so a p p o i n t e d shall hold office for the residue of his p r e d e c e s s o r ' s t e r m a n d shall be eligible for r e - a p p o i n t m e n t .

(4) (a) U p o n the h e a r i n g of a n y a p p e a l u n d e r this section, t h r e e m e m b e r s p r e s e n t shall constitute a q u o r u m a n d if the C h a i r m a n be n o t p r e s e n t a t a n y such h e a r i n g the m e m b e r s p r e s e n t shall choose one of their n u m b e r as C h a i r m a n . T h e decision of the m a j o r i t y in n u m b e r of the m e m b e r s of the Committee s i t t i n g u p o n such a p p e a l shall be the decision of t h e Committee. T h e C h a i r m a n shall have a casting as well as a deliberative vote. (b) T h e Committee shall sit a t such places a n d times as the C h a i r m a n m a y direct. (5)

(5) T h e decision of the Committee on a n y m a t t e r before it shall be final a n d con clusive a n d w i t h o u t a p p e a l , a n d no w r i t of prohibition or c e r t i o r a r i shall lie in respect thereof. (6) R e g u l a t i o n s m a y be m a d e u n d e r this Act for a n d with respect t o -- (a) the proceedings of t h e C o m m i t t e e ; (b) the expenses p a y a b l e to p e r s o n s a p p e a r  i n g before the Committee a s witnesses a n d the expenses a n d fees p a y a b l e to m e m b e r s of the C o m m i t t e e ; (c) r e q u i r i n g p e r s o n s to a t t e n d sittings of the Committee to give evidence a n d p r o  duce d o c u m e n t s t h e r e a t a n d to s u p p l y information thereto; (d) the t i m e s within which a n d the p e r s o n s with whom a p p e a l s m a y be lodged; (e) all other m a t t e r s p e r t i n e n t to a p p e a l s u n d e r this section.

( 7 ) "Where u p o n a n y a p p e a l u n d e r t h i s section the Committee is satisfied t h a t the con t r i b u t i o n , the subject of a p p e a l , is in excess of the p r e s c r i b e d a m o u n t , the Committee shall reduce such contribution to such a m o u n t n o t being in excess of the p r e s c r i b e d a m o u n t a s t h e Committee in the circumstances deems reason able. T h e p r e s c r i b e d a m o u n t shall be the a m o u n t a s c e r t a i n e d in accordance w i t h the following formula:--
A = C

x

PI P2
X

Rl R2
X

5

4

where-- A is the prescribed amount. C

C is the .contribution to the fund p a i d u n d e r this A c t by t h e a p p e l l a n t company i n the y e a r one t h o u s a n d nine h u n d r e d a n d fifty-eight. P I is t h e a m o u n t of the p r e m i u m s received b y or due to t h e a p p e l l a n t c o m p a n y in respect of i n s u r a n c e s a g a i n s t loss of or d a m a g e to a n y p r o p e r t y w i t h i n fire districts a n d subject to contribution u n d e r section thirty-six of this Act in the y e a r in respect of which the a p p e a l h a s been lodged. P 2 is the a m o u n t of t h e p r e m i u m s received b y or due to the a p p e l l a n t c o m p a n y in respect of i n s u r a n c e s a g a i n s t loss of or d a m a g e to a n y p r o p e r t y within lire districts a n d subject to contribu tion u n d e r section t h i r t y - s i x of this Act in the y e a r one t h o u s a n d nine h u n d r e d and fifty-eight. R l is t h e total contributions p a i d or due to be p a i d u n d e r this Act by all insur ance companies in the y e a r in respect of which the a p p e a l h a s been lodged. R2 is the t o t a l contributions p a i d or due to be p a i d u n d e r this Act b y all insur ance companies in the y e a r one thousand nine h u n d r e d a n d fifty-eight.

F o r tlie p u r p o s e s of the application of the foregoing formula, fractions of p o u n d s shall be disregarded. A n y a d j u s t m e n t in respect of the contribution p a i d or due to be p a i d by the a p p e l l a n t c o m p a n y shall be effected by the b o a r d as soon as p r a c  ticable after the decision of the Committee h a s been given. (8)

(8) W i t h i n t h i r t y d a y s after the deter m i n a t i o n of the l a s t of the a p p e a l s lodged in respect of a n y y e a r , the b o a r d shall, w h e r e such a p p e a l s or a n y of t h e m h a v e been successful, increase the a m o u n t of the contribution (here i n a f t e r called the original c o n t r i b u t i o n ) p a y a b l e in the y e a r in respect of which the a p p e a l s h a v e been lodged by each i n s u r a n c e company, n o t b e i n g a successful a p p e l l a n t company, b y a n a m o u n t which b e a r s to the total a m o u n t of reduc tions in contributions m a d e by the Committee p u r s u a n t to such a p p e a l s , t h e same p r o p o r t i o n a s the original contribution of t h a t i n s u r a n c e c o m p a n y b e a r s to t h e t o t a l a m o u n t of t h e o r i g i n a l contributions of all i n s u r a n c e companies o t h e r t h a n the successful a p p e l l a n t companies. W i t h i n t h i r t y d a y s after being notified of a n y such increase, each i n s u r a n c e c o m p a n y so noti fied shall p a y to the fund the a m o u n t of such increase. A n y i n s u r a n c e c o m p a n y which fails to comply with the foregoing provisions of t h i s subsection shall be liable to a p e n a l t y not exceed i n g fifty p o u n d s . 40 B . A n y contribution or a n y i n c r e a s e thereof r e q u i r e d to be p a i d b y a n i n s u r a n c e c o m p a n y u n d e r the provisions of t h i s Act shall be a debt due by t h a t c o m p a n y to the b o a r d a n d shall be recoverable from t h a t c o m p a n y by the b o a r d in a n y court of competent jurisdiction. (i) b y i n s e r t i n g in section forty-eight a f t e r t h e w o r d s " t h i s A c t , " the w o r d s " t h e r e g u l a t i o n s " ;

(j) b y i n s e r t i n g next after section fifty-three following h e a d i n g a n d new section:--

the

Regulations. 54. (1) T h e G o v e r n o r m a y m a k e r e g u l a t i o n s n o t inconsistent with this A c t for a n d with respect t o -- (a) the form of r e t u r n to be m a d e by insur ance companies u n d e r section t h i r t y nine of this A c t ; (b)

(b) t h e form of a u d i t o r ' s certificate to be furnished "with r e t u r n s m a d e by insur ance companies u n d e r section t h i r t y nine of this A c t ; (c) prescribing- all m a t t e r s which by this A c t a r e r e q u i r e d or p e r m i t t e d to be p r e s c r i b e d or which a r e n e c e s s a r y or convenient to be p r e s c r i b e d for c a r r y i n g out or g i v i n g effect to this Act.

(2) The r e g u l a t i o n s m a y impose a p e n a l t y not exceeding fifty p o u n d s for a n y breach thereof.

(3) The regulations shall--· (a) be published in t h e G a z e t t e ; (b) take effect from the d a t e of publication or from a l a t e r d a t e to be specified in the r e g u l a t i o n s ; (e) be laid before both H o u s e s of P a r l i a  m e n t within fourteen sitting d a y s after publication if P a r l i a m e n t is in session and, if not, t h e n within fourteen s i t t i n g d a y s after the commencement of the n e x t session.

If either H o u s e of P a r l i a m e n t p a s s e s a resolution of which notice h a s been given a t a n y time within fifteen s i t t i n g d a y s a f t e r such r e g u l a t i o n s h a v e been laid before such H o u s e disallowing a n y regulation or p a r t thereof, such r e g u l a t i o n or p a r t shall t h e r e u p o n cease to h a v e effect. (k)

(k) b y i n s e r t i n g n e x t after Schedule T h r e e following n e w S c h e d u l e : --
SCHEDULE
COLUMN 1.

the

FOUR.
COLUMN 2.

Classes of Policies of Insurance.

Amount of Premiums Subject to Contribution.

A n y insurance covering risks against fire (whether ex pressly or otherwise and w h e t h e r or n o t e x t e n d e d t o include o t h e r risks) a n d including Consequential Loss insurance, b u t n o t including a n y insurance of a class hereinafter specified. T r a d e r s or I n d u s t r i a l Combined insurance however desig nated. Houseowner's a n d Householder's (Building a n d / o r Contents). All risks on personal jewellery a n d clothing, personal effects a n d works of a r t . Motor Vehicle (Comprehensive) including Motor Cycle. Combined F i r e a n d H a i l on Growing Crops. Marine a n d Baggage

E i g h t y per cent.

E i g h t y per cent.

F i f t y per cent. T e n per cent.

Two a n d one-half p e r cent. One per cent. One per cent.

3. T h e B u s h F i r e s Act, 1949, is a m e n d e d -- ( a ) b y o m i t t i n g from section two the w o r d " S C H E D U L E " a n d by i n s e r t i n g in lieu thereof the w o r d " S C H E D U L E S " ; (b) b y o m i t t i n g from section four t h e w o r d s " t h e S c h e d u l e " a n d b y i n s e r t i n g in lieu thereof t h e words "Schedule O n e " ; (c) by i n s e r t i n g next after section five the following n e w section:-- 5 A . T h i s A c t shall be r e a d a n d c o n s t r u e d subject to the Commonwealth of A u s t r a l i a Constitution A c t a n d so as n o t to exceed the legislative

legislative power of the S t a t e to the i n t e n t t h a t w h e r e a n y provision of this Act, or t h e application thereof to a n y p e r s o n or circum stance, is held invalid, the r e m a i n d e r of this A c t a n d the application of such provision to other p e r s o n s or circumstances shall not be affected. (d) (i) b y omitting from section six the definition of " I n s u r a n c e c o m p a n y " a n d by i n s e r t i n g in lieu thereof the following definition:-- "Insurance company" means any c o r p o r a t e body, company, p a r t n e r  ship, association, u n d e r w r i t e r or person-- (a) issuing, or u n d e r t a k i n g liability u n d e r , policies of insurance a g a i n s t loss of or damage to any p r o p e r t y situate within New South W a l e s ; or (b) receiving p r e m i u m s in respect of such policies of insurance on behalf of or for t r a n s m i s s i o n to any c o r p o r a t e body, company, partnership, association, underwriter or person outside New South Wales. (ii) by i n s e r t i n g in the s a m e section after the definition of " O w n e r " the following new definition:-- " P o l i c y of i n s u r a n c e " includes every certificate or declaration as to the existence of, and a n y a g r e e m e n t for, a n y insurance or reinsuran e, and a n y i n s t r u m e n t or writing w h e r e b y a n y contract of insurance or r e i n s u r a n c e is made or a g r e e d to be m a d e or is evidenced (e)

(e) by o m i t t i n g section t h i r t y - f o u r a n d by i n s e r t i n g i n lieu thereof the following s e c t i o n s : -- 34. (1) T h e contributions of the respective i n s u r a n c e companies shall be d e t e r m i n e d in accordance w i t h the provisions of this section. (2) E v e r y i n s u r a n c e c o m p a n y shall, in the m o n t h of F e b r u a r y in each y e a r , or a t such o t h e r time as the Minister for Local Govern m e n t m a y notify, send to the M i n i s t e r for Local G o v e r n m e n t a r e t u r n in the p r e s c r i b e d f o r m showing t h e t o t a l a m o u n t of the p r e m i u m s received b y or due to the c o m p a n y for the y e a r ended the thirty-first d a y of December then l a s t p a s t in respect of i n s u r a n c e s a g a i n s t loss of or d a m a g e to a n y p r o p e r t y w i t h i n the S t a t e of N e w S o u t h W a l e s u n d e r the classes of policies of i n s u r a n c e e n u m e r a t e d in Column 1 of Schedule T w o to this Act. Such r e t u r n shall be accompanied by a certificate in the p r e s c r i b e d f o r m from a n a u d i t o r . (3) If a n y such c o m p a n y fails to send to the M i n i s t e r for Local G o v e r n m e n t such r e t u r n o r certificate within the time so p r e s c r i b e d or notified, such c o m p a n y shall be liable to a p e n a l t y n o t exceeding five p o u n d s for e v e r y d a y d u r i n g which such default continues. If a n y such r e t u r n is false in a n y m a t e r i a l p a r t i c u l a r , such c o m p a n y shall be liable to a p e n a l t y not exceeding one h u n d r e d p o u n d s . (4) ( a ) T h e a m o u n t to be contributed in each financial y e a r b y each such c o m p a n y shall be a sum equivalent to a p e r c e n t a g e , to be fixed b y the M i n i s t e r for Local Government, of the t o t a l a m o u n t of the p r e m i u m s subject to contribution as h e r e i n a f t e r p r o v i d e d received b y or due to the c o m p a n y d u r i n g the y e a r ended t h e thirty-first d a y of December t h e n l a s t p a s t in respect of i n s u r a n c e s a g a i n s t loss of or d a m a g e to a n y p r o p e r t y within t h e S t a t e of N e w S o u t h W a l e s u n d e r the classes of policies of i n s u r a n c e e n u m e r a t e d in Column 1 of Schedule Two to this Act. (b)

(b) T h e p e r c e n t a g e to be fixed by the M i n i s t e r for Local G o v e r n m e n t p u r s u a n t to p a r a g r a p h (a) of this subsection shall be such p e r c e n t a g e as will provide the total a m o u n t to be contributed u n d e r section thirty-two of this A c t b y all insurance companies in the financial y e a r in respect of which such p e r c e n t a g e is applicable. (c) The a m o u n t of the p r e m i u m s u n d e r a n y class of policies of i n s u r a n c e e n u m e r a t e d in Column 1 of Schedule Two to this A c t which shall be subject to contribution u n d e r p a r a g r a p h (a) of this subsection shall be as shown in Column 2 of Schedule Two to this Act opposite t h a t class of policies of i n s u r a n c e . (5) W h e r e the Minister for Local Government is satisfied t h a t a t least two-thirds of the insurance companies liable to contribute to the F u n d as aforesaid desire t h a t Schedule Two to this Act be varied, extended or a m e n d e d in a c e r t a i n m a n n e r the Minister for Local G o v e r n m e n t m a y by notice published in the Gazette v a r y , extend or amend Schedule Two to this Act accordingly. A n y such v a r i a t i o n , extension or a m e n d m e n t shall take effect from the first d a y of J a n u a r y n e x t following publication of such notice. (6) F o r the p u r p o s e s of this section the expression " t o t a l a m o u n t of the p r e m i u m s " includes a n y b r o k e r a g e or commission p a i d or due to be paid or allowed on-- (a) a n y such p r e m i u m ; (b) a n y bonuses or r e t u r n premiums allowed in respect of a n y policy of i n s u r a n c e the subject of a n y such p r e m i u m ; or (c) such p a r t of the p r e m i u m s received by or due to the company as is p a i d or due to be p a i d b y w a y of r e i n s u r a n c e by the c o m p a n y to a n y o t h e r i n s u r a n c e c o m p a n y in New S o u t h W a l e s ,
20813--3 but

b u t does n o t include-- (i) s t a m p d u t y p a y a b l e in r e s p e c t of a n y policy of insurance the subject of a n y such p r e m i u m ; (ii) a n y such bonuses or r e t u r n p r e m i u m s or such p a r t of the p r e m i u m s received b y or due to the c o m p a n y as is p a i d or due to be p a i d by w a y of r e i n s u r a n c e as aforesaid. 34 A. (1) T h e A u d i t o r - G e n e r a l shall a t the r e q u e s t of t h e M i n i s t e r for Local G o v e r n m e n t examine a n d audit, or cause a n y officer of the P u b l i c Service a p p o i n t e d b y h i m in t h a t behalf, to examine a n d a u d i t the accounts of a n y i n s u r a n c e c o m p a n y liable to p a y contributions u n d e r this Act, a n d for t h e p u r p o s e s of such a u d i t examine a n y books a n d documents r e l a t i n g t o such accounts. A n y e x a m i n a t i o n a n d a u d i t p u r s u a n t to this section shall be in r e s p e c t of m a t t e r s r e l a t i n g to or a r i s i n g out of the p r o v i s i o n s of this P a r t of this Act. (2) T h e A u d i t o r - G e n e r a l shall, as soon as practicable after such e x a m i n a t i o n a n d audit, m a k e a n d sign a n d f o r w a r d to the Minister for Local G o v e r n m e n t a r e p o r t of the result thereof. (3) If a n y p e r s o n o b s t r u c t s the A u d i t o r General, or a n y officer a p p o i n t e d b y him, in the exercise of h i s p o w e r s or t h e p e r f o r m a n c e of his duties u n d e r t h i s section, or w i t h o u t lawful excuse refuses, w h e n r e q u i r e d to do so b y t h e A u d i t o r - G e n e r a l or such officer, to p r o d u c e a n y book, account, document, w r i t i n g , p a p e r , or i n s t r u m e n t in his possession or u n d e r his control, or to a n s w e r a n y question asked b y t h e A u d i t o r G e n e r a l or such officer, for the p u r p o s e of t h e exercise of such p o w e r s o r p e r f o r m a n c e of such duties, he shall be liable to a p e n a l t y n o t exceed i n g one h u n d r e d p o u n d s . (f)

(f) by i n s e r t i n g next after section thirty-six the following new section:-- 36 A. (1) W h e r e in a n y y e a r ending the t h i r t y first d a y of December eighty p e r centum or more of the total a m o u n t of all p r e m i u m s subject to contribution u n d e r section t h i r t y - f o u r of this A c t a n d received by or due to a n i n s u r a n c e com p a n y were received by or due to such c o m p a n y in respect of i n s u r a n c e s a g a i n s t loss of or d a m a g e to a n y p r o p e r t y within fire districts constituted b y or in p u r s u a n c e of the F i r e B r i g a d e s Act, 1909-1958, such c o m p a n y m a y a p p e a l a g a i n s t the a m o u n t of the contribution p a y a b l e by it in respect of those p r e m i u m s u n d e r this A c t in the m a n n e r h e r e i n a f t e r provided. (2) E v e r y such a p p e a l shall be h e a r d a n d d e t e r m i n e d by the A p p e a l Committee (herein after r e f e r r e d to as the Committee) constituted u n d e r the provisions of section 40 A of the F i r e B r i g a d e s Act, 1909-1958, a n d the provisions of subsections four a n d five of t h a t section a n d of a n y r e g u l a t i o n s m a d e u n d e r t h a t section shall a p p l y m u t a t i s m u t a n d i s to a p p e a l s u n d e r this section. (3) W h e r e u p o n a n y a p p e a l u n d e r this section the Committee is satisfied t h a t the con tribution, the subject of appeal, is in excess of the p r e s c r i b e d a m o u n t , the Committee shall reduce such contribution to such a m o u n t not being in excess of the prescribed a m o u n t as the Committee in the circumstances deems reason able. T h e p r e s c r i b e d a m o u n t shall be the a m o u n t a s c e r t a i n e d in accordance with the following formula:--
A = C
X

PI P 2

X

Rl R 2

X

5 4

where-- A is the prescribed amount. C

C is the contribution to the F u n d p a i d u n d e r this A c t by the a p p e l l a n t c o m p a n y in the y e a r one t h o u s a n d nine h u n d r e d and fifty-eight. P1 is the a m o u n t of the p r e m i u m s received by or due t o the a p p e l l a n t c o m p a n y in respect of i n s u r a n c e s a g a i n s t loss of o r d a m a g e to a n y p r o p e r t y within t h e E a s t e r n a n d C e n t r a l Divisions outside fire d i s t r i c t s constituted u n d e r the F i r e B r i g a d e s Act, 1909-1958, a n d subject to contribution u n d e r section t h i r t y - f o u r of this Act in the y e a r in respect of which the appeal h a s been lodged. P 2 is the a m o u n t of the p r e m i u m s received by or due to the a p p e l l a n t c o m p a n y in respect of i n s u r a n c e s a g a i n s t loss of or d a m a g e to a n y p r o p e r t y within the E a s t e r n a n d C e n t r a l Divisions outside fire d i s t r i c t s constituted u n d e r the F i r e B r i g a d e s Act, 1909-1958, a n d subject to contribution u n d e r section t h i r t y - f o u r of this Act in the y e a r one t h o u s a n d nine h u n d r e d a n d fifty-eight. Rl is the total contributions p a i d by or due to be p a i d u n d e r t h i s A c t b y all i n s u r a n c e companies in the y e a r in r e s p e c t of which the a p p e a l h a s been lodged. E 2 is the total contributions p a i d b y or d u e to be p a i d u n d e r t h i s A c t b y all i n s u r a n c e companies in the y e a r one t h o u s a n d nine h u n d r e d a n d fifty-eight.

F o r the p u r p o s e s of the application of the foregoing formula, fractions of p o u n d s shall be disregarded. Any

A n y a d j u s t m e n t in r e s p e c t of the contribution p a i d or due to be p a i d by the a p p e l l a n t c o m p a n y shall be effected by the Minister for Local Gov e r n m e n t a s soon as practicable after the decision of the Committee h a s been given. (4) W i t h i n t h i r t y d a y s after the deter m i n a t i o n of the last of the a p p e a l s lodged in respect of a n y y e a r , the Minister for Local Gov e r n m e n t shall, w h e r e such a p p e a l s or a n y of t h e m have been successful, increase the a m o u n t of t h e contribution ( h e r e i n a f t e r called t h e original contribution) p a y a b l e in the y e a r in respect of which the a p p e a l s h a v e been lodged b y each i n s u r a n c e company, not being a success ful a p p e l l a n t company, b y an a m o u n t which b e a r s to t h e t o t a l a m o u n t of reductions in con t r i b u t i o n s m a d e by the Committee p u r s u a n t to such a p p e a l s , the same p r o p o r t i o n a s the original contribution of t h a t insurance company b e a r s to the t o t a l a m o u n t of t h e original contributions of all insurance companies o t h e r t h a n the suc cessful a p p e l l a n t companies. W i t h i n t h i r t y d a y s after being notified of a n y such increase, each i n s u r a n c e c o m p a n y so notified shall p a y to the F u n d the a m o u n t of such increase. A n y i n s u r a n c e c o m p a n y which fails to comply with the fore going provisions of this subsection shall be liable to a p e n a l t y not exceeding fifty p o u n d s . A n y such increase shall be recoverable b y the M i n i s t e r for Local G o v e r n m e n t in like m a n n e r as contributions p a y a b l e u n d e r this P a r t of this A c t a r e recoverable. ( g ) by i n s e r t i n g at the end of subsection two of sec tion fifty-seven the following new p a r a g r a p h s : -- (u) the f o r m of r e t u r n to be m a d e by insur ance companies u n d e r section t h i r t y four of this A c t ; (v) the form of a u d i t o r ' s certificate to be furnished with r e t u r n s by insurance companies m a d e u n d e r section t h i r t y four of this A c t ; (h)

(h) (i) by omitting the h e a d i n g to the Schedule a n d b y i n s e r t i n g in lieu thereof the following:-- SCHEDULES.
SCHEDULE ONE.

(ii) by i n s e r t i n g at the end of the Schedule t h e following new S c h e d u l e : --
SCHEDULE TWO.
COLUMN COLUMN I. 2.

Classes of Policies of Insurance.

Amount of Premiums Subject to Contribution.

A n y insurance covering risks against fire (whether expressly or other wise a n d w h e t h e r or n o t e x t e n d e d t o include otheT risks) and including Consequential Lossinsurance, b u t n o t including any insurance of a class hereinafter specified. T r a d e r s or I n d u s t r i a l Combined insurance however designated. Houseowner's and Householder's (Building a n d / o r Contents). All risks on personal jewellery and clothing, personal effects and w o r k s of a r t . Motor Vehicle (Comprehensive) in cluding Motor Cycle. Combined F i r e a n d H a i l on Growing Crops. Marine a n d Baggage

E i g h t y per cent.

E i g h t y per cent. Fifty per cent. Ten per cent.

Two a n d one-half per cent. One per cent. One per cent.

PUBLIC