AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

AGENTS ORDINANCE 1973

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

No. 39 of 1973

	The Agents Ordinance 1968-1972 provides for the establishment of an Agents Board comprising an officer of the Department as Chairman, a Solicitor and three other persons all of whom are appointed by the Minister.  For appointment to the last three positions it is necessary that the persons be employed as an agent by a company carrying on business as an agent, or, carried on business as an agent for a period of three years before the commencement of the Ordinance.

	The Ordinance also provides that for appointment to the Board after 30 September 1973 for these three positions, the person must be an agent elected by registered and licensed agents.  The proposed Ordinance provides that the Board shall now consist of five people, being a Departmental Officer as Chairman, a person whose name appears on the Roll of Barristers and Solicitors and three other persons.  No prerequisite qualifications are imposed for appointment for these last three positions.  All members would be appointed by the Minister, and with the exception of the Departmental member hold office for a period not exceeding three years as is specified in the instrument of appointment.

	This flexible basis of appointment will enable the Board, with its members possessing varied but relevant experience and qualifications, to consider both the needs of agents and also the interests of the public as a whole.

          K.E.
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(Minister’s Initials)