Explanatory Memorandum
(Circulated by authority of the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, the Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP)General outline and financial impact
Surcharging
Outline
The Payments Surcharges Bill, Imposition Bill, and Consequential and Other Matters Bill introduce new legislation, which together will formalise longstanding Commonwealth practice by providing express legislative authority for Commonwealth entities to continue to charge and collect payment surcharges where the entity has the legislative authority to collect a payment.
Date of effect
The Payment Surcharges Bill and the Imposition Bill commence on the day after Royal Assent. The consequential amendments and amendments relating to payment surcharges charged before commencement in the Consequential and Other Matters Bill commence on commencement of the Payment Surcharges Bill. The amendments relating to payment surcharges charged before commencement will apply to payment surcharges charged or collected from 1 January 2003.
Financial impact
The amendments are estimated to have nil or minimal financial impact.
Human rights implications
The Bills raise human rights issues. See Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights - Chapter 2.
Compliance cost impact
Nil. The amendments maintain current payment surcharging practices of Commonwealth entities.
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