An undertaking is a promise to do or not do something, which is binding on all parties. Under section 21 of the Entertainment Industry Act 2013 (NSW) (EI Act), the Secretary of the Department of Customer Service (Secretary) may accept a written undertaking to rectify a breach from an entertainment industry representative or entertainment industry hirer while they continue operating their business if they contravene:

• in the case of a performer representative - code of conduct, ss 6(2)(b), 7(4) or 13(4); or
• in the case of a venue representative - s 16; or
• in the case of an entertainment industry hirer - s 18. 

Who can apply to enforce an undertaking?

The Secretary may apply to the Industrial Court of New South Wales (Industrial Court) for an order against the entertainment industry representative or entertainment industry hirer if the Secretary considers they have breached the written undertaking.

What will the Industrial Court do? 

The Industrial Court may make all or any of the following orders if the Secretary can establish the person has breached the written undertaking: 

• direct the person to comply with the written undertaking;
• direct the person to pay an amount not exceeding any financial benefit the person has obtained directly or indirectly and that is reasonably attributable to the breach;
• direct the person to compensate anyone who has suffered loss or damage as a result of the breach; and/or 
• any other order that the Industrial Court considers appropriate. 

The Industrial Court may order the person pay a civil penalty not exceeding $10,000 for a breach under s 43 of the EI Act. 

Can the Industrial Court’s decision be appealed?

The decision can be appealed to the Full Bench of the Industrial Court.