Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Essential Services Commission Act 2001 - SECT 41

Minister may refer matter for inquiry

41. Minister may refer matter for inquiry



(1) The Commission must conduct an inquiry into any matter which the Minister
by written notice refers to the Commission under this Part.

(1A) The Minister is responsible for referring any matter to the Commission
for an inquiry unless relevant legislation provides that the Minister
administering the relevant legislation may refer a matter to the Commission
for an inquiry.

(1B) Before referring a matter to the Commission for an inquiry, the Minister
must consult with any Minister who has responsibilities in respect of that
matter.

(2) The written notice must specify the terms of reference for the inquiry.

(3) The Minister may-

   (a)  specify a period within which a report is to be submitted to the
        Minister;

   (b)  require the Commission to make a draft report publicly available or
        available to specified persons or bodies during the inquiry;

   (c)  require the Commission to consider specified matters;

   (d)  give the Commission specific directions in respect of the conduct of
        the inquiry.

(4) The Commission must report to the Minister on the results of any inquiry.

(5) The Minister may amend the terms of reference or extend the period within
which a report is to be submitted to the Minister.