Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Essential Services Commission Act 2001 - SECT 43

Conduct of inquiry

43. Conduct of inquiry



(1) Subject to this Act, the Commission may conduct an inquiry in such a
manner as the Commission considers appropriate.

(2) In conducting an inquiry, the Commission is not bound by rules or practice
as to evidence but may inform itself in relation to any matter in such manner
as the Commission considers appropriate.

(3) The Commission may receive written submissions or statements.

(4) The Commission-

   (a)  must hold at least one public hearing; and

   (b)  has a discretion as to whether any person may appear before the
        Commission in person or be represented by another person.

(5) The Commission may determine that a hearing or a part of a hearing be held
in private if it is satisfied that-

   (a)  it would be in the public interest; or

   (b)  the evidence is of a confidential or commercially-sensitive nature.

(6) In conducting an inquiry the Commission may-

   (a)  consult with any person that it considers appropriate;

   (b)  hold public seminars and conduct workshops;

   (c)  establish working groups and task forces.



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