34Acting appointments etc.

##### 34 Acting appointments etc. (1) The Deputy Chairperson is to act as the Chairperson: (a) during a vacancy in the office of Chairperson, whether or not an appointment has previously been made to that office; or (b) during any period, or during all periods, when the Chairperson is absent from duty or from Australia or is, for any reason, unable to perform the duties of that office. (2) The Ministerial Council may appoint a person to act in the office of a member: (a) during a vacancy in that office, whether or not an appointment has previously been made to the office; or (b) during any period, or during all periods, when the member is absent from Australia or is, for any reason, unable to perform the duties of that office. (3) A person acting under this section during a vacancy is not to continue to act for more than 12 months. (4) Nothing done by or in relation to a person purporting to act under this section is invalid on the ground that: (a) the occasion for the person’s appointment to act had not arisen; or (b) there is a technical defect or irregularity in connection with the person’s appointment; or (c) the person’s appointment had ceased to have effect; or (d) the occasion for the person to act had not arisen or had ceased.