57Minister may refer a matter for advice

57 Minister may refer a matter for advice

(1) The Minister may refer the following matters to the Ombudsman for advice: (a) the effect of relevant legislation, policies and practices on small businesses or family enterprises, or a class of small businesses or family enterprises; (b) ways in which relevant legislation, policies and practices might be improved to assist small businesses or family enterprises, or a class of small businesses or family enterprises. (2) If the Minister refers a matter to the Ombudsman for advice, the Minister may specify any or all of the following: (a) that the advice is to be in writing; (b) a period within which the advice is to be given; (c) any matter to which the Ombudsman is to have regard in giving the advice. (3) The Ombudsman must comply with a requirement imposed by the Minister under subsection (2). (4) The Minister may withdraw or amend the referral at any time before the Ombudsman gives the advice. (5) If the Minister refers a matter to the Ombudsman for advice, the Ombudsman may also advise the Minister on any matters the Ombudsman considers relevant to the matter.