39Procedure at inquiries

39 Procedure at inquiries

(1)  Subject to this section, an inquiry by a Commission shall be held in public and evidence in the inquiry shall be taken in public on oath or affirmation.

(2)  Where a Commission is satisfied that it is desirable to do so in the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of any evidence or matter or for any other reason, the Commission may –

(a) direct that an inquiry or a part of an inquiry shall take place in private and give directions as to the persons who may be present; or

(b) give directions prohibiting or restricting the publication of evidence given before the Commission or of matters contained in documents lodged with the Commission.

(3)  A Commission may hold an inquiry or part of an inquiry outside Tasmania.

(4)  A Commission may, if it thinks fit, permit a person appearing as a witness before the Commission to give evidence by tendering, and verifying by oath or affirmation, a written statement.

(5)  Where a Commission considers that the attendance of a person as a witness before the Commission would cause serious hardship to a person, the Commission may permit the person to give evidence by sending to the Commission a written statement, verified in such manner as the Commission allows.

(6)  Where evidence is given to a Commission by a written statement in accordance with subsection (4) or (5) , the Commission shall make available to the public in such manner as the Commission thinks fit the contents of the statement other than any matter the publication of which, in the opinion of the Commission, would be contrary to the public interest by reason of its confidential nature or for any other reason.

(7)  Subject to this section and the regulations –

(a) the procedure to be followed at an inquiry by a Commission is within the discretion of the Commission; and

(b) a Commission is not bound by the rules of evidence.