17Adjustment of claims following returns

##### 17 Adjustment of claims following returns (1) Where the particulars of factory cost set out in a return under section 16 in relation to an accounting period of a manufacturer of bountiable equipment show a difference between that cost and the factory cost, or an estimate of factory cost, on which claims for bounty lodged in respect of that period by the manufacturer were based, not being a cost determined under subsection 6(6), the manufacturer shall lodge with the return a statement in respect of the difference. Penalty: (a) in the case of a natural person—$1,000; or (b) in the case of a body corporate—$5,000. (2) The statement shall: (a) be in accordance with the appropriate approved form; (b) include such information as is required by the form; and (c) be signed and witnessed as required by section 19A. (3) Where a statement is lodged by a manufacturer of bountiable equipment in relation to an accounting period of the manufacturer, the CEO shall, after examining the statement and causing such inquiries as the CEO considers necessary to be made (including inquiries under sections 24 and 25): (a) if the CEO is satisfied that the statement complies with subsection (2) and that the manufacturer is entitled to be paid an additional amount of bounty in respect of the bountiable equipment for which claims for bounty were lodged in respect of that period—approve, in writing, payment of the additional amount; (b) if the CEO is satisfied that there has been an overpayment of bounty by more than $100 in respect of the bountiable equipment for which claims for bounty were lodged in respect of that period—cause to be served on the manufacturer a demand for the repayment of the amount of the overpayment, and the manufacturer is liable to repay that amount to the Commonwealth; or (c) if paragraph (a) or (b) do no apply—decline, in writing, to adjust payments of bounty made in respect of claims lodged by the manufacturer in respect of that period. (4) Where the CEO makes a decision under subsection (3) in relation to a statement under subsection (1), the CEO shall cause to be served on the manufacturer of bountiable equipment who lodged the statement a notice in writing setting out the decision.