21Claims for payment of bounty

#### 21 Claims for payment of bounty (1) A person who claims to be entitled to be paid an amount of bounty in respect of bountiable equipment may lodge a claim for payment to the person of the amount. (2) A claim under subsection (1) in respect of bountiable equipment shall: (a) be in accordance with the appropriate approved form; (b) include such information as is, and such estimates as are, required by the form; (c) be signed and witnessed as required by the form; and (d) be lodged with a Collector for a State or Territory, or with the CEO: (i) in the case of bountiable equipment AA—within 12 months after the day on which the condition specified in subsection 16(5) was complied with in respect of that equipment; (ii) in the case of a claim in respect of bountiable equipment AB—within 12 months after the day on which the condition specified in subsection 16(5) or (6) was complied with in respect of that equipment; or (iii) in the case of a claim in respect of bountiable equipment B—within 12 months after the day on which the condition specified in paragraph 16(8)(e) or (f) was complied with in respect of that equipment. (3) As soon as practicable after the lodgment of the claim, the CEO shall, after examining the claim and causing such inquiries as the CEO considers necessary to be made (including inquiries under sections 32 and 33): (a) if the CEO is satisfied that the claim complies with subsection (2) and that the claimant is, or, if certain estimates are correct, is, otherwise entitled to be paid an amount of bounty in respect of bountiable equipment to which the claim relates—approve, in writing, payment of the amount; or (b) if the CEO is not so satisfied—refuse, in writing, to approve payment of bounty in respect of the equipment to which the claim relates. (4) Where the CEO makes a decision under subsection (3) in relation to a claim approving, or refusing to approve, payment of bounty, not being a decision made within 30 days after the lodging of the claim and approving payment of the amount of bounty claimed, the CEO shall cause to be served on the person who lodged the claim, a notice in writing setting out the decision.