131Show cause notice

131 Show cause notice

131 Show cause notice

(1) The Secretary may give a written notice (a show cause notice) to a registered person if, in the Secretary’s opinion, there may be grounds for taking disciplinary action against the person.

(2) The show cause notice must—

(a) state the grounds for taking disciplinary action, and

(b) invite the registered person to make submissions to show why the person should not be dealt with under this part, and

(c) specify the period within which submissions must be made.

(3) The period must not be less than 14 days.

(4) The registered person may, within the period—

(a) make submissions to the Secretary, orally or in writing, and

(b) give the Secretary evidence about the matters to which the show cause notice relates.

(5) The Secretary may conduct an inquiry or investigation about the matters to which the notice relates.

(6) The Secretary must not take disciplinary action against the registered person unless the Secretary has considered the submissions made and evidence given by the registered person in accordance with this section.

(7) However, the Secretary may take immediate disciplinary action without taking steps under this section if, in the Secretary’s opinion, taking immediate action is in the public interest.