116TExamination hearing before registrar

116T Examination hearing before registrar (1) This section applies if an examination warrant for a fine defaulter has been issued and— (a) the defaulter has been brought before the registrar on the warrant; or (b) otherwise attends before the registrar. (2) The registrar must— (a) set a date for an examination hearing and, by subpoena, require the fine defaulter to attend before the registrar, at the time and place stated in the subpoena— (i) to answer questions and give information; and (ii) to produce the documents or other things (if any) stated in the subpoena; and (b) conduct the examination hearing to determine the financial position of the defaulter. (3) The registrar may adjourn an examination hearing from time to time and may, by order, require the fine defaulter to attend an adjourned examination hearing. (4) The director-general is a party to any proceeding conducted under this section. (5) If the director-general has been told the date, time and place for the examination hearing, or adjourned examination hearing, but does not attend before the registrar, the registrar may— (a) set aside the order for the examination hearing; or (b) conduct the examination in the absence of the director-general. (6) At an examination hearing, the fine defaulter may— (a) be examined orally on oath about— (i) the assets, liabilities, expenses and income of the defaulter; and (ii) any other means the defaulter has of satisfying the outstanding fine; and (iii) the defaulter’s financial circumstances generally; and Note Oath includes affirmation (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1). (b) be required, by order, to produce any document substantiating anything relevant to— (i) the assets, liabilities, expenses and income of the defaulter; and (ii) any other means the defaulter has of satisfying the outstanding fine; and (iii) the defaulter’s financial circumstances generally. (7) The examination hearing— (a) must be conducted by the registrar; and (b) may be conducted in open court or in the absence of the public as the registrar directs. (8) An examination hearing before the registrar is a legal proceeding for the Criminal Code, chapter 7 (Administration of justice offences). Note The Magistrates Court Act 1930, s 307 deals with contempt of the Magistrates Court.