157KApplication for national interest exemption

157K  Application for national interest exemption  (1) The following may apply to the Minister (the Environment Minister) for a national interest exemption for an action:  (a) the person who proposes to take the action;  (b) the designated proponent of the action;  (c) if a person mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) agrees in writing—a Minister (other than the Environment Minister), or a Minister of a State or Territory.  (b) specify the provision or provisions from which the person is applying for an exemption for the action. Timeframe for decision  (3) The Minister must decide whether to grant the exemption under section 157H within 20 business days of receiving the application. Note: If the Minister requests information to make an informed decision under section 157V, days between the request and receipt of the information do not count towards this timeframe (subsection 157V(2)). Notice if Minister decides not to grant exemption  (4) If the Minister decides not to grant the exemption, the Minister must give the applicant written notice of the Minister’s decision as soon as practicable after the decision is made. Note: If the Minister grants the exemption, the Minister must give each person to whom the exemption applies a copy of the exemption (see section 157N).