15Consultation

15 Consultation (1) This section applies to the Commission and to prescribed agencies for the purpose of ensuring that— (a) the regulatory and decision making processes of the Commission and prescribed agencies are closely integrated and better informed; and (b) overlap or conflict between existing and proposed regulatory schemes is avoided. (2) In this section ***prescribed agency*** means a person, body or agency which— (a) has functions or powers under relevant health, safety, environmental or social legislation applying to a regulated industry; and (b) is prescribed for the purposes of this section. (3) The Commission must as early as practicable consult with a relevant prescribed agency— (a) in the making of a determination; and (b) in the conduct of an inquiry, after first consulting with the Minister; and (c) in preparing and reviewing the Charter of Consultation and Regulatory Practice. (4) If requested in writing to do so by the Commission, a prescribed agency must consult with the Commission— (a) in relation to any matter specified by the Commission which is relevant to the objectives or functions of the Commission under this Act and under relevant legislation; or (b) in respect of a matter specified by the Commission which may impact on a regulated industry. (5) A prescribed agency must ensure that consultation occurs as early as practicable in the regulatory, advisory or decision making processes of the prescribed agency. (6) The requirements under this section are in addition to any other requirements or processes under any other legislation or regulatory scheme.