593Hearings

593 Hearings

(1) The FWC is not required to hold a hearing in performing functions or exercising powers, except as provided by this Act.

(2) If the FWC holds a hearing in relation to a matter, the hearing must be held in public, except as provided by subsection (3).

Confidential evidence in hearings

(3) The FWC may make the following orders in relation to a hearing that the FWC holds if the FWC is satisfied that it is desirable to do so because of the confidential nature of any evidence, or for any other reason:

(a) orders that all or part of the hearing is to be held in private;

(b) orders about who may be present at the hearing;

(c) orders prohibiting or restricting the publication of the names and addresses of persons appearing at the hearing;

(d) orders prohibiting or restricting the publication of, or the disclosure to some or all of the persons present at the hearing of, the following:

(i) evidence given in the hearing;

(ii) matters contained in documents before the FWC in relation to the hearing.

(4) Subsection (3) does not apply to the publication of a submission made to the FWC for consideration in an annual wage review (see subsection 289(2)).