6Approval process

6 Approval process

(1)  Before approving a Code or a variation of a Code, the Minister must be satisfied that –

(a) all interested parties that wished to do so were given adequate time and a reasonable opportunity, whether directly or through their representatives, to contribute to the development of the Code or variation; and

(b) the contributions of each of those interested parties were properly considered; and

(c) the Code or variation, as submitted, has the endorsement of all of the interested parties that contributed to its development, or a majority of them; and

(d) there is no justification for withholding the approval; and

(e) the conditions prescribed in the Code or variation are legally appropriate and effective for the Code, and consistent with its purpose.

(2)  Before approving a Code or a variation of a Code, the Minister may require, or request, the parties submitting the Code or variation to do any one or more of the following:

(a) consult with specified persons, or seek specified advice, about the Code or variation or specified parts of the Code or variation;

(b) make specified revisions to the form or content of the Code or variation;

(c) furnish the Minister with specified information or evidence.

(3)  The Minister may –

(a) consult with any person regarding the approval of a Code or a variation of a Code; and

(b) provide assistance to any person for the purposes of developing a Code or a variation of a Code.