144Inquiry by Secretary

144 Inquiry by Secretary S. 144(1) amended by No. 46/1998 s. 7(Sch. 1). (1) The Secretary may at any time make or cause to be made such inquiries as he or she thinks fit as to any matter arising in the performance of any of the functions imposed or powers conferred on the Secretary. (2) For the purposes of an inquiry under this Act— S. 144(2)(a) amended by Nos 46/1998 s. 7(Sch. 1), 69/2009 s. 54(Sch. Pt 2 item 25), 67/2014 s. 147(Sch. 2 item 20). (a) the Secretary has the powers conferred by sections 14 to 16, 20 and 20A of the **Evidence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1958**, as in force immediately before their repeal, upon a board appointed by the Governor in Council; and S. 144(2)(b) amended by Nos 46/1998 s. 7(Sch. 1), 18/2004 s. 21(a). (b) the board of a registered funded agency or health service establishment or proprietor of a health service establishment must permit the Secretary or an authorised officer to have access to any document in the possession or under the control of the agency or establishment; and S. 144(2)(c) amended by No. 35/1996 s. 453(Sch. 1 item 38), substituted by No. 18/2004 s. 21(b), amended by Nos 18/2005 s. 18(Sch. 1 item 49), 17/2014 s. 160(Sch. 2 item 48). (c) an Australian legal practitioner or any other person authorised in writing by a registered funded agency or a health service establishment may represent— (i) the board of the agency or establishment; (ii) any officer of the agency or establishment; (iii) the proprietor of the establishment. S. 145 amended by No. 46/1998 s. 7(Sch. 1).