19Deemed rejection and acceptance after initial rejection

19 Deemed rejection and acceptance after initial rejection

For paragraph 3(1)(l) of Schedule 3 and subject to subsections (2) and (3), if a person does not lodge an effective acceptance of an offer in relation to a relevant debt before the end of the acceptance period for the offer, the person is taken to have rejected the offer. If the Secretary extends the acceptance period for an offer in relation to the debt one or more times under section 16, the person is taken to have rejected the offer if the person has not lodged an effective acceptance of the offer before the end of the final extended acceptance period.

(3) The Secretary may, on a person’s request, accept an effective acceptance of an offer: (a) after the end of the acceptance period for the offer if the Secretary considers that special circumstances exist that make it appropriate to do so; or (b) after an initial rejection of the offer if: (i) the person decides to accept the offer after further consideration of the matter; and (ii) the Secretary considers that special circumstances exist that make it appropriate to do so. (4) If the Secretary decides that special circumstances do not exist, the Secretary must give the person making the request under subsection (3) written notice of the decision and the reasons for the decision. (5) The notice must inform the person that they may, within 28 days after the date of the notice, apply for a review of the decision and explain how to make that application.