15Change of inquiry personnel—inquiry officer

15 Change of inquiry personnel—inquiry officer

(1) This section applies if an inquiry officer (the original inquiry officer) is directed to inquire into a matter. (2) If the original inquiry officer has not given the Inspector‑General ADF a report under section 25 in relation to the inquiry, the Inspector‑General ADF may: (a) appoint another person as an inquiry officer (the new inquiry officer) to inquire into the matter in place of the original inquiry officer; or (b) direct an Assistant IGADF to inquire into the matter in place of the original inquiry officer; or (c) personally inquire into the matter in place of the original inquiry officer. (3) If the original inquiry officer has given the Inspector‑General ADF a report under section 25 in relation to the inquiry, the Inspector‑General ADF may: (a) appoint another person as an inquiry officer (the new inquiry officer) to inquire further into the matter; or (b) direct an Assistant IGADF to inquire further into the matter; or (c) personally inquire further into the matter. (4) In inquiring, or further inquiring, into the matter, the new inquiry officer, Assistant IGADF or Inspector‑General ADF may have regard to: (a) any record of proceedings made by an inquiry officer or an Assistant IGADF who previously took part in the inquiry; and (b) any evidence collected by an inquiry assistant or Assistant IGADF who previously took part in the inquiry.