292Binding determinations in costs disputes

292 Binding determinations in costs disputes

292 Binding determinations in costs disputes

(1) The designated local regulatory authority may make a binding determination about costs in the circumstances referred to in subsection (2).

(2) The determination may be made in circumstances where—

(a) the designated local regulatory authority is unable to resolve a costs dispute referred to in section 291(1) (whether wholly or partly); and

(b) the total amount of legal costs still in dispute is less than $10 000 (indexed).

(3) The determination must specify the amount payable as legal costs (including a nil amount). The amount ordered as payable must be less than $10 000 (indexed).

(4) A determination is to be based on the designated local regulatory authority’s assessment of what is fair and reasonable in all the circumstances.

(5) In considering what is fair and reasonable in all the circumstances, the designated local regulatory authority must have regard to section 200.