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Legislation Act 2003
15JExplanatory statements
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#### 15J Explanatory statements
Definition of explanatory statement
(1) An explanatory statement for a legislative instrument is one of the following statements prepared for laying before each House of Parliament:
(a) a statement (an initial explanatory statement) for the instrument that complies with subsection (2);
(b) a statement (a replacement explanatory statement) for the instrument that:
(i) replaces an explanatory statement for the instrument that has already been registered; and
(ii) complies with subsection (2);
(c) a statement (a supplementary explanatory statement) for the instrument that:
(i) amends an initial explanatory statement or a replacement explanatory statement; and
(ii) complies with subsection (3).
Requirements for initial and replacement explanatory statements
(2) An initial explanatory statement, or a replacement explanatory statement, for a legislative instrument must:
(a) be approved by the rule‑maker; and
(b) explain the purpose and operation of the instrument; and
(c) if any documents are incorporated in the instrument by reference—contain a description of the incorporated documents and indicate how they may be obtained; and
(d) if consultation was undertaken under section 17 before the instrument was made—contain a description of the nature of that consultation; and
(e) if no such consultation was undertaken—explain why no such consultation was undertaken; and
(f) if the instrument is a disallowable legislative instrument—contain a statement of compatibility prepared under subsection 9(1) of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011; and
(g) contain such other information as is prescribed by regulation.
Requirements for supplementary explanatory statements
(3) A supplementary explanatory statement for a legislative instrument must:
(a) be approved by the rule‑maker; and
(b) contain such other information as is prescribed by regulation.
Single explanatory statements—one or more legislative instruments
(4) A single explanatory statement may relate to one or more legislative instruments.