742Dispute resolution

742 Dispute resolution

742 Dispute resolution

(1) If any difference, whether arising out of the construction of this Act or not, arises between the councils of any two or more areas, or between two or more county councils or between one or more councils and one or more county councils, or between any of them and one or more Departments of the Government, with respect to—

(a) the carrying out of the provisions of this Act, or

(b) the fulfilment and exercise of the functions of councils under any Act,

and if after diligent efforts to resolve the difference it remains unresolved, either or any of the parties to the dispute may submit the matter to the Minister.

(2) The Minister may inquire into the matter or may refer the matter for inquiry to some person appointed by the Minister.

(3) Before making such an inquiry into any matter relating to the carrying out by a council of a provision of this or any other Act that is administered by another Minister, the Minister must consult the other Minister.

(4) For the purposes of or after the inquiry, the Minister may make any order that in the public interest and in the circumstances of the case seems just and equitable.

(5) Such an order may direct the payment of any costs and expenses incidental to the conduct of the inquiry.

(6) An order may, on the application of the Minister or of either or any party, by leave of the Supreme Court, be enforced in the same manner as a judgment or order of the Court.

(7) In this section, Department of the Government includes any public authority and any of the following—

• Transport Asset Manager of New South Wales

• Sydney Trains

• NSW Trains

• the Commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW

• the New South Wales Land and Housing Corporation

• a water supply authority

• the Health Administration Corporation

• the New South Wales Health Foundation

• a public health organisation within the meaning of the