245General procedure for hearings

245 General procedure for hearings

(1) In hearing submissions, an assessment committee—

(a) must act according to equity and good conscience without regard to technicalities or legal forms; and

(b) is bound by the rules of natural justice; and

(c) is not required to conduct a hearing under Part 3 in a formal manner; and

(d) is not bound by the rules or practice as to evidence but may inform itself on any matter—

(i) in any way it thinks fit; and

(ii) without notice to any person who has made a submission.

(2) An assessment committee may require—

(a) a person to produce any documents relating to any matter being considered by the assessment committee under this Act which it reasonably requires;

(b) an applicable law decision maker to provide the assessment committee with advice on a matter or issue the committee considers relevant for the purpose of making an assessment committee recommendation.

(3) An assessment committee may prohibit or regulate cross-examination in any hearing under Part 3 in accordance with any direction given by the Planning Minister.

(4) An assessment committee may hear evidence and submissions from any person who has made a submission in relation to the relevant comprehensive impact statement under Part 3.

(5) Submissions and evidence may be given to the committee orally or in writing or partly orally and partly in writing.