717Powers of auditors

717 Powers of auditors

(1) An auditor authorised under section 716 to audit a mental health and wellbeing service provider may enter the premises of the provider at any time, and with any assistance the auditor reasonably requires—

(a) inspect the premises; or

(b) inspect, seize, make copies of or take extracts from any document that relates to the service agreement with Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Victoria and the provision of, or capacity to provide, services under that agreement; or

(c) ask questions of any person employed or engaged by the service provider or a member or director of the board of the service provider.

(2) If any document is seized under subsection (1), the auditor must return the document to the mental health and wellbeing service provider within 7 days after it is seized.

(3) A person must not refuse or fail to give full and true answers to the best of that person's knowledge to any questions asked by an auditor in the performance or exercise of any power under this section.

1. 60 penalty units.

(4) A person must not obstruct or hinder an auditor in the performance or exercise of the auditor's powers under this section.

1. 60 penalty units.

(5) An answer to a question by an auditor is not admissible in evidence against the person in any criminal proceeding other than a proceeding under this section.

(6) An auditor must produce a copy of the auditor's authorisation to act as an auditor if requested to do so.