353PTravelling expenses for obtaining medical evidence

353P  Travelling expenses for obtaining medical evidence  (1) If an applicant has had to travel to obtain any relevant documentary medical evidence submitted to the Board, the applicant is, subject to this section, entitled to be paid in relation to that travel the travelling expenses that are prescribed.  (a) the applicant is accompanied by an attendant when travelling to obtain the evidence; and  (b) the Commission is of the view that it is reasonable for the applicant to be so accompanied by an attendant; the attendant is, subject to this section, entitled to be paid in relation to that travel the travelling expenses that are prescribed.  (3) Travelling expenses are not payable in respect of travel outside Australia.  (4) Travelling expenses are not payable unless:  (a) the person who has incurred the expenses; or  (b) any person approved by that person or by the Commission; applies in writing to the Commission for payment under subsection (5).  (5) The application for payment must:  (a) be in accordance with a form approved by the Commission; and  (b) be made within:  (i) 12 months after the completion of the travel; or  (ii) if the Commission thinks that there are exceptional circumstances that justify extending that period—such further period as the Commission allows; and  (c) be lodged at a place approved by the Commission under subsection 323(2).  (6) An application for payment lodged at a place approved by the Commission under subsection 323(2) is taken to have been made on a day determined under that subsection.  (7) The Commonwealth is to pay the travelling expenses to which a person is entitled under this section.