10Deputies

10 Deputies (1) The Prime Minister, the Premier of a participating State or the Chief Minister of a participating Territory may nominate a Minister to be the deputy of the Minister nominated under section 8. (2) In the event of the absence or unavailability of the chairperson, or of another member, the Minister nominated as the deputy of the chairperson or of that other member— (a) may act in the place of the chairperson or of that other member; and (b) while so acting, has all the functions and powers of the chairperson or of that other member. (3) Nominations under this section must be in writing. (4) Anything done by or in relation to a person purporting to act under a nomination under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because— (a) there was a defect or irregularity in connection with the nomination; or (b) the occasion to act had not arisen or had ceased. Functions and powers Division 3.1