72Minister may appoint observers

72 Minister may appoint observers

(1) The Minister may appoint, in writing, one or more persons to be an observer of a community services entity if the entity performs functions or provides services in a business management area. (2) An observer is entitled to attend a meeting (however described) of: (a) the community services entity; or (b) any committee (however described) established by the entity or under the entity’s constituting legislation. (3) An observer entitled to attend a meeting: (a) has the same rights and obligations as a member of the entity or committee, other than voting rights; and (b) for the purposes of section 48A of the Interpretation Act of the Northern Territory, is treated as a member of the entity or committee.

Note: Section 48A of the Interpretation Act of the Northern Territory provides for participation in meetings by telephone etc.

(4) To avoid doubt, an observer may be present: (a) during any deliberations of the entity or committee with respect to a matter; and (b) during any voting on the matter. (5) A community services entity must not impose fees in respect of an observer appointed under this section being an observer of the entity.