39

39 Amount of costs and expenses—advice of independent expert

(1) The liable holder for well investigation levy imposed on a compliance investigation and NOPSEMA may agree, at any time after the threshold time for the investigation, to the selection and appointment of an independent expert: (a) to assess the costs and expenses reasonably incurred by NOPSEMA in relation to the conduct of the investigation; and (b) to provide a report to NOPSEMA on the assessment. (2) NOPSEMA must not unreasonably withhold its agreement to the selection or appointment of the independent expert. (3) The liable holder must bear the costs incurred for the services of the independent expert. (4) As soon as practicable after receiving a report from the independent expert, NOPSEMA must: (a) give a copy of the report to the liable holder; and (b) consider the report in determining the amount of the costs and expenses reasonably incurred by NOPSEMA in conducting the investigation.