51Conduct of public inquiry

51 Conduct of public inquiry (1) In conducting a public inquiry— (a) subject to any regulations, the procedure is in the discretion of the Convenor; (b) the Convenor may proceed with as little formality and technicality and with as much expedition as the requirements of this Act and a proper investigation of the matter permit; (c) the Convenor may determine whether or not to hold any hearings and whether or not any hearings are to be open to the public; (d) the Convenor is not bound by the rules of evidence and may be informed of any matter in any manner the Convenor considers appropriate; (e) the Convenor— S. 51(1)(e)(i) amended by No. 17/2014 s. 160(Sch. 2 item 79). (i) must allow a person affected by a public inquiry to be represented by an Australian lawyer; (ii) may allow or refuse to allow any person to be represented by another person; (f) the Convenor is bound by the rules of natural justice. S. 51(2) amended by Nos 69/2009 s. 54(Sch. Pt 2 item 40), 67/2014 s. 147(Sch. 2 item 30). (2) Sections 14, 15, 16 and 21A of the **Evidence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1958**, as in force immediately before their repeal, apply to a public inquiry and the report of the public inquiry as if the Convenor were a board appointed by the Governor in Council. (3) A person who is required to appear as a witness at a public inquiry is entitled to reasonable witness expenses as determined by the Convenor. (4) A person must not give information which he or she knows is false or misleading to the Convenor. (5) A person must not intentionally hinder or obstruct the conduct of a public inquiry. (6) In this section, ***Convenor*** means the Secretary or the person or panel of persons appointed by the Secretary to conduct the public inquiry.