20Duty of Commission to inform itself

20 Duty of Commission to inform itself

(1)  It is the duty of the Commission when considering a reference to inform itself as fully as practicable in respect of all matters relevant to the reference.

(2)  For the purpose of subsection (1) the Commission –

(a) must seek submissions from –

(i) the public; and

(ii) any reference body established under section 18 or 19 ; and

(iii) any person or group of people the Commission considers would be directly affected by the use of the land that is the subject of the reference; and

(b) may –

(i) inspect the land that is the subject of the reference; and

(ii) seek reports from consultants, whether in Tasmania or elsewhere; and

(iii) hold hearings.

(3)  Subsection (2) (b) (i) does not authorize the Commission to enter land without first giving the owner of the land written notice of its intention to do so.

(4)  A recommendation of the Commission in respect of a reference is not invalidated by reason only of the failure of the Commission acting in good faith to seek submissions from any person or group of people who claim to be directly affected by the use of the land that is the subject of the reference.