198Arrangements to be made for dealing with inquiries or complaints in relation to SFCS Scheme

198 Arrangements to be made for dealing with inquiries or complaints in relation to SFCS Scheme

(1)  The Commission must take all reasonable steps to ensure there are at all times arrangements in place under which –

(a) a member or former member may make an inquiry into, or complaint about, the operation or management of the SFCS Scheme in relation to that person; and

(b) the legal personal representative of a former member may make an inquiry into, or complaint about, the operation or management of the SFCS Scheme in relation to the former member; and

(c) without limiting the generality of paragraph (a) or (b) , any person may make an inquiry into, or complaint about, a decision of the Commission that the relates to the payment of a death benefit in relation to the SFCS Scheme if –

(i) the person has an interest in the death benefit; or

(ii) the person claims to be, or is, entitled to a death benefit in relation to a person referred to in this subregulation.

(2)  The Commission is to deal with an inquiry or complaint within 90 days of receiving notice in writing of the inquiry or complaint.

(3)  The Commission may charge a fee in relation to the making of an inquiry or complaint and may waive or reduce the fee if it is satisfied that the applicant’s intended use of information that may be obtained by making the inquiry or complaint is of general public interest or benefit.

(4)  The fee that may be charged under subregulation (3) is not to exceed 400 fee units (inclusive of GST).

(5)  If the Commission believes the fee charged under subregulation (3) may exceed 25 fee units (inclusive of GST), the Commission must notify the applicant and inquire whether the applicant wishes to proceed with the applicant’s inquiry or complaint.