13Hearing of appeal

13 Hearing of appeal

13 Hearing of appeal

(1) For the Act, section 18(1)(a), the Tribunal may set a date, time and place for the hearing of an appeal that the Tribunal thinks fit.

(2) The Secretary must give the following persons written notice of the date, time and place for the hearing at least 7 days before the hearing—

(a) the parties to the appeal,

(b) other persons the Tribunal thinks fit.

(3) The Tribunal may, in a particular case—

(a) shorten the minimum notice period under subsection (2), with the consent of the appellant, if satisfied the appeal should be heard and determined as a matter of urgency, or

(b) extend the minimum notice period under subsection (2), if satisfied it is appropriate to do so in the circumstances of the case.

(4) The Tribunal may expedite the hearing in accordance with subsection (3)(a) whether or not the Tribunal has received a transcript of the evidence given at the hearing or inquiry to which the appellable decision relates.

(5) The Tribunal must commence the hearing of an appeal as soon as practicable within—

(a) 28 days of receiving the relevant notice of appeal, or

(b) a longer period determined by the Tribunal, if satisfied an extension of time is required because of the circumstances of the case.