12Appointment of acting Chair

12 Appointment of acting Chair

Appointment by Minister (1) The Minister may, by written instrument, appoint a person to act as the Chair: (a) during a vacancy in the office of the Chair (whether or not an appointment has previously been made to the office); or (b) during any period, or during all periods, when the Chair: (i) is absent from duty or Australia; or (ii) is, for any reason, unable to perform the duties of the office.

Note: For rules that apply to acting appointments, see section 33A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

Consultation of WHS Ministers (2) However, the Minister can only do so if the WHS Ministers have been consulted about the appointment of that person.