18Guidelines

18 Guidelines

(1) Subject to subsection (5), the Regulator may from time to time issue guidelines in relation to matters relevant to the exercise of its functions under this Act.

(2) Guidelines issued under subsection (1) must not—

(a) be inconsistent with this Act or the regulations; and

(b) extend, change or limit any other Act or law.

(3) The Regulator must publish guidelines issued under subsection (1) on the Internet site of the Regulator.

(4) Guidelines issued under subsection (1) are admissible as evidence in proceedings under this Act or regulations made under this Act, including evidence of what a registered social service provider knew, or ought reasonably to have known, about—

(a) the risks of harm to service users; and

(b) ways of removing or reducing the risks referred to in paragraph (a); and

(c) the risks of contravening the rights of service users.

(5) The Regulator must not issue guidelines under subsection (1) unless the Regulator has first consulted on the proposed guidelines in accordance with the prescribed requirements (if any).

Pt 2 Div. 2A (Heading and ss 18A–18D) inserted by No. 58/2025 s. 11.