83First Peoples' Assembly may make representations to Ministers

83 First Peoples' Assembly may make representations to Ministers

(1) From time to time, the First Peoples' Assembly, on its own initiative, may—

(a) make written submissions to a Minister about matters of interest to First Peoples; and

(b) ask questions, in writing, of a Minister about matters of interest to First Peoples.

(2) The Minister must respond in writing to the First Peoples' Assembly within 60 days after receiving any submission or questions, unless a longer period is agreed to by the First Peoples' Assembly.

(3) Subject to section 140, the response must—

(a) in the case of questions, answer any questions or set out reasons why the Minister is unable to answer any question; and

(b) in the case of a submission, set out the actions taken or proposed to be taken in response to the submission or, if no actions are taken or proposed to be taken, the reasons for this.

(4) Subject to this Act and any other Act, the First Peoples' Assembly may publish any submissions or questions given to a Minister under subsection (1).