sec.503Conduct of inquiry before referee

### sec.503 Conduct of inquiry before referee Subject to a direction given under rule 505 , the referee— may conduct the inquiry in a way the referee considers appropriate; and is not bound by the rules of evidence, but may obtain information about a matter in the way the referee considers appropriate; and may conduct a hearing for the inquiry; and may require evidence to be given orally or in writing; and may require evidence to be given on oath; and has the same authority as a judge. In conducting the inquiry, the referee must observe the rules of natural justice. Despite subrule (1) (f) , the referee may not deal with a person for contempt. r 503 sub 2019 SL No. 135 s 5 (sec.503-ssec.1) Subject to a direction given under rule 505 , the referee— may conduct the inquiry in a way the referee considers appropriate; and is not bound by the rules of evidence, but may obtain information about a matter in the way the referee considers appropriate; and may conduct a hearing for the inquiry; and may require evidence to be given orally or in writing; and may require evidence to be given on oath; and has the same authority as a judge. (sec.503-ssec.2) In conducting the inquiry, the referee must observe the rules of natural justice. (sec.503-ssec.3) Despite subrule (1) (f) , the referee may not deal with a person for contempt. - (a) may conduct the inquiry in a way the referee considers appropriate; and - (b) is not bound by the rules of evidence, but may obtain information about a matter in the way the referee considers appropriate; and - (c) may conduct a hearing for the inquiry; and - (d) may require evidence to be given orally or in writing; and - (e) may require evidence to be given on oath; and - (f) has the same authority as a judge.