181Payment for loss or damage

181 Payment for loss or damage (1) If the ACAT is satisfied that a complainant suffered loss or damage because of an act by the respondent, or an authorised person for the respondent, of a kind mentioned in section 178 (ACAT decisions), the ACAT may give the respondent a written direction to pay a stated amount to the complainant for the loss or damage. (2) The direction may not be given in relation to a punitive amount. (3) The amount payable under the direction is a debt due to the complainant in whose favour the direction is given. (4) In giving the direction, the ACAT must take account of the extent (if any) to which the complainant— (a) caused, or contributed to, the loss or damage; or (b) obstructed, or interfered with, the exercise of the respondent’s functions under this Act. (5) The amount stated in a direction may not be more than $25 000. (6) The registrar must, if asked by the complainant in whose favour a direction is made, give the complainant a copy of the direction certified by the registrar.