78Conduct of proceeding causing disadvantage

78 Conduct of proceeding causing disadvantage (1) This section applies if the Tribunal believes that a party to a proceeding is conducting the proceeding in a way that unnecessarily disadvantages another party to the proceeding by conduct such as— (a) failing to comply with an order or direction of the Tribunal without reasonable excuse; or (b) failing to comply with this Act, the regulations, the rules or an enabling enactment; or (c) asking for an adjournment as a result of (a) or (b); or (d) causing an adjournment; or (e) attempting to deceive another party or the Tribunal; or S. 78(1)(f) amended by No. 51/2000 s. 20. (f) vexatiously conducting the proceeding; or S. 78(1)(g) inserted by No. 51/2000 s. 20. (g) failing to attend mediation or the hearing of the proceeding. (2) If this section applies, the Tribunal may— (a) order that the proceeding be dismissed or struck out, if the party causing the disadvantage is the applicant; or (b) if the party causing the disadvantage is not the applicant— (i) determine the proceeding in favour of the applicant and make any appropriate orders; or (ii) order that the party causing the disadvantage be struck out of the proceeding; (c) make an order for costs under section 109. (3) The Tribunal's powers under this section are exercisable by the presiding member. S. 78A (Heading) amended by No. 69/2009 s. 54(Sch. Pt 2 item 57.1). S. 78A inserted by No. 53/2006 s. 6, amended by No. 69/2009 s. 54(Sch. Pt 2 item 57.2).