144Suspension of practising certificate for investigation

144 Suspension of practising certificate for investigation

144 Suspension of practising certificate for investigation

(1) The regulator may also suspend a practising certificate—

(a) if the holder of the practising certificate has been charged with an offence under the WHS laws, a corresponding WHS law, the Explosives Act 2003 or the Radiation Control Act 1990, or

(b) to enable the regulator to investigate whether there are grounds under this section or section 145 for suspending or cancelling the practising certificate.

(2) The regulator may suspend a practising certificate under subsection (1)(b) if the regulator reasonably believes there are grounds under this section or section 145 for suspending or cancelling the practising certificate.

(3) A suspension under subsection (1)(b) must not exceed 28 days.

(4) The 28-day period may be extended on one occasion only, for an additional period of 28 days, if—

(a) the regulator has not completed the investigation, after having taken reasonable steps to do so, and

(b) the regulator still has reason to believe there are grounds for suspending or cancelling the practising certificate.