9   Audit and compliance

(1)  The Minister is to establish an Audit and Compliance Committee to oversee the compliance of the Director-General with his or her obligations under this or any other Act.

(2)  The Minister may also request the Audit and Compliance Committee to oversee the investigation of any matter relating to the Director-General’s obligations under this or any other Act.

(2A)  The Audit and Compliance Committee has such other functions as may be conferred or imposed on it by this or any other Act.

(3)  The Audit and Compliance Committee may request the Director-General to provide any document or information in the Director-General’s possession to assist the Committee in the exercise of its functions. The Director-General must, unless the Minister directs otherwise, provide such documents or information to the Committee.

(4)  The members of the Committee are to comprise the Director-General (or the Director-General’s delegate) and the following members appointed by the Minister:

(a)  1 member of the Council,

(b)  (Repealed)

(c)  1 member with expertise in the protection of natural or cultural heritage who is not a member of the Public Service,

(d)  1 member with scientific qualifications and expertise in nature conservation, not being an officer of the Service,

(e)  1 member with legal or financial experience and expertise, not being a member of the Public Service,

(f)  2 officers of the Service.

(5)  The members of the Committee referred to in subsection (4) (a), (c), (d) and (e) are entitled to be paid such remuneration (including travelling and subsistence allowances) as the Minister may from time to time determine in respect of the member.

(6)  An appointed member of the Committee holds office for such period, and on such terms, as are specified in the member’s instrument of appointment, but is eligible (if otherwise qualified) for re-appointment.

(7)  The Audit and Compliance Committee is to report to the Minister at least every 2 years from the commencement of this section.