43EE   Powers of Tribunal and conduct of investigations

(1)  In an investigation, the Tribunal:

(a)  is to act with as little formality as possible, and

(b)  may inform itself on any matter in any way it thinks fit and is not bound by the rules of evidence, and

(c)  may receive information or submissions in the form of oral or written statements, and

(d)  may consult with such persons as it thinks fit.

(2)  The Tribunal may, but is not required to, hold hearings or public seminars, conduct workshops and establish working groups and task forces for the purposes of an investigation.

(3)  The Tribunal must consult with standard retail suppliers in an investigation.

(4)  If the Tribunal holds hearings, it must give reasonable notice, by advertisement published in a newspaper circulating in the State, of the hearings.

(5)  The Tribunal may call for written submissions and may specify a time and date by which those submissions must be made. The Tribunal may extend the time for the making of submissions.

(6)  A hearing may be held in public or in private, at the discretion of the Tribunal, and may be conducted as determined by the Tribunal.