(1) A panel may inform itself about a relevant matter in any manner it considers appropriate, including ¾

(a) accepting oral or written submissions;

(b) reading documents; and

(c) holding public hearings under regulation 38.

(2) A panel must take reasonable steps (such as the publication of a public notice) to ensure that persons who may have an interest in a relevant matter are notified that the panel is considering the matter and will accept submissions in relation to it.

(3) If a person notifies the chairperson in writing that he or she wishes to make a submission on a relevant matter, the panel must give the person a reasonable opportunity to do so.

(4) A person must not provide information to a panel that the person knows to be ¾

(a) false or misleading in a material particular; or

(b) likely to deceive in a material way.

Penalty: $1 000.