Planning Act 2023

The Minister must, within 15 working days after the day an EIS is given to the Minister under section 125—

decide whether to establish a panel (an inquiry panel) to inquire about the EIS; and

if the Minister decides to establish an inquiry panel—tell the territory planning authority about the decision.

If the Minister decides to establish an inquiry panel to inquire about an EIS, the Minister may establish the panel to inquire about 1 or more aspects of the EIS.

However, if the Public Health Act Minister gives notice under the Public Health Act 1997, section 134 that a panel to conduct an inquiry about an EIS should be established, the Minister must establish an inquiry panel to inquire in relation to the effects on public health of the proposal that is the subject of the EIS.

If the Minister establishes an inquiry panel to inquire about an EIS, the Minister must—

prepare terms of reference for the inquiry; and

give written notice of the inquiry to the proponent of the development proposal to which the EIS relates.

The terms of reference are a notifiable instrument.