Economic Regulation Authority Act 2003

The Minister may, by written notice, refer to the Authority for an inquiry any matter relating to a regulated industry other than a matter governed by the operation of the National Gas Access (Western Australia) Law or the Code in force under section 4 of the Railways (Access) Act 1998.

Without limiting subsection (1), the matters that can be referred to the Authority include —

prices and pricing policy in respect of goods and services provided in the industry concerned; and

quality and reliability of goods and services provided in the industry concerned; and

investment and business practices in the industry concerned; and

costs of compliance with written laws that apply to the industry concerned.

Before referring a matter to the Authority under subsection (1) the Minister must consult with the Authority.

A reference —

must specify the terms of reference for the inquiry; and

may require the inquiry to be conducted on an annual or other periodic basis; and

may specify the nature and degree of public consultation that is to be undertaken for the purposes of the inquiry; and

may specify a period within which the Authority must submit a report to the Minister under section 36(1); and

may require the Authority to make a draft report publicly available or available to specified persons or bodies.