A hearing generally takes place at the next available meeting of the Complaints Committee. The Executive Secretary will tell you in good time when and where this is scheduled. Normally the Complaints Committee meets in Sydney. Sometimes the committee visits other centres. Alternatively, and less frequently, an assessment panel or even an assessor may hold a hearing.
Hearings are informal.
Legal representation is not allowed. No new material will be admitted or may be tabled at the hearing. The hearing opens with the complainant and publication representative being introduced to the committee. The Chair will then normally invite the complainant and then the publication representative, if either wishes, to speak briefly on the main points of the complaint. The committee will have read the file carefully, so it is best to speak generally about the complaint.