Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00759:reg:20
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00759
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 20
Character Range: 16367–17971

20  Financial assistance to an applicant
 (1) Subject to this Part, the approving official may approve payment by the Commonwealth of the following:
 (a) the cost of an applicant's legal representation in relation to an eligible matter;
 (b) disbursements in relation to an eligible matter;
 (c) costs awarded against an applicant in an eligible matter.
 (2) Before giving the approval, the approving official must:
 (a) be satisfied that:
 (i) the applicant's involvement in the eligible matter arose only because the applicant is, or has been, a parliamentarian; or
 (ii) the eligible matter relates to the performance or non‑performance by the applicant of the applicant's duties as a parliamentarian; and
 (b) be satisfied that it is appropriate to give financial assistance.
 (3) Financial assistance is payable in accordance with the approval, subject to this instrument.
 (4) The approving official may reduce the amount of financial assistance payable if the approving official is satisfied that the applicant has breached this instrument or a condition that the approval is subject to under section 21 or 22.
 (5) The approving official may defer making a decision whether to approve payment of financial assistance in whole or part until the eligible matter reaches a point at which the approving official considers it appropriate to make the decision.
 (6) Without limiting the matters the approving official may have regard to in deciding whether to give the approval, the approving official may have regard to whether there has been unreasonable delay in applying for financial assistance.