(1) If the jurisdiction of the court is to be, or is being, exercised in a proceeding by the associate judge, the associate judge may refer the proceeding or an issue in the proceeding to a judge if the associate judge considers that it would be appropriate for the proceeding or issue to be decided by a judge.
(2) If the associate judge refers the proceeding to a judge, the judge may—
(a) hear and decide the proceeding; or
(b) refer the proceeding back to the associate judge and give the directions (if any) the judge considers appropriate in relation to the proceeding.
(3) If
the associate judge refers an issue in the proceeding to a judge, the judge
may decide the issue or refer the issue back to the associate judge and give
the directions (if any) the judge considers appropriate in relation to the
proceeding.