Summoning witnesses

(1)

A commissioner may, by writing signed by the commissioner, summon a person to appear before the commission at a time and place specified in the summons to give evidence and produce any documents mentioned in the summons.

Failure of witness to attend

(2)

A person served with a summons to appear as a witness at an inquiry by a commission must not:

(a)

fail to attend as required by the summons; or

(b)

fail to appear and report from day to day unless excused or released from further attendance by or on behalf of the commission.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the excuse or release from further attendance mentioned in paragraph (2)(b). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code .

Offence

(3)

A person who contravenes subsection (2) is guilty of an offence punishable on conviction by imprisonment for not more than 6 months, a fine of not more than 30 penalty units, or both.

Allowances for witnesses

(4)

A person summoned by a commission to appear as a witness at an inquiry is entitled to be paid by the Commonwealth such allowances for travelling and other expenses as are prescribed by the regulations.