(1)

An operator and the Safety Authority may agree, at any time, to the selection and appointment of an independent expert to assess the costs and expenses that the Safety Authority has reasonably incurred for the purposes of carrying out an inspection.

(2)

The Safety Authority must not unreasonably withhold its agreement to the selection or appointment of the independent expert.

(3)

The operator must bear the costs incurred for the services of the independent expert.

(4) After the independent expert has given a report of the assessment:

(a)

the Safety Authority must give a copy of the report to the operator as soon as practicable after receiving it; and

(b)

the Safety Authority must consider the report; and

(c)

if the Safety Authority has notified the operator of the amount of levy, or the amount of an instalment of levy, that is payable, the Safety Authority may give a notice to the operator:

(i)

stating that a revised amount of levy, or a revised amount of an instalment of levy, is payable; or

(ii)

withdrawing the notice previously given under subregulation 14 (5).

(5)

The Minister may give directions, in writing, to the Safety Authority with respect to the exercise of its powers and functions under subregulations (1) and (4).

(6)

The Safety Authority must comply with the Minister's directions.