7—Amendment of section 56—Resolution of difficulties
(1)
Section 56—after "particular circumstances" insert:
or the provisions of this Act do not address particular circumstances that
have arisen
(2)
Section 56—after "the doubt or difficulty" insert:
or to address the circumstances (but only insofar as the Board determines it
to be fair and reasonable in the circumstances)
(3)
Section 56—delete "this Act will apply subject to a direction given
by the Board under this section" and substitute:
any such direction will have effect according to its terms
(4)
Section 56—after its present contents (as amended by this section
and designated as subsection (1)) insert:
(2) If, in the opinion
of the Board—
(a) a
time limit under this Act should be extended in particular circumstances; or
(b) a
procedural step under this Act should be waived in particular circumstances,
the Board may extend the time limit (even if it has already expired) or waive
compliance with the procedural step.
(3) In determining
whether to take action under subsection (2), the Board should have regard
to—
(a) in a
case under subsection (2)(a)—
(i)
the length of delay that has occurred; and
(ii)
the explanation for the delay; and
(iii)
any hardship that will occur if the time limit is not
extended; and
(iv)
the extent to which it will cause any unfairness if the
time limit is not extended; and
(v)
any other relevant factor;
(b) in a
case under subsection (2)(b)—
(i)
the conduct of the person who would benefit from the
action; and
(ii)
any hardship that will occur if the procedural step is
not waived; and
(iii)
the extent to which it will cause any unfairness if the
procedural step is not waived; and
(iv)
any other relevant factor.
(4)
Subsections (2) and (3) do not derogate from any other provision of this
Act or the regulations that makes specific provision for the extension of
time.