(1)  The Minister is to issue the Heritage Council with triennial statements of expectation and the Heritage Council is to discharge its responsibilities consistently with those statements.

(2)  A statement of expectation is to set out the Minister's aims for the Heritage Council for the relevant triennium but not so as to purport to –

(a) enlarge or diminish its responsibilities; or

(b) interfere with, or impede, the discharge of its responsibilities.

(3)  The Minister, on his or her own motion or at the request of the Heritage Council, may at any time –

(a) amend a statement of expectation; or

(b) revoke a statement of expectation.

(4)  In preparing a statement of expectation or any amendment to a statement of expectation, the Minister –

(a) is to consult the Heritage Council; and

(b) may consult any planning authorities or other persons.

(5)  A statement of expectation or any amendment to a statement of expectation is to be in writing and signed by the Minister.

(6)  A statement of expectation or any amendment to a statement of expectation takes effect on such day, following its day of issue, as it specifies.

(7)  The Heritage Council is to ensure that the public has reasonable access to all statements of expectation, including those that have been superseded.

(8)  Without limiting the generality of subsection (7) , the Heritage Council is to ensure that any person presenting at any of its offices during normal business hours may –

(a) inspect any statement of expectation without charge; and

(b) obtain a copy of any statement of expectation.