(1)  The Chief Inspector may approve an individual to be a food safety auditor for the purposes of this Act if satisfied that the individual is competent to carry out the functions of a food safety auditor having regard to –

(a) the individual's technical skills and experience; and

(b) any guidelines approved by the Chief Inspector relating to competency criteria.

(2)  An individual may be approved under subsection (1) if the Chief Inspector considers the individual to be a fit and proper person to be approved.

(3)  An individual may not be approved under subsection (1) if his or her name has been removed from a register of food safety auditors in another State or a Territory for reasons related to character or performance.

(4)  An individual may make an application, in a form approved by the Chief Inspector, to the Chief Inspector for approval under this Part.

(5)  An authorised officer, a State Service officer or State Service employee, a person employed by the Commonwealth or a person employed by a council may be approved under subsection (1) and may hold that approval in conjunction with holding the office of an authorised officer under this Act or with his or her employment in the State Service, the Commonwealth or a council, as the case may be.

(6)  An application for approval under this Part is to be accompanied by –

(a) such information as the Chief Inspector requires to determine the application; and

(b) the fee, if any, prescribed in the regulations.

(7)  The Chief Inspector may, after considering an application for approval under this Part –

(a) grant the approval with or without conditions; or

(b) refuse the application.

(8)  If the Chief Inspector grants an application for approval, the Chief Inspector must issue the applicant with a written approval that sets out any conditions to which the approval is subject.

(9)  If the Chief Inspector refuses an application for approval, the Chief Inspector must give notice of the refusal in writing to the applicant setting out the reasons for the refusal.