(1)  The Secretary may appoint, by written instrument, one or more persons employed in the Department to be Deputy Chief Plant Protection Officer if satisfied that the person holds appropriate tertiary qualifications and expertise in plant sciences or another related discipline.

(2)  A person may hold the office of Deputy Chief Plant Protection Officer in conjunction with State Service employment.

(3)  A Deputy Chief Plant Protection Officer may perform the functions of the Chief Plant Protection Officer, including any functions that have been delegated to the Chief Plant Protection Officer by the Secretary or Minister, on such terms and in such circumstances as may be specified in the instrument of appointment of the Deputy Chief Plant Protection Officer.

(4)  For the avoidance of doubt, a reference in this Act to the Chief Plant Protection Officer in relation to a function includes a reference to a Deputy Chief Plant Protection Officer if the Deputy Chief Plant Protection Officer is authorised to perform the function.