The Resource Planning and Development Commission Act 1997 is amended as follows:

(a) by inserting the following section after section 11 :

11A.     Representation at hearing

(1)  At a hearing before the Commission, a party to the hearing may appear in person or be represented by some other person (whether or not the person is enrolled as a barrister, solicitor, barrister and solicitor or legal practitioner of the High Court or the Supreme Court of a State).

(2)  The Commission may refuse to allow a party to the hearing to be represented if the Commission is satisfied that another party to the hearing would be significantly disadvantaged by that representation.

(b) by inserting the following section after section 17 :

17A.     Obstruction or improper influence of hearing

A person must not obstruct or improperly influence the conduct of a hearing of the Commission or attempt to do so.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 20 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months.