30.1  Dispute resolution panel

Either party may refer a dispute to a dispute resolution panel (Panel), by notice to the other party. Within a specified period of receiving notice of the dispute, the Panel must meet and use its reasonable endeavours to resolve the dispute by negotiation.

The Panel will consist of one or more senior government representatives and one or more senior private party representatives with sufficient seniority and authority to resolve the dispute, subject to any requirements for formal approvals as discussed in the next paragraph. The Panel may also comprise one or more independent members. It is expected that at least one representative of the private party will be the CEO or a delegate with authority to bind the private party.

A decision of the Panel may only be made by unanimous agreement and is binding on both parties, subject to any formal approval required as part of the parties' governance structures or by statute.