(1) Subject to section 133 (which applies in relation to third party authorised officers), the Secretary may, at any time, by notice in writing given to a person who is an authorised officer, suspend the person's authorisation as an authorised officer.
Note: A decision under this subsection in relation to a third party authorised officer is a reviewable decision (see section 151).
Period of suspension
(2) A suspension must not be for more than 12 months.
(3) If the person was given a notice in accordance with subsection 133(3) that included the request referred to in paragraph 133(3)(b), the suspension must not start before the earlier of the following:
(a) the day after any response to the request is received by the Secretary;
(b) the end of 14 days after the notice was given.
(4) The Secretary may vary the period of a suspension by written notice to the person. However, the total period of the suspension must not be more than 12 months.
Note: A decision to extend the period of a suspension of a person's authorisation as a third party authorised officer is a reviewable decision (see section 151).
Effect of suspension
(5) If a person's authorisation as an authorised officer is suspended for a period under subsection (1), the person is taken not to be an authorised officer during the period of the suspension.
Note: If a person's authorisation as a third party authorised officer is suspended:
(a) the Minister may require an audit to be conducted in relation to the performance of functions and the exercise of powers by the person as a third party authorised officer (see section 110); or
(b) the Secretary request the person to notify the Secretary of certain events (see section 137).
Revocation of suspension
(6) The Secretary may revoke a suspension of a person's authorisation as an authorised officer under subsection (1) by written notice to the person.
Note: For the purpose of deciding whether to revoke the suspension, the Secretary may request the person to notify the Secretary of certain events (see section 137).