(1) Subject to subsection (2), the Deputy Chief Executive Officer shall act as the Chief Executive Officer:
(a) during a vacancy in the office of the Chief Executive Officer, whether or not an appointment has previously been made to the office; or
(b) during any period when the Chief Executive Officer is absent from duty or from Australia or is, for any other reason, unable to perform the functions of his or her office;
but shall not continue to act during a vacancy for more than 12 months.
Note: For rules that apply to persons acting as the Chief Executive Officer, see section 33A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 .
(2) The Deputy Chief Executive Officer shall not act as the Chief Executive Officer while a person appointed under subsection (4) is acting as the Chief Executive Officer.
(4) The Governor - General may appoint a person to act as the Chief Executive Officer:
(a) during a vacancy in the office of Chief Executive Officer, whether or not an appointment has previously been made to the office; or
(b) during any period or during all periods when the Chief Executive Officer is absent from duty or from Australia or is, for any other reason, unable to perform the duties of the office.
Note: For rules that apply to acting appointments, see section 33A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 .