64. Rural Fire Mediators---(1) In respect of any matter arising by way
 of dispute, difference, doubt, or other uncertainty between parties, the
 Minister [of Forestry] may, from time to time and at any time, where
 provided for by this Act, or on application to him by the parties or any
 of them, appoint as a Rural Fire Mediator any person the Minister [of
 Forestry] considers competent and appropriate to investigate and decide
 that matter in the public interest.

   (2) In respect of any matter affecting or relating to fire control the
 Minister [of Forestry] may from time to time and at any time appoint as
 a Rural Fire Mediator any person he considers competent and appropriate
 to investigate and report on such matter in the public interest.

   (3) A Mediator shall, within the scope of his jurisdiction, be deemed
 to be a Commission of Inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1908,
 and, subject to this section, all the provisions of that Act, except
 sections 11 and 12 (which relate to costs) shall apply accordingly.

   (4) In his investigation a Mediator may make such inquiries and follow
 such procedures, whether formal or informal, as he considers fair and
 reasonable and likely to facilitate disposal of the matter in question;
 and may obtain such expert assistance as he requires; and may receive in
 evidence any statement, document, information, or matter that he
 considers may assist him to deal effectively with that matter, whether
 or not the same should be admissible in a Court of law.

   (5) Subject to this section, the procedure of a Mediator shall be such
 as the Mediator thinks fit.

   (6) Subject to section 65 of this Act, every decision of a Mediator
 shall be final and conclusive.

   (7) There shall be paid out of money appropriated by Parliament for
 the purpose to any person appointed to be a Mediator remuneration by way
 of fees, salary, or allowances and travelling expenses and allowances in
 accordance with the Fees and Travelling Allowances Act 1951, and the
 provisions of that Act shall apply accordingly as if that person were a
 member of a statutory Board within the meaning of that Act.

       In subss. (1) and (2) the words ``of Forestry'' were inserted by
     s. 2 (1) (a) of the Forest and Rural Fires Amendment Act 1987.