I thought you'd sing that (silly) excuse again Max, everyone...

I thought you'd sing that (silly) excuse again Max, everyone would have read the update too...

19 October 2018

The Office of Drug Control (ODC) is increasing resources allocated to application processing under the ND Act. Part of this process includes a new screening assessment which will ensure any significant issues with applications are identified shortly after application receipt.

Decision on fit and proper status

The ND Act requires a decision be made on the fit and proper status of the applicant. Matters are not limited to just the applicant or licence holder themselves but include connections and business associates.

If a decision is made that a person is not fit and proper, this will affect any application in progress or existing licences and permits associated with that person.

It is a breach of the licence if the licence holder does not notify this office on any matter (including not disclosing any relevant director, business associate or connection) that may affect whether the licence holder is fit and proper, or whether a business associate of the licence holder (in relation to a business of the licence or any other business) is a fit and proper person to be associated with the holder of such a licence.

A breach of the licence could result in a number of remedial actions, including, but not limited to, directions, suspension of activities or licence revocation.

Outline of licence process

	Process	Processing time
1	Application receipt Check that application form has been completed Check that a data package has been provided for each licence type requested Generation of invoice for fees (if applicable) Receipt of fees (if applicable) This process confirms that the application form has been completed and that the correct data package has been provided before an invoice is generated (where applicable) and the correct fee has been paid. If any of the above is missing or incomplete your application may not be accepted and will not enter the next stage of processing (you will need to resubmit a new application if you still seek a licence under the ND Act).	5 working days
2	Screening Review of the information provided for each licence type This process reviews your application to ensure that information and documents meet legislative requirements and guidelines. You will be requested to provide further information if your application is incomplete. If, following requests for information, your application is still incomplete (including failure to respond to requests) your application will be referred to the decision maker to consider refusal. You will be notified when you application has entered evaluation.	10 working days
3	Evaluation Your application will be split into the relevant sections for evaluation by an assessor. Cultivation/production licence evaluation Manufacture licence evaluation Fit and proper person evaluation These three processes are performed concurrently. You may be required to provide further information about your application. If requested information is not provided your application may be referred to the decision maker to consider refusal. When the assessor has completed the evaluation of your application, a report is provided to the decision maker.	195 working days (includes decision) Applicant requested change to application (minor): add 10 working days for each request. Applicant requested change to application (major): Application clock will be reset. e.g. +10 days (screening) + 195 working days (evaluation)
4	Decision The decision maker will review the report prepared by the evaluator and determine whether to grant a licence. The decision maker may refer the report back to the evaluator for more information. You will be formally notified when a decision is made.	Time included in the evaluation working days

Application process for licences and permits under the Narcotic Drugs Act 1967