31.10  Disputes

(a)  (Referral): Notwithstanding clause 48, if a Dispute arises in relation to Minor Works, (including with respect to matters included in a Minor Works Notice, whether or not works constitute Minor Works and payment for Minor Works) it must be referred by either party to the State, the Operator, the Services Contractor and the Project Co Representative who will meet to attempt to resolve the Dispute.

(b)  (Independent Expert): If the Dispute is not resolved within 5 Business Days after the reference of the Dispute to the relevant parties in accordance with clause 31.10(a), then the Dispute may be referred by either party to an Independent Expert for resolution in accordance with clause 48.1.

(c)  (Disputes involving Services Contractor): If the Dispute referred to an Independent Expert in accordance with clause 31.10(b) involves the Services Contractor, Project Co must manage the conduct of the Dispute on behalf of the Services Contractor and the State must manage the conduct of the Dispute on behalf of the Operator.