Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I would like to point out that this is a mens rea offence. With the word “knowingly” it is a criminal offence, so the points raised are very valid indeed.
I would also like to point out wording that we find in the act currently, and I hope it may be helpful.
Section 127 is the provision dealing with misrepresentation. It states:
No person shall knowingly
(a) directly or indirectly misrepresent or withhold material facts
There may be a way to make it, “No person shall knowingly, directly or indirectly, represent”. But the concerns raised about evidence remain.
I wish to point out that it continues on. The evidence would have to still be in connection with a proceeding or application under the act.