23. (1) If—
(a) a defined person has a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in a matter being considered, or about to be considered, by the Registrar; and
(b) the interest could conflict with the proper performance of the Registrar's functions in relation to that matter;
the defined person shall immediately inform the Minister accordingly in writing.
Penalty: $5,000 or imprisonment for 6 months, or both.
(2) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence under subsection (1) if it is established that the relevant defined person—
(a) was not aware of the relevant interest; or
(b) could not reasonably have been aware of the relevant potential for conflict.