The city government can hold hearings for individuals whom it fines 5,000 yuan (US$625) or more for violation of city regulations after October 1, if the individuals apply for such a hearing, according to a new city regulation on administrative hearings.

The regulation, to become effective October 1, is a step forward toward more transparent and standard hearings for government decisions, according to an official with the city's legislative affairs office. "It's a creation for the nation," said the official who asked that his name not be mentioned.

According to the regulation, an organization can apply for a hearing if it is fined more than 50,000 yuan, or feels that its interests are greatly damaged by a government decision.

The government department that makes the decision will be the organizer of the hearing, but the legislative affairs office will guide, coordinate and supervise the hearing, according to the regulation.

The government department should decide whether to hold the hearing within five days after receiving the application, and notify the related parties seven days before the hearing is held.

If a government department refuses to organize a hearing when it should do so, the officials involved will be given administrative penalties, says the regulation.

Participants of the hearing must write down the arguments at the hearing and provide a written report to the hearing organizer seven days after the hearing is completed, according to the regulation.

(Shenzhen Daily September 29, 2006)