56Report of inquiry to be tabled

56 Report of inquiry to be tabled

(1) The Minister must cause a copy of the Ombudsman’s report on an inquiry to be tabled in each House of the Parliament: (a) within 25 sitting days of that House after the day on which the Minister receives it; or (b) if the Ombudsman recommends that the tabling of the report, or part of the report, be delayed for a specified period—within 25 sitting days of that House after the end of that period. (2) If the publication of information or an opinion in the report would be likely to adversely affect the interests of any person, the Minister must, before tabling the report, direct the Ombudsman: (a) to notify the person that the information or opinion is contained in the report; and (b) to give the person a reasonable period (not exceeding 30 days) to make representations, either orally or in writing, in relation to the information or opinion, and its publication. (3) Before tabling the report on an inquiry, the Minister: (a) may delete any information or opinion from the report if: (i) the information or opinion would be likely to adversely affect the interests of any person; and (ii) the Minister reasonably believes that it is in the public interest to delete the information or opinion; and (b) must delete from the report any confidential information. (4) In making a decision under subparagraph (3)(a)(ii), the Minister must take into account any representations made by the person in response to a notification under subsection (2). (5) A direction under subsection (2) (if made in writing) is not a legislative instrument.