Tasmania act

Ombudsman Act 1978

In ForceTAS

Jurisdiction

Tasmania

Act Number

82 of 1978

Collection

act

Plain English Summary

6/10 complexity

This Act establishes an independent Ombudsman who investigates "administrative action" by listed public authorities and may act on complaints, on the Ombudsman's own motion, or on references (s12, s4). The Governor appoints the Ombudsman (s5); the Ombudsman decides whether to investigate, can make preliminary inquiries (s20A), attempt conciliation (s22A–E), and make reports or recommendations to principal officers or Ministers (s28–29).

Public authorities must assist and provide records (s20A(2), s24) and may be penalised for obstruction (s27). Parties share conciliation costs (s22E). The Act both limits remit (Schedule 2) and exempts Ombudsman materials from RTI (s33A).

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What it does

This Act sets out the office, powers, procedures, limitations, and reporting functions of the Ombudsman and of the office that supports that role. Mechanically it does four linked things: it (a) creates the office of Ombudsman and ancillary office-holders (Governor appointment, term limits, acting appointments, and a Deputy Ombudsman) (see ss 5, 8, 8A); (b) defines the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction as investigation of “administrative action” by or on behalf of public authorities listed in the Act and by reference (ss 12, 4); (c) prescribes the processes for initiating, conducting, resolving and reporting investigations and conciliation, including preliminary inquiries, notice requirements, evidence powers, and confidentiality rules (see Parts III Divs 2-4, notably ss 13-24, 20A, 22A-22E, 23A, 24); and (d) specifies protections for the office and enforcement mechanisms including offences for obstruction and secrecy breaches, limits on judicial review and injunctions, and reporting powers to Parliament and Ministers (see ss 26-33, 28, 30-31, 32-33).

The statutory jurisdiction is administrative in scope. “Administrative action” is defined by reference to s 12 and includes failures, delays, formulation of proposals, and recommendations (s 12(2)), and extends to action taken by persons acting under contract or instructions of a public authority or the Crown (s 12(1A)), subject to transitional carve-outs (s 12(1B)). The Ombudsman may act on complaint, on own motion, or on reference from the Governor, a House or committee of Parliament, or, where provided, the Integrity Commission (ss 13, 15, 16, 12(1)). The Act also provides procedures for conciliation (ss 22A-22E), and permits the Ombudsman to resolve matters informally with a principal officer (s 28(1A)) or to make recommendations to remedy, vary practice, request reasons, and follow up with Ministers or Parliament where appropriate (ss 28-31).

Current sections

Direct links to the current provisions in Ombudsman Act 1978.

Part I

Preliminary

Part I Preliminary

Short title

1 Short title

This Act may be cited as the Ombudsman Act 1978 .

Commencement

2 Commencement

(1) This section and section 1 shall commence on the date of assent to this Act.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (1) , this Act shall commence on a date to be fixed by proclamation.

Interpretation

3 Interpretation

(1) *[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 29 of 1984, s. 3 and Sched. 1 ]**[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 5 of 1990, s. 3 and Sched. 1 ]*In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears –

administrative action has the meaning assigned to that expression by section 12 ;

aggrieved person, in relation to a complaint, means the person by whom or on whose behalf the complaint is brought and who appears from the complaint to be aggrieved by the action alleged in the complaint;

appropriate public authority, in relation to an investigation under this Act, means the public authority by or on behalf of which the action was taken that is the subject of the investigation;

Commonwealth jurisdiction means the Commonwealth or a State or a Territory of the Commonwealth;

complainant, in relation to a complaint, means the person making the complaint, whether on his own behalf or on behalf of some other person;

complaint means a complaint made under section 14 ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 4, Applied:11 Jul 2005] conciliator means a person authorised in accordance with section 22A to act as a conciliator;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 30 of 2016, Sched. 2, Applied:16 Nov 2016] Custodial Inspector means the Custodial Inspector appointed under section 5 of the Custodial Inspector Act 2016 ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 4, Applied:11 Jul 2005] Deputy Ombudsman means a person appointed as Deputy Ombudsman under section 8A ;

functions includes duties, authorities, and powers;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 4, Applied:11 Jul 2005] Government Business Enterprise means a Government Business Enterprise within the meaning of the Government Business Enterprises Act 1995 ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 86 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:01 May 2001] [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 86 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:01 May 2001] government department means any department established under the State Service Act 2000 , or constituted by any other enactment as a department within the meaning of that Act;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 86 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:01 May 2001]

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 86 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:01 May 2001] Head of Agency has the same meaning as in the State Service Act 2000 ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 4, Applied:11 Jul 2005] local authority includes –

(a) a single authority, controlling authority or joint authority established under Part 3 of the Local Government Act 1993 ; and

(b) any other body or authority, constituted or established by or under an Act, having power to levy, or cause to be levied, a rate on any land;

officer of the Ombudsman means a person who is appointed or employed pursuant to section 9 ;

Ombudsman, except in relation to sections 5 , 6 and 7 , includes an officer of the Ombudsman for the time being appointed to act as Ombudsman in accordance with section 8 ;

principal officer means –

(a) in relation to a government department, the Head of Agency or, if there is no Head of Agency, the principal officer of the department; and

(b) in relation to any other public authority, the president, chairman, or other principal or presiding member of the authority or, if the authority comprises a single person, that person;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 4, Applied:11 Jul 2005]

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 4, Applied:11 Jul 2005] public authority means a public authority referred to in section 4 ;

record includes any account, deed, writing, or document and any other record of information however compiled, recorded, or stored, whether in written or printed form or on microfilm or by electronic process or otherwise;

responsible Minister, in relation to action taken by any public authority, means the Minister charged with the administration of that authority or the enactment in relation to the functions conferred by or arising under which the action was taken;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 4, Applied:11 Jul 2005] State-owned company means a company incorporated under the Corporations Act that is controlled by –

(a) the Crown; or

(b) a Government Business Enterprise; or

(c) a statutory authority; or

(d) another company which is itself controlled by an entity referred to in paragraph (a) , (b) or (c) ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 4, Applied:11 Jul 2005] statutory authority means a body or authority, whether incorporated or not, that is established, constituted or continued by or under an Act or under the royal prerogative, being a body or authority which, or of which the governing authority, wholly or partly comprises a person or persons appointed by the Governor, a Minister or another statutory authority but does not include a State Service Agency;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 4, Applied:11 Jul 2005] [Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 16 of 2006, s. 26, Applied:01 Nov 2006]

(2) *[Section 3 Subsection (2) amended by No. 29 of 1984, s. 3 and Sched. 1 ]*For the purposes of this Act –

(a) [Section 3 Subsection (2) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 4, Applied:11 Jul 2005] a reference to a public authority includes a reference to the principal officer and each of the members, officers, and employees of the authority;

(b) [Section 3 Subsection (2) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 4, Applied:11 Jul 2005] a reference to an officer of an authority includes a reference to a principal officer and an officer appointed by or to the authority under any Act;

(c) a reference to a member of an authority includes a reference to the holder of an office created by any Act who, by virtue of his holding the office, is a member of the authority; and

(d) [Section 3 Subsection (2) amended by No. 86 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:01 May 2001] a reference to an employee of an authority includes a reference to a State Service officer or State Service employee.

(3) [Section 3 Subsection (3) omitted by No. 29 of 1984, s. 3 and Sched. 1 ][Section 3 Subsection (3) inserted by No. 33 of 2005, s. 4, Applied:11 Jul 2005] For the purpose of the definition of "State-owned company" in subsection (1) , the provisions of the Corporations Act relating to control are taken to apply as if the Crown, Government Business Enterprise or statutory authority, as the case may be, were a corporation under that Act.

(4) [Section 3 Subsection (4) omitted by No. 29 of 1984, s. 3 and Sched. 1 ]. . . . . . . .

Application of Act

4 Application of Act

[Section 4 Substituted by No. 33 of 2005, s. 5, Applied:11 Jul 2005]

(1) Subject to subsection (2) , the following persons, bodies and authorities are public authorities for the purposes of this Act:

(a) a State Service Agency;

(b) the Police Service;

(c) a local authority;

(d) a body or authority, whether incorporated or not, that is constituted or established by or under an Act for a public purpose;

(e) a body or authority, whether incorporated or not, whose members or a majority of whose members are appointed by the Governor or a Minister;

(f) a person appointed to an office by the Governor or a Minister under an Act;

(g) a Government Business Enterprise;

(h) a State-owned company;

(i) the University of Tasmania;

(ia) [Section 4 Subsection (1) amended by No. 13 of 2008, Sched. 1, Applied:09 Jul 2008] a regulated entity within the meaning of the Water and Sewerage Industry Act 2008 ;

(j) any other prescribed body or authority, whether incorporated or not –

(i) to which any money is paid by way of appropriation from the Public Account; or

(ii) over which the Government or a Minister exercises control.

(2) The following persons and bodies are not public authorities for the purposes of this Act:

(a) the Director of Public Prosecutions;

(b) the Ombudsman;

(c) the Deputy Ombudsman;

(d) the Solicitor-General;

(da) [Section 4 Subsection (2) amended by No. 7 of 2024, s. 11, Applied:30 Aug 2024] the State Litigator;

(e) the Auditor-General;

(f) the Tasmanian Audit Office;

(g) an officer performing functions under the Parliamentary Privilege Act 1898 ;

(h) a person appointed or employed under the Governor of Tasmania Act 1982 ;

(i) a judge of the Supreme Court;

(j) [Section 4 Subsection (2) amended by No. 55 of 2007, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Mar 2008] the Associate Judge of the Supreme Court;

(k) a magistrate of the Magistrates Court;

(l) a court.

Ombudsman not to investigate certain complaints

4A Ombudsman not to investigate certain complaints

[Section 4A Inserted by No. 33 of 2005, s. 5, Applied:11 Jul 2005]

(1) If a person makes a complaint to the Ombudsman about an administrative action taken by a public authority, the Ombudsman may refuse to investigate that complaint if the person has not previously raised the complaint with the public authority to which the complaint relates.

(2) If a person makes a complaint to the Ombudsman about an administrative action taken by a public authority that is also an energy entity as defined in the Energy Ombudsman Act 1998 , the Ombudsman must refuse to investigate that complaint if the complaint can be made under that Act.

Part II

The Ombudsman

Part II The Ombudsman

Appointment, &c., of Ombudsman

5 Appointment, &c., of Ombudsman

(1) [Section 5 Subsection (1) substituted by No. 103 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:13 Dec 2000] [Section 5 Subsection (1) amended by No. 65 of 2005, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Dec 2005] [Section 5 Subsection (1) omitted by No. 54 of 2016, s. 76, Applied:31 Mar 2017] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

(1A) [Section 5 Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 103 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:13 Dec 2000] The Governor may appoint a person to be known as the Ombudsman.

(2) Subject to this Part, the Ombudsman holds office for such term, not exceeding 5 years, as may be specified in his instrument of appointment and may from time to time be reappointed for a further term, not exceeding 5 years, as may be so specified.

(3) [Section 5 Subsection (3) omitted by No. 17 of 2005, Sched. 1, Applied:10 Jun 2005] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

(4) A person who is a member of a House of Parliament of the Commonwealth, or of a State or Territory of the Commonwealth, or a candidate for election as a member of any such House of Parliament, is disqualified from holding, or being appointed to, the office of Ombudsman, and a person holding that office vacates that office on becoming so disqualified.

(5) For the purpose of subsection (4) , a person becomes a candidate for election as a member of a House of Parliament when he is nominated for that election in accordance with the law regulating the election.

(6) The Ombudsman may, by writing under his hand addressed to the Governor, apply to resign his office, and he vacates that office on the acceptance of the application by the Governor.

(7) [Section 5 Subsection (7) amended by No. 30 of 2016, Sched. 2, Applied:16 Nov 2016] [Section 5 Subsection (7) amended by No. 95 of 1995, s. 80, Applied:01 May 1997] The Ombudsman shall not, except in so far as he is authorized so to do by resolutions of both Houses of Parliament or as expressly authorized by this Act, the Custodial Inspector Act 2016 or the Health Complaints Act 1995 , hold any office of profit (other than his office as Ombudsman) or engage in any occupation for reward outside the duties of his office and, if the Ombudsman contravenes this subsection, he shall be regarded as being guilty of misconduct.

(8) The Ombudsman is entitled to such remuneration and expenses as the Governor determines, and holds office subject to such terms and conditions (if any) with respect to matters not provided in this Act as may be prescribed.

(9) [Section 5 Subsection (9) inserted by No. 103 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:13 Dec 2000] [Section 5 Subsection (9) substituted by No. 54 of 2016, s. 76, Applied:31 Mar 2017] The Ombudsman is an employee for the purposes of the Public Sector Superannuation Reform Act 2016.

(10) [Section 5 Subsection (10) amended by No. 65 of 2005, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Dec 2005] [Section 5 Subsection (10) inserted by No. 103 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:13 Dec 2000] [Section 5 Subsection (10) omitted by No. 54 of 2016, s. 76, Applied:31 Mar 2017] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

(10A) [Section 5 Subsection (10A) inserted by No. 65 of 2005, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Dec 2005] [Section 5 Subsection (10A) omitted by No. 54 of 2016, s. 76, Applied:31 Mar 2017] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

(11) [Section 5 Subsection (11) inserted by No. 103 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:13 Dec 2000] [Section 5 Subsection (11) omitted by No. 54 of 2016, s. 76, Applied:31 Mar 2017] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

(12) [Section 5 Subsection (12) amended by No. 65 of 2005, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Dec 2005] [Section 5 Subsection (12) inserted by No. 103 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:13 Dec 2000] [Section 5 Subsection (12) omitted by No. 54 of 2016, s. 76, Applied:31 Mar 2017] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

(13) [Section 5 Subsection (13) inserted by No. 103 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:13 Dec 2000] [Section 5 Subsection (13) omitted by No. 65 of 2005, Sched. 1, Applied:15 Dec 2005] .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

Removal or suspension of Ombudsman

6 Removal or suspension of Ombudsman

(1) The Ombudsman may, at any time, be removed from his office by the Governor on addresses from both Houses of Parliament.

(2) Where the Governor is satisfied that the Ombudsman –

(a) is incapable of properly performing the duties of his office;

(b) has shown himself incompetent properly to perform, or has neglected, those duties;

(c) has become bankrupt, applied to take the benefit of any laws for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors, or made an assignment of any part of his estate for their benefit;

(d) has been convicted in this State of a crime or an offence that is punishable by imprisonment for a term of 12 months or more, or has been convicted of a crime or an offence which would, if committed in this State, be a crime or an offence so punishable, or has been convicted, whether in this State or elsewhere, of a crime or offence for which he has been sentenced to imprisonment; or

(e) has been guilty of misconduct –

he may suspend the Ombudsman from his office.

(3) Where the Ombudsman has been suspended from his office under subsection (2) , he shall be restored to office unless –

(a) a statement of the grounds of his suspension is laid before each House of Parliament during the first 7 sitting days of that House following the suspension; and

(b) each House of Parliament, during the session in which the statement is so laid, and within 30 sitting days of that statement being so laid, passes an address praying for his removal from his office.

Supplementary provisions as to Ombudsman

7 Supplementary provisions as to Ombudsman

(1) [Section 7 Subsection (1) omitted by No. 29 of 1984, s. 3 and Sched. 1 ]. . . . . . . .

(2) [Section 7 Subsection (2) amended by No. 103 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:13 Dec 2000] *[Section 7 Subsection (2) amended by No. 10 of 1982, s. 95 and Sched. 8 ]**[Section 7 Subsection (2) substituted by No. 68 of 1994, s. 3 and Sched. 1 ]*The Ombudsman is an employee for the purposes of the Long Service Leave (State Employees) Act 1994 .

(3) [Section 7 Subsection (3) amended by No. 86 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:01 May 2001] [Section 7 Subsection (3) amended by No. 86 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:01 May 2001] [Section 7 Subsection (3) amended by No. 86 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:01 May 2001] [Section 7 Subsection (3) amended by No. 86 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:01 May 2001] *[Section 7 Subsection (2) amended by No. 29 of 1984, s. 3 and Sched. 1 ]**[Section 7 Subsection (3) substituted by No. 46 of 1991, s. 5 and Sched. 3 ]*If a State Service officer or State Service employee is appointed to the office of Ombudsman, that officer or employee is entitled to retain all his or her existing and accruing rights as if that officer's or employee's service in that office were a continuation of State Service employment.

(4) [Section 7 Subsection (4) amended by No. 86 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:01 May 2001] [Section 7 Subsection (4) amended by No. 86 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:01 May 2001] *[Section 7 Subsection (4) substituted by No. 29 of 1984, s. 3 and Sched. 1 ]*Where a person ceases to hold the office of Ombudsman and becomes a State Service officer or State Service employee, his or her service in that office is to be regarded as service in the State Service for the purposes of determining his rights as such an officer or employee.

Acting appointment

8 Acting appointment

[Section 8 Substituted by No. 78 of 1984, s. 4 ]

(1) The Governor may appoint a person to act in the office of Ombudsman –

(a) during a vacancy in that office; or

(b) during any period, or during all periods, when the Ombudsman is absent from duty or from Tasmania or is, for any other reason, unable to perform the functions of his office.

(2) A person shall not be appointed under subsection (1) for a period exceeding 12 months.

(3) An appointment of a person under subsection (1) may be expressed to have effect only in such circumstances as are specified in the instrument of appointment.

(4) Where a person is acting in the office of Ombudsman in accordance with subsection (1) (b) and the office becomes vacant while that person is so acting, then, subject to subsection (3) , that person may continue to act in the office until the Governor otherwise directs, the vacancy is filled, or a period of 12 months from the date on which the vacancy occurred expires, whichever first happens.

(5) The Governor may terminate the appointment of a person under this section at any time.

(6) The Governor may determine the terms and conditions of appointment, including remuneration and allowances, of a person appointed under this section.

(7) Where a person is acting in the office of Ombudsman in pursuance of an appointment under this section, he has, and may exercise, all the powers, and he may perform all the functions, of the holder of that office under this Act or any other law.

(8) All things done or omitted to be done by a person acting in the office of Ombudsman shall be as valid, and have the same consequences, as if they had been done or omitted to be done by the Ombudsman.

(9) The validity of anything done by or in relation to a person purporting to act under subsection (1) shall not be called in question on the ground that the occasion for his appointment had not arisen, that there is a defect or irregularity in or in connection with his appointment, that the appointment had ceased to have effect, or that the occasion for him to act had not arisen or had ceased.

(10) A person appointed under subsection (1) may at any time resign his office by writing under his hand delivered to the Governor.

Deputy Ombudsman

8A Deputy Ombudsman

[Section 8A Inserted by No. 33 of 2005, s. 6, Applied:11 Jul 2005]

(1) The Governor may appoint a State Service officer or a State Service employee to be Deputy Ombudsman and that officer or employee is to hold that office in conjunction with State Service employment.

(2) If the Ombudsman is unable to perform the functions of his or her office, the Deputy Ombudsman may perform all the functions of the Ombudsman.

Staff of the Ombudsman

9 Staff of the Ombudsman

[Section 9 Amended by No. 10 of 1982, s. 95 and Sched. 8 ][Section 9 Amended by No. 29 of 1984, s. 3 and Sched. 1 ][Section 9 Substituted by No. 5 of 1990, s. 3 and Sched. 1 ]

(1) [Section 9 Subsection (1) amended by No. 86 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:01 May 2001] [Section 9 Subsection (1) amended by No. 20 of 1998, Sched. 1, Applied:19 Jun 1998] Subject to and in accordance with the State Service Act 2000 , persons may be appointed or employed for the purpose of enabling the functions of the Ombudsman under this or any other Act to be carried out.

(2) [Section 9 Subsection (2) amended by No. 86 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:01 May 2001] [Section 9 Subsection (2) amended by No. 86 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:01 May 2001] [Section 9 Subsection (2) amended by No. 20 of 1998, Sched. 1, Applied:19 Jun 1998] The Ombudsman may make arrangements with the Secretary of the Department for such State Service officers and State Service employees employed in the Department as may be considered necessary to be made available to enable the Ombudsman to perform the functions of office under this or any other Act and those officers and employees, in conjunction with State Service employment, are to, serve the Ombudsman in any capacity.

Delegation of functions of Ombudsman

10 Delegation of functions of Ombudsman

(1) [Section 10 Subsection (1) amended by No. 20 of 1998, Sched. 1, Applied:19 Jun 1998] The Ombudsman may, by instrument in writing, delegate to any person who is an officer of the Ombudsman the performance of any of the functions of the Ombudsman under this or any other Act, except the power conferred on him by this subsection and the power under this Act to make any report or recommendation.

(2) A delegation under this section may be made to a specified person or to the holder for the time being of a specified office.

(3) *[Section 10 Subsection (3) amended by No. 78 of 1984, s. 5 ]*The Ombudsman may, by instrument in writing, revoke or vary a delegation made under this section.

(4) A delegation under this section may be made subject to conditions and restrictions, and may be made generally or in relation to any particular case or class of cases.

(5) If the Ombudsman by whom a delegation is made dies, or ceases to hold, or is suspended from, office, that delegation shall be deemed to continue in force according to its tenor until it is revoked or varied under this section.

(6) An act done by a person in the performance of the functions delegated to him under this section has the same effect as if it were done by the Ombudsman.

(7) A delegation under this section does not prevent the Ombudsman from performing any of his functions.

Exercise of Commonwealth jurisdiction

11 Exercise of Commonwealth jurisdiction

The Ombudsman may, with the approval of the Minister, perform any functions conferred on him by or under the law of the Commonwealth.

Part III

Jurisdiction and Functions of the Ombudsman

Part III Jurisdiction and Functions of the Ombudsman

Division 1

Extent of jurisdiction

Division 1 Extent of jurisdiction

Matters subject to investigation

12 Matters subject to investigation

(1) [Section 12 Subsection (1) amended by No. 67 of 2009, s. 122, Applied:01 Oct 2010] Subject to this Act, the Ombudsman may investigate any administrative action taken by or on behalf of a public authority or any matter that the Ombudsman has power to deal with under this Act that is referred to the Ombudsman by the Integrity Commission.

(1A) [Section 12 Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 33 of 2005, s. 7, Applied:11 Jul 2005] For the purpose of subsection (1) , administrative action is taken on behalf of a public authority if it is taken in the exercise of the powers or in the performance of the functions of a public authority by a person under contract with, or otherwise acting under instructions from –

(a) the public authority; or

(b) the Crown.

(1B) [Section 12 Subsection (1B) inserted by No. 33 of 2005, s. 7, Applied:11 Jul 2005] Subsection (1A) does not apply to administrative action taken under a contract made before the commencement of the Ombudsman Amendment Act 2005 .

(2) A reference in this Act to taking action includes a reference to –

(a) a failure or refusal to perform, or a delay in performing, an act;

(b) the formulation of a proposal or an intention; and

(c) the making of a recommendation (including a recommendation to a Minister) –

and, in this Act, administrative action means action taken in a matter of administration whether there was legal authority for that action or not.

(3) The Ombudsman shall not investigate any action of a kind specified in Schedule 2 .

(4) The power of the Ombudsman to investigate an administrative action includes power to investigate all the circumstances surrounding that action.

(5) The Ombudsman is not, in the exercise of his powers under this Act, entitled to question the merits of –

(a) any decision made by a Minister;

(b) any decision made by a court or by a person as a member of a court; or

(c) any decision made by an authority where the decision does not involve administrative action of a kind that the Ombudsman is authorized to investigate under this Act.

(6) Subsection (5) does not prevent the investigation of action pursuant to, or in consequence of, a decision referred to in that subsection.

Division 2

Initiation of investigations

Division 2 Initiation of investigations

Investigations – how commenced

13 Investigations – how commenced

Where the Ombudsman is authorized by this Act to carry out an investigation, the investigation may be carried out on his own motion or on a complaint or reference made in accordance with this Division.

Complaints

14 Complaints

(1) [Section 14 Subsection (1) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 8, Applied:11 Jul 2005] [Section 14 Subsection (1) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 8, Applied:11 Jul 2005] Subject to this section, a complaint may be made in writing or orally to the Ombudsman by an individual or body (whether incorporated or not) aggrieved by an administrative action, but the Ombudsman may require an oral complaint to be confirmed in writing.

(2) Where an individual by whom a complaint might have been made has died or is for any reason unable to act for himself, the complaint may be made by his personal representative or by some person who, in the opinion of the Ombudsman, is suitable to represent him.

(3) Where a person wishes to make a complaint, that complaint may, with his consent, be made by a member of Parliament.

(4) Except as provided by this section, a complaint shall not be entertained under this Act unless it is made by the person personally aggrieved.

(5) Where a complaint is made to the Ombudsman that does not refer to an administrative action that he is authorized by this Act to investigate, he may nevertheless entertain the complaint if, in his opinion, it is likely that the cause of complaint arose from action of that kind.

Investigation on reference by Governor

15 Investigation on reference by Governor

(1) The Governor may refer to the Ombudsman, for investigation and report, any matter within the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman that should, in the opinion of the Governor, be so investigated.

(2) As soon as practicable after any matter is referred to the Ombudsman under this section, he shall carry out the investigation and submit to the Governor a report on the matter.

(3) As soon as practicable after submitting a report to the Governor in accordance with subsection (2) , the Ombudsman shall lay a copy of the report before each House of Parliament.

Investigation on reference by Parliament

16 Investigation on reference by Parliament

(1) Either House of Parliament, or any committee of either House, or a joint committee of both Houses of Parliament, may refer to the Ombudsman, for investigation and report, any matter within his jurisdiction that that House or committee considers should be investigated by him.

(2) As soon as practicable after any matter is referred to the Ombudsman under this section, he shall carry out the investigation and submit a report –

(a) in the case of a matter referred by a joint committee of both Houses of Parliament, to the President of the Legislative Council and the Speaker;

(b) in the case of a matter referred by the Legislative Council, or one of its committees, to the President of the Legislative Council; or

(c) in the case of a matter referred by the House of Assembly, or one of its committees, to the Speaker.

16A.

[Section 16A Inserted by No. 67 of 2009, s. 123, Applied:01 Oct 2010] [Section 16A Repealed by No. 38 of 2015, s. 41, Applied:13 Oct 2015]

Freedom of disclosure and communication to Ombudsman

17 Freedom of disclosure and communication to Ombudsman

[Section 17 Amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 9, Applied:11 Jul 2005] Where any provision of an Act prohibits or restricts, or authorizes or requires the imposition of a prohibition or restriction on, the disclosure or communication of information, that provision does not apply to or in respect of the disclosure or communication of information in a manner that will prevent or restrict the making of preliminary inquiries under section 20A or the making of a complaint to, or the carrying out of an investigation by, the Ombudsman.

Complaints by persons detained in custody

18 Complaints by persons detained in custody

Where a person is detained in custody and informs the person in whose custody he is detained, or another person performing duties in connection with his detention, that he wishes to make a complaint to the Ombudsman, it is the duty of the person so informed –

(a) to take all steps necessary to facilitate the making of the complaint, including the provision of an unsealed envelope; and

(b) without delay, to send to the Ombudsman, unopened, the sealed envelope containing the complaint.

Time limit on bringing complaints, &c.

19 Time limit on bringing complaints, &c.

(1) Except pursuant to a complaint or reference under this Division, the Ombudsman shall not commence an investigation into any administrative action alleged to have been taken by or on behalf of a public authority where more than 2 years have elapsed since the action was alleged to have been taken.

(2) Where, with respect to a complaint, the Ombudsman is satisfied that the action complained of was taken more than 2 years before the public authority in relation to which the complaint is made became subject to this Act, the Ombudsman shall not proceed, or proceed further, with the investigation of the complaint unless he is satisfied that there are substantial grounds why in the public interest the investigation should be carried out.

(3) Where, with respect to a complaint, the Ombudsman is satisfied that the aggrieved person became aware of the action complained of more than 2 years before the date on which the complaint was made, he shall not proceed, or proceed further, with the investigation of the complaint unless he is satisfied that there was reasonable excuse for the delay in bringing the complaint.

(4) Except as provided in this section, the Ombudsman is not precluded from investigating an administrative action by reason of its having been taken before the commencement of this Act.

(5) For the purposes of subsections (1) and (2) , the period of 2 years referred to in those subsections does not commence in the case of a continuing administrative action until that action has ceased.

Position where alternative remedies are available

20 Position where alternative remedies are available

(1) Where an aggrieved person has exercised, or exercises, a right to cause the action to which a complaint relates to be reviewed by a court or by a tribunal established under an Act, the Ombudsman shall not investigate, or continue to investigate, the action unless he is of the opinion that there are special reasons justifying its investigation or its further investigation.

(2) Where the Ombudsman is of the opinion that an aggrieved person has or had a right to have the action to which a complaint relates reviewed by a court or by a tribunal established under an Act, but has not exercised the right, the Ombudsman shall not investigate, or continue to investigate, the action unless he is of the opinion that, in all the circumstances of the case, the failure to exercise the right is not or was not unreasonable.

(3) Where, in respect of the action to which a complaint relates, the Ombudsman is of opinion that adequate provision is made under an administrative practice for the review of action of that kind, he may refuse to investigate the action, or investigate it further –

(a) if the action has been, is being, or is to be, reviewed in accordance with the practice at the request of the aggrieved person; or

(b) if the Ombudsman is satisfied that the aggrieved person is entitled to have the action reviewed in accordance with that practice and it would be reasonable for the aggrieved person to have it so reviewed.

20A

Ombudsman may make preliminary inquiries

20A Ombudsman may make preliminary inquiries

[Section 20A Inserted by No. 33 of 2005, s. 10, Applied:11 Jul 2005]

(1) [Section 20A Subsection (1) amended by No. 33 of 2023, s. 23, Applied:27 Nov 2023] The Ombudsman may make any preliminary inquiries that he or she considers necessary for the purpose of ascertaining if an investigation should be carried out on the Ombudsman's own motion or a complaint should be investigated.

(2) A principal officer is to provide the Ombudsman with any reasonable assistance necessary to enable the Ombudsman to make any preliminary inquiries under subsection (1) .

(3) If the Ombudsman has made preliminary inquiries under subsection (1) , the Ombudsman may resolve the complaint without the complaint being investigated if, having regard to the nature and seriousness of the complaint, the Ombudsman believes the complaint may be resolved expeditiously.

Refusal to investigate complaints

21 Refusal to investigate complaints

(1) The Ombudsman may refuse to entertain a complaint, or, having commenced to investigate a matter raised in a complaint, may refuse to continue the investigation, if he is of the opinion –

(a) that the matter raised in the complaint is trivial;

(b) that the complaint is frivolous or vexatious or is not made in good faith;

(c) that the aggrieved person does not have a sufficient interest in the matter raised in the complaint; or

(d) that, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, the investigation, or the continuance of the investigation, of the matter raised in the complaint is unnecessary or unjustifiable.

(2) [Section 21 Subsection (2) omitted by No. 33 of 2005, s. 11, Applied:11 Jul 2005] . . . . . . . .

Notice of refusal to investigate

22 Notice of refusal to investigate

(1) [Section 22 Subsection (1) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 12, Applied:11 Jul 2005] Where the Ombudsman is precluded by this Act from entertaining, or refuses to entertain, a complaint, resolves a complaint under section 20A(3) or refuses to continue an investigation of any matter raised in a complaint, he shall inform the complainant in writing of his decision.

(2) Every such decision shall state the reasons on which it is based.

Division 2A

Conciliation

Division 2A Conciliation

22A

Conciliation of complaints

22A Conciliation of complaints

[Section 22A of Part III Inserted by No. 33 of 2005, s. 13, Applied:11 Jul 2005] The Ombudsman, an officer of the Ombudsman or any other person with appropriate qualifications who is authorised, in writing, by the Ombudsman to act as a conciliator may attempt to resolve, by conciliation, any complaint that the Ombudsman believes may be resolved in that way.

22B

Conciliation

22B Conciliation

[Section 22B of Part III Inserted by No. 33 of 2005, s. 13, Applied:11 Jul 2005]

(1) Participation in conciliation is voluntary and a party may withdraw from conciliation at any time.

(2) The Ombudsman, an officer of the Ombudsman or a conciliator may terminate conciliation at any time.

(3) The Ombudsman may regulate the procedure for conciliation in any manner he or she considers appropriate.

(4) Conciliation is to be held in private.

22C

Unsuccessful conciliation attempt

22C Unsuccessful conciliation attempt

[Section 22C of Part III Inserted by No. 33 of 2005, s. 13, Applied:11 Jul 2005]

(1) If an attempt to deal with a complaint by conciliation is unsuccessful, the complaint is to be treated under this Part as if the attempted conciliation had not taken place.

(2) An officer of the Ombudsman, or a conciliator, involved in an unsuccessful attempt at conciliation is excluded from participating in any further investigation of the complaint.

22D

Conciliation proceedings not admissible

22D Conciliation proceedings not admissible

[Section 22D of Part III Inserted by No. 33 of 2005, s. 13, Applied:11 Jul 2005]

(1) Evidence of anything said, written or done during conciliation, or an attempted conciliation, or any document prepared for the purpose of conciliation is not admissible –

(a) in any subsequent proceedings held, or action taken, under this Act in respect of a complaint; or

(b) in evidence in proceedings in a court or before a person or body authorised to hear and receive evidence.

(2) A person may consent to the admission of anything said, written or done or any document prepared for the purpose of conciliation if the thing that was said, written or done or the document that was prepared relates to that person.

22E

Cost of conciliation

22E Cost of conciliation

[Section 22E of Part III Inserted by No. 33 of 2005, s. 13, Applied:11 Jul 2005] The remuneration of a conciliator is to be borne by the parties to the conciliation in any proportions as the parties may agree or, failing agreement, in equal shares or as otherwise directed by the Ombudsman.

Division 3

Conduct of investigations

Division 3 Conduct of investigations

Ombudsman to give notice of investigation

23 Ombudsman to give notice of investigation

[Section 23 Substituted by No. 33 of 2005, s. 14, Applied:11 Jul 2005]

(1) Before commencing an investigation under this Act of an administrative action taken by or on behalf of a public authority, the Ombudsman must give written notice of his or her intention to carry out the investigation –

(a) to the principal officer of the public authority; and

(b) to the complainant, if the investigation is being made as a result of a complaint.

(2) The Ombudsman is to notify a principal officer and the responsible Minister before the Ombudsman commences an investigation of an administrative action taken by or on behalf of a public authority –

(a) on the Ombudsman's own motion; or

(b) on a reference made under section 15 or 16 ; or

(c) if section 24(1) applies.

23A

Procedure on investigation

23A Procedure on investigation

[Section 23A Inserted by No. 33 of 2005, s. 14, Applied:11 Jul 2005]

(1) Subject to this Act, the Ombudsman –

(a) may regulate the procedure in an investigation in any manner he or she considers appropriate; and

(b) is not required to hold a hearing for an investigation; and

(c) may obtain information from any persons in any manner he or she considers appropriate; and

(d) may make any inquiries he or she considers appropriate.

(2) The Ombudsman may take into account in an investigation any information obtained in the course of making preliminary inquiries under section 20A .

(3) An investigation by the Ombudsman under this Act is to be conducted in private.

(4) The Ombudsman may determine –

(a) if any person may be represented, by counsel or otherwise, at an investigation; and

(b) if the person is allowed to be represented, the conditions or restrictions subject to which the person may be represented.

(5) The Ombudsman is not to make a report on an investigation that contains adverse or derogatory comments in respect of a person unless the Ombudsman has given the person an opportunity, in respect of the matter under investigation –

(a) to appear before him or her; or

(b) to make representations, either orally or in writing.

(6) The Ombudsman is not to make a report on an investigation that contains adverse or derogatory comments in respect of a public authority unless the Ombudsman has given the relevant principal officer, and the member, officer or employee of the public authority principally concerned in the taking of the administrative action to which the investigation relates, an opportunity –

(a) to appear before him or her; or

(b) to make representations, either orally or in writing.

(7) If, during or after an investigation, the Ombudsman is of the opinion that there is evidence of a breach of duty or misconduct on the part of any member, officer or employee of a public authority, and that, in all the circumstances, the evidence is of sufficient force to justify his or her doing so, the Ombudsman is to bring the evidence –

(a) if the member, officer or employee is the principal officer of the public authority, to the notice of the responsible Minister; and

(b) in any other case, to the notice of the principal officer of the public authority.

(8) The Ombudsman may, either before or after the completion of an investigation, discuss any matter that is relevant to the investigation with a Minister concerned with that matter.

Evidence, &c.

24 Evidence, &c.

(1) *[Section 24 Subsection (1) amended by No. 78 of 1984, s. 6 ]**[Section 24 Subsection (1) substituted by No. 71 of 1995, s. 3 and Sched. 1 ]*Except as provided by this Act, section 8 and Part 3 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1995 apply to an investigation carried out by the Ombudsman as if –

(a) the Ombudsman were a Commission established under section 4 of that Act ; and

(b) the investigation were the inquiry being conducted by that Commission under that Act.

(2) The Crown shall not be entitled to prevent or obstruct records from being produced, or evidence from being given, for the purpose of an investigation under this Act notwithstanding that it would be so entitled if the investigation were a legal proceeding held before a court.

(3) A person is not excused from giving information, or producing a record or answering a question, when required to do so under this Act on the ground that to do so would disclose legal advice furnished to a government department or other authority to which this Act applies.

(4) Notwithstanding section 17 or anything in subsections (1) to (3) , where the Attorney-General gives to the Ombudsman a document certifying that the disclosure of information concerning a specified matter (including the giving of information in answer to a question), or the disclosure of the contents of a specified record, would be contrary to the public interest because –

(a) the information or record is, or contains or relates to, a communication between a Minister of this State and a Minister of any other Commonwealth jurisdiction, being information or a record that would, if disclosed, prejudice relations between the Government of this State and that of that other jurisdiction;

(b) the information or record is, or contains or relates to, a deliberation or decision of the Cabinet or a committee of the Cabinet; or

(c) the information or record would, if disclosed, prejudice the taking of proceedings for a crime or other offence –

the Ombudsman is not entitled to require a person to give the information or to answer questions concerning the matter or, as the case may be, to produce that record to him.

Entry of premises

25 Entry of premises

(1) For the purposes of carrying out an investigation under this Act, the Ombudsman or any officer of the Ombudsman may at any reasonable time enter any premises occupied or used by a public authority and inspect the premises or anything for the time being on or within them.

(2) The powers conferred by this section to enter premises occupied or used by a public authority shall not be exercised unless previous notice of the intention so to do has been given in writing to the principal officer of the authority.

Division 3A

[Division 3A of Part III Heading inserted by No. 33 of 2005, s. 15, Applied:11 Jul 2005] Secrecy and obstruction of Ombudsman

Division 3A [Division 3A of Part III Heading inserted by No. 33 of 2005, s. 15, Applied:11 Jul 2005] Secrecy and obstruction of Ombudsman

Secrecy, &c.

26 Secrecy, &c.

(1) [Section 26 Subsection (1) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 16, Applied:11 Jul 2005] *[Section 26 Subsection (1) amended by No. 43 of 1991, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*Subject to this section, a person who is or has been Ombudsman, an officer of the Ombudsman or a conciliator shall not, either directly or indirectly, make a record of, or disclose to any person, any information acquired by him in his official capacity, being information that was disclosed or obtained under the provisions of this Act.

Penalty: Fine not exceeding 20 penalty units.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (3) , subsection (1) does not prevent the making of a record or the disclosure of information where the making of the record or the disclosure –

(a) was reasonably required for the proper discharge of the functions of the Ombudsman; or

(b) was done with the approval –

(i) in the case of information given by an officer of a public authority, of the principal officer or responsible Minister;

(ii) in the case of information given by a member of a public authority, of the governing body of the authority or responsible Minister; or

(iii) in any other case, of the person by whom the information was given (but only if that person is entitled or authorized to give the information).

(3) Except as provided in subsection (4) , subsection (1) does not prevent the Ombudsman from giving information relating to a matter arising wholly or partly under the law of another Commonwealth jurisdiction to a person exercising in that jurisdiction functions similar to those performed by the Ombudsman under this Act.

(3A) [Section 26 Subsection (3A) inserted by No. 55 of 2011, s. 26, Applied:22 Dec 2011] Subsection (1) does not prevent the disclosure of information to the Integrity Commission if the information is relevant to the performance or exercise by the Integrity Commission of its functions or powers.

(3B) [Section 26 Subsection (3B) inserted by No. 30 of 2016, Sched. 2, Applied:16 Nov 2016] Subsection (1) does not prevent the disclosure of information to the Custodial Inspector if the information is relevant to the performance or exercise by the Custodial Inspector of his or her functions or powers.

(4) Where the Attorney-General gives the Ombudsman a document certifying that the disclosure of the information described in the document would, for a reason specified in the document (being a reason referred to in any of the paragraphs in section 24 (4) ), be contrary to the public interest, subsections (2) and (3) do not have the effect of permitting the disclosure of the information to a person other than the Ombudsman or an officer of the Ombudsman.

(5) [Section 26 Subsection (5) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 16, Applied:11 Jul 2005] [Section 26 Subsection (5) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 16, Applied:11 Jul 2005] A person who is or has been the Ombudsman, an officer of the Ombudsman or a conciliator may not, in proceedings before a court, or before a person authorized by law, or by consent of parties, to hear, receive, and examine evidence, be compelled to disclose information acquired by him in his capacity as Ombudsman, officer of the Ombudsman or conciliator, being information that was disclosed or obtained under this Act.

(6) [Section 26 Subsection (6) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 16, Applied:11 Jul 2005] A person who, having as Ombudsman, an officer of the Ombudsman or a conciliator obtained or received any information in the course of, or for the purpose of, an investigation under this Act, takes advantage of knowledge obtained from that information to benefit himself or any other person is guilty of an offence.

(7) In this section –

(a) a reference to information includes a reference to the contents of a record; and

(b) a reference to the disclosure of information includes a reference to the delivery or giving to a person of that record or a copy of it or of any part of it.

Obstruction of Ombudsman, &c.

27 Obstruction of Ombudsman, &c.

Any person who –

(a) [Section 27 Amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 17, Applied:11 Jul 2005] without lawful justification or excuse, obstructs, hinders, or resists the Ombudsman, an officer of the Ombudsman or a conciliator in the performance of his functions under this Act;

(b) [Section 27 Amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 17, Applied:11 Jul 2005] without lawful justification or excuse, fails to comply with any lawful requirement made by the Ombudsman, an officer of the Ombudsman or a conciliator under this Act, or to carry out any duty imposed on him by this Act; or

(c) [Section 27 Amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 17, Applied:11 Jul 2005] gives information, or makes a statement, to the Ombudsman, an officer of the Ombudsman or a conciliator knowing it to be false or misleading as to a material particular–

is guilty of an offence.

Division 4

Action on investigations

Division 4 Action on investigations

Procedure on completion of investigation

28 Procedure on completion of investigation

(1) [Section 28 Subsection (1) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 18, Applied:11 Jul 2005] Where, as a result of an investigation carried out under this Act, other than an investigation carried out pursuant to a reference made under section 15 or section 16 , the Ombudsman is of the opinion that the action to which the investigation relates–

(a) appears to have been taken contrary to law;

(b) was unreasonable, unjust, oppressive, or improperly discriminatory;

(c) was in accordance with a rule of law or a provision of an enactment or a practice that is or may be unreasonable, unjust, oppressive, or improperly discriminatory;

(d) was taken in the exercise of a power or discretion and was so taken for an improper purpose or on irrelevant grounds or on the basis of irrelevant considerations;

(e) was a decision that was made in the exercise of a power or discretion and the reasons for the decision were not, but should have been, given;

(f) was based wholly or partly on a mistake of law or fact; or

(g) was wrong–

he shall take such action specified in subsection (1A) or subsection (2) as in the circumstances of the case he thinks fit.

(1A) [Section 28 Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 33 of 2005, s. 18, Applied:11 Jul 2005] In a case referred to in subsection (1) , the Ombudsman may resolve a matter informally with the relevant principal officer.

(2) *[Section 28 Subsection (2) amended by No. 78 of 1984, s. 7 ]*Where, in the case referred to in subsection (1) , the Ombudsman is of the opinion –

(a) that the subject matter of the investigation should be referred to the appropriate public authority for further consideration;

(b) that action can be, and should be, taken to rectify, or mitigate or alter the effects of, the action to which the investigation relates;

(c) that any practice in accordance with which the action was taken should be varied;

(d) that any law in accordance with which, or on the basis of which, the action was taken should be reconsidered;

(e) that reasons should be given for the action; or

(f) that any other steps should be taken –

the Ombudsman shall report his opinion, and the reasons on which it is based, to the principal officer of the appropriate public authority, and may make such recommendation with respect to that report as he thinks fit.

(3) [Section 28 Subsection (3) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 18, Applied:11 Jul 2005] Where the Ombudsman makes a report or recommendation to the principal officer of a public authority under subsection (2) and the responsible Minister has been notified of the investigation under section 23(2), he shall send a copy of the report or recommendation to the responsible Minister.

(4) If under subsection (2) the Ombudsman makes a recommendation to the principal officer of an authority, he may request that officer to notify him, within a specified time, of the steps that have been or are proposed to be taken to give effect to the recommendation, or, if no such steps have been or are proposed to be taken, the reasons why they have not been taken or, as the case may be, are not proposed to be taken.

(5) [Section 28 Subsection (5) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 18, Applied:11 Jul 2005] Where it appears to the Ombudsman that no appropriate steps have been taken within a reasonable time after he has made a report or recommendation under subsection (2) , he may, after considering the written comments (if any) made by or on behalf of the principal officer to whom the report or recommendation was made, send to the Premier and the responsible Minister a copy of the report or recommendation together with a copy of any such comments.

(6) Where a copy of any report, recommendation, or comments has been sent to the Premier under subsection (5) , the Ombudsman may, if he thinks fit, lay before each House of Parliament a report on the matters to which the report, recommendation, or comments relate.

Information to complainant on investigation

29 Information to complainant on investigation

(1) Where the Ombudsman carries out an investigation on a complaint made under this Act, he shall inform the complainant, in such manner and at such time as he thinks appropriate, of the result of the investigation.

(2) Where the Ombudsman has made a recommendation under section 28 (2) and it appears to him that no appropriate steps have been taken within a reasonable time of the making of the recommendation, the Ombudsman shall inform the complainant of the recommendation and may make such comments on it as he thinks fit.

Division 5

Annual and other reports of the Ombudsman

Division 5 Annual and other reports of the Ombudsman

Annual and other reports to Parliament

30 Annual and other reports to Parliament

Without limiting his right under any other provision of this Act to lay a report before either House of Parliament, the Ombudsman shall, as soon as practicable after the 30th June in each year, lay before each House of Parliament a report on the exercise of his functions during the period of 12 months ending on that date, and may, at any time, if he thinks fit, lay before each House of Parliament a report on any matter arising in connection with the performance of his functions.

Special reports to public

31 Special reports to public

Whenever the Ombudsman is satisfied that it is desirable to do so in the public interest or in the interests of any public authority or person, he may cause to be published in such manner as he thinks fit a report relating generally to the performance of his functions or to any particular case investigated by him, whether the matters to be dealt with in the report have been the subject of a report laid before either House of Parliament under this Act or not.

Part IV

Miscellaneous

Part IV Miscellaneous

Application to Supreme Court

32 Application to Supreme Court

(1) Where, in the course of, or in contemplation of, an investigation, the question arises as to whether the Ombudsman has jurisdiction to conduct the investigation, the Ombudsman or any interested party may apply to the Supreme Court for a determination of that question, and, on such an application being made, the Court may make such order as it considers appropriate.

(2) The following persons shall, in relation to any investigation, be regarded as the interested parties –

(a) the public authority by which the action the subject of the investigation is alleged to have been taken;

(b) the principal officer of that authority;

(c) the responsible Minister in relation to that authority;

(d) the person who is alleged to have taken the action the subject of the investigation; and

(e) if the investigation arises or is sought upon a complaint, the complainant.

Protection of Ombudsman and officers

33 Protection of Ombudsman and officers

(1) [Section 33 Subsection (1) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 19, Applied:11 Jul 2005] [Section 33 Subsection (1) amended by No. 20 of 1998, Sched. 1, Applied:19 Jun 1998] The Ombudsman, an officer of the Ombudsman or a conciliator is not liable, whether on the ground of want of jurisdiction or on any other ground, to any civil or criminal proceedings to which he would have been liable apart from this section in respect of any act purporting to be done or omitted under this or any other Act unless the act was done or omitted in bad faith.

(2) [Section 33 Subsection (2) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 19, Applied:11 Jul 2005] No civil or criminal proceedings shall be brought against the Ombudsman, an officer of the Ombudsman or a conciliator in respect of an act or omission to act referred to in subsection (1) without the leave of the Supreme Court, and the Supreme Court shall not give leave under this subsection unless it is satisfied that there is substantial ground for the contention that the person to be proceeded against has acted or omitted to act in bad faith.

(3) [Section 33 Subsection (3) amended by No. 20 of 1998, Sched. 1, Applied:19 Jun 1998] [Section 33 Subsection (3) substituted by No. 54 of 2000, Sched. 4, Applied:01 Dec 2001] An injunction is not to be issued, and an order of review is not to be made under the Judicial Review Act 2000 , restraining the Ombudsman from carrying out, or compelling the Ombudsman to carry out, any investigation under this or any other Act.

33A

Exemption from Right to Information Act 2009

33A Exemption from Right to Information Act 2009

[Section 33A Amended by No. 54 of 2009, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2010] [Section 33A Inserted by No. 33 of 2005, s. 20, Applied:11 Jul 2005] The Right to Information Act 2009 does not apply to information, as defined in that Act, in the possession of the Ombudsman or an officer of the Ombudsman if the information relates to a complaint, preliminary inquiries, an investigation, conciliation, report or recommendation made under this or any other Act.

Penalties

34 Penalties

*[Section 34 Amended by No. 43 of 1991, s. 5 and Sched. 1 ]*A person who is guilty of an offence under this Act is liable to a fine not exceeding 20 penalty units.

Regulations

35 Regulations

The Governor may make regulations for the purposes of this Act.

36.

[Section 36 Amended by No. 77 of 1984, s. 3 ] [Section 36 Repealed by No. 12 of 1989, s. 4 ]

SCHEDULE 1

SCHEDULE 1 SCHEDULE 1

SCHEDULE 2 - Excluded Administ

SCHEDULE 2 - Excluded Administrative Action

SCHEDULE 2 - Excluded Administ SCHEDULE 2 - Excluded Administrative Action

[Schedule 2 Amended by No. 20 of 1984, s. 3 and Sched. 1 ] [Schedule 2 Amended by No. 29 of 1984, s. 3 and Sched. 1 ] [Schedule 2 Amended by No. 46 of 1991, s. 5 and Sched. 3 ]

Section 12

1. Action taken for the purposes of the promotion of a Bill or its passage through Parliament, or the preparation or promulgation of a regulation, rule, or by-law.

2. Action taken by a person as legal adviser to, or counsel for, the Crown or an authority to which this Act applies.

3. Action taken by or on behalf of a government department or other authority with respect to proceedings before a court or a person authorized by law, or by consent of parties, to hear, receive, and examine evidence.

4. Action taken by the Tasmanian Industrial Commission under the Industrial Relations Act 1984 in relation to State employees within the meaning of that Act.

5. [Schedule 2 Amended by No. 1 of 2016, Sched. 1, Applied:08 Apr 2016] [Schedule 2 Amended by No. 86 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:01 May 2001] Action taken by the Tasmanian Industrial Commission under Division 4 of Part 7 of the State Service Act 2000 .

6. [Schedule 2 Amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 22, Applied:11 Jul 2005] Action taken by a tribunal or a member of a tribunal in the performance of the tribunal's decision-making or determination-making functions.

7. [Schedule 2 Amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 22, Applied:11 Jul 2005] Action taken by the Tasmanian Electoral Commission established under the Electoral Act 2004 or the Electoral Commissioner appointed under that Act that may be the subject of any proceedings in the Supreme Court –

(a) under the Electoral Act 2004 ; or

(b) under the Local Government Act 1993 in respect of a dispute about the result of an election.

Source text: opening excerpt

Sourced from Tasmanian Legislation Online (legislation.tas.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.

Part I Preliminary

1 Short title

This Act may be cited as the Ombudsman Act 1978 .

2 Commencement

(1) This section and section 1 shall commence on the date of assent to this Act.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (1) , this Act shall commence on a date to be fixed by proclamation.

3 Interpretation

(1) *[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 29 of 1984, s. 3 and Sched. 1 ]**[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 5 of 1990, s. 3 and Sched. 1 ]*In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears –

administrative action has the meaning assigned to that expression by section 12 ;

aggrieved person, in relation to a complaint, means the person by whom or on whose behalf the complaint is brought and who appears from the complaint to be aggrieved by the action alleged in the complaint;

appropriate public authority, in relation to an investigation under this Act, means the public authority by or on behalf of which the action was taken that is the subject of the investigation;

Commonwealth jurisdiction means the Commonwealth or a State or a Territory of the Commonwealth;

complainant, in relation to a complaint, means the person making the complaint, whether on his own behalf or on behalf of some other person;

complaint means a complaint made under section 14 ;

[Section 3 Subsection (1) amended by No. 33 of 2005, s. 4, Applied:11 Jul 2005] conciliator means a person authorised in accordance with to act as a conciliator;

This section sets out concrete compliance steps for public authorities, principal officers, and advisers to minimise enforcement risk, preserve evidence, and engage effectively with the Ombudsman under the Act.

For public authorities and principal officers

Establish an internal complaints triage and exhaustion process: Because the Ombudsman may refuse complaints not previously raised with the public authority (s 4A(1)) or where internal administrative review practices are adequate (s 20(3)), implement styled complaint intake, acknowledgement, internal review and escalation procedures. Maintain records of attempts to resolve complaints and of timeframes for internal review to evidence reasonableness if the Ombudsman queries exhaustion.
Preserve records and legal advice handling: Given s 24(3) displaces the ability to refuse to give information on grounds it would disclose legal advice furnished to a department, maintain a litigation‑ready document retention policy. Log legal advice and consider front‑loading privilege review and redactions only where the Attorney‑General might certify public interest grounds under s 24(4).
Provide assistance for preliminary inquiries and comply with notices: Section 20A(2) requires principal officers to provide reasonable assistance for preliminary inquiries. Ensure a designated Ombudsman liaison officer and a protocol to respond within specified timeframes to written or oral requests for information and access.
Facilitate detainee complaints: If your authority detains persons, ensure custodial staff understand their duty under s 18 to facilitate complaints (provide unsealed envelopes and promptly forward sealed complaints to the Ombudsman). Train staff on the mandatory duty to send sealed envelopes unopened and the urgency of the "without delay" requirement.
Prepare to receive notice of investigation: s 23(1) requires the Ombudsman to give notice to the principal officer before commencing an investigation. On receipt, log the notice, identify the scope, assign investigators or legal counsel, and consider whether to engage in conciliation (ss 22A-22E) or prepare written comments if recommendations are made (s 28(5)).
Respond to recommendations and Ministerial escalation: When the Ombudsman makes recommendations (s 28(2)), document proposed corrective action and, if requested, notify the Ombudsman within the specified time (s 28(4)). If you decide not to take action, provide contemporaneous written reasons because the Ombudsman may escalate to the Premier and responsible Minister (s 28(5)).
Manage confidentiality carefully: The Act imposes secrecy obligations on Ombudsman officers but also limits public authority secrecy claims: do not assume statutory privilege blocks disclosure to the Ombudsman (s 24(3)). Where you believe disclosure would prejudicially expose Cabinet deliberations or inter‑governmental relations, consider seeking an Attorney‑General certification (s 24(4)), but note the certificate’s specific grounds and limits (s 24(4)(a)-(c)).
Avoid obstruction and false statements: Train staff that obstructing, hindering, failing to comply with lawful requirements, or giving materially false information to the Ombudsman is an offence under s 27. Ensure staff know who is authorised to respond to Ombudsman inquiries and that they must not impede access to records or premises when lawful.

For complainants and advisers

Raise the issue with the public authority first: To avoid a refusal under s 4A(1), complainants should document their attempt to resolve the matter with the relevant authority and keep correspondence and response timelines.
Track timing carefully: Observe the two‑year rule under s 19(1) and the knowledge rule under s 19(3). For continuing administrative actions, understand when the period ceases (s 19(5)). If the action predates the authority coming under the Act, consider whether public interest grounds exist (s 19(2)).
Consider alternative fora: Before lodging an Ombudsman complaint, check whether the complaint should be pursued in a tribunal or court, or under a specialist scheme such as the Energy Ombudsman (s 4A(2)). If a remedy exists, the Ombudsman may decline unless special reasons apply or failure to use the remedy was reasonable (s 20).
Use conciliation deliberately: If parties agree to conciliation (ss 22A-22B), understand that communications and documents are inadmissible in subsequent proceedings (s 22D) unless consent is given (s 22D(2)). Parties should weigh the benefits of a confidential settlement against preserving evidence for possible later adjudication.

For the Ombudsman’s office and officers

Comply with notice and response obligations: Provide written notice to principal officers and complainants before commencing investigations (s 23(1)). Where adverse findings are proposed, ensure affected persons and principal officers are given opportunity to appear or make representations (s 23A(5)-(6)).
Use preliminary inquiries to screen matters: Section 20A(1) authorises preliminary inquiries and s 20A(3) permits resolution without a full investigation where appropriate. Use this to conserve resources and to encourage early, informal resolutions.
Maintain confidentiality while observing disclosure pathways: Follow s 26 secrecy rules. When disclosure to other oversight bodies (Integrity Commission or Custodial Inspector) is relevant, record legal bases for disclosure under ss 26(3A) and (3B). Where an Attorney‑General certificate exists, limit disclosures accordingly (s 26(4)).

Operational and governance checklist

Designate a primary Ombudsman liaison officer and a secondary.
Maintain a centralised Omudsman request log with dates, scope, notices and responses.
Have protocols for producing records in compliance with s 24(1) and for handling legal advice documents.
Ensure training for staff on obstruction and false information risks (s 27).
For agencies with custody functions, implement immediate processes for detainee complaint facilitation (s 18).
For agencies likely to be the subject of repeated Ombudsman attention, institute a remediation tracking register to document steps taken in response to s 28 recommendations and to produce records should the Ombudsman request them.

Following these practices will position authorities to cooperate with the Ombudsman efficiently, to protect lawful public interest confidences where appropriate, and to document reasonable decision‑making responses when recommendations are made.