23Ombudsman 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.